Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1826-06-16

be some one, if you consent to go, I'll
rem ain here until you return. am not
the least afraid SO be quick and give
me your arms" This request she en-
forced with so much eloquence and ten
derness, and so many tears, that the
poor soldier against his better judgment,
was fan 10 yield, more especially as he
felt himself become fainter and fainter,
end unable much longer to resist the
cold. Intending to return within few
minutes, he left the kind hearted girl in
his place, wrapping her in his cloak,
and giving her his arms and his cap, to-
gether with his watchword, and such
was her delight at the idea OF having
saved the life of her behaved, that she
was for while insensble to the intense
severity OF the weather. But just as she
was fat,ering herself with the hope OF
returning, an officer made his appear
ance, who, as she forgot in her confu-
sion to give the sign, suspected the sol
dier had either fallen or fed. What
was his surprise on rushing to the spot, to
find young girl overpowered with
alarm and unable to give an account OF
herself, from her extreme agitation and
fears.
Being instantly conducted to the guard
house, and restored to some degree OF
confidence, the poor girl confessed the
whole truth, soliciting with The anguish
Of doubt and distraction, pardon for
her betrothed husband. He was in
stanty summoned from her house, but
was found in such state Of weakness
from the sufferings he had undergone,
as to leave little prospect of his survl-
wing them. Ii was with much difficulty,
with the assistance OF medical advice,
that he was restored sufficiently to give
an Ineligible account of HIMSELF alter
which he was placed in close custody,
to await the period of his trial. " Far
happier had it been Tor me" he exclaim-
ed, on being restored to consciousness,
"lar happier to have died at my post,
than to be thus reserved for cruel and
ignominious DEATH" And the day OF
his trial coming on, such was the politi-
cal severity OF martial law, as he had
we'll forseen, that he was condemned to
be executed within few days after his
sentence. Great as was his affection on
hearing these tidings, it was little in COM
| parison with the remorse and terror that
distracted the breast OF his beloved girl,
who, in addition to the fear Of losing him,
IN so public and ignominious manner,
accused herself as the cause OF the
whole calamity. He, to whom she was
so long and tenderIy attached, was now
to fall as it were by the hand OF his be-
trothed bride! Such was the strange
| n.ss and saddennass' ct the event. that
her feelings being wrought up to the
highest pitch OF excita,lon and terror,
her very despair seemed to give her
strengthened casting all fear Of conse-
quences aside, she made a vow 10 save
him, or to perish in the attempt. Bitter
ly weeping, and with disheveled hair,
she ran wildly through The city, beseech-
ing every person OF rank and influence to
unto in peti,lonlng tor pardon for her
lover; or that her life, she being the sole
author Of the fault. be accepted IN place
OF his.
The circumstances being made known,
such was the tenderness and compassion
excited IN her behalf, and such the adj
mlratlon OF her conduct, at once SO at
fectionate and spirited, that persons OF
the highest rank became Interested tor
her, and used the most laudable efforts
to obtain a pardon tor the poor soldier.
The ladies OF the place also exer,mg
their influence, the governor, no longer
proof against this torrent oil public feel.
ing, made merit OF granting him tor
giveness, on the condition OF his being
Immediately united TO the heroic and
noble hearted girl, and accepting with
her small donation, an example which
was speedily followed by people OF eve
ry rank !; so that the young bride had
the additional pleasure OF presenting her
beloved with handsome dover, which
satisfied their moderate wishes, and
crowned their humble happiness.
Parting interview zvith Emmett. The
evening before his death, while the
workmen we're busy with the scafiold, a
young lady was ushured into his dun
geon. Ii was the girl whom he so fond
ly loved, and who had now come to bid
him an eternal farewell. He was lean
ing, in a melancholy mood, against the
window frame OF his prison, and the
heavy cIanking Of his irons, smote dis
mally on her heart.-The interview was
bitterly affecting, and melted even the