Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1898-02-25

Throughout the Revolutionary War.
Primus Hall was the body-scrvant OF
Colonel Pickering OF Massachusetts.
1t was well known that there was no
officer la the whole American army
whose memory was dearer to Washing
ton. and whose counsel was more es-
teemed by him. than that of the honest
and patriotic Colonel Pickering. When
ever he was stationed within such dis
lance as to admit 1t, he passed many
hours with the colonel. Washington
was, therefore. often brought into con-
tact with the servant OF Colonel Pick
eiing. the departed Primus
On one occasion the great general
was engaged In earnest consultation
with Colonel Pickering, In his tent. I'M
TIL after the night had fairly set In.
Headquarters were at considerable
distance, and Washington signiiied his
preference to staying with the colonel
over night, provided he had n spare
blanket and straw.
ooh yes" said Primus. who was APP
pcnled to, plenty of straw and blan-
kets-penty."
Upon this assurance, Washington
continued his conference with the col
onel until 1t was time to retire to rest.
Two humble beds were spread side by
side In the tent, and the officers laid
themselves down. while Primus seemed
to be busy with duties that required his
attention before he himself could sleep.
He worked. or appeared to work. until
the breathing of the prostrate gentle
men satisfied him that they were sleep
ing; and then. seating himself upon a
box or stool, he leaned his head upon
his hands to obtain such repose as so
inconvenient "A position would allow.
In the middle OF the night Washington
awoke. He looked about and deserted
the negro os he sat He gazed at him
awhile and then spoke. "PrimusH'
said he. calling, "Primus!"
Primus started up and rubbed his
eyes, what, general?" SAID he.
Washington rose up In bed. "Pri-
mus" said he, what did YOU mean by
saying that you had blankets and
straw enough? Here you have given
UP your blanket and straw 10 mo TINT
I may sleep comfortably, while YOU
are Obliged to sit through the night
TITS nothing, general said Primus,
TITS nothing. I'm we'll enough. Don't
trouble yourself about me. general, hut
go To sleep again. No matter about
me. ! sleep very good
But It Ia matter--it is matter" said
Washington. earnestly, II cannot do
It, Primus. If either of us IL to sit up
] will. But think there Is no need oi
either sitting up. The blanket is wide
enough for two. Come and lie down
here with me-"
ooh no, generate" said Prlmus
starting. and protesting against such q
proposition. mo. let me sit here. III
do very well on the stool"
II say, come and lie down herel" said
Washington. nuthorltatively. "Ther,
Is room enough for both. and insist
upon It,"
He threw open the blanket as h,
spoke. and moved to one side of tn,
straw, Primus processes to have beer
exceedingly shocked at the idea of w.
ing under the same covering with tn,
commander-in-ch hut his tone wa,
SO rcsolute and determined that n,
could not hesitate He prepared him,
self, therefore. and laid himself dowr
by Washington: and on tho sam,
straw, and under the same blanket tn,
general and tho negro silent untIl' morn
ing,-Godey's Magazine for March.