The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1882-02-03
3Misrell
COrnwallis's Buckles.

am not qulle sure OF dates, but 1t was late
in the fall, think, of 1777, that foraging
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 valu-
able COW, which at that moment unfortunate
ly made her appearance in the lane leading
TO the barn-yard; and poor Sukey was i'm
medately contiscated for the use of the COM
pany.
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
Or course, no other animal on the estate was
SO important rs this particular COW, and her
confscation by the soldiers could not be toll
Grated for a moment. So, Miss Anne made
an impetuous dash for her recovery, but find
ing the man deaf to her entreaties and the
sergeant proof against the storms of her in
dignation, the highspirited child rushed over
to the stables, saddled her pony, and was soon
galloping off towards the city, determined
to appeal to the COMMANDMENTS chief of the
British army, if nothing less would save the
life other favorte.
Meanwhile, poor Sukey trudged along, her
u
gentle prick with the point of a bayonet in
her well.rounded side.
10 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 pace that soon brought her within the
British lines. She was halted at the first out
post by the guard, and the occasion of her
hot haste was demanded. The child replied:
81 must see the general Immediately:
but the general can not be disturbed for
every trtle. Tell me your business, and if
important, it will be reported to him.
1t is of great Importance, and | can not
stop to talk to you. Please let go my pony
and tell me where to find the generalr'
but, my little girl, can not let you pass
until you tell me whence you come and what
your business is within these lines"
II 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 neigh
borhood, with his ragged regiment, patiently
watching his opportunity TO strike another
blow for the liberty of the colonies The Of
ticer well knew that valuable information of
the movements ofthe rebels frequently reach
ed the British commander through families
residing in the country, and still, in secret,
friendly to the Crown Here might be such
case, and this consideration determined the
soldier to send the child forward to head
quarters. 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 message for the general" was
announced
Let her come in at once, said the general;
and few moments later Miss Anne Rudolph
entered the great tent.
For q moment the girl hesitated overcome,
perhaps, by the unexpected brilliancy of the
scene. Then spirit OF her "Redwolf' ances.
tors asserted itself, and to her, CORVALLIS in
dinner costume, surrounded by his brilliant
companions, represented only the power that
could save her favorite from 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 reigncd for Il moment,
then came n simultaneous burst ofuproarious
laughter from all the gentlemen around the
table. The girls face Redeemed, but she held
her ground, and her set features and flashing
eyes convinced the general that the child be-
fore him was one of no ordinary spirit.
A few words of encouragement, pleasantly
spoken, quickly restored the equanimity of the
girl. Then with ready tact, the general soon
drew from her concise narration of her
grievance.
"Why did not your father attend to this
for your"
"My father is not at home, now"
GA nd have VDu M hrnfbarc ouol NJ, nv
rand, instead of coming yourself into n Brit
ish camp?'
Both of my brothers are away. But,
General Corvallis" cried she, impatiently,
"while you keep me here talking they will
kill my COW y
"So-your brothers also are away from
home. Now, tell me, child, where can they
be found2"
"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 blazed as she
spoke the name of gallant "Light-horse Har-
ry Lee" Then she exclaimed: "But, Gen
eral my COW y
"Ah, ha ! one brother with Gates and one
with Lee. Now" said the general, severely,
'where is your father?"
ilC Nuo WIN beHeIul washington,
frankly answered the little maiden "but he
is prisoner now"
$50, SO. Father and brothers all in the
Continental army think, then, you must
be little rebel"
"ies, sir, ifyou please-I am little rebel.
But want my cow"
"Well you are brave, straightforward lit
tic girl, and you shall have your cow and
something more, too" Then, STOPPING for
ward, he detached from his garters pair of
brilliant knee.buckles which he laid in the
childs hands, take these" he said, 'und
keep them as souvenir of this interview,