The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-05-05
A PeriIous Mission.
cHAPTER T.

late that evening about the cheerful
are In front Of my hut-for the nights
were still chilly, although 1t was May,
and the dTpadful winter passed-dis-
russing the improved condition OF our
troops. the rigid discipline Of Baron
de Steuben. and Specializing on what
would probably be attempted now
that III Henry Clinton had succeeded
10 the command Of the forces oppos-
Ing US. I remember Maxwell joined
rs, 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-
ti0n at Valley Forge, the time to
strike once again was near at hand,
although our numbers we're barely
half that OF the enemy.
It must have been midnight when
erept into q bunk, and even then
found sleep absent, my eyes gazing
put through the open door to where
the embers Of the fire giowod red, and
= sentinel paced back and forth "A
regular monotony. Suddenly he halt,
ed, and challenged hoarsely, fiinging
forward his gun. There was an indis-
tinguishable answer, and as / straight
ened up the figure Of man blotted
put the doorway.
Major Lawrence?"
Eyes. What Is it," ! swung 10 the
door, unable to recognize the voice.
The mans hand rose to salute.
II am Colonel Gibbs orderly. Gen.
eral Hamilton wishes you to report
ut once at headquarters"
"The Potts housef"
~Yes, SIR"
/ dressed hastily, my pulses throb-
hing 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 had so tried me as the long
winter waiting. Yet, rapidly as
moved, rderly had disappeared
before got utlIde, and I picked my
way as best could alone through the
darkness, along the rear Of McIntosh's
huts, until reached the low fence sur
runding the Potts house. Here a sem
hnel 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 guard
stood within the hall At the first
sound of our approach, however, side
tcrr was flung open, letting forth a
Es a Of illumination, and perceived
The Tort, slight figure of Hamilton.
as he -cered forward to get better
glimpse Il my face.
"All rigN<. corporal" he said terse-
~, gripping NJ hand. Come IN, ma
jor; your prom tness would seem to
Indicate a readiness to get into serv-
Ice once more"
ct had not yet fallen asleep" I ex.
planned, ''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 small, low
ceilinged apartment, containing q
table, 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, al
known to me. At an open door to thu
right stood a sweet-faced woman
glancing back curiously at my en-
trance. and whipped OF my hat bow
Ing low. Once before had seen her
Mistress Washington, and welcomed
the gracious recognition in her eyes
Colonel Gibbs stood before the fire
place motionless, but my glance sweep
past him to the calm, uplifted face
above the pile Of papers littering the
table. He was not looking at me, bu
bis eyes were turned toward his wife
''It is not necessary for you to re
tire" he said quietly. we shall no
detain this gentleman except for few
moments"
'It L. not because Of the MAJOR
coming withdraw" she replied pleas
antly, but the hour is late, and an
very tired. Good night, all"
washington's eyes were upon I'll,
door until It closed; then he turned
slightly, facing me. Before he spokl
again, Hamilton broke In:
This is the officer. sir. recommend
sd by General Maxwell-Major Law
renee of the Maryland line"
I bowed silently, and the command
er rose to his feet, extending his hand
mo doubt we have met BEFORE" h,
said slowly. "You have been with u
Tor some timer"
my first action, was at Harlem
sir"
you could not have been at Vale,
Forge during the past winter, how
ever?"
1T was with the Marquis de la Fay
cite at Albany"
"Ah. yes" bis face cloufing at III