Many believe the story to be authentic, but most historians believe it is a legend, similar to the story of George Washington chopping down the cherry tree. Historians point out the story of the angelic vision was unknown during Washington’s life. It is first found in the writings of Charles Alexander (1836-1927) who wrote fictional “dream” stories about many famous Americans. Alexander wrote that in 1859, a 99-year-old man named Anthony Sherman, who claimed to have been an aide to George Washington, confided to the author. In the National Tribune, 1880, an article appeared giving an account of the "Vision of Washington" at Valley Forge. The article was reprinted in the Stars and Stripes on December 21, 1950.