-off."

We had not ridden a hundred yards when we saw before us a group of
mounted officers in handsome uniforms, with plumes nodding and arms
glittering. I had somehow or other pictured to myself the rebel
generals as a dingy-looking set, like the Covenanters of old, or
Cromwell's Invincibles, and I could scarcely persuade myself that those
I saw were officers of the enemy's army. Among them rode one whom the
eye would not fail to single out from the rest--tall, handsome, and
graceful--the noble expression of his countenance showed that he had the
right to command. I was struck, too, with the way in which he managed
his horse, and sat on his saddle. He was an enemy and a rebel; but for
the life of me I could not help pulling off my hat and bowing low, when,
as he saw Mrs Tarleton, he rode forward to greet her. I guessed he
could be no other than the renowned chief General Washington. Among the
officers were Generals Sullivan, Wayne, and Woodford; Lord Stirling, a
gallant Scotchman, who in spite of his rank had joined the patriots; the
noble Frenchman, the Marquis Lafayette, and his veteran German friend
the Baron De Kalb; as also Generals Irvine, Reed, and other native
officers. Their appearance was very military, but I had no eye for
anyone but the commander-in-chief. He bowed to Madeline, and took Mrs
Tarleton's hand in a most kind and courteous manner, while his voice as
he spoke was gentle and melodious.

"I gladly welcome you to our camp, madam, deeply as I mourn the cause
which has brought you here. Your gallant brother is still with us. One
of my aides-de-camp will conduct you to his quarters. You will, I fear,
find Colonel Hallet much changed. He should long ago have retired from
active duty, but his patriotism overcame all suggestions of prudence. I
would that all who advocate the independence of our country were like
him!"

Mrs Tarleton made a brief answer. She was anxious to hurry to her
brother. A short conversation, however, first ensued between her and
the general, which I did not overhear; then, calling me up, she
introduced me formally and explained who I was. General Washington
received me in the frankest manner.

"I am happy to welcome one who has been of so much service to those I
highly esteem, and Mr Hurry may be assured that he will find none but
friends as long as he thinks fit to remain in this camp."

I made a suitable reply, regretting that duty must summon me so speedily