George Washington’s Vision
General George Washington is visited in his
quarters by a mysterious figure who shows him a
vision of three events that will
mold the future of the United States:
Event 1 is the American
Revolution.
Event 2 is the Civil War.
Event 3 is an invasion that nearly
destroys the country.
Event 1:
At that moment I beheld a dark, shadowy being, like an angel, standing, or rather floating in mid-air between Europe and America. Dipping water out of the ocean in the hollow of
each hand, he sprinkled some upon America with his right hand, while he cast upon Europe some with his left. Immediately a dark cloud arose from each of these
countries, and joined in mid-ocean. For a while it remained stationary and then moved slowly westward until it enveloped America in its murky folds. Sharp flashes of lightning now gleamed throughout it at intervals, and I heard the smothered groans and cries of the American people. A
The second time, the angel dipped water from the ocean and sprinkled it as before. The dark cloud was then drawn back to the ocean, into whose heaving waves it sank from view.
Event 2:
“Son of the Republic, the end of a century cometh; look and
Learn.” At this, the dark shadowy angel turned his face southward, and from Africa I saw an ill-omened specter approaching our land. It floated slowly and heavily over every village, town, and city of the latter; the inhabitants of which, presently set themselves in battle array, one against the other.
As I continued looking, I saw a bright angel, on whose brow rested a crown of light, on which was traced the word UNION, bearing an American flag, which he placed between the divided
nation, and said, “Remember, you are brethren.” Instantly, the inhabitants, casting down their weapons, became friends once more and united around the national standard. And again, I
heard the mysterious voice, saying, “Son of the Republic, the second peril has passed; look and learn.”
Event 3:
“Son of the Republic, the end of a century cometh; look and learn.” At this, the dark, shadowy angel placed a trumpet to his mouth and blew three distinct blasts, taking water from the
ocean, sprinkled it out upon Europe, Asia, and Africa. Then my eyes looked upon a fearful scene. From each of these countries arose thick, black clouds that were soon joined into one.
And throughout this mass gleamed a dark-red light, by which I
saw hordes of armed men who, moving with the cloud, marched by land and sailed by sea to America, which country was presently enveloped in the volume of the cloud. And I dimly saw
These vast armies devastate the whole country and pillage and burn the villages, towns, and cities that I had beheld springing up.
As my ears listened to the thundering of cannon, clashing of swords, and shouts and cries of the millions in mortal combat, I again heard the mysterious voice, saying: “Son of the Republic,
Look and learn.” When the voice had ceased, the dark, shadowy angel placed his trumpet once more to his mouth and blew along, a fearful blast. Instantly a light, as of a thousand suns, shone down from above me and pierced and broke into fragments the dark cloud that enveloped America. At the same
moment, I saw the angel upon whom the forehead still shone the word UNION, and who bore our national flag in one hand and a sword in the other descend from heaven, attended by legions of
bright spirits. These immediately joined the inhabitants of America, who I perceived were well-nigh overcome but who, immediately taking courage again, closed up their broken ranks.
“Son of the Republic, what you have seen is thus interpreted. Three perils will come upon the Republic.
The most fearful is the second, passing which, the whole world united shall never be able to prevail against her.
Let every child of the Republic learn to live for his God, his land, and Union.” With these words, the figure vanished. I started from my seat and felt that I had seen a vision, wherein had been shown to me the birth, progress, and destiny of the Republic of the United States. In UNION she will have strength; in DISUNION her destruction.
