Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-02-25
Caught Within the
Enemy S Lines
A Story For Washington's Birthday
By EVERETT P. CLARKE

There are many noted points connect
ed with the American Revolution in
New Jersey. The main struggle began
in Massachusetts. was transferred to
New York and the bulk of it was fought
out in New Jersey. the surrender being
made in Virginia. After the battle of
Long Island General Washington's
central point-that is, when he was not
in the feld-was at Morristown, in a
house which is now owned by a So
ciety whose business it is to keep it in
order as a mementO of the Father of
His Country.
Some ten miles south of Morristown
is Basking ridge. where is situated one
of New Jerseys historic homes. Dur
ing Washington's occupancy of the
house at MOrristown wedding occur
red at this house, which be attended
On his way back to his headquarters
he stopped at house in little place
called Mendham. telling the members
of his staff who were with him to ride
on slowly and he would overtake them
Dismounting from his horse the gen
eral entered the gate and asked for ad.
mittance by means of the brass knock.
er which in those days was used in.
stead of the modern bell. He was ad
mitted by Miss Dorothy Hughes, the
daughter Of the person he sought.
"How now. Mistress DorothyY' said
the general, noticing that she was very
pale and all of a tremor What is the
matter?"
Nothing" stammered the girl. Tex
cept an agitation at our house being
honored by so important a parsonage
as the commander in chief
Il fear you are exaggerating. Is your
father within?'
mo, general. He went to Elizabeth
town this morning. We do not expect
his return till late this evening""
General Washington thought mo-
ment, then said:
do you think you could deliver a
message to him when he returns?'
II fear. general. that am a bit f1us-
not give your message Alright"
How is it. Mistress Dorothy, that
Notwithstanding this high honor which
you consider done you by the COM
mander in chief you permit him to
stand without invitation to enter?"
Pardon me, your excellency; did
not suppose that you would stop after
hearing father is not at home. Will
you be pleased to enter?"
"Only for the purpose of writing a
message since you are not minded to
deliver it verbally"
The girl led the general into the liv-
ing room. where she left him for few
minutes to go for writing paper and a
quill. The general after sharpening
the quill with his penknife sat down
at table. wrote his message. sanded
it, then took it to window to read it
over. The window was draped with
heavy damask curtains. and his excel
lency in order to get better light
moved one Of them aside. In doing so
his arm encountered a resistance 9th
er than wood. Throwing back the cur
tain. he exposed young man in the
uniform Of a lieutenant in the British
army.
The reason for Dorothy's agitation
and unwillingness to admit him flashed
upon Washington at once.
He regarded the young man sternly.
then turned his gaze on Dorothy, who.
white as cloth. was supporting her
self by a mantel over the great stone
fireplace. The general saw at once that
he had discovered pair Of lovers.
Don't fear. Mistress Dorothy he
said. fortunately your guest Is in
uniform. Had be come without the in
sigma of his Office it would have been
my duty to have him arrested and tried
for being within our lines as spy.
His object in coming is only too ap-
parent-not to look at our forces and
our equipment to carry information OF
it to General Howe at New York. but
to feast his eyes on very charming
young lady" Then to the officer he
continued: my position as an officer
in the Continental army does not re-
quire me to make q mountain of q
molehill by accusing you of intentions
which you have not. but it does re-
quire me to take you into custody.
Yet even that need not Inconvenience
you or shorten your visit. YOn are
my prisoner. Give me your name and
rank"
II am Lieutenant Ralph Harding OF
his British majesty's --th regiment
of foot"
Every well, lieutenant. Now give
me your word of honor as an officer
and a gentleman that as soon as you
have finished your visit to my esteem
ed friend. Mistress Dorothy Hughes.
you will proceed to the British lines
and will not bear arms against the
Continental forces until you have been
duly exchanged"
An expression of relief. which was
reflected in Dorothy's features. appear
ed on the young mans face as he gave
the required promise. Washington
went to the table. wrote something and
hordod II ~ s,:m n road aa fnIlowo.