The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1876-07-14
MI i S C ellis an Q o II s..
THEGUOST OF IRON HILL.

One clear, moonlight summer evening, a
horseman, none other than Captain Louis
Fleurry, young Frenchmau attached to
Gen. W ashington's staff, galloped swiftly
along the road which led from Washing.
toms camp at Wilmington, toward what
was then called Head ofElk, (now Elkton.)
But though bound on the dangerous duty
of scouting the enemy washington had
received news ON the preceding evening
August 25th, TIT, that Lord Howe was
landing his army from the fleet in Elk
River his volatile French spirit asserted
itself, and he hummed tune softly to him.
self as he Cantercd along,
But ere he could reach Iron Hill, width.
cr lie was bound, II small stream, spanned
by rustic bridge, had to be crossed, and
hardly had the horses hoois clattered
upon its timDcrs, than the animal came tC
such an abrupt halt as almost to upset his
rider, and, settling back upon his launch.
cs, stared with dilating eyes, and limbs
rigid as il chiseled from black marble, at
some object upon the bridge. his rider
too, seemed panic-strickc the words Of
the song died on his lips, and with one
low cry of horror lie sat motionless as his
stccd, gazing fxedly at a tall, slender fig.
urc, clad all in white, and with snowy
plumcs floating on its head, which had
seemed TO spring up from beneath the tim.
bers of the bridge, and with hand appraised
as in warning, stood scarcely ten yards
distant; but even as lie gazcd, the appa
rition advanced. This was too much tol
the superstitious young Frcnchmcn, and
with yell Of dismay lie wheeled his now
trembling steed, and dashed back ut head
long pace toward Wilmington.
Losing, in his terror, all thought of Ell.
quettc, he burst into the room where sal
Washington himself, surrounded by few
tried friends; Lafayette, General Debame
the French veteran then in command OF
one of the brigadcs Of Sullivan's division
Brigadicr General Conway, of Lord Ster.
ling's division, Count Pulaski, the Pole so
world. renowned for his bravery in de
Tense of the liberties of his native land, and
last, but not least, Harry Lee, or Light
horse Harry" as he was called, who was
Just then coming into notorioty for his dar.
ing bravery, and who was great favoritt
with Washington, owing, doubtless, to the
fact lie was the son OF the Generals first
love.
When Captain Fleurry dashed so UNI
tremendously into their midst each mem
her of the little group rose hastily to hi
feet, while their hands sought their sword
hilts; for so abrupt was the intrusion thai
they apprchcndcd some momentous It'd
ngs.
"Gcneral gentlemen, all |" stammercf
the young officer, making mighty effort
at selfcontrol, 81 most humbly beg you
pardon for so rudely disturbing you; bu
the fact is, have received my death war
rant, and / am not ashamed to own tha
for time have been completely unman
ned. Gentlemen have seen ghost |"
ala! ha la !" laughed dasling Light
horse Harry. "My dear Flcurry, reall,
thought you were going to say that yoi
had encountered the whole British army
"My friend" replied the young captain
solemnly, II would sooner encounter tn,
British army than what did meet l an
in no hurry yet to quit this world, no
knowing what my reward is to be in TIN
next, and yet this day have | received IN,
warning to be prepared to die"
"Oh pshaw My dear Fleurry, don't be
lieve it Never say die Wen lay TIL
ghost, yet, I'll wager, or my names no
Lighthouse Harry"
Yes, we'll lay our bones beside it," re
piled Fleurry, gloomily.
mo, no, captain, we cannot spare 20
yet-we have brave work for you to do,
said Washington, smiling quietly.
Yes, captain, the country has indce
great need Of such as you; do not let thi
untimely apparition unneive you it wa
without doubt, some hallucinatiou of you
own brain have you been feeling well {
late2" queried the French general.
General Debarre," replied Fleurry, firm
ly, yet respectfully, sit was no freak of I'll
imagination; saw the ghost as plainl
as see you now a tall, white figure, wit
warning, appraised hand, it rose from b.
meath tine bridge, and confronted me, so
emily, silently at length it made NOV,
ment to approach me, and turned IN
horse and fed General" and he approach
ed Washington II have failed to obc
your orders-I have not reconnoitercd ii
enemy-I confess myself vanquished;
have but one consolation, have not y,
been conquered by an earthly power"
"Stay, my dear captain, not so fast" r
piled Washington, raising his hand to d