The St. Johns herald., 1901-03-02
wAsHINGToN's MAGNAN1M1TY
He Agreed with the Man Who Re- fused to Stop fin the Road
 to Let Him Pass.


 Here is an incident in WashingtCns life in my possession, illustrating his maenanimity, which has never been given to the general public:
 Some years ago, in MOnson, Mass, at a Fourth of July celebration. in re- spouse to a sentiment concerning George Washington, Rev. Alfred Ely, D. b., related the following incident of which he was an eyewitness. give it in his own words:
 "When boy 1 resided ln west Springfield, Mass, and worked on . farm. In the autumn of the year l7o9 l was engaged with my employer Ill gathering q load of cornsyalks from a field not far distant from the Connec- ticut river. My employer had driven the loaded team from the lC: and left me as usual to put up the bars. While thus occupied l noticed the approach of four fine horses and large vehicle. There was no driver upon the carriage, but astride the nigh horse Of each span was a young mulatto position. There were also two outriders and q foOtman. The yehicle-in which was seated gentleman whose striking personal ap- pearance impressed me-twas called ip those days a chariot. It was entirely unique and unlike anything now i'll use, except it's running part. saw the out riders gallop on in advance of the char tot and hold barley with my employ CT, who occupied the entire road with his loaded cart. The roads at that time were so narrow that two teams could not pass unless one yielded the way to the other. l perceived that my em- ployer yielded none of~his right to the road, and that the chariot was detained by the cart until they reached turnout, where the cortege passed by. soon overlook my employer and inquired who the distinguished parsonage was who had just passed us, and was in- formed that it was George Washing ton. I obtained permission to run on and see if could catch another glimpse of the great chieftain whose deeds dur ing the war had so filled my wondering fancy. As there was no bridge across the Connecticut river at that time, hoped that the ferry boat might be on the opposite side, and that l might reach the bank before it arrived. In this I was not disappointed. l found Gen. Washington standing on the bank of the river, dressed in snuff-colored surtout with long lapelled vest of the same color and material and in small clothes and boots, and the most majes- tic and dignified looking man he was that 1 ever saw.
 While I was gazing upon him, one of his positions drove up and, dlsmount- ing and uncovering his head, said in the most deferential manner, and with an expression of injured dignity:
 "'Your excellency, as we were driv- ing along, a little way back, we over took man with loaded cart, who oc- cupied the entire road. l asked him to stop his team that we might pass by- He declined. then told him that Pres ident Washington was in the chariot He again refused and said that he would not stop-that he had as good right to the road as George Washing ton had
 "The simple reply ot Washington was: And so he had!' The position, after moments look of wonder and astonishment at the cOndescension ot the president of the United States, quietly put on his hat and mounted his horse. I watched the cortege until Il was out of sight, but my impression and memory of Washington are as vivid and distinct this moment as ii had seen the great man only yesterday. - Rev. Frederick Alvord, in N. Y. lnde- pendent.