The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1905-03-01
wa.hingtOn.s birthday Dinner

dy, patriotic heart that knew not
the meaning of fear, and had
known not the meaning of love
until the Continental army
marched into Philadelphia in the
fall of 1777. It was in Philadel-
phia that Martin met Beccy
Sharp, a demure little Quaker
lass, who returned Martins ar
dent New Amsterdam affection,
even though she conld not bring
herself to approve fully of the
uniform he wore when that uni
form when that uniform meant
the shedding of mems blood.
So long as Lord Howe left the
Continental troops in possession
of Philadelphia Martin cared not
whether the war waged else
where or not. So long as he was
free to go aud come between
Beccy's house and the camp he
was entirely satisfied with his lot,
nor did he mind the little lectures
he received from her on the evils
of war and the virtues of brother
ly love. He was content to be
soldier under such conditions,
even though his being one served
no better purpose than the giving
of Beccy something to lecture
him about, for it was a great
pleasure to hear Beccy talk.
But Lord Howe was not con-
tent that the Continental army
should enjoy the comforts
of city life. Philadelphia offered
opportunities as a winter resort
which he coveted, and Washing
toms tattered army not being
strong enough to successfully re-
sist, they were forced to march
away to the desolate camp be-
side the Schuylkill at Valley
Forge.
Deep down in his heart Martin
rebelled at sucn a necessity, but
there was nothing to do but go,
and go he did. At any rate.
thought he. it is not so bad, for
Valley Forge is but 14miles from
Philadelphia, and that is not
remember the double line sentries
between himself and Beccy, or if
he did he snapped his fingers at
: them.
a week after camp was made
at Valley Forge Martin asked
permission to visit Philadelphia,
and was promptly refused.
ITO be gobbled up by the Bri-
: tish ehI" cried his captain NO,
they have enough of our. soldiers
now, and you will stay here
Protestations of his ability to
go back and forth through the
British lines without being de-
1ected were of no avail, and he
stayed, but only to ask again the
second week. Again the second
week. Again he was refused,
but week after week the request
was repeated.
In February there came a
messenger from Philadelphia in
to the camp, and he brought with
him a dainty feminine note for
Martin. 1t said many things, to
be sure, but it said more pointed
ly than anything else that Martin
j should find way to see Beccie
Sharp as he still loved her, and
that Martin proposed to do with
or without permission, as might
Lbe necessary. AT the first favor
able opportunity he repeated his
request for permission to visit
Philadelphia, promising in return
information as to the enemy sta
toned there.
"And be hung for spy" said
the captain. mo. here you are
and here you will stay. The
general needs no information
about Lord Howe and his roy
sterers an Philadelphia that you
eouid get"
But Beoey's little pote tucked
safely away in the pocket of his
blouse kept his heart in tumult.
Fighting for ones country was
all right, he thought, but ones
country should not demand too
much. There could not possibly
be any harm in his going to the
city for a day or two, and so