Middletown transcript., 1876-07-22
Selett STORY.
From the Weekly Magazine.
TIE GHOST OF iron HILL.

One clear, moonlight summer even.
ing, horseman, none other than Cap
tain Louis Fleurry, a young Frenchmar
attached to General Washington's staff,
galloped swiftly along the road which
led from Wilmington. toward what wa,
then called Head of Elk (near Elkton).
But though bound on the dangerous
duty Of scouting the enemy (Washing.
ton had received news on the preceding
evening, August 25th, 1777, that Lord
Howe was landing his army from the
feet in Elk river, his volatile French
spirit asserted itself, and be hummed a
tune to himself as he cantered along
But ere he could reach Iron Hill,
whittier be was bound, small stream,
spanned by rustic bridge, had to be
crossed, and hardly had the horses
hoofs clattcred upon its timbers, thar
tho animal came to such an abrupt halt
as almost to upset its rider, and, set.
Ting back on his launches, stared with
dilating eyes, and limbs rigid as il
chiseled from black marble, at some
object upon the bridge; his rider, too,
seemed panic stricken the words of the
song died on his lips, and with one low
cry Of horror be sat motionless as bi.
steed, gazing 6xedly at tall, slender
figure, clad all in white, and with
snowy plumes floating on its head
which had seemed to spring from be-
meath the timbers Of the bridge, and
with hand upraised as in warning, stood
scarcely ten yards distant; but even as
he gazed. the apparition advanced. H.
This was too much for the superstition.
young Frenchman, and with a yell Of
dismay, be wheeled his now trembling
steed, and dashed back at head long
pace toward Wilmington.
Losing, in his terror, all thought Of
etiquette, be burst into the room where
sat Washington himself, surrounded by
a few tried friends; Lafayette, General
Debarre. the French veteran then in
command of one Of the brigades Of Sui
livan's division. Brigadier Gen Con-
way. Of Lord Strings division, Count
Pulaski. the Pole so world-reuowned
for his bravery in defense Of the liber-
ties Of bis native land, and last but not
least, Harry Lee, or "Light-horae
Harry" az he was called, who was Just
then coming into notoriety for his dar-
ing bravery and who was great favor
ite with Washington, owing. doubtless,
to the fact that be was the son of the
Generals first love.
When Captain Fleurry dashed so un-
tremendously into their midst each
member Of the little group rose hastily
to his feet, while their hands sought
their sword -hilts; for so abrupt was the
intrusion that they apprehended some
momentous tidings.
General! gentlemen, all !" STAN
mered the young officer, making a
mighty effort at self-control, Il most
bumbly beg your pardon for so rudely
disturbing you; but the fact is, I have
received my death warrant, and am
not ashamed to own that for time
have been completely unnamed. Cen
tlemen, I have seen a ghost !"
"Ha ha! ha w laughed dashing
Lighthouse Harry. "My dear Fleurry,
l really thought you were going to say
that you had encountered the whole
British army
my friend" replied the young cap
tain solemnly, II would sooner encoun-
ter the British army than what I did
meet. | am in no hurry yet to quit
this world, not knowing what my re-
ward is to be in the next, and yet this
day have l received my warning 70 be
prepared to die"
"Oh, pshaw My dear Fleurry, don't
believe it Never say die! Well lay
the ghost yet, I'll wager. or my name
is not Lighthouse Harry"
Eyes. we'll lay our bones beside it, )"
replied Fleurry, gloomily.
"No. no, captain, we cannot spare
you yet-we have brave work for you
to do" said Washington. smiling
quietly.
eyes, captain, the country has in
deed great need Of such as you; do not
let this untimely apparition uunerve
you it was, without doubt. some hal
lucination of your own brain have you
been feeling we'll of late ?" queried the
French general.
General Debarre," replied Fleurry,
firmly. yet respectfully, "it was no
freak of the Imagination I saw the
ghost as plainly as l see you now; a
tall. white figure, with warning up
raised hand. it rose from beneath the
bridge, and confronted me, solemnly,
silently; at length it made movement
to approach me, and I turned my horse
and fed. General" and be approached
Washington, II have failed to obey
your orders-I have not reconnoitered
the enemy--I confess myself vanquish-