Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1912-09-06
CHAPTER !.
A PerIIous Mission.

6eFSral OF US naQ remained rather
ate that evening about the cheerful
fire in front of my hut-for the nights
were still chilly, although 1t was May.
and the dreadful winter passed--dis-
cussing the improved condition of cur
troops, the rigid discipline Of Baron
de steuben. and specializing on what
would probably be attempted now
that Sir Henry Clinton had succeeded
to the command Of the forces oppos-
ing US. / remember Maxwell joined
us, together with Knox Of the artil-
lery, each man with different theory
of campaign, but alike agreeing that,
In spite of all we had endured during
those months Of suffering and priya-
ton at Valley Forge, the time to
strike once again was near at hand,
although our numbers were barely
half that Of the enemy.
1t must have been midnight when l
crept into bunk, and even then
found sleep absent, my eyes gazing
out through the open door to where
the embers of the fire glowed red, and
a sentinel paced back and forth in
regular monotony. Suddenly he halt
ed, and challenged hoarsely, fiinging
forward his gun. There was an indis-
tinguishable answer, and as / straight
ened up the figure of man blotted
out the doorway.
Major Lawrenee?"
yes. What is it?'' swung to the
floor, unable to recognize the voice.
The mans hand rose to salute.
Il am Colonel Gibbs orderly. Cen
eral Hamilton wishes you to report
at once at headquarters"
"The Potts house?"
Yes, SIR"
dressed hastily, my pulses throb-
bing witr eagerness. Whatever the
message neaEt. there was certainly
some purpose of vital importance in
sending for me at this unusual hour,
and was boy enough still to welcome
any form Of active service. No duty
OF the war had so tried me as the long
winter of waiting. Yet, rapidly as /
moved, the orderly had disappeared
before got outside, and picked my
way as best could alone through the
darkness. along the rear of McIntosh's
huts, until | reached the low fence sur.
runding the Potts house. Here a sen.
unei challenged, calling the corporal
or the guard, and in his company /
uudged up the path to the front door.
There was light showing through
the window to the left, although the
shade was closely drawn, and a guard
,s stt33cd Tith.n the hall, At the first
s33;c;ad Of CIR approach, however. a side
door was flung open, letting forth a
CLEAN of illumination, and perceived
the short, slight figure of Hamilton.
as he peered forward to get a better
glimpse of my face.
"All right, corporal" he said terse-
iy, gripping my hand Come in, ma
jor; your promptness would seem to
indicate readiness to get into serv-
Ice once more"
Il had not yet fallen asleep" / ex-
planned. "but we are all eager enough
for action of any description"
He smiled cheerily
You will soon be busy, never fear.
He closed the door behind us, and
with glance, / viewed the room and
its occupants. 1t was small, low
ceilinged apartment containing a
table, few chairs and a high com.
mode. A few Goals glowed in the
wide fireplace, and the walls were
dingy with smoke. Three candles, al
ready burning low, gave ftful illumi
nation, revealing four occupants. all
known to me. At an open door to the
right stood a sweetfaeed woman
glancing back curiously at my en-
trance, and whipped off my hat bow
ing low. Once before / had seen her
Mistress Washington, and welcomed
the gracious recognition in her eyes
Colonel Gibbs stood before the fire
place motionless, but my glance swept
past him to the calm, uplifted facs
above the pile of papers littering ths
table. He was not looking at me, but
his eyes were turned toward his wife
1T is not necessary for you to re
tire" he said quietly. I'VE shall no
detain this gentleman except for few
moments"
1T is not because of the majors
coming withdraw, she replied pleas
antly, but the hour is late, and l an
very tired. Good night, ALL"
Washington's eyes were upon tn,
door until it closed; then he turne,
slightly, facing me. Before he spok
again, Hamilton broke in:
This is the officer, sir, recommend
ed by General Maxwell-Major Law
renee OF the Maryland line"
] bowed silently, and the command
er rose TO his feet, extending his hant
mo doubt we have met before" h
said slowly. You have been with u
Cor some timer"
My first action was at Harlem
sir"
You could not have been at Vale
Forge during the past winter bov