The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-05-25

passing strange" On the mind of DR.
James Craik, most deep and lasting i'm
preston was made, and in the war of the.
Revolution it became favourite theme
with him. particularly after any perilous ac-
tion, in which his friend and commander
had been particularly exposed, as the battle
OF Princeton, &c. The night previous to
the battle of Monmouth, several officers had
assembled, and were joined by the physi-
clan general of the army. The discourse
turned upon the probable issue of the suc-
ceeding day. 1t was agreed on all sides that
it would be day of blood. The evening
flushed with the victories of the September
and October, preceding, and protecting a
vast amount of baggage. The Americans,
proud of the fall of Burgoyne, and desirous
OF shelving their new allies, the French,
that they were deserving of their alliance, all
conspired to make it certain, that the battle
would be brayely contested, ard the issue
very doubtful. The general officers agreed
on the propriety of a remonstrance being
made to the Commandcr-in-C Chief, praying
that he would not expose his person; life
SO honoured and so dear to the struggling
liberties of his country, became a matter Of
warm solicitude to every member of the ar
my. Craik observed, know him too well,
to believe that aught which we could saw,
would for moment prevent him from the
exposure of his person, should the day 60
against us; but, gentlemen, recollect what
have often told YOU of the old Indians pro-
phecy. Yes, do believe, a /" Great Spirit
protects that man'--and that one day or o.
ther, honoured and beloved, he will be the
Chief OF our Nation, as he is now our gener-
al, our father, and our friend. Never mind
the enemy, they cannot kill him, and while
he lives, our cause will never die.
On the ever memorable day of Mon
mouth, the Commander-n-ch chief, having
given his orders to Major General General
the Marquis de la Fayette, was personally
engaged in forming the line of the main BODY.
near the courthouse. While speaking to a
favorite officer, think the brave and valued
Col. Hartley, of the Pennsylvania line, a can
non ball struck just at his horses feet, throw
ing the dirt in his face, and over his clothes,
the General continued giving his orders,
without noticing the arrangement of his toll
cite. The officers present, several of whom
were of the party the preceding evening,
looked at each other with anxiety The
Chief of the medical staff, pleased with the
proof OF his prediction, and in reminiscence
of what had passed the night before, pointed
toward Heaven, which was noticed by the
others with gratifying smile of acknowl-
edgment.
Of the brave and valued Colonel Hartley,
it is said that the Commando -cffief sent
for him in the heat of an engagement; and
addressed him as fsllows-"I have sent. for
you OIL serious piece of service. The state
of our affairs, renders il Unnecessary that part
of this army should be sacrificed, for the
welfare Of the whole. You command an eff
fective corps, fine regiment of Germans
from York and Lancaster counties.) l know
you we'll, and have therefore, selected you.
to perform this important and serious duty.
You will take such a position, and defend it
to the last extremity" The Colonel re-
ceived this appointment to forlorn hope,
with smile of exultation, bowling, replied
''Your Excellency does me too much honor:
your orders shall be obeyed to the letter.
and repaired to his post.
will not be positive as to the location of
this anecdote, having heard it from the old
people of the Revolution, many years ago.
but think it occurred on the field of Mon
of this am not certain. That
have an hundred times seen Col. Hartley
received in the halls of the Great President.
where SO many Revolutionary worthless were
made welcome, that to none, was the hand of
and frindly recollection, more feel
ingly offered; on none, did the merit-tlis-
corning eye of the Chief, appear to beam
with more pleasure, than Hartley of York"