Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-09-15

A lieutenant VI those days, major
general later, has left an account Of an
escape from New York. 1t seems he
was taken on y fornging expedition in
Westchcstor. Tho capture of himself
and his comrades, this Mordaunt states
particularly, was his own fault. His
escape was little less than remarkable,
and ] will leave him to state it in his
own words. Tho narrative, you will
notice, begins rather abruptly:
The little town of yablcd roofs broke
at last ON my woaricd sense, as tho
guard troops brought us in, like Il scene
in play had once seen in Philadcl-
phia-as if / should turn from it to
town of tho Canadas, though this was
all unlike; Il Dutch town, indeed, with
MARKS put OH it of q long English occu-
patton, as we fell among the kings rcd
coated soldicry.
| wanted. weary as I was, TO say n
word to my poor comrades, but / was
not permitted it, and l accused myself,
whose sorry rashncss-for | had urged
the expcdition-had brought them to
this plight OF prisoners of war. But
had no chance then, nor later.
As fer myself, l was taken into n
building which proved Al improvised
Jail. where | was given II comfortable
room, tho circumstances being consider
ed, where at cncc fell to sleep.
d. not know how long slept, whom
I was watoned by sunshine streaming
through u barred window and insistcnt
tones in my ears. \ sergeant stood
there, directing man with my break
fast, l ate heartily, forgetting all my
misfortune.
And this was tho beginning Of many
days.
At last orc day, long past sunset,
heard considerable commotion out
side. My barred window showed Meth
ing against the gathering dusk, though
looking cat into strcet-it was lit
tie side street
But the connection continued. Pres
er.ly | heard steps i'll the corridor and
the bolts drawn, when my jailer SER
Ecant appeared with two soldiers sup
porting young man i'll Iieutenant's
uniform. from whose pale face l saw at
once that he was drunk
Tho house is filled, and we shall
have TO put him III with you, the SER
gcant said, the others supporting him to
the bed, whore he sank down.
"Why don't | hear from Sir Henry
Clinton" asked like pcovish fool,
as if TIE sergeant should know. ~ ex-
poet Il parole, at least"
lie shrugged his shoulders and went
ont and closed the door and heard the
fading footballs.
Why, indeed, wasn't some action
taken in my case: l had been now "a
prisoner near week.
Tie fellow On the bed brcathcd heav-
lily. lie wore thc uniform of line rcgi-
mcnt and had young, gentle face,
rather Worn with dissipation. do not
know to this day what caused the street
noises preceding his appearance. Watch
ing his hard breathing, / suddenly wish
eG that had his uniform, though did
not think why. Tho thoughtlwus like
an inspiration, for what if the door
had been left unboltcd? Of course it
was impossible it should have been,
and vet | had not heard the rasping of
the holt against its socket, and | tried
it. viii you believe me, that door
swung back, and l was looking into the
corridor?
Quickly closed it and went back TO
the hard breathing figure on the bed.
For n moment III the Pickering light
Il had lit my candlc-I watched his
face, which reminded me of my own.
Finally, having the courage Of my pur-
pose, l shook him roughly, but he did
not so much as stir. So began to pull
of his coat, his stock, his waistcoat
Still he was unconscious, till he star
tied me by opening his eyes.
WHAT" he asked husilily. And then
he rolled over on his side in stupor,