River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-08-08
A PerIIous Mission.
CHAPTER /.

are IN front or my hut--for the BlgntS
we're still chilly, although it was May.
and the dreadful winter passed-dis-
cussing the improved condition of our
troops, the rigid discipline Of Baron
lie 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-
iery, each man with different theory
Of campaign, but alike agreeing that,
in spite of all we had endured during
those months of suffering and priva-
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 I
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. flinging
forward his gun. There was an indis-
tinguishabie answer, and as 1 straight
ened up the figure of man blotted
out the doorway.
Major Lawrence?"
Yes. What is it?" L 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-
bling with eagerness. Whatever the
message meant, 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. YGt, rapidly as |
moved, the orderly had disappeared
before ! got cutaide, and 1 picked my
way as best could alone through the
darkness, along the rear of McIntosh's
huts, until reached the low fence sur
fgunding the Potts house. Here a SEN
tinel challenged, calling the corporal
of the guard. and in his company
trudged 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
stood within the hall. At the first
sound of our approach, however. a side
door was flung open, letting forth a
CLEAN of illumination, and perceived
the short, slight figure of Hamilton,
las he peered forward to get better
glimpse of my face.
"All right, corporal he said terse-
Ily, gripping my hand. Come in, ma
hor; your promptness would seem to
indicate a readiness to get into serv-
ice once more"
II had not yet fallen asleep" l ex-
plained, "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 a small, low
Iceilinged apartment, containing a
table, a 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 fitful illumi-
nation, revealing four occupants, all
known to me. At an open door to the
right stood a sweet-faced woman,
iglancing back curiously at my en-
trance, and whipped off my hat bow
ing low. Once before / had seen ner.
Mistress Washington, and welcomed
the gracious recognition in her eyes.
Colonel Gibbs atood before the fire.
place motionless, but my glance swept
past him to the calm, uplifted face
above the pile of papers littering the
table He was not looking at me, but
his eyes were turned toward his wife.
cit is not necessary for you tC re-
tire he said quietly. I'VE shall not
detain this gentleman except for a few
moments"
at is not because OF the majors
coming l withdraw" she replied pleas
antly, ''but the hour is late, and l am
very tired. Good night. all"
Washington's eyes were upon the
door until it closed; then he turned
slightly, facing me. Before he spoke
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 hand.
mo doubt we have met BEFORE" he
said slowly. ''You have been with us
for some timer"
my, first action was at Harlem.
sir"
'eYou could not have been at Valley
Forge during the past winter, how
ever?"
II was with the Marquis de la Fay
cite at Albany"
'Ah, yes" his face clouding at the
recollection. "A young officer. Hamil-
ton, but capable, no doubt You have
used him before, you said?"
Eyes, at Long Island, and he en-
tered New York once at my request
Washington's gray eyes were still
on my face
Lawrence is Massachusetts
name"
mot exclusively" returned. "as
our branch are Virginians."
The stern lines about the mouth
relaxed into smile.
Indeed; from the eastern shore,
then. recall now having once met