Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1854-06-02

pounds sterling This soeled Wash
ington's fortune to an enormous a
mount for those days.
He did not take his bride imme-
diately to Mount Vernon. but repair
ed to Williamsburg aud took his eat
as member OF the Assembly. Dur
ing the session the speaker was di-
recied by vote Of the House. Ito
return thanks on behalf of The Col
ony to Colonel Washington, for the
distinguished military service he has
rendered the country" This the
eloquent speaker did in a manner TO
suit himself, and poured forth a
strain of enloginm at once unex-
pected and emharring Washing
ton, taken wholly by surprise, rose
10 reply, but could not stammer
forth a single word Out of this
painful dilemma the witty speaker
helped him a. generously as he had
helped hun into 1t. " Sit down,
Mr.. Washington said he, your
modestv equals your valor. aud that
surpasses The power OF any language
that posses " Nothing could he
more elegant aud skillful than this
double stroke which at once relieved
Washington, while it enhanced the
compliment.
Hts HONE AND SpoRTs In the
sprIng, Washington retired to- Mount
Vernon and devoted himself TO az
rlcultural pursuits.
He adorned his library with the
buSls of distinguished military chief
tai Of former ages, aud, with true
Virginia hospitality. kept an open
house for his friends He was inter
ested in every improvement in agri-
culture-entered largely into the
cultivation Of tobacco, which he
shipped directly from his estates to
England. He was very fond of
hunting, aud kept fine pack of
hounds. not only for his own amuse-
mrut bul that of his friends He
was a splendid rider and when fol-
lowing the hounds in full cry. taxi
ing the daring leap as he flew over
the fields he was the admlra ion of
all. Two or three times week,
with horse aud dogs, he was ont
his nature finding relief in the ev-
citemeut and clauo of the chase.
Understanding was another favor
tie pastime, aud he spent hours in
his boat, stealing sIealthily on the
coveys of birds. or watching their
fight from his place of concealmenr.
His love of this sport once brought
him IN direct collision with bold.
reckless fellow, who lived on the
opposite side of the Potomac, but
would often cross aid shoot near
Mount Vernon. Washington had
repeated fi,ade his doing so, hut
without effect. In some secluded
creek or nook the poacher would
hide away. and shoot at leisure -
One day the former hearing a shot.
spraug Oh his horse aud gailoped to-
wards the spot whence the sound
came The marauder, seeing him
approach, ran for his skifi, aud had
| Just time To push off from shore and
leap IN as Washington galloped up
The latter instantly rode in 4 seized
the boat. The reckless fellow with
in. immediately levelled his gun at
WaShington's breast, swearing that
he would shoot HIM dead if he did
nol let him 90. But the blood of the
excited young planter was up, aud
paying m attention 10 his threats,
he drew The desperate fercely a.
shore He then disarmed and drag.
ged HIM ont upon The bank, and
G We him a thorough cowhIding, as
merely a furelaste of what awaited
him If he continued his depreda-
tious The cure was etfecrual and
the poacher sought other fields i'll
which To prosecute his calling -
There was something about Wash
lnston's demeanor aud look, when
excited. that would make a bold
mau hesitate Ia assall him.