The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1892-07-30

-C'CoLA British army,
headed by Gen.
Howe and a splendid staff, marched in
to Philadelphia. The ragged and dis
heartened Americans had retreate6
toward Lancaster OF those left In the
city at least two-thirds were either In
different or actively hostile to the cause
of independence.
Old Andrew Bennett, whose farm and
country seat stood about where Second
street crosses Girard avenue, was q
confirmed tory. He was Scotchman,
rich, retired merchant, and by his con.
duct had made himself obnoxious to
the patriots. His family consisted
of two girls, his only children.
Both were beautiful and accom-
plished, according to the standard of
the times, but much unlike in sentiment
and character. Charlotte, the elder,
was blonde, taking after her father IL
loyalty to king and crown, stubborn in
character, but loving her sister and
generally Influenced by her. Mabel
Bennett was two years younger than
Charlotte, much stronger in character
and intellect, and quiet but resolute
little patriot.
Among the American officers who left
Philadelphia when the British marched
in was Captain Philip Campbell, Mary
lander of good family and an intelli-
gent and well-mannered gentleman,
and when the Americans left he took
with him all the love that Mabel Ben
nett could feel for anyone save her IA
Their and sister.
Miss Mabel had black maid, Cassie,
who had been brought up in the family
and was devoted to her mistress. She
was tall and strong enough to be a
match for an ordinary man and was al
ways on the lookout in her mistress
behalf and received all the letters that
from time to time were struggled
through the lines by Philip.
Capt. Campbell started out one even
ing to keep an appointment with Ma
bel. He was accompanied by one of
his men, little fellow named Weaver,
not weighing much over one hundred
pounds, quick as a cat and afraid of
nothing.
The Americans had passed the
guards, and were inside the British
lines, when they were suddenly halted.
Weaver put a bullet through the first
man he saw and plunged into the thick
ct calling Campbell to follow him, but
it was too late. A rush-and the tin-
lucky officer was in the hands of a
dozen men and safely secured.
Weaver secuted around and ere morn
ing had succeeded in telling black Cas-
sic all he knew and then rapidly made
his way back to camp.
Mabers heart almost stopped beating
as Cassie rushed into her room and,
breathless, told her story; Philip taken
within the lines not in uniform. He
would be tried as spy and hanged
there was no mercy on either side for
such offenders.
The girls mind was soon made up,
and rapidly dressing she ordered Cassie
to have the gig brought to the door,
and without breakfast started with her
maid for the city. Miss Bennett was in
innate with Joseph Galloway's family,
and he at this time was civil ruler OF
the city. He was pleasant-mannered
gentleman, much esteemed even by
the better class of patriots. He heard
Mabers story with amazement. "You
dear little rebel, who would have be-
lieved it? And Philip Campbell taken!
Poor fellow! My dear Miss Mabel,
this is serious matter. Old
Knyphausen is an iron-hearted soldier
who cares nothing for mans life:
come in and see the girls and I'll send
out for information"
Within few hours Mabel learned
that her lover was in Walnut street
prison ind would De tried in few DAYS
as spy. walnut street prison" The
very name was synonym for suffer.
ing, horror and death.
Mr.. Galloway assured Mabel that he
would do his best to aid her. and
stated, with a significant look, that
Christian Grobe, a German formerly in
his employ, was now a keeper in
prison-and through him. no doubt,
Capt. Campbell could be communicated
with. He will do much for a guinea.
You understand, my dear. You can
use my name"
Grobe was on night watch, and about
noon was enjoying his pipe in front of
one of those low, two-story houses,
still standing in Drinkers alley. when
little man came sauntering up and
addressed him in German. The prison
keeper was not violent tory, but
rather trimmer, and had on several
occasions sadly reflected that in the
event of the patriots winning his fu-
ture would be very uncertain. No
mercy would be shown to any connect
ed with the prison. so when Weaver be-
gan to make stealthy approaches he
soon found that his work was half done.
For FIVE guineas down Grobe would see
that everything possible should be done
for Philips comfort, and for ten gum
cas- in hand and ten more promised he
would do his best to aid his escape He
advised waiting until Christmas eve.
A guinea will buy rum enough to make
the guards careless, but if the prisoner
is found guilty before then, why, work