CHAPTER XIII.
THE EVACUATION.
Enoch finally succeeded in persuading Greene that it was not necessaryto arouse all the New Jersey militia in order to inform them of whathad occurred, since in two hours the encampment would be astir, andthen the news could be told with less inconvenience to those who mightdesire a full night's sleep.
"I hate to wait even five minutes, Enoch; but reckon I am bound to, ifyou say the word. We'll tumble into the first vacant place we find, andget a nap 'twixt now and sunrise."
This was a proposition which pleased Enoch. The journey fromPhiladelphia, hurried as it was, had fatigued him greatly, and he feltdecidedly in need of rest.
He had hardly stretched himself out on the bed just vacated by one ofthe men whose turn it was to do guard duty when his eyes were closedin slumber, and it seemed to him that hardly more than a dozen minuteshad elapsed before he was awakened by the hum of conversation and thetrampling of many feet.
It could readily be understood that he must have been asleep severalhours, and it was evident Greene had taken advantage of the opportunityto relate at least a portion of the previous night's incidents, forEnoch heard a man standing near by say in a tone of envy:
"When a boy like him is thanked by General Washington and allowed toconsider himself a member of the staff, so to speak, it seems as if heshouldn't want much of anything more in this world. I have faced deathmany a time, and never received so much as a look."
"And so have thousands of others," Greene said sharply. "You, a man,have simply done a soldier's duty; the boy, not even a member of thearmy, has taken his life in his hands since he left this camp, with thechance of a felon's doom if he was captured, and I tell you what it is,Jim Downing, you never stood any nearer death on the field of battlethan that lad did last night when he was recognized by the Quaker. IfI had known of it at the time I wouldn't have given sixpence for hisshow."
"I ain't whinin', Bob Greene, 'cause of lack of luck. I'm willin' toadmit that the boy has done great service, and hasn't been rewarded anytoo richly. I was just considerin' what I'd be glad to go through an'to suffer for the sake of what he's received."
"You're getting your reward, as a good many of us are, in the knowledgethat you're doing all you can for the cause, and that ought to beenough, Jim."
"I allow there's some satisfaction in it; but it seems hard at timesthat a man has got only one life to give for such as we're fightin' togain. If he had a dozen, an' laid 'em all down, it wouldn't be too biga price to pay for the independence of these 'ere colonies."
"Right you are, Downing, right you are! The pity is that more arenot in the same way of thinking. Hello, Enoch! This chatter kind ofdisturbed you, I reckon."
"I have slept as long as was necessary," the boy said as he rose to hisfeet, looking almost ashamed because of the praise he had heard. "Whereare Seth and Jacob?"
"Out on duty. If you stay where you are ten minutes more they'll behere, and in the meantime it mightn't be a bad idea for you to moseyover to headquarters for breakfast."
"I had rather not go," and now Enoch looked really disturbed. "Can't Iget some rations here?"
"Of course you can, lad," Jim Downing said quickly as he laid his handon Enoch's shoulder. "There won't be any trouble about that, and evenif there was I'd gladly share mine with you. But why don't you want togo over to headquarters?"
"It would look as if I was trying to force my way in where I didn'tbelong."
"Not a bit of it. According to what Greene says you've not only got theright to go there, but it's the proper place."
"I can get along without any breakfast as well as not," Enoch saidcarelessly, as if to dismiss the subject; but Mr. Downing was not ofthe same mind.
"It does me good to see a modest youngster once in awhile, we haveso few of 'em 'round about. I am told Jacob Ludwick was one of yourcronies. Now I can't understand how you two boys hitched up together.He never will be hanged for modesty."
"But he is brave."
"And he means everybody shall know it. Why, since he come into this'ere company he hasn't done much of anything he wasn't obliged toexcept tell about the ride you and he had from town up to Barren Hill.I don't throw any discredit on what you two did that night; but at thesame time I ain't willin' to allow it was such a terrible bold thing.Bob Greene tells me you knocked down Williams, the Tory Quaker?"
"He tipped over when I ran against him, that was all."
"And I hope he struck the sidewalk hard enough to shake some littlesense into his thick head. I always misdoubted that precious Quaker,though I can't say that he professed to think very highly of the cause.Leastways he didn't give out as doing so; but yet allowed us to believehe was on our side, and so had a chance to do a good bit of mischief.Now I'll look after your breakfast, and you shall have the best thecamp affords."
"Can't I go with you? There is no reason why you should bring the foodto me."
"It'll be just about as easy, and you may as well stay here so as to beon hand when your friends come."
"Jim" Downing was not the only man in the encampment who appeared eagerto show some special attention to the boy whom General Washington hadhonored.
Every soldier Enoch met displayed particular regard for him, and butfor Master Ball's innate modesty he might have been decidedly distortedby pride during this day at Valley Forge.
Seth and Jacob were not relieved from duty as soon as Greene hadanticipated. Enoch's breakfast had been brought and disposed of beforethey entered the hut, and the warmth of their greetings told of thepleasure they felt in seeing him.
"If it hadn't been for father's keeping me here I'd have got justas fat a berth as has come to you, because we should have beentogether," Jacob said enviously. "It always seems to be my luck tohave something like that happen while anything big is going on. Whenwe drew lots it was Seth who won the chance to carry information to theContinentals----"
"That didn't seem like such very good luck when poor Seth was in prisonas a spy, and with a chance of being hanged."
"It didn't just at that time, for a fact; but we got him out of thescrape easy enough."
"Easier, perhaps, than I should have been able to do if you had beenin my place," Seth replied heartily, and it could readily be seen thatthis praise was gratifying to Master Ludwick.
"But luck wasn't against you when you planned and carried out sosuccessfully the seizing of Mr. Wharton's horses," Enoch added. "Allthe credit of that piece of work is certainly due to you."
"Yes, and see what I got out of it! General Lafayette was much obliged,and that's all. I wasn't even allowed to do as I wanted to, but had toenlist when I could have gone with you and earned for myself a share inthe commission you are likely to receive."
"But he ain't likely to receive a commission," Greene interrupted. "Norhe wouldn't take one if the commander-in-chief should be so foolish asto offer it. Enoch is a boy that has a pretty good idea of what he cando, and you'll never find him trying to get above himself."
"Meaning to say I do, eh?"
"I was only speaking for Enoch. Hark you, Jacob, you have enough ofwhat you call 'luck,' only you don't appreciate it. What has cometo Seth more than you have got? Nothing. What has come to Enoch? Thehonor of being fed in the commander-in-chief's mess; but when thingsare straightened out you'll find him drop into place as a private,with never a bit of grumbling because he ain't given a chance to takecommand of the army. This business of luck isn't much more nor lessthan the way you look at a thing. Try your best to do whatever comes tohand, and you'll find that the average share of luck will follow."
After the first surprise was over Jacob behaved in a more manly fashionthan Greene had anticipated, and nothing occurred to mar the pleasureof one of the most satisfactory days Enoch had ever spent.
He was forced many times to repeat the story of his adventure inthe city, after having been recognized by the Quaker, for officersas well as men were eager to learn the details, and even this wasnot displeasing to M
aster Ludwick, since it naturally led up to therecounting of the previous events in which all three of the boys, inturn, played a prominent part.
Then came the hour for departure.
Greene, who was closeted for some time with General Dickinson, hadreceived orders for certain work to be done prior to the day set forthe evacuation, and this required that Enoch should continue his dutiesas a spy.
Shortly after nightfall the two set out, accompanied as far as theoutposts by Seth and Jacob, and when they were finally free from thecamp, riding at a leisurely pace, Enoch asked:
"What am I to do now, Mr. Greene?"
"Hang around the farm, ready to bring any news which I may gather. Fromnow out the command is that I spend a good portion of my time in town,for you see, lad, it isn't certain but that the order you heard readmay be changed, and the evacuation will take place earlier or later.But seein's how we've had information ahead of even Clinton's ownofficers, we're bound to hold the advantage by making certain we keepposted in all that's being done."
"Am I to go to the city?"
"Not before the morning of the seventeenth, if it so be Clinton sticksto the plan according to the programme you heard. Then you shall havea chance to see the Britishers march out, for once they begin to moveour work will be done in this section of the country."
When the two arrived at the farmhouse Enoch was given a bed in theattic, with orders to remain closely under cover during the daytime,and to be ready for a trip to Valley Forge at a moment's notice.
Then the spy left him, and although he watched hourly for Greene'sreturn, anticipating with no slight degree of pleasure a visit toValley Forge, he was disappointed.
The days passed slowly, and as each went by Enoch grew more and moredistressed in mind, for it seemed certain Greene must have beencaptured, otherwise he would have returned even though he he hadlearned nothing new.
Shortly before midnight of the sixteenth the spy made his appearanceonce more, and looking none the worse for his long absence.
"No, I wasn't caught, nor in any danger whatever," he said in replyto Enoch's eager questions. "As a matter of fact I have been living inclover since I saw you last, for I took up my quarters in your mother'shouse, and she feasted me on the fat of the land. Your mother is agreat cook, Enoch!"
"But what made you stay away so long? I thought I was to carry toValley Forge what you learned?"
"And so you would if I had learned anything, lad. But bless you,there's nothing new going on."
"What? Have the Britishers given up the idea of evacuating the city?"
"No, indeed. I meant there was nothing more happening in town thanwe knew when last at Valley Forge. All I could gather was to the sameeffect as that which you discovered so oddly, and there surely was nonecessity of repeating that to General Washington, therefore I remainedquiet, as safe in the city as if I had been a Tory of the rankestkind. The order you heard read was issued this morning, and, as nearlyas I could learn, not changed in any respect. It is evident Clintonanticipates some trouble from camp followers, seeing so many of his menhave taken wives since they came to Philadelphia, and there's a host ofwomen in that town tonight ready to scratch out the Britisher's eyes,for he has issued orders regarding them which are not at all pleasing.The first appeared this morning, and I reckon wasn't intended for thepublic; it read something like this: 'If any regiment has more womenthan is allowed, the commanding officer is desired to send them downto the ships, if he can possibly get an opportunity; if not, they areto march with the army, and, by way of punishment, will be allowed noprovisions.' Trust to a woman for finding out what it ain't intendedshe should know! Some of these Tory girls, thinking they had a richprize when they married redcoats, heard of it, and in certain quartersof the city there was a deal of harsh language. Then came the secondorder, which was posted in the barracks where every one could seeit: 'All women of each regiment will march at the head of it under anescort of the non-commissioned officers and six men, who will take carethey do not go out of the road on any account, and the provost marshalhas received positive orders to drum out any woman who shall disobeythis order.'"
"Then the city is to be really evacuated?"
"Yes, lad; the word is for the last of the Britishers to crossthe river at Gloucester Point at daylight on the morning of theseventeenth. I allow it's time for you to come into town, if you wantto see what's going on, for they will pay no attention to you from thisout. Your mother is expecting us there 'twixt now and sunrise."
"Did you tell her what General Washington said to me?"
"I did, lad, and if there's a prouder woman in Pennsylvania than sheI don't know where to find her. Unless you've got some reason for notgoing at once we'll leave now, because I'm not counting on missing anypart of the show, and allow you're quite as eager to see it as I am."
Enoch would have been pleased to leave the farmhouse even though hehad had no anticipation of such a spectacle as must of necessity bepresented when the English troops filed out of the city they had solong occupied, and no delay was made by Greene in retracing his steps.
Although it was not expected the enemy would take any very greatprecautions to prevent undesirable visitors on this the eve of theevacuation, Greene did not think it quite prudent to attempt to rideinto town, therefore set out on foot.
"It will be the last time we shall have to sneak into Philadelphia,lad," the spy said exultantly when they were on the road. "I don'tallow that from this out the enemy will ever again have possession ofthe town, for what we've got now we'll hold."
Enoch was too greatly excited to carry on any conversation just at thismoment.
It seemed to him as if he had been absent from home an exceedingly longtime, and he was not only eager to see his mother, but to tell her ofthe praise he had won from the "only man in all the country" to him.
Greene, however, was inclined to be garrulous. He told stories ofhis army life; related incidents regarding this officer or that, and,finding he was not attracting his companion's attention, changed thesubject abruptly by saying:
"And now, lad, it can't be many days before we'll have a pitchedbattle, and I hope to see you in it on General Washington's staff,rather than as a private."
"But that would be ridiculous, Mr. Greene. What could I do in such aposition?"
"Very little, lad, I'll admit; but still I'm hoping to see you therefor the honor of it, and I shall be claiming my share since you are mysubordinate."
Although Enoch did not believe such an event probable, he couldnot prevent himself from speculating upon the possibility, and verypleasant to him were these speculations.
The journey from the farmhouse to the city was not accomplished inas short a time as usual; perhaps because Greene was weary with muchwalking, and not until nearly an hour after sunrise did they arrivewithin sight of Philadelphia.
Then Greene threw his hat high in the air, dancing and capering like acrazy man, for, dotting the surface of the Delaware thickly, could beseen boats carrying the troops named in the first general order, andthe evacuation had begun.
"I want to do my crowing now," the spy said in explanation of hisconduct, "for we shall be forced to wear long faces when we come intotown. There are Britishers enough left behind to put us in the pilloryand seam our backs with their whips of wire as a pleasant diversionin case we make ourselves too conspicuous. I don't allow there'sany danger of being overhauled by the patrol if we exercise ordinarycaution, and I surely shan't take any risks. We'll skirt around to theright, and slip in to Letitia Street as quietly and modestly as theTories will behave from this time out."
"Wait a few moments. Let us enjoy this sight while we can, Mr. Greene,"and Enoch gazed intently at the retreating forces.
"To-morrow there will be a brave spectacle, lad, when the last boatloadof redcoats has pushed off, and we can stand on the bank and cheerand hoot to our heart's content without fear of being clapped into aguardhouse. It's when every mother's son of 'em leaves Pennsylvaniasoil that the city
will be a comfortable abiding place."
Enoch was not willing to forego the pleasure of seeing that which wasalready spread out before him, although there was promise of a muchfiner spectacle, and he remained silent and motionless ten minutes ormore, until his companion said impatiently:
"I am sorry to interrupt you, lad, especially when you are looking onsuch a scene; but it must be done. We should not lose any more time."
"But surely you don't expect there will be work to do now theBritishers have really begun to go?"
"I don't expect it, lad; but yet at the same time something ofimportance might happen, and I must be where I can hear all the news."
Enoch could not well linger after this, and turning irresolutely, as ifit cost him some effort to shut out such a view, he followed the spy.
By making a wide detour they entered the town from the rear, and walkedthrough the almost deserted streets without molestation.
Every person able to be abroad on that morning, whether patriot orTory, was assembled on the river bank to witness the departure of thetroops, and even General Washington himself might have walked througha goodly portion of the city at that time without attracting attention.
The meeting between Enoch and his mother was, as may be fancied,particularly affectionate, and while each was clasped in the other'sembrace Greene left the house.
During an hour or more Enoch told in detail all his adventures, andthen, when that subject was exhausted, began to wonder why Greene didnot return.
Not until night had come did the spy enter the house, and then it wasto greet his young comrade with a hearty hand-clasp, as he said:
"There will be no hitch in the programme, lad. At daybreak to-morrowthe last redcoat will go. This evening such of the troops as remainwere drawn up into line, and without warning marched down the river amile or more, where they are bivouacked on the shore."
"Why was that done?" Enoch asked quickly.
"It is what we must thank Clinton for, and I allow it's the only thingwe have to be grateful about, so far as he is concerned. The soldiers,knowing they were to leave in the morning, might, as has been donein other cases, run wild over the city and do much damage. Anythingof that kind has been prevented. Then again, the British commanderisn't so certain he'll be followed by all his men, for it's said thatdesertions have been great since morning; but taking them unawares ashe did, he has been able to partially check the defection."
"You haven't learned anything new?"
"No, lad, nothing of importance. When the last boatload has left theshore I shall make for Valley Forge at full speed, although there'slittle need of doing so, since General Washington understands that theorder you heard read is being carried out, unless one of us shouldreport to the contrary in the meanwhile. What do you say for a walkabout town?"
"Is it safe?"
"Safe, lad? Why, there are no soldiers in the city, although a goodmany of the officers have not left their quarters yet, and I guaranteethat the Tories will keep their heads under cover mighty snug from thisout."
Enoch would have accepted the invitation but that he saw his mother wasdisturbed at the idea of his doing what seemed venturesome.
"I will wait until morning, Mr. Greene, and then we'll post ourselvessomewhere near the Middle Ferry, where we shall see the ending of itall."
"Very well, lad, as you please. Perhaps it _is_ foolish for you toventure too much, seeing that the Britishers have still got the upperhand of us here, and might pay off an old score or two on your back.If I am not at the house sooner, I'll call before daylight, and thenwe'll enjoy ourselves as hasn't been possible since General Howe tookpossession of this town."
The Boy Spies of Philadelphia Page 13