Page:Sketch of Connecticut, Forty Years Since.djvu/232

 You know something of his virtues, but the half of his sufferings has not been told you."

"The veteran received him as a brother. There is nothing like a participation in common danger to cement the hearts of men together. Friendships formed in prosperity may be sincere; but those, tried by adversity, are like gold from the furnace.

"Lee directed the disconsolate Champé to Washington, and ordered his servant to bring him the horse, and cloak, which were brought back by Cornet Middleton. It was an affecting sight to see the soldier meet his favourite animal. Till that moment he had preserved his manhood. But, when he saw that mute companion of his dangers again standing by his side, he threw his arms around his curving neck, and wept like a child.

"Washington gave to the disheartened man, that comfort which a noble mind, replete with tenderness, knows so well to administer.

"Go, my friend," said he, "to your own Loudon county. Let the intercourse of kind affections sooth your spirit. In the failure of your designs, you deserve more praise, than many victors whom the world have applauded. I cannot again risk you in this war. Your life is too valuable to me, and to your country, to be again exposed to the dangers of battle, or to the hazard of that vengeance, which the enemy would inflict, if you became their prisoner."

"Champé received his discharge, and retired to private