Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1901-03-07
CHAPTER XIII.

same moment the head OF column OF
the enemy appeared
''By POUNDS. look for trouble and dis
tfess now, capen,' cried Sam Moulton,
rs the puffs of smoke from the enemy's
muskets rose on the air, and the leaden
balls came whistling over the heads of
the troops.
One of the light horsemen was killed.
Maurice ordered the horse caught, and
mounting Amelia on it, sent her and
Molly across the ford, while, with his
light horse he charged the enemy. La
fayette sent company of infantry to aid
them, and a sharp skirmish ensued, IN
which the Americans lost nine Killed and
captured, while the British had two of
aheir light horsemen killed and several
wounded.
The Americans crossed the Schuylkill
with their artillery, and took position
on the high grounds west of the river,
and formed in line of battle.
Lafayette and his troopers marched
back to Valley Forge, where they were
greeted with the most enthusiastic con-
gratulations.
Almost a month has passed at Valley
Forge, and the Americans, suddenly
grown to veterans and Injured to hardship
and toll, were all eagerness to break
camp and start in pursuit of the enemy.
It was nearly midnight and all the
chiefs were assembled at Washington's
headquarters. Molly Pitcher, that in
domitable woman, who in character and
genius has perhaps neevr had an equal
since the day of John de Arc, had just
returned from a flying visit to Philadel-
phia with the startling intelligence that
the British were evacuating the city.
Gathered about the table at which
Washington had sat and wrote so many
orders was the commander-in-chief, and
his generals. There were many present
whom we have learned early in life to
Washington, Lafayette, Maxwell,
Steuben, Pulaski and others. There was
one gloomy, sullen man in the party
Gen Lee Molly Pitcher, who had rid
den hard and was nearly exhausted, still
fingered in the chiefs apartment, her
eyes on Lee, whom she had long doubt
ed, and came to detest.
Gen. Washington addressing his Off
GERS, said:
sThis young woman, whom | know can
be trusted, has brought Information that
she enemy are evacuating the city Of
Philadelphia"
L
rupted.
"Then l suppose ye believe 1~have
Hed?" snapped Molly, her pretty nose
turned in the air. Its my opinion that
the word of some people is just as good
as some others, and if you don't believe
what I say. just go to the front yourself,
and have look at the situation
Washington had raised his hand and
n4+o,,oJ n low x-or1 of diSnlnacI1rn
.'There is no need to deny the informa-
ton, Gen. Lee" he said, "for it has been
eorroborated by others"
''Sir Henry Clinton is not so foolish as
10 leave Philadelphia, a well-fortified
town. to take his chances of crossing the
country" put in Lee.
"1ou must bear in mind, General, that
Sir Henry Clinton realizes the fact that
ne is almost surrounded and liable to
have his supplies cut off," said Washing
ton.
Every eye was turned to him with
pride and trust, save Lee. Soufed, dis
gruntled and disappointed in his ambi-
iious desires, he had resolved to become
n stumbling block in the way of his COM
mander Washington took a Bible from
the table, and holding it before the gen
eral, said:
Congress ordered an oath of allie,
glance to be administered to all the off
GERS of the army i'll this canap before the
opening of this campaign. This was done
on the twelfth of last month, but as we
are to break camp and start soon in pur-
suit of the enemy, l have decided that
we repeat this solemn and binding obliga-
ton. Lay your hand upon this blessed
book and repeat after me the OATH" Sew
eral laid their hands on the Bible, and
began to repeat after Washington the
following oath:
81 do acknowledge the United States of
America to be free, independent and SOW
ereign States, and declare that the PEG
ple thereof owe no allegiance or oeedi-
ence to George the Third, King of Great
Britain
At this Gen. Lee removed his hand
from the book.
"Why do you take away your hand,
Gen Lee?" Washington asked. Lee, af-
ter an effort or two, answered.:
"As to King George, l am ready
enough to absolve myself from all alle-
glance to him; but have some scruples
about the Prince of Wales"
At this strange reply the officers laugh
ed and even Washington joined them.
"Your conduct is singular, General"
he declared. I'VE propose to disavow al
legianee to any and all monarchies, kings
and princes
while am willing to disavow any al
legianee to the King, | do not like to take
ahe step with regard to his SON.
..You subscribed a similar oath on the
twelfth of May, General, and your re-
fusing to repeat it at this time is rather
singular" said Washington.
HE is traitor, General. Look out
for him. cried Molly Pitcher.
In moment every eye was on the dar-
ing woman. The commander-in-chief re
buked her gently, saying:
''Molly. you must not make such accu-
stations. Gen. Lee, after moments re-
hection, will subscribe to the oath. He
must. One who refuses to take this oath
cannot now be trusted by Congress with