Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1851-03-07
The Tempter aud the Tempted.
BY ]. T. HEApLEY.

lying within sight of the American encampn,ent be-
low Princeton. The disastrous result of this men,
orable conflict had we'll nigh crushed the hopes of
the bravest colonsts, and the commander-in-chi
himself was disperted and heart stricken.
Hundreds Of his brave companions in arms had
bitten the dust in that Inflated fray many of the
best officers had been cut down the energies of his
spartan band were crippled, winter was approach
ing and the future filled indeed with but gloomy
prospects. The soldiers were without shoes scarce
ly decent tent was left with the army the ground
was frozen and rugged, and as the men were forced
over it, their bare feet were exposed, and many
rueful cash had caused bloody footprint to be left
behind them.
But on that lovely and bright morning, within the
edge of that broad Forest there sat aged royast
whose sympathies had latterly inclined towards the
American interests but whose personal veal had
until now induced him to pursue inactivity a
neutrality between the two parties. And yet this
man had in Washington's camp, q mere boy
in years who had taken his musket and Joined the
american forces some months previously. The IA
Their had learned of the defeat of the colonial army
he knew that they had been forced to retreat, and
he to the neighborhood of the army, which had
halted hour two, to learn if possible the fate
of his boy.
reached the deep wood which at last lay between
him and the distant camp, he mounted knoll from
the summit of which, he had view of the vanquish-
ed, but still determined band, who had comported
themselves Vallantly but time previously;
but who were now fastening towards Princeton
The fathers heart throbbed audby, as he gazed be-
yond him at the remains of the gallant army and
questioned if his child was there, or whether fate
might have numbered his body among the three
hundred noble spirits which had been sacrificed but
few hours before the field of battle. And as he
strained his aged sight far down towards the camp
white horse suddenly came in view, and approach
ed at length towards the rest.
The figure which bestrode this noble animal was
commanding and graceful, and the old man quickly
noted that his loose grey coat and chapeau indicated
him an American officer. He was soon at the verge
of the forest and turning his steed aside he secured
the animal to a tree, and disappeared within the
confines of the wood.
Who could it be, and what was his purpose at this
hour alone in that dark forest? The man turned
slowly about, as the figure of the stranger moved
past him, and he rejoiced that the intruder did not
observe him, for he could not satisfy his curiosity
The stalwart form, the proud step, the manly face
the solemn movement of the stranger, greatly inter-
ested the watcher, who saw that deep burthen
weighed upon his heart and as he looked again, he
saw that noble form bend low, and his knees the
old man heard George Washington send up fervent
earnest PRAYER to the God of Battles for the deliver
ance of his country from war; oppression, and peril
and ardent supplication in behalf of his suffer
ing countrymcn.
A tear of sympathy gushed from the grey eye of
the aged royast, but he dashed aside the fallen
DROP the brave warrior from his knees, and
slowly vending his way towards the spot where his
steed was secured, when another figure from OPP
posite direction suddenly hove in sight. and hating
stood in the path of the American communicative
chief
In an instant the hand of Washington clasped his
sword hlt, and he would have drawn the blade from
his scabbard, but the man who confronted him
toned him in kindness, and the warrior stood in his
tracks. Drawing himself up to his height, he gazed
for moment on the face of the other, and evidently
recognizing him. he exclaimed with evident surprise:
C Sir William Howe o.
"1he same--and, by favor of his Majesty, COM
mander of the British forces in these colonies
'The tools of an unwise sovereign, who rolls in
splendid extravaganza and while the poor colo
nsts who should have been the objects of his espe-
cial regard starving throughout the land, quick
ly added Washington.
{: truce to this, SIR, replied the British General
quickly. IS His ma esty seeks to put end to the
contention and strife that unfortunately have exist
ed too long here'-
"You speak truly" exclaimed Washington, inter-
rupting the General, and deeply interested in his
words.
= On nv honor, sir, the King would see this con-
fct speedily terminated and but repeat his words
when say that he looks to Washington for this re-
sult-so desirable to the colonists and the mother
landn
The American General advanced towards Sir Will
liam Howe-he locked into his eyes-he measured
his form-and a thousand emotions of hope joy, fear
and suspicion, momentarily thrust themselves upon
the mind of the sagacious warrior.
What meant these words of encouragement Was
Sir William Howe insane! How came he there in
that forest. at SO opportune moment! The King
the British General-these assurances-this strange
meeting-what bodied all this mystery? But in his
hand Sir William held a roll of parchment and a.
gain he pressed upon the American Generals notice
the kindly intentions of his noble sovereign, King
George.
With nervous movement, as if he distrusted the
foul act himself, Sir William Howe raised the pure
white scroll, and gazing intenly into the face of
Washington. he moved the outer covering of the
parchment slowly, and with evident emotion.
"You may end these hOstilities, sir you may con-
fer a permanent peace upon this portion of his maj
which has shown itself in these colonies; you may
acquire lasting name for yourself-if you accept
the overtures which am authorized to make from
the King Behold his signature! added the Gen.
as he exposed the contents of the parchment and
the eye of Washington fell upon the profer of his
majesty, King George, to the commander chief of
the American army.
For an instant film seemed to pass his sight
he gazed upon the gided document bearing the sign
manual and broad seal of the King upon its face
and the American general passed his hand to his
brow. for he could scarcely believe himself awake.
But the pang momentary, and instantly recover
ing he found the document in his hands, upon
which he read the words To our beloved seruant
DUKE GEORGE WASHINGTON, of Mount Vernon"
He started back. groan burst from his lips-and
the next moment the parchment torn into a
hundred shreds, and lay beneath the American war
riOr's feet.
'Thus-thus I answer your vile proposal Sir Will
liam Howe!" exclaimed the gallant Washington,
contemptuously as he stamped the fragments in the
dust beneath his feet and the British General quick
ly way before the excited insulted man. whom