Sir, my boasted Mr. Dunwoodie is the pride of
Washington's army as a cavalry officer," cried Henry with warmth.
"Dunwoodie, Dunwoodie!" repeated the colonel slowly, "surely I have met
the gentleman before."
"I have been told you once saw him for a moment, at the town residence
of my sisters," replied Wharton, with a lurking smile.
"Ah! I do remember me of such a youth; and does the most potent congress
of these rebellious colonies intrust their soldiers to the leading of
such a warrior!"
"Ask the commander of yon Hessian horse, whether he thinks Major
Dunwoodie worthy of the confidence."
Colonel Wellmere was far from wanting that kind of pride which makes a
man bear himself bravely in the presence of his enemies. He had served
in America a long time, without ever meeting with any but new raised
levies, or the militia of the country. These would sometimes fight, and
that fearlessly, but they as often chose to run away without pulling a
trigger. He was too apt to judge from externals, and thought it
impossible for men whose gaiters were so clean, whose tread so regular,
and who wheeled with so much accuracy, to be beaten. In addition to all
these, they were Englishmen, and their success was certain. Colonel
Wellmere had never been kept much in the field, or these notions, which
he had brought with him from home, and which had been greatly increased
by the vaporing of a garrisoned town, would have long since vanished.
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