New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-02-23


the Watching Mountains, in Somerset
County, N. j., hungry, footsore and in
rags Almost exhausted by their recent
superb fighting on all but empty stomachs
they were now limping their way to Morris
town Heights for winter quarters.
The name of little Pluckemin was never
mentioned in their marching orders. But
after hobbling down from the wooded skirts
Of the mountain and debouching in irregu-
lar squads on Pluckemin, the early winter
night darkness adding to the pain Of their
slow progress, on entering the village they
were met with such gladness and good
cheer that after cordial invitations to do
so they halted there for the night Not
only that, but so generous and helpful did
their entertainers continue to prove that at
the hearty requests of influential villagers
several regiments were permanently quar-
tered there and General Washington occu-
pied what has since been called Washington
House as his headquarters.
After the men had been we'll fed and
rested for several days, prompt and effec-
tive steps were taken to sew up and patch
their exceedingly tattered garments To
this task man from the ranks rose as q
host in himself. This was Private Robert
Little, leal and stalwart Scotchman. "Big
Bob Little" as he was Familiarity known,
temporarily laying down his musket, took
up needle and shears and very soon per-
formed miracles of improvement in the
appearance of the rank and file. This good
work he could not have accomplished had
he not been gleefully helped by many young
{ahh rip 70 1xho for
and near collecting gratuities of homespun
cloth from farmers and others who did
home weaving.
SO we'll had "Big Bob" and his coadjutors
succeeded in this, and so delighted were the
officers with the improved appearance of
the men, that Colonel on learning
that the approaching February % was "Bg
Bob's" birthday, he determined as COM
pliment to Bob to have dress parade on
that day.
The parade was in full swing to the
men, it is said, marched with heads erect
and proud step, once more having clothes
without very bad holes in them; company
alter company hating in front of the cele-
brated old Eoff tavern (where the "Kenil-
stoop serving as a reviewing stand, where
the colonel in full dress uniform was in
specting the greatly terminated infantry
Of the line. Suddenly all eyes turned to a
mounted company under General Knox,
which, all FURNISHED up as if for the occa-
sion came cantering down the street After
an enquiring look of surprise and word
with the colonel.
"Thats capital, splendid" laughed the
general. "No other man in the world will
enjoy this gallant parade and the cause of
it." said he, "as truly as our great leader
will. He'll be here presently. Pm just off
to meet him. Go ahead with your review,
colonel. The men do look fine and as fit as
fddles again. What's his name again that
did the tailoring? Oh, yes, Little. He's a
GOOD man, by thunder, right fine fellowl"
With which the general and his following
were off at brisk pace toward Somerville.
Presently they returned, the company now
enlarged by the presence Of General Wash
ington and staff. Entering the village and
heartily into the spirit of its mild excite
ment, the general seemed ready to get down
from his horse and embrace his beloved
heroes, with their joyful salutes, cheerful
faces and their right brave appearance again,
after all they had suffered and all thew had
so recently DONE
The true humor Of the situation was that
1t was General Washington's own birthday.
too, although but very few knew it. For
mat date had not as yet become the univer
sally observed red letter day that it is now.
probably he had not so much as remembered
oil oil
ranged TO dine him that day, az mild cele-
grafton or that event. But the latter was
prompt IN explaining to his chiefs great
amusement that the present military stir in
i'aekemln was not in honor of their COM
mahoer In chief, but compliment to Private
"ooert Little, because honest Bob had sewed
ana patched the men into such good shape.
ana this happened to be the stalwart Bob,s
birthday.
me general was simply delighted, and
Immediately on entering his Headquarters
sH' Tor Little. The Scotchman, presently
s1"'''eo, TOOK two or three regulation stems
''so the room, gave the correct military
'e,"'s and then, with hands down by his
''ues' stood facing the general, erect and
stiff as poker.
after genially and very highly comment
s the soldier for his excellent work on
"s regiment, the general handed him a
guinea piece and also gave him good wishes
Tor his birthday.
: thank ye kindly, general" Bob said
a'oS'hg proudly at the gold in his brawny
"ana' This, sir, will gang straight to my
~,., mither in Kirkcudbright the best
. s,'sasf IN Scotland. Many time she's
'a.nk'ng Of her Bob today"
and II yen pardon me. general" Bob
,s u' With another soldierly elevation Of
s.'ad palm 10 his shake, "Im told ye ha,
g a' sFsndess rnither in all America, and