The Weekly Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, O. [Ohio]) 1861-1???, 1862-02-06
selrttrd Storp.
WASIlINGTON,S VISION.
BY WESLEY BRADSHAW.

BY WESLEY BRADSHAW.
The last time ever saw Anthony Sherman was
on the 4th Of July 1859, in Independence SQUARE
lie was then ninety-onc, and becoming very feeble ;
but though 50 old, his dmning eyes rckindlrd as
he looked at Independence Hail. which, he said, hc
had come to gaze upon once more before he was
gathered home.
"What time is it ?" said he, raising his tremble-
ing eyes to the clock in the stecplc, and cndravor
ing to shade the inrmcr with shaking hand
"what time is il ? / can't see as | used TO-"
"lTalf past three
"Comc them" he continued, let us 90 into the
Hall; want to tell you an incident of Washing
toms life - one which no one alive knows Of except
myself and il you live, you will before long it
verified. Mark me, am not sulcrstiti',us, but you
will see il verified"
Reaching the visitors room in which the sacred
down upon one of the old fashioned wooden bench
cs, and my venerable friend related to mo the fol
lowing singular narrative, which, from the pccul-
arity of national affairs at the present time,
have been induced to give to the world give it,,
as nearly as possible in his Words
"Whcn the bold action Of our Congress. in as
scrting the Independence Of the colonies, became
known N the world. we were laughed and scoilcd
nj as silly, prcsumptious rebels, whom British
grcnadicrs would soon tame into submission; but,
unlauntcdly, prepared to make good what we
had said. The keen encounter came, aad the
world knows the result. 1t is easy and pleasant
for those of the present generation to talk and
write of the days of Seventy Six, bun they little
know--ncithcr can they imagine the trials and
sutfcrings of those fearful days. And there is one
that ] much fear, and that is, that the American
people do not properly appreciate the boon of free
dom. Party spirit is yearly becoming stronger and
unless it is checked, will. at distant day under
mine and tumble into ruins the noble structure of
the Republic. But let me hasten TO my narrative.
"From the opening of the Revolution expert
cnced all phases Of fortnnc-n0w good and now ILL.,.
Mt one time victorious, and Mt another conquered.
The darkest period we had, however, was think,
when Washington after several revcrscs, retrcated
to Valley Forge, where he resolved to pass the win
ter Of III. All! have often seen the tears cours-
ing our dear old commanders careEorn cheeks as
he would be onversing with confidential officer on
the condition of his poor soldiers. You have doubt
less heard the story Of Washington going 10 the
thicket to pray. Well, il is not only true, but he
used often to pray in secret for aid and comfort
from that God the intcrposition of whose divine
providence alone brought us safely through those
dark days of tribulation.
Gone day, remember It well, the chilly wind
whstled through the lcafless trees, though the SKY
was cloudless and the sun shining brightly he
manned in his quarters nearly all the afternoon,
alone. When he came out, noticed that his face
was shade paler than usual, and that there seem
.Jt D., 30 toE, tIo, ri
nary importance. Returning just after dark, he
dispatched an orderly to the quarters of the officer
mentioned, who was presently in attendance. AZ
ter preliminary conversation, which lasted some
half an hour, Washington gazing Gpon his conpan-
ion with that strange look Of dignity, which he
could command, said tu the latter
al do not know whether 1t was owing to the an
xicty of my mind or what, but this attcrnocn, as
was sitting at this very table, engaged in preparing
dispatch, something in the apartment seemed to
disturb me. Looking up, behcld, standing
actly opposite me, sngularly beautiful female.
So astonished was for had given strict orders
not to be disturbed that it was some moments be-
fore found language tn inquire the cause Of her
presence. A second, third, aad even fourth time
did repeat the question, but received answer
from my mysterious visitor other than slight rails.
ing of her eyes. BY this time felt strange seii-
sation spreading through me. ! would have risen,
hyt the riveted gaze IF the being before me render
ed N.4ition impossible.
Z" ] essaycd once more 10 address her but my
tongue had heoNne paralyzcd. new influence,
mysterious, potent irresistible, took possession Of
me. AL | could do was Ia gaze steadily, vacantly,
az my unknown yistant, Gradually, the surround
ing atmosphere seemed as though becoming filled
with sensations, and grew luminous. Everything
about me appeared to rarity, the mysterious visitor
herself becoming more airy, and yet even more dis
tiact 10 my sight than before now began to feel
dying, rather to experience the sensations
which have sometimes imagined accompany dis
solution. did not think, did not reason, did
not move, all were alike impossible. | was only
conscious Of gazing, Gxedly yacautly, at my COM
panion.
" Presently, heard a voice saying Son Of the
Republic look and learn = while, at the same time
my visitor extended her arm and fore6nger east
wardly. now behcld heavy white vapor al
some distance, rising fold npon fold. This grad
ually dissipatcd, and looked upon strange scene
Before me lay stretched ont in one vast plain, all
the countries Ia the world Europe. Asia, Africa
aad America saw rolling and tossing between
luroHe and America the bIows Of the Atsnho
and between Asia and America, lay the Pacific
Son OF the Republic said The same mysterious
voice as before look and learnt
" At that moment, / bchcld dark shadowy be
ing like an angel standinP. or rather floating ii
Ind air between Europe aad AmeFicA, Dipping