The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1912-06-13

and a portion OF our troops were ad.
vanced 80 as to be within easy strik-
ing distance OF the city the moment
the evacuation took place. The re-
naming commands pressed farther
north. near convenient crossings OF
the Delaware. prepared for a forced
march across the British line OF re-
treat MaNweli-s brigade. with which
! was connected. even crossed the
river In advance. cooperating with
General Dickinson and his New Jersey
militia All was excitement, commo.
ton. apparently disorder. yet even
amid that turmoil OF approaching bat.
tie. Hamilton recalled my rcQueet. and
granted me two days leave. HIS brief
note reached me at Coryeil's Ferry.
and. an hour later. | was riding swiftly
across the country 10 where Lee had
headquarters.
Not once during all those days and
nights had the memory Of Claire left
me. over and over IN my mind had
reviewed all that had ever occurred
between us. striving In vain 10 guess
the riddle. Now ! would see and talk
with her brother. and perhaps obtain
The explanation needed. Yet have
gone into battle with iess trepidation
than when rode into Lees headquar.
tiers. and asked his chief.ofsiar for
Eric Mortimer. lie looked Al mo
strangely. az put the question.
Il should be very glad TO oblige you.
Major Lawrence" he replied grayely.
but unfortunately I have no present
knowledge OF the young man"
But he was attached to General
Lees STAFF"
Only in a wayne was useful 20
us as a scout because OF his intimate
knowledge OF the Jerseys. His home.
understand. was near Mount Holly"
What has become Of him."
"All ! know Il. he was sent out on
special mission. by washlngton's
own orders. nearly a month ago. We
have not directly heard from him
since. An Indian brought a partial re-
port Of his operations up 70 that time:
since then We have received nothing"
An indian" ! exclaimed. i ne same
who brought IN my notes."
Il believe 30: yes. now that ! recall
the matter. had no opportunity 20
question the fellow: he simply left the
papers with the orderly. and disap-
peared."
and you have heard nothing from
young Mortimer sincef"
mot a word"
"Iie must be dead. or prisoner"
The chief smiled rather grizzly.
'Or deserted" he added sharply. Il
am more inclined toward that theory
lie was reckless young devil. attract
ed TO our service more. It seemed 20
me. by spirit OF dare.deviltry thai
patriotism. Lee thought well OF him,
but was always suspicious. lie be
longed TO a family OF loyalists. his IA.
Their a colonel OF Queens Rangers
Did you know him. Lawrence7"
The f'iher. not the son. But am
not willing to believe evil OF the boy.
I cannot conceive that treachery IL In
the Mortimer blood. sir. and shall have
20 be convinced before I condemn thu
lad. When did he leave here lastf"
About the middle OF May"
Would you mind telling me his mis-
sion7 Where he was sentG"
The officer glanced keenly into my
race; then ran hasuly over package
OF papers taken from an open trunk
II can zee no harm In doing so now,
major. He was sent to communicate
with a British ofIlcer--a prominent
Tory-who has associations with Red
Fagin. and others in Monmouth coun'
~. This officer has In the past. for
consideration. furnished us with vaiu-
able information. generally through
young Mortimer, who knew him. He
had written us that he had more &c
sell"
"Whare were they 10 meet7