The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1917-05-25
A UNIFORM
SURPRISE
Story Of the American Revolu.
ton Laid In General Wash
ington's SOuthernmost
Command.
By ETHEL HOLMES

General Washington, commander in
chief of the patriot forces during the
American Revolution, had very large
territory to watch over. True, the re-
voting colonies all lay on the Atlantic
coast, but they reached from Maine on
the north to Georgia on the south,
inclusive, and it must also be re-
membered that the only method OF
conveyance on land In those days was
the legs of man or those OF other an
lmals, principally the horse.
Naturally Washington was obliged
to rely on his neutenants In different
sections. In South Carolina General
Marion was carrying on a hide and
seek warfare with British troopers
under Colonel Tarleton, an energetic
Toung cavalry officer.
One evening a man stopped at the
plantation of John Rutledge, cotton
planter, and asked If he could be lodg-
ed for the night. All the men Of the
family were with Marion, the Swamp
Fox" as he was called, the only in
mates of the manor house being Mrs.
Rutledge and her daughter, Kate. At
the time of the strangers coming Kate
was on the gallery, and it was Of her
that he made his request. He wore
the clothes Of poor white man, but
there were indications that he was
gentleman.
1--WE are patriots in this house, sir"
said Kate, land my father, who is
fighting for our independence, charged
us to admit no one who favored the
British cause. If you are one of us
you are welcome to what we have to
give; IL not, we must decline to receive
you"
The young man did not reply imme-
diately to this. When he did he said:
ITO make truthful assurance that I
am n patriot would be impossible /
can only say this: If l receive your
hospitality you need have no fear that
| will abuse it. l promise you that no
harm shall come to any one in this
house through me-"
There was a look ON the mans face
that betokened he was in fear of some
thing. Besides, he looked tired and
hungry. Miss Rutledge being a wom-
an, the stranger excited her commits
Grafton. There was an unmistakable
sincerity in his words. She yielded so
far as to invite him in to partake of
a meal, reserving her decision as to
further entertainment till later. A ne
gro cook was soon preparing q supper,
while the stranger, having turned his
horse over to black stableman, was
in an upper chamber getting rid of
South Carolina dust.
When his supper was ready he was
summoned by a quadroon house serv-
ant. Kate Rutledge felt that she
should be present with the guest at
supper. but since his dress betokened
that he was of inferior social grade
and he seemed to have Tory sympa-
thies she felt 1t beneath her dignity
to do so. AS soon as he had eaten lie
called for her and said:
IF you will permit me to occupy
the meanest of your chambers for the
night will go forth at dawn without
disturbing you or any of the household.
If you insist upon my moving on will
sleep under the stars. Which course
shall | takc|'
This was too much for Miss Rut-
lodges education in hospitality, and
she permitted the man to remain In
the house. AS soon as she had given
her consent he retired to his chamber,
saying that he had had no sleep for
some time and since he must be off
early could not now take full nights
rest. In thanking his hostess for her
kindness to him 1t seemed to her that
for the moment he forgot himself and
fell into the manner of gentleman.
At any rate, she suspected that he was
Of higher grade than his coarse coat
and breaches and wooden stockings be-
However. there was not
enough incOngruity between the man.
ner and the clothes to make much of
an impression on her.
A few hours later when Miss Rut-
ledge was about to prepare for bed |
she heard loud knocking below and, |
NNAAo u N"hNtSb hChl uOWh W STE WHO
might be seeking admittance. Opening
he door, there stood a young man in
he uniform of captain in the Cont
rental army He entered hurriedly,
,losed the door behind him and said:
Hide me, Kate, quick! was cap
ured this afternoon by the British and
escaped this evening. They are aft
n me-"
won't they search every nook and
'orner?"
II fear they will"
Wouldn't you have a better chance
n disguise?"
What disguise have you for meY"
Kate paused to think. Fathers
lothes," she said presently, "are too
arge for you, and Arthurs are too
mall. A stranger came to the house
his evening and asked for food and
odging. He is about your size. If.
GU could use his clothes they would
erve you admirably"
Where is he?"
ASLEEP upstairs"
"1'll go and see what ! can do with
im."