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


They had been delivered at headquar-
tiers by an officer OF Lees staff; no,
not a boyish-looking fellow, but a
black-bearded captain whose name had
been forgotten. All Hamiltoa could
remember was that the notes had been
originally brought in by an Indian
scout. Eager to discover Eric Morti-
mer, l asked a weeks release from
duty, but there was so much sickness
in the camp, that this reques.. 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 Fir 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
! 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. scarcely Knew what
sleep was, yet the Importance of the
coming movement of troops held me
' stsadfast 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-
Ing distance Of the city the moment
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. Maxwelrs brigade, with which
| was connected. even crossed the
river In advance, cooperating with
General Dickinson and his New Jersey
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 Coryell'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 owe in my mind had
reviewed all that had ever 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 headquar-
tiers, and asked his c~hief-of-staff for
Eric Mortimer. He looked at me
strangely, as | put the question.
Il should be YER glad to oblige you,
Major Lawrence" he replied g~ravely.
but unfortunately / have no present
knowledge of the young man"
But he was attached to General
Lees Stair"
Only In a wayne was useful to
uS Go u SCOul OCNduS6 vi MS lnllIudlG
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 Washington'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?"
Il believe SO; yes. now that l 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 vas a reckless young devil. attract
ed to our service more, 1t seemed to
me. by a spirit or d~are-deviltry than
patriotism. Lee thought well OF him,
but I was always suspicious. He be-
longed to a family of loyalists, his IA
Their q colonel of Queens Rangers.
Did you know him, L~awrence?"
"The father. MOI the son. But | am
not willing to believe evil Of the boy.
| cannot conceive that treachery is In
the Mortimer blood. ST.. and shall have
to be convinced before I condemn the
lad. When did he leave here lastf"
About the middle OF May"
Would o mind telling me his mis-
sionf Where he was sentT"
The officer glanced keenly into my
face; then RAJ hastily over a package
OF papers taken from an open trunk.
Il a see no harm In doing 30 now.
major. He was SEN to communicate
with-a British o~f7eer--a prominent
Tory-who has associations with Red
Fagin. and others In Monmouth couu-
ty. This officer has In the past. for n
consideration, furnished US with VAIN
able Information. generally through