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bay and headland。 The overland way to Sackett's Harbour he had
traversed several times； the trail from Plattsburg to Covington
he knew in all weathers； and had repeatedly covered its sixty
miles in less than twenty…four hours on foot。 The route he
picked and followed was in later years the line selected for the
military highway between these two camps。
But the chief scene of his activities was the Canadian wilderness
at the north end of Lake Champlain。 Chazy； Champlain； Odelltown；
La Colle Mill； Isle au Noix； and Richelieu River he knew
intimately and had also acquired a good deal of French in
learning their country。
It was characteristic of General Wilkinson to ignore the scout
who knew and equally characteristic of his successors； Izard and
Macomb； to seek and rely on the best man。
The news that he brought in many different forms was that the
British were again concentrating an army to strike at Plattsburg
and Albany。
Izard on the land at Plattsburg and Champlain； and Macomb at
Burlington strained all their resources to meet the invader at
fair terms。 Izard had 4000 men assembled； when an extraordinary
and devastating order from Washington compelled him to abandon
the battle front at Champlain and lead his troops to Sackett's
Harbour where all was peace。 He protested like a statesman； then
obeyed like a soldier； leaving Macomb in command of the land
forces of Lake Champlain； with； all told； some 3400 men。 On the
day that Izard left Champlain； the British troops； under
Brisbane； advanced and occupied his camp。
As soon as Rolf had seen them arrive； and had gauged their
number； he sent Quonab back to report； and later retired by night
ten miles up the road to Chazy。 He was well known to many of the
settlers and was welcome where ever known； not only because he
was a patriot fighting his country's battles； but for his own
sake； for he was developing into a handsome； alert； rather silent
youth。 It is notorious that in the drawing…room； given equal
opportunity； the hunter has the advantage over the farmer。 He has
less self…consciousness； more calm poise。 He is not troubled
about what to do with his feet and hands； and is more convinced
of his native dignity and claims to respect。 In the drawin…room
Rolf was a hunter： the leading inhabitants of the region around
received him gladly and honoured him。 He was guest at Judge
Hubbell's in Chazy； in September of 1814。 Every day he scouted in
the neighbourhood and at night returned to the hospitable home of
the judge。
On the 12th of September； from the top of a tall tree on a
distant wooded hill； he estimated the force at Champlain to be
10；000 to 15；000 men。 Already their bodyguard was advancing on
Chazy。
Judge Hubbell and anxious neighbours hastily assembled now；
discussed with Rolf the situation and above all； 〃What shall we
do with our families？〃 One man broke into a storm of hate and
vituperation against the British。 〃Remember the burning of
Washington and the way they treated the women at Bladensburg。〃
〃All of which about the women was utterly disproved； except in
one case； and in that the criminal was shot by order of his own
commander；〃 retorted Hubbell。
At Plattsburg others maintained that the British had harmed no
one。 Colonel Murray had given strict orders that all private
property be absolutely respected。 Nothing but government property
was destroyed and only that which could be construed into war
stores and buildings。 What further damage was done was the result
of accident or error。 Officers were indeed quartered on the
inhabitants； but they paid for what they got； and even a carpet
destroyed by accident was replaced months afterward by a British
officer who had not the means at the time。
So it was agreed that Hubbell with Rolf and the village fathers
and brothers should join their country's army； leaving wives and
children behind。
There were wet bearded cheeks among the strong； rugged men as
they kissed their wives and little ones and prepared to go； then
stopped； as horrible misgivings rose within。 〃This was war； and
yet again； 'We have had proofs that the British harmed no woman
or child'。〃 So they dashed away the tears； suppressed the choking
in their throats； shouldered their guns； and marched away to the
front； commending their dear ones to the mercy of God and the
British invaders。
None had any cause to regret this trust。 Under pain of death； Sir
George Prevost enforced his order that the persons of women and
children and all private property be held inviolate。 As on the
previous raid； no damage was done to non…combatants； and the only
hardships endured were by the few who； knowing nothing； feared
much； and sought the precarious safety of life among the hills。
Sir George Prevost and his staff of ten officers were quartered
in Judge Hubbell's house。 Mrs。 Hubbell was hard put to furnish
them with meals； but they treated her with perfect respect； and
every night； not knowing how long they might stay； they left on
the table the price of their board and lodging。
For three days they waited； then all was ready for the advance。
〃Now for Plattsburg this week and Albany next； so good…bye；
madam〃 they said politely； and turned to ride away。 a gay and
splendid group。
〃Good…bye； sirs； for a very little while； but I know you'll soon
be back and hanging your heads as you come；〃 was the retort。
Sir George replied： 〃If a man had said that； I would call him
out； but since it is a fair lady that has been our charming
hostess； I reply that when your prophecy comes true； every
officer here shall throw his purse on your door step as he
passes。〃
So they rode away； 13；000 trained men with nothing between them
and Albany but 2000 troops； double as many raw militia； and
MacDonough of the Lake。
Ten times did Rolf cover that highway north of Plattsburg in the
week that followed； and each day his tidings were the same the
British steadily advance。
Chapter 79。 McGlassin's Exploit
There was a wonderful spirit on everything in Plattsburg； and the
earthly tabernacle in which it dwelt； was the tall； grave young
man who had protested against Hampton's behaviour at Burlington
Captain； now General Macomb。 Nothing was neglected； every
emergency was planned for； every available man was under arms。
Personally tireless； he was ever alert and seemed to know every
man in his command and every man of it had implicit confidence in
the leader。 We have heard of soldiers escaping from a besieged
fortress by night； but such was the inspiring power of this
commander that there was a steady leaking in of men from the
hills； undrilled and raw； but of superb physique and dead shots
with the ride。
A typical case was that of a sturdy old farmer who was marching
through the woods that morning to take his place with those who
manned the breastworks and was overheard to address his