The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1888-08-03
Anne's Ride for her Cow.

was late in the fall, | think, of 1777,
that foraging party from the British
camp in Philadelphia made descent
upon the farm of Major Rudolph, south
Of that city, at Darby. Having sup
piled themselves well with pro, ender,
they were about to begin their return
march, when one of the soldiers hap
pened to espy valuable COW, which
at that moment unfortunately made
her appearance in the lane leading to
the barn yard and poor Sukey was i'm
mediately confscated 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 no other animal on the estate
was SO important as this particular
COW, and her confiscation by the soldiers
could not be lerated for 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 indig-
nation, the high-spirited child rushed
over to the stables, saddled her pony
and was soon galloping off toward 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
the point of bayonet in her we'll
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 that soon brought her
within the British lines. She was halt
ed at the first outpost by the guard,
and the occasion of her hot haste was
demanded, The child replied:
81 must see the general Immediate
lyw
"But the general cannot be disturb
ed for every triAe. Tell me your busi-
ness, and if important, it will be re.
ported to him"
'It is of great Importance, and can
not stop to talk to you. Please let 60
my pony, and tell me where to find the
general.
''But my little girl, / cannot let you
pass until you tell me whence you
come and what your business is within
these lines.
81 came from Darby, and my bust.
ness is to see the general Immediately.
No one else can tell him what have
to say"
The excitement Of the child, togeth.
er with her persistence, had its infiu
ence upon the officer. General Wash
ington was in the neighborhood, with
his ragged regiments, patiently watch
ing the opportunity to strike another
blow for the liberty of the colonies
The officer well knew that valuable in
formation 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 consideration de
termined the soldier to send the child
forward to headquarters. So summon
ing an orderly, he directed him to es
cort the girl to the General.
1t was late in the afternoon by thi
time, and CORVALLIS was at Dime
with a number of British officers, whel
"a little girl from the country with {
message for the General" was announc
ed.
"Let her come in at once" said tn,
General, and few moments later Mis-
Anne Rudolph entered the great tent
For a moment the girl hesitated
overcome perhaps, by the unexpecte'
brllliancy of the scene. Then tn
spirit of her Rudolph ancestors assert
ed itself, and to her CORVALLIS in full
dinner costume, surrounded by his bril-
liant companions, represented only tn
power that could save her tavorite fror
, the butchers knife.
| "Well, my little girl, l am Genera
CORVALLIS" said that gentleman kind
D., ly. "What have you to say to me
, 81 want my cow!"
: Profound silence reigned for me
ment, then came simultaneous burs
l of uproarious laughter from all the ger
: Jlemen around the table. The girl
t face Redeemed, but she hel 1 her groun(
and her set features and flashing eye
convinced the General that the chill
2 before him was one of no ordinar
spirit.
: A few words of encouragement
pleasantly spoken, quickly restored th
equani ity of the girl. Then, wit
ready tact, the General soon drew froi
her a concise narration of her grie'
ance. "Why did not your father a
tend to this for you 7" he asked.
: "My father is not at home now
Sand have you no brothers for sue
: an errand, instead of coming yourse
into British camp"
"Both OF my brothers are ava,
But, General Corvallis" cried ST
. impatently, "while you keep me hel
= talking they will kill my COW !"
, 'So--your brothers also are ava
= = from home. Now, tell me, chill
where can they be found ?"
!" "My oldest brother, Captain Jol
: Rudolph, is with General Gates
"And your other brother, where
. he ?" inquired the General.
:, Captain Michael Rudolph i, vii
! Harry Lee
" The girls eyes fairly blazed as 81
spoke the name of gallant "Lig
Horse Harry Lee Then she exclair
:, ed, "But General, my cowN
"Ah ha one brother with Gates al
u one with Lee. Now, said the Gener
= severely, "where is your father ,"
"He was with General Washington
:, frankly answered the little maiden $50
" he is a prisoner now"
$50, 80. Father and brothers all
; the Continental Army Think then y
are little rebel"
K "Yes, sir, if you please-I am lit
n rebel But j want my cow"
, "Well, you are brave, straightfc
ward little girl, and you shall ha
your COW and something more, too
Then stoopinp forward. he detach