The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 1 — page 143: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE GENERAL’S EMISSARY. 143 him, gazing out of the window. At my entrance he looked around. How can I describe his face? So serene, so kind hearted, so earnest and honest and true! With him a friend was always a friend, but an enemy, while he must be conquered, was to be granted the certain rights and fair play to which he was entitled. JI am always thankful for the recollection of that face. He met me half way and offered his hand with a warm, hearty grasp. ‘“ Heywood, I am glad to see you,’’ he said, ‘‘ but what has detained you so long ?’’ I informed him that-I had received his note but a few moments before. I can see him now, in my mind’s eye, as he stood before me, tall and | stately, enveloped in thought. If ever mortal was endowed with kingly gifts, that man was George Washington. ‘““T shall have to speak to Colonel Harrison about this,’’ he said at length. ‘‘ He sent you the note almost an hour ago.’’ We conversed for a few moments on matters regarding our respective families, for I had known the general some years. Then he went over to the hearth and stood poking the blazing logs witha stick. ‘“ Heywood,’’ said he, ‘‘I wonder if I can ask you to do me a favor? ’”’ ‘Tam entirely at your service, sir,’’ I replied. ‘“And to serve your country at the same time?’’ he continued with a gentle inflection of the voice. ‘*T would all the more gladly assist you,’’ I answered. ‘““Good,’’ said he. ‘‘ The country is in a serious plight. The crisis is at hand, and she needs all the assistance we can render. If we cannot manage to hold our own at North Castle, the end is near. It is quite important that I should forward a letter at once to Major Ellery at the mouth of Croton River. I presume that I can trust you with its safe transmission to Major Ellery?’’ The anxious look that I had noticed on my entrance overspread his features. ‘General Washington, I am a Southerner,’’ I replied with emphasis. ‘‘True,’’ he retorted, ‘‘ but I have known some Southerners who are not wholly trustworthy.’’ ‘‘Iam a man of honor, sir,’’ I rejoined with some heat, considerably nettled that he should for a moment question my integrity. He must have noticed this. ‘“ Forgive me, captain,’’ he said. ‘‘ But I have so much to contend with. Desertions are frequent, and there seems to be such a lack of interest in our common cause, that at times I sometimes get a little out of patience.’’ ‘“ But to come to the point,’’ he continued, his face brightening, ‘‘ some of the people of Dutchess County have offered us asupply of ammunition and provisions of which we are seriously in need. Major Ellery has been ordered to convey them hither by way of Tarrytown. I am informed that General Howe is preparing another attack, and have issued instructions that the army make ready to fall back among the hills of North Castle. The enemy will, of course, follow and take possession of our present camp. You CoOMmmicaoolks 5}