Page:General Washington's Dilemma - Mayo - 1938 - Appendix 2.djvu/5

 draw, I think but five, I'm not quite certain, the ninth my name was mentioned and no poor Criminal ever waited the verdict of a Jury with more impatience that I did for mine. It was a Blank, and tho' to outward appearance I was not much affected by it, yet I never was much happier in my life, and in silence I returned my thanks to that God who protected me — no longer allarmed for my own safety I began to be anxious about the fate of my Friends, two particular ones Captains Ludlow and Asgyle of the guards who were still to draw, and it was with inexpressible concern that I saw the Unfortunate lot fall upon Asgylle, he is an amiable young man perfectly adored by his Parents, esteemed and respected by his friends. When the Commissary of prisoners mentioned the name of the Sufferer he burst into tears, and for some time could not articulate, we were all indeed very much agitated, Major Gordon in particular, never did a man possess more exquisite sensibility than he does; he is an honour to Society, and his attention and care respecting everything that could alleviate my poor Friend's misfortune will ever be remembered with Gratitude and esteem by his Brother Officers. Asgylle, tho' evidently affected with his Fate, yet bore it with uncommon resolution, he thanked Genl Hazen in the prettyest style for the politeness he had shown him, and took his leave. I walked home with him and endeavoured to keep up his spirits, at first he was melancholy and thoughtfull, seemingly very unhappy, but it gradually wore off, and no person to have been in his company could have supposed he was doomed to die. Ludlow was dispatched immediately to Congress and to the french Minister with letters, and Genl Hazen wrote the prittyest one imaginable to Genl Lincoln in favour of Asgylle and altho' it was the Genls Order to send off the Officer on whom the Lot fell immediately to Philadelphia, he per-