Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-22
Corvallis Buckles.

| am not quite sure Of dates, but it was
late in the fall, think, l777, that foraging
party from the British camp in Philadelphia
made descent upon the farm Of Major
Rudolph, south Of that city, at Darby. Hav-
ing supplied themselves with provender,
they were about to begin their return march,
when one Of the soldiers happened to espya
valuable COW, which at that moment unfor-
tunately made her appearance in the lane
leading to the barn-yard; and poor Sukey
was Immediately confscated for the use Of
the company.
Now, this unfortunate COW happened to
be the pride of the farm, and was claimed
az the exclusive proverty of Miss Anne Ru-
dolph-the daughter Of the house-aged
twelve years. of course, no other animal
on the estate was so important as this partic-
ular COW, and her confscation by the sol.
diers could not be tolerated for a moment.
So, Miss Anne made an impetuous dash for
her recovery, but finding the men deaf to
her entreaties 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 toward the city, determined 10 appeal TO
the commander-in-chief of the British army.
Meanwhile, poor Sukey trudged along her
reluctant steps quickened now and then by
gentle prick with the point of a 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 Ches
ter road at pace that soon brought her
within the British lines. She was halted at
the first outpost by the guard, and the occa-
sion of her hot haste was demanded. The
child replied:
I" must see the general Immediately |"
"But the general can not be disturbed
for every trife. Tell me your business, and
if important, it will be reported to him."
at is OF great Importance, aud can not
stop to talk to you. Please let go my pony,
and tell me where to find the general"
"But, my little girl, can not let you
pass until you tell me whence you come,
and what your business is within these
lines"
al 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 its influence upon
the officer. General Washington was in the
neighborhood, with his ragged regiments,
patiently watching his opportunity to strike
another blow for the liberty of the colonies.
The officer well knew that valuable infor-
nation of the rebels frequently reached the
British commander through families resid-
ing in the country, and still, in secret,
friendly to the crown. Here might be such
a case, and this consideration determined
the soldier 10 send the child forward 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 num-
Der 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 gen.
eral and few moments later Miss Anna
Rudolph entered the great tent.
For a moment the girl hesitated, over
come perhaps, by the unexpected brilliancy
of the scene. Then the spirit of her g Red
wolf ancestors asserted itself, and to her,
CORVALLIS in full dinner costume, sur
rounded by his brilliant companions, repre-
sented only the power that could save her
favorite from the butchers knife.
"Wel, my little girl, | am General Corn
wallis" said that gentleman, kindly. "What
have you to say to me?"
g want my cowW
Profound silence reigned for moment,
|
GUS laughter from all the gentlemen around
the table. The girls face Redeemed, but she
held her ground, aud her set features and
flashing eyes convinced the general that the
child before him was one of no ordinary
spirit.
A 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 concise nara
ton of her grievance.
"Why did not your father attend to this
for your"
"My father is not at home now"
And have you no brothers for such an
errand, instead of coming yourself into a
British camp?'
"B)th of my brothers are away. But,
General CORVALLIS" cried she, impstiently,
while you keep me here talking they will
kill my COW |"
So-your brothers are also away from
home. Now, tell me, child, where can they
be found Z"
"My Oldest brother, Captain John Ru
dolph, 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
Harry Lee" Then she exclaimed; "But
general, my COW "
"Ah, ha one brother with Gates and
one with Lee. Now" said the general, So
verely, where is your father p
He was with General 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"
"Yes, sir, if you please-I am a little
rebel But | want my COW T.
"Well you are brave, straightforward
little girl, and you shall have your COW aud
something more, too" Then, STOPPING for
ward, he detached from his carriers pair OF
brilliant knee-buckles which he laid in the
child's hands. "Take these" he said, " and
keep them as a souvenir of this interview
and believe that Lord CORVALLIS can appre
ciate courage and truth, even in little
REBEL" Then, calling an orderly, he in
structed 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 u
drive her home again. So Miss Anne re
turned in triumph with her COW AND
those sparkling knee-buckles are still treas
ured by her descendants as memanto OF
CORVALLIS and the Revolutions. NichO
las for February, 1881.