True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1857-10-14
INTERESTING RELIC.

IN 3N4EhEo44Nu AGAAV'
We find in the last number of the
Culpeper WAY Observer, The subjoined
account OF the recent discovery Of an an.
cient relic in the shape of a manuscript,
letter, addressedto General Washington
by citizen ofFauquier county, Va, in
the year 1881:
Letter to General Washington.
Elk Run, FAUquIER COUNTY, yArt2
IS January 20, 1881. S
DEAR Sir: General Arnold with !, 800
men, is now encamped three miles west
Of this spot. They continue to exercise
the most urheard-of cruelty, indiscriIni
nately Of men, women. and children, and
wsnton destruction of every kind ofprop.
erty. All eyes are turned to you for ven-
geance. Itwas only yesterday that Sally
Metcaf was shot from her horse by a
British sentinel whilst she was endeay-
oring 10 make her escape. She is the
wife ofCap,. Melcalf, with whom you are
well acquainted. will help you with
twenty mounted nen most of them good,
markesmen, and, il no objection is made,
they would prefer to be near you and
bring with them their own rifles, in the
use Of which they will prove efectual.-
The bearer. Jack Brown, 6 feet 6 in his
stockings, though above the average, is
not very unfair sample Of the remaining
nineteen. who anxiously await your reply
to this tender Of their services. and hope
you will accept the same in the manner
they desire.
l would suggest that you retain Jack,
and in his place send back Tim Weeden
with your reply. For other information
| refer You to Jack. ] would trust my
life in his keeping. With the highest
regard, your very humble servant.
HORACE RANDALL.
General George Washington, Phia.
A few weeks since, says the Observer,
in repairing a mantle-pece at Mt, Vernon
an old letter was found, Of which the
above is true copy. 1t had fallen thro'
a crevce, and made lodgment, here,
without the knowledge Of any one, it has
remained undisturbed for more than sew
enty years. What is most remarkable in
copneyion with this letter, is that the
writer is still alive, and still resides in
Fauquier On being shown the letter
he recognised the same. 1t was read to
him by James Jetiries. " Yes" said he,
" ! remember well. Sally Metcalf reco
vered from the shot, and with her husband
she afterwards moved out TO Kentncky.
Her son WINS afterwards governor Of Ken
lucky. They moved out with Col. Tom
Marshall, in 1893. Col. Marshall was
Colonel Of the Virginia Artillery Of The
Third Regiment, and fought al the battle
of Brandywine. Captain John Clifton
was under him, and killed in that battle.
Lafayette bad just been promoted, and
was about twenty.one years of age, and
was wounded at the same time. Col
Tom Marshall was the father of John,
afterwards appointed Chief Justice of The
United States. He died about the year
1902 ora. we have seen his grave at
Washington, Mason county, Kentucky,
about five miles from MaysvIle." As
Mr.. Jeffries came to that portion Of the
letter in relation to Jack Brown, "
Randall was brought to tears. He ex-
claimed, "My God poor Jack Brown {;
| was the cause Of his death, just to gra,
tfy Tim Weeden's wife, who had not
seen her husband for two years" MIR.
Jeff'ries remarked, You did it all for
the best in a good cause, and it should
not disturb you; it shows the goodness
of your heart" " Yes" said he, these
are precisely the words of General Wash.
ington to me about eighteen months after
wards"
Randall has Eever received pension
for his services, Of which he always
speaks il. light manner. II not entitled
to one, he at least deserves the gratitude
of his counIymen. The original letter
may be seen at The office of the county
court Of Fauquier.