St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1888-09-13
Ollie Ga1edonian.
A PLUCKY RIDE.
A story OF the Revolution.


1t was late in the fall of I777, that g
Dragging party from the British camp
Philadelphia made descent upon
be farm of Major Rudolph south OF
bat city. Having supplied themselves
ell with prOvender, one of the soldiers
appened to espy a valuable cow in
he lane leading to the barn yard, and
a 5oor Sukey was Immediately confscat-
Ia.
Now this COW happened to be the
ride of the farm, and was claimed as
he exclusive property of Miss Anne
eudOlph, aged twelve years. Of course
10 other animal on the estate was so
Important as this COW, and her cOnfis-
atiOn by the soldiers could not be toll
rated. So Miss Anne made an impet-
lous dash for her recovery, but finding
he men deaf to her entreaties aud the
ergeant proof against her indignation,
be spirited child rushed to the stable,
added her pony and was soon gallop-
bg toward the city, determined to APP
seal to the commander in chief of the
british army.
Meanwhile, poor Sukey trudged
Dong, her reluctant steps quickened
.pw and then by gentle prick with
be point of bayOnet in her we'll
Bundled side.
To reach the city before the fOraging
arty was the one thought of the child,
IS her pony went pounding along the
I'd Chester road at Il pace that soon
,rought her within the British lines.
he was halted at the first outpost by
be guard, and the occasion of her
IAste was demanded. The child re-
lied
81 must see the general Immediate
"But the general cannot be disturb
81 for every trifle. Tell me your bust
less, and, if important, it will be re-
kprted to him."
alt is of great Importance, and can
lDt stop to talk to you. Please let go
az pony, and tell me where to find the
{bneral."
"But, my little girl, cannot let you
PISS until you tell me whence you
ame and what your business is with
81 these lines"
81 came from Darby, and my bust
Tess is to see the general Immediately.
o one else can tell what | have to
by"
The excitement of the child, togeth-
"a with her persistence, had it's in
hence. General Washington was in
be neighbOrhOOd, with his ragged ar
y watching the opportunity to strike
Other blow for the liberty of the col
,nies.f The officer well knew that val
aable information of the movements of
be rebels frequently reached the
British commander through families
<esiding in the country. Here might
BE such a case and this consideration
determined the soldier to send the
sllild to headquarters. So summoning
% orderly, he directed him to escort
he girl to the headquarters.
1t was late in the afternoon by this
me, and CORVALLIS was at dinner
Eith a number of British officers, when
a little girl from the country with a
lessage for the general" was announc-
Bd.
"Let her come in at once" said the
General, and a few moments later Miss
Anne Rudolph entered the great tent
"Well, my little girl, l am General
COrn wallis" said that gentleman kind
". "What have you to say to me 2"
81 want my cOwn
Profound silence reigned for mo-
ment, then came a burst of laughter
from all the gentlemen around the ia
BILE. The girls face Redeemed, but she
held her ground, and her set features
and flashing eyes convinced the gen.
eral that the child before him was one
;Df no ordinary spirit.
With ready tact, the general drew
From her narration of her grievance
''Why did not your father come 7" he
asked.
"My father is not at home"
"And have you no brothers 7"
"BOth of my brothers are away
But, General" cried she impatiently
"while you keep me here talking they
will kill my COW"
"SO-yOur brothers also are away
Now, tell me, child, where are they p
"My oldest brother is with General
GATES"
"And your other brother, where is
he 7" inquired the general.
''Is with Harry Lee"
The girls eyes fairly blazed as she
spoke the name of gallant "Light
Horse Harry Lee"
"But, General, | want my COW !"
"Ah, ha one brother with Gates
and one with Lee. Now" said the
general severely, "where is YOU
father 2"
"He was with General Washington,
answered the little maiden "but he il
u prisoner now"
$50, so. Father and brothers all il
the Continental army! l think, then
you must be little rebel"
eyes, sir, if you please. But L wan
my COW !"
"Well, you are brave little girl
and you shall have your COW anC
something more, too" Then, stoop
ing forward, he detached from his gar
tiers pair of brilliant knee buckles
which he laid in the child's hands
"Take these" he said, "and keep then
to remember that Lord CORVALLIS cal
appreciate courage and truth, even il
young rebel" Then, calling an or
derby, he instructed him to go with the
child through the camp in search o
her COW, and, when he should find TIL
animal, to detail man to drive he
home again. So Miss Anne returne,
E home in triumph with her COW. AM
those sparkling knee buckles are still
treasured by her descendants as a me
mento of CORVALLIS and the RevOlu
ton.
A Family of Shams.
Brooklyn Eagle.