Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-06-25

The hills and wales of the Wissahikon slept in
the silence Of midnight, when solitary horse
man issued from the mass of forest trees, near
the haunted house, and taking his way across
an intervening field, presently reined in his steed
along the front ortho mansion.
1t was a small, one storied building marked
by style Of architecture which mingled the
steep, gabled-endod roof of cottage, with the
high and pointed windows Of the Gothic order;
while the ewes of the mansion were heavy with
carved work. the window frames were decorated
with quaint devices in wood, the numerous Chin
Ineys by which it was surrounded seemed as
much conrived for ornament as use, and the
general air and appearance ofthe place, indicat-
ed that il might have been the abode of some
wealthy admirer Of the country, who had here
fixed himsela home amid the solitude and shade
olthe woods. 1t was situated on a gentle cmi-
nence approached by steps Of stone, built in the
grassy bank, and the limited lawn which sopod
from three sides Of the picturesque ediice, was
terminated by pleasant grove Of the horse ches-
nut tree, that gave an air of secuSion to the
spot, while the ground in the rear, was occupied
by garden, once agreeabIy diversified with
flowers, but now overgrown and choked by
weeds. The editice had, in fact, been the sum-
mer abode Of a wealthy English merchant Of
Philadelphia, who was scared from its precincts
by the noise and confusion of war; Deserted
by its proprietor, the mansion had fallen into
partial decay, and was alternately occupied by
marauding parties Of the American and British
armies, who not unlrequently awoke the echoes
of its quiet walls, with sounds of mirlh and re-
very, which, perchance was the occasion of its
thn ho,ntoI b,rro tht, ,,l H.
of the drunken troopers being mistaken by the
surrounding farmers for the cries and shrieks Of
spirits of the unreal world.
As the horseman halted in front Of the haunted
house, figure, attired in the uniform of the
Black Rangers, advanced from the shade Of the
locust trees, eXclaiming-
"WeIl captain, is that youl Dennis and lieu
tenant Eeft have just come in-I was afraid
something mought happened TO YOU"
"Aye, sergeant, am back again without harm
or injury. But tell me-has the commander
in-chielarrived! lfmy eyes do not deceive me,
those dusky masses, scattered across the fields
yonder, are the American troops, and the gIim-
mer of their arms in the starlight shows that
they are ready for action at u moments warn
ing"
General Washington has arrivcd"-replied
the sergeant-"and the Black Rangers are hon
ored with the post Of guard around the haunted
house, But with regard 10 the information,
gathered tonight by the Rangers"
Having been put in possession of this iniorma-
ton, Herbert sprung from his horse, and was ad-
mitted by a sentinel, into the front chamber of
the mansion, where garing light burning up
on large oaken table, discovered the figures of
number Of officers, of various ranks and grades,
attred in the blue and buff uniform of the Cont
mental service.
sit will be advisable to begin the attack before
sunrise tomorrow morning''--eXcIaimed the
officer who sat at the head of the table, as cap
tain Tracy entered. "This is the plan of battle
agreed uPon," he continued, laying his hand up
on an unroled chart which was spread open upon
the table-''tho divisions of generals Sullivan
and Wayne, hanked by the brigade of general
Conway, are TO enter the village of Germantown,
and commence the attack, with the light infantry
of the enemy who are posted at Aliens house,
at some three miles distance from this place.
All! captain Tracy, | am glad to welcome YOU
back; how have you succeeded in your mis-.
sion?"
Herbert proceeded as briefly as possible to re.
late TO the commander-in-chief, the various facts
in his possession relative to the force, numbers,
and position ofthe enemy.
"The British line of encampment crosses the
village of Germantown at right angles" said