New Oregon plaindealer. (New Oregon, Iowa) 1859-1866, 1860-07-27

ling passages, and straightway resumed
her work with a trusting smile. Ah!
patriotism found an endearing home in
many such gentle breast.
Suddenly from the distance came a
sound like the trampling Of horses feet,
and a great cloud Of dust betokened the
approach of travellers hurrying to their
destination. The widow moved to the
door, and shading her eyes from the in
tense sunshine, watched their progress.
They drew nearer, and in another mo-
ment three horsemen drove up before
the door. They wore military costume
and were all fine looking men. The
foremost gentleman far exceeded the
others by khis imposing figure and
the greatness of his countenance. It
needed no introduction to assure the
widow, that this was George Washing
ton. With that courtesy which always
characterized him, he bowed gracefully
to Madam Pierpont, as he blandly ask
ed ifhe could find rest and refreshment.
Sour horses are wearied; We have
ridden since this morning and would
fain recruit he added.
"Certainly, gentlemen, and welcome" 7"
she replied smilingly, throwing wide
open the inner door as they dismount-
ed. = T.. .s.tF ,..- ..... .. ..a
"Our poor Beasts SAID one of
the officers, patting his smoking horse.
Il would they could be attended to
Immediately. Is there a groom or
servant about your house, Madam
who could rub them down and feed
them? will reward him literally"
, 1--WE would ask no reward in this
household. Sir" replied the widow ''if
you will lead them around they will be
cared for"
snake yourselves perfectly comfor-
table, gentlemen.' said the widow; ''if
you will excuse me for while I will
prepare you some refreshments. You
must be hungry as well as fatiguedP
In another minute the widow was in
the stable unsaddling the poor horses
work to which she was not accustomed,
but which she nevertheless could do, in
time ofneed, being woman of strong
frame and great energy. She
knew it must be done, by herself or
not at all. AS for men and horses,
they were completely jaded out. She
with straw rubbed the animals down
with her own hands, led them into the
stalls, and prepared and gave them
food. After changing her dress, the
widow again returned to the parlor,
where the officers having unbucklea
their swords, and doffed tkeir caps, sat
together, evidently enjoying
a delightful rest. AS the widow step.
ped over the threshold Of the room, one
of the officers was remarking to his
companions ta". - t
"He was one of the best men. and as
fine looking a young fellow as ever
volunteered ..
"Do you speak of young Pierpont?"
asked another.
eyes, he fell yesterday, pierced by
three balls, poor fellow, it was a hard
fate for such boy. e H 4.
For one moment the cheek of the wom-
an was blanched, the heart Of the moth
er shocked, but she spoke almost calmly
as she asked:
(which one was it sir?"
':Henry Pierpont, if am not mista-
ken. Was he known to you?"
Was he known to her? Oh, the tor
ment that followed that question! Hen
ry!, Her noble first born! He who
had taken the place of the dead at their
board, and, with gravity beyond his
years, carried out the plans his father
left unfinished! And now his blue eyes
were closed forever! his bright locks
soiled in the dust! O! the thought was
A deathly paleness came over,