davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06
Mrs. Edward H. LOTUS Wife Of the Secretary of the Smee Legation

the colorlesS raiment of Europe. Now,
with the departure of the former charge
d'affaires of Siam, with his three little
children, the last trace OF orientalism,
excepting the Chinese. Is eliminated from
the Washington streets.
The land of the white elephant has
a capable and gracious hostess In the
wife OF its first secretary, Edward II.
LOTUS. The only woman In the lega-
ton she is it's official chatelaine, though
the Inequalities which this country ex-
tends through Its ENJOYS are generally
of the stag order. Women are not con-
spicuous social figures, according to the
eastern philosophy, but Mrs. Lotus is
the most popular figures in the foreign
contingent.
II have never visited SIAM" said Mrs.
Lotus, though of course have always
intended to do so, and coming into SUCH
close touch with what concerns it, l am
/, deeply interested in everything Siamese.
1t must be one of the most fascinating
countries in the world. Just now to hear
how little. good things to eat cost In
Siam it would seem a fine place to visit
for a year or two. The staple of food
among the natives is rice, and that Is but
a cent a pound. Oranges sell for three
cents 4 dozen and great luscious bananas
for two cents dozen. The Siamese have
a pretty legend that the banana was the
direct gift of Allah to the prophet In
his old age after all his teeth were gone.
All the spices used throughout the civil
lied world to enrich our food seem to
have come from Siam-cinnamon, cloves.
nutmeg and the comprehensive allspice-
so that we all owe more to the Malay
archipelago than most of us realize. The
brass work of Siam is accounted the
most beautiful and artistically perfect in
the world. l delight in the possession of
some beautiful specimens, and for their
weaving in the soft aromatic grasses.
mats, fans and baskets they also rate
among the most accomplished artisans
The rattan weaving of Siam is something
not often seen here, but 1t is exqu1sitely
lovely i'm hues and in workmanship.
Another gift OF the Siamese which
appeals strongly to my little sons is the
astonishing ways in which they make
shadow pictures. These pictures are cut
out of cardboard. and when thrown on
the walls they loom up in gigantic size
and fantastic shapes, and are really
as dreadful as the fairy tale monsters.
In the country dramatic shows are often
conducted by these shadow pictures. and
they must be very weird as well as
novel A curious thing about Siam is
another method OF conducting dramatic
entertainments. A man, in something
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06
Il GAY Young French Marquis Who,
Next to Lafayette, Was the Most
Brilliant Figure France Gave to America
in the Revolutionary War ~ " ~

army because of its poor equipment and
scant discipline. Nevertheless Lafayette
probably was unknd in his judgment
when he said he did not look upon it as
a loss when Ducoudray was drowned.
September Il, 1777, less than a week
after the battle of Brandywine. Fleury
probably was the only one in the Ameri-
can army who sincerely mourned Du-
coudray. The two men, so opposite in
character, We're the warmest of friends.
To F'leury promotion and honors came
rapidly. His conduct in the first skirmish
in which he took part earned him the
rank of captain. Then, because of his
training in the Engineer Corps. he was
sent to Philadelphia, the coming theater
of war, to fortify Billingsport. make
soundings in the Delaware and map the
country around. In the battle of Brandy
Wine he was major, and when his
brigade was routed and his horse killed
under him he fought SO well afoot that
he won the admiration Of Washington.
Congress, too, took notice. for 1t present
ed to him horse to take the place of
the one killed. I'm token of the high es-
TEEN in which his merit is held by the
Congress- is the way the official report
reads. But, alas! for the gift horse. At
the battle Of Germantown the little
dandy had the horse killed under him,
but not until after he had captured se.-
eral prisoners and had been wounded in
the leg.
The wound was not sufficient to keep
him out Of service, however, and he was
sent as engineer in chief to Fort Mifflin,
on Mud Island, which was threatened by
both the squadron of Lord Howe and
the army of Gen. Howe. II ever Fleury
showed how much of the fighting spirit
there was in his dainty body he GER
tainly demonstrated it there. For six
weeks he held the fort. Three times the
commandant and garrison Of 800 men
were relieved. but Fleury refused to re-
tire. He sank two Of Howes warships.
the big August of sixty-four guns. and
the Merlin of twenty-four guns 1t was
not until he was severely wounded, Oc-
For his valiant defense Congress ap-
pointed him a lieutenant colonel and sent
a letter of thanks to him.
X
No sooner was he out of the hospital
than he conceived project for the de-
struction of the British fleet that would
have startled the world had 1t been car
ried out successfully. There was good
deal of ice in the Delaware that winter
of 1777-7S. 1t was thick along the shores
but in midstredm there was open water.
Fleury proposed to Washington to con-
struct boat mines with time fuses. These
boats could be run across the ice and
then launched to be carried by the tide
or directed by daring men to where the
warships were anchored He worked out
the plan in such detail that he was con-
fdent he could control the movements Of
the floating mines from shore and his ar
rangement of fuses was SO ingenious that
he could time the explosions almost to
minute. For a month or more he gave
all his attention to the development Of
this plan but something happened to pre-
vent 1t being carried out. Either the war
ships were moved, some hint OF the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

layed and Fleury went to see what de-
tanned him. He found him writing. !t
was a letter in which Wayne outlined ms
plans for the education of his son and
daughter If death was to be his portion IN
the attack.
AS Fleury gayly chided the general on
being lax in keeping his appointment
Wayne said he had a few words more
to write. And this is what he wrote in
closing his letter:
breakfast? Either within the enemy's
lines in triumph, or in another world
then farewell"
In the dark OF that night OF July IL,
1910. Wayne's little army crept out to-
ward the gloomy, stern. frowning heights
of Stony Point. The right column, con-
sisting of the forces of Febiger, Meigs
and Hull, was to scale the cliffs on the
southern side of the fort. The left column,
consisting of Buffers regiment, was to
climb the northern wall. The fent in the
center was to be made by Murfree. Muh-
lenberg, with a reserve force OF 800 men,
was to cover the retreat in case of de-
feat. The vanguard Of the right column
was in charge of Fleury; that of the left
under Stewart. They were to aim to
meet in the center of the works.
Across the narrow causeway the men
waded waist high in the tide. They had
not proceeded far when they were dis
covered by the pickets. In an instant the
alarm was given, and soon the roar of
the British guns awakened the echoes of
the night. But no response came from
the Americans. There was to be nothing
that night but the bayonet. From the
causeway one column swung to the right
and another to the left. Then the adj
vance guards tore away the outer abattis
and began the desperate climb up ,ne
steep and broken promontory. Here and
there men fell, for the British were using
cannon. grape and muskets. but the dark
ness was a shield for the climbing men,
and the defenders fire failed of serious
effect. Wayne fell, slightly wounded, at
the second abattis. Half dozen other
officers dropped from the cliffs wounded
or dying. But UP and up went the van
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

project reaching Lord Howe, or the
requisite amount OF material to be used
could not be obtained. AT any rate
Fleury was ordered to the army of the
led Congress 70 consider another invasion
of Canada But the Canadian scheme
soon was given up and Fleury was
brought back and. like Steuben, assigned
to drilling and instructing the continental
soldiers.
No doubt the baron was the better man
for this service, but the soldiers went
gladly to drill with the gay young
Frenchman, while they looked upon the
same work under the baron as hard
ship. Nothing could dampen the spirits
of Fleury. Despite cold and hunger. rag
gedness and illness, he persisted in being
cheerful and in making others cheerful
Some men can do almost as good WORK
in the camp as in the field. Fleury was
of that kind.
At the opening Of the campaign OF 177S
he was made second in command OF a
picked corps of 600 men. which. with two
pieces of artillery and fifty troopers.
practically was the bOdyguard OF Wash
ington. Fleury led this body into action
in the battle of Monmouth Next it was
sent to Rhode Island to meet the Count
d'Estaing and the French fleet Fleury
had far more sense than the count, and
prevailed upon inc duIilTdl " idise tue
useless siege of Newport. But he could
not influence the count to use the fleet
where it would do the most good, so he
returned somewhat disappointed with his
procrastinating fellow countryman.
1t was not until the middle of 1873 that
Fleury had his great opportunity. Early
in the campaign of that year he had COM
mand Of regiment of light cavalry and
when Washington proposed the attack on
Stony Point to Anthony Wayne and the
question Of men came up, Fleury was one
of those Wayne selected. The story of
Stony Point has been told in this series
Never were men called upon to take part
in more hazardous undertaking. All
were grave and serious-al but Fleury
The attack was to be at midnight. F'leury
had invited the general to be his guest
at supper that evening. The general de-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

sreech. He was small and slender, a
dandy and an exquisite, If ever there was
one. The other was tall and of sinister
countenance. He never smiled. His dress
was careless. He was a mass of bone
and sinew, a man of mighty strength.
The gay little dandy was Francis Louis
Teisseidre, Marquis de Fleury, an aris-
tocrat of aristocrats. The big, savage
looking man was Thomson Ducoudray. of
common birth and known to fame as the
greatest dueist in France.
War and politics make strange compan-
ions. The hearts of these two men had
been fired by the reading of the American
Declaration of Independence, and they
were crossing the Atlantic to offer their
services to the infant republic in its
struggle for freedom. They were among
the first of the soldiers of France to an
swer the call. Months later Lafayette
was to follow their example. The ship
that was to bring them was one OF the
three Pierre Beaumarchais, that strange
combination OF man of letters. merchant,
patriot and miser. was to fit out with men
and arms for the american cause.
Strange how fate treats men. Ducoudray,
the man Of giant strength, was to fall
from a fatboat crossing the Schuylkill
and drown. Fleury, the beau of the draw
ing rooms. was to win honors second only
10 those OF Lafayette and become one of
the great heroes OF the revolutionary war
But for Ducoudray the Amphitrite would
have sailed promptly. He quarreled, how
ever, with some men who were to join the
expedition, but who changed their minds
This led to duel, the thirteth he had
fought, and it was not until early i'll Jan
nary that the ship got under way. In
March the old ship arrived at Portsmouth,
Va, and the two soldiers lost no time in
joining the American army as volunteers.
Both were captains of engineers. Fleury
had served in one campaign in Corsica
and Ducourday, who was eleven years
F1eury's senior, had been i'll the French
army fifteen years.
These two men presented sharp con-
trast to the continental soldiers. Fleury
the aristocrat. blithe and gay, became a
general favorite. lie laughed at dscom-
fort and fatigue. Life was joy to him.
Perils and hardships were incidents. Du-
coudray, the bridesmaids son, soured by
the insults and the Sights he had been
subjected to by the mobiles of his native
land, insiStent on receiving from
those who served under him every meas
ure of respect his military rank COM
manded. Harsh in his attitude at all
times, he saw offense where none was
done or intended. He became contempt
uous in his ideas about the American
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

Mr. Lotus became interested in that OF
eastern Asia He has written entertain
ingly on many subjects of import con-
corning that much disputed portion OF
Asia where Siam is located MI. Lo1tus
and his wife have Travelled extensively in
this country, and they are as familiar
with it, perhaps more so, than many OF
the natives. They take particular de-
light in that picturesque spot on the
Massachusetts shore. Gloucester. where
the summer. The Siamese legation is
usually located in some quiet spot near
East Gloucester. and Mrs. Lotus. who -
artistic as well as musical, delights In
scenes which the fisher folk give that
typical resort
Gloucester, indeed all New England
is suggestive of England, and with each
visit to my home I note how the re-
semblance is becoming more apparent"
said Mrs LOTUS. THE great country
places of Britain are unique. but in the
smaller towns of Massachusetts and along
the bay are many hedged estates which
might have been taken from the Midlands
or any of the age-bound shires. | have
found life III this country very pleasant,
and In Washington each season ENJOY
If more One gets to delight In the
familiar intercourse which is possible and
the interest which women take in one
another. There is abundant opportunity
for both men and women to enjoy social
functions together in dinners and formal
receptions But this does not constitute
all of life, as in most capitals. The more
cordial relations which women may hold,
the card parties, the luncheons. and, above
all the pleasant habit of calling, not
when the throng is invited, but between
times. proves very refreshing. My social
obligations are just arduous' enough TO
keep the days pleasantly filled and yet
not too oppressive to absorb every other
interest in life.
Mrs. Lotus is a frequent guest and
often a social aid to Mrs. James Bryce,
wife of the British ambassador. Indeed.
her position is almost unique, In that
she is an honored guest when ofnclal
Washington entertains the foreign corps,
and she is sort of affiliation OF the
British embassy. because both she ana
her husband belong to well known fam
lilies of England and are entitled TO
recognition Besides this. Mrs Lotus
has earned her own popularity, ana
though she is reticent and retired IN
she has all the suavity winch
makes the successful official hostess, ana
ali the tact which makes the successful
social leader She is broad-mlnded IN
every respect, a patron of all Washing
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

CHE Is the Chatelaine of
- That Mysterious Land of
the White Elephant" - Is
English, and Was, Before
Her Marriage to Mr.. Lotus,
Miss Beatrice Sarnol, Daugh-
ter of John Henry Sarnol of
Observation-Disclosures in
Every Way, Mrs. Lotus Is
One of the Important Fig
ures in the Foreign Colony.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

which looks like a box, stands In the
center of the stage and reads the entire
play from beginning to end. The actors
stand around him and follow each word
by appropriate and corresponding gesture
and action, but they never open their
lips.
II can talk more Familiarity about my
own country than about Siam, and I find
30 many Americans have visited my
home. as indeed they seem to visit every
part OF the world, even the remotest,
that it appears like telling about old
friends. Worcester seems identified in
the usual mind with the famous sauce,
but that is one of the least claims to
its fame. Worcester is the name of the
shire, or county as well of the
quaint old medieval city. the very name
OF which calls up pictures of battlements
and towers and meats and chiyalrous adj
ventures. The cathedral ranks among
the great churches Of midland England
and it has its thousands of tourists an
nually. many of them from this side of
the water. Worcestershire belongs to the
midland counties and is rich in literary
associations. The Malvern Hills encircle
1T, and these are exquisite to visit and
to trace the folk lore. The valley of the
Severn is dear to those who delight in
along the quiet canals
Mrs. LOTUS is studious, we'll informed
woman on all questions relating to mod
ern thought, and especially to the woman
question. She was educated in London
and then travelled several years on the
continent, improving her musical and
linguistic accomplishments. She has a
deep interest in the widespread woman
movement of England but she is not yet
prepared to subscribe entirely to the
present standard Of policies.
II may say that believe in some rights
of women. but not in the rather militant
Ideas which prevail. I think that a widow
left with property and with children
should be permitted some voice in the
care of her affairs. But to obtain this
one must take in many other considera-
tions, some more important and some
entirely insignificant. and the question be-
comes so involved that it seems a wise
head and firm hand are needed to keep
to the proper rights OF woman. Those
which uplift the sex and add to her hap
pinesS and usefulness and those which
will end by making her masculine should
be kept entirely apart. But in nearly
every remedial measure some good things
are obtained by. permitting some not so
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

II
The right column. led by Fleury, reach
ed the summit first and rushed through
the sallyport Of the flag bastion or over
the parapet. Fleury was the first man
In. With such terrible energy did the
invaders plunge in that the English had
no chance to concentrate. Col. Johnson,
the British commander, had been misled
by the feint in front, and had his men
scattered. With bayonet, sword and
spear the Americans swooped down upon
the garrison. Hardly had the defenders
time to prepare for Fleury's force than
Stewards column swarmed within the
works.
THE forts our own" was the cry of
the Americans.
Mercy. Quarter! Mercy!'' was the an
Swer of the British.
Fleury tore down the British flag and
Stony Point was won.
A little later Gen. Wayne, the wound
i'm his head dressed and bandaged. sat
as follows:
STONY POINT, 10th July. 1779.
80 o'clock am.
Dear Gen'l:
THE fort and garrison. with Col John
Ston, are ours.
"Our officers and men behaved like men
who are determined to be free.
AMY WAYNE.
"GenI Washington
Mr.. Wayne, as the British persisted in
calling him. had breakfast within the
enemy's lines. and in triumph
Congress awarded medals to Wayne.
F,leury and Stewart. In respect to Fleury
Congress decided that the ribbon to which
the medals should be attached should be
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

WO men. as oppo-
site in appearance
and in temperament
as any in all the
kingdom of France,
climbed aboard the
old ship Amphitrite
in Havre one De-
cember day In 1l16.
One of them was
young. gay, hand
some, bright of eye
and sparkling in
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

OVERS of the ar
tistic continue to
deplore that the in
PRODUCTION of west
ern customs into
eastern countries
has robbed the
American capital Of
Its most picturesque
aspect. Ten years
ago the casual Wis
itor could be en-
tranced by the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

tons charitable endeavors, and one who
does more than tacit part in aiding all
worthy causes She has been a constant
patroness at the numberless social events
given for philanthropic or artistic pur-
poses, and has gained a high place in
the regard of her contemporaries.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

good, and that, presume, will be the So
luton of the woman question in England
1t Is difficult for Americans to compre-
bend just what the English women wish.
for the viewpoint is SO utterly different
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

Hudue from the nag he nau captured at
Stony Point.
When the campaign Of 10 ended F1euiy
applied to Gen. Washington for leave of
absence for nine months to visit France.
He had given three years of service to
America. and he longed to see his native
land. The leave was granted, and such
marks of respect were shown to the gay
young Frenchman as must have warmed
his heart The President of Congress
wrote to him: Congress hopes that your
own country will show it's appreciation OF
your merit" George Washington. on his
first meeting with Count de la Luzerne,
the French minister, gave an account or
Fleury's gallant conduct In the war, and
asked the minister to bring it to the at
tention of the King Of France. The count
said he would be most happy to do so, and
few days later. In advising Washington
that he had written to the minister OF
war, said: Il flatter myself that the court
will give, in the person of Nj. de tleury,
proof to America of the satisfaction with
which it has seen that French officer
has been so useful in her service
The French king was delighted with
Fleury, and made him chevalier of the
Order of st. Louis. Throughout France
the young officer was received with high
honors.
Back to America he came as soon as
his leave expired. and once more he was
in service. In the siege and capture OF
Yorktown he played a part so good that
pension of 400 livres was awarded to
him by his king.
At Yorktown he was the same gay spirit
he always had been. Every one liked
him. Every one was delighted to be In
his company. Even the British officers
were his friends after the surrender
With Lord CORVALLIS he was as chummy
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06
patMo MuAoS R9Se. -
AMINO. o. b.

neOAl GWEN TO htURY By CONGRESS
TAt lrcfAD Isl" WRTuTls Fl
AUDAclE rONUh IT PREMIUM.
ID hEvRr EoUnI GALLO PRIMO
f1UD5 RESP AnERIc. D.DS)
IA nD1ORlAL AND REWARD or
MloR AND DARING. Tie AMERICAN
REPUBLIC Has BESTOWED (nHb hEoAL)
ON COLONEL D pf flEURI, A NATIVE
OF FRANCE, THE FIRST OVER THE
NALl5( U THE EkEn1)
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06
COLONEL
D. De HTURY

made from the flag he had captured al
Stony Point.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

All, however, must see that if certain
are accomplished and certain
economic measures put into force it must
bring on the conflict which every. inno-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

guard Tt was $50 feet to the top o.
Stony Point. And at the top was fore,
of 600 men prepared for battle.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

which looks like a box, stands In the
center of the stage and reads the entire
play from beginning to end. The actors
stand around him and follow each word
by appropriate and corresponding gesture
and action, but they never open their
lips.