Peggy Owen, Patriot: A Story for Girls

by Lucy Foster Madison

  CHAPTER XIV--THE CAMP AT MIDDLEBROOK

  "We are those whose trained battalions, Trained to bleed, not to fly, Make our agonies a triumph-- Conquer, while we die."

  --"A Battle Song," Edwin Arnold.

  "Well, if this be a foot-warmer I wonder what a foot-freezer would becalled," exclaimed Peggy in tones of disgust, slipping from her seat inthe coach to feel the covered iron at her mother's feet. "I don'tbelieve that the innkeeper at the last tavern where we baited our horsesfilled it with live coals, as I told him to. He was none too civil."

  "Belike 'twas because we paid our reckoning in Continental money,"remarked Mrs. Owen. "Never mind the iron, Peggy. I shall do very wellwithout it; and if thou art not careful thou wilt drop that box whichthee has been so choice of through the journey."

  Peggy laughed as she resumed her seat by her mother's side.

  "Is thee curious anent that box, mother?" she questioned drawing a smalloblong box of ebony wood closer to her.

  "I should be," observed the lady with a smile, "had I not heard FriendDeering tell thee that 'twas a secret betwixt thee and him."

  "I should think that being a secret would make thee wonder all the moreconcerning it," remarked the girl. "It would me, mother."

  "Is thee trying to awake my inquisitiveness, daughter?"

  "I am to tell thee about it should thee ask," said Peggy suggestively."But in all these four days thou hast not once evinced the slightestdesire to know aught anent the matter. How can thee be so indifferent,mother? I am eager to tell thee."

  "So I judged," replied Mrs. Owen laughing outright. "Know then, Peggy,that I am as desirous of hearing as thou art of telling. 'Tis somethingfor General Washington; is 't not?"

  "Why, mother, thee knows already," cried Peggy.

  "No, no, child; I am only guessing. 'Twould be like Friend Deering tosend something to the general. That is all I know of the matter."

  "Well, then, 'tis five hundred English guineas," explained the girl,enjoying the look of amazement on her mother's face.

  "Peggy, no!" exclaimed the lady. "I thought belike 'twas money, but Iknew not that it was so much. How pleased the general will be. Hardmoney is getting scarcer and scarcer, and the people murmur against thecurrency of Congress."

  "And shall I tell thee all that I am to say to Friend Washington?" askedPeggy with an important air. "Mother, thee did not guess that while theewas gathering supplies I too had business of like nature?"

  "No, I did not know," replied Mrs. Owen. "Unravel the matter, I beg,Peggy. 'Twill serve well to pass the time, and I am curious alsoconcerning the affair."

  It was three weeks after the receipt of David Owen's letter, andDecember was upon them ere mother and daughter had completed theirarrangements for the journey. Knowing the great need of supplies at theencampment, Mrs. Owen determined not to go empty handed, and so made apersonal canvas among the citizens, who responded to her appeal for thesoldiers with their usual liberality. In consequence, when at lengtheverything was in readiness, it was quite a little caravan that left thecity headed for Middlebrook, New Jersey. First came the coach with Peggyand her mother inside; then followed two farm wagons loaded with storesof various kinds; behind these came Tom with Star, for Peggy was hopingfor rides with her father; the whole traveling under the escort of fourof the Pennsylvania Light Horse who had been in Philadelphia onfurloughs.

  The roads were bad, the traveling rough and slow, the weather cold anddamp, but to Peggy, who had never before been away from Philadelphia andits vicinity, the journey was full of interest and excitement. It wasnow the afternoon of the fourth day since they had started, and both themaiden and the lady were conscious of a growing feeling of excitement asthey neared the journey's end, so the matter of the box, about which thematron had in truth been wondering, was a welcome diversion.

  "At first," said Peggy pulling the fur robe closer about her andnestling confidentially up to her mother, "he said 'twas so small anamount that he wished me to say naught concerning the donor. But Ipersuaded him to let me tell who gave it, saying to him that 'twas notthe amount that counted so much as the spirit in which 'twas given."

  Mrs. Owen nodded approval, and the girl continued:

  "And so I am to say that since Jacob Deering is esteemed too old to takeup arms for his country 'tis the only thing he can do to show hissympathy with the cause."

  "Would that there were more like him," ejaculated the lady. "The causewould soon languish were it not for just such support. Is thee tired,Peggy?"

  "Not very, mother. Still, I shall be glad when we reach the camp."

  At length, just as the sun was sinking behind the Watchung Mountains,the cumbersome coach swung round a bend in the road, and the encampmentcame into view. They had left Philadelphia by the old York road,crossing the Delaware at Coryell's Ferry, and swinging across HunterdonCounty into Somerset, where the army was stationed, so that their firstsight of the Continental cantonment glimpsed nearly all of the sevenbrigades stationed there.

  All along the Raritan River, and on the heights of Middlebrook thefields were dotted with tents and parks of artillery. Suddenly, as theydrew nearer, the highways between the different posts seemed alive withsoldiers going and coming. There was the crunch on the frozen ground ofmany feet. The country quiet was broken by the rattle of arms, the snortof horses, and the stir and bustle of camp. There was somethinginspiriting in the spectacle. Fatigue was forgotten, and Peggystraightened up with a little cry of delight.

  "Look at the tents, mother," she cried. "Didst ever see so many before?"

  "We must be at Middlebrook," exclaimed Mrs. Owen, almost as excited asPeggy. "Just see how the prospect of rest hath reanimated the driver andhis horses."

  The maiden laughed as the driver sat up, cracked his whip and urged hishorses to greater dispatch. The tired animals responded nobly, but theirspurt of speed was checked suddenly by a peremptory command from thepatrol. The examination over, they were allowed to proceed, but wereagain halted when they had gone but a short distance.

  "What can it be now?" wondered Peggy peering out of the coach. Catchingsight of the tall figure that came alongside, she called gaily:

  "The countersign, father! The countersign!"

  "'Tis welcome! Thrice welcome!" answered David Owen flinging wide thedoor of the vehicle and taking her into a tender embrace. "Art tired,Peggy?"

  "No, father; but I fear that mother is. She hath been cold too."

  "But I am so no longer," spoke Mrs. Owen cheerily. "Thee is well,David?"

  "Never better, my wife. I have forgot that I was ever ill. But come! letus proceed to our quarters."

  "And who are in our mess?" asked Peggy as, after a word to the driver,her father stepped into the coach.

  "Thou hast become militaryish already, I see," he said smiling. "I havefound accommodations for us at a farmhouse very near Bound Brook. 'Tisjust beyond General Greene's brigade, and close enough to thePennsylvania line not to interfere with active duty. There will be butfive in our mess, as thee calls it, Peggy--Friend Decker and wife, thymother, thyself and I. 'Tis Friend Decker's house. Dutch they are, butpatriots staunch and true. See, my wife! We are coming to GeneralWashington's headquarters. 'Tis a much better dwelling than he occupiedlast year at Valley Forge. To thy right, Peggy. 'Tis the farmhouse inthe midst of the orchard."

  "Friend Deering hath sent some gold to the general by Peggy," observedMrs. Owen bending forward that she might the better see the building."And there are supplies behind in the wagons for the soldiers. Two loadsthere are."

  "Now that is good news indeed," exclaimed Mr. Owen. "The chief shouldknow of it immediately. We will stop there now. 'Twill ensure thegeneral a better night's rest to receive such tidings. He hath beengreatly worried lately over the apathy of the people toward the war."

  "Then if 'twill be of any comfort to him to learn of this small aid letus go to him at once, David," said his wife.


  The last bit of sunlight disappeared behind the hills as they turnedfrom the road into the meadow in the centre of which stood the largetwo-story wooden dwelling where General Washington had established hisquarters for the winter. But lately finished, it was considered a modelof elegance for that section of the country, and was in truth most roomyand comfortable.

  As the light faded, from the meadows and the hills sounded the drums,fifes and bugles in the retreat, or sunset drum beat. Scarcely had themusic died away than all along the top of the mountain range thewatch-fires of the sentinels blazed out suddenly.

  "Oh!" gasped Peggy, her eyes glowing, "if I live long 'mid suchsurroundings methinks I shall feel equal to fighting the whole Britisharmy."

  "'Tis so with all new recruits, Peggy," laughed her father. "Thee willnot be so affected when the novelty wears off. And here is the dwelling.'Twill not take us long to present our news to the general, and then forquarters."

  A few rods to the east of the mansion were about fifty tents erected forthe use of the life-guard. Fires flamed before every tent, around whichmen were gathered, laughing, talking or singing. Peggy looked about withmuch curiosity, but her father hastened at once to the door of thedwelling, where stood an orderly.

  "Will thee tell His Excellency that David Owen is without, and wishes tosee him?" he asked. "'Tis important."

  The orderly was absent but a moment. "His Excellency will see you, Mr.Owen," he said. "You are to go right in."

  "MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER, YOUR EXCELLENCY"]

  Peggy's heart began to flutter painfully as she found herself once morein the presence of General Washington, and her mind went backinvoluntarily to the last time when she had taken that long ride toValley Forge to beg for her father's exchange. So perturbed was she thatshe did not notice that the room was large, low ceiled, and cozilywarmed by a huge fire of logs which glowed in the great fireplace.Instead of being interested in the furnishings of the apartment, as shewould have been at another time, she clung close to her father overcomeby the remembrance of how very near they had been to losing him, andcould not raise her eyes when he said:

  "I beg to present my wife and daughter, Your Excellency. They tell methat they have brought some money and supplies, and it seemed best tolet thee know of it at once."

  "You have acted with discretion, Mr. Owen," said General Washingtonrising from the table before which he had been sitting. "Madam Owen, Ihave long known of you through your good works, but have hitherto nothad the pleasure of meeting with you personally. You would be welcome atany time, but doubly so since you bring us aid."

  "Thy thanks are not due me, but to the citizens of Philadelphia, sir,"said Mrs. Owen with her finest curtsey. "There are two wagon loads ofstores of various kinds, among which are several casks of cider vinegar.We heard that thee was in need of that article."

  "We are indeed," replied General Washington. "The country hereaboutshath been scoured for it until the farmers tell us that there is nomore. 'Tis sorely needed for our fever-stricken men. 'Tis very timely,Mistress Owen."

  "And for thyself, sir," continued the lady, "a few of us learned of thyfondness for eggs, and there are several dozens of those. But, sir, onpain of displeasure from those who sent them, thou art not to dividethem with any. They are for thine own table."

  "I will incur no displeasure on that account, I assure you," said thegeneral laughing. "I fear that you have been in communication with thehousekeeper, who hath been much concerned because of the scarcity ofeggs. I thank you, Mrs. Owen, for having so favored me, and also for theother stores. They are much needed. Mr. Owen, will you see to 't thatthe quartermaster heeds your wife's injunction about those eggs?"

  David Owen bowed, and his wife went on:

  "And Peggy hath also something for thee in that box, Your Excellency.She hath made so much of a mystery of it that I knew not the nature ofits contents until this afternoon."

  General Washington had not been unaware of Peggy's agitation. Perhaps hetoo was thinking of the time when she had been so severely tried, forhis voice was very gentle as he took the girl's hand and said:

  "Miss Peggy and I are old friends. She promised me once to tell me whatbecame of that wonderful dog of hers. I shall claim the fulfilment ofthat promise, my child, since we shall see much of each other thiswinter."

  The ready smile came to Peggy's lips, chasing away the tears that hadthreatened to flow.

  "Does thee remember Pilot?" she cried. "Oh, Friend Washington, I did notthink a man so concerned with affairs of state would remember a dog."

  "He wished me well, and I always remember my friends and well wishers,"he said, pleased that she had recovered her composure.

  "And 'tis one of them who hath sent thee this box of five hundredEnglish guineas," she said quickly, pointing to the box. "'Tis from Mr.Jacob Deering, sir. He said to tell thee that since he was esteemed tooold to take up arms 'twas the only way left him to serve the cause. Heregretted the smallness of the amount, but he said that English moneywas hard to come by."

  "It is indeed hard to come by," replied the general, receiving the boxwith gratification. "This is most welcome, Miss Peggy, because just atthis time our own money is depreciating rapidly owing to the fact thatthe British are counterfeiting it by the wagon load, and distributing itamong the people. I trust that I may soon have an opportunity to thankMr. Deering in person. I shall be in Philadelphia next week, and shalldo myself the honor of calling upon him. In the meantime, Miss Peggy,receive my thanks for this timely relief. Will you not----"

  At this moment the door opened to admit an orderly. General Washingtonturned to him. "What is it, sir?" he said. "Did you not know that I wasoccupied?"

  "Pardon me, sir," replied the orderly, saluting. "One of the videtteshath brought in a young girl who declares she hath a permit to pass thelines. He knows not what to do with her. She is English, sir, and comesfrom New York."

  "Bring her in," commanded the chief. "Nay," as the Owens made a movementto depart, "stay a little, I beg of you. This matter will take but amoment."

  As he finished speaking the door opened once more to admit the form of ayoung girl. She could not have been more than Peggy's age, but shecarried herself with so much dignity that she appeared older. Her eyeswere of darkest gray, shaded by intense black lashes, and starry intheir radiance. At present they held a look of scorn, and her well sethead was tilted in disdain. A wealth of chestnut hair but slightlypowdered clustered about her face in ringlets, and her complexion was ofsuch exquisite fairness as to be dazzling. She was clad in a velvetriding frock of green, her beaver hat, from which depended a long plume,matching the gown in color. Her whole manner and appearance were stampedby a general air of distinction.

  She advanced at once into the room, apparently unconscious of the effectthat her beauty was producing.

  "By what right, sir," she cried in a clear musical voice, "do your menstop me in my journey? I have a pass."

  "Let me see it, madam," said General Washington quietly. He glanced atthe paper she gave him, and remarked, "This is from General Maxwell atElizabethtown. He refers the matter to me for consideration. May I askwhy so young a female wishes to pass through our lines?"

  "I wish to join relatives in Philadelphia," she answered. "I travelalone because I was told that Americans did not make war on women andgirls. It seems that I was mistaken."

  "You are an English girl," said the general, ignoring her last remark."Why do you not stay with your people in New York?"

  "Because, sir, I was left in England with my brother while my fathercame over with General Gage to fight the rebels. My brother ran away, soI came to join father. He had gone to the Southern colonies, and when helearned that I was here, he wrote me to go to my relatives. I left NewYork under a flag of truce, and came to Elizabethtown. There I went atonce to the general in charge. Sir, I have complied with everyrequirement necessary to pass the lines, and I ask that I be permittedto resume my journey."

  "And what is the name of th
ese relatives?" asked Washingtonimperturbably.

  "Owen, sir. David Owen is my father's cousin."

  "Why!" exclaimed Peggy, who had been an amazed listener to theconversation. "Thee must be my Cousin Harriet!"