The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1900-07-26
PURSUED BY REDCOAIS
Brave James Thrilling Escape From
British Officers She Out
witted Them.

l UllVULD III AkDOUllIV 8
Z Brave James Thrilling Escape From z
8 British Ofhcers-HOw She Out 8
O witted Them. 8
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
During the Revolutionary war many
deeds Of valor were performed by peo-
pie whose names have never been
heard Of by the present generation,
but whose daring acts did much to
foster the cause of liberty. The Hill
lards were a well known family in
the vicinity of Philadelphia, and while
they had never been discovered in di-
rect communication with the Cont
mental army it was fairly understood
among the British troops that they
were using their influence to aid the
colonists.
81 should like nothing better" an
English officer was saying, ''than to
capture one of that family, march him
to headquarters and make him give an
account of himself"
"Perhaps," a fellow officer returned,
'tyou would not enjoy the capture of
the young daughter of the household.
who, it is said, is afraid of nothing
this side Of the sea. 1t is said that she
is one Of the most expert horsewomen
in the colonies and is out securing the
country over at daybreak and does not
return till dark"
1T is neither prudent nor womanly,"
replied another, land if can once get
sight of her I'll give the damsel such
a scare that she'll be glad to stay at
home with her spinning"
Jane Hillard, beautiful girl of Is.
was standing at her horses side, pat
ting it's glossy neck, while her mother
was saying:
II like not the thought of your going
so far from home alone when the coun-
try round is infested with British SOL
diers."
"Why, MOTHER" laughed the girl as
she sprang into the saddle, 81 know
every inch of the ground as we'll as l
know our own dooryard. And what
can happen to me? There is no horse
so fleet as mine, and promise to take
good care of myself" And, giving the
mare touch with her whip, she went
flying down the driveway toward the
public road.
Jane rode along the smooth highway,
every now and then looking over her
shoulder to see whether any had no.
ticed her during her swift trip. And
at last, when she came to a large
clump Of elder bushes, she refined in
the mare, raised herself in the saddle
and gazed in all directions. Seeing no
one, she gave three short whistles,
which were at once answered. She
then started the horse and in a moment
had reached thick underbrush a few
rods off the public road. A young
man came forward, raised his cap re-
specially and said:
"Good day, Mistress Hillard. You
are prompt in keeping an appoint
ment."
"Good day, sir" she answered quick
~. II am glad 1 have not kept you
waiting, though" she added, 81 came
near not being here at all. This day
of all others my mother objected to
soldiers, and she was afraid harm
might come to me-"
"Does she know of this meeting?"
the man asked quickly.
"No one knows of it," the girl re-
piled, land am sure I have not been
noticed on my way here"
s"That Is WELL" her companion an
swered. 81 am trusting you with a
most important message which must
be in the hands of General Washington
within IL hours. If it Is discovered, it
means death to me and confusion to
our troops. You are in great danger
carrying it." And he hesitated a mo-
ment before placing in her hands,
which were outstretched eagerly, a
neatly corded packet. But l see no
other way" he added, and, handing it
to the girl, he was soon out of sight.
Jane placed the precious message
within her riding cap and had gone
but a short distance when, on looking
over her shoulder, great was her con-
sternation to discover in the distance
party Of English officers.
Jane Hillard was a brave girl, but
her heart sank as she thought Of the
important letter intrus%ed to her, all
that it meant to the Continental army
If it were discovered and what would
be her probable fate If she were made
a prisoner of war. She put the spurs
to her horse, and then began a ride
which was an important one for the
cause Of liberty. On they went, the
girl urging the mare over the uneven
road, well knowing that one misstep
meant certain capture and probable
death, while the redcoats followed with
wonderful speed.
"We are gainingv' cried one. 'I'n
wager that at the next turn of the road
we shall catch her."
The men fairly flew over the road to
the point beyond the bend where they
expected to capture Mistress Hillard,
and great was their surprise to discov-
er that she was not only beyond their
reach, but that she had completely dis
| appeared! The men who had regarded
the race as simply joke to brighten
the girl now vowed to find her and
take her before the commandant.
| ''We'n ride right to her fathers door,
and the one who finds her and brings
her before the officer of the day shall
receive liberal reward"
| Jane Hillard spoke truly when she
said she knew the country around, and
when she saw that the British were in
| pursuit of her she decided on a des-
perate move. At point hidden from
the highway she vaulted her horse over
the hedge, turned down the edge of a
creek, and by the time her disappear
| ance was discovered she was carefully
skirting her way through her fathers
orchard. In a few moments she was
galloping over the grass at the edge of
the driveway and soon arrived at the
| billiard homestead.
| No ono was in siphf and %ho rvirI