Page:Statement of the attempted rescue of General Lafayette from Olmutz.djvu/20

 ascertain that he was not materially injured. The horse had galloped off, and was seen quietly grazing at some little distance in the field. Mr. Huger went to catch him, which he easily did, and during that short walk, said he made up his mind what he ought to do; (and this was the only occasion he had to shew the disinterested generosity, and simple directness of purpose, of his brave unselfish character.) By this time all the country was alarmed; heads were seen on all sides, looking out for the cause of the commotion. Alarm guns were firing from the battlements; a train of soldiers were seen issuing from the fortress; the crowd on the road stared at them, but as yet no one had attempted to speak to, or stop them. On returning with the horse, Huger assisted Dr. Bollman into the saddle, and then told him that he must proceed alone with all speed; that it was useless to endeavour farther to make that horse carry both, and that he would endeavour on foot to follow, but positively refused to impede their chance of success by further trial. The amazed Doctor expostulated—said if only one can ride, why should I go, instead of you, and leave you to destruction? How can I answer it to your friends? But he was aswered, do not think of me, or my friends;