Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1859-11-04
ANEcD0TE OF WASHINGTON.

In l754 be vas stationed at Alexandra
With bis regiment, the only one in the Colony
of which be was the colonel. There happen
el at that time to be an election in Alexan-
dria for members O. the Assembly, aud the ball
los ran high between Col. George Fairfax and
Ar. VIM. Elgey. Washington was on the side
cf Fairfax, aud DIR. Vim. Payne headed the
friends of Elgoy. In the course OF the con-
test Washington grew very warm, flor his pas
slonss naturally were very powerful, though a
wise regard to duty, /. e., honor and happiness,
soon reduced them to proper command, J and
unluekily, said something to Mr.. Payne, who
though but a cub in size, was lion IN heart,
elevated his shillelah, and, at blow, extended
cur hero OH the ground. News was soou car
tied to the regiment that their colonel was
murdered by mob! On the passions of the
soldiers, who doated upon their commander,
such a report fell al once like a fash of light
ming on magazine Of powder. 10 a moment
the whole regiment was under arms, and in ra-
pld motion towards the town, burning for ven
geanoe. During this time Washington had
been literally piled with cold water, aci.s, and
sclatiles, aud happily for Mr.. Payne and his
party, was SO far recovered as to go cut and
meet his enrsged soldiers, who crowded round
him with faces Of honest JOY to see him alive
asasin. After thanking them for snch an evi-
| dence Of their attachment TO him, he assured
them that he was not burt 10 the least, and
begged them, by thoss Sye of him and of their
duty, 10 return Pcaceabfy 70 thOir Earrao4zs.=
As for himself, he went t0 hiarcon, generously
ehastsing bis passion, which had just struck
but a spark, that would like to have thrown
the whole town in flame; aud feeling himself
the aggressor of Mr.. Payne, he resolved to
make him tbs honorable rcparation of asking
his pardon. No sooner had he made this he.
roic resolution, than, recovering that delciou:
gayety which ever accompanies good purposes
in virtuous mind, be went TO ball that
night, and behaved aS pleasantly as though no.
thing had happened. Early next morning, be
wrote polite note of invitation TO Mr.. Payne
to meet him at tbs inn. Payne took it for a
challenge, and repaired to the inn 10 full ex-
pectation Of smelling grnpowder. But what
was his surprise, on entering the chamber, tc
see, in lieu of brace of pistols, decauter o.
wine and couple of glasses OF the table
Washington rose to meet him, aud offering bis
hand, with smile, began: "Mr. Payne, to err
is sometime nature to rectify error is always
glory believe | was wroEg in the affair Of
yesterday. You have had, think, some sat
lsfaction, and if you deem that sufficient, there
is my hand; let US be friends"
An act of such sublime virtue produced its
proper effect upon the mind of Mr. Payne
who, from that moment, became the most en-
thusiastic admirer and friend of Washington
and for his sake ready at any time to charge uE
to battery of forty-two Founders. "lt oul
youth" says the narrator, "would be persua-
ded to act in style SO correct and herolcal
our newspapers would no longer shock US with
accounts of elegant young men numbering
each other on false principles of honor by one
desperate deed depriviug themselves of all
present pleasures, and of all future hopes. p
Recotteci,ons Of the Americdn Reroiut'On.