frequent skirmishes; and wagons of provisions, ammunition, and clothing, would fall into the power of those superior in number and dexterity. 4. On one of these occasions, a quantity of English uniform was seized by an American detachment; and several notable advantages obtained by the latter, inspired the enemy with a desire to retaliate. a desire to retaliate. About this time, while at West Point, General Washington had an intimate acquaintance residing not far from the army, in whose family he enjoyed the kindest hospitality, as well as relief from many of those sterner engagements which harassed his weary mind. As every circumstance was watched by either army, a visit like this, not many miles from their camp, could not long escape the cognizance of the British; and to possess a prisoner like General Washington, would tend, in their opinion, to shorten the period of the war. 5. But the undertaking was difficult: there were always advance guards to cover the American commander, and there was no mode of discovering his visits except by winning over some one of the family. The friend whom the general visited was once thought to have espoused the interests of the British; but he had taken a decided stand in favor of America, and, though a brave man, he professed the strictest neutrality, alleging, as his reason, his advanced years and dependent family. 6. During the intimacy of the general, it was rumored in the American army that his friend had been seen often returning from the British camp. Washington seemed to disregard the report; for he never ceased to visit the family, and apparently mingled as cordially with the host as if no suspicion had crossed his mind. At length, one day, as the general was taking his leave, his friend earnestly requested him to dine with him the following afternoon, em phatically naming the hour of two o'clock as the moment of expecting him. 7. He reminded him of the uncommon delight which his intimacy conferred; begged him to lay aside every formality, and regard his house as his home; and hinted that he feared the general did not consider it in that light, as the guard, that always accompanied him, seemed to indicate he was not visiting a friend. "By no means, dear sir!" exclaimed the worthy patriot: "and, as a proof of the confidence which I repose in you, I will visit you alone to-morrow; and I pledge my sacred word of honor that not a soldier shall accompany me." 8. "Pardon me, general," cried the host; "but why so serious on so trifling a subject? I merely jested.” — “I am aware of it," said the hero, smiling; "but what of that? I have long considered the planting of these outposts unnecessary, inasmuch as they may excite the suspicion of the enemy; and, although it be a trifle, that trifle shall not sport with the friendship you indulge for me." — " But then the hour, general?"-" Oh, yes! two o'clock, you said?"—"Precisely," returned the other. 9. At one o'clock, on the following day, the general mounted his favorite horse, and proceeded alone upon a by-road which conducted him to the hospitable mansion. It was about half an hour before the time; and the bustling host received him with open arms, in addition to the greetings of the delighted family. "How punctual, kind sir!" exclaimed the warm-hearted friend. "Punctuality," replied Washington, "is an angel virtue, embracing minor as well as important concerns. He that is not punctual with a friend, may doubt his integrity." The host started; but, recovering himself, he added, "Then yours is a proof that we enjoy your fullest confidence." 10. Washington proposed a promenade upon the piazza previous to the dinner. It overlooked a rough country several miles in extent,-fields of grain here and there sweeping beneath the sides of bleak hills, producing nothing but rocks and grass; shallow runnels of water flowing along the hollows of the uneven waste, then hidden by woodlands, intercepting a prospect of the country beyond; spotted now and then with silver glimpses of the Hudson, stealing through the sloping grounds below, and checkered on both sides by the dim, purple Highlands, frowning sometimes into hoary battlements, and tapering again into gentle valleys hardly illuminated by the sun. 11. “This is fine, bold scenery!" exclaimed the general, apparently absorbed in the beauty of the prospect. "Yes, sir," replied his friend, looking wistfully around, as if expecting some one's approach; but, catching the piercing glance of Washington, his eyes were fastened confusedly on the floor. "I must rally you, my friend," observed the general. "Do you perceive yonder point, that boldly rises from the water, and suddenly is lost behind that hill which obstinately checks the view?"-"I do," replied the absent-minded listener, engaged apparently in something else than the subject of inquiry. "There," continued the hero, "my enemy lies encamped; and, were it not for a slight mist, I could almost fancy that I perceive his cavalry moving. But hark! that cannon! Do you not think it proceeds from the headquarters of the enemy?" 12. While pointing out to his friend the profile of the country, the face of the latter was often turned the opposite way, seemingly engrossed in another object immediately behind the house. He was not mistaken: it was a troop, seemingly, of British horse, that were descending a distant hill, winding through a labyrinth of numerous projections and trees, until they were seen galloping through the valley below; and then again they were hidden by a field of forest, that swelled along the bosom of the landscape. "Would it not be strange," observed the general, apparently unconscious of the movements behind him, "that, after all my toils, America should forfeit her liberty?" 13. "Heaven forbid!" said his friend, becoming less reserved, and entering more warmly into the feelings of the other. "But," resumed Washington, "I have heard of treachery in the heart of one's own camp; and doubtless you know that it is possible to be wounded even in the house of one's friend."""Sir," demanded the downcast host, unable to meet the searching glance of his companion, "who can possibly intend so daring a crime?" --"I only meant," replied Washington, "that treachery is the most hideous of crimes; for, Judas-like, it will even sell its Lord for money!"-"Very true, general," responded the anxious host, as he gazed upon a troop of British horse winding round the hill, and riding with posthaste toward the hospitable mansion. 14. "Is it two o'clock yet?" demanded Washington: "for I have an engagement this afternoon at the army; and I regret that my visit must, therefore, be shorter than intended.” — “It lacks a full quarter yet," said his friend, seeming doubtful of his watch, from the arrival of the horsemen. "But bless me, sir! what cavalry are those that are so rapidly approaching the house?" asked his friend. "Oh! they may possibly be a party of British light horse," returned the general coolly, "which mean no harm; and, if I mistake not, they have been sent for the purpose of protecting me!" 15. As he said this, the captain of the troop was seen dismounting from his horse; and his example was followed by the rest of the party. "General!" returned the other, walking to him very familiarly, and tapping him on the shoulder, "general, you are my prisoner!"-"I believe not," said Washington, looking calmly at the men who were approaching the steps; "but, friend," exclaimed he, slapping him in return on the arm, "I know that you are mine! Here, officer, carry this treacherous hypocrite to the camp, and I will make him an example to the enemies of America." 16. The British general had secretly offered an immense sum to this man to make an appointment with the hero at two o'clock, at which time he was to send a troop of horse to secure him in their possession. Suspecting his intentions, Washington had directed his own troop to equip themselves as English cavalry, and arrive half an hour precisely before the time when he was expected. 17. They pursued their way to the camp, triumphing at the sagacity of their commander, who had so astonishingly defeated the machinations of the British general. But the humanity of Washington prevailed over his sense of justice. Overcome by the tears and prayers of the family, he pardoned his treacherous friend, on condition of his leaving the country forever; which he accordingly did, and his name sunk in oblivion. that things are never worn with the lining side! is no consolation, after all, when you reflect "Every cloud has a silver lining." But that out. LESSON LV. TE CUM' SEH, a famous Indian warrior, who excited several of the tribes to take up the hatchet on the side of the British, against the Americans, was killed at the memorable battle of the Thames, Oct 5, 1813. 1 |