The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1874-04-07

his full height. he gaZed tor a moment
into the face Of the other, and evidently
recognized him, as he exclaimed with sur
prise:
''Sir William Howe!"
"The same-and, by favor of his Ma
jesty, commander of the British forces
ip the colonies"
NThe tool of the unwise sovereign who
rolls in splendid extravaganza and ease,
while the poor coonists, should have
been the subjects of his especial regard,
are starving throughout the land" added
Washington.
ga truce to this, SIR" replied the
British General quickly. His maiesta
seeks to put an end to the contentious
that has unfortunately existed too long
here !"
"You speak truly" exclaimed Wash
ington, interruptng the General, and
deeply interested in his words.
"On my honor,sir, the King would see
this conflict speedily terminated; and l
but repeat his words when he says that
he looks to Washington for the result
so desirable to the colonists and mother
land"
The American General advanced to.
ward Sir William Howe; he looked into
his eyes; he measured his form; and a
thousand emotions of hope, joy, fear,
suspicion, n,momentarily thrust themselves
upon the mind of the sagacious warri-
or.
What meant these words OF encour-
agement? Was Sir William Howe in
saneH How came he there, in that for
est, at so opportune q moment2 The
The British Kings General, these assu-
RANGES, this strange meeting-what bo-
ded all this mystery2 But in his hand
Sir Willism held roll of parchment, and
again be pressed upon the American
Generals notice the kindly intentions of
his noble sovereign, King George
Then, with nervous movement, as If
he distrusted the foul act himself, Sir
William Howe raised the pure white
scroll, and gazing intently into the face
of Washington, he moved the outer Gov
ering of the parchment slowly; and with
evident emotion, said:
'You may end these hostilities, sir
you may confer permanent peace upon
this portion Of his Majesty's dominions
You may crush the turbulence which
has shown itself in these colonies-you
may acquire lasting name for yourself
it YOU accept this overture which lam
authorized to make from the King Be-
hold his signature! added the General,
as he exposed the contents of the parch7
ment, and the eye of Washington tell
upon the proffer of his Majesty, KING
George, TO the commander in chief OF
the American army.
For an instant film seemed to pass
his sig ht as he gazei2 upon the guided
document bearing the sign manual All
broad seal of the King upon its face ;sn |
the American General pressed his hand
to his brow,for he could scarcely believe
himself awake But the pang Was mo-
menlarv, and instantly recovering, 5e
found the document in his own hands,
upon which he read the words:
"To our beloved servant, Duke George
Washington. Mount Vernon"
He started back; groan burst from
his lips, and in moment the parchment
was torn into hundred shreds and lay
between the American warriors feet
"Thus-thus I answer. your vile pro-
posal, Sir William Howef' exclaimed the
gallant Washington contemptuouslJ, IS
he stamped the fragments in the grnund
beneath his feet, and the British General
quickly gave way before the excited. in
suited man, who he feared, as the latter
moved forward to the outer verge of the
wood
"This may be my answer to your
wicked master. The blood of Thousand
martyrs in the cause of freedom-each
one of whom were more worthy than
your royal leader-call upon the living
to avenge the dead The memory of
Concord, Lexington, Bunker Hill and
Brapdywine are fresh in our hearts. and
we defy your cruel masters powers OF
his arts. And for myself | crave no
higher power than that of patriot seek
no other reward hut what find in the
consciousness of performing my utmost
in the noble cause OF Freedom"
"On your head be the consequences
of this contunely,' said the British Gen
eral between his teeth, ,as, he turned away
Within five minutes Washington mad
mounted his steed, and was quickly out
of sight.
The aged man, who lay concealed be
yond, an unsupported but deeply inter
ested spectator of this thrilling scene, re.
turned to his quiet home an altered man
Il have met George Washington he
said to his family IL have heard him
pray, and | have seen him beartl the
British Lion The man that can trample
the offer Of q dukedom under his foot, as
he has done, cannot he rebel V
And within twenty -four hours after
ward, old as he was, he joined his son in
the American army, under the command
of George Washington.