Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1859-08-06
VOLUME I.---No. Is.

wore the garD ofthe quaker there was Httle
more romance in his composition than was
generally the case with young men protesting
the religious creed that he did Anxious to
know what part he was to perform, Joshua
! inquired:
Friend, inasmuch as thou hast laid a plan
for part of thy future operations, what SER
vice wouldst thou have me perform ~
"That will depend altogether on circum-
Stances" replied the General, musingly. ~
| hope that circumstances will soon occur that
wfil remove these enemies of freedom from
the land altogether. The restoration of peace
and tranquility will bless millions yet unborn
and be the dawning of a new era in the polit-
ical complexion of the world Those who
have heretofore been educated in the belief
that some men were born to command and
some to obey, will have to unleam their edu-
cation and be taught in the school that incul-
Gates the itlea of the independence of each
individual-the right of the masses to speak
for themselves through the ballot box upon
all political questions that interest them.-
The right to stand with his fellow man, on
the same political platform, and say to the
world, acknowledge no superior beneath the
canopy of Heaven reign upon the throne
of my own thoughts, not debating my wishes
to any one, but never submitting to the die
tation of any one. The rights of man are in-
volved in this struggle for Independence. 1t
is question whether the government of Great
Britain il, through the influence and expai-
sion of these Colonies, to become the most
powerful nation upon the earth. or whethet
there shall grow up nation whose good eX-
ample will awake the oppressed of every cline
to A sense of their degradation, and will nerve
them for an emergency like ours that may be
the means to throw aside the shackles of the
oppressor and strike for liberty. Educate
the world--let the masses feel that they are
mon not slaves-let the sunshine of light and
knowledge enter their minds and dispel the
exploded notion that they were born to obey,
and with one voice and one word, and the
world is free. No standing armies or brist-
ling bayonets can chain the human mind
there is no slavery of thought-the winds
untamed thought will rove above mountains
and valleys-it will cross oceans and annihi
late distances ii will canvas the actions of
tyrants and try at the bar of its own justice
the power that crushes and enslaves."
Washington listened with interest to his
aid-de-cainp as he descanted upon the infu-
ence that the revolution that was now pend
ing would effect upon the world. He had
never dreamed that such thoughts had ever
found place in the mind of one so young
and unsophisticated. He saw, at a glance,
what valuable acquisition the american
Army had made in the humble Quaker before
him. So bewildered was he at the thoughts
which Joshua uttered that he felt that he
stood in the presence Of man of no ordinary
charaeter and probably one who might once
figure among the great spirits that were di-
recting the affairs of the country. In reply
so Joshua's harangue, Washington said:
"Young man, the representations that
you heve made in regard to the influence
that the success of our arms would have upon
the destiny of the world and your remarks
thereupon would have done credit to our Con-
gress, and if the sentiments youhave express
ed were to go forth to the country they would
do an immedse deal of good. do not fatter
you, but should such ideas as you have just
uttered be placed so that they could be read
at the iireside of the masses who are imme-
diately interested in this contest, there would
soon be enough to rally to our standard to
crush these minions of Great Britain. and
drive them from the soil. But, young man,
to business. You know my intentions in re-
gard to the concentration of the forces at
Trenton. will need your services and coun-
sci. Are you as willing to serve your coun
try in the field as you are to advocate its
cause in private2 II so, | think that you
may do an immense good, and contribute to
the successful operations OF the enemy"
81 am willing to lend my poor aid in es-
tablishing freedom, but not to murder, eve'.l
nv enemies. The services will render to
not to shed it. For my own personal safety
fear nothing. What would 1t signify L
lose one life to make happy the lives of L
lions. Do not ask me to slay Que of these
minions of despotism, for that would wranlSle
in my bosom to the last hour of my life, but
if can do anything that will have tenden-
cy to save the lives of those who are strug.
Cling for the rights of man, you will but have
to command, and it remains to be seen whether
will obey or not. Where the danger is the
greatest the most service is to be done. That
is the place of service--I care nothing for the
post of honor. But, before proceed upon
any especial business, must pay visit to
Delaware. There are warm hearts awaiting
my return; doubtless they have heard Of the
battle that resulted so glorionsly for our cause
but do not know the fate of the poor spy that
| was to take part in it, 1t will take but ;
very short time to see my friends and l vii
be here in less than twenty-four hours to taxi
such part as you may deem expedient ant
right"
Washington approved of the cou rse of hi
aid-de-camp and willingly gave ass ent to hi
visit. We will here leave the spy lin his oil
garb Of the Quaker-to pursue his way t.
| Wilmington, and hear what Washington
thinks of his protege.
No sooner had our hero-if such we ma,
call him-started upon his Journey thai
Capt. Wayne entered. He fou md Washingto
wrapped in deep study, SO nuch so that TIL
gallant officer stood several N tinutes before h