Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1911-11-14
A GIRL HELPS
WASHINGTON.

Every child has no doubt learned by
heart how General Washington left
his Headquarters ut Valley Forge June
1919. ITS, and marched against the
British at Philadelphia and how that
was the beginning Of victory for the
patriot army. Your history has told
you, too. how the winter Of l777-S
was one of hardship. hunger and sur
fering for Washington and his army.
Each army had spies and messen'
gers. American citizens shut up IN
Philadelphia sympathized with Wash
ington. but could do little to help him
because the British watched them 81
closely.
The American advance guard was at
one time about halfway between VAL
ley Forge and Philadelphia. Major
Talmadge had charge Of a detachment
of American cavalry that ventured as
near to the enemy as Germantown.
only seven miles from Philadelphia.
Once Major Talmadge got word In a
mysterious way to be on the lookout
for a young country girl who had tax.
en- a basket Of eggs into Philadelphia
to sell them. Major Talmadge was to
intercept her when she came out and
get the news she would be conveying
back to the Revolutionary officers. She
would be coming along the German
town road. innocent looking enough-so
innocent that none could suspect he,
of being on secret service mission
for General Washington.
Anxious to meet the girl and get her
information. Major Talmadge left most
of his men at Germantown and ad
vanced with only few Of them to-
ward Philadelphia. He stopped at a
small road tavern and waited. Soon
he saw the innocent looking young
girl coming toward the tavern. He
waited till she reached 1t and came
forward TO neet her. She was just 60
ing to tell him what she had heard
when, 10, up the road. full tilt. lickety
split, toward them galloped company
Of British cavalry. Major Talmadge
had ventured just little too near the
enemy's lines in his anxiety for in
formation. His handful Of men fed
toward Germantown as fast as their
horses could carry them. the British
tearing after them. The Americans
were so few that it would have been
sheer greatness to do anything else
than run away.
Major Talmadge jumped upon his
horse so that he could run too. But
lust us he was starting he felt some.
thing beside him clutching him and
heard a girlish voice begging protec'
ton. In his hurry he had forgotten all
about the poor girl who had brought
the important information. and he was
going to leave her behind to be cap
tured by the British. He held out bis
hand to her.
"Get up behind me quick. Hurry
he said to her.
She didn't need to be told twice. fol
already the enemy's cavalry was with
In shooting distance. Quick as a wins
she was up. The major touched his
spurs to the horses sides. and away
they went like the wind toward Ger
mantown.
A ride of three miles was before
them, the brave horse carrying double
shots ringing out bang, bang, bang. be-
hind them every step Of the way. II
was an exciting ride enough, you will
agree. But fortunately not one OF the
bullets struck the fleeing trio-horse
girl and man-and they reached Ger
mantown in safety. All through the
ride the young heroine was as cool and
calm as a veteran soldier.
So General Washington got the girl
secret agents news after all. 1t Is toe
bad nobody took pains to preserve the
name of the heroine who rendered such
splendid service to George Washington
at Valley Forge.