The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1857-09-30
From the National Intelligencer.
INTERESTING RELIC.


Some weeks agowe recounted the circum-
stances under which au old copy Of the u
ster County Gazette, in New York, had been
recently brought to light, containing report
Of the proceedings had in Congress and else
Mhare Immediately after the death Of Gen.
Washington, in December, 1899. We find
n the last number Of Virginia contempt
rlry. the Culpeper Observer, the subjoined
account of the recent discovery, under cir
c.mstances somewhat similar, Of still more
ancient relic in the shape of manuscript
setter addressed to Gen. Washington, by
citizen Of Fauquier county, Va, in the year
1871, which, by reason of its greater an
tiluity, and of the remarkable fact that the
writer still survives to recognise and explain
the circumstances under which it was in
dited, cannot but be regarded as even
greater " curiosity in literature" than that
above designated,
LETTER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Elk Run, Fauquier County. va,l
January 20, 1881. 5
Dear Sr:-General Arnold. with 800
men, is now encamped three miles west Of
this spot. They continue to exercise the
most unheard OF cruelty. indiscriminately
on men, women, and children and wanton
destruction of every kind Of property. All
eyes are turned to YOU for vengeance. II
was only Yesterday that Sally Metcalf was
shot from her horse BY British sentinel
whilst she was endeayorng TO make her es-
cape. She is the wife OF Capt. Metcalf,
with whom YOU are we'll acquainted. Twill
help you with twenty mounted men. most of
them good marksmen, and it 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 effectual. The
bearer, Jack Brown, 6 feet 6 in his stockings,
though above the average, is not very I'M
fair 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.
would suggest that YOU retain Jack, and
in his place send back Tim Weeden with
your reply. For other information | refer
YOU 70 Jack. | would trust my life in his
keeping.
With the highest regard.
Your very humble servant.
HORACE RANDALL.
GEy. GEoRGE wAsHNGToS, Philadelphia.
A few weeks since, says the Observer
in repairing mantclpiece at Mount Vernon,
an old letter was found, of which the above
is a true copy. Il had fallen through a
creyice and made i Judgment, where. with.
out the knowledge of any one, il has re-
NAMED undisturbed for more than seventy
years. What is most remarkable in connex-
ion with this letter is that The Wriier Is still
GIirs and still resides in Faaquier! On be-
ing SHOWN the letter he recognized the same.
Ii was read to him by Mr.. James Jeifries
j" Yes" said he, . remember well. Sail,
Metcalf recovered from the shot, and with
her husband she afterwards moved out to
Kentucky; her son was afterwards Governor
of Kentucky. They moved ont with COL
Tom Marshall, in 1895. Col. Marshall was
Colonel Of the Virginia Artillery Of the
Third regiment, and fought at the battle Of
Brandywine. Capt. John Chiffon was under
him and killed in that battle. LAFAYETTE had
just been promoted vas 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 wear
1902 or 5. We have seen his grave at
Washington, Mason county, KY, about five
miles from Maysyille." As Mr.. Jeffries
came to that point 81 the letter in relation
TO Jack Brown" Randall was brought to
tears. lie exclaimed. i" Nv God poor Jack
Brown; was the cause Of his death just 10
crafty Tim Weeden's wife, who had not
seen her husband FOR two years" Mr.. Jet
fries remarked: " You did it all for the
best in a good cause. and it should not dis
tarb you it shows the goodness u your
heart" YES" laid he, " those are pre-.
cisely the words Of Gen. Washington TO me
about eighteen months afterwards"
Randall has never received pension for
biz services, 81 which lie always speaks in
light manner. II not entitled to one, he at
least deserves the gratitude Of his country
men. The original letter NAV be seen At |
the Office Of the County Court Of Fauguier.
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THE VICTIM up poI.frIcs