The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1912-05-16
CHAPTER II.



A long cavalry cape concealing the
British uniform / wore, my horse and
myself were ferried across the Schuyl-
kill, Just below the mouth Of Valley
creek, and there, amid the silence and
darkness Of the eastern shore, part
ed with Hamilton. who had aecompa-
MED me thus far, whispering final
words Of instruction. My horse wgg,a
fresh one. chosen from lie stables Of
the Life Guard; but the trappings were
Of the British service. Within Ave
minutes was out OF sight Of the
picket fire on the river bank, riding
steadily southeast through abe night,
every nerve alert. An hours riding
found me well beyond our outermost
pickets, yet, In fear that / might en-
counter some body OF irregulars. scout
ing the neutral ground, ! held on to
my passport until perceived the first
flush of dawn in the east. Then. con-
WINGED Of close proximity to the Brit
ish guard lines, ] tore the paper into
fragments. Avoiding all roads, and
seeking every bit Of concealment pos
sible, it was already sunrise before
plunged suddenly into Hessian
picket post, the distant smoke Of the
Philadelphia chimneys darkening the
sky ahead Unable to speak German,
my uniform won sufficient courtesy, SO
that was escorted back under guard
to an outpost Of the Queen's Rangers.
where explained my presence and
rank to q red-faced captain in Tory
green. so insolent in manner as to be
insulting, until ! exhibited the sealed
dispatch, and demanded to be escort
ed at once 20 Sir William Howe. This
brought results. and entered the city
under escort OF dozen horsemen,
their green coats faced with dingy
white, cooked hats tapping as they
rode.
II was thus we came to Callowhill.
and the encampment OF British grenas
diers, an officer of the Fifty-fifth regi-
ment volunteering to guide me to
Howe's quarters in High street. He
was a genial fellow, and pointed out
various places Of interest, as we rode
more slowly through the streets close
along the river side, questioning me
often upon affairs In New York, TO
which returned such vague answers
as pleased me, paying small heed to
the truth. All along the river were
redoubts, we'll garrisoned, with black
gun muzxies pointing out across the
water. Many houses had been RACED.
and their debris. together with the
fire ruin OF the past winter, gave to
everything a look of desolaticn. Much
artillery was parked In the state house
yard, and several vessels OF war were
lying at anchor in the stream, while
the entire shore line was filled with
barges. decorated as for fete, q large
force Of men laborirg about them. My
companion, observing my interest at
tracted la that direction, refined Mp
his horse to explain.
Those are the gsileys being made
ready for the Mischianza, Fortesque, "
he said, waving his hand. "You came
to US at lucky hour"
1.-THE Mischianxa9" / asked, puzzled
by the strange term. Some festival,
you mean ?--some gala dayg"
TITS an Italian word, they tell me.
signifylng medley. The officers give
1t in farewell to Sir William. who viii
sail tomorrow. A pretty penny 1t
costs. See, there Is Major oHara
now, one OF the managers; there are
three others, Sir John Wrottlesly, Ma
jor Gardiner, and the chief engineer,
Montresor. Do you know them? Not
Oh, had forgotten you have only just
arrived. You win know them ere long.
however, for they are the leaders in
such affairs. That is Captain Andre
there with O'Hara." He waved his
hand, and the younger oficer lifted his
cooked hat in acknowledgment Let
US spur over there, lieutenant. until !
get you a ticket OF invitation"
followed. careless Of the loss Of
time so / could both see and hear.
Andre, this Is Lieutenant For
tesque just In from New York with
dispatches for Howe. have prom
ised him q ticket for tonight.
The young ofaoer laughingly extend
ed hand.
'.The more the merrier, Craig. With
the Forty-second / see, SIR; knew your
colonel wen. You'll find America isn't
so bad, after you set used to It. We've
had a gay time here, Ell. O.Hara3 The
best Of liquor. ana the prettiest Of
girls. and now Wen show the town
something It won't forget in hurry. I"
He held out q card to me. Rather
ornate, considering the printers IN
these colonies; designed Il myself.
It Was certainly handsome souTe.