Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1900-07-12
Dorothy Sterling.


the year 1776, little Dorothy Sterl-
ing, who was then just ten years old,
lived with her parents in a pretty
vine-covered house on the outskirts
of Flatbush, which, as you know, is
on Long Island. On July l, her
father, having important matters to
attend to in New York, took his wife
and daughter with him, and they
stayed at the house Of friend.
One day her father took her down
to Bowling Green to see some soldiers
drill. They were gay-lOoking fellows
in knickerbockers, with funny pow
dered wigs and long cues under their
hats. As they were starting on their
way home there was the sharp clatter
of hoofs and the mad hurrahing Of a
mighty crowd that surged about a
solitary horseman as he drew up at a
tavern in Bowling Green.
"Hark !" cried Captain Sterling.
"Hark to what the man is saying
"We are declared free and inde-
pendent States by the Continental
Congress at Philadelphia. 1t was
ratified on the Fourth of July. We
are free ?"
These were the words that rang in
the ears Of Dorothy and her father,
Down with King George Down with
the tyrant :" came the echoing cry
from the crowd that was growing
larger every minute. And then in
moment there was a rush to the CEN
ter of the square, where stood a large
leaden statue of King George Ill
Great ropes were bound around it and
willing hands clutched the loose ends,
and amid deafening shout the great
figure came crashing to the ground.
That same night Dorothy was awak-
ened and found her father and moth
er bending over her little bed, and she
was told to get up at once and dress,
that messenger had come from Long
Island telling her father that his regi-
ment was preparing for conflict with
King Georges Hessians, who were
about to land on the island, and that
he must return with all speed and
join his own company.
AS long as she lived Dorothy never
forgot that mysterious midnight ride
to her home. The Captain had want
ed to send his wife and daughter some
where where they might be out Of
danger, but his loyal wife would not
hear Of going away.
Then came days Of anxious waiting
for Mrs. Stirling. Dorothy, while
the Captain was away with his regi-
ment, learned to be brave little girl,
who was not to cry at strange sounds
and rough voices, but who must be
quiet and gentle and a comfort to her
mother. So her father had told her
when he kissed her and went away,
dressed in his beautiful uniform, and
with his shining sword dangling at his
side.
One frightlully hot afternoon to-
ward the end of August there came
the sounds of heavy shooting. Vol
ley after volley ratified out and echoed
through the woods. Mrs. Stirling
was away spending few hours with
a friend in Jamaica, and the two COL
ored servants had gone to the pasture
land to drive home the unruly cows.
Suddenly Dorothy was astonished to
see a broken line Of men come down
the road toward the house on dead
run, and her own father brought up
the rear.
She hardly knew him at first. His
coat was gone and bis left arm was in
a sling. His men were in an equal
ly damaged condition. Make for
the marsh back Of the house, boys"
he shouted, "and wade through to the
other side. l will join you in few
minutes az the the top Of Pine Knoll"
Then he caught Dorothy up in his
arms and kissed htr. Where's NAM
ma ?" he asked.
Mamma is over at Jamaica" she
told him.
"Oh, the evil luck !" he groaned.
81 must see her"
Look here, child" be went on,
"the Hessians are after US. There
are TOO many for us to stand battle
with them. If they hunt NE down |
shall have to make across the marsh,
and when l have joined my men and
we are safely hid from pursuit will
FIRE a signal. That willlet you know
I am all right. Now run into the
house, dear, and tell no one but NAM
1 4 L.