Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1856-03-20
WASHINGTON AND THE NEGRO

ering. of Massachusetts, He was free and
communicative, and delighted to sit down
with an interested listener ndpour out those
stories Of absorbing and exciting anecdotes
with which his memory was stored.
It is we'll known that there was no officer
in the whole American army whose memo
ry was dearcr to Washington, and whose
counsel was more esteemed by him, than that
of the honest and patriotic Col. Pickering
He was on intimate terms with him, and un-
bosomed himselfto him with as little reserve
as perhaps to any con6dant in the army
Whenever he was stationed within such
distance as to admit of it, he passed many
hours with the Colonel, consulting him upon
anticipated measures; and delighting in his
reciprocated friendship.
Washington was therefore often brought
Into contact with the servant Of Col. Picker
ing, the departed Primus. An opportunity
was afforded the negro to note him, under
circumstances very different from those in
which he is usually brought before the pub:
lie, and which possess, therefore, striking
charm. remember two of these anecdotes
from the mouth of Primus. One Of them is
very slight indeed, yet so peculiar as to be
replete with interest. The authenticity OF
both may be fully relied upon.
Washington once came to Col. Pickerins's
quarters and found him absent.
1T is no matter said he to Primus; q
am greatly in need of exercise. You must
help me to get some before your master re-
turns
Under Washington's directions the negro
busted himself in some simple preparations.
A stake was driven into the ground a.
bout breast high, rope tied to it, and then
Primus was desired to stand at som distance,
and hold ithorizontally extended. The boys
the country over are familiar with this plan
of getting sport. With true boyish zest,
Washington ran forward and backward for
some time, jumping over the rope as he came
and went, until he expressed himself satisf-
ed with exercise
Repeatedly afterward, when favorable
opportunity offered, he would say
"Come, Primus, I am in need OF exer-
else"
Whereat the negro would drive down the
stake, and Washington would jump over the
rope until he had exerted himself to his con-
tent.
On the second occasion, the great general
was engaged in earnest consultation with
Col Pickering in his tent until after the
night had fairly set in. Headquarters were
at a considerable distance, and Washington
signifed his preference to stay with the COL
onel over night, provided he had spare
blanket and straw.
OOH, yes, said Primus, who was appealed
to; splenty of straw and blankets-plenty.'
Upon this assurance, Washington contin-
ued his conference with the Colonel until it
was time to retire to rest. Two humble beds
were spread, side by side, in the tent, and
the officers laid themselves down, while Pri-
mus seemed to BE- busy with duties that re-
quired his attention before he himself could
sleep. lie worked, or appeared to work, un-
til the breathing of the PROSTATE gentlemen
satisfied him that they were sleeping; and
then, seating himself upon box or stool,
he leaned his head upon his hands to obtain
such rcposc as such an inconvenient position
would allow.
In the middle Of the night Washington
awoke. He looked about and deserted the
negro as he sat. He gazed at him while,
and then spoke.
sPrimusv said he, calling; 'Primus".
Primus started up and rubbed his eyes.
what, General p said he.
Washington rose up in his bed
sPrimus,' said he, 'what did you mean by
saying that you had blankets and straw
enough? Here you have given your blan-
ket and straw to me, that may sleep COM
fortably, while you are obliged to sit through
the night"
dts nothing, General said Primus. dts
nothing. I'm we'll enough. Don't trouble
yourself about me, General, but 60 to sleep
again. No matter about me. I sleep very
we'll
But it is matter-it is NATTER said Wash
ington, earnestly. Il cannot do it, Primus.
If either is to sit up, will. But / think
there is no need of either sitting up. The
blanket is wide enough for two. Come and
lie down here with me.
oh, no, General said Primus, starting,
and protesting against the proposition. NO;
let me sit here. will do very well on the
STOOL
Il say, come and lie down here,' said
Washington, authoritatively. There is room
for both, and l insist upon it,
He threw open the blanket as he spoke,
and moved to one side of the straw. Primus
processes to have been exceedingly shocked
at the idea Of lying under the same covering
with the Commandcr-in-C Chief, but his tone
was so resolute and determined that he could
not hesitate. He prepared himself, there
fore, and laid himself down by Washington,
and on the same straw, and under the same
blanket, the General and the negro servant
slept until morning.
RATHER TOUGH.
The following story was told in Sandus-
Ky, Ohio, and appears in the Massillun .Nr~s,