La Junta tribune., 1899-04-08
w..h,.x,oa.. Laughter.

The Continental congress- adjourned,
in June, 1888. from Philadelphia TO
Princeton. II had been surrounded ny
the raw recruits of the Pennsylvania
line, soldiers OF the day." who mutin-
ousiy demanded their pay.
Congress asked the state authorities
to call out the militia to restore order,
and upon their refusal II hastened to
Princeton and requested Washington
10 remove his quarters to the neishbor-
hood OF that town.
william Dunlap. who years after be-
came the vice president OF the Nation
al Academy OF Design. was then boy
OF seventeen years. amusing himself
with painting crayon portraits He
visited Princeton at this time, and was
the guest OF Mr. Van Horne. whose
house at Rock Hill, being short
walk from washington's quarters, was
frequently visited by the general.
Young Dunlap was introduced TO the
commander-in-chief. who praised the
boys crayoE portraits OF Mr.. and Mrs.
Van Horne. and consented to alt to
him. A triumphant moment for boy
OF seventeen. but also one OF anxiety.
fear and trembling.
Washington was SO much pleased
with the youthful artist that he often
Invited him to breakfast and to dine at
headquarters. where he met Members
OF congress and other distinguished
men. His portrait OF Washington led
to the sitting Of Mrs. Washington. and
both were highly praised.
In his History OF the Arts OF De-
sign" written fifty years after the
Princeton episode. Mr.. Dunlap says
that Washington was not an austere
man either in appearance or manners.
but was unaffectedly dignified and ha-
bitually polite"
The assertion that he never laughed
arose from his habitual reserye-a hA-
bit formed by the fact that from youth
he had been employed in public anairs
end conyersant with public men. ana
thus had been taught the necessity OF
taking heed to his words.
There" said John Adams. as he
sazed for the first time on Stuart's
portrait OF Washington. is man who
kept his lips shut--which this old fool
never could.
II remember" writes Dunlap. dur
ing my opportunity of observing his
department two instances of unre-
strained laughter. The FIRST and most
moderate was at bon mot, or anec-
dote. from Judge Peters. then mem
ber OF congress. and dining with the
general"
1t is not strange that Washington
laughed at Judge Peters humorous
stories. Even dignified. reserved In
dams could not Withstand his humor.
When a young man he accompanied .
delegation from Pennsylvania to the
Six Nations. So delighted were the
chiefs with his vivacity and wit that
they adopted him into their tribe.
The second instance OF Washington
laughing immoderately was ceased by
his friend Van Horne's race after .
pig. van Horne was of uncomm0n
size, very bulky and strong. One day
he ordered q black boy to catch \
young pig. that 1t might be roasted for
dinner.
The boy was chasing the pig as Van
Horne and Dunlap arrived from awalk.
The pig. not wishing to be roasted. re-
fused to be caught.
stand aside. you awkward boy" !"
said Van Horne. throwing of his cost
and hat. 'I1l show you how to catch .
pig"
After many twistings and turninSs.
which amused the negroes. Van Horne
caught the pig. and holding it mp in
triumph, while big drops of perspira-
tion ran down his face. exclaimed In
voice that was heard above the
squealins Of the captive:
There. boy. that's the way to run
down pit"
AZ he spoke, he turned around. and
there was Warrington, who. with his
suite, had entered the yard. Van
Horne. with ludicrous expresslea o.
ruY-,rfra and confusfnn tried - S,Ssuus n