Year: 1865

man something to eat p 5i a :


Fear had prevented the good women
from exercising a we'll known benevolence !;
for robbery had been committed by q
lawless band Of depredators, but few
weeks before in that neighborhood, and as
report stated that the ruffians were all we'll
dressed, her imagination suggested that
this man might be one of them.


At her husbands remonstrance, she now
readily engaged in repairing her error, by
preparing splendid repast During the
meal there was much interesting converse
tion among the three AS soon as the
worthy countryman perceived that his guest
had satisfied his appetite, he informed him
| that it was now the hour at which the fam
| lily usually performed their devotions, invi-
ting him at the same time to be present.
| The invitation was accepted in these words.
| 1T would afford me the greatest pleasure
| to commune with my Heavenly Preserver,
after the events of this day; such exercis-
es prepare US for the repose which we seek
in sleep a b
The host now reached the Bible from
the shelf, and after reading chapter and
singing, concluded the whole with fervent
prayer then, lighting pine knot, con-
Quoted the person he had entertained to
his chamber, wishing him good nights
rest, and retired to an adjoining apartment.


john whispered the woman, that is a
good gentleman, and not one of the high
waymen as / supposed


Yes, Susan said he, 4 like him better
for thinking of his God, than all his kind
inquiries after our welfare. ] wish our Pe-
ter had been at home from the army if it
was only to hear this good man talk /; l am
sure Washington himself could not say
more for his country, nor give better his
tory of the hardships endured by our brave
soldiers


Who knows now,' inquired the wife,
'but it may be himself after all, my dear:
for they do say he travels just so all alone,
sometimes. Hark what's that p


The sound of voice came from the
chamber of their guest, who was now en-
gagged in his private religious Worship,
After thanking the Creator for his mercies,
and asking blessing on the inhabitants
of the house, he continued, 'And now AL
mighty Father, if it be thy holy will, that
we shall obtain place and name among
the nations of the earth, grant that we may
be enabled to show our gratitude for thy
goodness, by our endeavors to fear and
| obey thee. Bless us with wisdom in our
council, success in battle, and let our vic
tories be tempered with humanity. En-
! dow, also, our enemies with enlightened
minds, that they may become sensible OF
their Injustice and willing to restore liber-
ty and peace. Grant the petition of thy
servant, for the sake Of Him thou hast call
ed thy beloved Son nevertheless, not my
will, but thine be done. Amen


The next morning the traveller declining
the pressing solicitations to breakfast with
his host, declared it was necessary for him
to cross the river Immediately at the same
time offering part of his purse as compen-
! sation for what he had received which was
refused.


well SIR continued he, Since you will
not permit me to recompense you for your
trouble, it is just that should inform you
on whom you have conferred so many obl-
cations, and also add to them, by request
ing your assistance in crossing the river
l had been out yesterday, endeavorng to
obtain some information respecting our en-
emy, and being alone, ventured too far
from the camp. On my return, | was sur
prised by aforaging party, and only escaped
by my knowledge of the roads, and the
Aeetness of my horse. My name is George
Washington.


Surprise kept the listner silent for mo-
ment; then, after unsuccessfully repeating
the invitation to partake Of some refresh,
ment, he hastened to call two negroes, with
whose assistance he placed the horse on
small raft of timber that was lying in the
river, near the door, and soon conveyed
the General to the opposite side of the riv.
er, were he left him to pursue his way to
the camp, wishing him safe and prosper
Gus journey. On his return to the house,
he found that while he was engaged III
making preparation for conveying the horse
across the river his illustrious visitor had
persuaded his wife to accept token OF re.
membrance, which the family are proud OF
exhibiting to this day.


The above is only one Of the hazards en-
countered by this great patriot, for the pur'
pose of transmitting to posterity the treas
ures We now enjoy. Let US acknowledge
the benefits received, by our endeavors to
, preserve them in their purity, and keeping
in remembrance the great Source whence
these blessings flow, VIC may be enabled to
render our names worthy of being enrolled
with that of the father of his country.
, |