The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1913-04-24

ten revealed his appreciation Of my
work, and that my hastily mace notes
OF the Philadelphia defenses had been
received t~wenty-four hours earlier.
They had been delivered at headquar-
tiers by an officer of Lees staff; nc,
not q b~oyish-looking fellow, but a
b~lack-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 a 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-
ment.
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
his energies toward placing his little
army In fit condition for battle. Some
recruits were received, the %neighbor-
ing militia were drawn upon. and men
J were taken from tie hospitals, and
put back into the ranks as soon as
strong enough TO bear arms. Inspired
by the indomitable spirit of our com
manGer, the line officers worksd inces-
sanity In the welding together of their
commands. / scarssly 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 d'Estaing,
with a powerful French feet. was ap-
preaching the coast. This surely
meant that Clinton would be com
PEELED to retreat across the Jerseys,
and q portion OF our troops we're ad-
vanced so as to be within easy strik-
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
| vas connected. even crossed the
river in advance, cooperating with
1thVio DlShlLSOh uuu his NEW JtISty
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 CoTyell's Ferry,
and, an hour later, l 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 l had
reviewed all that had v 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 trepidation
than when / rode into Lees h~eadquar.
tiers, and asked his chiefof-staff for
Eric Mortimer. He looked at me
strangely. as | put the question.
II should be very glad to oblige you.
Major Lawrence" he replied gravely,
but unfortunately | have no present
knowledge of the young man."
But he was attached to General
Lees staff?"
only In a wayne was useful to
US as a scout because of his intimate
knowledge of the Jerseys. His home,
/ understand, was near Mount Holly"
what has become of him ?"
"All / know is. he was sent out on
a special mission, by W%ashington's
own orders. nearly a month ago. We
have not directly heard from him
since. An Indian brought a partial re
port Of his operations up to that time;
since then we have received nothing"
IAN Indian" l exclaimed. The same
who brought in my notes?"
II believe SO; yes, now that I recall
the matter. I had no opportunity TO
question the fellow: he simply left the
papers with the orderly, and disap-
peared."
And you have heard nothing from
young Mortimer SINGER"
mot a word"
HE must be dead. or a prisoner"
The chief smiled rather grimly.
COR deserted" he added sharply. y
am more inclined toward that theory.
He was a reckless young devil. attract
ed to III service more. It seemed to
me. by a spirit OF d~are-deviltry than
patriotism. Lee thought we'll Of him,
but | was always suspicious. He be-
longed to a family Of loyalists, his IA
Their a colonel Of Queesta Rangers.
Did you know him. ~Lawrence?"
"The father. not the son. But I am
not willing to believe evil Of the boy.
I cannot conceive that treachery is In
the Mortimer blood, sir, and shall have
10 be convinced before / condemn the
lad. When did he leave here lastf"
About the middle of May"
would you mind telling me his mis-
sionf Where he was sentT"
The officer glanced keenly into my
face; then ran hastily over a package
Of papers taken from an open trunk.
Il can see no harm in doing 80 now,
major. He was sent to communicate
with q British officers prominent
iTosx==&h9 has associations With Red
Fagin. and others In Monmouth coun-
~. This officer has In the past, for a
consideration. furnished US with valu-