Perth Amboy evening news., 1912-05-14
Copyright &C keclurg q Co, IsiL

tel BACK sultenly, swearing nercely
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 the
higher ground. and dropped helpless.
Even from here the enemy were In
visible. although we could gee tho
smoke OF their guns, and hear distant
craokla OF muxketry. / sat up, star
Ing through the heat waves toward
the eminencs on the left where
Wayne's men remained. showing dim
~ against the trees. A group Of horse
men were riding down the slope,
heading toward our line. AS they
camo into the sandy plain below and
skirted the morass,-I recognized Lee
In advance. mounted on q black horse
hecked with foam. Twice he paused,
gazing across the hills through leveled
held glasses. and then rode UP tho
steep ascent to our rear. Maxwell
met him not twenty feet from where
I lay.
What does this mean, sirf" Lee
Numbered hoarsely. Why are your
men lying strewn about in this unsol-
dierly manner, General MAXWELL"
Are you unaware, sir, that we are IN
the presence OF the enemy"
MaXwelps 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 | saw men leaping to
their feet, and waving their hats. The
newt instant across the summit came
Washington, q dozen officers cIatter-
ing behind, his face s~tern-set and
white, as he rods 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 voice
ringing above the uproar, his angry
eyes blazing into Lees face. Answer
me"
The other muttered some reply I
failed to catch.
That's not true" returned Wash
ington, every word singing like q
whip. 1T was merely a covering party
which attacked you. Why did you &C
cept command, sir, unless you intend
ed to fght?"
81 did not deem 1t prudent, General
Washington, to bring on a general en-
gagement."
You were to obey my orders, sir,
and you know what they were. See!
They are coming nowl"
He wheeled his horse about, point
ing with one hand across the valley.
Major Cain, have Oswald bring up
his guns at once; Lieutenant Mcneil,
ride to Ramsey and Stewart; have
their troops on the ridge within ten
minutes-General Maxwell. these are
| your mem"
They are, sir"
Hold this line at any cost, the re-
serves will be up presently
AS he drew his horse about he again
came face to face with Lee, who sat
HIS saddle s%ullenly, his axe on the
ground. Washington looked at him
a moment, evidently not knowing what
to say. Then he asked quietly:
"Will you retain command on this
height, or. not, STRIP
ct is equal to me where I COM
mand."
Then I expect you will take proper
means for checking the enemy"
Il shall not be the first to leave the
ground: your orders shall be obeyed."
What followed was but a medley of
sight and sound, l saw Washington
ride to the left; heard Lee give a hur-
Red order, OF two; then | was at the
rear Of our own line Strengthening 1t
for assault. There was little enough
time left.
Under the smoke Of several batter
les. whose shells were ripping open
the side Of the hill, the British were
advancing In double line, the sun
cleaning On their bayonets, and re-
vealing the uniforms Of different
corps.
STEADY, men! steady!" voice after
voice caught up the command. Hold
your fre!"
"Wait until they reach that fallen
treel" I added,
Every man of US had a gun, officers,
all. Coatlsss as though We came from
the haytng field, the perspiration
streaming down our faces, VIC waited.
The rife barrels glowed brown IN the
sun, a. the keen eyes took careful
sight. We were but q handful, = single
thin line; II the reserves failed we
would be driven back by mere force
OF numbers. yet before We went that
slope should DO Htrswn with dead.
Crashing up from the rear came Os-
valid with two guns. wheeling into
position, the depressed muzzles spout.
Ing destruction. Yet those red and
blue lines eamo on; great openings
were plouahed through thom, but the
living mas closed up. They were at
the fallen tree, beyond, when we
poured u vo!leys Into their very
faces. We saw them wavar a. that
storm Of lead struck, the center
seemed TO give way, leaving behind
a ridge Of metlonless bodies, then Il