Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1823-11-27
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From The Coluabas Gazette.
THEFOREST WARRIORS.


Such simple tales as Che Forest War
riors, have often been told, and perhaps
in a much better manner Many affect
/ ing instances have been recorded of the
fatal effects of ruthless war, and many
more yet remain to be told. We need
] not to 20 back TO zee grave OF ancient
years, no. seek them in foreign coun-
tries. when our own affords US SO am
pie share.
The characters introduced into this
iittie story, are now 'gathered unto their
fathers" and their bones are reposing
among the congregations OF the silent
dead. And, although they once resid-
ed in this country, their mstoryis known
oriy 10 a. few surviving friends.
William 3elgrave had scarcely attain
ed bis twentieth year, when the late wer
between the United States and Great
Britain commenced. sie was respected
by all who knew him, fer his anaiable
manners and generous disposition; and
but few young men possessed greater
share of strength and activity, or more
Intellectual talents and genius. he was
born and brought up in enc of tie TO-
rests for which tbs state is SO conspicu-
Gus, bat few nailes from where Co.
lunlbus now rears her lofty head, which
then contained but o few leg buildings.
sie ardeatly loved the young and beau
tifui Lucy Chaplin, and had solicited her
hand ia marriage, which was granteS,
and the day appointed for solemniza-
ION of the nuptial ceremonies. They
we've preparing for, and anxiously a
waiting IFS approach, when he WAS called
10 deiead his native state from the bar.
5arous savag &c and the naughty Sfiton.
a'he rapid strides which they were
making into eur territory, compelled
hin, TO take o sudden leave Of bis home
and friends. 'te Impaired the sorros-
fui news to bis intended bride, in as ter
Ger a manner as possible, and encpura-
sed her to submit patiently, for he hoped
seon to return again in peace and honor.
The color fled from her beautiful cheek
"a tea: bedered eer lovely eye, as he
talked Of leaving her; but II was of short
duration; for she Immediately ioIaaed
the heroic resolution of following him
to the martial camp, and ssare his for
tune in the chances of a terrific war.
NE eadeavour~d to dissuade her, by
pourtraying, in the nest glowing coiors,
and with faithful exactness, the hard
ships and trials which awaited her, in the
event Of her accompanying him; but
she was inHexible in her purposes, and
aites various entreaties, on both sides,
he reluctantly gave his consent
Her fine auburn tresses, which hung
in careless simplicity On her snowy neck,
were trimmed short, and the garments
which designated the sex, were sxchan-
gen for a suit OF mems apparel sut
even in this disguise, kind Of native
ionocence and beauty was pictured in
her counten2ace, which could never &C.
long TO the masculine sex, and, so much
so, tnas after her enlistsent, she was
co-a mcnly called the handsome re-
cruit," by her military companions
more ever even suspected OF her being
any ihing but man.
Whea her parents discovered that she
was Hsiss,ng, they made the strictest
search and enquiry for her, but in vain,
! az 40 one could inform thela of her fate.
Bat at length letter was fouhd, written
! by her, intorn,ing them that she expect
ed TO be absent some time, when she
would return and entreat their forgive
ness Tor her mysterious conduct; she
concluded by requesting them not to be
uneasy about her situation, as she vas
with friead, who would protect her IN
| I'll ttey should meet again-
But, alas! poor, deluded girl' how lit
tie did she think that the next meeting
would be in another and better world;
how little did she think That in few
more revolving weeks the blighting
haad of death would lay her fsndest
hopes in dust; or that, instead of the
bridal bed, she should occupy the lowly
mansions of the grave.
! The company TO which they belong
edwas soon marched to the lines. Lucy,
who passed by the assumed name OF
James Thornton, had already become
expert in all the nan@uvres and duties
of a soldier; aud she was often placed
on some dangerous out-posts as a senti-
mel TWAS quite painful to Belgrare to
see her exposed to so many hardships,
although she bore them with the utmost
patience; but il could not be remedied
without exposing her real character, her
unsullied virtue and integrity. They
fondiy anticipated the time when their
/ terra, OF service would expire. which