The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1901-07-12
,On HE General Howe. W

NJ
WkW British army, held possession
N@ Of Philadelphia, and General
Washington, with the few half-starved
troops under his Immediate command,
was encamped 1t a place called White
Marsh, a few miles distant from the
city, an incident occurred, which,
though seemingly trlfing in itself, may
have had an important bearing upon
the destiny Of the whole country.
Lieutenant Colonel Craig, command
ing a detachment of light horse, was
ordered to approach the eIemy's lines,
and hover near them, in the capacity
Of videttes, to pick up any intelligence
that might be of value to the army.
While engaged in this important duty
one cold, raw day I'm December, an or
derby called his attention to a woman
who was coming up the road.
The officer watched her as she as
cended the hill, and when he perceived,
by her stopping and looking frightened,
that she had discovered his command,
lie rode forward and called out, in re-
assuring tone:
Advance, madam-you have nothing
TO fear from true s~oldiers.'
The lady, who was well wrapped up
in plain, warm garments, with a hood
that quite concealed her features at a
short distance, now came forward,
without hesitation, to meet the colonel,
as If satisfied from his language and
appearance she had nothing to fear.
When near enough for him to distin-
guish the features that were turned full
upon him, he exclaimed, in a tone of
surprise:
Mrs. Darrah, as l livei Why, what
on earth can have brought you, all
alone and unprotected, into this dan
gerous localityg'
"Thee knows. friend" she replied, in
the Quaker style, Il have a son in the
American army-who is, like myself,
an officer under George Washington
and a mothers heart yearns toward her
offspring, ever though he has depart
from the ways of his fathers"
You were going then to seek him?'
Il was; but perhaps thee would carry
a message for me, and let me turf back
to the city, said the lady, but still
with a cautious, hesitating air.
1T will afford me great pleasure to
oblige Lydia Darrah in In way!'
bowed the gallant colonel.
THANK thee, friend-thee is very
kind. If thee will dismount then and
walk with me a little way l think 1
will tell thee what l have to say. which
Is a secret l would not like to have any
other persons hear"
The colonel assented, and. riding back
to his men, gave his horse in charge of
one of them md ordered them to keen
in sight of him; but not to approach
near enough to overhear an ordinary
conversation. He then returned to the
lady and they began their walk down
he road, in an opposite direction to that
which she had come. For a short time
he maintained a deep silence. with her
face averted, and, as the officer fan.
'ied' with her whole frame trembling
WIN secret emOllOD.
Friend Craig" she at length began
With something like a sigh. and speak
ng in the rapid, earnest manner of n
communicating some startling fact
thee must hasten ut once to George
Washington and tell him thee has GER
ain information that. on tomorrow
light, a large body of British soldiers
VIII secretly march out of the city for
he purpose Of surprising and captur
ng him and all of his men. Not to
nystdy thee, friend, and that thee may
-ttach all due Importance to this infor-
nation, will 10Y inform thee h n 7
lydia Darrah, overheard an order road
two high officers 10 the effac+
i wha have stated. Thee must also
now that the man called General
has come TO abide in the house
pposite my husbands. and that For
ONE reason, to us unknown. two mon
ne or whom is supposed to be calIad
ne adJutant general, have come over
o William Darrah's several times ana
.eid private conferences in Of n
ack rooms Of our dwelling. Last nioht
hese TWO men came again n one of
told me he wanted all my family
, go to bed early. and that when thew
hould get ready to leave, which might
e late. they would call me to let them
ut. ""
Wen Friend Craig. l sent the whole
lmily early to bed, as requested 10 do
ut myself felt very anxious to Know
was going on Of so much import.
nee and so did what l never did he-
on my shoes, walked on tin
'e TO the door of the room where these
en- were put my a to the key-hole.
listened and heard what I have in
ormed thee Of
God bless you, Lydia Darrah. for ,
oble woman said the colonel Win
xcited warmth; perhaps Won baro
wed OuT cOuufrV-ubo l,.