Anecdote of Washington.--During the time the American and British forces were quartered in West Chester county near Yonkers, the honest families (women and children, for fathers and sons who were able to bear arms were forced to the field to take a part in the struggle,) were incessantly harassed with the visits of scouting parties. About this time an order was given to the soldiery, by an American General, to seize on all cattle, and drive them to Head Quarters; and as an excuse for these rash proceedings, he said they were intended for the British Army. By this order many hundred cows, &c. were driven to White-Plains, leaving the poor families destitute of the means of life. Driven to a state of desperation, the women resolved to follow to head quarters and make known their complaint to the Commander-in-Chief in person. When they had arrived at White Plains, their little army consisted of about two hundred honest matrons, determined to face him by whose order they had been deprived of their property, but of whose fearing character report had rightly informed them. When they came in sight of the encampment, they observed a man calmly standing against a post, silently looking at them as they approached the outward gate: he ordered his servants to inquire their business, when with one voice, they all answered, we want Gen. Washington! The stranger beholding an old lady of full four score years, he requested her to approach him--she came to the piazza--he said, take a chair good mother, and let me know your grievances, for I am Gen. Washington. The old lady told her tale with all the pathetic eloquence she was mistress of, which was no little, for it was a tale of truth, and brought tears into the General's eyes. After ending her story, he said: yes, good mother, you and your companions shall have redress, but in walking so far you must want rest and food. In half an hour the large table in the Hall was groaning under good Roast Beef and Pudding. The women all were seated, the General at the head of the table; he arose and asked his fair guests if they would drink to the health of General Washington; yes, said they and drank with one consent. May every man in power have the justice and humanity of Gen. Washington. Two hours before sun set, saw he a goodly group of female heroes returning to their homes, following their regained property.
