er hand, and the defenders
of the place in detached parties, still desperately endeavouring to
oppose them. Suddenly trumpets sounded, voices were heard calling
loudly, and there was a cessation of firing. We pulled on, however,
across the river, for I thought very likely that, if we were discovered
by the victors, we should be fired at, and compelled to return. The
ruddy glare was reflected on the broad stream, and the banks were
lighted up by the flames of the burning house, so that we had no
difficulty in finding our way across to the right landing-place.

The farmer in whose charge the horses had been left, brought them out as
soon as we appeared. "I would ask you to stay," he said, "but I know
not how soon the enemy may come upon us. You must take a stirrup-cup,
though; it will do the hearts of the poor ladies good. They want
something to keep up their spirits, I'm sure." I forget the mixture
that was produced. I know that it was very good, though the ladies
would not be prevailed on to do more than taste it. Lieutenant Spinks
would allow us to make only a very short delay to get his wound washed
and bound up, declaring all the time that it was of very little
consequence. "I'm well accustomed to shot-holes by this time, I guess,
so never fear," said he. I must say this for him, that he was decidedly
a very plucky fellow, and was, I suspect, a fair sample of the men who
won independence for America. The good-natured farmer then ordered a
lad on horseback to show us the way, and uttered many hearty good wishes
for our safety. "None of the enemy are to the north of us, so I think
you may reach the camp without difficulty," he remarked. He asked no
questions about me. I suspect that Caractacus and Sambo had fully
enlightened him.

We pushed on for the remainder of the night, and did not even draw rein
till morning dawned. It was wonderful how well the ladies endured the
fatigue they were undergoing; not a complaint escaped either of them;
indeed, Mrs Tarleton seemed rather to glory in the hardships she was
undergoing.

Instead of striking at once into the country, we kept to the north, so
as to make a circuit towards the spot where it was understood General
Washington was then encamped. I tried to persuade Spinks to stop and
rest, but on he would go, as long as his horse would carry him. Our
steeds, however, at last began to knock up, and we were glad to discover
a farm-house among the trees a coup