Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1862-06-08
THE FUGITIVE LIEUrENAN r.

THE FUGITIVE LIEUTENAN
II was while the American army was freezing
and starving at Valley Forge, and the British
army were riotiog and luxuriating in Philadel-
phia, that a lame, dirty, beggarly looking fel-
low, walking with q orutch, approached the
Northern outpost Of the royal forces, and, with
simple, idiotic laugh and leor, announced his
intention of entering the city, aud taking the
British general prisoner.
"Indeed! then ehall be under the necessity
Of arresting you," said q young subaltern, wink.
ing at some of his companions, and assuming a
serious air.
"He! ho! hom laughed the idiot; "iust you
"Why, my good fellow. what would yOu
do2' 80.
"Do!" exclaimed the other, drawing himself
up with an air of defanre-"why, I'd tell the
great General Washington"
"TheD, I'm afraid to enter upon your arrest
80 pass Oh; you will probably find General Howe
prepared to receive you"
The idiot suddenly looked troubled, glancing
about him wearily and suspicioualy,as If he
feared he might meet the general he was sC
boldly going TO capture, but, finally, hobblet
OF toward the city. With some such silly
dialogue, he got past the different sentries
who seemed to give him no thought beyond
the amusement of the time. By night he wal
fairly within the town, and kept on his way
sometimes humming enatches of old songs, and
in general, not much noticed by any. Through
one. street after another, he continued to hob
BILE forward, until he came to one OF great length
containing q block Of three story respectabl,
houses, which might have been occupied b,
pers Ins In middle circumstances. This stree
was not lighted and appeared deserted, 80 tha
wben be stepped before one of the dwellings b.
was NOT perceived. He knocked at the door
A Woman's head appeared at the second stor,
window. .srt ,ss!ru
"Won'tyou give me something to eat, ma am
I'm nearly starved" said the idiot.
"Xes, poor iellow!" replied the woman, in
kindly tone; ''in minute will hand you some
thing" SIag 'si--a,.g Eu
Soon after lower shutter Was pushed bAcH
and hand containing some bread and met
| Was thrust out ~.-s i-irra sasos4 il'I t.l
"ldother," said o low voice.
"Gracious heaven exclaimed the femsl
within In an sgitated tone.
"Hush!" returned the beggsr, in guarde
whisper.
Z A moment after, and the door was throw
open. q
Yes, ms'sm--thsnky you--don't care if Ido,'
% II In answer to an invitation to come In, q
the same time crossing the threshold, with al
appearance Of deep humiliation.
The moment the door closed behind him, tn
man dropped his crutch, and flung his arm
around the other, farley sobbing-
"Mother! dear, dear mother"
"Williamw exclaimed the other, pressing th
ragged mendicAnt to her heart; "oh! my dear
dear, William! what is the meaning Of this
and how isit that / find you in this sad plightl
81 have passed the British lines In this dis
guise, playing the fool to the sentries. Bu
tell me how you are, dear mother, and hoV
you fare In these troublesome times7"
"Indiferently well, my son. The Britis
are our masters here; but, so far, have littl
to complain OF, in the way Of personal treatment
Provisions are very scarce, and high, and onl
by the strictest economy, shall be able to liv
through, If they continue to retain possession
Of the city any considerable time. Your sister
Mary, is at your uncle's in Delaware, and vii
deeply regret that che missed this opportunit
Of seeing you"
care you alone, mother7"
"No; two English gentlemen are boArdin
with me.p -1 .. ....e
"Do they belong to the armyw inquired th
young man, quickly, uneasilY; "and are they i
the house7"
"No, they appear to be private gentlemen, O
some means, and neither is within, at present
But you look troubled; have you anything +
fear, my son2"
"if detected, my be hung as spy"
"Good heavens" exclaimed the mother, |
alarm; "You terrify me. Are you here with
out permission, without pass7
| GYaa did mt an / nIavad tho fool th
sentries, and got past themf"
"But thought that was for your own amust
ment. Oh, William, If you should be dit
covered. Why did you venture in this desperat
manner7"
81 could not get q pass, and Twas so an1
lous to see you and Mary, that ] resolved t
risk ALL"
"Quick, then, come up stairs, and let US 6
up hiding place, at once, before anything hal
pens. Oh, William, am 90 alarmed"
Both hastened to the third story, and afte
considering several places, decided that the lof
close under the root, might be the best plac
for ooncealment, as the tfap.door leading to
could be fastened underneath, which would ten
to blind the search; while the young man,
pressed, could escape to the roo1, and by NEAR
of long rope, fastened to the chimney, coul
lower himself either into the street or yard :
This would not insure his escape, but was Il
i best plan she two could think Of, and served |
render both lees fearful of detection and Il
serious consequences. Having provided q
lrope, the mother hastened TO bring up alaIe
quantities of food, which he soon began
devour with q ravenous appetite, which Shove
A he had told no untruth, when, In the chafact
Of . beggar, he had declared himself In q ssat
: bordering on starvation. tel gt9s lsS
While be was eating, his mother piled hi
with questions concerning the army at Vail,
} Forge, In which he hAdza lieHtenant'a commi
sion, and which he had left on furlough, oil
the anewers Of the young soldier depleted
Estate of deatitution and suffering that causl
hishearer 10 weep for very sympathy. Thr,
v thousand soldiers were down on the sick list
one time, and without the common feceebari
st0f life, had perished by hundreds sSwhiie Of tho
capable Of doing duty, scaIosiy any had blan
ct TO cover them At hight, or food enough
4 keep soul aud uody togeihsF. Pale, enaciate
ragged and dirty, many with their bear f
upon the frozen earth, they walked shivetii
through the camp BY day and crOWeded theI
selves together BY night 20 get what lItl
warmth they could ffomi leach UIhefNI bodies
lthsi most fcrlotH and fetthed yet of .help