Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1849-06-14

nave gathered from tnelr relations what
would create delight aud interest through
whole nation, not to suffer them to be lost
forever.
There lately died, in the city of Boston,
a very respectable negro, named Primus
Hall. He lived to AN advanced age, aud was
the possessor of considerable property
Throughout the Revolutionary War he was
the body servant of the late Col. Pickering,
Of Massachusetts. lie was free aud COM
muncative, aud delighted to sit down with
all interested listener and pour out those
stores of absorbing aud excited anecdotes
with which his memory was stored.
1t is well known that there was no officer
in the whole American army whose friend
ship was dearer to Washington aud whose
counsel was more esteemed by him, than
that of the honest ard patriotic Col. Pick
ering. He was on intimate terms with him,
and unbosomed himself to him with as lit
tie reserve as, perhaps, TO any confident in
the army. Whenever he was stationed
within such distance as to admit of it, he
passed many hours with the Colonel, con-
sulting him upon anticipated measures, and
delighted in his reciprocated friendship.
Washington was, therefore, often brought
into contact with the servant of Col. Pick
ering, the departed Primus. An opportu-
nifty was afforded to the negro to note him,
under circumstances very different from
those III which he is usually brought before
the public, and which possess, therefore,
striking charm. | remember two of
these anecdotes from the mouth of Primus
One of them is very slight indeed, yet so
peculiar as to be replete with interest. The
other conveys IA high and holy moral, and
deserves 10 be recorded among the public
and remarkable acts of our cOuntrys sa-
vlour as a brilliant illustration that disn-
terestedness aud true humility were guiding
principles of his character. The anthem
ITCHY of both may be fully relied upon.
Washington once came to Col. Picker
ing's quarters, aud found him absent.
Z" 1t is no matter" said he to Primus. 81
am greatly IN need of exercise You must
help me to get some before your master re-
turns"
Under Washington's directions, the ne
gro busted himself in some simple prepare
tons. A stake was driven into the ground
about breast high, a rope was tied to it, and
then Primus was desired to stand at some
distance and hold it horizontally extended
The boys, the country over are familiar
with thus plan of getting sport. With true
boyIsh Zest, Washington ran forwards and
backwards for some time, Jumping over the
rope as he came and went, until he express
ed himself satisfied with the Exercise"
Repeatedly, afterwards, when favorable
opportunity offered, he would say" Come,
Prlmus, am in need of exercise )" whereat
the negro would drive down the stake, and
Washington would jump over the rope until
he had eXerted himself to his content.
On the second occasion, the General was
engaged with earnest consultation with Col.
Pickering in his tent until after the night
had fairly set in. Headquarters were at a
considerable distance, aud Washington sig
nlied his preference to staying with the
Colonel over night, provided he had spare
blanket and straw.
Oh, yes" said Primus, who was ap-
pealed to; "plenty of straw and blankets
plenty"
Upon this assurance, Washington con-
tinued his conference with the Colonel uu-
III 1t was time to retire to rest. Two hum
bic beds were spread, side by side in the
tent, and the officers laid themselves down
while Prlmus seemed TO be busy with du-
ties that required his attention before HIM
self could sleep. He worked, or appeared
TO work, until the breathing of the PROSTATE
gentlemen satisfied him that they were sleep
ing and then seating himself on box or
stool, he leaned his head on his hands to
obtain such repose as so announcement po-
sition would allow.
In the middle of the night Washington
nlp 10 I,,E aH ,,l he
negro as he sat. He gazed at him awhile
then spoke.
Primus" said he, calling; -" Primus p
Primus started up and rubbed his eyes
What, General p said he.
Washington rose up in his bed. "Pri
mus" said he, "what did you mean by say
lug that you had straw and blankets enough
Here you have given up your blanket anC
straw to me, that may sleep comfortably
while you are obliged to SIT through The
night"
:" It's nothing, General" said Primus
ITS nothing. Pm well enough. Dom
trouble yourself about me, General, but g
: TO sleep again. No matter about me.
sleep very good"
" But it is matter-it is matter" sale
Washington, earnestly. 81 cannot do it
Prlmus. If either is to sit up, will Blu
! think there is no need of either sitting up
The blanket is wide enough for two. Com,
!, and lie down here with me-"
"Oh, no, General said Primus, start
ing, and protesting against the proposition
ono; let me sit here. I'll do very well OF
the stool"
" say, come and lie down here !" sait
Washington, authoritatively. "There il
room for both, aud Insist upon it p
lie threw open the blanket as he spoke
and moved to one side of the straw. Pri
mus proiessed to have been exceedingly
shocked al the idea of lying under the sam,
covering with the Conmander-ln-Chief, bu
his tone was so resolute aud determined tina
he could not hesitate. He prepared him
sell, therefore, aud laid himself down b.
Washington and on the same straw, ant
under the same blanket, the General an,
the negro servant slept until morning
say that this last incident conveys
high and holy moral. 1t affords additiona
evidence, and that Of the cIearest nature
that the reverentia admiration of the Amer.