, with
a detachment of cavalry, for the purpose of observation, and to
circumscribe the range of the British foraging parties. The horses of
his squad were seldom unsaddled, nor did they often remain all night in
the same position, for fear of a visit from the enemy.

At one time the major was informed that a country girl had gone into
Philadelphia with eggs, to obtain information. It is supposed she had
been employed for that purpose by Washington himself. Desirous of seeing
her, Tallmadge advanced towards the British lines, and dismounted at a
small tavern called "The Rising Sun," within view of their outposts. In
a short time, the young woman came from the city and entered the tavern.
She communicated the intelligence she had gained to the major; but their
conversation was interrupted by the alarm that the British light horse
were approaching. Stepping to the door, Tallmadge saw them riding at
full speed chasing in his patroles. No time was to be lost, and he threw
himself on his horse. The girl besought him to protect her: he told her
to mount behind him, which she did, and they rode three miles at full
speed to Germantown. There was much firing of pistols during the ride,
and now and then wheeling and charging; but the heroic damsel remained
unmoved, nor uttered one expression of fear after she was on horseback.
Tallmadge mentions her conduct with admiration in his journal.

* * * * *

On the approach of winter, when the British army retired from the active
service of the field, they were usually distributed, while in possession
of Long Island, in the dwellings of the inhabitants within the lines. An
officer, at first, visited each house, and, in proportion to its size,
chalked on the door the number of soldiers it must receive. The first
notice the good hostess commonly had of this intrusion was the speech,
"Madam, I am come to take a billet on your house." The best mansion was
always reserved for the quarters of the officers. In this way were women
forced into the society of British officers, and, in order to conciliate
their good will and protection, would often invite them to tea, and show
them other civilities.

* * * * *

The "New London Gazette," dated November 20, 1776, states that several
of the most respectable ladies in East Haddam, about thirty in number,
had met at the house of J. Chapman, and, in four or five hours, husked
about two hu