In the Days of Washington: A Story of the American Revolution

by F. S. Brereton

  CHAPTER XVI

  IN WHICH A PEEP AT THE STATE-HOUSE LEADS TO AN UGLY ADVENTURE

  Harris's Ferry--now the populous capital city of Harrisburg--was, in1778, a small and unimportant place. John Harris, an old Indian traderand the founder of the town, lived here. Some years before, he had madethe acquaintance of Captain Stanbury, when the latter stopped at theferry on a trip from Philadelphia to Wyoming. Nathan was aware of thisfact, and resolved to make use of it at such a time of need. So, afterthe lads had landed and given their canoe in charge of an old boatman,they climbed the river bank and presented themselves at the door of JohnHarris's big stone mansion.

  The old trader was at breakfast, early as was the hour, and he gave hisvisitors a cordial greeting even before he had heard their story.Nathan's explanation gained much sympathy and a ready promise ofassistance. There was little time to spare, but the lads tarried longenough to eat a hearty meal. That finished, the trader took them to thebank of the river directly opposite his house, and pointed out themulberry-tree to which he had been tied by hostile Indians some yearsbefore, and where he would have been burnt to death had not aid arrivedin the nick of time.

  Then, in haste to the Three Stars Tavern on Front Street, where thePhiladelphia coach, with three elderly passengers inside, was aboutready to start. John Harris paid the fares, and after shaking hands withthe lads and bidding them come to see him again, they mounted to theoutside seat beside the driver. A couple of minutes later the blasts ofthe coaching-horn rang through the little settlement, and the long ridehad begun.

  Nothing worthy of special mention took place during the journey.Passengers got on and off, stoppages were made for fresh horses andmeals, and the nights were spent at wayside towns. The lads' incidentalexpenses were paid by the driver, in accordance with secret instructionsgiven him by the kind-hearted trader.

  Lancaster was reached on the evening of the first day, and here thenight was spent. The two following days were rainy, and the muddycondition of the roads made traveling slow. The lads remained outside,sheltered by a sail-cloth hood that was stretched over the top of theseat. Under other circumstances they must have enjoyed the journey, butthe shadow of the terrible events they had so lately passed through wasstill upon them. They could not forget the horrors of Wyoming, thevexatious escape of Noah Waxpenny, and the tragic death of BarnabasOtter and the Tory ruffian. Nor was the future free from worry. Nathanfelt a burning impatience to reach the Shrewsbury, and he could not ridhimself of the fear that he would find his father either dead or gone.Godfrey, on the other hand, was concerned not a little for his ownsafety. In spite of the assurances of his companion, he believedhimself to be in danger. And there was some ground for this fear. Thelad, though not a spy, was still a British officer and loyal at heart tothe cause of the enemy. And he was on his way to Philadelphia, wherethere was a strong likelihood of his being recognized as one of thathostile army which had occupied the city during the previous winter.

  Nathan tried to inspire his friend with confidence, and partlysucceeded. Neither cared to be questioned concerning their pastadventures and their future plans, so they held aloof at all times fromtheir fellow-passengers. The driver was a garrulous fellow, butfortunately with an inclination to do all the talking himself. This justsuited the lads, and from morning till night they listened with feignedinterest to his accounts of coaching experiences and his remarks onpassing scenery.

  On the evening of the fourth day after leaving Harris's Ferry, just asdusk was falling, the coach rumbled down to Middle Ferry on theSchuylkill, and the passage across in a big flat-boat was quickly made.Then followed a short ride through the fields and woods in the cool ofthe evening, and a spirited dash down Chestnut Street, where the goodcitizens of the town were smoking and gossiping at their front-doorsteps. Taranta, taranta, tara! sounded the horn as the lumbering stageturned into Fifth Street at the corner of the State-House, and a minutelater the panting steeds drew up at their destination--Homly's Inn atFifth and Walnut Streets. The painted face of Benjamin Franklin beamed awelcome from the creaking signboard that swung under a lighted lantern,and there was further encouragement to the thirsty and hungry travelersin the following printed couplet:

  "Come view your patriot father! and your friend, And toast to freedom, and to slavery's end!"

  Nathan and Godfrey climbed down from the high seat, and stood lookingabout them. Of the half-dozen passengers in the stage some had alreadyentered the inn, and others had trudged away in the shadows of thenight.

  "The dear old town again!" said Nathan; and a tear glistened in his eye."It seems too good to be true!"

  "I know how you feel," replied Godfrey, "and I'm sorry I can't feel thatway myself. But all I'm thinking about is getting away from a placewhere recognition will mean danger."

  "And I'm in as big a hurry to leave as you are," said Nathan. "There aremiles and miles between me and that farm-house on the Shrewsbury wheremy father is lying wounded--perhaps dead."

  "Not that," Godfrey answered quickly. "You will find him gettingwell--I'm sure of it. And where are we going first? Not to the inn, Ihope--"

  "No," interrupted Nathan, "I'm too anxious to see Cornelius De Vries.We'll go straight there, and get supper and a night's rest, and thenwe'll arrange about the rest of the journey."

  "Lads, there's good cheer to be had inside," called the driver, as hestarted to lead the horses to the stable-yard. "Homly's the man to giveyou a meal and a bed."

  "Thank you, but we have friends here," Nathan replied.

  "All right! Good-bye, and good luck to you!"

  "Good-bye!" the lads answered; and then they started briskly up FifthStreet. They reached Chestnut Street, where there were plenty of lightsand people, and crossed to the opposite side. On the corner Nathanhalted and turned around.

  "There's no danger," he said, noticing his companion's uneasiness."We'll go on in half a minute--I want to take a look at the State-House.There's a light in the big hall, and up yonder hangs the dear oldbell--the bell that rang out liberty for us two years ago."

  "For you, not for me," Godfrey gently reminded.

  "Oh! I forgot!" Nathan exclaimed contritely. "Forgive me, old fellow. Ishould have known better than to stop you here--we'll go on now."

  But it was too late. During that brief interval of delay, unobserved bythe lads, a ragged and sinister-looking man of middle age had beenstaring keenly at Godfrey, whose features were partly exposed to theglimmer of a street lamp. Now he came quickly to the spot, barring theway up Fifth Street for the lads.

  "It's you, is it?" he said insolently, with a leer of malice at Godfrey."I thought I weren't mistaken. And what are you doing in Philadelphia,my fine British officer? Did you just wake up and find the red-coatsgone? Or did you come over from New York to look about a little--"

  "You are mistaken, my good fellow," interrupted Godfrey, his faceturning slightly pale.

  "Get out of the way," Nathan added angrily. "Don't stop us here--"

  "I'm not mistaken," the man asserted loudly; "not a bit of it. I knowwho I'm talking to--your name's Spencer, and you were here with theBritish last winter. Don't be in a hurry to get away, you and yourfriend."

  "Who is he--do you know him?" Nathan asked in an undertone.

  "I do now," Godfrey whispered. "His name is Burd, and he kept a store upnear the barracks. I had him arrested by the guard for threatening MajorLangdon. He's going to give us trouble, Nathan. Look, the people arebeginning to notice us--"

  "Whispering treason, that's what you are," exclaimed the ruffian. "Nosuch doings, my fine fellows. It's lucky I saw you--"

  "We must get away at once," muttered Nathan. "What a fool I was to stopyou here! Now will you get out of the way?" he added to the man. "You'remaking a mistake that will cost you dear--I am a son of Captain Stanburyof the American army, and a soldier myself--"

  "A likely story!" sneered the ruffian; and that quickly, as the ladsstarted to move, he threw himself upon Godfrey and bore him hard backag
ainst the corner of the house. "A spy! a spy!" he yelled at the top ofhis voice.

  Nathan lost his temper completely, and like a flash he fetched the mana stunning blow in the face that made him release Godfrey. A second blowsent him staggering to the edge of the sidewalk, where he set up aprodigious shouting for help.

  Clamor and confusion followed, and escape for the lads was out of thequestion. As they stood side by side against the wall they were quicklyhemmed in by an excited mob, and so deafening was the noise that theycould not make themselves heard. Men came running from everydirection--citizens, store-keepers, tavern loungers, lads eager for afight, and a few crippled and bandaged soldiers.

  "Spies! spies!" they howled. "Kill them! hang them!"

  Nathan, feeling himself to blame for the trouble, stepped a little infront of Godfrey. He had a pistol in his pocket, and this he pulled outwith a flourish, though he hoped to avoid the necessity of using it.

  NATHAN PRESENTED HIS PISTOL]

  "Listen, my good people!" he shouted. "There must be some here who knowme. I am an American soldier, and my companion is not a spy--"

  It was no use. He could not make himself heard. Closer and closerpressed the mob, inflamed and urged on by the ruffian, Burd. The sightof the lad's drawn pistol kept the foremost back a few paces, but thosein the rear began to hurl missiles. Stones and clubs struck the wall onboth sides of Nathan, and a rotten apple burst on Godfrey's shoulder.The crowd was increasing, and the clamor was waking noisy echoes inother quarters of the town.

  Nathan's pallor gave way to a flush of anger. "Keep back!" he roared."Keep back, or I'll fire. You cowards! Give me a chance to speak."

  The uproar deepened, but the circle widened a little at the ominous lookof the weapon. Then, just as a rush began in the rear, a hoarse shout of"The watch! the watch!" rose above the clamor of voices. The sound ofdull blows were heard, and right and left through the parting crowd,wielding their staves at every step, came a dozen men of the townwatch. At their head, and seemingly acting as the leader, was a manwearing a sword and a military coat. Without ceremony he snatchedNathan's pistol.

  "Keep close to me," he commanded, "and walk boldly."

  At once the men of the watch surrounded the two lads and led themquickly across Chestnut Street. The crowd followed, hooting and yelling,but taking good care not to venture within reach of the staves. Rightinto the State-House marched the officer, the watch, and the prisoners,and a moment later Godfrey and Nathan crossed the threshold of the largechamber on the eastern side of the first floor--the same in which thememorable Declaration of Independence had been signed.

  Here several lights were burning, and a number of men were standingabout in groups. The watch had halted in the hall, but the officerentered with the lads, and turned to a man who had just come forward.The latter was tall and wore a long cloak of light material. As theglow of a lamp flashed on his face it revealed the familiar features ofGeneral Washington.

  "Sir, I have obeyed your orders," said the officer. "These younggentlemen were the cause of the disturbance, and they can explain forthemselves. I think you will recognize one of them--"

  "Nathan Stanbury!" exclaimed Washington. He held out his hand, and thestern expression of his face relaxed.

  "It is I, sir," replied Nathan, stammering in his surprise. Before hecould say more two arms were thrown around him from behind, a kiss wasplanted on his forehead, and the familiar voice of Cornelius De Vriescried: "My dear lad! God be praised!"

  Again and again the worthy old Hollander embraced the lad, giving himscarcely a chance to breathe. Finally, in his delight, he turned toGodfrey, and would have embraced him as well. But Washington held up hishand with a smile.

  "Master Stanbury," he said, "I did not expect to find you inPhiladelphia so soon, nor was I certain that you had escaped thebloodshed at Wyoming. It affords me the highest pleasure to know thatyou are safe, for I assure you that I have not forgotten your valuableand trusty services in the past. But a short time ago I was tellingMaster De Vries how gallantly you fought at Monmouth, and what a narrowescape you had from hanging when you saved my papers at Valley Forge."

  "You do me too much honor, sir," said Nathan, with a blush.

  "Not enough, my brave lad," replied Washington. "But come, I forget thatyou may speedily fall in my good graces," he added, in a jesting tone,"since you are accused of disturbing the peace of this good and loyaltown of Philadelphia. You shall give me an explanation, and account foryour companion."

  "That I will gladly do, sir," declared Nathan.

  "But I can spare you only a little time," added Washington. "I left myarmy at White Plains, on the Hudson, and made a quick journey here toconfer with some of my Quaker friends on matters of importance. I mustbe starting back by morning, and before my presence becomes generallyknown in the town. And I prefer to talk apart from these worthygentlemen."

  He led the way to a far corner of the room, bidding Cornelius De Vriesfollow himself and the lads. With as much brevity as possible Nathantold his story, and he was careful to omit nothing, since he knew thatthe whole truth would be best for the interests of Godfrey.

  Washington listened intently, now smiling, now frowning at parts of thenarrative. "I have already heard the news from Wyoming," he said, whenthe lad had finished, "but not so clear an account as yours. You seem tohave displayed your usual bravery and clear-headedness, Master Stanbury,and you have certainly had more than your share of perils andadventures. I deplore the loss of Barnabas Otter, who was a trusty andvaluable man, and I regret that you have not fathomed this strangemystery with which your father seems to be connected. I confess that ithas a deep interest for me. As for the recent brawl out in thestreet--why, it seems that you are not to blame. But it was imprudentfor your companion to have entered Philadelphia, and I hardly know whatdisposition to make of him." He paused a moment, smiling. "Is hedisposed to turn patriot?"

  "He is not, sir, with all due respect to you," Godfrey answered, firmly.

  "Let him accompany me, sir," exclaimed Nathan. "He risked his life tosave myself and my friends. He is not a spy, and he should not be heldas a prisoner. Help him to get back to the British lines."

  Washington shook his head. "I can't do that," he replied. "I can't lendmy aid to such a purpose. But Master Spencer deserves to be rewarded forhis gallant conduct, which I do commend most heartily. So I shall lethim accompany you to visit your father, Master Stanbury, and I dare sayhe will be making a little trip over to Long Island one of these days.Is that satisfactory?"

  "Quite so," replied Godfrey, with a smile, "and thank you, sir."

  Washington turned to Nathan. "Now, my boy, you will want to get speedilyto your father?" he asked.

  "As soon as possible, sir," Nathan replied, eagerly. "Please tell me howhe is? Have you heard lately?"

  "At last accounts he was doing well, but he was not able to be moved,else I should have sent a party for him. I will not deny that he is insome danger of capture by raiding-parties of the enemy, so you hadbetter get to him without delay. What is your opinion, Master De Vries?"

  "I agree with you, sir," answered the Hollander, "much as I should likethe lad to spend a day or two with me in Philadelphia. But it is all forthe best."

  "Yes, I must start at once," assented Nathan. "And how shall we go, sir?By land?"

  "I think not," replied Washington; "the roads through the Jersies arebad and lonely, and you would run a risk of meeting bodies of the enemy.As it happens, there is a sailing vessel lying now down at South Streetwharf, and I can arrange with the captain to take you along the coastand up the Shrewsbury. He and his crew are loyal and trusty men, andhave been engaged in secret service for me for some time past. Master DeVries," he added, "you know the place and the man. Suppose you make thenecessary arrangements at once, and as soon as that is done the lads cango secretly to the river. By then the streets will be quiet."

  "It is a wise plan, sir," agreed the Hollander, "and I will see to theproper arrangements."


  He departed immediately, and then Washington drew Nathan a little apartfrom Godfrey.

  "I can spare but a moment more," he said, in a low tone. "You are abrave lad, Master Stanbury, and an honor to your country and to yourfather. I shall not forget you in the future, and I predict that youwill have an officer's commission before you are much older. I willspeak to you of other matters at a better opportunity. I trust that youwill reach your father safely, and that he and you will speedily bewithin the shelter of my lines at White Plains. When you leave thefarm-house with him come by way of New Brunswick, where you will findAmerican out-posts. You will both be needed. A battle cannot be longdelayed, and by this time the French fleet has probably arrived offSandy Hook. As for Master Spencer, to whom you owe much--why, I leavehis interests in your hands, and I trust no harm will befall him."

  Washington shook hands with both lads, and spoke a word of farewell.Then he joined the gentlemen who were waiting for him, and an aidshortly conducted Nathan and Godfrey to another apartment of theState-House. Here they remained three hours, at the end of which timeCornelius De Vries returned to announce his complete success. The townwas now quiet, and the lads safely reached South Street wharf. It wasnot quite midnight when they parted from the old Hollander and went onboard the sloop "Speedswift," and when they came on deck in the morning,after a good night's rest, the vessel was many miles down the Delaware.

  No British men-of-war were met with, but, owing to bad weather, thevoyage was prolonged to nearly a week--a delay that sorely triedNathan's patience.

  At last, one dark and sultry July night, the "Speedswift" entered themouth of the Shrewsbury, and sailed cautiously along the south shore.

  When the channel became shallow a small boat was lowered, and two of thecrew rowed the lads to a point near the head of the river. The captain,who knew the locality thoroughly, went along with the party, and whenthey landed in a little cove he pointed to a road that skirted thenorth shore of the river.

  "That's your way, my young gentlemen," he said. "Follow the road for twomiles, and you'll come to Jonas Welfare's place. You can't miss it, forit's the first house."

  A moment later the boat was pulling back to the vessel, and the two ladswere walking rapidly toward their destination. Nathan was in a state ofdoubt and suspense--now confident of finding his father, now fearingthat he was dead or captured. He kept Godfrey almost on a run, and afterhalf an hour's tramp they reached an old stone farm-house standing in ayard full of pine trees.

  No light was to be seen, and with a fast-beating heart Nathan mountedthe porch and rapped on the door. It was opened almost immediately by anelderly man, who carried a candle in his hand.

  He looked at the lads suspiciously, and with an air of disappointment,and then gruffly demanded their business.

  "Are you Jonas Welfare?" Nathan asked, eagerly.

  "That's my name, sir."

  "Well, I am Captain Stanbury's son. Is--is he still here?"

  "Captain Stanbury's son?" exclaimed the farmer, incredulously. "Yes, youlook like him. Come right in."

  The lads followed Mr. Welfare into the hall, and after closing andbarring the door he led the way to an apartment on the left. Here a lampwas burning, and in a large chair sat a bearded man with sunken eyes andpale and hollow cheeks. With an eager cry he rose to his feet, and thenext instant Nathan was clasped in his father's arms.

  Godfrey discreetly stepped back into the hall, and when he entered theroom five minutes later, the farmer had left it by a rear door. Nathanwas kneeling by his father's side, and the captain's hand restedlovingly on the lad's head.

  "Who is this?" he asked, looking up. "Did he come with you, my boy?"

  "He is an old friend," replied Nathan, motioning Godfrey to sit down."He saved my life. But I will explain presently. You have been very ill,father. Are you getting better and stronger now? Tell me all about it."

  "I have improved wonderfully in the last week," replied CaptainStanbury, "though it will be some time before I am quite myself again.And there is but little to tell, my boy."

  His face suddenly became grave, and he fixed his eyes on the floor.

  "The wound I received at Monmouth was more painful than dangerous, andwhen I came to my senses I was a prisoner with the enemy's rear-guard ofHessians. After carrying me some miles on the retreat they brutallyassaulted me with bayonets and clubbed muskets, and left me for deadalong the road. This kind-hearted farmer found me and brought me here,and to him and his faithful wife I owe my recovery."

  "I was sure you were alive," said Nathan. "I never quite lost hope,father, and now you will want to hear my story--"

  "Yes, if you can make it brief. There are reasons, my boy. I heard ofyour perilous journey through Jonas Welfare, and when news of theWyoming massacre reached me I feared greatly for your safety. God hasbeen very good to us both."

  "I will tell you all about the journey," said Nathan, "but there issomething to come first." In a few words he related Noah Waxpenny'svisit to the Indian Queen tavern, and mentioned the name of the legalfirm that he represented. "The man was trying to find you, father," headded, "and also Major Langdon, of the British army."

  Captain Stanbury's face turned even whiter, and there was a strange lookin his eyes. "Sharswood & Feeman, Lincoln's Inn!" he muttered, half tohimself. "It has come at last, after all these years! And at a time whenI despise and spurn it for myself! But for the sake of my son--" Hepaused abruptly. "You should have told me this before, my boy," headded.

  "I had so little chance," Nathan replied, "and most of the time I forgotit."

  "And have you seen this man since?"

  "That is part of my story, father. I am coming to it--"

  "Go on quickly, lad. I am listening."

  Accordingly, as briefly and clearly as he could, Nathan described hisadventurous travels, telling how desperately Simon Glass tried to getthe papers for Major Langdon, and how Godfrey saved the lives of theprisoners. He told all the leading incidents of the cruise down theriver, and concluded with the escape of Noah Waxpenny from Fort Hunterand the sad death of Barnabas.

  Captain Stanbury listened with a countenance as rigid as marble, andwhen the story was done he rose to his feet and feebly paced the floorhalf a dozen times. On his agitated features were depicted grief,passion, and unutterable horror. Finally he paused in front of thelads, and took Godfrey's hand in his own cold and trembling grasp. "Mybrave boy, I want to thank you," he said hoarsely. "Your conduct hasbeen indeed noble. I could not feel more gratitude and respect for youwere you a patriot at heart, instead of one who has clung to the causeof oppression. But party feeling shall make no breach between us. Sir,you are a hero."

  Turning to Nathan he went on hastily, and with an air of confusion:"This is a terrible story, my boy, terrible. I hardly know what to makeof it. By God's mercy you have escaped death a dozen times over. And soBarnabas Otter is dead! You say he perished with this Tory ruffian. Abraver man, and a truer friend never lived. But the packet of papers, myboy? I fear they are lost."

  "They will be recovered with the body," replied Nathan, "and if NoahWaxpenny has not been caught--"

  "Never mind about him," interrupted Captain Stanbury. "The papers arethe most important, and for your sake I trust they will be found."

  "For my sake!" exclaimed Nathan. "Father, what does this mean? Why doyou speak and act so strangely? What did Major Langdon want with thepapers, and why is Noah Waxpenny seeking you both?"

  Captain Stanbury pressed one hand to his brow, and a look of anguishappeared on his face. "My boy, you shall know all," he said, in a toneof hoarse resolve. "Sooner or later the truth would have to come out.Major Langdon is--"

  Just then the rear door opened noisily and Jonas Welfare hurried intothe room. "Captain, they are coming!" he exclaimed. "I hear the tramp ofthe horses on the road."