Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1874-07-04
A BAFFLED TRAITOR.

ASO's ~ W oAssAAy - D'S Va <AAO~Ay
recently delivered discourse of great
excellence, in which he gives q fine an
alyses of the character of the "Father
of his Country. 1t is presumed that
SO extraordinary an incident as the fol-
lowing would not be introduced by DR..
Clark unless we'll authenticated: n..
When the American army was sta
toned at West Point, the headquar-
ters of the British forces was few
miles distant Oh the banks of tho Hud-
son river. They were watching each
other, and capturing what they could
of provisions, ammunition and prison.
ers. Washington had an acquaintance
residing not very far from the army,
by whom he was very Hospitality en-
tertained, and where he found relaxa-
ton from the cares of his position.
This man was once regarded as friendly
to the British, but had taken stand
in favor of the American cause, but was
inactive, Oh account, as he alleged, of
his advanced age and dependent fam
lily. A rumor was circulated in the
army that this supposed friend was seen
at times returning from the British
camp; but Washington appeared not to
heed the report, and visited him as
usual. One day, as the General was
leaving, his friend cordially invited him
to dine with him the next day at two
o'clock, assuring that it would afford
great delight to have him come uniform
ly as friend, and limited that he
feared that as a guard always accompa-
MED him he did not regard the visits
as those of pure friendship. Washing
ton Immediately replied that he would
certainly come alone, without his guard.
"You will please remember at two o.
clock" "Oh, yes, at two" .' Y..
The next day, at one o'clock, Wash
ington mounted his favorite horse, and
proceeded alone upon by-road to the
hospitable mansion. He arrived half
an hour before the time appointed, but
was received with great cordiality, and
with the remark, =" How punctual, kind
sir" "Punctuality," replied Wash
ington, "is virtue embracing minor,
as we'll as important concerns. He that
is not punctual with friend may
doubt his integrity" The host started,
but recovering himself, said: "Then
yours is a proof that we enjoy your full
est confidence" Without replying,
Washington proposed that they take a
walk upon the piazza before dinner.
Their position commanded a full view
of the country, for several miles in ex-
tent. Apparently absorbed in the beau
ty of the prospect, the General re-
marked, "This is fine, bold scenery"
eyes, sir" replied his friend, looking
anxiously around, as though in expec-
tation of the approach of some one;
but catching the piercing glance of
Washington, his eyes were fastened con-
fusedly upon the floor. ''I must rally
you, my friend," observed the general.
"Do you not perceive yonder point
that boldly rises from the water, and
suddenly is lost behind that hill that
checks the view?" 81 do," replied the
absent-minded listener. "There," con-
tinued Washington, "my enemy lies
encamped; and were it not for a slight
mist, I could almost fancy that I per-
ceive his cavalry moving. But bark!
that cannon. Do you not think it pro-
ceeds from the headquarters of the en-
emy?"
| Watching more narrowly, he saw o
troop, seemingly Of British horse, de-
scending distant hill, and riding hast
ily towards the house. ''Would it not
be strange" observed the General,
"that after all my tolls America should
forfeit her iberty?" Heaven forbid, :"
said his friend, warmly. But" re-
sumed Washington, ~ have heard Of
treachery in the heart of ones camp,
and doubtless you know that it is pos
sible to be wounded even in the house
of ones friend. "Sir," demanded the
downcast host, unable to meet the
searching glance of his companion,
"who can possibly intend SO daring q
crime?" "I only meant" said Wash
ington, "that treachsry is the most
hideous of crimes; for Judas-ike, it
will even sell it's Lord for money"
Very true, General" and then, turn
ing round, the man exclaimed: "Bless
me, what cavalry are these SO rapidly
approaching the house?" Washington