White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1871-07-20
INCIDENT OF TIVE REVOLUTION.
An Attempt TO Poison General Washington
Discovery and Conviction OF the Criminal.

A surgeon in the American army relates this
story:
simple girl was instrumental in saving the
life of Washington. l can speak of it now, as it
can do no harm. 1t was about the middle ofJune,
1776 and while the General was in New York,
waiting the approach of British troops, that the
girl came to Francis her present husband, whom
she considered in the light of lOyalist, and in
formed him, as a secret she had overheard, that
there was plan in operation among the govern
ment to destroy the rebel leader-as she termed
the Commander-in-C Chiefly poison, which was
to he plentifnlly mingled with green peas q IA
vOrite vegetable of his, on the following day, at
Richmond Hill, the headquarters, where he was to
dine Francis went Immediately to Washington,
and acquainted him with the danger that threat
ened him. The General, having listened with
careful attention, said:
"My friend, thank You, your fidelity has saved
my life-tO what reserve the Almighty only knows.
But now, for your own safety, charge Won to
you have related to me pass your lips; it would
involve yOu in certain ruin; and Heaven fnr,'id
that your life should be endangered BY your faith
to me. 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 his guard, told him of the plot and re-
quested that he would dguise himself as female,
and go to the kitchen-there to keep strict watch
on the peas until they should be served for table,
The young man carefully observed the direc-
tons he had received, and had not long been upon
his post before the unfortunate T. H., ANOTHER of
the Generals guards came to his door, looked anx-
iOusly in, and then turned away.
In a few minutes he returned, and approached
the hearth where the peas stood, and was about
to mingle the deadly substance, when he suddenly
shrunk back as from the sting of aforked-tongued
adder, his color changing to the pale hue ofdeath,
IDENTIFY horror-stricken with his own purpose-but
soon, however, the operation of the more power
full Indictment urged forward his hand, that tremb
ling, strewed the OdiOus bane, and he left the kit
chen overwhelmed with conflicting passions, re-
morse and confusion.
"Herrold sleeps no more-the cry hath reached
his heart, ere the deed be accomplished" said the
youth on duty, in voice not devoid of pity, as he
looked after the wretch
'What! T. H. Z" said the General sorrowfully,
upon receiving the information; 'can it he posi-
ble-so young; SO fair, so gentle! He would have
been the last upon whom suspicion of that ma
ture would have fallen by right Of eountenance.
You have done well, said he to the youth before
him." "Go join your comrades, and be secret"
The young man went accordingly, and WASH
ingtOn returned to the piazza, where several gen.
eral officers were assembled, among whom was the
hero of Saratoga, who was waiting for further in
structiOns from Congress before he departed for
Canada.
In a few minutes dinner was announced, and
the party was ushered into a handsome room,
where a sumptuOus board was spread, covered
with all the delicacies of the season.
Washington took his seat, and placed Gen.
Gates on his right, and Gen. Wooster on his left
When the remainder of the officers and company
were seated, and eager to commence the duties Of
the table, the General said, very impressively:
"Gentlemen, l must request you to suspend
your meal for moment. Let the guard attend
me-"
All was silence and amazement. The puar,l en-
tered and formed a line toward the upper end of
the apartment