The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1867-08-13
A New Anecdote of Washing.
ton.

Paulding, in his "Life Of Washington"
narrates the following anecdote, which we
judge will be as new to our readers as 1t
is TO usi
Being accustomed to visit an old and
hospitable friend whose mansion is not
far from the place have been describing,
formed an acquaintance with the worthy
dame by often stopping in my rambles TO
rest myself, and listen to her stories about
Washington and Putnam, and other rev.
olutionary heroes of less note Washing
ton was her hero. She had picture of
hung up just below her best looking glass,
and whenever she looked that way it
reminded her Of something the general
said or did, or some event OF those dole
ful times when the foot of an enemy
pressed almost every threshold in the
land. She would look at the picture with
the affection Of mother, and exclaim:
"At, he was a good man. / remem-
Der ilc used 10 come over sometimes, nay,
very often, to talk over matter, with Gen.
Putnam, who had has quarters here. If
ever man loved his county, II was Gen.
Washington. l could tell, but am old,
and lose my memory every day--I could
tell OF his perplexities, his watchings,
cares, and suferngs of mind and body,
which believe lie never let any one see
but myself; and shall never forget his
kindness when lost my youngest son.
My boy was quite hero among the young
men of the hills, and night after night
used to 80 out with parties of militia.
beating the plundcring Yagers that came
from below and carried away every thing
they could find, to the ruin of many Of
our poor people, who stayed betw en- the
lines because they were old, and knew
not where else to 90.
Zone night it was the twentieth of
January--l can recollect that-in the
dead of night, my son and his little troop
were surprised in turn by a party from
below, while warming themselves ia the
house, which tue enemy surrounded in
blank silence and set on fire. IN attempt
ing 10 escape they were al! butchered by
The lagers, who hacked them down,
though they begged for quarters. The
next day, while was out to neighbor's
house, my sons body was brought home
by some people who knew him; am.
when | returned, there saw it, with the
blood frozen in the gashes with which ho
was covered
Il don't remember what became of
me till found myself sitting in our old
arm chair and the general standing Just
bN with his hat in one hand and the
other resting on the back of the chair.
Mother, said he, soon as | come to
myself 'Mother'--and the word made
me so proud | almost forgot what had
happened-'A Mother, you have gwen a
son to your country-a brave man to hl,
God. Go now 10 your room and will
see every thing DONE
" went for no one could say nay to
him when he soothed or commanded, and
they buried my boy like soldier. The
troops fired. while the general stood over
the grave, and the pride of mother al
most overcome her affection. Time hard
ships, and more sorrow succeeded each
other for years afterward, drove away tho
bitterness OF this bereavement; although
when the floor was washed, or the sun
shone bright upon it, we could see the
stain of blood where the body had lain.
can talk of these things now, for when
| think of the death of my son, rcmem.
Der also that he died in the service Of hi,
country, and his conntry's father followed
him TO his grave"