Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1906-02-23
WASHINGTON AND PRIMUS.
How the Commnnder-in-Chfef Once
Slept with a Negro Body Servant.

How the Commnnder-in-Chfef Once
Slept with n Negro Body Servant.
Throughout the revolutionary war Pri-
mus Hall was the body servant OF Col.
Pickering of Massa chusetts. 1t was we'll
known that there was no officer IN the
whole American army whose memory was
deurer to Washington, and whose counsel
was more esteemed by him, than that OF
the honest and patriotic Col. Pickering.
Whenever he was stationed within such
a distance as to admit OF 1t, he passed
many hours with the colonel. Washing
ton was, therefore, often brought into
contact with the servant of Col. Picker
ing. the departed Primus.
On one occasion the great general was
engaged in earnest consultation with Col.
Pickering in his tent until after the night
had fairly set in. Headquarters were at
a considerable distance, and Washington
signifed his preference to staying with
the colonel over night, provided he had
a spare blanket and straw.
"Oh, YES" said Primus, who was APP
pealed to, plenty of straw and blankets
plenty
Upon this assurance Washington con-
tinued his conference with the colonel
until it 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 be-
fore he himself could sleep. He worked.
or appeared to work, until the breathing
of the PROSTATE gentlemen satisfied him
that they were sleeping; and then. seat
ing 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 as he sat. He gazed
at him awhile and then spoke. "Pri-
mus !" said he, calling. "Primus "
Primus sat up and rubbed his eyes.
"VVhat, general?" said he.
Washington rose up in bed. "Primus,"
said he, what did you mean by saying
that you had blankets and straw enough?
Here you have given up your blanket and
| straw to me that I may sleep comforta-
| bly,, while you are obliged to sit through
| the night"
Its nothing, general" said Primus-
| ats nothing. I'm we'll enough. Don't
trouble yourself about me, general, but
| 90 to sleep again. No matter about me.
l sleep very good"
But it is matter-it is matter" said
| Washington. earnestly. Il cannot do it.
Primus. If either of us is to sit up, I
will. But I think there is no need. OF
either sitting up. The blanket is wide
! enough for two. Come and lie down
here with me-"
"Oh, no, general" said Primus, start
ing, and protesting against such a propo-
sition. mo, let me sit here. I'll do very
we'll on the STOOL"
II say, come and lie down here. said
| Washington, aut~horitatively. There IS
room enough for both, and I insist upon
it."
He threw open the blanket as he spoke,
| and moved to one side of the straw. Pri-
mus processes to have been exceedingly
| sh Scked at the idea of lying under the
same covering with the commander in
chief, but his tone was so r%esolute and
determined that he could not hesitate.
He prepared himself, therefore, and laid
himself down by Washington; and on the
same straw, and under the same blanket,
the general and the negro slept until
morning.-Godey's Magazine.