The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1913-05-01
and may ~ again; az any rate ] an

"Tis not like General Lee i
broke IN. HE has ever been q seck-
less fighter. Has the man lost his
wits?"
Maxwell leaned over, so his words
should not carry beyond my ear.
"'Tis envy Of Washington, to my
mind" he said soberly. HE has op
posed every plan In council, imsgin'
ing, no doubt, a failure OF campaign
may make him the commanderin-chief.
There comes a courier now"
The fellow was so streaked with
dust as to be scarcely recognizable,
and he wiped the perspiratiop from
his eyes to stare into u faces.
General MAXWELL"
Yes; what is 1T"
Compliments OF General Lee, sir.
and you will retire your troops toward
the Freehold Meeting House, forming
connection there with General Scott"
Retreat! Good God, mani we
haven't fired a shot"
Those were the orders. sir. II that
Scott, over ~yonder?"
Maxwell nodded, too angered for
words. Then, as the courier galloped
away, turned in his saddle.
by heaven! suppose we raust do
it, Lawrence. But what folly! What
asininity! We've got the Redcoats
hemmed in, and did you ever e a
better field? Pray God I may hear
Washington when he up. I'd
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
craekle OF musketry. ! sat up, star
ing through the heat wave 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, l recognized Lee
in advance, mounted on a black horse
fecked with foam. Twice he paused,
gazing across the hills through levelsd
field glasses, and then rode up the
steep ascent to our rear. Maxwell
met him not twenty feet from where
l lay.
What does this mean, sirT" 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 enemyT"
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, q dozen officers clatter-
ing behind, his face stern-set and
white, as he rode straight toward Lee.
What is the meaning of this no
treat, General Lee? My Goo, sir, how
do o account for such disorder and
confusion?" he exclaimed, his voice
ringing above the uproar, his aagry
eyes blazing into Lees face. Answer
me-"
The other muttered some reply I
failed TO catch.
HHThofbo NOT fr1ra - raftrrond Vpa~h-
ington. every word singing like q
whip. ct was merely a covering party
which attacked you. Why did you ac-
cept command, sir, unless you intend
ed to fight?"
81 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. Seel
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 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 n cost, the TO
serves will be UP presently"
AS he drew his horse about be 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:
'Wili you retain command on this
height, or not. sirf"
1T is equal to me where ! com
mand."
Then / expect you will take propsz
means for checking the enemy"
II shall not be the first 10 leave tbs
ground: your orders shall be obeyed.'
What followed was but a medley Of
sight and sound. saw WEshingtor
ride to the left; heard Lee give a huf
ried order. or two; then / was al thu
rear of our own line strengthening II
for assault. There was little enough
time left.