In memory of the conflict at Paulus’s Hook,
nineteenth of August, 1779
I
The most dashing and romantic young soldier of the Continental Army, was Light Horse Harry. His real name was Henry Lee.
He was a small, alert, young man, mischievous sometimes, but always brave. He was a cavalry-leader. He commanded the famous Legion of Light Horse, which took part in so many heroic battles. He was one of Washington’s most trusted generals.
His charm and dauntlessness delighted Washington, who showed warm interest in his promotion; perhaps this was because Light Horse Harry’s mother had been Washington’s young sweetheart in his schoolboy days. “My lowland beauty,” he had called her. But she had married a Lee, and not Washington.
Light Horse Harry had many adventures as romantic and daring as himself.
II
Light Horse Harry was a favourite at Mount Vernon. He did not stand in any reverential awe of the great Washington.
One day, as they sat at table, Washington mentioned that he wanted a pair of carriage horses, and asked the young man if he knew where they might be bought.
“I have a fine pair, General,” replied he, “but you cannot get them.”