Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-10-16

What meant these words Of encouragement? was OIL
William Howe insane? How came he therein that lot
est at SO opportune moment? The Kng-the Brush
genera-these assurances-this strange meeting-wha'
boded all this mystery But in his hand Sir William held
roll of parchment and again he pressed upon the Amer
can Generals notice the kindly intentions of his noble SOW
ereign King George
With nervous movement, as il he distrused the foul
act himself, Sir William Howe raised the pure white scroll
and gazing intenty into The face of Washington he NOV
ed the outer covering of the parchment slowly land WIN eS
iden emotion.
"You may end these hoslities, sir you may CONFER
permanent peace upon this portion of his majesty uo'-
ons you may crush the turbulence which has shown Se "
these coones you may acquire lasting name 'or you
sef-f you accept the overtures which am authorized
make from the king Behold his slgnaure!" added 'he
general he expused the contents OF The parchment ahu
the eye of Washington fell upon his poer OF his majesty
King George to the commander-inchef of the American
army.
For an instant film seemed pass over his sight as he
gazed upon that gded document bearing the sign manual
and broad seal Of the king upon its aceand the American
general passed his hand his brow, for he scarcely could
believe himself awake. But the pang was momenlay and
Instantly recovering, he found the document IN his own
hands upon which he read the words-"Io our BELOVED
,eruant, DUKE GEORGE WASHINGTON, Of Mount Per-
| non %
He started back groan burst from his lps-aad in the
next moment the parchment had been torn into hundred
shreds, and lay beneath the American warriors feet.
eThus-thus answer your vile proposal, Sir william
Howe!" exclaimed the gallant Washington, conlemPlu-
osly IS he stamped the fragments in The dust beneath his
feet and the British General quickly gave way before the
excited nsued man, whom he eared as the aller moVeu
forward 10 the outer verge of the wood.
..This may be my answer TO your wicked master The
bood Of thousand martyrs in the Of feedom-each
one of whom were worhier than your loyal eader-ea On
the living 10 avenge the dead The memory of Concord,
Lexington Bunkers Hill and Brandywine, are fresh in our
hearts, ana we defy your cruel masters p'wer, or his ars'
And for myself crave higher title than that oil pa
triut- seek no reward but what ud in the conscious
ness of doing nv utmost in The cause Of freedcm !"
..On your head be the consequence Of this conlumey ~
said the English General between his teeh as he turned
away; within five minutes Washington had mounted his
steed and was quickly out of sight
The AGED man. who lay concealed beyond, an unsuspect-
ed bu, deeply interested spectator OF this thrilling scene
turned to his qniei home an altered man.
81 have met George Washington he said to his fam-
Iv .I have heard him pray, and have seen him beard
the British Lion The man who trampe the offer OF
dukedum under foot as he has done-canno be REBEL
And within twenty four hours, old as he was, he had
oined his SON in the American army, under the command
Of the noble Washington!