River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-11-14
'ather be dead then. than Charles

rather be dead then, than Charles
Lee"
We gave the orders, and the men
fell back sullenly, swearing fiercely
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 see the
smoke of their guns, and hear distant
crackle of musketry. I 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, I recognized Lee
in advance, mounted on black horse
fiecked with foam. Twice he paused.
gazing across the hills through leveled
field glasses, and then rode up the
oCNOP oSSCAL " Jul rear. MdAW6lk
met him not twenty feet from where
lay.
What does this mean. sir?" 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?"
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 / 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
confusfon?" he exclaimed, his voice
ringing above the uproar, his angry
eyes blazing into Lees face. Answer
me-"
The other muttered some reply
failed to catch
That's not true" returned Wash
ington, every word singing like a
whip. TT was merely covering party
which attacked you Why did you ac-
cept command, sir, unless you intend
ed to fight?"
Il did not deem it 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 now!''
He wheeled his horse about, point
ing with one hand across the valley.
Major Cain, have Oswald bring up
his guns at once; Lieutenant McNeiIl,
ride to Ramsey and Stewart; have
their troops ON the ridge Within ten
minutes-General Maxwell, these are
your menu"
They are, sin"
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 sullenly, his gaze ON the
ground. Washington looked at him
a moment, evidently not knowing what,
to say. Then he asked quietly:
'fWill you retain command on this
height, or not. sir?"
1T is equal to me where com-.
mand."
Then expect you will take proper
means for checking the enemy"
II shall not be the first to leave the
ground; your orders shall be obeyed.",
What followed was but a medley Of
sight and sound saw Washington
ride to the left; heard Lee give hur-
ried order, or two; then I was att the
rear of our own line strengthening it
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-
veaIing the uniforms of different
corps.
STEADY, men! Steady" voice after
voice caught up the command. Hold
your fret
wait until they reach that fallen
treet" I added.
GTo BE CONTINUEDl