Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1904-09-22

squads, marched down TO the
XSzFS boats-large, unwieldy scows,
$3.50 which had been hauled up
against the shore-and each boat was
speedily filed to its utmost capacity.
The most experienced seized the oars,
three or four Marblehead fishermen
tons forward and aft along the upper
side of the boat, with one to steer and
one to command, and then, seizing a
favorable opportunity, the boat was
pushed Of from the shore and, thread
ing It's way In and out between the
enormous ice cakes grinding down
upon her, the difficult and dangerous
passage began. Should the heavily
laden boat be overturned very few of
its occupants would be able to reach
the shore. Once on the other side the
fishermen took the boat back, and the
weary process was gone owe again.
Fortunately IL was yet bright moon
light, though ominous clouds were
banking up in the northeast, and ev-
erything could be plainly seen. Each
boat was perfectly visible all the way
across to the eager watchers on the
shore, and a sigh Of relief went up
after each fortunate passage. In this
labor Seymour and Bentley. and in q
less degree Philip Wilton, aided Colo
mel Glover's men; Seymour having the
helm Of one boat continuously, Bentley
that Of another.
About half past 0 It was reported to
Couorol UoabtpO<ou that oil ~ tho
first division had crossed, and the boat
was now ready for him according to
his orders. The largest and best boat
had been selected for the commander
in chief, sufficiently capacious to
receive his horses and those of his
staf who accompanied him. Seymour
was to steer the boat, Bentley stood In
the bow, Colonel Glover stationed him
self a~midships, with three or four OF
his trustiest men, to superintend the
crossing, and all the bars were manned
by the hardy fishermen instead Of the
soldiers. The general dismounted and
walked toward the boat, leading his
horse. Just as he was about to enter
an officer on a painting steed rode up
rapidly and saluted.
General Washington
"Yes, sir"
"A letter, sir"
"What a time is this to hand me let
ters.'
"Your excellency, | have been charg-
ed to do so by General Gates"
"By General Gates! Where is hep
eel laff him this nnrpfn0 In DhfIadal.
phia, sir"
"What was he doing there?"
81 understood him that he was on
his way to congress"
"On his way to congress-" said the
general earnestly, with much surprise
and disgust In his tone. And then,
after a pause. he broke the seal and
read the letter, frowning, after which
he crumpled the paper up In his hand
and then turned again to the officer.
How did you find us, STRIP
81 followed the bloody footprints of
the men on the snow, SIR"
Poor fellows! Did you learn any
thing of General Ewing or General
Cadwalader?"
"No, sir"
"And General Putnam
"He babe me say that there were
symptoms of an insurrection In the
city, and he felt obliged to stay there.
He has detached coo OF the Pennsyl-
vanla militia, however, under Colonel
Griffin, to advance toward Borden
town"
"'Tis well. sir. Do you remain to
participate in our attackY
Eyes, sir. / belong to General st.
Glars brigade"
You will hDd II over there. 1t has
not yet crossed. Now, gentlemen, let
us get aboard"
The general stepped forward In the
boat, where Bentley, an enormous pole
In his hands, was stationed, and the re-
mainder Of the party o o embarked.
The order was given to shove OF. The
usual difficulties and the usual fortune
attended the passage Of the boat with
its precious freight until 1t neared the
east bank, when one Of the largest
cakes that had passed swiftly aoated
down upon 1t.
"Pull, men; pull hard cried Colonel
Glover az he saw its hinge buIk aIon0-