The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1910-06-22
General Howe S Aid
A Story OF the Amencan
Revolution
By ARCHIBALD SPOFFORD
Copyright, 1910. By American Press
Association.


the Americans We're watching Il force
occupying small fort lying between
Orange and Elizabeth The fort was
much in the WAY of the Americans
rendering the communications between
their different leaders difficult. A
force was sent TO capture 1t. but the
stronghold was well stocked with am
munitioD and provisions. so that 1t
would likely be able to hold out for n
long while against an attacking party.
The Americans. not knowing OF q weak
spot where an entrance could be
forced. dared not try 10 storm it.
The commander of the patriots sur
rounded the fort on the north, south
and west sides, leaving communication
for the enemy open on the east, One
morning the garrison saw an oticer In
the British uniform gaIloping over the
fields from the point that had not
been closed He rode through Il fire
from the American guns. but he was
within range OF only few of them,
made his entrance into the fort and
was received with acclamatlons by the
garrison, all being interested to know
why he had risked his life to join
them. No one knew him. hus he In
troduced himself as an aid to General
Howe at New York.
Major" he said to the commanding
officer, 1.-The general is extremely anx.
ious that this post be held. He has
directed me to inspect 1t. its garrison
ammunition. provisions, etc. and report
to him exactly what you require tc
make a successful defense AS soon
as gain the required information
shall return. and anything you need
will be dispatched Immediately.
"But how did 1t happen that the reb.
els let you get In here?" asked the ma
jor.
THAT is their affair. who has blum.
dered at leaving open passageway
don't know. expected to be obliged
to pass their lines under cover OF the
night: but. finding an opening. ! con
cluded TO run for IL. ! expect TO be
obliged to return iu an entirely differ
ent manner"
The officer was shown the magazine
the ordnance and the storehouSe where
the provisions were Kept and given a
statement of the amount of supplies
on hand. He insisted that it be writ
ten on tissue paper and rolled In lit
tie ball iucased in wax in order that
be might swallow it IL in danger OF
being captured by the enemy. After
inspecting the interior he went out tC
look at the defenses. To the surprise
Of every one. be began to mount the
parapet
What are you doing?" cried thc
commanding officer. DO you wish &c
be picked off by rebel sharpshooter'
These men are all hunters and could
kill a squared on our ramparts. TO say
nothing of a man"
Major" replied the officer. II hare
been sent here 10 learn about this posi-
in order thatuyou may be supplied will
all that is required to defend 1t, VIII
you kindly inform me how | am tC
know what force you need unless
see the approaches?
"But you will be killed"
''That, sir, is what a soldier is for
to be Killed. He is 10 obey orders, ant
the matter of danger is not to concern
him ! must see the lay Of the LAND
surrounding you. That cannot do
without exposing myself"
With that General Howe's aid as
cended to the parapet. He had scarce
~ shown himself when a bullet sans
by his ear. He paid no attention to 1t
walking slowly around the inclosuro
every now and again bullet beinl
fred at him. One knocked off an cpau
let; another pierced his .hat The mel
down In the Enclosure looked at hin
with wonder.
"The bruyest man ever saw ex
claimed one.
"Foolhardy" cried another.
Hell not escape much longer" OK
| claimed q third.
The officer stopped at an angle which
seemed 10 have arrested hts attention
| stopping down as II to got il cleare
| view Of IT, From it the ground slope
| gently toward the enemy. bnt between
! 1t and them was clump Of trees
| Then be arose. took out his bandker
| chief and blew his nose. The mex
moment he came down frnm the para
| pet
"1f there is anything about thi;
| fort said the major commanding
| unknown 10 yon | should HE I,
know what 1t is But YOU nave takel
fearful chance for your life. ant
only wonderfully good fortune cnable
You 10 return with the Information"
81 have still another gauntlet {
run" was the reply, 10 get through
the rebel lines with the information
| That. however. does not trouble me
My general gave me my orders, ana
Is my duty to obey them. X fa'
! there are others to repeat the process
till some one shall make known you
requirements"
That night General Howe's aid sa
lied forth declaring that he woul
| staol throuph tho ennmvs lines