Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1859-07-16

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and how abe succeeded In doing this Will pe
seen in the future.
CHAPTER II.
WASHINGTON 10 Be SURPRISED ~ PHILADELPHIA
On cold night in December, in the year
l776 might have been seen seated around
Gre in that old fashioned house, at the corner
of Fourth and West streets, Wilmington, a
group Of soldiers. The family had retired 10
bed, and left the party enjoying the Cheerful
blaze and peaceful security Of Quaker man
sion, A small table is standing in the middle
Of the foor, on which decanters and glasses
occupy q prominent position. The gentlemen
every now and then refresh themselves win
glass OF the sparkling liquid and then re-
sumo conversation, which may be better
understood by condensing some Of the re-
marks than otherwise the eldest Of the com
uauy proceeded in low confidential tone
Chow easily will itbe--in the darkness OF the
nisht-to cross the Delaware with three OF
our thousand men and attack the City on the
South while like number Is similarly ell
gagged on the upper side But then, General
consider the weather, and If an accident should
take place that would bring the Reble7 down
On u, while in the act OF crossing, what would
be the consequences" Why, the chance
looks very much as if we would not succeed
in our undertaking. But these Rebles cannot
know every thing we may land large force
and storm the city, before they could make
an effort to rally or repulso US The last
speaker was no other person than ucneral
Howe himself, who was connecting plans to
throw a large body OF men into Philadelphia
and drive Washington and his band OF pa
triots from their winter quarters Howe was
more Of diplomats than General, and in
some instances his cunning did more TO sub
due the Rebles than his bullets. He had just
issued his proclamation offering pardohs TO
all who would desert the Rebel cause; and
many men Of property who were DESTROYS o.
saving il from conilscation embraced the oneri
among whom were two exmembers OF Con
yress Galloway and Allen he was seli-reiant
ambitious and full OF vigor. They continued
their conversation One of the subordinates
arguing strongly against this new enterprise
and asserting II as his belief that to attempt
to cross the Delaware at this unreasonable
time Of the year would provo runious 10 th'
army and end in defeat. What, replied
Howe, +" have We an apoligist for rebellion
amongst lis have we a man here who woulo
| Ave aid and comfort to tho enemy by glvlhe
his coasul against discriminating these Rebels
who would shiver and shake before a scorch
nr fire, for fear that We should Come SUD
| lenly upon these mircreants and exterlninat'
them. Hoot begone with you and neve
more appear in my presence again That
will cross tho Delaware with my army an'
attack Philadelphia at both sides at once j
aot pioce Of romance" The young officer
that had seen proper TO differ, with his su
perior on subject Of SO much Importance
quietly Withdrew from tho company.
Howe drew up to the table and took draw
ng from his pocket and commenced LOOKING
carefully at the paper. With hisinstrument
he measured the different roads that led 4
philadelphia-.both above and below the city
While engaged in this occupation the part.
! 1T one at time snd the emisary OF royalt.
was alone. He still seemed absorbed in tn
study OF the paper before HIM, and then as
a new idea had struck him he drew anothe
paper from his pocket and measured IL ais
with his instruments. He continued this oc
cupation until late hour OF the night whel
ne carefully wrapped up hia papers aud de
posted them in the pocket Of his huge over
coat from whence he had drawn them and
after hanging his coat on nail in the doc
retired to bod. Feeling himself secure, lror
the fact that he slept in the housc Of Quaker
his sleep was sound one, and he did no
wake until late hour In the morning. Their
w2s one little incident that occurred soon ate
the British General had retired, that probabl
changed tho whole aspect OF affairs. Will
General Howe wa. laying his plan OF attac
upon Washington's forces in Philadelphia h
little dreamed that the straight bordered ca
of Edith was In close proximity to the doc
that led to tho parlor, and that she heard dii
tinctly the plan to be adopted to surprise til
patriots IN Philadelphia. With but one pur
pose did she eagerly catch overy word tina
was uttered, and as soon az che was full.
convinced that the ofhcer had retired, she en-
tered the room, with candle In hand and mad
hasty search for the paper. 1t was no
long before her bony fingers clutched the des
red instrument and she gazed at II with satis
faction. Friend OF tho tyrant thou vert mad
TO help him accomplish his ends and conque
valiant people, wouldit not be as we'll I
divert thy course and turn thy complicate
contents in another channell' She folie
up the paper, placed 1t in her bosom and LEI
tho room. In moment more, and she stoo
by tho side Of the bed Of her grand sen. Tn
young man arose from his sleep, rubbed hi
eyes and looked about with establishment
In quiet voice Edith proceeded -" Joshui
my son, thou hast II in thy power to do thy
country agreat good ifthou wilt" The youn,
man yawoed andlookedinquiringly at his granc
mother. Yes, Joshua, the enemy OF liberty