Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1843-03-07

The Head Quarters John the distinguished ar
list and the last Of the ABIDE Camps and Jonathan
Military Secretary 10 the Commandorin-C Chief al
the siege OF Yorktown.
But one atcmp, was made TO surprise the Head
Quarters during the war. The army lay in Jor
sey. The enemy, taking advantage Of their IA
cilIties for water communication, and under cover
Of night, landed in considerable force short dis
lance above the American camp, and made splr.
tied attack upon It's outposs. The alarm soon
extended to the Headquarters where Lady Wash.
lngton always so called by the soldiers) and the
Lac les OF several of the general officers were So
Journlng during the winter quarters The Life
Guard rushed TO the house, the windows were
taken on, in moment, the doors barricadcd, aud
the ICONS and staircases fllej with armed men
Cannon were dragged into the yards, and every
preparation made for vigorous defence, Anaid
de-camp proposed that the ladies should be remov.
ed under an escort TO place Of safety. This
Washington at once refused gallantlv Observing
mo, Colonel, let the ladies remain where they are
that they may see how bravely we will defend
them" and then mounted his charger and proce.
dcd the scene OF action. Meantime the firing was
distinctly heard, and evidence of battle became
painfully apparent in the wounded borne along in
the arms Of their comrades N search Of medical
assistance. After short, but sharp skirmish, the
firing ceased altogether the enemy finding them
selves bafiled in their hopes ola surprise retreat
cd to their boats and gained the eastern bank OF
the Hudson. Day was now breaking, and the
ladies were gratifedl in beholaing the Commander.
michel, with biS Staff and the general officers re-
turning at full gallop to the Headquarters
Among the great variety of persons and char
acter that were to be found from time to time at
and about the Headquarters, was the famed Cap
tain Molly After her heroic achievements at the
battle OF Monmouth, the heroine was always re-
ceved with a cordial welcome at Headquarters
where she was employed in the duties ofthe house
hold. She always wore an artleryman's coat
with the cooked hat and feather, the distinguished
costume of Proctors artillery. One day the Chie
accosted this remarkable woman, while she was
engaged i'll washing some clothes, pleasantly OBJ
serving; "Wcll Captain Molly, are you not al
mos, tined of this quiet way of life and longing to
be once more on the field of bauley' "Trolh
your Exccllency," replied the heroine Sand we
may say that; for care not how soon have an
other slap at them red coats, bad luck to them y
"But what is to become OF your pet,icoais in such
an event, Captain Molly?" ooh, long life to
your Excelcncy, and never do We mind them al
all at nl Sure and it's only in the artillery your
Excellcncy knows that would sarve and dvil q
fear but the smoke Of the cannon will hide my pet
ticoats"
name ana memory OF Headquarters OK
pred not with the war of the Revolution, but was
preserved in the Presidoliads of New ork nd
Philadcph where hundreds of the war-worn
veterans Of the days of trial repaired, as they said
to headquarters, to pay their respects and enquire
after the health Of his Excelency and the good
Lady Washington All were made welcome
and "kindly hidden to stay" and while they quaf-
fed generous glass to the health oftheir beloved
Chief the triumphs of Trenton and Princeton, of
Monmouth and Yorktown, "were freshly remem-
beredn
And poor Pat, too, reverently with hat in hand
would approach the Headquarters "To be sure.
he would say, he well knew his Excellcncy had
no time TO spare to the likes of him. He just
caled',o enquire after his Honor's health, long
life to him. and to the good Lady Washington
the poor soldiers friend" But taking the stew
ard aside, with knowing look would observe
"Now, my darlint, if his Excelency should hap.
pen TO enquire who it that called iist tell him
it was one Of Mad Anthony's boys Hurrah for
AmerikyP And repeating the shout that had so
often rung above the battles roar the veteran would
60 on his way.
1t may be in the course OF human events. that
upon the places at Morristown and the Valley
Forge, where the soldier of liberty erected his
cherries hut, the domes and spires of cities may
arse in the splendid progress of mighty empire
but the patriotic American ofthat future day. proud
of the fame Of the Father Of his Country and glo
rying in the recollection of Americas heroic time
will pass by the palaces of pomp and power to
pay homage to the Wondering ruins of the Head
quarters.