The Little Washingtons' Travels

by Lillian Elizabeth Roy

  Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan and the OnlineDistributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net

  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

  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 whenthey want to see who's sitting on the other side of the car, or perhapsif a friend sits next to them and talks--then you have to turn andanswer, of course," explained George Parke.

  Jack Davis, the Philadelphia cousin of the two Parke children, had thevast experience of travelling from his native city to the country homeof the Parkes just outside of Washington, D. C., a few weeks prior tothe opening of this story. So, of course, he knew all about the Pullmanparlor chairs.

  "That isn't why they whirl at all! It's so you can turn to look out ofthe opposite windows, 'cause both sides of a railroad track havescenery, you know," glancing at the elders of the party to make surethey had overheard him.

  "Why, Jack Davis! That isn't the reason at all! It's for the convenienceof the conductor to take up tickets, so he won't have to lean away overor knock off the passenger's hat. Then, too, when the buffet waiterserves luncheon on those folding tables, he has to have room to move thechair around and place the stand right over the passenger's lap. Don'tyou remember?" explained Anne Davis to her brother.

  "I'll ask mother--shall I?" ventured John Graham, a member of thetravelling party from the South.

  "No, no! We don't want to know anything! Let's see who can find thefirst church along the line," quickly said George, to divert attention.

  For some time thereafter the young travellers were quiet, until Jackshouted: "I see one! It's old and tumble-down, but it has a steeple justthe same!"

  While the children were playing this game, the elders sat planning aboutthe New York trip. They had started from the country estate that morningwithout 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 hadbeen wise to bring five lively children on such a trip.

  "If John doesn't behave when you take him to visit the historicalplaces, just let me know, and I will keep him at his great-aunt's. Shehasn't a thing he can do mischief to!" said Mrs. Graham.

  Mr. Parke laughed. "That would be a severe punishment for John. But Ifeel quite sure he will be the least troublesome of the party. Georgegenerally takes the lead in all escapades, you know."

  "Not when Jack is around to suggest mischief!" added Mrs. Davis fromPhiladelphia.

  "Well, there will be two of us, anyway, to keep them in order. Andlittle 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 pickaninnywho was last seen on the steps holding a book and a box of candypresented 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 inWashington. He will arrive in New York a train before us, and meet us atthe Pennsylvania Terminal at Thirty-third Street. Then we will go tosome large hotel until we see what we wish to do for the week."

  "George sat looking over the newspaper this morning while we werewaiting at the station in Washington for this train, and I leaned overto see what was engrossing his attention. What do you think he wasreading?" asked Mrs. Parke.

  "Goodness only knows what George reads--anything from the last drive ofthe 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 NewYork City. Finding I was watching, he said: 'I just found the place forus to stop.'

  "'Yes?' said I. 'Where is it?'

  "'The Martha Washington Hotel. We wouldn't think of boarding anywhereelse, would we, when we are related to Martha?'"

  The others laughed at this, and Mrs. Graham added: "Did you explainthat that hotel was a ladies' hotel, and neither he nor his father norhis uncle would be allowed to stay there?"

  "No, because he forgot all about the hotel when he saw Jack and thegirls 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 showthe 'patriots' the historical points of interest in the city--that iswhy you came up here, you know," teased Mr. Parke.

  "You came for business purposes, you said, so we will not trouble youwith 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 Isay he was in New York, where he thought General Howe was going afterbeing driven from Boston," explained George.

  "You are both right, son. Washington remained in Boston for a time tosee just what Howe would do, and then fearing the weakness of defence ofand about New York, he started for that city. It was while he was at NewYork that the letter from Congress was given him, in which he was sohighly commended for the bravery and conduct of himself and his men atthe siege," said Mrs. Parke.

  Both boys had been so sure that each was right, that this informationcaused a sudden spell of humility, which gave the girls an opportunityto speak.

  "Mother, didn't you read one day that the American army was vanquishedon Long Island, and Washington had to hide up in the hills of Harlemuntil he got some more soldiers together?" asked Martha earnestly.

  "Oh, oh! Is this the way my historical readings are interpreted?" sighedMrs. Parke, in mock despair, while the other elders of the party laughedat Martha's presentation of the battle on Long Island.

  "I think it best not to describe any more history now. When you are allon the spot of the battle scenes, the children will feel the actualspirit 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 toallow this misunderstanding to rest. Come here, children, and let meexplain."

  As there was nothing more exciting offered them, the five childrenturned their chairs about and listened to the story.

  "You see, when General Howe sailed from Boston with his fleet, it wascirculated that he proposed going to Halifax. But Washington was toowise a general to b
elieve everything he heard, especially when it camefrom such a wily man as General Howe. So he figured out just about whatHowe might do now that he was out of such nice, comfortable quarterslike Boston.

  "New York was another fine city, with every comfort to be had, soWashington thought that the British would prefer that life to one ofprivation and discomfort elsewhere.

  "With the seized boats that had sailed into Boston harbor, ignorant ofthe fact that the British had left there, Washington was able to supplyhis men with guns, ammunition and goods greatly needed by them. Then,when Campbell of the British navy sailed serenely into the net of theenemy, a large quantity of military stores was captured, besides thefine vessel that carried over two hundred and seventy men. The latterwere made prisoners, and the ships were turned into privateers, to actas sea-scouts in place of a regular naval force, which the colonists hadnot been able to raise as yet.

  "Anxious for the safety of New York, Washington started an army fromBoston, leaving five regiments under General Ward to defend the city.Passing through Providence, Norwich, and New London, he and the armyarrived 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 forHalifax, where he went to secure the cooperation of the forces ofCanada.

  "So you see, boys, Washington was in both cities that spring, but hespent the late spring and summer in New York, fortifying and preparingthat 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 porterpassed 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 forcrossings, and for transmitting supplies to the northern army under thecommand of Schuyler, he immediately began to fortify the passesbordering on that river.

  "So, while Howe was in Halifax, the American army was engaged indefending its river front, and the City of New York.

  "Meantime, a large fleet was fitted out by the British under the commandof Sir Peter Parker. In June, this fleet came to anchor in Charlestonharbor, where it was joined by General Clinton's forces.

  "Fortunately, an intercepted letter warned the Americans of thedestination of this armament, and this gave the colonists time toprepare defence against the English. Lee had been sent by Washington tocommand the forces in the southern country, and his popularity soonamassed over five thousand men. Under him were Gadsden, Moultrie, andThompson. At the entrance of the Charleston harbor a fort had beenconstructed of the palmetto tree, which resembles cork in its looks andaction.

  "When Clinton landed some of his troops, he found Colonel Gadsdencommanding a regiment on the northern extremity of James Island, and tworegiments under Moultrie and Thompson, stationed at opposite extremitiesof Sullivan's Island.

  "The attack on the fort began in the morning, while the ships threwtheir broadsides upon it, but the little fort returned the fire with somuch skill and spirit that the ships suffered severely. One ran agroundand was burned, while others were temporarily disabled. The Britishfinally 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 Americancause, for it not only contributed much to the permanent formation oftheir independent government, but it had an effect on the half-heartedpeople 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 consequentlyfell into the hands of the American army. After waiting at Halifax forthe appearance of the reinforcements he expected, but which did notarrive, he set sail for New York with his original army, where he landedon Staten Island the third of July, the same day that the Declaration ofIndependence was reported to the members of Congress at Philadelphia."

  Mrs. Parke reached this point in her story when a waiter entered thecar, making announcement of an interesting fact.

  "Dinnah now served in th' dinin' car--foh cars ahead! Dinnah now servedin th' dinin' car--foh cars ahead!"

  "Oh, oh! they're going to have a dinner in the cars! We won't have toeat on the little tables brought in here," cried Jack, looking eagerlyat Mr. Parke.

  "Why, I don't think we'll need any dinner, do you? We will be in NewYork in an hour's time, and can have something at a quick lunchrestaurant," replied Mr. Parke very seriously.

  The children stared at him in such surprise that he was compelled tolaugh outright. At that, they knew he was only fooling about dinner.Meantime, the ladies began to gather their various wraps and bags andarrange them in order back of the parlor chairs.

  When all were ready to go forward, Mr. Parke beckoned the children togather close about him, and gave them warning.

  "Now look over the bill of fare carefully, and order the cheapest dishesthere. I haven't much money with me, and it would be dreadful to havethe bill come to more than I would be able to pay."

  The three ladies had passed on before Mr. Parke whispered theembarrassing news, and George, making sure his father was not jokingagain, 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 forthe 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 priceshave gone so high since the war," returned Mr. Parke.

  They were passing through into the forward car as they conversed, andnow the children had all they could do to balance themselves as the carswayed from side to side in its rapid flight on the tracks.

  At last they were safely seated in the dining-car, but the ladies andMr. Parke occupied one table for four, while the children occupiedanother across the aisle.

  Every one studied the menu card diligently, but to the horror of thechildren the ice cream was forty cents per plate. Sandwiches were twentycents 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 theparlor car. We had a nice lunch, and I'm sure it wasn't as much asthis," 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 wordson a pad, so the children politely waited. When he finished and hurriedaway, George and Martha excused themselves to the other children, andcrossed 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 waitercomes 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 haveto go hungry."

  George sent an angry glance at the ladies who thus deprived him ofnecessary food for the rest of the journey, but Martha heaved atremendous sigh, as she relinquished her hopes of a deep dish of icecream.

  Before the two food ambassadors were settled in their chairs again, awaiter hurried over and began arranging silver, bread and butter, andrelishes before them.

  The children exchanged glances, and as the man went away again, Georgesaid: "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 brothand placed them before the children. This done, he stooped and said toGeorge, in a voice
distinctly heard by those fearfully listening:

  "Ah'm goin' to pile dat cream up high when yo' all is ready fordessert!"

  Then winking understandingly at the doubtful faces, he went back to thekitchen.

  George looked in the cup of broth and turned to glance at his father forinstructions, but the elders were busy with their own broth. Then Georgedecided upon a courageous measure.

  "We need something and we didn't order this soup. If we take it now theladies who ordered more than they should will have to cancel some oftheir dinner. Come on and drink the broth before we are told not to."

  Thereupon, a great sipping and swallowing of hot liquid ensued, andsoup, that despised item at home, was quickly enjoyed, for there was adearth of more to follow--so thought the travellers about that table.

  Before they were quite finished, however, fish was brought on and thewaiter said: "Ah'm tol' to bring turkey wid cranberry sauce and candiedsweets. Is dat all right foh de whole party?"

  Then George suspected a hoax. He jumped up and caught his father tryingto 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 theladies 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 wantturkey, but just you wait till dessert comes along--we're each going toeat 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 enjoyedhis dinner, but he did, and when dessert was ordered he watched thechildren eat two great dishes each of ice cream, and never blinked atthe bill presented to him for it.