The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1882-03-10
NUMBER 7.
A LITTLE HEROINE,

am not quite sure Of dates, but Il was late
in the fall, 1 think, OF 1777, tha. forasing
party from the British camp in Philadelphia
made descent upon the farm Of Major Ru-
dolph, south of that city, at Darby Having
supplied themselves well with provender,
they were about to begin their return march
when one Of the soldiers happened to espy a
valuable COW, which at that moment unfor-
tunately made her appearance in the lane
leading to the barnyard. and poor Sukey was
Immediately confscated for the use Of the
company.
Now, this unfortunate COW happsned 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 no other animal on the estate was
SO important as this particular COW, and her
confscation by the soldiers could not be toll
Grated for moment. So Miss Anne made
an impetuous dash for her recovery, but find-
ing the men deaf TO her entreaties, and the
Sergeant proof against the storm of her in
dign&tion, the high-spirited child rushed over
to the stables, saddIed her pony, and was
soon galloping of toward the city, deter
mined to appeal to the commander-in-chief
of the British army, if nothing else would
save the life of her favorite.
Meanwhile, poor Sukey trudged along, her
reluctant steps quicke ned now and then by
gentle prick with the point Of bayonet IN
her well-rounded sides
To reach the city before the foraglng party
was the one thought of the child, as her pony
went bounding along the old Chester road at
a pace that soon brought her within the Brit
ish lines. She was halted at the first outpost
by the guard, and the occasion of her hot
haste was demanded. The child replied
81 must see the general immediately 20
but The general cannot be disturbed for
every trifle. Tell me your business, and IL
important Il will be reported to him."
1T is OF great Importance, and L cannot
stop to talk to you. Please let go my pony,
and tell me where to find the general :"
'But, my little girl, cannot let you pass
until you tell me from whence you come and
what your business is within these lines" ="
81 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 child, together with
her persistence. had influence upon the Off.
Ger. General Washington was in the neigh
borhood with his ragged regiments, patiently
watching his opportunity to strike another
blow for the liberty Of the colonies. The
| officer well knew that valuable information
Of the movements of the rebels frequently
reached the British commander through fam.
lies residing in the country and still in secret
friendly to the crown. Here might he such
case, and this consideration determined the
soldier to send the child to headquarters. So,
summoning an orderly, he directed him to
| 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 "a little girl from
the country with a message for the general
was announced.
! Let her come in a. once" said the gen.
eral; and few minutes later Miss Anne
| Rudolph entered the tent
Fora moment the girl hesitated. overcome,
perhaps, by the unexpected brilliancy Of tile
scene. Then the spirit Of her Red wolf
ancestors asserted itself, and to her Corn.
wallis in full dinner costume, surrounded BY
! his brilliant companions, represented only
! the power that could save her favorite frou
| the butchers knife.
/ "Well, my little girl, am General Corn.
wallis" said that gentleman, kindly. "What
! have you to say to ME %
81 want my COW %
| Profound silence reigned for moment
! then came simultaneous burst Of laughter
| from all the gentlemen arouno the table
/ The girls face redeemed, but she held be
/ ground, and her set features and fiashinI
| eyes convinced the general that the child be
! fore him was one OF no ordinary spirit.
A few words Of encouragement pleasant,
| spoken, quickly restored the equanlmity o
the gIrl. Then. with ready tact, the genera
soon drew from her concise narration of he
grievances.
"Why did not your father attend to this 70
you9"
My father is not at home, now"
And have you no brothers for such an er
rand, instead of coming yourself into Bit
ish camp"
Both of my brothers are away. But Gen
ersl Corvallis" cried she, impatiently
'while you keep me here talking they viii
kill my cowr r.
80 Your brothers also are away from
home. Now, tell me. my child, where car
they he found ?''
MY oldest brother. Captain John Rudolph
Is with General Gates"
"And your other brother, where Is he %
| Captain Michael Rudolph Is with HARRY
Lee" The girls eyes fairly blszed as she
spoke the name Of gallant Lighthouse Harry
| Lee" Then she exclaimed But, General
my COW ~
"Ah, ha one brother with Gates and on,
with Lee. Now" said the general, severely
where Is your father?'
HE was with General Washington,
frankly answered the little maiden, but b.
| is a prisoner, now
s'So, 80. Father and brothers ali in tn,
Continental army think, then, you mus
be little rebel9"
Yes. sir. If you please--I am a rebel. Blu
1 want my COW -
"Weil, you are q brave, straightforward
little girl, and you shall have your COW, aut
| something more, too" Then, STOPPING for
| ward, he detached from his garters a pair o
brilliant knee buckles, which he laid in tn,
child's hands. Take These" be said, ''an,
keep them as a souenir Of this interview, an,
believe that Lord CornwaIlis can appreciat,
| courage and truth, even in q little rebel.
Then, calling TO an orderly, he instructed
| him TO go with the child through the camp II
search of the COW, and, when he should hnc
the animal, to detail q man TO drive her hom,
again. SO Miss Anne returned In tlnmpl
with her COW. And those sparkling kDe,