Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-03-06

his clothes, before he heard an inquiry.
made by some one below, Of the orderly
on duty, whether the Whig officer was
yet in a condition to be visited; and,
in the next moment the noise of foot
steps ascending the stairs towards the
chamber, prepared him to expect the
entrance Of the person who had asked
the question.
A British officer, in full uniform, of
"a graceful and easy carriage, neat fig
urc. and Of a countenance that bespoke
an intelligent and cultivated mind,
made his appearance at the door. He
was apparently of five or six and thir-
ty years Of age; and whilst he paused
moment, as with purpose to apol-
ogize for the seeming intrusion Butler
was struck with the air of refined
breeding Of the individual before him.
Major Butler, understand, Of the
Continental army" said the stranger.
1.-THE unpleasant nature Of the circum-
stances In which you are placed, l
hope will excuse the trespass I have
committed upon your privacy Cap
tain ST. Jermyn, of his Majesty's army,
and lately an aide-de-camp Of Lord
Rawdon."
Butler bowed coldly. as he replied
ITO meet a gentleman, as your rank
and name both import, Is a privilege
that has not been allowed me or late.
Without knowing wherefore. I have
been waylaid and outraged by bravoes
and ruffians. You, perhaps, sir, may
be able to afford me some insight into
the causes of this maltreatment."
Even IL 1t were proper for me to
hold discourse with you on such sub
ject, could only speak from common
report" replied the officer. II know
nothing Of your seizure, except that,
by the common chances Of war, you
have fallen into the hands Of the rul-
ing authorities Of the province, and
you will, doubtless, as a soldier, appre-
ciate my motives for declining any
reference to the circumstances In
which you have been found. Ny visit
Is stimulated by other considerations,
amongst which Is foremost a desire to
mitigate the peculiarly uncomfortable
captivity to which am sorry to learn
you have been subjected"
II thank you" replied Butler, "for
the intention with which your good Of
fees are proffered; but you can render
me no service that should value so
much as that Of informing me why
have been brought hither, at whose
suggestion. and for what purpose"
II will be plain with you, Major But
Ter. Your situation demands sympa-
thy. however inexorably the present
posture of our affairs may require the
DEGREES Of stern justice, in respect to
yourself. to be executed. I feel for
you, and would gladly aid you to any
extent which my duty might allow, in
averting the possible calamity that
may hang over you. You are known as
a gentleman Of consideration and in
| huence in the colonies. may further
add, as a brave and venturesome SOL
dier. You are believed to have more
boldly than wisely, enterprised the ac-
complishment of certain schemes
against the safety Of his majesty's
acknowledged government in this pro-
vince: besides having committed other
acts in violation Of a faith plighted for
you by those who had full authority to
bind you, thus bringing yourself with
in the per ralties appropriate to the vio-
lation of a military parole II not with
in those of treason ITSELF"
He lies In his throat" cried Butler,
"who charges me with forfeiture Of
plighted word or honor, in any action
of my life That have arrayed myself
against what you are pleased to term
his majesty's acknowledged govern
ment in this province, 1 am proud to
confess, here in the midst Of your
bands, and will confess it again at
your judgment seat; but If aught be
said against me that shall be intended
to attaint my honor as gentleman, I
will, in the same presence and before
God, throw the lie in the teeth Of my
accuser. Aye, and maze good my
word now or hereafter. wheresoever 1t
may be allowed me to meet the SLAM
derer."
| II do not condemn your warmth"
said st. Jermyn. calmly, "in a matter
that so deeply stirs your self esteem;
and only desire now to second 1t In
all things wherein an honorable enemy
may claim the support Of those who
themselves value q good name. The
authorities of this post have consider
ately resolved to give you the benefit Of
court Of inquiry. And I hope you
viii take 1t as it was meant In all
kindness to you. that I have come, be-
fore the communication Of an official
order. to apprise you that charges will
be duly exhibited against you, and a
trial be instantly had. If you will ac-
cept Of my services, feeble and made
quate as they may be. l would gladly
tender them to afford you such facili-
ties as the pressure Of the present
emergency may allow"
TO be tried! when and for what? II
the charge is that l carry an open war
against those no are in the habit OF
calling me and my compatriots rebels
i am ready to confess the charge.
What need Of court or trial?"
There are graver and more serious
offences than that imputed to you"
said st. Jermyn.
When am l to be informed OF them,
and to what do they tend?"
You will hear them this morning;
when. l am sorry to add, the nature OF
our military operations also enforces
the necessity Of your trial"
You can be of little service, II that
be true" returned Butler, thoughtfully.
my cause can only be defended by my
country, long after 1 am made the VIC
tim Of this unrighteous procedure"
There is one alternative" said st.
Jermyn, with some hesitation in his
manner (which n mature deliberation
upon your relation as a subject-par-
don me. for do not deem this ill-timed
L n kAI