Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1857-09-30
INTERESTING RELIC.

hELlC.
We find in the last number of the Culpspper O5ser-
ver the subOined account of the recent discovery.
under circumstances somewhat similar, of a still
ancient relic in the shape of manuscript let
ter addressed to General Washington by citizens
of Fauquier county, Va, in the year 1871. which
by reason Of its greater antiquity, and of the re-
markable fact that the writer still survives to re-
cognise and explain the circumstances under which
it was indicted, cannot but be regarded as even q
greater curiosity in literature" than that above
designated:
Letter to General WASHINGTON
Elk Run, FAUQU1ER Country.
January 20, 1871.
DEAR SIR:-General Arnold, with 800 men. is
now encamped three miles west of this spot. They
continue to exercise the most unheard of cruelty
unfortunately on men, women and children and
wanton destruction of every kind of pronertv. All
eyes are turned to you for vengeance 1t was only
yesterday mat sally Metcalf shot from her
horse by British sentinel whilst she was endeav-
oring to make her escape. She is the wife of Cap
tain MetcaH, with whom you are well acquainted 1
will help you with twenty mounted men. most of
them good marksmen, and, if no objection is made
they would poeter to be near you and bring with
them their own rifles tn the use of which they will
prove effectual. The bearer, Jack Brown. feet 6
In his stockings though above the average is not
unfair sample Of the remaining nineteen who anx-
iousy await your reply tohs tender of the services
and hope you viii accept the in the manner they
desire.
would suggest that you retain Jack, and in hi 8
place send back Tim Weeden with yourreply. For
other information refer you to Jack. Iwould trust
my life in his keeping.
With the highest regard, your very humble SER
want. HORACE RANSDALL.
Genl GEORGE WASHINGTON, Philadelphia
few weeks isince, (says the Observer in repair
ing a mantelpece at Mount Vernon, an old letter
was found, of which the above is true copy. It
had fallen through creVice and made Judgement,
where without the knowledge of any one, it has re-
manned undisturbed for more than seventy wears.
What is most remarkable in connection with this
letter is that the oriter is sill aziys and still resides
in Fauquier! On being shown the letter he recog-
missed the same. 1t was read to him by Mr. Jeffries
''Yes," said he, 81 remember well. Sally Metcalf
recovered from the shot, and with her husband she
afterwards moved to Kentucky; her son was after
wards Governor of Kentucky. They moved out with
Colonel Tom Marshall, 1893 Col. Marshall was
Colonel of the Virginia Artillery of the Third regi-
ment, and fought at the battle of Brandywine Cap
tain John Chiffon under him and killed in that
battle. Lafayette had just been promoted; was then
about twenty one 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 or 49, We have
seen the grave at Washington, Mason county, Ken
lucky, about five miles from Maysville." As Mr..
Jeffries came to that point of the letter in relation
to slack Brown" Randall was brought to tears
He exclaimed, "My God poor Jack Brown; was
the cause of his death just to crafty Tim Weedens
wife, who had not her husband for two years
Mr.. Jeries remarked ''You did it all for the best
in good cause and it should not disturb YOU it
shows the goodness of your heart" "Yes,' said
he, ''those are precisely the words of Gen. Wash
ington to me about eighteen months afterwards"
Randall has never received pension for his SER
Wees, OF which ne always speaks in a light manner
If not entitled to one, he at least deserves the graft
tude of his countrymen. The original letter may
be seen at the Office of the County Court of Eau.
quier.