The Cairo bulletin., 1912-06-28
The Road to Philadelphia.
CHATTER XVI.

iAy CutEtIctCuSu upon eilO btou"1t 1850
In theis shirtsleevea. as they had
fought, their guns beside them. The
night was clear and hot. scarcely a
breath of air moving. Here and there
against the skyline passed the dark
silhouette Of q sentinel. There was no
sound of. firing only an occasional
football to break the silence OF the
night The wounded had been taken
to the field hospitals at the rear:
down in our front lay the bodies OF
the dead, and among these shone the
dim lights of lanterns where the last
searching parties were yet busy at
their grewsome task. was weary
enough to sleep, every muscle Of my
body aching with fatigue, but the ex-
element of the day. the possibility OF
the morrow, left me restless. | had
received no wound. other than slight
thrust with bayonet. yet fel. az
though pummeiled from head to foot.
The victory was ouss-the army real
fed this truth clearsS enough. we had
repulsed the red-eoats, driven Sem
back with terrible losses; we had seen
their lines shrivel up under our fire,
officers and men falling. and the rem
nant fleeing in disorder. 1t meant
nothing now that force outnumber-
ing us yet remained Intact, and In
strong position Flushed with victory.
knowing now we could meet the best
of them, we longed for the morrow to
dawn so we might complete the task.
reviewed the vivid incidents of the
day, looking UP at the stars, and
wondered who among those knew
were yet living. who We're dead
thought OF others IN those lines of the
enemy, whom had known, speculat-
ing ON their fate. Then along our
rear came a horseman or two, riding
slowly. A sentry halted them, and /
arose on one elbow to listen.
Lawrence? Yes, sir, Major Law
renee is lying over there by the scrub
oak"
got TO my feet. as the first rider
approached.
This you, Lawrence" asked q
voice I instantly recognized as Ham
ilton's. you fellows all look alike
tonight. Where is your horse, major?"
Il have been on foot all day, sir"
| answered saluting.
z"Ah, indeed; well, you will have
need for a horse tonight. VAIN
wright" turning to the man with him,
lis your mount fresh?"
appears to be. sir; belonged to a
British dragoon this morning"
let Major Lawrence have him.
Major, ride with me-
We passed back slowly enough to-
ward the rear of the troops, through
the field hospitals, and along the edge
of a wood, where a battery of artillery
was encamred. We rode boot to boot,
and Hamilton spoke earnestly.
1.-THE battle is practically won. Law
renee. in spite of Charles Lee" he
2said soberly. "Of course there will be
| fighting tomorrow, but we shall have
| the red.coats well penned in before
dayhreak, and have already captured
| ammunition enough to make us easy
| on that score. Poor, and the Carolina
men. are over yonder, while Woodford
Is moving his command to the left
| At dawn wen crush Clinton into frag
ments Washington wants to send a
despatch through to Arnold in Phila
delpbia, and / recommended you, as
you know the road. He remembered
| your service before. and was kind
enough to say you were the very man
You'll go gladly?"
81 should prefer to lead my OWL
men tomorrow, sir"
"Pshaw! | doubt IL we have more
than a skirmish. Sir HenryLwiii see
his prodicament fast enough. Thel
there viii be nothing lett to do, bu'
guard prisoners"
Very well, colonel; am ready !;
serve wherever needed"
"Of course you are, man. There
should not be much danger connected
with this trip, although there will b.
stragglers in plenty. I'm told tina
Clinton lost more than three hundred
deserters crossing Camden
Headquarters were in single
roomed cabin at the edge Of ravine
A squad of cava1rymen we're in from
their horses tied to rail fence, bu
. within Washington was alone, exceN
for single aide. writing at rud
table In the light OF half.dozel
candles. He glanced up, greeting v
with slight inclination of the head
"A moment, gentlemen"
He wrote slowly, as though framin
his sentences with care, occasioIaa
questioning the aide, Once he paused
8 az, glanced across at Hamilton.
Colonel do you know a dragoo
4 named Mortimer"
Z Il have no recollection of ever ha'
Ing met tho man, sir, ! have write
him orders, however: he Is scout q
= tached to General Lees headqua
q tcrs."
I Yes: | recall the name. He Is tn
y enc who brought us our first definit
y information this morning of Clinton
/ position. remember now, you weT
. / not with me when no rode up
: young, slender lad. with tho face I
girl. could but notice his eyes
they were as soft and blue as violets
WALL - hour au~ h. - uaA hano ff