Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-01-15


Is said that long afterward when the
colonies had secured their independ-
ence and when Betty had Il little
household Of her own-a Mohawk
Indian came to her home and laugh
lngly recalled the gallant defense of
the "Phlladelphia bonnet" Strange
to say he WAS the same warrior who
mad tried to carry it off the day the
band plundered her m others house.
But the historic Mohawk valley did
not furnish the J,Iiy girl patriot OF the
revolution. THSre is an old saying
that Gen. Greene exchanged his
northern laurels for southern will
lows |: is true that he met with
many reverses during his famous cam
palgns In the Carolnas, and more
than once was compelled to flee from
victorious foe; but these defeats do
not detract from his greatness.
During one OF his retreats, whom he
had Lord Rawdon at his heels, as it
were, Gen. Greene was DESTROYS OF
sending message to Gen. SUMTER the
''Gamecock of the revolution" who
was then on the Wateree with his de-
tachment. Greene was anxious to
form a junction with SUMTER believ-
ing that combined the American
forces might fall upon Rawdon with
success. as he had divided his army
and seemed to offer himself as an easy
prey.
In vain did Greene look for some
one TO carry the message. The coun-
try between him and Sumter was full
OF Tories who never neglected an OPP
portunity to shed the blood OF Wings,
as the patriots were termed. The
bravest men in the neighborhood
shrank from carrying the dispatch,
and Greene was despairfng when a
young girl presented herself at his
headquarters.
81 hear that you want to send mes
sage to Gen. SUMTER said the beauti-
full stranger. II will take it to him.
My name 81 Emily Geigcr, and 1 want
to do something for my country"
The patriot general was thunder
struck, but at the same time he hailed
her proposition with unbounded de-
light.
81 know the country through which
l will have to pass" continued Emily,
and if you trust me with the message
l promise to place it in Sumter
hands"
Accordingly Gen. Greene wrote 6
letter which be gave the fearless girl
at the same time telling her its con.
tents, which she was to communicate
verbally to Sumter in case of accidents
and with the paper carefully concealed
Emily Geiger mounted her horse ant
rode away. She had embarked on ,
dangerous journey, but this did no
deter her. Her way led through some
unbroken country and over ground in
tested with British and Tories, and OF
tho second day she was halted by SOM
OF Lord Rawdon's scouts who refused
to believe her artfully contrived an
swers and conducted her into thei
camp.
Confronted by the new danger
Emily Geiger's daring did not deser
her. She recalled Gen. Green's in
structions. and when she had bee
placed in room, there to renal
until she could be searched by one {
her own sex, she made up her min
what she would do. A Tory had bee
dispatched for the woman who was t
search the suspected girl, and befor
he had returned with her Emily at
up Greene's written instructions t
Sumner. piece by piece. 1t was he
only hope to escape punishment, il NJ
death. and at tho same time kee
.. Green's designs from becoming know
to the enemy.
When the Tory woman arrive
Emily was carefully searched. b,
. nothing damaging was found on he
person. and. as she refused to disclos
the secret she was suspected OF ha
ing in her possession. the Tories we,
" compelled 10 set her at liberty. Eve
!. then she was released under protes
;, and when she rode off was secret
+. followed, but taking roundabo1
route she deceived her foes and SOC
afterward galloped into Sumter
. camp. much to the surprise and d
y light OF that officer.
One of the historians of the revolt
:. ton has truly said that 1.-THE salvatit
:. OF the army was due more than on
=. TO the watchfuiness and tact
: woman" and we have thought
y rescue from the annals OF that tryi,
y period the names of two OF its YOU
- heroines-Betty Van Alstine al
Emily Goiger.
= Tbs Uachanginy IsraslitsA