The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-04-16
THE SIEGE OF YORKTOWN.

1orktown, is from inc journal OIL q soldier,
long since deceased, who distinguished him
self by his GOODNESS and bravery during the
war of the Revolution rroIf.
Yorktown, at that period, was quite
flourishing little village, containing some
sixty houses, several of which were elegant
dwellings. 1t was and is situated on the
right or South bank of York river, some
twelve miles from the junction of the lat
ter with Chesapeake Bay. This river,
which might properly be termed an arm of
the sea, is mile wide for considerable
will admit vessels of the largest draught.
Opposite Yorktown is the village of Glou-
cester. Both these places were occupied by
British troops-the main body of the army,
some seven thousand strong, Lord Corn
wallis commanding in person, being quar-
tered at the former, and a regiment of in
fantry and Tarleton's famous legion at the
latter.
When the allied army, under General
Washington, numbering twelve thousand,
exclusive of some four thousand Virginia
militia, sat down before the town, with the
American right resting on the river below
the place, and the French left on the river
above, Lord CORVALLIS was caught as in
trap-for French blockading fleet, which
had sometime previous taken its station at
the mouth of York river, give him no out
let to the ocean, and now he could not es-
cape by land. 1t was fight or surrender,
and time proved it was both.
Although it may be said that the allied
army had invested the town as early as the
2Sth of September, yet not till the 9th of
October did our batteries fairly open upon
the devoted place-the interval being en-
ployed in digging trenches, throwing up
redoubts, and getting our heavy guns into
position. The labor of the soldier, mean
time, was very severe. Every other night
and day we had to take our turn with pick
and shovel, working and sleeping portion
of the time in a cold rain, sometimes resort
ing to our arms to repel a sortie of the enc
my, and being more or less exposed all the
while, especially in daylight, to severe can
nonade.
One night, while at work upon redoubt
which was pretty well advanced toward the
British lines, was called from my labor
and told my captain wished to see me. /
found him slowly pacing to and fro just be-
yond ear-shot of the men; and l approach
ed him with uneasiness, not knowing if my
reception would be pleasant, although un-
able to think of anything Ihad done to mer-
it other treatment His first words relieved
me of all apprehension, but reused my Gu
riosity to the highest
"Philip," he said, in kind and feeling
tone, &C we have seen long and hard service
together"
"We both remember Valley Forge, Cap
tain ~ replied I, touching my cap.
"Philip, it grieves me to offer to try you
as few men are tried; but truth is, l have
been asked for brave, intelligent man, to
go ON a secret service, and have ventured
to name you-though l beg you to under
stand at once, that you will not be sent on
this service-if not voluntary on your part
you can return to your duty and no hard
feelings between u.s."
"Name the service, Captain, said /.
1T is no less than desertion to the enemy
to play the part of a spy in his camp"
/ nstinctively shuddered, but strove to
appear calm.
"Who has asked for this service?" /
inquired, in as indifferent tone as could
assume.
"Our great and noble commander, Gen
eral Washington"
81 do not fear death so much as disgrace" ="
replied. 81 have name among my COM
rades, that this one act of my life will cover
with infamy;y yet, to serve my country and
our beloved Commander-in-C Chief, / will
make the sacrifice"
"God bless you, Philip ~ he said again
grasping my hand; 81 felt l could rely on
you. Follow me-"
He led me back about ahundred yards,
to where three men stood grouped together.
AS we approached, one of these stepped
forward. Dark as it was recognized that
commanding form. 1t was the great Gen
eral Washington himself.
"Well ?'' he said.
:" He is ready to serve our country and
your excellency," replied the Captain, with
military salute.
60 Xouno man - aaid Ganaral Washinoton
placing his hand on my shoulder with faith
erly tenderness, "permit me to thank you
in advance in behalf of our country. The