Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1900-12-27

great men, some menbers Of the Cona-
mental Congress.
The commander-in-chief was at his
quarters at White Marsh, q stately stone
mansion, busily looking over some Off
cial papers. The ragged Continentals,
many Of them still wearing their summer
clothing, were gathered about their camp
fires, for the day was bleak and chilly.
A sentry was pacing back and forth in
front Of the house where Washington
was quartered, when there came up
small party on horseback. The sentry
gave them a glance as they approached
and was amazed to see in their midst
young and handsome woman, wearing
cooked hat and the military coat of
man. The party was halted by the SEN
try, and, after saluting, young man in
the faded uniform of a Continental Off
Ger asked to see Gen. Washington.
The sentry was about to inform the
commander-in-chief of the request, when
the tall, stately form appeared at the
door, and giving the young officer
glance, cried:
Captain Fitzgerald! am happy to
welcome you back to our ranks. Do you
wish to talk with me!
81 do. general This lady has some
information for your ears only"
"DismOunt and come in
Captain Fitzgerald sprang lightly from
his saddle and turned to Molly, whom ne
assisted to alight, and giving their horses
to some soldiers standing near they en-
tered the tent of the general. He gave
each chair and again seated himself at
the table, at once plunging into the busi-
ness in hand by saying:
s'You can now proceed, Captain Fitz-
gerald. and tell such of your story as you
please
General Washington, have but little
to tell myself. After securing from you
leave Of absence, L set out alone
through New Jersey and proceeded near
ly as far as Monmouth Court House. l
found the whole country overrun with
predatory bands Of British and Tories,
who are harrassing the people in almost
every conceivable manner. Farm houses
are plundered and burned; men shot and
made captives, cattle driven away and
| slaughtered. Among the most mischiev-
| GUS monsters, who have done most to in
| jure the people Of New Jersey, is Cap
| tain Mark Tapley, an Infamous Tory,
who, at the outbreak Of the war, was
sentenced to term in the penitentiary,
but on his entering the Kings service,
received a pardon"
The general listened to the detailed
account of the young captain, and at the
conclusion said:
| .Whiie such depredations may shock
and grieve us, they are no cause for dis
| enlargement. Young woman, what in
T formation have your"
ga great deal of it," said Molly, quick
| ly.
"What is your name"
"Molly Pitcher, general, the female
| cannoneer," she answered.
| The general started to his feet and
| took her hand in his. He gazed into the
pretty face moment, and asked:
"Were you at Fort Clinton?'
81 was; my husband was one of the
gunners, and it was my good fortune to
fire the last gun just before the fort was
abandoned"
st have heard Of your daring exploit"
eve not come to talk O. that, general"
said Molly, removing her military hat
and laying it on the table at her side.
'"There is something else I want to tell
YOU"
"You can speak plainly"
'"There is one man whom you trust
that is envious O. you. He wants to
wear your shoes, and because he can't
he is going to ruin the whole army" said
Molly.
Washington fixed his deep, impressive
| eyes on her in an inquiring gaze. She
asked:
"Can't you guess to whom refer?'
II cannot" he answered.
General Charles Lee"
Washington was man not easily
startled If he doubted the woman's
story he did not evince that doubt by
word or look, but calmly asked:
! "What cause have you to distrust Cen
eral Lee?"
"While he was in prison in New York
| went to the city. General Putnam
| asked me to go there to pick up some in
formation. went, and as no one knew
me, T stopped with the wife of the pro-
vost marshal and played a loyal subject
to King George. She was a talkatiye
woman and told me many things l would
not have known but for her, and among
| them she said that General Lee, while a
prisoner, had been planning with the
! British to defeat you"
/ IT. no continued