The Democratic press. (Eaton, Preble County, Ohio) 1860-1865, 1861-03-07

ed the spot where his ashes mingled
with the dust,
One day, during the hardest cam
paign of our soldiers, Madam Pier
pont was alone at the farm. Pomp
anegro servaut, had gone on som,
errand that would detain him unit
nightfall, and Allek, the hired man
had wounded his hand in til,
morning with an axe, SO that h,
was quite disabled and obliged tc
return to his home about Il mil,
distant, which, by the way, was the
nearest homestead to the old RED
farm house. The widows foul
brave sons, Of ages varying from,
eighteen to twenty-siX, had started
but two days previous for the field
oftheir country's battle.
While the widow realized that in
all probability, some, perhaps all,
of her treasures would be smitten
by the ruthless hand of war, her
check was still unblanchcd, and holy
hope sat i'll the repose fher beau
tiful features. Only now and then
she turned to open the Bible before
her, read a few consoling passages
and straightway resumed her work
with trusting smile, All. patriot
ism has found an cndearing home
in many gentle breast.
Suddenly from the distance came
a sound like the trampling Of hor-
sc's feet, and a great cloud of dust
betokened the approach oftravelers
hurrying to their destination. The
widow moved to the door, and sha-
ding her eyes from the intense sun
shine, watched their progress
They drew nearer, and in another
moment three horsemen rode I'D
before her. They wore military
costume, agd were all fine looking
men. The foremost gentleman far
exceeded the others by his imposing
figure andthe greatness of his eoun-
tenance. Itneedcd no Introduction
to assure the widow that this was
George Washington. With that
courtesy which always character
lied him, he bowed gracefully to
Madam Pierpont, as he blandly
asked if he could find rest and re-
freshment. .t.s."
"Our horses are wcaricd; we have
ridden since morning, and would
fain recruit"
"Ccrtainly, gentlemen, and wei
come,' she replied, smilingly,
throwing wide open the inner door
as they dismountcd. .n
"Our poor beasts" said one ofthe
officers, patting his smoking horse,
II would they could be attended to
Immediately. Is there groom or
servant about your house, Madam,
who could rub them down and feed
them? l will reward him liberal
ly."
ave would ask 10 reward in this
household, sir" replied the widow,
'if you will lead them round they
will be cared for"
"Make yourselves perfectly COM
Portable, gentlemen said the wild
ow, "and excuse me while l prepare
you refreshments. You must be
hungry as we'll as fatigued."
In another minute the widow was
in the stable unsaddling the poor
horses-work to which she was not
accustomed, but which she never
theless could do in time of need,
being woman of strong muscular
frame and great energy. She knew
it must be done by herself or not
at all. AS former and horses, they
were completely jaded out. She
with straw rubbed the animals
down with her hands, led them into
their stalls, and prepared and gave
them food. After changing her
dress, the widow returned again to
the parlor, where the officers, hav-
ing unbuckled their swords and
dotted their caps,. sat conversing
together, evidently enjoying a de-
lightful rest. AS the widow step
ped over the threshold OF thereon,
one Of the officers was remarking to
his companions: FsIao aal ut