CHAPTER VI

VALLEY FORGE

Now, while we are traveling over the hills hoping speedily to cover the seven miles between Swede’s Ford and Valley Forge, I burning with impatience for Master Dingley to speak concerning the business on which we had been summoned, and young Chris following sulkily in the rear, disgruntled because he had, according to his belief, not been treated with as much ceremony as he believed the son of his father should have, let me set down what at a later day I read concerning Valley Forge and our people there.

It cannot be without interest even to those who know it full well because of having suffered there, and to him who would follow my poor attempt at telling of the doings of our Minute Boys of Philadelphia, it seems necessary many things should be known concerning this winter encampment where was so much of suffering.

It is perhaps needless for me to say that our army arrived at Valley Forge on the nineteenth day of December in the year 1777, and there at once began the work of building such shelters as would serve in some slight degree to shield them from the cruel weather.

I myself have seen the written orders which General Washington gave concerning the making of the huts. He directed the commanding officers of regiments to have their men divided into parties of twelve, to see to it each company had its proportion of tools, and that they build a hut for that number.

In order to quicken their movements, for General Washington knew how necessary it was these shelters should be erected without delay, he promised to give the party in each regiment which finished its hut the soonest and in the most workmanlike manner, a present of twelve dollars. He also offered a reward of one hundred dollars to the officer or soldier who would substitute a covering for the huts, cheaper and more quickly made than boards.

These are the directions which he gave concerning the size and style of the building: “Fourteen feet by sixteen each; the sides, end and roofs made with logs; the roofs made tight with split slabs, or some other way; the sides made tight with clay; a fireplace made of wood and secured with clay on the inside eighteen inches thick; this fireplace to be in the rear of the hut; the door to be in the end next the street; the doors to be made of split oak slabs unless boards can be procured; the side walls to be six feet and a half high. The officers’ huts are to form a line in the rear of the troops, one hut to be allowed to each general officer; one to the staff of each brigade; one to the field officers of each regiment; one to the staff of each regiment; one to the commissioned officers of two companies; and one to every twelve non-commissioned officers and soldiers.”

Do you remember that pitiful letter which Washington wrote to Governor Clinton about the middle of February, wherein he said:

“For some days past there has been little less than a famine in the camp. A part of the army has been a week without any kind of flesh, and the rest three or four days. Naked and starving as they are, we cannot enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of the soldiery, that they have not been, ere this, excited by their sufferings to a general mutiny and desertion.”

Now I have heard it said that when the army first went into camp there were eleven thousand and ninety-eight men, but of this number two thousand eight hundred and ninety-eight were unfit for duty. The British army encamped in comfort, almost luxury, in our land of America, numbered thirty-three thousand, seven hundred and fifty-six, and nineteen thousand, five hundred and thirty of these were in our city of Philadelphia, afraid to move in either direction save when they sent out squads now and then to inflict damage upon the people nearby.

More than once had I heard Major Simcoe speak of our people under arms as the “Rag-tag and bobtail,” and yet that same rag-tag and bobtail were keeping the lobster-backs shut up in Philadelphia, while they were in the condition which General Varnum described to General Green when he wrote to him on the twelfth of February, which same letter I also have seen, as has young Chris, in which he says:

“The situation of the camp is such that in all human probability the army must dissolve. Many of the troops are destitute of meat and are several days in arrears. The horses are dying for want of forage. The country in the vicinity of the camp is exhausted. There cannot be a moral certainty of bettering our condition while we remain here.”

And before this day on which Chris and I were visiting Valley Forge, Master Dingley told us that again and again was it almost impossible to find soldiers in condition fit to discharge the military camp duties from day to day. That those who were naked, and there were very many who were almost the same as without clothing, borrowed from those who had clothes, while they went out to stand guard or do such other duties as were required. And when he said this, Master Dingley added proudly:

“Yet, amid all this suffering day after day, surrounded by frost and snow (for it has been a winter of great severity), patriotism is still warm and hopeful in the hearts of the soldiers, and their love of self is merged into the one holy sentiment of love for country.”

If I had been lukewarm regarding the Cause up to this day when we were traveling over the hills with Master Dingley, I should have burned, as I really did then, to have my part of the sufferings which these men were enduring.

I felt more keenly than ever how small and pitiful it was for young Chris and me to complain because we had been asked to walk a few miles into the country, to the end that we might be able to do something in the behalf of our people, when those brave fellows were suffering bitterly, so we could teach the king a lesson which he sorely needed.

Perhaps it is not well for me to set down so plainly the sufferings of our soldiers at Valley Forge, and yet why should they not be made known in order that all who come after us may the better understand at what cost we of the colonies were fighting against the king’s troops, who swarmed over the land like as locusts, devouring everything that could be come at?

I was ashamed that I had been living in Philadelphia with plenty of food and ample shelter. Ashamed that I had not known better concerning this suffering at Valley Forge, so I might have been all the more eager to do whatsoever lay within my power.

I was yet reproaching myself because thus far I had not shared in the distress of our people who were serving the Cause, when we came within sight of the encampment lying in the valley and along the sides of the hill, and then it was that suddenly, as if just remembering why we had come there, Master Dingley said:

“Now then, lads, sit ye down where it will be possible to see our brave fellows who are waiting an opportunity to fall upon the lobster-backs, and you shall hear what I would have you do in your own city of Philadelphia, promising, however, that there are many chances you may not be allowed to finish the work, because if so be the Britishers have an inkling of what you are about, your shrift will be short.”

Then it was I suddenly remembered that Master Dingley was all ignorant of the fact that we had taken Skinny Baker prisoner.

It may seem strange I should have forgotten such an important fact; but the reason of my not speaking with him regarding it was, that up to this time he had made no inquiries concerning our movements in Philadelphia, save as to what we had done in the way of raising recruits for the Minute Boys.

Then, when he seemed to be on the point of telling us why we had been called to Swede’s Ford, I made bold to say:

“There is one thing, perhaps, which you should know before explaining the purpose for which you sent to us. After leaving you, and getting nearly home again, we found that the son of a Tory, one Benjamin Baker, had not only seen us in your company; but knew that we had taken you up the river. There seemed to be but one thing to do, which was to keep the fellow safe where he could not tell the lobster-backs what he had discovered, and the result of it all is that we are holding him captive in that place where our boat was hidden.”

“And you have a prisoner on your hands?” Master Dingley cried as if in dismay, whereupon young Chris said boldly:

“Ay, how else could we do? The lad was certain to have told his story to the first lobster-back he met, and if peradventure the soldiers did not believe him, his father is of sufficient influence to obtain an interview even with General Howe. It was his liberty or ours.”

“Ay, I can see that much, and yet there is great danger, as it appears to me, for you thus to hold him in hiding. Of a surety his father will make search for the lad.”

“He has already done so, and yet if our comrades are cautious, holding themselves well under cover without venturing out more than is absolutely necessary, I fail to see how Master Baker can come upon his son,” I replied.

Master Dingley remained silent while one might have counted twenty, and then he asked suddenly:

“Did you tell the Weaver of Germantown that you had a Tory lad in your keeping?”

“That we did not, sir,” I replied.

“Why not?”

“I was not overly certain that he who called himself the Weaver of Germantown was a true friend to the Cause. I had only his word for it, and there was no reason why I should give him more of my affairs than was absolutely necessary.”

“The caution does you credit, lad, yet I would he knew of it, for it might make some difference in his movements.”

“It can’t be helped now,” young Chris said lightly, as if not considering the matter of any great importance. “We have got Skinny, and must hold him so long as we count on staying in Philadelphia, for no one who knows him would be willing to take his word on any matter whatsoever, and certain it is he would betray us to the lobster-backs gleefully, however he might swear to the contrary.”

“And one could hardly blame him if he did,” Master Dingley said grimly, after which he fell silent again.

We two lads sat watching him a full minute, mayhap, when he straightened up as does one who would throw off some disagreeable thought, and said with a long-drawn breath that was much like a sigh:

“What has been done, has been done, and we must make the best of that which seems to me a dangerous matter, for it is hardly possible you can keep the lad prisoner within a lumber pile many days. However, what comes of that is no affair of ours just at this time. It remains for me to tell you why, and how, you can be of service to the Cause, lads though you are.”

Now it was I pricked up my ears, for at last, after what had seemed to be an exceeding long time of waiting, we were to learn why we had been summoned.

“First let me ask if you have heard in the city aught concerning a change of British commanders?”

“No, sir, although my mother did say shortly before we met you, that she heard Major Simcoe speaking somewhat concerning a change; but what it was she failed to catch.”

“Well, lads, we have from reliable authority that General Howe is to be replaced in command by General Henry Clinton; but whether that be good news or ill, remains to be seen. Now, however, I have to tell you what I question if even the enemy in Philadelphia are yet aware. It concerns our affairs with France. That country has acknowledged the independence of our colonies, and entered into a treaty with us, which is much the same as saying that she will stand our friend during the remainder of this war. Such news came to us six days ago, which is as if I had said on the first of May, and to-morrow there will be rejoicings in this army here at Valley Forge. Therefore I would have you see and hear what takes place, to the end that you may tell those of our friends in Philadelphia whom you can trust, so if peradventure they be weak-kneed in the Cause it will strengthen them wondrously. It was for that reason you were asked to come here; but rather than saying you should journey directly to this place, General Varnum insisted that first he must have speech with you to learn if--and now I am speaking particularly to Richard Salter--he and his mother could be depended upon to spread the news in such manner that the telling of it might not bring them into trouble.”

I was becoming confused. I had believed we had been sent for because of yet greater troubles to the colonies, and now it seemed that instead of venturing our lives in the Cause, we were simply to be the bearers of good tidings, after having witnessed a celebration by those men who had suffered so much during the winter.

“Here is a copy of general orders which have been issued by the commander-in-chief, and I would have you lads read it carefully, to the end that you shall remember it even after you are men grown, for to my mind this marks an era in our struggle for independence which promises, for the first time since we arrayed ourselves against the king, that we may be reasonably certain of accomplishing our purpose.”

Then Master Dingley took from his coat a folded paper which he handed me, insisting that I read it aloud, and so I did.

Even to this day can I remember the words, so deeply were they then impressed upon my memory, and I am setting each one down, hoping it may be possible for me to put them exactly in that order as I read while we were sitting upon the ground overlooking the camp at Valley Forge.

“It having pleased the Almighty Ruler of the universe to defend the Cause of the United American States, and finally to raise us up a powerful friend among the princes of the earth, to establish our liberty and independence upon a lasting foundation, it becomes us to set apart a day for gratefully acknowledging the divine goodness, and celebrating the important event, which we owe to His divine interposition. The several brigades are to be assembled for this purpose at nine o’clock to-morrow morning, when their chaplains will communicate the intelligence contained in the postscript of the Pennsylvania Gazette of the 2nd instant, and offer up a thanksgiving, and deliver a discourse suitable to the occasion. At half-past ten o’clock a cannon will be fired, which is to be a signal for the men to be under arms; the brigade inspectors will then inspect their dress and arms, and form the battalions according to the instructions given them, and announce to the commanding officers of the brigade that the battalions are formed.

“The commanders of brigades will then appoint a field officer to the battalions, after which each battalion will be ordered to load and ground their arms. At half-past eleven a second cannon will be fired as a signal for the march; upon which the several brigades will begin their march by wheeling to the right by platoons, and proceed by the nearest way to the left of their ground by the new position. This will be pointed out by the brigade inspectors. A third signal will then be given, on which there will be a discharge of thirteen cannon; after which a running fire of the infantry will begin on the right of Woodford’s, and continue throughout the front line; it will then be taken up on the left of the second line, and continue to the right. Upon a signal given, the whole army will huzza, Long live the King of France! The artillery then begins again, and fires thirteen rounds; this will be succeeded by a second general discharge of the musketry in a running fire, and huzza, Long live the friendly European powers! The last discharge of thirteen pieces of artillery will be given, followed by a general running fire, and huzza, The American States!”

“It will be a fine celebration!” young Chris said excitedly, thinking more of what was to be done in the way of making a noise, than of that which it signified.

I could not for the life of me speak, for it seemed of a verity that this was indeed the beginning of the end. And I may be pardoned if, way down in my heart, there was just the slightest feeling of regret because the war was come to an end so soon that our Minute Boys of Philadelphia might not have a chance to show the stuff which was in them; but I need not have fretted concerning that part of it.

Before many weeks I was to learn that this show of friendship on the part of the French nation had not won for us our independence; there must be yet much more bloodshed, and ample time in which we lads of Philadelphia could prove our metal.

“And it was simply that we might see this celebration you sent for us?” I said, whereupon Master Dingley smiled as one might at a foolish child, while he said in an indulgent tone:

“Nay, lad, there is yet much work to be done, as you will see. The chief question which concerns us here is, what will be General Clinton’s policy once he has taken command of the troops which are in Philadelphia, and to that end has the Weaver of Germantown taken up his abode in the Jolly Tar inn, there to remain so long as the Britishers will allow. In the meanwhile, however, General Varnum believes, as do I, that two or three lads who can move about without attracting attention, may gain us certain information concerning the events of the eighteenth day of May.”

“That is nearly two weeks from now!” young Chris exclaimed as if disappointed because our work was not to begin immediately, and I could not refrain from asking how it was that Master Dingley could set so decidedly a time when we might be able to do something--how it was he knew exactly that on a certain day of May we might be of service.

“It is because on that day a grand festival is to be held under direction of General Burgoyne and Major John Andre, as a sort of farewell reception to General Howe, for before that day comes, so our information goes, General Clinton will be here. This carnival has been called by its promoters, and I believe it was Major Andre himself who gave the name, the _Mischianza_, whatever that may mean. Then it is, when the officers have given themselves over to pleasure, that you lads may pick up much concerning the possible movements of General Clinton, for it is certain considerable of that matter will be discussed at such a time. I learned, while in Philadelphia, that the carnival was to be held at Master Wharton’s country seat in Southwark, and that the company will begin to assemble from three to four o’clock at Knight’s wharf, when they will embark in a grand regatta. It is from that moment I count on your being able to follow them.”

“Then all we are to do is go to a party at Master Wharton’s, eh?” young Chris asked in a tone of discontent, and Master Dingley smiled sadly as he replied:

“If it is danger you lads are greedy for, I venture to say that you have enough of it surrounding you just now. What with the boy prisoner in the lumber pile; the knowledge that your people, meaning particularly your father, young Ludwig, are among those who love the colonies, you will stand a good chance of being brought up with a round turn to explain why you are loitering around that party of pleasure seekers, if so be you are not exceeding cautious. Do not be over eager about running your neck into peril, for you stand nearby it every moment of your life from this on.”

It was in my mind that Master Dingley simply said this to pleasure us, seeing we were eager to run our noses into peril, for I failed utterly of understanding how we could get into trouble.

I had not the shadow of a fear that Skinny Baker could succeed in making his escape while Jeremy and Sam were watching over him, and in eight and forty hours at the longest I would be there to take part in guarding him.

In my folly it seemed to me that we lads, even though the Britishers did know we came of so-called rebel stock, were as safe in Philadelphia as we might be even there at Valley Forge, all of which goes to show how simple a boy can be who counts with certainty upon the future.

There was very much which Master Dingley had to say to us before we two were allowed to wander at will through the encampment.

He explained in great detail how we should set about going to this carnival with the odd name; how we must deport ourselves once there, and how best avoid attracting attention at the same time that we lingered near enough to the lobster-backs to hear some part of their conversation, speaking a great many words which seemed to me needless, because I believed the task to be so simple.

Only after he had unburdened himself in what seemed almost a tiresome fashion, did he set us free to go whithersoever we would, agreeing to meet us near General Washington’s marquee, when we were wearied with sightseeing.

I felt much like a lad who is suddenly relieved from disagreeable tasks, when we were thus set free; but before young Chris and I had wandered very far amid the motley collection of huts, did my joy turn to mourning, for I saw our people in wretched condition, although later we were told that they were much improved since winter.

And the question came to my mind whether it would ever be possible for such an army, half-clad, the majority of them looking as if they had just come from the hospital, and all seemingly hungry, for I fancied I could read on the face of each a desire for food, to do aught of importance against the king’s men. There was little wonder the lobster-backs called them rag-tag and bobtail, or that they were not overly afraid of what the poor fellows might be able to accomplish.

I had thought it would be many a long hour ere we were ready to rejoin Master Dingley, and yet before thirty minutes had passed I was so heart-sick at the distressing sights, that I urged young Chris to come away with me where we might not see so much to offend the mind and the eye.

Although young Chris was not a sensitive lad, he was quite as deeply impressed by that which we saw as I, and willingly followed me to where Master Dingley lay on the ground awaiting our coming, as if he had no other purpose in life than minister to us.

Once we were with him again he continued to explain how we might carry out our mission, and had so many words regarding it that I was weary with the hearing, although it would not have been seemly to show displeasure, because all which the good man said was intended for our safety.

I would I might dwell upon what we saw at Valley Forge next day; but because the general order explained all that was to be done, it would be simply repeating the same matters for me to go over every incident of that day.

It is enough if I say that everything was carried out as General Washington had ordered, and we two lads sat more than patiently, listening to the sermon which was spoken by Parson Hunter, for at such a time and amid such surroundings did it seem to me as if a pious discourse was the one thing necessary to finish the sad picture.

How the ragged soldiers cheered General Washington when the last of the ceremony had come to an end, and he with his wife and the officers of his staff left the field to partake of a dinner at his headquarters--not a feast as you might well suppose, but a plain, simple meal given in token of thanksgiving, as I believed.

The men cheered him to the echo, he turning from time to time to raise his hat in acknowledgment, and then he was lost to our view, we going to Master Dingley’s hut where we found of bacon and corn bread enough to satisfy our hunger, but not sufficient to encourage greediness.

It was near to nightfall by this time, for Parson Hunter’s sermon had been long drawn out, although it was calculated to touch one’s heart.

Then it was Master Dingley proposed we set out on our return for Philadelphia, claiming that we might travel with more safety during the night than in the daytime, and insisting that we take with us a couple of soldiers as far as Swede’s Ford, lest we meet with Tories nearabout who would do us harm, for in this neighborhood of Valley Forge there were very few, so we were told, outside the army, who favored the Cause.

I was weary and needing sleep, therefore such advice did not come in a welcome fashion; but I was soon given to understand that Master Dingley had a care to our well being, for he insisted that we first lie down in his hut and sleep two hours, after which we should set out on our return to Philadelphia.

Everything was done as Master Dingley had announced, and it was nearabout midnight when, arriving at Swede’s Ford, we bade adieu to the soldiers who had acted as our guides--two men from Massachusetts, and right pleasant companions were they, who had suffered bitterly all the long winter, and yet were filled with hope concerning the future.

They spoke so cheeringly of what it would be possible for the American army to do once summer had come, that I was ashamed of ever having fancied we might fail in our attempt to teach the king a lesson.

Then young Chris and I set off alone, thinking to make a short journey of it; but giving so little heed to our steps that twice we went astray, and the new day was nearly half spent when we came to the falls where we had left the _Jolly Rover_.

Now it was that, fortunately, I was afflicted with a fit of timorousness, and declared to young Chris it would be in the highest degree dangerous for us to continue on during the daylight.

We knew full well that under the happiest circumstances we would meet with lobster-backs a dozen times before arriving at the place where we had left Skinny Baker, and it might not be a simple matter to convince them we were innocent of mischief when they saw us coming from the direction of the American camp.

Therefore it was I insisted we should lay hidden in the thicket where the _Jolly Rover_ was concealed, until night had come, and luckily young Chris fell in with my ideas, not on account of believing the danger to be great, but because slumber was so heavy upon his eyelids that he was eager to take advantage of an opportunity to sleep.

In looking back at that time and recalling why we halted at the falls instead of continuing on, I can but believe that our movements were directed by some higher power than any on earth, for had we gone straight on, as would naturally have been our inclination, then had our time of usefulness as Minute Boys come to a speedy end.

However, as it was we crawled into the thicket; ate such portion of corn bread as remained from the store with which Master Dingley provided us, and then fell asleep, counting to be on our way as soon as the sun had set.

Instead of this, however, so weary were we in body, that when I next opened my eyes it was dark. I knew by the stars it must be well to midnight, and hurriedly awakened young Chris that we might get off as speedily as possible lest another day come before we were arrived.

Because of thus over-sleeping, we did not arrive at the town until within an hour of sunrise, and then it was too late for us to pull the _Jolly Rover_ around to the lumber pile. Therefore we left her where she had been hidden before, and struck straight across the city at our best pace, for it seemed absolutely necessary we come to the hiding place before it was light.

We were feeling in fine fettle as we drew near the lumber pile where we counted on meeting Jeremy and Sam, for it seemed as if fortune was favoring us in every way.

We had not come across a single red-coat in our tramp through the town, which I venture to say was owing to the early hour, for we all know that slumber weighs more heavily upon one just before morning than at any other time, and the lobster-backs were no exception to this rule.

We were come to the lumber pile just as the first tokens of the new day appeared in the eastern sky, and, there being seemingly no one in the vicinity, I said to young Chris that we might both venture to go in at the same time, instead of waiting one for another, so there would be less danger of attracting attention.

I was leading the way, and on crawling through the passage, fearing lest I should startle Jeremy and Sam, I whispered loudly before I was come to the space inside which formed our prison, that they need have no fear--that we were friends who approached.

There was no reply to these words of mine, and I was simple enough to think both the lads had fallen asleep, even though they had agreed that one should remain on watch all the time lest Skinny Baker escape.

It was dark in there as one might well fancy, and impossible even to see a fellow’s hand before his face; but I crept on, counting to give Jeremy the surprise of his life by shaking him into wakefulness.

So well acquainted was I with the place that I could pick out any particular spot by sense of touch, and went directly to the spot in which we had left Skinny, which was a sort of niche or corner, where we could the better guard him.

Then I stretched out my hand in either direction, and as I did so a cry of horror burst involuntarily from my lips, for I touched nothing save the rough timbers.

“What is the matter?” young Chris asked excitedly, pressing against me with an effort to pass, and I replied hurriedly:

“I fail to find anyone here, Chris. Crawl entirely around the place, and at once, for if anything has happened then are we like rats in a trap. It stands to reason that in case the lobster-backs have heard aught of our doings, they will be watching for our return.”

We were like two lads who had suddenly lost their senses, as we crept here and there, bruising our hands upon the rough planking or joists, and passing and repassing the same place a dozen times, until when it seemed to me it must be broad daylight, the fearsome thought forced itself to my mind that our comrades had been captured.

Neither Skinny nor those who guarded him were in the hiding place, and we needed no better evidence that they had fallen into the hands of the enemy, for I knew as well as I knew anything in this world, that neither Jeremy nor Sam would have taken it upon themselves to carry the prisoner out of there, whatsoever might have occurred, during my absence.

It was at the moment as if I were standing at the foot of the gallows, with a noose made ready for my neck.