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THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS
BY LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
AUTHOR OF THE POLLY BREWSTER BOOKS, THE GIRL SCOUTS BOOKS, Etc.
ILLUSTRATED
GROSSET & DUNLAP
PUBLISHERS NEW YORK
Made in the United States of America
Copyright, 1918, by
THE PLATT & NOURSE COMPANY
[Illustration: THEY WERE SEATED ON THE FLOOR READING.]
CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
I. NEW YORK THE GREAT MECCA 7
II. THE JOYS OF NEW YORK LIFE 26
III. SIGHT-SEEING IN NEW YORK 41
IV. THE BATTLE OF NEW YORK 57
V. SOME OF WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS 79
VI. GEORGE'S STRANGE BATTLE 92
VII. BATTLE-GROUNDS AROUND PHILADELPHIA 108
VIII. A FIGHT WITH THE HESSIANS 121
IX. FAREWELLS TO WASHINGTON 137
THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS
CHAPTER I
NEW YORK THE GREAT MECCA
"My parlor chair swings around every way!" exclaimed Martha Parke,
thoroughly enjoying the novelty of whirling on a Pullman parlor chair.
"They all do, but folks are supposed to sit quiet and only swing when
they want to see who's sitting on the other side of the car, or perhaps
if a friend sits next to them and talks--then you have to turn and
answer, of course," explained George Parke.
Jack Davis, the Philadelphia cousin of the two Parke children, had the
vast experience of travelling from his native city to the country home
of the Parkes just outside of Washington, D. C., a few weeks prior to
the opening of this story. So, of course, he knew all about the Pullman
parlor chairs.
"That isn't why they whirl at all! It's so you can turn to look out of
the opposite windows, 'cause both sides of a railroad track have
scenery, you know," glancing at the elders of the party to make sure
they had overheard him.
"Why, Jack Davis! That isn't the reason at all! It's for the convenience
of the conductor to take up tickets, so he won't have to lean away over
or knock off the passenger's hat. Then, too, when the buffet waiter
serves luncheon on those folding tables, he has to have room to move the
chair around and place the stand right over the passenger's lap. Don't
you remember?" explained Anne Davis to her brother.
"I'll ask mother--shall I?" ventured John Graham, a member of the
travelling party from the South.
"No, no! We don't want to know anything! Let's see who can find the
first church along the line," quickly said George, to divert attention.
For some time thereafter the young travellers were quiet, until Jack
shouted: "I see one! It's old and tumble-down, but it has a steeple just
the same!"
While the children were playing this game, the elders sat planning about
the New York trip. They had started from the country estate that morning
without mishap, which was remarkable, considering the many ways the
"Little Washingtons" had of getting into trouble. But now that all were
_en route_ for the great city of the north, they wondered whether it had
been wise to bring five lively children on such a trip.
"If John doesn't behave when you take him to visit the historical
places, just let me know, and I will keep him at his great-aunt's. She
hasn't a thing he can do mischief to!" said Mrs. Graham.
Mr. Parke laughed. "That would be a severe punishment for John. But I
feel quite sure he will be the least troublesome of the party. George
generally takes the lead in all escapades, you know."
"Not when Jack is around to suggest mischief!" added Mrs. Davis from
Philadelphia.
"Well, there will be two of us, anyway, to keep them in order. And
little Jim won't be here for them to use as a scapegoat, you know,"
laughed Mrs. Parke, thinking of the happy little face of the pickaninny
who was last seen on the steps holding a book and a box of candy
presented him by the Davis children.
"Did Sam wire you he would meet us?" asked Mrs. Davis of Mr. Parke.
"Yes, when I telegraphed him from home, he replied to my office in
Washington. He will arrive in New York a train before us, and meet us at
the Pennsylvania Terminal at Thirty-third Street. Then we will go to
some large hotel until we see what we wish to do for the week."
"George sat looking over the newspaper this morning while we were
waiting at the station in Washington for this train, and I leaned over
to see what was engrossing his attention. What do you think he was
reading?" asked Mrs. Parke.
"Goodness only knows what George reads--anything from the last drive of
the Italians on the Alps to the present quotations on Wall Street!"
laughed Mr. Parke, the father.
"Neither! He was poring over the list of hotels and restaurants in New
York City. Finding I was watching, he said: 'I just found the place for
us to stop.'
"'Yes?' said I. 'Where is it?'
"'The Martha Washington Hotel. We wouldn't think of boarding anywhere
else, would we, when we are related to Martha?'"
The others laughed at this, and Mrs. Graham added: "Did you explain
that that hotel was a ladies' hotel, and neither he nor his father nor
his uncle would be allowed to stay there?"
"No, because he forgot all about the hotel when he saw Jack and the
girls leading John over to the candy booth. That was enough for George!"
laughed Mrs. Parke.
"I suppose you ladies have planned a campaign for going about to show
the 'patriots' the historical points of interest in the city--that is
why you came up here, you know," teased Mr. Parke.
"You came for business purposes, you said, so we will not trouble you
with our plans," retorted Mrs. Davis.
But further conversation was interrupted by the children. "Mother,
didn't you bring the copy of our Washington history with you?"
"I have it in the trunk.--Why?" said Mrs. Parke.
"Because Jack says Washington was in Boston in the spring of 1776, and I
say he was in New York, where he thought General Howe was going after
being driven from Boston," explained George.
"You are both right, son. Washington remained in Boston for a time to
see just what Howe would do, and then fearing the weakness of defence of
and about New York, he started for that city. It was while he was at New
York that the letter from Congress was given him, in which he was so
highly commended for the bravery and conduct of himself and his men at
the siege," said Mrs. Parke.
Both boys had been so sure that each was right, that this information
caused a sudden spell of humility, which gave the girls an opportunity
to speak.
"Mother, didn't you read one day that the American army was vanquished
on Long Island, and Washington had to hide up in the hills of Harlem
until he got some more soldiers together?" asked Martha earnestly.
"Oh, oh! Is this the way my historical readings are interpreted?" sighed
Mrs. Parke, in mock despair, while the other elders of the party laughed
at Martha's presentation of the battle on Long Island.
"I think it best not to describe any more history now. When you are all
on the spot of the battle scenes, the children will feel the actual
spirit of the thing more than by listening to a tale," said Mr. Parke.
"I will follow your suggestion later, but just now I am not going to
allow this misunderstanding to rest. Come here, children, and let me
explain."
As there was nothing more exciting offered them, the five children
turned their chairs about and listened to the story.
"You see, when General Howe sailed from Boston with his fleet, it was
circulated that he proposed going to Halifax. But Washington was too
wise a general to believe everything he heard, especially when it came
from such a wily man as General Howe. So he figured out just about what
Howe might do now that he was out of such nice, comfortable quarters
like Boston.
"New York was another fine city, with every comfort to be had, so
Washington thought that the British would prefer that life to one of
privation and discomfort elsewhere.
"With the seized boats that had sailed into Boston harbor, ignorant of
the fact that the British had left there, Washington was able to supply
his men with guns, ammunition and goods greatly needed by them. Then,
when Campbell of the British navy sailed serenely into the net of the
enemy, a large quantity of military stores was captured, besides the
fine vessel that carried over two hundred and seventy men. The latter
were made prisoners, and the ships were turned into privateers, to act
as sea-scouts in place of a regular naval force, which the colonists had
not been able to raise as yet.
"Anxious for the safety of New York, Washington started an army from
Boston, leaving five regiments under General Ward to defend the city.
Passing through Providence, Norwich, and New London, he and the army
arrived in New York on the 13th of April, where he found, as he feared,
that city ill-prepared for defence against Howe.
"It was soon ascertained, however, that Howe had really sailed for
Halifax, where he went to secure the cooperation of the forces of
Canada.
"So you see, boys, Washington was in both cities that spring, but he
spent the late spring and summer in New York, fortifying and preparing
that city for the battle which he knew was sure to come."
"Tell us some more, mother," said Martha.
"Is it time for the luncheon?" asked George anxiously, as the porter
passed through the car.
"No, sah; not yet!" replied the grinning colored man.
"Then go on, mother!" sighed George resignedly.
"Well, when Washington found how valuable the Hudson River was for
crossings, and for transmitting supplies to the northern army under the
command of Schuyler, he immediately began to fortify the passes
bordering on that river.
"So, while Howe was in Halifax, the American army was engaged in
defending its river front, and the City of New York.
"Meantime, a large fleet was fitted out by the British under the command
of Sir Peter Parker. In June, this fleet came to anchor in Charleston
harbor, where it was joined by General Clinton's forces.
"Fortunately, an intercepted letter warned the Americans of the
destination of this armament, and this gave the colonists time to
prepare defence against the English. Lee had been sent by Washington to
command the forces in the southern country, and his popularity soon
amassed over five thousand men. Under him were Gadsden, Moultrie, and
Thompson. At the entrance of the Charleston harbor a fort had been
constructed of the palmetto tree, which resembles cork in its looks and
action.
"When Clinton landed some of his troops, he found Colonel Gadsden
commanding a regiment on the northern extremity of James Island, and two
regiments under Moultrie and Thompson, stationed at opposite extremities
of Sullivan's Island.
"The attack on the fort began in the morning, while the ships threw
their broadsides upon it, but the little fort returned the fire with so
much skill and spirit that the ships suffered severely. One ran aground
and was burned, while others were temporarily disabled. The British
finally abandoned the enterprise, having lost over two hundred men,
while the Americans only lost twenty.
"The failure of the attack was of great importance to the American
cause, for it not only contributed much to the permanent formation of
their independent government, but it had an effect on the half-hearted
people who feared the power of England.
"The abrupt departure of General Howe from Boston had upset his plans,
for all of his supplies had been sent to that city, and consequently
fell into the hands of the American army. After waiting at Halifax for
the appearance of the reinforcements he expected, but which did not
arrive, he set sail for New York with his original army, where he landed
on Staten Island the third of July, the same day that the Declaration of
Independence was reported to the members of Congress at Philadelphia."
Mrs. Parke reached this point in her story when a waiter entered the
car, making announcement of an interesting fact.
"Dinnah now served in th' dinin' car--foh cars ahead! Dinnah now served
in th' dinin' car--foh cars ahead!"
"Oh, oh! they're going to have a dinner in the cars! We won't have to
eat on the little tables brought in here," cried Jack, looking eagerly
at Mr. Parke.
"Why, I don't think we'll need any dinner, do you? We will be in New
York in an hour's time, and can have something at a quick lunch
restaurant," replied Mr. Parke very seriously.
The children stared at him in such surprise that he was compelled to
laugh outright. At that, they knew he was only fooling about dinner.
Meantime, the ladies began to gather their various wraps and bags and
arrange them in order back of the parlor chairs.
When all were ready to go forward, Mr. Parke beckoned the children to
gather close about him, and gave them warning.
"Now look over the bill of fare carefully, and order the cheapest dishes
there. I haven't much money with me, and it would be dreadful to have
the bill come to more than I would be able to pay."
The three ladies had passed on before Mr. Parke whispered the
embarrassing news, and George, making sure his father was not joking
again, said:
"I've got fifty cents in my pocket; I'll eat that up!"
"It may not digest, George, because silver is not considered healthy for
the human stomach, you know," replied Mr. Parke.
"Oh, you know what I mean! I'll order that much," said George, laughing.
"Will you have enough to pay for a dish of ice cream and a sandwich?"
asked Martha anxiously.
"We'll have to see what they charge for ice cream. You see the prices
have gone so high since the war," returned Mr. Parke.
They were passing through into the forward car as they conversed, and
now the children had all they could do to balance themselves as the car
swayed from side to side in its rapid flight on the tracks.
At last they were safely seated in the dining-car, but the ladies and
Mr. Parke occupied one table for four, while the children occupied
another across the aisle.
Every one studied the menu card diligently, but to the horror of the
children the ice cream was forty cents per plate. Sandwiches were twenty
cents each, and tea or coffee, or cocoa, was twenty cents per cup.
"Humph! We won't eat much at this rate!" grumbled George.
"I think it is much cheaper to have luncheon served on a table in the
parlor car. We had a nice lunch, and I'm sure it wasn't as much as
this," remarked Jack.
"Shall we whisper to father and ask him what he can afford to pay for?"
suggested Martha.
But the waiter stood right at Mr. Parke's elbow writing down some words
on a pad, so the children politely waited. When he finished and hurried
away, George and Martha excused themselves to the other children, and
crossed the aisle.
"What shall we order?" asked George.
"How much can you pay for?" added Martha.
Mrs. Parke looked in amazement, while aunty and Mrs. Graham laughed. Mr.
Parke drew both children down so they could hear him whisper.
"I think you had better sit still and not order a thing. If the waiter
comes up for your order send him to me. You see, Mrs. Davis and Mrs.
Graham ordered so much that I shall have to pay for, that we will have
to go hungry."
George sent an angry glance at the ladies who thus deprived him of
necessary food for the rest of the journey, but Martha heaved a
tremendous sigh, as she relinquished her hopes of a deep dish of ice
cream.
Before the two food ambassadors were settled in their chairs again, a
waiter hurried over and began arranging silver, bread and butter, and
relishes before them.
The children exchanged glances, and as the man went away again, George
said: "We won't say anything yet--not until he asks us to order."
But he failed to ask. When he next appeared, he carried cups of broth
and placed them before the children. This done, he stooped and said to
George, in a voice distinctly heard by those fearfully listening:
"Ah'm goin' to pile dat cream up high when yo' all is ready for
dessert!"
Then winking understandingly at the doubtful faces, he went back to the
kitchen.
George looked in the cup of broth and turned to glance at his father for
instructions, but the elders were busy with their own broth. Then George
decided upon a courageous measure.
"We need something and we didn't order this soup. If we take it now the
ladies who ordered more than they should will have to cancel some of
their dinner. Come on and drink the broth before we are told not to."
Thereupon, a great sipping and swallowing of hot liquid ensued, and
soup, that despised item at home, was quickly enjoyed, for there was a
dearth of more to follow--so thought the travellers about that table.
Before they were quite finished, however, fish was brought on and the
waiter said: "Ah'm tol' to bring turkey wid cranberry sauce and candied
sweets. Is dat all right foh de whole party?"
Then George suspected a hoax. He jumped up and caught his father trying
to hide a smile back of his dinner napkin.
"Is this one of your practical jokes again?" demanded George.
But an answer was unnecessary when he laughed so heartily that the
ladies joined in. George was disgusted as he turned and remarked:
"Well, you made us drink the soup, all right, and I s'pose we all want
turkey, but just you wait till dessert comes along--we're each going to
eat ten plates of ice cream and make you pay for it, too!"
With that threat ringing in his ears, it was a wonder Mr. Parke enjoyed
his dinner, but he did, and when dessert was ordered he watched the
children eat two great dishes each of ice cream, and never blinked at
the bill presented to him for it.