BARREN HILL.
The boys now had good reason to believe that the most difficult portion
of their work was accomplished.
It was not probable they would meet any of the enemy while riding
in this direction, and all that now remained was to find General
Lafayette's command.
This last both the boys fancied might be easily done, for Jacob was
familiar with the roads in that section of the country, and should be
able to lead the way to the camping-place.
The horses would be recovering from the effects of their long race if
allowed to continue on at a walk, and such gentle exercise, heated as
they were, was better than to bring them to a halt.
"I reckon we've earned our swords," Jacob said, after he was satisfied
the enemy had abandoned the pursuit and there was no longer any danger
to be apprehended. "It's mighty lucky for us we met that spy on the day
of the carnival!"
"I think we'd better finish the work before crowing very loud,"
Enoch replied with a laugh. "As to whether we are given swords or
not troubles me very little, for I had rather be a private than an
officer."
"That's because you don't know how much easier it is to command than be
commanded."
"But how is it when a fellow doesn't know how to command?"
"He can soon learn."
"Well, it doesn't seem to me there is any good reason why we should
discuss the matter, for the swords haven't been offered us, and perhaps
never will be."
"If we don't receive them it'll be because our services are not
appreciated. Hark! Do you hear anything?" and Jacob reined his steed to
a standstill as he listened intently.
Far up the road, in the direction where the boys supposed the advance
of the Continental army was encamped, could be heard the hoof-beats of
horses, sounding nearer and nearer each instant.
"They are coming this way!" Master Ludwick said at length. "Do you
suppose it is possible our friends have any idea of making an attack on
General Howe's forces?"
"They must do that, or be prepared to resist one. Now if ever is the
time when our news will be of value."
The boys rode forward confident the approaching travelers were friends,
and a few moments later two mounted men could be seen dimly in the
gloom, approaching at a quick, but not hurried, pace.
"Hello, friends!" Jacob shouted, guiding his horse to the middle of the
road as if to bar the passage.
The newcomers halted suddenly, and one of them asked in a low tone,
speaking to his companion:
"Who have we here? Surely it cannot be that any of the enemy are so far
from the city."
"We are friends if you are members of the Continental army," Jacob
cried.
"And that is what we are; but why do you take the middle of the road as
if to dispute our right to pass?"
"I am the son of Christopher Ludwick, and this fellow with me is Enoch
Ball. We have ridden at risk of our lives, having been chased and fired
at by a squad of Britishers, to give General Lafayette news of the
enemy's movements."
Jacob spoke in an important tone, much as though the sword he dreamed
of was already hanging by his side, and had even now assumed a swagger
such as he thought essential in an officer of the army.
"We have just come from the general's headquarters, bound for New
Jersey; but if your information is of importance it may be to our
advantage to turn back. Are the enemy informed of General Lafayette's
movements?"
"General Howe knows all about it; the Quaker at whose house the marquis
quartered himself sent in the full particulars. From all we could
learn, two forces, one of five thousand and the other of two thousand
men, have been sent against you."
"Have been sent?" one of the officers repeated. "Do you mean they have
already started?"
"I saw more than a thousand in the ranks ready for marching before we
came away, and they must have left town about the same time we did."
"But how are you so certain as to the exact number?"
"Enoch heard General Grant talking with one of his staff, and the
Britisher said General Howe was so sure of capturing the marquis that
he had invited his friends to meet the prisoner at supper to-morrow
night."
The two men spoke together in whispers a few seconds, and then he who
had acted the part of spokesman asked:
"Are you the boys who were imprisoned on the charge of having aided
young Graydon to escape?"
"We are."
"Then there seems to be no question as to the truth of your
statement----"
"The truth of it?" Jacob interrupted. "Why, we saw the soldiers ready
for the march."
"Will you come with us to General Lafayette?"
"Of course we will! It was to find him that we set out."
The two officers wheeled their steeds, and began to retrace their steps
at a rapid pace, the boys following close behind.
After a few moments one of them, half-turning in his saddle, asked how
the young messengers had procured horses, and Jacob readily told him
the story of despoiling the Tory.
"You boys have begun well in the service of the cause, and if you
continue with the same zeal, should be able to give a good account of
yourselves before the struggle is ended."
"That is what we hope to do," Enoch replied, and Jacob whispered to his
comrade:
"He didn't say anything about our being given commissions for this
night's work."
"And it isn't likely any one else will," Enoch replied with a laugh.
"It should be enough for us that we have rendered an important service,
and it seems selfish to be talking of a reward even before the work has
been done."
"We'll see what General Lafayette thinks about it," and Jacob spoke
in a tone of irritation, after which he relapsed into silence, not
venturing to speak again until the little party had arrived at an
encampment completely surrounding a small farmhouse, before which the
officers drew rein.
Sentries were pacing to and fro in front of the building, and the boys
understood that they were at General Lafayette's quarters, the owner of
which was the person who had sent information to the British commander.
Not until after considerable parley were they admitted to a room strewn
with military accouterments, in the center of which stood a table
bearing the remnants of a meal.
Here they were forced to wait several moments, after which a young, not
particularly prepossessing-looking man entered, only partially dressed.
The two officers saluted him with evident respect, while Jacob and
Enoch showed signs of dissatisfaction.
It did not seem possible to them that this boyish-appearing officer
could be the famous Frenchman of whom they had heard so much, and both
were sadly disappointed, because, as they believed, an interview with
the commander himself was to be denied them.
"This is General Lafayette," one of the officers said to Jacob, "and
you can tell him your story."
"This the general?" Master Ludwick cried in amazement.
"You expected to see an old man?" Lafayette asked with a smile.
"Well, I didn't think you was--I mean, it didn't seem--I thought you
might----"
"Never mind what you thought, my friend. If you have important
information to give it will be well if I hear that at once, and your
opinion regarding myself can be told at a more convenient season."
Jacob was so thoroughly confused as not to be able to tell a connected
story, and it became necessary for Enoch to act as spokesman, a post he
filled with great satisfaction to all, except, perhaps, his comrade,
who was angry with himself because he had foolishly allowed his
surprise to so far overcome him as to tie his tongue.
"So I am to take supper with General and Lord Howe and their friends,
am I?" Lafayette said as if to himself when Enoch's story was ended.
"With seven thousand men against us the situation may be desperate, but
I do not think I shall go to Philadelphia this night."
Then he gave hurried commands to his officers, and when the two left
the room he turned to the young messengers with a smile which changed
the entire expression of his face, and caused Enoch to believe he had
never seen a more kindly gentleman.
"You have done nobly to bring this news, which is most important not
only to me personally, but to the cause we all serve. As to the theft
of the horses, you need give yourselves no uneasiness. I will send
word to Mr. Wharton at the earliest convenient moment, stating that I
impressed them into the service of the United States, and forward him
an order for the payment of the animals. It will be better you should
remain with this command awhile, since it may be dangerous for you to
go in either direction alone. Procure from the quartermaster food for
yourselves and the beasts, and take such rest as is possible until we
make a move."
Enoch understood that the bow with which they were favored was an
intimation that the interview had come to an end, and at once went
toward the door; but Jacob remained facing the general as if his
business was not yet concluded.
"Have you anything more to tell me?" Lafayette asked.
"I thought perhaps you counted on saying something else," Master
Ludwick stammered.
"I think we have finished our business. Perhaps at some future time we
may have a better opportunity for conversation."
After this Jacob could do no less than follow his companion, and when
they were outside the building he said, in a tone of dissatisfaction:
"It don't seem to me that we got much thanks for what we've done."
"What could you want more? We know that perhaps we have been the means
of saving this whole command from capture."
"That's exactly what we have done, and yet he didn't say a word about
giving us a sword, or even a corporal's commission."
"You expected too much. If General Lafayette is willing to give his
services to a people who were strangers to him, he has a right to
believe that a couple of boys like us are willing to serve our country
without reward."
Jacob was about to make what might have been an angry reply, when he
was suddenly seized from behind in what was no unfriendly embrace, as
a familiar voice cried:
"I counted on seeing you fellows as soon as you were let out of jail;
but didn't think you'd steal up on us in the night. Have you been
trying to get an interview with General Lafayette at this hour?"
It was Seth who spoke, and several minutes elapsed before the three
boys had so far concluded their greetings as to be able to carry on a
coherent conversation.
Then, in obedience to his friends' urging, Seth explained how he had
succeeded in reaching the American lines on the night they parted with
him on the outskirts of Philadelphia.
It was not such a story as would cause much excitement, owing to the
lack of adventure. From the moment he left them until he was at Valley
Forge he saw nothing of the enemy. The food provided by Mrs. Ball was
ample for all his wants, and the journey which he had believed would be
bristling with danger was hardly more than a pleasing excursion.
He had been received with a hearty welcome by the Americans, who,
through their spies in Philadelphia, had heard of his dangerous
situation, and was allowed to enlist in whatever branch of the service
he desired. He enrolled himself in the New Jersey militia, commanded by
General Dickinson, because among them were several acquaintances, and
had done a soldier's duty from that day.
Jacob expressed considerable surprise that he had not been rewarded in
some way because of all he had suffered, and Seth's reply occasioned
Master Ludwick no slight amount of astonishment.
"That would have been strange indeed, to reward me for simply trying to
do something in aid of the cause."
"But you gave information which must have been valuable to the
Americans."
"It was, so I have since been told, and surely such knowledge is
sufficient reward."
"I ain't so certain about that," Master Ludwick replied doubtfully.
"Now I had an idea that Enoch and I would be made officers at the very
least, because of bringing news which may prevent General Lafayette
from being made prisoner; but if you haven't got so much as a uniform
for all you've been through with, perhaps we shan't fare any better."
Seth laughed long and loud at the idea that Jacob had expected to be
made an officer in the Continental army before he had even so much as
handled a musket, and said, when his mirth had subsided sufficiently to
admit of his speaking:
"After you are in the ranks you'll learn that such rewards as you
expected could not well be given, unless the army was to be used as
an ornament, instead of for fighting. I suppose of course you will
enlist?"
"It looks as if that was all we could do," Enoch replied. "It wouldn't
be safe for us to go back to the city, for some one of the squad that
pursued us might remember our faces. Yes, the time has come when we
should become soldiers, and it seems to be more than ever our duty
since we are within the American lines by accident."
"And you will enlist in the regiment to which I belong?"
"It seems as if we should be with the Pennsylvania troops."
"I don't understand that it can make any particular difference, for you
will do your duty in one place as well as another."
"Of course we want to be with you," Jacob added thoughtfully, "and
if you really believe there's no chance of our being made officers, I
suppose we can't do better than join your company."
"Then you may as well sign the rolls at once, for I question if General
Lafayette will recommend you for promotion until you know what a
private's duty is. Did you see one of our friends in Philadelphia, whom
I sent to you?"
"Do you mean a man who was dressed as a farm-hand, and came into the
market to sell vegetables?"
"Yes."
"We met him on the day the Britishers had their celebration, or
whatever it may be called. Who is he?"
"A member of the company to which I belong; a true patriot, and one
who is willing to risk his life over and over again if by so doing he
can aid the cause. His name is Robert Greene, and when I heard that
he wanted to be directed to several people in the city who might be
able to give him information, I told him about you. The fact that the
Britishers kept you in jail so long was sufficient evidence you were to
be depended upon."
Then Seth insisted that his comrades tell him the story of their
troubles after he escaped, but before his curiosity could be fully
satisfied the entire camp was aroused.
It was nearly time for the sun to rise, and General Lafayette had
begun making preparations to escape from the trap into which he had
voluntarily walked.
Three messengers from different points had come into camp to give
notice of the British advance, and the commander knew by this time that
Grant's troops were halted at the forks of the roads leading, one to
Barren Hill, and the other to Matson's Ford. It was also learned that a
considerable number of men had been sent to Chestnut Hill, while Grey
with his force of two thousand was at the ford, less than three miles
in front of Lafayette's right flank.
Thus it was that the Americans were almost completely surrounded,
the only avenue of escape left open being by way of Matson's Ford,
the approach to which was very near where Grant had halted his five
thousand men.
The older soldiers whom the boys heard discussing the situation were of
the opinion that General Lafayette was in a trap from which he could
not escape, and, in fact, the majority of the Americans believed they
must soon be made prisoners of war, which would be a small disaster as
compared to the blow given the American arms before the summer campaign
was fairly opened.
"It begins to look as if we had jumped out of the frying-pan into
the fire," Jacob said as he stood with his comrades listening to the
comments of those around him. "We're likely to go back to Philadelphia
sooner than we counted on, and Mr. Wharton will be after us as horse
thieves."
"Come with me," Seth suggested. "I do not believe General Lafayette
is in as bad a fix as some try to make out; but if he is, it will be
better for you to be captured with muskets in your hands, rather than
as fellows who came here solely to bring information of the enemy's
movements."
"How can we do that while we have the horses? I don't propose to give
them up unless we're forced to, and that is what would happen if we
followed you."
There was no longer time for Seth to discuss the matter with his
friends. The drums were beating the call for the men to "fall in," and
he was forced to take his proper station in the line.
While Jacob hesitated, and Enoch was doing his best to persuade him
that it would be wisest to leave the horses to their fate, the booming
of heavy guns close at hand startled the boys, and Master Ludwick was
looking anxiously around for some convenient way of escape, believing
the British close upon them, when one of the officers they had stopped
on the road came up.
"You look frightened," he said laughingly.
"That's just what I am," Jacob replied grimly. "I don't want to be
taken back to the city as a horse thief, and it now seems as if that
was what is about to be done."
"There is no cause for fear yet awhile. Those cannon are being served
by our men, and I allow they will deceive the Britishers, even though
no great execution follows."
"But it sounds like a regular battle."
"I admit that, my boy; but unless I am mistaken we shan't see anything
in the way of an engagement this morning."
"Do you think General Lafayette will----"
"Have patience and you shall see what is to be done. The troops will
soon begin to move toward Matson's Ford, and you two had better make
your way in that direction at once."
"But some of the soldiers said the Britishers were very near there."
"So they are; but I fancy we can prevent them from knowing what is
being done until our troops are in a place of safety, for, as a matter
of course, there can be no question of pitting twenty-five hundred men
against more than seven thousand. Take my advice, and get to the ford
as soon as possible."
Enoch insisted that their wisest course was to act upon the officer's
suggestion, and although Jacob appeared to think he should receive
personal orders from General Lafayette regarding himself, he finally
did as his comrade desired, and, mounted on Mr. Wharton's horses, they
followed the main body of the troops.
Not until after the movement had been successfully executed, and
all the men and baggage withdrawn to a place of safety, did the boys
understand how it was done. Then the maneuver was explained to them by
a soldier whose acquaintance they made during that day.
"Lafayette proved himself adequate to the occasion. In a moment, as
it were, his dangers were revealed, and the one possible means of
extrication resorted to. Dispositions were made in the churchyard
as though to receive Grey; his artillery, by a well-directed fire,
encouraged the idea that he purposed to engage. His real aim was, of
course, flight, and by the ford; but to attain it he must pass within a
short distance of Grant, who was nearer to it than himself. He feigned
movements as though for an attack, and by an occasional display of
the heads of columns he for a time persuaded the Englishman that an
action was imminent. Meantime the troops, as fast as they could come
up, were hurrying across the ford, until at last the artillery and
a body of Oneida savages only remained on this side of the stream.
These were also now brought over, and on the high ground beyond our
men were secure. Grant at last came up, and ordered the advance to
move on, but too late. They saw but a party of our troops dotting the
surface of the water like the floats of a seine. The prey had escaped.
Grant was hopelessly in the rear; and when Grey's column closed in
there was nothing between the British lines. The only skirmishing even
that seems to have occurred was between a body of light-horse and the
Oneidas. Neither had ever encountered a like foe; and when the cavalry
unexpectedly rode among the savages, the whooping and scampering of
the one, and the flashing swords and curveting steeds of the other
party, excited such a common terror that both fled with the utmost
precipitation. Irritated and empty-handed Howe marched back to town,
with no one but his own officers to blame for his ill-success."[B]
Footnote:
[B] Winthrop Sargent's "Life of John Andre."