, 1858-08-06

courtesy, Lydia found no time for apology, or
idle words. but at once proceeded to deliver her
self Of the intelligence which she had SO happily
gained from the lips Of the British adjutant-gen-
eral The surprise Of Washington may wen be
conceived, when he heard all that the good
woman had to say, though from the usual calm.
ness of his features Il was oftentimes difficult 10
trace in the expression Of his countcnance any
emotion, either Of pain or pleasure. Always
careful 10 be correctly informed himself and
cautious about receiving Is truths every rumor
that is uttered by busy tongues, or fell upon the
public ear, he questioned Mistress Hanah most
particularly regarding what she had heard, and
why in the first place she had been tempted to
listen; and being well satisfied that what she
said could be depended upon, he offered To reward
her for her Githfulness, which she declined with
a dclicacy that forbade him to be importuuate
upon the subject. ~.
At any rate" said he with smile, "allow
me. in the name Of the army, and of the coun-
try, to thank you for this excellent service;
and, at the same time, permit me to say, that il
a wise Providence Ordains that shah again hold
my quarters in your good city, Ishall take occa-
sion to thank you more particularly, in person,
at your own residence. In the meantime must
bid you good day, for, as our friends, the Brit
ish, intend us the favor Of visit tomorrow
evening, we must neglect nothing to give them .
reception worthy of such distinguished guests"
Bowing Lydia out Of his tent, he ordered the
sergeant Of the guard to escort her to the out
posts, from whence she hastened back to the
mill, and with her small grist Of meal, re-passed
the British lines, and returned to the city-gain-
ing her own house without interruption or sus-
picion. d5ilsh ~
Now in the camp Of Washington al was bus
tie. The pickets were extended, the guard dou-
bled, and orders given that no person should be
allowed to come into or 90 from the camp, with
out an especial passport from the commander,
and every necessary preparation was made TO
give their expected visitors gallant anA salts
factory reception; but to all the officers the sud-
den change from inactivity to lie was . mystery,
though some were shrewd enough to surmise
that the general, from some cause we'll founded
in his own reason, intended to attack the British
in their quarters in Philadelphia, and by com
pellng thom to eyacuats, establish himself in the
city for the winters position much more desir-
able than the cold and cheerless situation already
cOntemplated--yalley Forge. However al their
surmises failed to account for the present conli
ton Of affairs; and Washington considered the
secret Of 50 much importance, that be deemed It
would be imprudent to reveal Il until the last
moment. srf
Well, the evening Of the 4th came, and out
from the guarded and sentineled city marched
the British troops The air wos not cold for the
season, and the sky was somewhat overcast and
misty, afording fine opportunity for the ma
n@uvring Of General Howe's scheme On they
marched, as silently as possible, but as conf
dent as Hercules, until they had approached
within three-quarters Of mile of the American
pickets, when halt was commanded, and scouts
sent out to reconnoitre. ,s4
It was nowa moment Of intoleiab anxiety
to Howe and his officers They had now reach
ed the neighborhood Of Chestnut Hill, and Of, .
mile Distant in the valley below, lay in complete
silence the American army. The general rode
out few rods in advance, accompanied only BY
an aid, and with his night glass sought the lines
Of the rebel encampment; but the darkness and
the mist had grown more impenetrable, and no.
thing could be discovered to indicate that the
enemy were at all suspicious Of danger; not even
a campfire could be seen, nor the challenge Of
the sentry heard-the silence was indeed omin-
Ors, and 50 thought Howe who, addressing the
acknowledgement remarked: .aa ri
"In the fce Of al the precautions which We
have taken to secure secrecy in this movement
! can scarcely think it probable that Washington
is aware Of our intentions, and has laid his plans
to surprise US; but this unwonted silence Is 50
oppressive--lhe darkness in the direction Of his
camp is 50 iinpenetrable-that have my suspi-
cions." s,7s.
"Your excellency will note" replied the aid.
"that the damp and 6gy state Of the atmOs-
phere is not favorable to the transmission Of
sounds or lights" -..., ~ .r.'.... ~.
"True, indeed. But one might expect to catch
some whisper, in the neighbOrhoOd Of an encamp.
cd army, even in such night-a murmur, even,
however indistinct; but the silence here is too
intense, and must have a meaning in it"
"True, your excellency; but perhaps your
anxiety for the success Of our expedition leads
you to give more importance 10 these appearances
than they really deserve" i
"Well, perhaps it is 50. Let US ride in, and