Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-04-10
AN INCIDENT IN THE REyoLUT1oN

AN INCIDENT IN THE REVOLUTION.
| surgeon in the American army relate
TINS story: A simple girl was instrumental il
saving the life of Washington. L can speak O
1t now, as it can do no harm. 1t was about tn,
middle of June, 11I5, and while the Genera
was at New York, waiting the approach of tn,
| British troops, that the girl came to Francis
her present husband, whome she considered il
the light of royalist, and informed him as
secret she had overheard, that there was &
| plan IN operation among the government mer
TO destroy the rebel leader-as she termed the
eommander-i chiefly poison, which was tC
! be. plentifully mingled with grean peas, IA.
vorite vegetable of his, on the following day
at Richmond Hill, the headquarters, where be
| was to dine. Francis went immediately to
w ashngton, and acquainted him with the
danger that threatened him. The General,
having listened with careful attention, said
''My friend, thank you; your fidelity has
saved my llte--to what reserve the Almighty
only knows. But, now, for your own safety.
charge you to return to your house, and let
not word of what you have related to me pass
your lips; it would involve you in certain ru-
in; and Heaven forbid that your life should
be forfeited or endangered by your faith to me.
will take the necessary steps to prevent, and
at the same time discover the instrument OF
this wicked device.''
The next day, about two hours before din
ner, he sent for his guard, told him of the plot,
and requested that he would disguise himself
as female, and go to the kitchen-there to
keep strict watch on the peas until they
should be served for the table. The young
man carfully observed the directions he had
received, and had not long been upon his post
before the unfortunate 7. H., another Of the
Generals guards came to his door, looked
anxiousy in and then went away. In few
minutes after he returned, and approached the
hearth where the peas stood, and was about to
mingle the deadly substance, when he sudden
ly shrunk back as though from the sting of the
forked tongued adder, his color changing to
the pale hue of death, and his limbs quivering
apparently with fear, evidently horror-strick-
en- with his own purpose but soon, however,
the operation of the more powerful incitement
urged forward his hand, that trembingly
strewed the odious bane, and be left the kitch-
en- overwhelmed with conflicting passions, re-
morse, and confusion.
ssHarold sleeps no more-the cry hath reach
ed his heart ere the deed be accomplished,
said the youth on duty, in voice not devoid
of pity, as he looked after the wretch.
ssW hat L. III. ?'' said the General, sorrow
fully, upon receiving the information, Scan it
he possibe--so young. so fair, so gentle. He
would have been the last upon whom suspi-
eion of that ma ture could have fallen by right
Of countenance. You have done well," said
he to the youth before him. Go join your COM
rades, and be secret.''
The young man went accordingly, and Wash
ington returned TO the piazza, where several
general officers were assembled, among whom
was the heIo of Saratoga, who was waiting for
further instructions from Congress before he
departed for Canada. In few minutes dinner
was announced, and the party was ushered in
to handsome room. where sumptuous board
was spread, covered with all the delicacies of
the season. Washington took his seat, and
placed General Wooster on his left. When
the remainder OF the officers and company
were seated and eager to commence the duties
of the table the General said very impre ssvely:
s'Gentlemen, must request you to suspend
your meal moment. Let thesguard attend to
me-"
All was silence and amazement. The guard
entered and formed little toward the upper
end of the apartment Washington, having
put upon his plate spoonful of peas, fixed
his eye on r. II.
sFShall | cat this vegetable p" he asked.
The youth turned pale, and became dread
fully agitated, while he family uttered:
81 don't know.''
Here II. raised his hand, as if by an invoun-
tary impulse, to prevent their being tasted.
A chicken was then brought in that conclu-
sive experiment might be made in the presence
of all those witnesses. The chicken eat of the
peas, ,,and Immediately died, and the wretched
I. H. overcome with horror and remorse, fell
fainting, and was borne from the apartment.