The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1910-12-08
General Howe S Aid
A Story Of the American
Revolution
By ARCHIBALD sPOFFORD
Copyright. 1910. By. American Fress

One morning during the war for In.
dependence. while the British occupied
New York and portions of New Jersey,
the Americans were watching u force
occupying 4 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 It. but the
stronghold was well stocked with am.
munition and provisions. 80 that It
would likely be able to hold out for q
long while against an attacking party.
The Americans. not knowing OF a weak
spot where an entrance could be
forced. dared not try to 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 officer in
the British uniform gaIloping over the
fields from the point that had not
been closed. He rode through fire
from the American guns, but he was
within range of only u few Of them.
and none of their shots took effect. He
made his entrance into the fort and
vas received with acclamations by tho
garrison. all being interested to know
Why he had risked his life to join
them. No one knew him, but he in
trodIced himself as an aid to General
Howe at New York.
Major" he said to the comma ndling
oGcer, the general is extremely anx
ious that this post be held. He has
directed me to inspect it. it's garrison.
ammunition. provisions. ETC.. and repor,
to him exactly what you require to
make successful defense. As soon
as gain the required information I
shall return. and anything you need
will be dispatched Immediately"
But how did It happen that the reb-
els let You get in hereY asked the ma
jor.
THAT IL their affair. Who has blum.
dered at leaving open a passageway
don't know. l expected to be obliged
night; but. finding an opening. con.
cluded to run for 1t. l expect to be
obliged to return in an entirely differ
ent manner"
The officer was shown the magazine.
the ordnance and the storehouse where
he provisions were kept and given a
statement Of the amount Of supplies
q hand. He insisted that II be writ
TIN on tissue paper and rolled il lit.
tle ball incased in wax in order that
De might swallow it II in danger Of
1eing captured by the enemy. After
Inspecting the interior be went ont to
box at the defenses. To the surprise
II every one. he began to mount the
parapet.
what are you doing?" cried the
commanding officer. do you wish to
be picked off by rebel sharpshooter
These men are all hunters and could
Kill squared on our ramparts. to say
Dothing of man"
major" replied the officer. Il have
been sent here to learn about this post
In order that you may be supplied with
Ill that is required to defend it. Will
you kindly inform ME how am TO
know what force you need unless
zee the approaches?"
"But you will be killed"
THAT. sir. is what soldier is for
30 be killed. He is to obey orders and
the matter Of danger Is not to concern
him. ] must see the lay Of the land
surrounding you. That cannot d"
without exposing myself"
With that General Howe's aid as.
esnded to the parapet He had scarce
y shown himself when a bullet sang
" his ear He paid no attention 10 IT.
walking slowly around the inclosure.
every now and again a bullet being
1red at him. One knocked or an epau.
Ut, another pierced his hat. The men
Gown In the Enclosure looked at him
With wonder.
'Thet hravest man ever saw" ex-
claimed one. .a........
"Foolhardy" cried another.
"He'lj not escape much longer" ex'
claimed a third. ...... .-... .-.
The officer stopped at an angle which
seemed to have arrested his attention.
stopping down as if to get a clearer
view of it, From it the ground sIoped
gently toward the enemy. but between
It and them was a clump OF trees.
Then be arose. took out his handker.
chief and blew bis nose. The next
moment he came down from the para.
pet.
If there is anything about this
FORT said the major commanding.
unknown to you | should like tG
know what it is. But you have taken
q fearful chance for your lifa- and
only wonderfully good fortune enables
you to return with the information"
II have still another gantlet to
run" was the reply. Ito get through
the rebel lines with the Information.
That. however, does not trouble me.
Ny general gave me my orders, and It
3 my duty to obey them. II fail
there are others to repeat the process
tn some one shall make known your
That night General Howe's aid sal.
MAi4 olov Il thot no vp0nI6