Sierra County advocate., 1912-08-23

~
rode into our lines at Valley Forge
A brief interview with Colonel Hamil
ton revealed his appreciation OF my
work, and that my hastily made notes
OF the Philadelphia defenses had been
received twenty-four hours earlier
They had beol delivered at headquar-
ters by an officer Of Lees staff; no.
not a boyish.looking fellow, but a
black-bearded captain whose name had
been forgotten. All Hamilton could
remember was that the notes had been
originally brought In by an Indian
scout. Eager to discover Eric Morti.
mer, asked weeks release from
duty. but there was so much sickness
in the camp. that this request was re.
fused, and ! was ordered to my regi.
mcnt.
Busy days and nights Of fatigue fol.
lowed. Washington. watching like a
hawk every movement Of Sir Henry
Clinton In Philadelphia, convinced by
every report received that he was
about to evacuate the city. bent all
bis energies toward placing his little
army in III condition for battle. Some
recruits were received, the neighbor-
ing militia were drawn upon. and men
were taken from the hospitals. and
put back into the ranks as soon as
strong enough TO bear arms. Inspired
by the indomitable spirit OF our com,
mander, the line officers worked inces,
sanity In the welding together OF their
commands. scarcely knew what
sleep was. yet the importance Of the
coming movement of troops held me
steadfast to duty. Word came to us
early In June that Count dEstaing,
with powerful French feet. was ap-
preaching the coast, This surely
meant that Clinton would be COM
PEELED to retreat across the Jerseys.
and a portion OF our troops were ad.
vanced SO as to be within easy strik.
Ing distance Of the city the moment
the evacuation took place. The re.
naming commands pressed farther
north. near convenient crossings OF
the Delaware. prepared for a forced
march across the British line of re-
treat. Maxwell's brigade. with which
l was connected, even crossed the
river In advance. cooperating with
General Dickinson and his New Jersey
militia. All was excitement, commo-
ton. apparently disorder, yet even
amid that turmoil of approaching bat,
tie, Hamilton recalled my request, and
granted me two days leave. His brief
note reached me at Coryells Ferry.
and. an hour later. was riding swiftly
across the country to where Lee had
headquarters.
Not once during all those days and
nights had the memory Of Claire left
me. Over and over In my mind had
reviewed all that had ever occurred
between us. striving In vain TO guess
the riddle. Now / would see and talk
with her brother. and perhaps Obtain
the explanation needed. Yet / have
gone into battle with less trepidatiop
than when rode into Lees headauar.
Eers, and asked his chief-of-staff for
Eric Mortimer. He looked at me
strangely. as put the question.
Il should be very glad to oblige you.
Major Lawrence" he replied gravely,
but unfortunately have no present
Of the young man."
But he was attached to General
Lees starr"
"Only In a way--he was useful to
is as a scout because of his intimate
OF the Jerseys. His home,
understand, was near Mount Holly"
What has become Of himf"
"All | know is. he was sent out on
special mission. by Washington's
'wn orders. nearly a month ago. We
ave not directly heard from him
ince An Indian brought partial re,
CT 9. 80 operation. ~ - saa, .i.4s,
ince then We have received nothing
AN indian exclaimed. The same
tho brought In my notes!'
az believe so; yes. now that ! recah
he matter. had no opportunity 70
uestion the fellow; he simply LEI. .hs
anars with the orderly. and oisap-
.And YOU have heard nothing from
oung Mortimer SINGER
mot . word"
aHe must be dead. or . prisoner.
The chief smiled rather grimiy.
.or deserted" he added sharply.
m more inclined toward that theory
= was a reckless young devil astls.s
4 10 our service more. II seemed "
ae. by q spirit of daredeyiltrf tasa