The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1831-11-22
TALEOF THE REVOLUTION

tu tnt WtHttF w iSfF. WHtU LpfO ilOWe
h,d possession of Philadelphia, the situation
OF the Americans who could not follow their
beloved commander, was truly distressing /;
subject to the every day insults Of cruel and
oppressive foes. Bound to pay obedience to
laws predicated on the momentary power of
q proud and vindictive commander, il can be
better pictured than described. To obtain
the common necessaries Of life. particularly
flour, they had to 60 as far as Bristol, a dis
tance OF lS or 20 miles; and even this indul-
gence was not granted them, until pass was
procured from Lord Howe, as guards were
planted along Vine street, extending from
Delaware to Sehuylkill, forming a complete
barrier; beyond these, through the woods,
extending as far as Frankfort, were station.
cd the picquet guards-thus rendering il in
a manner impossible to reach the Bristol
Mills, without first obtaining pass.
Tho commander in chief of the American
forces VAS then encamped at the Valley Forge
suffering from cold, hunger and inclemency
OF the season. The British rolled in plenty,
spent their days in feasting, and their nj ights
in balls, riots and dissipation: thus resting in
supposed security while the American chief
was planning mode for their final extirpa
ton. A poor woman with six small children.
a..
made frequent application for q pass. En-
gsgemcnts rendered it impossible for the
cruel tormentor to give one. Rendered des.
perate from ppontment, and the cries of
the children, she started alone, without pass.
and by good luck, eluded the guards, and
reached Bristol.
II will be remembered by many yet living,
that six brothers by the name of Of Doale or
lnualI ahanf that
acte OF bravery, but more in character Of ma.
rsuders than soldiers. They were men full
six feet high, stout and active, a fearless in
trepidiiy Characterised their deeds, in a way
peculiar to themselves, and they always sue.
ceeded IN making their escape A marked
patlaliiy TO the Americans rendered them oh.
noxlous To the British, and always welcome
10 the former, to whom they conveyed what
information they could CLEAN, in their excur.
sons. tr
Our adventurous female having procured
het -four IN pillow case, holding about 70 lbs.
was returning with light heart TO her lone
iy babes She had passed the pcQuet guard
az Ftsnkior'. and was just entering the wood
lii,le this side, when tsll, stout man stem
ped from behind tree, u pu,tingA letter into
her hand. requested her To read il. She
E'"'p'" Wv" V'kN' J'F tnt IctleT nearing TIE
character OF her husbands hand writing.
Aher pause he said, "your husband is well.
madam,& requested me tn y,ihat in q short
time ne VIII be with you: money IL a scarce
article with us--l mean among them !:
but on account Of your husbands patiali,y 10
the cause ofliber,y am willing 10 become
his banker" So saying. he handed her a
purse at money. my means madam. are cd
n Il wfpfl L.,l
was about 90 refuse u.
You said, s,r, NV husband would see me
sh0rtly--how do yon know that which seems
90 impossible; and how do you know me,
who never
"Hnsh. madam, we are now approaching
the British guard: suffice II to say, the A.
meocsn commander has that in his head
which like an earthquake, will shake the
whole American continent, and expnnge
those mi-creanfs but bark ---takc the road
To the ieft-iarewelt" She gave one look,
huf vacancy hlled the place where he stood.
With slow and cautious steps she approach
Wac sieeet. Already homes sprung into her
hear, already her Ere burned beneath her
br,ad.when the awful word struck
terror to her soul. She torned and found
herself IN the custody OF British sentinel {:
fanr pass. Womsn." have none, sir, my
ehidfen"--"The rebel crew. why do you
breed enemies 10 your King--Let them stavve
the nour - mne--off woman. -die with
your osses" groan was her only answer.
Inc rofnsn was shout departing, when tho
former messenger sppeared--hs whole de.
mcsnos was ehsnged--huubie simplicity
msrhes his eait--he approached the guard
win 2 seeming fesrfulness, and begged in
supphsoi voice. 10 give the poor woman her.
houv.--"Fool--idio,, T" exclaimed the guard.
awho are yoo9 See yondcr guard honre
" you interfere here. you shall soon be i,s
inmate May be so, sir--but wont you
give the poor woman tho mesns of support.
ing bes little family one week longer; recol.
lect the distance she hss walked the weight