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

If arrested in our lines as deserter, you
can say you had instructions from me, and
demand that your case be brought before
me. May Heaven prosper you Adieu y
With this General Washington withdrew,
and returned to my labors a prouder and
happier man, yet feeling the weight of a
somewhat oppressive responsibility.
Some two hours after this, while at work
upon the exterior of the redoubt, found
an opportunity to crawl long bank of
earth, till some yards from my companions,
when walked boldly off toward our line Of
pickets, concealed by the dense darkness.
AS drew near the outer line of sentries, l
got down on my hands and knees and crawl
ed slowly and cautiously forward, watching
my opportunity, as the nearest paced back
and forth, to cross his beat behind him.
This | succeeded in doing without being
perceived; but as | again rose to my feet
and attempted to hurry forward, Istumbed
on the uneven ground and fell. The noise
attracted the attention of the sentry, who
instantly challenged Without reply, l
sprang to my feet and ran. He fred, the
ball whistling past me, not wide off the
mark. In moment all was excitement
and alarm on our side-the guard turning
out, and the men in the trenches preparing
to repel a sortie of the enemy. The picket
of the British, which was not far distant
not knowing the cause of alarm, and fearing
an assault, also fired and turned out the
guaTd--so that when | reached the British
lines was in danger of being both cut to
pieces and riddled with balls.
"Don't fire on mel am deserter from
the enemy ~ shouted.
Tho next minute I found myself sur
rounded by small squad of soldiers; and
an officer, seizing me roughly by the arm,
demanded the cause of the alarm. / hur-
riedly explained.
"What a---cowardly pack you rebels
are ~ he exclaimed. GA runaway tumbles
down, and forthwith the whole camp gets
under arms"
My blood boiled for severe retort but
simply said:
81 have left the cowardly pack, and do
not wish to be considered a rebel"
| An hour or two after, was conducted
into the presence of number of distin-
guished officers, all of whom were splendid
ly dressed. They were seated around
table covered with maps, drawings and
papers. One, from his stern, naughty
bearing, and his post of honor at the head
of the table, believed to be Lord Corn
wallis himself.
"Well, fellow" he said cycling me stern
ly, "you are deserter from the cursed
rebel nest"
ESQ please your lordship."
"Umph how know you it is my lord
ship?'
81 fancy Iperceive the stamp of nobility
in your features"
GA shrewd lsnave ~ he rejoined, but ev-
identity not displeased "Well, why did
you desert?'
81 thought | could do better than work
in the trenches so noar the royal lines"
"Do you wish to enlist in our ranks ~
"Not till this siege is over, so please
your lordship."
"What is the reported number of the
whole rebel force now before the town ?"
81 have heard it estimated at sixteen
thousand, your Lordship."
His lordship compressed his lips and
frowned.
81 suppose Mr. Washington thinks he
has me at last ~ he said, with sullen anger,
"but | will show him that the race is not
always to the swift, nor the battle to the
strong. If Clinton would only come with
his reinforcements !" he added, thinking
aloud "What can detain him? But he
will soon be here; and once out of this, ]
will cut the allied army to pieces and lay
waste the whole country. Gods if he
were only here now !" and he struck the
table with his fist. 4" How do cur batteries
tell ON the rebels?" he suddenly demanded
of me.
I" 1t was with degree of satisfaction l
could scarcely conceal that | replied:
"They have done but little damage so
far, your lordship--the 'intrenchments save
the men,"
But the rebels do not reply to us " he
said, with frown.
"They will shortly your lordship. Their
great guns and mortars have arrived, and
are rapidly being mounted and put in posi-
tion."
"And do they really think they can COM
pei us to surrender?'