Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-09-01
BURS UNDER THE SADDLE.
REVOLUTIONARY SKETCH.

Z Il
REVOLUTIONARY SKETCH.
During the month of March, 1873, the Brit
ish army being at Philadelphia, and the Amer
lean forces at Valley Forge, the American
commander-in-c n-chicf was desirous of having
some information concerning the state of af-
fairs in the city, and desired Captain Allen
M'Lane to pick him out few truSty men for
the purpose M'Lane selected five of his own
men, with Sergeant John Marks for leader,
and sent the latter to headquarters to receive
Instructions.
Marks was very young man to be entrusted
with important services, being only twenty
two years of age; but M'Lanc had frequently
marked his conduct in camp and field, had
made himself well acquainted with his charac
ter, and knew that lie could be thoroughly re-
lied on. Marks lank, bony fellow, with
high cheek bones, square NV. and rather large
mouth but he had a fine. expressive eye, his
features were exceedingly noble, and his coun-
tenance entirely under his control. With this
he possessed great powers of mimicry, which
he used to show OFF frequently for the amuse-
Inent of his comrades, and had a reputation
for shrewdness. His muscular system had not
received its full development; but his habits
had made him almost as active as panther.
lie was fully instructed by General Washing
ton as 10 the information desired, and left
camp at dark, arriving in short time at Port
Kennedy, on the Schuylkill. AT that point
lie struck across the country, and by means of
by-wavs, with which he was we'll acquainted :,
having been raised in the neighborhoOd, eva
ded the scouting parties of the enemy, and ar
rived at Mantua soon after dark. Here he
posted his little troop, in cedar hollow, over
look ing the river; while he, in the disguise of
countryman, with a sack Of vegetables that
he had stolen from garden in the neighbor
hood, rode into the city. He not only escaped
detection, but managed to sell his vegetables
to Il member of Howe's staff, was taken to the
generals presence, and in return for false in
formation in regard TO Washington'S move
ments, managed TO learn some facts of impor-
tsnce. Promising to return in few days,
with more vegetables, he was enabled to leave
the town leisurely, with 4 passport in his pock-
ct, and some sugar. coffee, and other articles
of like nature, in his sack He joined his
men without suspicion, about night fall, and
after dark the little party set out on its return
Now had Marks kept in the course by which
he came, it is possible he could have reached
the American lines in good time, and safely.
But it happened that about mile from the
river, at point nearly opposite Spring Mill,
there lived farmer named M'Illvaine, who,
although Quaker and non-combatant, was
well-diSposcd toward the American cause.
MIIvaine had a daughter, named Priscilla, a
young and handsome girl, to whom Marks was
strongly attached, but who had never betrayed
any symptoms of affection in return. The
mer route but lover-like, the trooper took his
men in that direction. 1t was late in the night
when he neared the piace-the moon was down
yet it was probably some satisfaction for the
young man to look upon the building where
lie supposed his latly-loye to be buried in re-
pose.
As they silently and swiftly passed along,
the Watchdog of the farm began TO bark, the
inmates of the house were alarmed, and u light
ar one of the windows showed them TO be stir
ring. At the same moment horseman rode
unexpectedly from the shadow of 4 small
patch of woods on the left, and challenged the
newcomers. The answer was pistol shot
from Marks, which tnmbled the challenger
from his horse. a general alarm at the farm
house succeeded and was answered by a bugle
call short distance ahead. Marks found that
he had come upon 4 post of the enemy, and
dashed on with his force. At the turn of the
road, i hundred yards further, they found d
small detachment formed across their path.
As the Americans knew the road forked on
the other side of this force, and their chances
of escape were good if they could reach the
left hand road, which was mere by-path, to
DC ridden by only one horscman at time,
they charged with sword in hand.
Three of the troops managed to break thro'
and escaped, but Marks and stout trooper by
the name of Gail, from Bucks county, were
intercepted, and obliged to cross sabres with
the enemy. 1t proved useless to contend with
superior numbers. by this time reinforced by
others from the farm house; and after short
and severe contest, resulting in the death of
ono Of the British troops, the two Americans
were taken prisoners, and carried back to the
house of M'Illvaine.
Marks was filled with chagrin, partly at his
folly in taking the most dangerous path, and
partly at his inability to convey to the Com
mander-in-chief the valuable information he
had picked up in the city. He vclled this
modification, however, in cool and careless
demeanor, and in reply to the lieutenant COM
manding the British detachment, said that he
had been out on foraging party, had lost his
way, and managed to get almost within sight
OF the city before he discovered his blunder.
Priscilla, who with the rest of the family, was
now awake and dressed, saw, but apparently
ala not recognize Marks. After some more
questions, which were answered in what seem
ed 10 be an open manner, the lieutenant di-
rected the Americans to be placed, securely
bound and guarded, in an upper room of the
house, there to remain until morning. By way
OF comfort he gave them the assurance that
they would both be hanged as spies.