While seated in a tent on the grounds of the mansion, and while musing on the scene that lay before him, Barclugh was approached by the urbane and talented Colonel Hamilton, who escorted him to the house. There Colonel Tilghman, one of the aides, was met. He conversed most delightfully with Barclugh for an hour or more, until dinner was spread and the General had arrived. With the General came Generals Knox and Wayne to dine, and after a short presentation and exchange of compliments they all sat down to dinner. The repast was simple,--served in the English fashion, eight or ten dishes filled with meat, poultry and vegetables, placed on the table and followed by a course of pastry. After this, the cloth was removed and apples and nuts in profusion were served. They were eaten during toasting and calm conversation. The General was very fond of this after-dinner intercourse, and prolonged it sometimes for two hours. Barclugh now had the opportunity of his whole journey,--to observe the caliber of the men who held the fate of the Colonies in their hands. He was amazed at the bearing and conversation of Washington and his military family. The dignity and the ease with which they made one feel at his best, still, the reserve used, the high tone of the sentiments expressed, commanded not only respect but esteem for Washington and his cause. The Commander conversed pleasantly with Barclugh,--but to penetrate the General’s business or to divine his plans was to attempt the impossible. There was a certain point to which one could approach in Washington’s confidence, but beyond that arose a barrier which no one could essay to surmount. Such a feeling of remorse arose within Barclugh that his previous intentions of setting forth the virtues of Arnold waned and he could not muster the moral force to open upon Arnold’s assignment to West Point, unless the General asked about Arnold himself. However, at eight o’clock Barclugh was summoned from his room to supper after the English custom. The supper was simple also. It consisted of three or four light dishes, some fruit and above all a great abundance of nuts, which were as well received as at dinner. After Washington, his military attaches and Barclugh had partaken of this light repast, the cloth was removed and a few bottles of claret and Madeira were placed on the table. The toasts this evening were given by Colonel Hamilton, who was particular to mention several of the belles of Philadelphia, whom Barclugh had met. When it came the turn of Barclugh to propose a sentiment or a toast, he asked them, gracefully, to drink to the welfare and happiness of Miss Greydon of Dorminghurst, all of which was well received by those present. Exactly at ten o’clock the members of the General’s staff presented themselves to Mr. Barclugh, and after customary formalities retired gracefully for the night, and left the General alone with his guest.