The Ellensburg dawn. [volume] (Ellensburg, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1909-01-21


.cribers we publish Washington's
Vision. 1t will without doubt be new
"a many of our readers and OF much
interest to all of them.
"The last time | ever saw Anthony
Sherman was on July 4th, 1859, in In
dependence Square. He was then
ninety. nine, and becoming very feeble:
but though so old, his dimming eye
rekindled as he looked at Independence
hall, which he said be had come to gaze
upon once more before he was gathered
home"
"What time is it?" he said raising
his trembling eyes to the clock in the
steeple and endeavoring to shade the
former with trembling hand, what
time is it? can't see as we'll as | use
TO-"
HALF past three"
"Coue then" he continues; "let US
70 into the HALL want to tell you ar
incident in Washington's life; one
which no one knows except myself; and
II you live you will see it verified.
Reaching the visitors room in which
the sacred relics OF our early days are
preserved, we sat down upon one Of the
old fashioned wooden benches, and my
venerable companion related to me the
following narrative, which from the
popularity OF our nationtl affairs at the
present time, have been induced to
give TO the world. | give it as nearly
Is possible in his own words:
"When the bold action Of our Cor
gress, in'asserting the independence Of
the Colonies, became known to the Old
Wsrld, We were laughed and scoifed
1t, - silly, presumptious rebels, whom
the British grenadiers would soon tame
into submission. Cndauntedly We pre-
pared to make good what we had said.
The keen encounter came and the
world knows the result.
1t is easy and pleasant for those OF
the present generation TO write OF the
boys OF '76, but they little know,
neither can they imagine the trials and
sufferings of those fearful days.
And there is one thing that | much
fear and that is that the American
people do not properly appreciate the
boon OF freedom.
Party spirit is yearly becomin 2
stronger and unless it is checked, Will
At no distant day undermine and tum'
bic into ruin the noble form OF the
republic. But let me hasten 20 my
narrative.
''From the opening OF the Revolution
we experienced all phases OF fortune
now good, now i'll, one time victorious
and another conquered.
The darkest period however, was |
think. when Washington, after several
reverses, retreated to the Valley Forge
where he resolved to pass the winter
Of ~. Alb. | have often seen the tears
coursing down the dear old comman-
der's care worn cheeks as he would be
conversing with some officer about the
condition OF the poor soldiers. You
have doubtless heard the story OF w ASH
ington going to the thicket to pray
Well, it is not only true, but he useu
often to pray in secret for aid and com
fort from God, the interposition OF
whose divine providence alone brought
Us safely through those dark days OF
tribulation.
lone day. remember it well-the
chilly winds whistled through the
leafiess trees, though the SKY was
cloud,ess and the sun shining brightiy'
be remained in his quarters the whoi5
afternoon alone. When he came on. l
noticed that his face was a shade Paier
than usual, and that there seemeu "
be something on his mind of more tnan
ordinary Importance. Returning J"''
after dark. he dispatched an orderly ~
the Office | mentioned, who was pres
emily in attendance.
After preliminary coh'er.a''o"
which lasted some half an bour' " a7"
ipgtop, gazing upon bis compan'o"