Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-07-30
COUNT PULASKI.
AN INCIDENT AT HIS QUARTERS.

On the night before the battle of Brandy
wine was sent with message from Gen.
Greene to the Count Pulaski, a noble Polan-
der, who took prominent part in our con-
test for freedom. He was quartered in a
neat farm house, near the upper fords. At
ter our business was finished, the Count
asked me to take some refreshments, and
at the same time he called out, "Mary, my
lass-Mary!'
In an instant rosy checked girl EN- :
tered, her face beaming with JOY, it would
seem, at the very sound ofPulaski's voice.
''Did you call me, Count" said she very
!imidly. - /,
"How often have l told you, little love"
said he, bending his tall form to kiss her
cheek, "not to call me Count; call me your
dear Pulaski. This is Republic, my little
favorite. We have no Counts, you know.
"But you are Count, sir,when at home,
and they say you came long way over the
ocean, to fight for u.s."
eyes, yes, Mary, very true, dld come
long way; but one reason was, | mad to
come in measure. Now, can you get for
this gentleman and myself a little refresh.
ment? He has long way toride tonight. y
"Certainly, sir" and she went out OF the
room like fairy. :.
ga fine little peasant girl, )" said Pulaski.
"Would that | had the wealth that once
had, Iwould give her portion that would
send half the youths hereabouts after her
sweet face"
The girl soon returned with part of fine
boiled ham, some delicious fresh rye bread,
and butter, pickles, and few little ct cete-
ras which relished exceedingly.
After refreshing myself to my satisfaction,
I took my departure, and rode speedily to
the main camp.
On the morning ofthe 18th of September,
1777, the British army advanced in full
force to Chadd's ford, for the purpose of
crossing Brandywine creek, and bringing on
an action with Washington. Sir William
Howe drove across the creek MaxwelPs di-
vision, by ten o'clock, at one of the lower
fords.
The Hessian General Knyphausen, with
a large force, advanced up the side of the
creek, and uniting with Lord CORVALLIS,
who commanded the left wing of the army,
crossed at the upper fords of the river and
creek.
1t was late in the afternoon when the re-
ality of the fight commenced; and as the
action ragged from right to left, Green's dl-
vision, to which l belonged, was brought
into the midst of the conflict, commanded
by Washington in person.
1t so happened, during the raging of the
conflict, in carrying orders, passed imme-
diately in the direction of Pulaski's quarters,
that had visited the night before. Situa-
ted as the house was, in the midst OF the
battle, curiosity induced me to ride up
Suddenly sheet of flame burst forth. The
house was on fire Near the door step lay
the body of Mary, her head cut open by
sabre, and her brains oozing out from the
terrible deep wound. | had been there
more than a half minute when Pulaski, at
the head of troop of cavalry, galloped rap
idly to the house. Never shall forget the
expression of his face, as he shouted like
demon on seeing the inaninate form-"Who
has done this -
A little boy that had not before noticed,
who was lying amid the grass, his leg dread
fully mangled, said-"there they CO." He
pointed to a company of Hessians, or An
spach granadiers, then some distance off.
"Right wheel, men-charge!"
And they did charge; do not think one
man of that Hessian corps ever left the
field except TO be placed in the grave.
The last saw of Pulaski on the battle
ground of Brandywine, he was bearing in
his arms the lifeless body of poor Mary.