The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1882-02-18
CORNWALLIS'S BUCKLES.

with provender they We're about to be.
gin their return march, when one of the
soldiers happen to espy valuable COW.
which at that moment unfortunately
made her appearance i'll the lane leading
to the barn-yard; and poor Sukey was
Immediately confiscated for the use of
the company.
Now, this unfortunate COW happened
to be the pride of the farm. and was
claimed as the exclusive property of Miss
Anne Rudolph-the daughter of the
house-aged twelve years. OF course H.
other animal on the estate was SO impor-
tant as this particular COW. and her con
fiscation by the soldiers could not he tol-
Grated for a moment. So, Miss Anne
made an impetuous dash for her recovery
but finding the man deaf to her entreatie>
and the sergeant proof against the storms
Of her Indignation, the high-spirited child
rushed over to the stables. saddled her
pony, and was soon galloping off towards
the city determined to appeal to the com
mander-in. chief of the British army, if
nothing less would save the life of her
favorite.
Meanwhile, poor Sukey trudged along,
her reluctant steps quickened now and
then by gentle prick with tlh point of
bayOnet in her well-rounded side.
To reach the city before the foraging
party was the one thought of the child
as her pony went pounding along the old
Chester road at a pace that soon brought
her within the British lines. She was
halted at the first outpost by the guard.
and the occasion of her hot haste was de
manded. The child replied:
g must see the general Immediately
But the general can not be disturbei
and if important, it will be reported to
him.
at is of great Importance, and | can not
stop to talk to you. Please let go my
pony and tell me where to find the gen
eral"'
"But, my little girl, l can not let you
pass until you tell me whence You come
and what your business is within these
lines.'
Il come from Darby, and my business
is to see the general Immediately. No one
else can tell him what have to say
The excitement of the girl, together
with her persistence, had its influence
upon the officer. General Washington
was in the neghborhood, with his ragged
regiment, patiently watching his oppor-
tunity to strike another blow for the lib
erty of the colonies The officers well
knew that valuable information Of the
movements of the rebels frequently
reached the British commander through
families residing in the country, and still.
in secret, friendly to the Crown. Here
might be such case, and this considera-
ton determined the soldier to send the
child forward to head quarters. So. suit
moning an orderly, he directed him t"
escort the girl to the general.
1t was late in the afternoon by this
time, and CORVALLIS was at dinner with
number of British officers, when :"
little girl from the country with mes
sage for the genera" was announced.
Let her come in at once, said the
general; and few moments latter Miss
Anne Rudolph entered the great tent.
For moment the girl hestatcd, over
come, perhaps, by the unexpected bril-
liancy of the scene. Then the spirit of
her Redwolf" ancestors asserted itself.
and to her, CORVALLIS in dinner costume
surrounded by his brilliant companions.
represented only the power that could
save her favoritc from the butchers
knife.
"Well, my little girl ] am General
CORVALLIS" said that gentleman, kindly,
"What have you to say to me-?
81 want my cow
Profound silence reigned for moment
then came a simultaneous burst of up
roarious laughter from all the gentlemen
around the table. The girls face redden-
ed, but she held her ground, and her set
features and flashing eyes convinced the
general that the child before him was one
of no ordinary spirit.
4 few words of encouragement, pleas
antly spoken, quickly restored the equan-
unity of the girl. Then with ready tact.
the general soon drew from her a concise
narration of her grievance.
"Why did not your father attend te
this for you?'
"My father is not at home, now"
"And have you no brothers for such an
errand, instead of coming yourself into
British camp"
"Both my brothers are away. But.
General Corvallis cried she, impa-
tiently, while you keep me here talking
they will kin my cow
"So--your brothers also are away from
home. Now, tell me, child, where can
they be found?''
MY Oldest brother, Captain John RIA
dolph, is with General Gates
"And your other brother. where il
hep
Captain Michael Rudolph is with
Harry Lee" The girls eyes fairly blaz-
ed as she spoke the name Of gallant
Lighthouse Harry Lee" The she eH-
claimed "But, General, my cow
"Ah, ha! one brother with Gates and
one with Lee. Now, said the general.
severely, "where is your father
"He was with General Washing I'm.
frankly answered the little maiden: "but
he is prisoner new.
80, SO. Father and brothers all in
the Continental army. think then. you
must be little REBEL
'Yes, sir, if you please am little
rebel. But want my cow
"Well. you are a brave, straightfoI.
ward little girl, and You shall have yuuI
COW and something more, too" Then,
STOPPING forward, he detached from his
garters pair of brilliant knee-bucklcS.
which he laid in the child's hand. Take
these" he said, land keep them As a
souvenir of this intery view, and believe
that Lord CORVALLIS can appreciate coul'-
age and ruth, even in II little rebel
Them calling an orderly, he instructed
him to go with the child through the
camp in search of the COW, and when
he should find the animal. to detail a man
to drive her home again. SO Miss Anne