The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1900-09-21

he had been but short time our COM
rade; we had enjoyed few opportuni-
ties of Judging rs to his temper, dispo-
siton and general character, and we,
neither of us, felt for him what we felt
for one another. But the little which
we had seen of him, had all been favor
able; and his unaffected and noble be-
havior in this very barn, forcibly oc-
Cured to us. | am not ashamed to
confess that we shed some teals to his
memory; and that he constituted al
most the only subject Of our converse
ton whilst we remained awake.
After !, nj ght of sound and refresh
ing sleep we rose in confident expecta-
tion of continuing the retreat, and,
perhaps, reaching the boats that day.
But we were mistaken, General Ross
was satisfied that no pursuit would
take place, and if it did, he was equal
ly satisfied that the pursuers would
gain nothing by their eNertions. This
regarding matters, he resolved to rest
his army during the 2Sth, and, at the
same time, to secure as much of the
property of which it had taken posses
sion. MS was rrn'a ned in the barns
AMI S 0 cholsc, uf Noting ,air. Nor
was there any difficulty in ciecting
the last Of the purpose S. The river
was now crowded with gun boats,
bargcs and other small vessels, into
which the Hour and tobacco were re-
moved, and the wounded being dis
posed of IN the same way, there re-
maincd neither impcdiment to retard
our future movements, nor sources of
anxiety to distract our plans.
In this manner the whole of the 2Sth
was passed; the soldiers, for the most
part. keeping quiet, whilst the crews
of the boats removed the plumber.
1t fell, however, to my lot to he
placed, towards evening, in charge of
one of the outposts. There always is,
and indeed must be, some anxiety at
tending this duty, because the very
consciousness of responsibility can
hardly fail to create it; but on no oc-
cas;on have | kept watch SO peaceful
ly, and omuch at my ease, as tonight.
Not so much as once was an alarm
given. The sky was clear, the air
mild, and the position commanding; in
a word, all passed off as if | had been
on duty in some military station at
home, instead of in the heart Of the enc
my's country.
Having spent the night thus COM
fortably, we were in good condition
for the march that was before us; and
it was 4 trying one. \ push was to
be made for St. Benedicts at once.
Formerly we had divided the distance,
now we were to compass it in one day;
nor did we fail in performing our task,
though many good soldier found him
self sore pressed to keep his station.
1t was journey of seven long leagues;
and did not come to Il close till after
darkness had set in. But like the
marching yesterday, it was productive
Of no interesting event, and it led to
the very same arrangements and dis
positions in which that had end 'd.
We bivolcked under the ridge ol !. ALI.
in the Identical spot which We had oc-
cupied on the 10Th, and slep as sound
ly, and as uninterruptly, as we had
done on the night of our landing.
The first campaign of General Ross
in America, if a sudden incnrsion like
that above described, deserves to be
so styled, was thus brought to con-
clusion. With a mere handful of
troops, not exceeding four thousand
fighting men at the utmost, he pene-
trated upwards of sixty miles into an
enemy's country, defeated him in a
pitched battle, insultcd his capital, and
returned in safety to the shore. 1t
remained now only to re-cmbark the
army, and then his triumph would be
completed. Nor was the shadow of
difficulty experienced i'll etfrcting this
last and not least perllous enterprise.
Intimidated by his overthrow, the
American leader dreamed not at any
moment of harassing his conqueror. or
impeding his progress; as we after
wards learned, indeed, two full days
elapsed, cir he ventured to ascertain
that Washington was abandoned.
Though, therefore, the most judicious
precautions were taken, to cover the
re e-shpment against danger, no oppor-
tunity was afforded Of proving them
for the troops betook themselves corps
after corps carried to their respective
ships. The only tumult to which they
listened, was produced 10y the shouts
of the sailors, who welcomed them
back with reiterated cheers, and who
received them with as much cordialty
as if there had becn-not soldiers, but
brOther-seamen.
| cannot pretend to portray the ma
turc Of my own feelings, when find
myself once more treading the quarter
deck OF transport, and relieved, as it
We're, from all military occupation and
responsibility-that | enjoyed the
change heartily, for the moment, can