The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1857-10-23
Interesting Relic.


We find in the last number IF tho a.,
peper Observer the suljoin account of,he
recent discovery of an ancient relic in
the Shape of a manuscipt letter addressed
to Gen. Washington by citizen of Fauquiel
county, Va, in the year 1891:
Letter to General Washington.
Elk RrN FAUaU1ER Co., VA.,
January 20, 1881.
DEAR Sin: Gen Arnold, with l 800 men
ID now encamp"d three miles west of this
spot. They continue to exercise the most un
heard OF cruelty. unfortunately. on men,
women and children, and wanton destruction
OF every kind ofproperty. All eyes are turn
ell to you for vengeance. It was only yester.
day that Salie Metcalf was shot from her
horse by British sentinel whilst she was
endcvoring to make her escape. She is
the wife Of Capt. Mctcalf, with whom YOU
are well acquainted. will help you with
twenty mounted men most of them good
marksnen, and, if no objection is made,
they would prefer to I've near you and bring
with them their own rifles, in the use OF
which they will prove effectual. The bear.
, er, Jack Brown, 6 feet in his stockings,
though above the average, is not a very
unfair sample Of the remaining nineteen,
who anxously await your reply to this ten
der OF services, and hope you will accept the
same in the manner they desire.
| would suggest that you retain Jack,
and in his place send back Tim Weeden
with your reply. For other information |
refer you to Jack. 7 would trust my life in
his keeping. With the highest regard, your
H.nrs hn,, J.,
Gen. Geo. Washington, Philadelphia.
A few weeks since, says the Observer, in
repairing mantle e-piecc at Mount Vernon,
an old letter was found. Of which the above
is true copy. 1t had fallen through Gre
vice and made a lodgnent, where, without
the knowledge Of any one, it has remained
undisturbed for more than seventy years.
What is most remarkable in connection
with this letter is that the ,rriter is still
nlive, and still resides in Fauonier! On
being shown the letter lie recognized it. 1t
WAS read to him by James JrAries. "Yes,"
said l'e,"I remember well. Sally Metcalf
recovered from the shot and, with her h,ls-
ban'l, she afterwards moved out to Kentucky.
Her son was afterwards Governor Of
Kentucky. They moved out with Col.
A"" "a'siIa'', III $50. SOI. MaTSt,atI
was colonel Of the Virginia artillery Of the
third regiment, and fought at the battle Of
Erandywine. Capt. John Chiffon was nn-
der him and was killed in that battle. La
fayette had just been promoted was then
about 2l, and was wounded at the same
time. Col. Tom Marshall was the father
of John. afterwards appointed ChiefJustisce
OF the United States. He died about the
year 1902 or 3. We have seen his grave
at Washington, Mason county, Kentucky,
about five miles from Maysvile" As Mr..
Jrffries came to that portion of the letter in
relation to "Jack Brown" Randall was
brought to tears. lie exclaimed" My God !
poor Jack Brown; Twas the cause of lis
death, Just to gratif Tim Weeden's wife
who had not seen her husband for two
years." Mr.. Jeffries remarked. "You did it
all for the hest in good cause, and it
should not disturb you. it shows the good
ness Of your heart" EYES," said he. Gthose
are precisely the words Of Gen. Washing
ton to me about eighteen months after
wards"
Randall has never received pension for
his services, of which he always speaks
in light manner. II not entitled to one,
he at least deserves the gratitude of his
co,,ntrymen. The original letter may be
seen at the office of the County Court of
Fauquier.