Jonas Holden was impressed with the certainty that the boy in Washington’s army and his lost son were the same. He went home and told his wife the story, and she was certain of it. Accordingly Mr. Holden started for New York, where General Washington and his army were then stationed. There were no railroads or telegraphs then, remember; nothing but horses and stagecoaches. Mr. Holden chose the former, and the best he could do, by traveling on horseback, was to reach General Washington’s headquarters in seven days. When he finally drew rein at the outposts of the Continental Army, he made known his desire to see General Knox, who was with Washington at that time. General Knox received the Massachusetts farmer with a cordiality that put him at his ease in a moment; and Mr. Holden found no difficulty in stating his errand. “There is your boy, sir!” exclaimed the interested General, pointing to a young fellow in a soldier’s suit, gay with brass buttons, who was playing on a fife. “He is drilling some raw recruits. That boy is Captain-general of us all, sir. I have never known him to whimper or say ‘I can’t,’ although he is the youngest of us.” The fifer was sent for in the Colonel’s name. As he drew near, and lifting his cap, asked, “Did you send for me, sir?” his eye fell on his father sitting in a corner of the tent. In a moment the boy was in his father’s arms and sobbing like a baby. The father’s tears were mingled with the long-lost son’s and the redoubtable General was obliged to resort to his handkerchief as he withdrew, leaving father and son alone, with the remark: “I will see our Commander-in-chief.” “When did you come?” said John, when he could speak. “And how did you find me?” “Old Captain brought me,” was the reply, “and he can take us both home.” “And how is mother?” pursued the boy. “Oh! I have been so sorry for dear mother. I tell you, father, not a night have I camped down to sleep but I have thought of mother; and every time I thought of her the tears came. I thought perhaps she might die and I should never see her again.” “Your mother is well,” was the father’s answer. “And she has never for one moment lost faith in your being well and happy, and finally restored to us.” “Yes, I shall return, father,” said John. “But I want this war ended first.” After the boy had inquired for all the family, he said: “But why didn’t you bring Zip along, too?” “Poor Zip!” was the reply. “He mourned himself to death before you had been gone a week. He never touched another mouthful of food, and would only lie on your bed and moan.” General Knox soon returned with orders from the Commander-in-chief to conduct Mr. Holden and John to his headquarters--a summons that must be obeyed at once. General Washington received Mr. Holden very kindly and said smilingly: