Sequachee Valley news. (Sequachee [Sequatchie], Tenn.) 1896-1952, 1918-11-14

\
be published in the News.
"The last time l saw Anthony
Sherman was on the Fourth of July
1859, in Independence Square. HI
was SO and very feeble. Together
we went into Independence Hall
Seating ourselves on one of the wood
en- benches, my aged companion
said: Il want to tell you an Incl
dent of Washington's life-ont
which no one knows of except my
self, and if you live, you will, before
long, see it verified. Mark the pre-.
dlction! You will see it verified!
give the following narrative as
near AS possible in his own words.
"'When the bold action of our
Congress in asserting the indepen-
dence Of the colonies became known
in the old world, we were laughed
and scoffed at as silly, presumptuous
rebels, whom British grenadiers
would very soon tame into submls-
sion, but, undaunted, we were pre-
pared to make good what we had
SAID. The keen encounter came and
the world knows the result 1t is
pleasaAt for those of the present
generation to talk and write of the
days of '76, but they little know,
neither can they imagine the trials
snd sufferings of those fearful days,
and there is one thing that | much
fear, and that is the American peo-
pie do not appreciate the boon OF
freedom. Party spirit is yearly be.
coming stronger and stronger, and
without it is checked, will at no dis
tant day, undermine and tumble in.
to ruins the noble structure of the
Republic. But, let me hasten to my
narrative.
"From the opening of the Revo-
luton we experienced all kinds of
fortune, now good and now ill--one
time victorious; another time con-
quered. The darkest period we had
however, was, | think, when Wash
ington, after several reverses, retreat
ed to Valley Forge, where he resolved
to pass the winter of 1777. All! |
have often seen the tears coursing
down our dear Commanders care
worn cheeks as he would be con-
versIng with confidential officer a.
bout the condition of his poor sold.
iets. You have doubtless heard the
story of Washington going to the
thicket to pray. Well, it is not onl y
true, but he used often to pray in Sc
cret for aid and comfort from that
God, the interposition of Whose
providence brought us safely through
dark days of tribulation.
"One day, | remember well, the
chilly winds whistled through the
leafless trees, aud the sky was
the sun shining brightly /
He remained in his quarters nearly
all the afternoon alone. When he /
came out noticed that his face was
paler than usual and that there seem
ed to be something upon his mind of
more tnan ordinary Importance. Re
turning after dusk, he dispatched an
orderly to the quarters of the officer
| have mentioned, who was present.
ly In attendance.
After a preliminary conversation
which lasted about a half an hour
W ashington, gazing upon his com. |
ramon with that strange look of dig !
l:iy, which he alone could command,
sand TO the latter: Il do not know
1t Is owing to anxiety, but
this afternoon, as was sitting at this
very table, engaged in preparing a
something i'll the room
seemed TO disturb me. Looking up,
beheId, standing opposite to lie, a
heaa,itul female. 80 as
-onlSLed was /, for / had given
,rrrt orders not lo be disturbed, that
/. MAS SOME moments before found
,.2tage To inquire the raase OF her
presence. \ second, third and
even "A fourth time did ! repeat the
question, but received no answer
ron yiay>terlouS visitor, except a
'llsht raising OF the eyes liy this
tine Tell strange SENSATION spread
~ throu2h mr would have RS {