The Weekly Kansas chief. [volume] (Troy, Kan.) 1872-1918, 1882-02-23
fFnsssa for thr CHEZ,
WARRINGTON AND THE QUAKER.
A RevsIsiiesary Re.i.i.ee.e..


| The occurrence of which WRITE ioated about
among the papers, years ago. as sort of tradition
but ercumstantial narrative has never been given
TO the public. The anniversary OF the birth of Wash
fngton seems TO ms TO be appropriate occasion to
relate the story.
During the severe winter Of HTS the Continental
army lay in camp at Valley Forge, sick almost ma
ked and freezing II was the gioomiest period of the
Revolution. The ablebodied male inha biants of the
adjacent country who friendly TO the patriot
cause, were in the army sharing its suerings; while
those opposed it, were either in the British arrny
or were giving it aid and information. There was
third class somewhat numerous in the vicinity who
fought on neither side, gave information either
but they were hot Well disposed toward the Cont
nentals- These were the Quakers- They were in
principle opposed to war; but they great stick
lers far Oheying the constituted authorities Hence
they diseountenanecd the rebellion. opposing the
lawful rulers, and causing bloodshed The Quakrrs
were about the only ones in the country round who
were well provided, for they remained at home, and
cultivated their farms; but they refused give and
objected to selling provisions army engaged in
unlawful cause. The only way in which they could
be reached, was by force swindins, and Washing
ton reluctant to employ the one and utterly op-
posed to the other.
wealthy old Quaker, named Tobias Goodpasture
was the nearest neghbor to the American camp. and
his cattle would frequently wander away to browse
in the thekes and uuderbrush in the vicinity of the
lines. Washington would sometimes stroll beyond
the lines TO mediate in solitude upon the condition
Of the country and he noticed that the Quaker came
the close of the day. and drove his cattle home
by path leading from the thicket and that he again
came in view he aseended u piece of elevated
ground farther on towards his home; 50 that it re-
quired fifteen minutes from the time he could be
at that point until he reachsd the neigh hborhood
of the thicket.
Seeking the officer of the day. Washington bade
him follow him, and leading him to a spot command
ing good view of the point, said;
do you yonder path leading down the hill
from the GoOdpasture farml"
Il do" was the reply.
Then" continued Washington. you will until
further ORDERS have sentinel posted on this spot
with instructions that, the moment the Quaker ap-
pears that path. coming this way, he will make all
haste to headquarters and advertise of the fact
Your order shall be obeyed," returned the officer
saluting the General"
On the evening of the day following, the weather
was unusually severe. Washington sat in his cabin
deeply engaged in a game of Old sledse with Lafay-
ette. Steuben and Pulaski. He lacked but point
of the game and had the deal, when suddenly the
door opened aud soldier thrust in his head, saying
General, the Quaker is on it,"
"Here!" cried Washington, jumping up, and throw
ing down the pack; "hcre, Lafe, Steuby, and Lask
you play three-handed game until I return 20
where duty calls"
"Gottl Hmmelreich!" exclaimed Steuben, in as
| constituent.
"Tonnerskil TuyviliwiczIr grunted Pulaski.
"Eive Ia! Honi soit qui NAL pense,- mildly
calculated Lafayette.
Not needing these outbursts, Washington hastily
jerked his great coat, hat and gloves left the cabin
and took short cut to the thicket where the cows
generally used lie soon came upon them. when
selecting spot concealed from view. but where he
could the path, he dropped upon his knees, and
kept eye cooked to catch the first glimpse of the
Quaker. lie had not long to wait. As $ the
Quaker came into view, Washington raised his voice
in prayer, still keeping eye peeled for his customer
The Quaker started slightly; then stopped and listen
ed then began softly toward the spot whence
the voice At this juncture, Washington began
to put in his best icks lie prayed that the heart of
the King of England might be softened, that he
should withdraw his armies, and let this people be
free, and that the naked and starving soldiers
might be permitted TO quit this wicked war, and re-
turn to their suffering families and the pursuits of
peace; that the enemies of the American might
be forgiven and blessed and finally that there might
never be any more in the world, but that all
tons might become like the good and kind people
called Friends.
Washington afterwards told friend that the Qua
ker stood long that he thought the old rascal would
freeze him out, compel him dilute his prayer
make it reach until the audience retired; but at
length he stole gently away, when Washington arose
and departed in another direction.
The Quaker gathered together his COVE, and drove
them home At supper he said to his wife:
Martha, thee knows that have always said that
King George would prevail over his rebelous sub
jects; but now verify believe that Mr.. Washington
will triumph Even now, as sought my kline in the
forest hard by, sound upon mine ear, of the
voice of crying in the wilderness yea of
wrestling in prayer. l approached stcalthily, and
verify it friend George prone upon his knees
the frozen ground, praying for his enemies and for
liberty, and peace and that the nations should learn
more. Verify my heart went ont unto him,
and the spirit strongly moveth to go unto him and
minister unto the wants of his poor famished men.
Yea, verify"
The next day. Tobias Goodpasture accompanied by
his son. entered the American camp, bearing huge
basket. They proceeded to Washingtons cabin, and
deposited his table large roasted turkey, five
pounds of fresh butter, half a dozen big loaves of
bread quantity OF sausages couple gallons OF milk
a lot of preserved fruits and jug of apple brandy.
During the day. number of other Quaker farmers
from the country round brought in supplies, that
the hungry army enjoyed at least one square meal.
Washington invited many Of the officers to dine
with him the Quaker's provisions; and at the
close. when he arose TO drink toast in the apple
brandy, he remarked:
Gentlemen, under all circumstances, and all ad
versities cultivate a uiOus snrit Rememher that no
ever loses anything by piety."