Weekly Calaveras chronicle., 1867-06-15
"That's a noble animal of yours,


so as to make it necessary to give you
SO much trouble with the care of him :;
but | have to t-ank you for the care of
both of US.
Il do no more than my duty, SIR"
said the entertainer, "and therefore am
entitled to no thanks. But, Susan"
added he, turning to his wife with a
half reproachful look. why have you not
given the gentleman something to eat ?"
Fear had prevented the good woman
from exercising a we'll known benevo
lence for a robbery had been commit
ted by lawless band of depredators but
few weeks before in that neig borhood
and as reports stated that the ruffians
were all we'll dressed, her Imagination
suggested that this might be one of them
At her husbands remonstrance, she
now readily engaged in repairing her
error, by preparing splendid repast
During the meal there was much inter
estiug conversation between the three.
As soon as the countryman perceived
that his guest had satisfied his appetite,
he informed him that it was now the
hour at which the family usually per-
formed their devotions, at the same
time inviting him to be present.
The invitation was accepted in these
words, ,-''It would aifor,l me the great
est pleasure to commune with my Heav-
enly Preserver, after the events of the
day; such exercise prepares US for the
repose we seek in sleeI."
The host now reached the Bible from
the shelf, and after reading chapter,
and singing, concluded the whole with
fervent prayer. He then Ii GIFTED a
pine knot, and conducted the person he
had entertained to his chamber, wishing
him good nights rest, and retired to
an adjoining apartment.
"John,' whispered the woman
chats good gentleman, and not one of
the highwaymen, as | supposed
Yes, Susan" said he, Il like him
better for thinking of his God, than all
his kind inquiries utter our welfare. |
wish our Peter was home from the army
if it was only to hear this good man
talking I'm sure Washington himself
could not say more for his company, nor
give a better history of the hardships
endured by our brave soldiers
"Who knows now," inquired the
wife, "but it may be himself, after all,
my dear? For they say he does travel
50, all alone sometimes"
"Hark what's that p
The sound of voice came from the
chamber Of their guest, who was now
engaged in his private religious worship.
After thanking his Creator for His
many mercies, and asking blessing On
the inhabitants of the house, be con-
! tinued;-
"And now, Almighty Father, if it
by Thy holy will that we shall obtain a
name and place among the nations OF
the earth, gri Mt that We may be ena-
bled to show our gratitude for Thy
goodness, by our endeavors to fear and
obey Thee Bless US with wisdom in
or Council, success in battle. and let
our victories be tempered with human
ity. Endow, also, our enemies with
enlightened minds, that they may be-
come sensible of their injustice, and
willing to restore peace and liberty.
Grant the petition of Thy servant, for
the sake of Him Thou hast called Thy
beloved Son. Nevertheless. not my
will, but Thine be done Amen I"
Next morning, the traveller declined
the pressing invitation to breakfast with
his host, declaring it was necessary for
him to cross the river immediately, at
the same time offering part of his purse
as compensation for what he had re-
ceived, which was refused.
"Well, sir" continued he, "since
you will not permit me to recompense
you for your trouble, it is but just that
| should inform you on whom you have
conferred SO many obligations, and also
add to them, by requesting your assis-
tance in crossing the river. had been
out yesterday en- eavoring to obtain
some information of our enemy, and
being alone, ventured too far from the
camp. On my return, | was surprised
by forasing party, and only escaped
by my knowledge of the roads and the
fleetness of my horse. My Dame is
George Washington.
Surprise kept the listener still for n
moment; then, after unsuccessfuly y re-
peating the invitation to partake of some
refreshment. he hastened to call two
negroes, with whose assistance he
placed the horse on a small raft of
timber that was lying in the river near
the door, and soon conveyed the Gen
eral to the other side, where he left
him to pursue his way to the camp.
wishing him safe and prosperous
journey.
On his return to the house, the host
found that while he was engaged in
making preparations for conveying the
horse across the river, his illustrious
visitor had persuaded his wife to accept
token of remembrance, viii b the
family are proud of exhibiting to this day,
The above is one of the hazards en-
countered by this great patriot, for the
purpose of transmitting to posterity the
pleasure we now enjoy. Let us ac-
knowledge the benefits received, by our
endeavors to preserve them in their
purity; and keeping in remembrance
the great Source whence these blessings
flow. we may be enabled to render our
names worthy to be enrolled with that
Of the father Of his cnnnfrv