The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-12-03
ing his way towards the spot where his

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In an instant the hand Of Washington
clasped his sword hilt; and he would have
drawn the blade from its scabbard, but the
man who confronted him mo,ioned him in
kindness, and the warrior stood in his
tracks. Drawing himself up to his height,
he gazed for moment in the face OF the
other, and evidently recognizing him, he
exclaimed. with evident surprise:
''Sir William Howell"
"The same--and by favor of his Majes-
ty, commander Of the British forces in the
colonies. I"
"The tool OF an unwise sovereign who
rolls in splendid extravaganza and ease,
while the poor colonists who should have
been the subjects Of his especial regard,
are starving throughout the land" quickly
added Washington.
"A truce 10 this, sir, replied the British
General quickly. "His Majesty seeks to
put an end TO the contention and strife that
unfortunately have existed too long here.
B "You speak truly" exclaimed Washing
ton, interrupting the General, and deeply
Interested in his words.
"On my honor. sir, the King would see
this conflict speedily terminated, and but
repeat his words when say that he looks
to Washington for the result--so desirable
to the colonist and motherland."
The American General advanced to.
wards Sir William Howe-he looked into
his eyes-he measured his form-and a
thousand emotions Of hope, joy and suspi-
cion momentarily thrust themselves upon
the mind of the sagacious warrior.
What means these words of encourage
ment! Was Sir William Howe insane?
How came he there. in that forest. at so
opportupe moment! The Kings British
General. these assurances, this strange
meeting bodied all this mystery!
Blu, in his hand Sir William held roll or
parchment. and again he pressed upon the
American Generals notice the kindly in
tentions Of his noble sovereign, King
George.
When with nervous movement, as il
he distrusted the foul act himself, Sir Viii.
liam Howe raised the pure white scroll,
and gazing intenly into the face of Wash
ington, he moved the outer covering of the
parchment slowly, and with evident emo
ton. said: .H
"You may end these hostilites, sir
you may confer a permanent peace upon
this portion Of his Majesty's dominions-
you may crush the turbulence which has
shown itself in these coonies-you may
acquire lasting name for yourseli-ifyou
accept these overtures which am author
lied to make from the King. Behold his
added the General. as he ex-
posed the contents Of the parchment. and
the eye of Washington fell upon the prof
fer Of his Majesty. King George, to the
commander-in.c .chif ofthe American Army.
For an instant film seemed to pass
over mis- sight as he gazed upon the gilded
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 was mo-
mentary.and Instant recovering. he found
the document in his own hands. upon
which he read the words:-"Io our bsloc-
ed Duke George Washington, Mount Yer
non.
lie started back. groan burst from his
lips, and the next moment the parchment
was torn into hundred shreds, and lay
beneath the American warriors feet.
"Thus-thus answer your vile propo-
sal, William Howe" exclaimed the gallant
Washington contemptously, as he stamped
the fragments in the dust beneath his feet,
and the British General quickly gave way
before the excited, insulted man. whom he
feared, as the latter moved forward to the
outer verge Of the wood.
"This be my answer TO your wick
ed master. The blood of a thousand
martyrs in the cause Of treedom-each
one of whom were more worthy than your
royal leader-call upon the living to
avenge the dead! The memory of Con-
cord. Lexington, Bunker Hill, and Brandy
wine, are fresh in our hearts, and we defy
your cruel masters power or his arts. And
Tor myself crave no higher title than that
of q patriot seek no other reward but
what find in the consciousness Of per-
forming my utmost in the noble cause of
freedom" r.... ,f....,.
"On your head be the consequence Of
this contumely," said the English General,
between his teeth, as he turned away
Within five minutes Washington had
mounted his steed and was quickly out of
sight. ..,, ,f, ...
The aged man, who lay concealed be.
yond, an unsupported, but deeply interes-
ted spectator OF this thrilling scene, return.
ed to his quiet home an altered man. a
I'll have met George Washington" he
said to his family, 81 have heard him pray
and | have seen him beard the British
Lion. The man who can trample the Of.
Ter Of dukedom under foot, as he has
done, cannot be rebel" l h nar.
And within twenty -four hours afferwa rds.