The Press., 1884-02-21
Issued Every Thursday Evening.
]For the Press.l. 4 REMINISCENCE OF WASHINGTON.

]For the Press.].
 A REMINISCENCE OF WASHINGTON.
 One day, in the early part of the Rsvo- lutionary war, there was an unusual ex- citement at the country tavern in Patch ouge, Conn. Patchouge was, and is now 8 small village in Griswold, but Griswold was then part of the old town of Preston
 The cause of the excitement was this 1: Gen. Washington of Virginia, the newly appointed commander of the American army, was stopping at this hotel Pass. ing through that part of the country, he had stopped for rest and refreshment at this little country tavern. Numbers of both sexes and all ages were coming into the village from different directions. all eager to see that great man and brave war rior who had so distinguished himself in the late French and Indian war.
 Washington had just been unanimously appointed commander-in-chief of the American army, and Preston, being pat rlotlc town, was desirous of doing him honor. While dinner was being prepared, Washington sat in his room looking quiet ly on the scene before him. Among that motley company gathered there was one tion more than all others. This was a young Indian, whose name was Simeon Simonds, and who lived in that town.
 Simeon was at this time about twenty one years of age. He was g. fine looking fellow, tall, straight and muscular. He was graceful and athletic in his move ment ; his most noticeable feature, how ever, were his bright, intelligent blue eyes "a feature rarely seen in an Indian.
 Washington observed him closely for 8 while, then sent for Simeon to come to him. Simeon went into the presence of the great man making his most deferen- tial bow, and saluted Washington with, "your sarvant, sir. ," The conversation be- tween them cannot now be told, but thp result of the interview was that Simeon enlisted as Continental soldier, or, to r.- main in the army as long as the war lasted
 He went away with Washington that af- ternoon, and during the eight years of the war he was his constant companion. He was one of Wshhington's life guard, chosen by Washington himself, and never had man more faithful servant He guarded the person of his general with the fidelity of watchdog. He was brave and saga clous, and loved Washington with all the depth of his Indian nature. When Wash lngton slept, Simeon watched and he would have fought to the last drop of his blood in the defense of his honored master.
 He crossed the Delaware with Wash ington on that memorable night before the battle of Trenton he was near him through all that terrible winter at Valley Forge; and through all the victories and defeats IF to the crowning victory at York town, this Indian soldier was near the Father of his County sls s When the war closed and the army was disbanded Simeon returned to his home, married, and reared family of children. He lived to an advanced age, having sur vived Washington nearly forty years. During the long life he could never talk of Washington without emotion. There was Revolutionary soldier in town whom Simeon often visited he would talk over with great animation the stirring scenes of those days, but when he. talked of Wash 1ngton the tears would roll down his face and he never mentioned the name of Wash lngton but with the deepest affection and reverence. sS4 g r5 2 E# -s 2F sf .. ~E 5~
 The incidents related here show us the character of Washington in an interesting light. They show that he possessed rt- markable penetration of mind and ability to read character correctly. Now there were other Indians as well as white men gathered around that country tavern. Why did he choose this one and immedi- ately put confidence in him, to appoint him one of his life guard, unless he saw by intuition those qualities in the young Indian which fitted him for for this place Washington had that rare quality of winning both the respect and love of those around him. He was a person of great self-respect, and consequently dignifed ia his manners. It is said of him that he never allowed even his officers to joke him j; but his moral faculties were so great that his self-esteem gave him an elevation of character which commanded universal re- spect. It was these qualities which made that Indian. soldier revere him as supe- rior, while he loved him with the tender ness of woman. s- -.s--r It is we'll to contemplate the character of Washington as we celebrate his birth day. It would be we'll for OUT country men, and especially our politicians, to em- ulate those virtues which made him ''First ln war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen. 4g E.B.D.