Arkansas true Democrat., 1857-06-30
WaShiugtOu.


 published by Richard Rush. and entitled the Domestic Life of Washington:
 An anecdote derived from Col. Lear shortly before his death in 1916, may here be related showing the height to which Washington's pas sion would rise and yet be controlled. IL be- longs to his domestic life which I am dealing wlth having occurred under his own roof. whilst It marks public feeling the most intense. and points to the moral of his life. give it in Col Lears words as nearly as I can, having made note of them at the time.
 Towards the close of winters day in l791 an oiflcer In uniform was seen to dismount in front of the Presidents at Philadelphia and glvlng the bridal to his servant. knocked at the door of his mansion. Learning from the porter that the President was at dinner. he said he was on public business and had despatches for the President. A servant was sent into the dlulng-room to give the information to NIT Lear, who left the table and went into the hall where the othcer repeated what he had said. Mr. Lear replied that, as the Presidents secre. Cary, he would take charge of the despatches ana deilveG them at the proper time The off Ger made answer that he had just arrived from the western army, and his orders were to de- liver them with all promptitude, and to the President ln person; but that he would wait his u, per lmparted to the President what had passed. General Washington rose from the tab e and went to the officer. He was back in short tune, made word of apology for his absence but no aliuslon to the cause of it. He had company that day.
 EVefythlhg went on as usual. Dinner over the gentlemen passed to the drawing-room of Mrs Washington, which was open in the even- ng The General spoke courteouslv to every lady Ill the room, as was his custom His hours were early, and by 10 o'clock all the company had gone Mrs. Washington and Mr. Lear re- malned. Soon Mrs. Washington left the room.
 The General now walked backward and for ward slowly for some minutes without speak ing. Then he sat down on a sofa by the fire telling MT. Lear to sit down. To this moment there had been no change in his manner since his interruption at the table. Mr. Lear now perceived emotion. This rising in him, he broke out suddenly, "it's all over-St. Clair's deteated--routed; officers nearly all killed the men by wholesale; the route complication shocking to think of; and surprise into the bargain"
 He uttered all this with great vehemence. Then he paused, got up from the sofa and walked about the room several times, agitated, but saying nothing. Near.the door he stopped SHc'S oSpy'i hls wrath became terrible.
 "1es," he burst forth, there on this very spot took leave of him; wished him success and honor. You have your instructons.' said, from the Secretary of War. 1 had a strlct eye to them, and will add but one word beware of a surprise; repeat it, be,0are of c su,prJse-you know how the Indians fl .ht us..' lie went off with that as my last solemn warn- ing thrown into his ears. And yet to suffer that army to be cut to pieces, hacked, butcher ed, and tomahawked by a surprjse--the very thing guarded him against. Oh, God, oh, God!--he's worse than a murderer How can he answer 1t to his country? The blood of the slain Is upon hm---the curse of Heaven."
 This torrent came out in tones appalling His very frame shook. It was awful, said Mir. Lear. More than once he threw his hands up as he hurled imprecations upon St. Clair Mr. Lear remained speeches., awed into breathless silence.
 The reused chief sat down on the sofa once more. He seemed conscious of his passion, and uncomfortable. He was silent. His warmth beginning to subside, he at length said, in an altered voice: "This must not go beyond this roOm." Another pause follow wed-a louger one when he said in tone quite low, General St. Clair shall have justice; looked hastily through the despatcleo, saw the whole dIsas- ter, but not all the particulars; I will receive him without dispeasure; will hear him with out prejudice; he shall have full justice'
 He was now, said Mr. Lear, perfectly calm. Half an hour had gone by. The storm was over, and uo sign of it was afterwards seen in his conduct, or heard in his conversation The result is known. The whole case was investi- gated by Congress. St. Clair was exculpated, and regainei the confidence Washington had in him when appoi0tiug hln to that command. He had put forth himself into the thickest of the fight and escaped unhurt, though so ill as to be carried on litter, aud unable to mount his horse without help.