The Southern herald., 1912-12-13

AAAAH $50 @~A~AAs
posed every plan in council tmagin-
ing. no doubt. a failure Of campaign
may make him the eommanderin-ehaeL
There comes a courier now.
The fellow was so streaked with
dust as to be scarcely recognizable
and be wiped the perspiration from
his eyes to stare into our faces
General MaxWelll"
Yes; what is itl"
Compliments Of General Lee. sir,
and you will retire your troops toward
the Freehold Meeting House, forming
connection there with General Scott
Retreat Good God. mani We
haven't fired a shot"
Those were the orders. sir. 1t that
Scott, over yOnder?"
Maxwell nodded. too sngered for
words. Then, as the courier galloped
away, turned in his saddle.
BY heayenl l suppose we must DO
it, Lawrence. But what folly What
asininityl We've got the Redeoats
hemmed in, and did you ever see a
better field? Pray God I may hear
Washington when he comes up. I'd
rather be dead then. than Charles
Lee"
We gave the orders, and the men
fell back sullenly, swearing fercely
as they caught the rebellious spirit OF
their officers. Scarcely able to breathe
in the hot, stagnant air, caked with
foul mud to the waist, we attained tha
higher ground. and dropped helpless.
Even from here the enemy were in
visible, although we could see the
smoke Of their guns, and hear distant
crackle of musketry. ] sat up, star
ing through the heat waves toward
the eminence on the left where
Wayne's men remained, showing dim
ly against the trees. A group Of horse
men were riding down the slope
heading toward our line. As they
came into the sandy plain below and
skirted the morass, recognized Lee
in advance. mounted on a black horse
hecked with foam. Twice he paused,
gazing across the hills through leveled
field glasses, and then rode up the
steep ascent to our rear. Maxwell
met him not twenty feet from where
| lay.
What does this mean, sir?" Lee
thundered hoarsely. why are your
men lying strewn about in this uasol.
dierly manner, General MaxwNll?"
Are you unaware, sir, that we afe in
the presence Of the enemy?"
Maxwells face fairly blazed, as he
Strengthened in the saddle, but before
his lips could form an answer, a sud
den cheer burst out from the crest OF
the hill, and l saw men leaping to
their feet, and waving their hats. The
next instant across the summit came
Washington, dozen officers clatter
ing behind, his face stern-set and
white, as he rode straight toward Lee
what is the meaning of this re
treat, General Lee? My God, sir, how
do you account for such disorder and
confusion% he exclaimed, his voio,
ringing above the uproar, his angrS
eyes blazing into Lees face. "AnRwel
me-"
The other muttered some rely
failed to catch.
That's not true" returned Wash
ington, every word stinging like I
whip. ut was merely covering part!
which attacked you. Why did you &C
cept command, sir, unless you intend
ed to fight?"
81 did not deem 1t prudent, Genera
Washington, to bring on a general en-
gagement."
"You were to obey my, orders, sill
and you know what they were. See
They are coming now!"
He wheeled his horse about, polnt
ing with one hand across the valley
Major Cain, have Oswald bring u
his guns at once; Lieutenant Mcneil
ride to Ramsey and Stewart; hav
their troops on the ridge within te
minutes-General Maxwell, these ar
your men?"
"They are, sir
Hold this line at any cost, the r
serves will be up presently
AS he drew his horse about he agai
came face to face with Lee, who S;
his saddle sullenly, his gaze on IL
ground. Washington looked at hi
a moment, evidently not knowing viii
to say. Then he asked quietly:
"Will you retain command on tn
height, or not, sir?"
1T is equal to me where l col
mand."
Then l expect you will take prop
means for checking the enemy"
Il shall not be the first to leave Il
ground; your orders shall be obeyeG
What followed was but medley
sight and sound. saw Washingt
Tide to the left; heard Lee give hi
ried order, or two; then / was at t
rear Of our own line strengthening
for assault. There was little enOu
time left.
Under the smoke of several bait
les, whose shells were ripping op