FROM THE MANUsCRIPT. ;NERAL WASHINGTON'S ESCAPE.
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BYRON.

 The name of Washington is dear to ev- cry American. Distinguished not only { for bravery and intelligence, but for the purest virtues that can adOrn the human heart, he.haS been vcnerated in the mem ory of distant nations, and immortalized by the blessings he shed upon his country. He resembles the orb of day, imparting his twilight long after he is sci: and inyiSibly dispensing his light and cheering warmth to the world. Cautious, and prudent, he was never surprised by the most disneart- ] ening failures; nor alarmed into compli- ance of the most undaunted threats. His eye could penetrate the darkest designs, & his powers of invention enabled him to es- cape the most formidable StratagemS. The very means employed by the enemy to in- commode him were otien i'll his own hands ] the instruments of their ruin. As an illus tration of his eagle-eyed caution, I will briefly narrate lis escape from very sim gular plot, which learned from tue lips of gentleman long since deceased.

 When the American army were station ed at West Pont during the revolutionary war, the British head quarters were not many miles distant, on the Hudson; and each were waiting, Ike the fl gures OH a chess board, for some favorite movement to disconcert and thwart the operations of the other. Scouting parties would engage in frequent skrmlshes; and provision and clothing wagons wonld fall into the power of those superior to plumbers and address. On one of these occasions, quantity of English uniform was seized by an Amer ican detachment, and several notable ad- yantages obtained by the latter, inspiring the enemy with desire to retaliate. About this time, while at West Point, General Washington had an intimate acquaintance not far resident from the army, in whose family he enjoyed the kndeSt hospitality, as well as relief from many of those stern CT engagements which harrasscd his wea- ry mind As every circumstance was food to either army, a visit like this not many miles from their camp. could.not long es- cape Ie cognizsnce of the English; and to possess prisoner like General Wash ington, would tend, in their opinion to a- brevia:e the period of the war. But the undertaking was extremely difficult: there were always advanced guards to cover the American commander, and there was no mode for discovering his visits, except by ninning over some one of tho fam;lv. The friend whom the General visited was once thought to have espoused the interests of the British; but he had taken stand in favor of America, ,and though very brave man, he profcssed the strictest neutrality, alleging his reason-his years and depend- ant family.

 During inc intimacy of the General, it Wa r"Uorcd ili the American army, that his friend had been often seen returning from the British camp. Washington secm- ed 10 disregard the account 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 tlength, cle day, as the General was taking his leave, his friend earnestly requested him to dine with him the following afternoon, emphatcalIy naming the hour of two as the moment of expecting him. He reminded him of the uncommon delight which his in- timacy conferred-begged him to lay aside every formality and regard his house as his home :; and hinted that he feared the gen. eral did net consider it in that light; as the guard that accompanied him, seemed to indicate he was not visiting friend. " By no means, dear sir !'' exclaimed the worthy patriot; "there is no man cs- teem more than yourself: and as a proof of the confidence l repose in you, 1 will visit you alone to-morrow, and 1 pledge my sacred word of honor that not soldier shall accompany me-" Pardon me, cried the host, but why so serious on so trifing a subject? merely jested. l am aware of it, said the hero smiling; but what of that have long considered the planting of these outposts unnecessary, inasmuch as they may excite the suspicion of the enn- my; and although it be a tri1e, that trihe shall not sport with the friendship you in- dulge for me- But then-the hour, gen. eral ?'-' Oh, yes, two o'cIs :. You said - Precisely!' returned the other.

 At one o'clock on the following day, ,the General mounted his horse, and proceeded alone on bye road, which conducted him to the hospitable mansion. It was about half an hour before the time, and the bust ling host received him wi!h open arms, in addition to the greetings of the delighted family. How puntually kind, sir !' ex- claimed the warm friend. Punctuality" exclaimed Washington {" is an angel virtue

 