Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1857-09-29
INTERFERING RELIC.

We find in the last number Of the Culpeper
Observer the subjoined account of the recent
discovery of an ancient relic in the shape OF q
manuscript letter addressed TO Gen. Washing
ton by citizen Of Fauquier county, Va, In the
year l7Sl:
Lrttrr TO General Washington. ~,
Elk Run, FAUoUIER Co., VA,
January 20, 1881. 4
DEAR SIR Gen Arnold with 800 men, is
now encamped three miles west Of this spot
They continue to exercise the most unhsard of
cruelty indiscriminately, ON men, women, and
children, and wanton destruction Of every kind
OF property. All eyes are turned to you for
vengeance. 1t was only yesterday that Sallie
Metcslf was shot from her horse by British
sentinel whilst she was endeavoring to make
her escape. She is the wife of Capt. Metcalf
with whom you are well acquainted. L will
help you with twenty mounted men, most Of
them good marksmen, and if 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 a 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.
would suggest that you retain Jack and
in hi, place send back Tim Weeden with your
reply. For other information refer you to
Jack. 1 would trust my life in his kee ping
With the highest regard, your very humble
servant, HORACE RANDALL.
Gen. Geo. Washington, Philadelphia. saT
A few weeks since, says the Observer, in re-
pairing a msntle-piecs at Mount Vernon. an
old letter was found, of which the above is q
true copy. 1t had fallen through a crevice
and made n lOdgmeEt, where, without the
knowledge Of any one, it has remained undis-
turbed for more than seventy years.
What is most remarkable in connection with
this letter is that the Irritsr as still aIlpe and
still residesin Fauquier, On being shown the
letter he recognized it. 1t was read to him by
James Jeffries ''Yes," said he, " remem Der
we'll. Sally Metcalf recovered from the shot.
and, with her husband, she. afterwards moved
out to Kentucky. Her son was afterwards
Governor OF Kentucky. They moved out with
Col. Tom Marshall, in 1893. Col. Marshall
was colonel Of the Virginia artillery of the
third regiment, and fought at the battle of
Brandywine. Capt. John Chiffon was under
MIN and was killed in that battle LAFAYETTE
had just been promoted was then about 81 ,
and was wounded at the same time. Col. Tom
Marshall was the father of John afterwards
appointed Chief Justice o; the United States.
lie died about the year 1902 or g. We have
seen his grave at Washington Mason county,
Kentucky, about five miles from Maysville''
As Mr.. Jetfries came to that portion of the let
ter in relation to Jack Brown" Randall was
brought to tears He exclaimed, % NY God I!
poor Jack Brown; / was the cause of his
death, just to crafty Tim Weeden's wife, who
had not seen her husband for two years. Mr.
Jeffries remarked, " You did it ali for the best
in Il good cause, and it should not disturb you !;
1t shows the goodness Of your heart" "Yes, :"
said be, " those are precisely the words of en-
Washington 10 me about eighteen months after
wards"
Randall has never received a pension for his
services, of which he always speaks in light
manner. If not entitled to one, he at least de-
serves the gratitude of his countrymen. The
original letter may be seen at the office of the
County Court Of Fsuquier.