Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-04-05
A Tale Of Truth.


One pleasant evening in the month Of
June in the year IL, man was observed
entering the borders of wood near the
Hudson river. His appearance was that Of
a person above the common rank. The in
habitants of country village would have
dignified him with the name Of squire, and
from his manner have pronounced him
proud but those most accustomed to 80
ciety would inform you there was something
like a military air about him. His horse
painted as if it had been hard pushed for
some miles, yet from the owners frequent
stops TO caress the patient animal he could
not be charged with want Of humanity, but
seemed to be actuated by some urgent ne
cessity. The riders forsaking good road
for a by-path leading through the woods in
dicated desire to avoid the gaze of other
travellers. He had not left the house where
he inquired the direction of the above mem
toned path more than two hours before the
quietude of the place was broken by the
noise of distant thunder. He was soon
after obliged to dismount, travelling becom-
ing dangerous, as darkness concealed sur
rounding objects, except where the light
ning's terrific flash afforded momentary
view of his situation. A peal louder and
of longer duration than any of the preced-
ing, which now burst over his head, seeming
as if it would rend the woods asunder, was
quickly followed by a heavy fall of rain,
which penetrated the clothing of the stranger,
ere he could obtain the shelter OF large
oak which stood at a little distance.
Almost exhausted with the labors of the
day, he was about making such dispositions
of his saddle and overcoat as would enable
him to pass the night with what comfort
circumstances would admit, when he espied
a light glimmering through the trees. An
mated with the hope of better lodgings, he
determined to proceed. The way, which
was steep, became attended with more OBJ
stacles the further he advanced, the soil
being composed of clay which the rain had
rendered SO soft that his feet slipped. By
the utmost perseverance this difficulty was
finally overcome without any accident, and
he had the pleasure of finding himself in
front of decent looking farmhouse. The
Watchdog began barking, which brought
the owner of the mansion to the door.
"Who is there :" said he.
"a friend who has lost his way and is in
search of shelter" was the reply.
"Come in" added the first speaker, " and
whatever my house will afford you shall
have with welcome"
al must first provide for the weary COM
panion Of my journey" remarked the other.
But the farmer undertook the task, and
after conducting the new conner into the
room where his wife was seated, he led the
horse to well-stored barn, and there pro-
vided for him most beautifully. On reioin-
ing the traveller he observed, that is noble
animal of yours, sir"
"Yes," was the reply, "and am sorry to
be obliged to misuse him so as to make it
necessary to give yon much trouble in the
care of him; but | have yet to thank you
for your kindness to both of u.s."
al did no more than my duty, sir" said
the entertainer, "and therefore am entitled
to no thanks. But Susan" added he, turn
ing to the hostess with a half-reproachful
look, "why have you not given the gentle
man something to eat ?"
Fear had prevented the good woman from
exercising her well known benevolence /; for
a robbery had been committed by lawless
band of depredators but few days before,
and as report stated the ruffians were all
well-dressed, her imagination suggested that
this man might be one of them.
AT her husbands remonstrance she now
readily engaged in repairing her error, by
preparing a plentiful repast. During the
meal there was much interesting converse
ton among the three. AS soon as the
worthy countryman perceived that his guest
had satisfied his appetite, he informed him
that it was now the hour which the family
usually performed their evening devotions,
inviting him at the same time TO be present.
The invitation was accepted in these words ::
1t would afford me the greatest pleasure
to commune with my heavenly preserver.
After the events of the day, such exercise
ms for tho phich WA oaa1 in,
sleep"
The host now reached his Bible from the
shelf and after reading a chapter and sing
ing, concluded the whole with fervent
prayer then lighting pine knot conducted
the person he had entertained to his cham
Der, wishing him a good nights rest, and re-
tired to the adjoining apartment.
"John," whispered the woman, that is
good gentleman and not one of the high
waymen, as | supposed"
Yes, Susan" said he, al like him better
for thinking Of his God than for all his kind
inquiries after our welfare. | wish our
Peter had been from the army if it was only
to hear this man talk; | am sure Washing
ton himself could not have said more for his
country, nor given 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 do say he travels Just So all alone,
sometimes Hark what's that?"
The sound of voice came from the
guests chamber, who was now engaged in
his private religious worship. After thank
ing the Creator for his many mercies, and
asking blessing on the inhabitants OF the
house, he continued, "and now, Almighty
Father, if it is thy holy will that we shall
obtain place and name among the nations
OF the earth, grant that we may be enabled
to show our gratitude for thy goodness, by
our endeavors to fear and obey thee. Bless
us with wisdom in our councils, success in
battle and let our victories be tempered with
humanity. Endow also our enemies with
enlightened minds, that they may become
sensible OF their injustice aud willing 10 re-
store our liberty and peace. Grant the Pc
tition OF thy servant for the sake of him
whom thou hast called thy son nevertheless,
not my will but thine be done. Amen"
The next morning, the traveller declining
the pressing solicitations TO breakfast with
his host, declared it was necessary for him
to cross the river Immediately, at the same
time offering part of his purse as a com
pensation for the attention which he had re-
ceived, which was refused.
swell, sir" concluded he, "since you
will not permit me to recompense you fol
your trouble, it is but Just that should in
form you on whom you have conferred SC
many obligations and also to add to them by
requesting your assistance in crossing the
river. | had been out yesterday endeavor
ing to obtain some information respecting
our enemy, and being alone ventured too fal
from our camp; on my return, was sur
prised by foraging party, and only escaped
by my knowledge OF the roads and the fleet
ness of my horse. My name is George
Washington"
Surprise kept the listener silent for mo
ment, then after unnecessarily repeating
the invitation to partake of some refresh
ments, he fastened to call two negroes, witt
whose assistance he placed the horse on {
small raft OF timber that was lying near tn,
door, and soon conveyed the general 10 the
opposite side, where he left him TO pursu,
his way to the camp, wishing him SAT,
and prosperous journey. On his return u
the house he found that while he was en-
gagged in making preparations for conveying
the horse across the river, his illustrioui
visitor had persuaded the woman TO accept
token of remembrance which the family ar,
Proud OF exhibiting to this day.
The above is one of the many hazards en-
countered by this truly great patriot for tn,
purpose OF transmitting to posterity tn,
treasures we now enjoy Let US acknowl
edge the benefits received, by our endeayor
to preserve them in their purity and b.
keeping in remembrance the great sourc,
whence these blaaainpa flow anil ka 49, No,