Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-04-18
Washingt0n's Vision.
BY WESLEY BRADSHAW.

ty-one, and becoming very feeble; but
though SO old, his dimming eyes rekindled
as he looked at Independence Hall, which,
he said he had come TO gaze upon once
more before he was gathered home.
"What time is it 2" eaid he, raising his
trembling eyes to the cock in the steeple,
and endeavoring TO shade the former with
a shaking hand, "what time is it can't
see SO well now as used to-"
Half past three"
"Come them" he continued, alet us go
into the Hall; i want to tell you an incl
dent of Washington's life-one which no
one alive knows except myself, and if you
live, you viii before long see it verified"
Reaching the visitors room, in which the
sacred relics of our early days are pre-
served, we sat down upon one Of tine old
fashioned wooden benches, and my venera-
bic friend related to me the following sim
gular narrative which, from the pecuiarity
of our national affairs at the present time,
l have been induced TO give TO the world:
"When the bold action of our Congress
in asserting the independence of the colo
nies became known to the world, we were
laughed and scoffed at as silly, presump-
tous rebels whom British grenadiers would
soon tame into submission; but undaunted-
ly we prepared to make good what we bad
said. The keen encounter came, and the
world knows the result. 1t is easy and
pleasant for those Of the present generation
TO talk and write of the days of sventy-six,
but they little knt w-neither can they inn
agine--the trials and sufferings of those
fearful days. And there is one thing
much fear, and that is, that the American
people do not properly appreciate the blood
of freedom. Party spirit is yearly becom-
ing stronger and stronger, and unless it is
checked, will at no distant day, undermine
and tumble into ruins the noble structure
of the Republic. But let me hasten to my
narrative.
From the opening of the Revolution
we experienced all phases of fortune-now
good and now i'll, at one time victorious
and at another conquered. The darkest
period we had however, was, ] think, when
Washington. after several reverscs, retreat-
elk TO Valley Forge, where he resolved to
pass the winter of II. And have often
seen the tears coursing down our Gear old
commanders care-worn cheeks as he would
be conversing with a confidential officer
about the cond ition of his poor soldiers.
You have doubtless heard the story Of
Washington going to the thicket to pray
In secret, for aid and comfort from that God
the interposition of whose Divine Proyi.
dence alone brought us safely through those
dark days of tribulation.
"One day--I remember it well-the
chill winds whistled and howled through
the leafess trees, though the sky was cloud
less and the sun shining brightly-he re-
manned in his quarters nearly all the " hole
afternoon alone. When he came cut | no
ticed that his face was a shade paler than
usual, and there seemed to be something on
his mind of more than ordinary Importance
Returning just after dusk, he dispatched an
orderly to the quarters of the officer have
mentioned, who was presently in attend
ance. After preliminary conversation
which lasted some half an hour, Washing
ton, gazing on his companion with the
strange look of dignity which he alone
could command, said TO the latters
a. do not know whether it was owing
to the anxiety of mind, or what, but thi
afternoon, as l was sitting at this very ia
BILE engaged in preparing dispatch, some
thing in the apartment seemed to disturb
me. Looking up / beheld, standing exact
ly opposite to me, singularly beautifu
female. So astonished was for / hat
given strict orders not to be disturbed
that it was some moments before fount
language to inquire the cause of her pres
ence. A second, third, and even fourtl
time did repeat the question. but received
no answer from my mysterious visitor, 9th
er than slight raising of her eyes.
BY this time / felt strange sensation
spreading through me. Fwould have risen
but the riveted gaze OF that being befor'
me rendered volition impossible. | essaye'
once more to address her, but my tongu,
had become paralyzed. A new influence
mysterious, potent, irresistible, took pos
session of me. All | could do was 10 gas
steadily, vacantly at my unknown visitant
Gradually the surrounding atmosphere
seemed as though becoming filed will
sensations, and grew luminous. Every
thing about me appeared to rarity, the mys
terious visitor herself becoming more airy
and vet even more distinct TO my sight thar
before. / now began TO feel as one dying
or rather TO experience the sensations whiel
! have sometimes imagined accompanied
dissolution. ] did not reason, did no
think. / did not move; all were alike i'm
possible. / was only conscious of gain:
6xa6;v xacantly on nv companion.