The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1867-11-07
an Attempt ts Poison Washington

In the summer of 1777,. when the
American army was in New York,
young girl of the city went to her lover,
one Francis, and communicated him
secret she had overheard-a plan that
was in operation among the Government
men to destroy the American Command
er-in-Chief by poison, which was to be
plentifully mingled with his green peas,
tavorite vegetable of his. on the follow
! ing day, at Richmond Hill headquarters,
where he was TO dine. Francis, who
was thorough Whig, although supposed
to be friendly TO the royalists, went i'm
mediately TO Washington and acquainted
him with this diabohcal plan for his de-
strnction. Washington, having listened
with attention, said
''My friend, thank you. Your fideli-
ty has saved my lifa-for what preserved
the Almighty knows! But now for your
safety, charge you to return to your
house and let not word of what you
have related to me pass your lips. 1t
would involve you III certain ruin and
Heaven forbid that your life should be
forfeited or endangered by your faith to
! me l 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
dinner, he sent for one of his guard, told
him of The plot, ard requested shat he
would disguise himself as a female, and
! 20 to the kitchen, there to keep strict
watch upon the peas until they should be
served up for the table. The young man
| carefully observed the directions he had
received, and had not been long upon his
! post of duty before young man, another
Of the guard, came anxiously to the door
/ OF the kitchen, looked in, and then passed
away. In few moments after, he re-
tuFned and approached the hearth where
the peas stood, and was about to mipgle
/ in the deadly substance, when suddenly
lie shrunk back, as though from the sting
Of the four-tongued adder; his color
changed to the pale hue of death, and his
limbs apparently palsicd with fear, evi-
| IDENTIFY horror stricken with his own pur-
pose; /; but soon, however, the operation OF
a more powerful incentative urged for
ward his reluctant hand, that tremblingly
strewed the odious bane; and he left the
kitchen, overwhelmed with conflicting par
| sions, remorse and confusion.
'sHaro!d sleeps no more the cry has
reached his heart ere the deed is accom-
Piished," said the youth on duty, in a
voice devoid of pity, as he looked upon
the self CONDEMNED wretch.
''What, Harold g said the command,
er-in-chief, sorrowlully upon receiving the
information "can it be possible Sc
young, SO fair and gentle. He woult
have been the last person upon whom sus
picion Of that nature could have fallen, by
right of countenance. You have done
well," said he to the youth before him
''Go join your comrades and be secret
The young man went accordingly an,
Washington returned to the piazza, wher
several officers were assembled, anon!
whom was the hero OF Saratoga, who wa
waiting further orders from Congress be
fore he departed for Canada. In fev
) moments dinner was announced and th
party was ushered into handsome apart
ment, where the sumptuous board wa
spread, covered with all the delicacies c
the season.
The commander>in-chi took his seat
placing General Gates on his right han
and General Wooster on his left. Whe
the remainder of the officers and compan
were seated, and eager TO commence til
duties of the table, the chief said impres
sively:
"Gentlemen, must request you to su:
pend your meal fer few moments. Il
the guard attend me-
. All was silence and amazement. Th
= guard entered and formed into line towar
y the upper end of the apartment
: . Washington, having put on his plate
. spoonful of peas, fixed his eyes sternly W
/ on the guilty man, and said:
! "Shall 1 eat of this vegetable %
= The youth turned pale and becan
dreadfully agitated, while his trcmblir
;, lips family uttered:
i 81 don't know"
;. ''Shall eat of these % again deman,
. ed Washington, raising some upoa a knit
Here Harold elevated his hand, as
: by an involuntary imoulse, to prevent the
o being tasted. A chicken was then broug
y in, that conclusive experiment might
: made, in the presence of all those witnes
+ es. The fowl ate of the peas, and IL
. mediately died: and the wretched Grim
h nal, overcome with terror and remors
q fell fainting, and was borne from Il
! apartment.
- WHEN people are sworn in court
- y a. r