Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1859-08-06
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 1859.


British soldiers as they marched through an
enemies country.
Late in the afternoon the sound of cannon
was heard at the front of the army. 1t was
evident that the advance of the British had
come in contact with the American army. AS
soon as the sound struck the ear of Cornwall
lis, he looked around to see the Quaker. Now
was the time to bring in acquisition this i'm
portant individual, but he could not be seen.
Inquiry was made of his whereabouts, but
little information could be had of him. One
had seen him lettering behind another had
seen him ride into the woods, but no one had
seen him return. After diligent search had
been made it was ascertained that he was not
to be found in the army, nor could any deii-
mite knowledge be had of him. The General
was no little mortified to think that he had lot
the young Quaker slip through his fingers so
easily.
For the present let us turn our attention to
the American camp, near Trenton. 1t is al
ternoon; the roll OF the drum is heard beating
" uuuitcIS lic bihnA Si"SfN "a fAAe'
kerry is heard along the road leading from the
interior of Jersey and the men are hurrying
to and fro making preparations for the deadly
conflict. Ere yet cannon is fired, our young
Quaker is seen riding at tho top of his speed
towards Washington's head quarters. AT
every sentinels post he gives the pass word,
and hurries on as fast as the legs OF his horse
will ply. ARRIVING at the marquee of the Cen
eral with his horse covered with foam, he dis
mounts and stands before Washington. 1t was
but the work of moment for Joshua to I'M
fold the secret of his bosom, and inform the
American commander of the amount of forces
he had to contend against.
The battle waxed warmer, and the sound OF
the conflict drew nearer and nearer. Officers
were hurrying to their posts-men were mo
wing from one part of the encampment to
another Every thing was excitement and
hustle. Joshua threw aside his Quaker ap-
parel, and once more appeared dressed as an
American officer. They confer together.
Washington appears tnoughtful he is not
rily. lie deemed his present position not suf-
flciently fortified by nature to warrant resis-
tance. Orders were given for the forces to
retire over the Assumpinck ..rivulet and take
their post upon the high. ground. Joshua,
although fatigued with his constant labor, de-
livered the orders of Washington with alac.
rity. The movement was made, the com
manding position gained, and the rebels com
menced tremendous fire of grape upon the
advancing enemy which threw them into
disorder. General Grant rallied the discom-
fitted forces and led the attack. Still the fire
of grape moved them down they fell lire
grain before the scythe of the husbandman.
Bafiled at the outset, but still determined to
conquer or fall in the attempt, the ranks were
filed UP with fresh men who charged with
impetuosity the American redoubt; but still
the furious cannon belched forth their deadly
missiles, and the minions of Great Britain
either retreatcd or fell before the blow. This
kind of warfare continued until dark neither
party getting the advantage.
Washington, ever careful Of the lives of his
soldiers, profting by the information brought
by Joshua, withdrew the army about midnight
and marched, through circuitous route
through Allentown and proceeded towards
Princeton. While retreating towards Prince
ton, the army encountered three regiments o
the enemy under Colonel Mawhood, making
forced marches to join CORVALLIS. Soon tht
war clarion rang-the thunder of cannon and
the ciaag of arms broke upon the morning
breeze. This impetuous attack was so well
timed and sudden, that the enemy retreated
in,e every direction. Time was too pressing tC
follow up. this advantage, consequently Wash
ington pressed on towards Princeton. There
had been left regiment at this place which
was attacked and large numberof the .epemy
made prisoners.
Throughout these engagements Joshu;
played the conspicuous part of aid-de-caml
to the General. His duties called him in th'
thickest Of the fight, and wherever there wai
the most danger he considered the most ser
vice was to be rendered. In many instance
he almost forgot his peaceable character, t.
personally direct some Of the missiles of wa
that would do the most damage to the enemy
Washington fully appreciated the services h
had rendered the American cause, and ol
more than one occasion spoke of him in tn
highest terms of commentator.
| In the battle of Princeton the cause of Free
dom was compelled to mourn the loss of tina
gallant and most valuable of officers, Genera
Mercer. Among the wounded was numbers
James Monroe, who was afterwards electe
President of the United States.
CORVALLIS with his superior army still pul
sued the Americans with vigor characters
tic of the bold and intrepid soldier, which III
enemies never doubted him to be. With tn
enemy pressing upon his rear, Washingto
crossed Milestone creek and broke down tn
bridge at Kingston. Here, from utter es
haustion, the pursuit ended. The army undS
Washington had been actively engaged
marching and fighting for several days, an
the enemy had become equally as fatigue
from their tolls. They were both willing
mutually conclude an armistice and rest upo
their arms. The Americans established the
headquarters at Norristown, place situate
among hills, and peculiarly adapted to d
fence.
The campaign of 1776 was one full of intere
to the people, and of the utmost importan
to the American arms. The whole countr
south of Jersey, was free from the invade
who was principally confined to the city
New York and to Rhode Island, where, for u