Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/415

] Her presence at head-quarters, was of service to the commander-in-chief, for she presided there with mingled dignity and affability. Washington had prayers morning and evening, and was regular in his attendance at the church in which he was a communicant. Mr. Irving gives a graphic sketch of the mode of life prevailing at the time at head-quarters, and tells of a "brawl between round jackets and rifle shirts," which brings out the grave commander-in-chief in a new light. Truly, it must have been a refreshing sight, to see the summary mode in which Washington settled the controversy between the contending parties, by seizing two tall brawny riflemen by the throat, and giving them a thorough shaking, as well as reproof in words. We can well imagine, that in three minutes' time, no one remained on the ground, but the two Washington had collared; and it is hard to tell which is most to be admired in the whole transaction, the simple directness of the process, or the astonishing vigor with which it was administered.

In November, of this year, Congress was informed that a foreigner was in Philadelphia, who was desirous of making to them a confidential communication. At first no notice was taken of it, but the intimation having been several times repeated, a committee, consisting of John Jay, Dr. Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson, was appointed to hear what he had to say. They agreed to meet him in a room in Carpenter's Hall, and, at the time appointed, they found him there, an elderly, lame gentleman, and apparently a wounded French officer. He told them that the French king was greatly pleased with the exertions for liberty which the Americans were making ; that he wished them success, and would, whenever it should be necessary, manifest more openly, his friendly sentiments towards them. The committee requested to know his authority for giving these assurances. He answered only, by drawing his hand across his throat, and saying, "Gentlemen, I shall take care of my head." They then asked what demonstrations of friendship they might expect from the King of France. "Gentlemen," answered he, "if you want arms, you shall have them; if you want ammunition, you shall have it; if you want money, you shall have it." The committee observed that these were important assurances, and again desired to know by what authority they were made. "Gentlemen," said he, again drawing his hand across his throat, "I shall take care of my head;" and this was the only answer they could obtain from him. He was seen in Philadelphia no more.

Dr. Holmes, in his valuable "American Annals," sums up his account of the year 1775, in language well worthy the reader's attention. "At the close of this eventful year, we are presented with a train of interesting and instructive reflections. The contemplative will meditate upon the impotency of human passions and counsels, when