American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1824-06-25

Are ravaged ieelinGs-broken hearts,"
Such simple tales as the Forest Warriors, hav
often been told, and perhaps in much better man
Iner Many affecting instances have been recorded
of the fatal effects Of ruthless war, and many NOR
yet remain to be told We need not 20 back to h
Igrave OF ancient years, nor seek them in foreign
countries, when our own affords so ample share
The characters introduced into this little story
lare now gathered unto their fathers,' and thei
b~nes are reposng among the congregations of thu
silent dead. And, although they once resided il
this country, their history is known only to few
Surviving friends.
William Belgrave had scarcely attained his TWEEN
tieth year, when the late war between the United
States and Great Britain commenced. He was res
pected by all who knew him, for his amiab!e man
ners and generous disposition and but few youns
men possessed greater share of strength and &C
tvity, or more intellectual talents and genius. H
was born and brought up in one OF the forests 70
which this state is so conspicuous, but few mile
from the spot where Columbus now rears her loft
head, which then contained but few log buildings
He ardently loved the young and beautiful Luc
Chaplin, and had solicited her hand in marriage
which was granted and the day appointed for so
termination OF the nupal ceremony. They were
preparing for and anxiously awaiting its approach
when he was called to defend his native state from
the barbarous savage and the naughty Briton.
| The rapid strides which they were making int
| our territory, compelled him to take sudden leay
of his home and his friends. He impaired the sor
rowul news TO his intended bride, in as tender
manner as possible, and encouraged her patiently
for he hoped to return again in peace and hon
or. The color fed from her beautiful cheek, AM
a tear believed her lovely eye as he talked Of lea
wing her; but it was Of short duration for she i'm
mediately formed the heroic resolution of following
him to the martial camp and share his fortune in tn
chances of terrific war. He endeavored to dssuad
her by portraying in the most glowing colors AM
with faithful exactness, the hardships and trial
which awaited her, in the event of her accompany
ing him /; but she was inAexbe in her purposes, AM
after various entreaties on both sides, he reucant
gave his consent.
Her fine auburn tresses which hung in careles
simplicity on her snowy neck were trimmed shor
and the garments which designated the sex, wer
Exchanged Tor suit OF mans apparel. But eve
in this disguise, kind OF native innocence and beau
| ty was pictured in her countenance which coult
never belong to the masculine sex and so nue.
so, that after her enlistment, she was commoD
called the handsome recruit" by her militar
companions ;-none ever suspected her being an,
| thing but man.
! When her parents discovered that she was mis-
| sing, they made the strctest search and inquire
for her, but in vain; one could inform them O
her fate. But at length letter was found, wrtte
by her, informing them that she expected to be alb
| sent short time, when she would return, and en-
treat their forgiveness for her mysterious conduct
she concued by requesting them not to be ,uneas
about her situation, as she was with friend, VIII
would protect her until they should meet again.
But, alas, poor, deluded girl how little did sh
think that their next meeting would be in anothe
and better world; how little did she think. that il
a few more revolving weeks, the blighted hand O
death would Law her fDndest hnnes in the flnst =. n
that instead of the bridal bed, she would occupy TIL
lowly mansions of the grave.
| The company to which they belonged was sooi
marched to the lines. Lucy, who passed by tn
assumed name of James Thornton, had already be
come expert in all the mannuvres and duties of
soldier, and she was often placed on some danger
Gus outpost as a sentinel. 1t was quite painful t
the feelings of Belgrave, to see her exposed to 81
many hardships, atho' she bore them with the ut
most patience, but it could not be remedied withou
exposing her real character, and endangering he
unsullied virtue and integrity. Theyiondy antici
pated the time when their term Of service would ex
pire, which would be ere long, and leave them fire.,
to consummate their happiness at the altar, amds
| the congratulations OF their friends-They wer,
fortunate enough, however to be placed in one tent
which rendered their hours less tedious and lhei
duties less fatiguing.
| On dark tempestuous night, Just before the
memorable battle of Chippeway, Lucy was APP
pointed to one OF the farthermost outposts of the
American camp. Ever faithful to her duty, she
Thought that she could distinguish the rapid, and
almost silent approach of footsteps; as usual on
such occasions, she demanded in an austere voice
|" Who's there )" no reply was made, and according
to orders, she discharged her musket towards the
sound as signal, and hastily retreaed towards the
camp; few hollow groans announced that she had
not fred in vain. The drums immediately beat tc