The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-05-16
A Reminiscence of General Scott.

tion | have often wished to ask you, but
have been restrained by the fear that it
might be improper" The General drew
himself up, and said in his emphatic man
ner, Sir, you are incapable Of asking an
improper question" said, "You are
very kind but if my inquiry is indis-
Greet am sure you will allow it to pass
unanswered" | hear you, Sir" he re-
piled. We'll, then, General, did any
thing remarkable happen to you on the
morning Of the battle of Chippewa?"
After brief but impressive silence he
said, " Yes, sir something did happen to
me-something very remarkable will
now for the third time in my life relate
the story:
"Tho 4th day of July, 1914, was one
of extreme heat On that day my bri-
gade skirmished with British force COM
manded by General Riall from an early
hour in the morning till late in the after
noon. We had driven the enemy down
the river some twelve miles to Streets
Creek, near Chippewa, where we encamp-
ed for the night, our army occupying the
west, while that of the enemy was en-
camped on the east side of the creek
After our tents had been pitched observ-
ed flag borne by man in PEASANTS
dress, approaching my marque. lie
broughta letter from lady who occupied
large mansion on the opposite side Of the
creek, informing me that she was the
wife Of a member Of Pariment, who was
then at Quebec that her children, ser
wants, and Il young lady friend were alone
with her in the house that General Rial
had placed a sentinel before her door;
and that she ventured, with great doubt
of the propriety of the request, to ask
that would place sentinel upon the
bridge to protect her against stragglers
from our camp. ! assured the messenger
that the lady 5 request should be complied
with.
Early the next morning the same mes
senger, bearing white flag, reappcared
with a note from the same lady, thanking
me for the protection she had enjoyed,
adding that in acknowledgment Of my
civilities, she begged that | would, with
such members Of my staff as | chose to
bring with me, accept the hospitalities OF
/ her house at break fast, which had been
prepared with considerable attention, and
was quite ready. Acting upon an impulse
which have never been able to anal yze
or comprehend, | called two of my aids,
Lieutenants Worth and Watts, and re-
turned with the messenger to the mansion
already indicated We met our hostess
at the door, who ushered us into the din
ingroom, where breakfast awaited us, and
where the young lady previously referred
to was already seated by the coffee urn.
Our hostess, asking to be excused for a
few minutes, retired, and the young lady
Immediately served our coffee.
Before we had broken our fast Lieute-
ant Watts rose from the table to get his
bandana (that being before the days Of
napkins), which he had left in his cap on
the side-table by the window, glancing
through which he saw Indians approach
ing the house on one side, and red coats
approaching it on the other, with an evil
dent purpose of surrounding it and US,
and instantly exclaimed, General, we
are betrayed !" Springing from the table
and clearing the house, | saw our danger,
and remembering Lord Chesterfield had
said, " Whatever it is proper to do, it is
proper to do well, " and as we had to run,
and my legs were longer than those OF
my companions, | soon outstripped them.
As we made our escape we were fired at,
but got across the bridge in safety.
+" | felt so much shame and mortifca-
ton at having so nearly fallen into trap,
that l could scarcely fix my mind upon
the duties which now demanded my un-
divided attention. | knew that had
committed great indiscretion in accept
ing that singular invitation, and that if
any disaster resulted from it | richly de-
served to lose both my commission and
character | constantly found my self
wondering whether the lady really intend
ed to betray us,or whether we had peen ac-
cidentally observed. The question would
recur even amidst the excitement of battle.
Fortunately my presence and services in
the field were not required until Generals
Porter and Ripley had been engaged at
intervals Tor several hours SO that when
my brigade, with Towson's artillery, were
ordered to cross Streets Creek my nerves
and confidence had become measurably
quieted aud restored. / need not describe
the battle of Chippewa. That belongs to
and is part of the history Of our country,
1t is sufficient to say that at the close Of
the day we were masters Of the position,
and that our arms were in no way dis
| R.,A. i Ii q. H..