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

portunity that could have oiiered wouiu haFe
pleased Joshua better than this accidental ar
rival Taking hold of his jaded animal he
forced him into barn yard near by and
awaited the approach of the enemy. In less
time than it takes us to chronicle the event, a
detachment from the main army arrived and
surrounded the house. Joshua stood calm and
looked upon the proceedings with stoical in
difference. An officer approached and viewed
him inquisitiyely. The Quaker stood the scru-
tinizing without the least disposition to avoid
coming in contact with the enemy. The Off
Ger addressed Joshua thus:
"Mr. straight coat, is this your private resi-
dence i'
"No," harshly replied the Quaker.
"You appear rather gruff, why don't you
invite us in to partake of some OF the good
things of this world, which are always to be
found in the domicil of the broad brims ?"
"For one very good and substantial reason"
answered Joshua.
"What is that 70 demanded the officer.
al have just received my walking papers
myself.'
"Ohi hot Not on good terms with the
rebels them What are you doing heref"
"I am endeavoring to find resting place
for the soles of my feet if it were possible. But
from what observe, there will be but little
rest for me here. Driven from post to pillar,
| find livelihood is to be had with great
deal of difficulty. Three short days ago had
lad al,
am an outcast upon. the world, without the
common necessaries of life to sustain me and
place to lay my head,
"What is the trouble with you, young
man ~ inquired the officer.
ssMy trouble is to be driven from my home
and seek my bread abroad among strangers,
because. wicked men see proper to rebel
against their loyal sovereign, and we, men OF
peace, dare to think they err.'
"Ahl hahi understand you now. The
rebels have been using you rather rough be-
cause you do not give them aid and comfort y
"Just so,' neplied Joshua, 81 have been
driven from myAome, simply because would
not embrace the side of rebellion"
"You belong in Philsdelphiaf"
"Yes.u
Are there many rebel sSFdiers there 7"
"No, not so many now the forces are, in
measure devfded part of them are en-
camped at Trenton"
The countenance of the officer frightened
as he heard of the division of the American
forces. lie continued to interogate him:
.How many men do you suppose are en-
camped at Trentona"
"Not more than three thousand" replied
Joshua.
"How many in Philadelphia ~
"About two thousand"
Joshua while answering the interogatories
Of tho officer, was quietly engaged in taking
care of his horse. This accomplished in com-
pany with his companion, he emerged from
the barn yard To his surprise the whole
British army was advancing. He stood and
viewed the passing soldiers, with as little con-
cern as if they had been band of MALTA upon
training day.
Before he left Philadelphia, Washington
had made some suggestions to the young
Quaker, that doubtless was beneficial to him.
Among them was to be discrete in his Ian
guage. Newer forgetting to use the dialect OF
the Quaker, ses Long as he wore the garb, and
never TO fuse il except when he wore the
straight coat and broad brimed hat. This
was becoming difficult for him.to do; as he
was continually practicing ip his mind, the
language of the soldier. However, the ming
Ling Of few thee's and thou's with the Jam
guage of the camp, was not perceived by his
companion.
CORVALLIS having arrived opposite the
house where Joshua and the officer were en-
gagged in conversation, stopped to converse
few minutes, and to give some instructions to
the officer, concerning forageing party that
was engaged in procuring the necessary pro-
vender, &C., for the army. The officer intro
duced joshua as one of the prosecuted loyal
lists who had been compelled to give up his
home and to seek safety in Aight--that he
was man ~ good circumstances in Philadel-
phia, but owing to his royal cause, he had
been compelled to leave every thing he pos
sessed in the world, and fly to the army FOL
protection. The General gruay replied, "thai
the rebels should repent these acts of injus-
tice, in sack cloth and ashes"
He inquired all the particulars concerning
4 the strength of the rebel forces how many
| were still in Philadelphia, and how many had
| marched to Trenton. The questions were
satisfactorily answered, and CORVALLIS made
preparations to proceed. Placing his hand tt
his brow, he paused as if revolving in his mind
some important subject, then turning to th'
Quaker, he inquired:
Have you ever been to Trenton ~
Joshua answered in the affirmative.
| "Have you any idea Of the situation OF thu
army 2"
| "I think I have.''
| "Could you so direct our steps as IT, arriv'
at the weakest part his encampment" !"
81 think could direct thy steps SO as t.
be of advantage to thee, but do not know
whether could designate his weakest poin
or not"
"When were you in Trenton last?"
"About thrte weeks ago." was the reply.
"What was, your business there at tina
time"
Z" was obliged to flee there for safety"
Corvallis saw at glance the real state
the case, and he argued to himself that II tn
Quaker had become so obnoxious to the rebel
he might be of eminent service to him, in hi
proiected attack upon the enemy at Trenton