Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-09-13
THE DAILY PRESS.
FRIDAY a..-...............-..sF sFPrEMBBR rs
TnE FUGITIVE LIEUTENANT.

freeZlng ana starving at N0uey forge, ana
the British army was rioting and luxuriat-
ing in Philadelphia, that lame dirty, beg
early-lookiDg fellow, walking with o crutch,
approached the northern outpost of the
Royal forces, and, with q simple, idotic
laugh and leer, announced his intention of
entering the city and taking the British
General prisoner.
nIndeed then l shall be under the ne
cessity of arresting you'll" said young sub
altern, winking at some of his companions,
and assuming a serious air.
ole he he /" laughed the idiot; "just
you try it, that's all"
"Why, my good fellow, what would you
do2"
"Do?" exclaimed the other, drawing him
self up with an air of defiance; "why, I'd
tell the great General Washington
"Then | am afraid to venture on your ar
rest So, pass on-you will probably find
General Howe prepared to receive you"
The idiot suddenly looked troubled, ganc-
ing about him warily and suspiciously, as
if he feared he might meet the General he
was so boldly going to capture, but finally
hobbled off toward the city. With some such
silly dialogue he got past the different SEN
tries, who seemed to give him no thought
beyond the amusement Of the time. by
night he was fairly within the town, and
kept on his way, sometimes humming
snatches of old songs, and, in general, not
much noticed by any. Through one street
after another he continued to hobble for
ward, till he came to one Of no great length,
containing block of three-story, respecta-
BILE looking houses, which might be occupied
by persons in middling circumstances.
This street was not lighted, and appeared
deserted, so, that when he stopped before
one of the dwellings, he was not perceived
He knocked at the door, and woman's
head appeared at the second-story window.
"WOn't you give me something to eat,
maam2 I'm nearly starvedW said the
idiot.
dyes, poor fellowl" replied the woman,
in kindly tone; sin minute will hand
you something.
Soon after lower shutter was pushed
little back, and q hand, containing some
bread and meat, was thrust out.
"Motherp said low voice.
"Gracious Heavenln p exclaimed the female
within, in an agitated tone.
"Hush !" returned the beggar, in q
guarded whisper.
A moment after the door was thrown
open.
eyes, maam-thank you'll don't care if
do" said the beggar, as if in reply to an
invitation to come in, at the same time
crossing the Threshold, with an appearance
of deep humility.
The moment the door closed behind him
the man dropped his crutch and threw hi:
arms around the other, fairly sobbing.
"Mother dear, dear motherH
UWilliam |" exclaimed the other, pressing
the ragged mendicant to her heart; "oh, my
dear, dear William what is the meaning
of this 2 and how is it / find you hear in
this sad plight"
81 have passed the British lines in this
disguise, playing The fool to the sentries.
But tell me how you are dear mother, and
how you fare in these troublous times?'
Indiferently well, my son. The British
are our masters, here, but so far have
little to complain of in the way of personal
treatment. Provisions are scarce and high,
and only by the strictest economy shall
be able to live through, if they continue to
retain possession of the city any consider
able length of time. Your sister Mary is at
your uncle's in Delaware, and will deeply
regret that she has missed this opportunity
of seeing you"
"And are you alone, motherM
''No; two English gentlemen are board
ing with me"
'Do they belong to the army ?" inquired
the young man, quickly and uneasily; "and
are they now in the house ??
"No theyapp to be private gentlemen
Of some means, and neither is within at
present. But you look troubled-have you
any thing to fear, my son?'
"lf detected, ! may be hung as o spy"
1o;
in alarm; ''you terrify me Are you here
without permission? without pass? ?"
"Yes-did l not say played the fool to
the sentries, and so got past them?
"But l thought that was for your own
discovered Why did you venture in this
desperate manner?'
81 could not get pass, and I was so
anxious to see you and Mary that l resolved
to risk ALL"
"Quick, then, come up stairs, and let us
fix upon hiding-place at once, before any
thing happens Oh, William, am SO
alarmedW
Both hastened up stairs to the third story,
and, after considering several places de,
oided that the loft, close under the roof
might be the best for concealment, as tht
trap-door leading to it could be fastened
underneath, which would tend to blind
search; while the young man, if pressed
could escape to the roof, and, by means o
o long rope, fastened to the chimney, coult
lower himself into either the yard or the
street. This would not insure his escape
but it was the best plan the two could thinl
of, and served TO render both less fearful o
detection and the serious consequences
Having provided the rope, the mother hast
ened to bring up large quantity of food
which her son began to devour with a ra
venousness that showed he had told no un
truth, when, in the character of beggaI
ne had delared himself in state bordering
on starvation.
While he was eating his mother plieC
him with questions concerning the army
Valley Forge, in which he held lieuten
ants commission, and which he had left oi
furlough; and the answers of the youn
soldier depicted a state Of destitution an
suffering that caused his hearer to weep 70
very sympathy. Three thousand soldier
had been down on the sick list at one timt
and, without the common necessaries
life, had perished by hundreds; while (
those capable of doing duty, scarcely on
had q blanket to cover him at night, {
food enough TO keep soul and body togethe
Pale, emaeiated, ragged and dirty, man
with bare feet upon the frozen earth, the
walked shivering through the camp by da.
and crowded themselves together at nigh
IN 0af What Ift1a xUopptb thay cnu1d fro