Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1895-03-30
wAsHINdToN's VISION.
A Remarkable Prophecy Part OF
Which has been Fulfilled.

II &.
written by Wesley Bradshaw. is publish
ed by request II is well worth care.
full persual-Ep HERALD.
The last time l ever saw Anthony
Sherman, was on the Fourth of July,
1889, in Independence Square. He
was then ninety-nine and becoming
very feeble; but though so old, his
dinming eyes rekindled as he gazed
upon independence Hall, which he
had come to look upon once more be-
fore he was gathered home.
What time is it ~ seid he. raising
his trembling eyes to the clock in tie
steeple and endeavoring to shade the
former with shaking hard, what
time is it ? | can't see so well now
as | used to "
Half-past three.
Come, then, he continued, "let
us go into the Hail. want to tell
you an incident Of Washington life.
one which no one alive knows of ex-
cept myself; and, if you live, you will
before long see it verified. Mark he
probation, yoa anil see IL seylfed. :
Reaching the visitors room, in
which the sacred relics OF our early
days are preserved, we sat down upon
one Of the old-fashioued wooden
benches, and my venerable companion
related to me the following singular
narrative, which from the popularity
Of our national affairs at the present
time, have been induced to give to
the world. give it. as near as pos
sible, in his own words
when the bold action of our Con-
gress, in asserting the independence
of the colonies, became knownein the
old world, we were laughed aud SCOT
ed at as silly, presumptuous rebels,
whom British grenadiers would soon
tame into submission; but undaunted-
" we prepared to make good what we
had said. The keen encounter came,
and the world knows the result. 1t is
easy and pleasant for those Of the
present generation to talk and write
OF the days OF Seventy-Six, but they
little know, neither can they imagine,
the trials and sufferings of those fear
full days. And there is one thing /
much fear, and that is, the American
people do not properly appreciate the
boon of liberty. Party spirit is yearly
becoming stronger aid stronger, and
without it is checked, will at no dis
tart day, undermine and tumble into
ruins the noble structure OF the Re
public But let me hasten to my mar
r9tive.
From the opening Of the revolu-
ton we experienced all phases OF for.
tune. now good and now ill. one time
victorious, and another conquered.
The darkest period we had, however,
was, ] think when Washington, after
several reverses, retreated to Valley
Forge, where he had resolved to pass
the winter of II. All have seen
the tears coursing down our dear old
commanders care worn checks, as he
would be conversiug with cou6den.
tial officer about the condition Of his
poor soldiers. You have doubtless
heard the story Of Washington going
to the thicket to pray; well, it is only
true, but he used often TO pray in Sc
cret for the interposition of divin,
providence which alone brought US
safely through those dark days o
tribulation.
lone day, remember it well--tht
chilly winds whistled through thu
Ieafless trees. though the sky wa
cloudless and the sun shining bright
ly--he remained in his quarters near
| ~ all the afternoon alone. When h,
came out noticed that his face was
shade paler than usual, and that Their
appeared to be something upon hi
mind of more than ordinary impor
lance. Returning just after dusk h
dispatched an orderly to the quarters
Of the officer | mentioned, who wa
| presently in attendance After a pre-
liminary conversation. which lastec
some half an hour, Washington, gaz
ing upon his companion with thai
strange look Of dignity which he alon,
could command, said to the latter
81 do not know whether it is ow
ing to the anxiety Of my mind o.
what, but, this afternoon. as / wa,
sitting at this very table engaged il
preparing dispatch, something il
the apartment seemed to disturb me
Looking up, behe,d standing exact
ly opposite me. singuIarly beautiful
female. So astonished was |. for
had given strict orders not to be dis
turbed. that it was some moments be
fore found language to inquire til
cause OF her presence. A second,
third, and even a fourth time did | re
peat the question but received no an
swer from my mysterious visitor. ex
cept slight raising Of the eyes. B,
this time / felt strange sensation
spreading through me. Iwould hav
risen, but the riveted gaze Of the be
ing before me rendered volition i'm
possible. essayed once more to ad
dress her. but my tongue had becom
powerless. Even thought itself sud
denly became paralyzed. A new in
fluence. mysterious, potent. ifresisti
BILE. took possession Of me. All
could do was gaze. gaze steadily. va
cantly at my unknown visitant
Gradually the surrounding atmospher
seemed as though becoming file
with sensations, and grew luminous
Everything about me seemed to rarity
the visitor herself becoming more airy
and yet even more distinct to M