The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-07-13

ers to treat with the Americans. In
reality, they only brought promise of
pardon to the rebels. 1t was very clear
to Washington that the British govern
ment had not the slightest intention of
listening to the grievances of the colo
MES with desire to redress them; but
that they meant by these proposals to
distract the colonies, if possible, and
build up party there that would OPP
pose the action of Congress. There was
little incident attending the arrival of
the commissioners that showed the feel
ing which prevailed.
One afternoon word came that boat
was coming to headquarters, bringing
messenger from Lord Howe with COM
munication. Washington had noticed
that the British, whenever speaking of
him or other American officers. had re-
fused to regard them as officers of the
army; they we're simply private gentle
men who had taken up arms against the
king. Now, Washington knew that,
while it was in itself small matter
whether he was addressed by people
about him as General Washington or
Mr.. Washington, it was not at all a
small matter how Lord Howe addressed
him. That officer had no business with
George Washington, but he might have
very important business with General
Washington. Accordingly, he called to-
gether such of the American officers as
were at headquarters to consult them in
regard to the subject, and they agreed
entirely with him. Colonel Reed was
directed to receive the messenger and
manage the matter.
Accordingly, he entered boat and
was rowed out toward Staten Island,
whence Lord Howe's messenger was
coming. Thu two boats met half way,
and Lieutenant Brown-for that was
the name of the messenger-was very
polite, and informed Colonel Reed that
he bore letter from General Howe to
Mr.. Washington. Colonel Reed looked
surprised. He himself was an officer in
the Continental army, and knew no such
person. Thereupon Lieutenant Brown
showed him the letter, which was ad.
dressed, George Washington, Esq.
Colonel Reed was polite, but it was
quite impossible for him to bear letter
to the commander of the American army
addressed in that way. The lieutenant
was embarrassed; as gentleman and
an officer he saw that he was in the
wrong He tried to make matters better
by saying that it was an important let
ter, but was intended rather for per-
son who was of great Importance in
American councils than for one who was
commanding an army.
Colonel Reed continued to refuse the
letter, and the boats parted. Presently,
however, Lieutenant Brown came row.
ing back and asked by what title Wash
ington chose to be addressed. 1t was
quite an unnecessary question, Reed
thought. There was not the slightest
doubt as to what General Washington's
was really very sorry, but he wished
Colonel Reed would take the letter.
Colonel Reed replied that it was the
easiest matter in the world; it only
needed that the letter should be cor
rectly addressed. And so they parted.
Five days later, an aide de-camp of
General Howe appeared with flag and
asked that an interview might be
granted to Colonel Patterson, the Brit.
ish adjutant- general. Consent was given,
and the next day Washington. with all
his officers about him, received Colonel
Patterson. who was very polite, and adj
dressed him as "Your Excellency,"
which did quite we'll, though it was
lodging matters somewhat He tried
to explain away the affair of the letter,
and said that no impertinence was in
tended, and he then produced another,
addressed to George Washington Esq,
ETC., etc.
Evidently, Lord Howe thought he had
invented capital way out of the diff
Guilty. Et ceterd. ct cetero! Why that
might cover everything general-com-
handing, lord high rebel. or anything
else this very punctilious Virginia gen.
tleman might fancy as his title. 1t
would save Washingtons pride, and re-
lieve Lord Howe's scruples. Washing
ton replied coolly, Yes, the ct cetera i'm
piled everything, but it also implied any
thing or nothing. 1t was meaningless.
He was not private Terson; the letter
was meant for public character, and,
as such, he could not receive it, unless it
acknowledged him properly. So Colonel
Patterson was obliged to pocket the let.
ter, and try to cover his modification
and to deliver the contents verbally.
Perhaps all this sounds like very small
business. In reality it meant a great
deal. Were Washington and other Off
GERS rebels against the king. or were
they the officers of government which
declared itself Independent of the king?
Lord Howe gave up trying to force
Washington into the trap. and wrote to
his government that it would be neces-
sary in future to give the American
commander his title: and Conprass tn