Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1852-02-18
1nCident In the Life Of washing
ton.


As the barge gained the OPP
posite bank, one Of the rowers leap
ed ashore, and made it fast to the
root ola willow which hung its broad
branches overthe river. The rest of
the party then landed, and uncover
ing, saluted their commander, who
respectfully returned their courtesy.
"By ten o'clock you may expect me-,
said Washington. "Be cautious
look well that you are not surprised.
These are no times for triaing.' De
pend rpon us replied one of the
party. 81 do he responded and bid
ding them farewell, he departed
along the banks of the river.
That evening party was to be
given at the honse of one of his old
and valued friends, to which he, with
several other American officers, had
been invited. 1t was seldom that he
participated in festivity, more especi-
ally at that period, when every mo-
ment was fraught with danger; never
theless, in respect to an old acquain-
lance, backed by the solicitations of
Rufus Rugsdaie, he had consented to
relax from the tolls Of military duty,
and honor the party for a few hours,
with his presence. After continuing
his path for some distance along the
rivers side, he struck off into mar
row road, bordered thickly with
brush wood, tinged with a thousand
dies OF departed summer-here and
there a gray crag peeped out from
the foliage, over which the green ivy
and scarlet wood bine hung in realty
dalliance; at other places the arm of
the chestnut and mountain ash met in
leahy fondness, and cast a gloom,
deep almost as night. Suddenly
crashing among the branches was
heard, and like a deer, young In
dian girl bounded into the path and
stood full in his presence. He star
ted back with surprise and laid his
hand on his sword-but the Indian
only fell on her knee, placed her fin
ger on her lips, and by sign with
her hand, forbade him to proceed
"What seek you, my pretty fiower?"
said the general. She started to her
feet, drew small tomahawk from her
belt of wampum and initiated the act
Of scalping an enemy-thcn again
waving her hand as forbidding him
to advance, she darted into the
bushes, leaving him lost in amaze
mcnt.
sThere il danger said he to him
~ after a short pause, and recover
ing from .hissuprise That Indians
manner betokens me no good, but my
trust Is in God; he has never yet de-
serted me;' and resuming his path, he
shortly reached the mansion 81 Rufus
Rugsdale. In the midst OF the hilar-
itY, the sound o of cannon. barst sud
dcuiy uyvu -fisrrs ycurs stylvslsnx thr
guests and suspending the dance. -
Washington and the oiIicers ioD]xcf
at each other with surprise, but thei
fears were quickly ispeiled BY Rugs
dale informing them it was only /
discharge Of ordnance III honor Q
MD distinguished sisitors. The joy
0f the moment was resumed; but thu
Rloom Of suspicion had fallen upol
Washington, who sat in moody 81
lence apa't fro n that happy throng
A slight tap on his shoulder at length
reused him f.'om his abstraction, am
looking up, he perceived the person
of the Indian standing in the bosom
Of a myrtal bush close TO his side
"Hal again here" he exclaimed wit
astonishment, but she motioned hin
so be silent, and kneeling at his feet
presented him with a boquet Q
flowers. Washington received it an
was about to place it in his breast
when she grasped him firmly by tn
arm, and pointing to it, said in
whisper, snake! snake! and the mex
moment mingled with the company
who appeared to recognize and wei
come her as one well knewn and es
teemed. s-.t@s6 ,s#a
Washington regarded the boque
with wonder; he saw nothing in it +
excite suspicion; her words and sin
gular appearance had, however sum
deeply into his heart, and lookin!
closer upon the nosegay, to his sur
prise he saw a small piece of pape
IN the la list of the bowers. Hastel,