Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1866-12-08
Taileyrand and Arnold.

rived in Havre, ho, foot from Paris. IL
was in the darkest hour of the French
Revolution. Pursued by the bloodhounds
of the Reign Of Terror, stripped Of every
wreck Of property or power, TsIeyrsnd
secured passage TO America IN ash'p
about 10 sail. He was going begger and
wanderer, TO strange land, 10 earn his
bread by daily labor.
"Is there an American staying al your
house ?" he asked the landlord Of bis no.
tel.
Il am bound to cross the waller, and
would like letter TO some person Of in
fluence in the New World" !
The landlord hesitated moment, and
then said
.There is gentleman up stairs, either
from America or Britain; whether an
American or EngIishman, cannot ,elI."I
He pointed the way, and Talleyraad-I
who in his life was bishop, prince, and
acknowledgements he stairs. 4
miserable suppiant, he stood before the
strangers door, knocked, and entered.
In the far corner Of dimly-hgh'ed
room, sat gentleman of some fifty years.
With his arms folded, and his head bowed
on his breast. From window directly
opposite, food of light poured over his
forehead, His eyes looking from be-
meath the down.cast brows, gazed in Tai
leyrand's face with peculiar and search
ing expression. His face was striking IN
lis outline; the mouth and chin indicative
of an iron will. His form vigorous, even
with the SHOWS OF fifty winters, was clad
lin dark bu, rich and distinguished cos
tune.
Talleyrand advanced stated that he
was an American, he solicited his kind
and feeling Offices.
He poured forth his history in eloquent
French and broken English. 81 am
wanderer-an exile. | am forced TO fly
Ito the New World, without a. friend or
home. You are an American. Give me-
then, beseech you, letter Of yours, so
tha, may be able 10 earn my bread. !
am willing TO toll in any manner; The
scenes of Paris have filed me with snch
horror, that a life Of labor would be par
adise to career of luxury in France.
You will give me a letter 10 one OF youE
friends. A gentleman like you has doubt
Less many frlends."
The strange gentleman rose. With
look that Talleyrand never forgot. he re-
treated towards The door o! the next cham.
Der, bis head downcasl, and his eyes still
from beneath his darkened brow. He
smoke as he Iereated; his voice full Of
Geanng ...
II am the only man born in The New
World can raise his hand 10 God and say
i have not frIend-noi one in oil A
mefica."
| Talleyrand never forgot the oVerwhelm.
ling sadness of that look which accompan'
led these words.
"Who are you p he cried, as the
strange man retreaied towards The ne&'
room. "Your name .
My name with smile that had
more of mockery than joy in It's eoncln-
sive exPression--"my name is Benedict
Arnold ~
He was gone. Tslleyrsnd sank in
chair. gasping The uords-"Arnold' the
Traitor y
Even in this secluded room at the inn
Of Havre, his crime found him out, and
forced him TO tell his nsme-tht' syho'
Inym Of infamy.
The last twenty years Of his life ere
covered with cloud, from whose dark-
ness bot few CLEANS OF light flash Out
upon the page Of history.
The manner of his death is no, distinct
Ily known. But we doubt not that he
died perfectly friendless-shsi bis brow
was not moislened by one farewell tear
,ha, remorse pursued him to the grave
whispering "John Andre" IN his ears;
and the memory OF his course OF glory
ppawed like canker at bis heart, muT-
muring forever, True TO your country
what might you have been, . Arnold the
Traitor =