By Rev. Henry F. Harrington.
Primus Hall.--Throughout the Revolutionary war he was the body servant
of Col. Pickering, of Massachusetts. He was free and communicative and
delighted to sit down with an interested listener and pour out those
stories of absorbing and exciting anecdotes with which his memory was
stored.
It is well known that there was no officer in the whole American army
whose friendship was dearer to Washington, and whose counsel was
more esteemed by him than that of the honest and patriotic Colonel
Pickering. He was on intimate terms with him, and unbosomed himself to
him with as little reserve as, perhaps, to any confidant in the army.
Whenever he was stationed within such a distance as to admit of it, he
passed many hours with the Colonel, consulting him upon anticipated
measures and delighting in his reciprocated friendship.
Washington was, therefore, often brought into contact with the servant
of Col. Pickering, the departed Primus. An opportunity was afforded to
the Negro to note him, under circumstances very different from those
in which he is usually brought before the public and which possess,
therefore, a striking charm. I remember one of these anecdotes from the
mouth of Primus. One of them is very slight, indeed, yet so peculiar
as to be replete with interest. The authenticity of both may be fully
relied upon.
Washington once came to Col. Pickering's quarters and found him absent.
"It is no matter," said he to Primus, "I am greatly in need of
exercise. You must help me to get some before your master returns."
Under Washington's directions the Negro busied himself in some simple
preparations. A stake was driven into the ground about breast high, a
rope tied to it, and then Primus was desired to stand at some distance
and hold it horizontally extended. The boys, the country over, are
familiar with this plan of getting sport. With true boyish zest,
Washington ran forward and backward for some time, jumping over the
rope as he came and went, until he expressed himself satisfied with the
"exercise."
Repeatedly afterward, when a favorable opportunity offered he would
say--"Come, Primus, I am in need of exercise," whereat the Negro would
drive down the stake and Washington would jump over the rope until he
had exerted himself to his content.
On the second occasion, the great General was engaged in earnest
consultation with Col. Pickering in his tent until after the night
had fairly set in. Headquarters were at a considerable distance and
Washington signified his preference to staying with the Colonel over
night, provided he had a spare blanket and straw.
"Oh yes," said Primus, who was appealed to, "plenty of straw and
blankets--plenty."
Upon assurance, Washington continued his conference with the Colonel
until it was time to retire to rest. Two humble beds were spread side
by side, in the tent, and the officers laid themselves down, while
Primus seemed to be busy with duties that required his attention
before he himself could sleep. He worked, or appeared to work, until
the breathing of the prostrate gentlemen satisfied him that they were
sleeping; and then, seating himself on a box or stool, he leaned his
head on his hands to obtain such repose as so inconvenient a position
would allow. In the middle of the night Washington awoke. He looked
about and descried the Negro as he sat. He gazed at him a while and
then spoke.
"Primus!" said he calling, "Primus!"
Primus started up and rubbed his eyes. "What, General?" said he.
Washington rose up in bed. "Primus," said he, "what did you mean by
saying that you had blankets and straw enough! Here you have given up
your blanket and straw to me, that I may sleep comfortably, while you
are obliged to sit through the night."
"It's nothing, General," said Primus. "It's nothing. I'm well enough.
Don't trouble yourself about me, General, but go to sleep again. No
matter about me. I sleep very good."
"But it is matter--it is matter," said Washington, earnestly. "I cannot
do it, Primus. If either is to sit up, I will. But I think there is no
need of either sitting up. The blanket is wide enough for two. Come
and lie down with me."
"Oh, no, General!" said Primus, starting, and protesting against the
proposition. "No; let me sit here. I'll do very well on the stool."
"I say come and lie down here," said Washington, authoritatively.
"There is room for both and I insist upon it!"
He threw open the blanket as he spoke, and moved to one side of the
straw. Primus professes to have been exceedingly shocked at the idea of
lying under the same covering with the commander-in-chief, but his tone
was so resolute and determined that he could not hesitate. He prepared
himself, therefore, and laid himself down by Washington; and on the
same straw, and under the same blanket, the General and the Negro
servant slept until morning.