The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1833-07-24
rHE DEsERTERs.
The following narrative was found a

UC AoStO"ibH "oc soubu ~
mong the papers of~Mr. Mason, Secre-
tar 10 the Duke of Cumberland.
There were in the-regiment, two
young soldiers above the common level,
both from the same place, town in Ian
cashire, and each had much friendship
for the oiher.-They had enlisted toge-
ther through different motives: They
marched together, and were inhabitants
of the same tent. One, whom l shall
call the iover, had enrolled his name
through an uneasiness from being disap-
pointedin what he thought all his hap
pioess was centered--the marrying of a
sweet girl of his own town, by whom he
was much beloved. Her relations were
inexorable and his hopes in vain. The
other, lad Of spirit. believing the sol
dier's life as fine as the recruiting officer
had described it, willing to see wars, ac-
company his friend, and serve lis coun-
try, likewise accepted the Kings pic
lures, and was called the volunteer. He
was the only son Of his mother. and she
a widcw; she was much gricved at this
step which he had taken without her
priviiy or consent but being in an easy
situation, and not wanting his assistance
for her support, she lamented only thro'
affection for him. The widow sent
forth her son with tears and blessings +;
the maid eyed her lover from distant
window, "a nearer approach not being
permited,) and beat time to his steps
with her heart, till he was ont of sight,
and then sent her soul after him, in a
deep sigh. They had not been long in
the camp before the volunteer had wofll
proof Of the wide difference between the
gentleman and soldier, which he had
dressed up in his imagination, and the
miserable, half starved food for powder.
As for the lover, he was insensible to
hardsbips of the body; the agitation of
his mind absorbed his whole attention.
In vain had lie endeavoured to fly from
the object of his love: he brought his
pers,n only, leaving his thoughts and
his heart behind him, and was absent
from himself in the noise aud hustle of
the day, ms in a silent midnight watch,
or when stretched upon his bed at night.
They communicated their situation to
each other, and took the fatal resolution
TO desert. Thus winged by love, and
urged by fear, the hills Of Scotland flew
from their heels, and they had arrived at
u village within mile Of their own town,
when they were overtaken by a horse
pursuit, and re-conducted to their camp.
A court martial was held and they were
condemned to die but the General or
dered, as is usual in such cases, that
they should cast lots, and only one of
them suffer-. At the appointed time the
ring was formed, the drum placed in the
centre, with the box aud dice upon its
head, and tho delinqnents made to enter.
] he horrors which sat brooding en-
their souls the proceeding night and we're
now overwhelming them, at the awfa!
crisis were strongly painted in their war
and palljd countenaDces. Their friend
ship was real and sincere, but not of
that fabulous and heroic kind as to wish
to die for each other: each wished to
live, and each was disquieted at the
thought. that his safety must be built on
the death of his friend. They alternate
y requested each other to begin. The
lover looked earnestly at the little instru-
ments of death, took them in his tremb-
ling hand, and quickly laid them down.
The officer was obliged to interpose and
command the volunteer to throw: he
lifted the box in the right hand, then
shifted it into the left, then gave it to his
righ. again, and us if ashamed of weak
ness or superstition, cast his eyes up for
a moment, and in the act to throw,
when the shrieks of female sorrow
struck his ear, and in burst from the OPP
posite part Of the circle, the widow and
maid-their hair dishevelled, and their
garments, by travelling. soiled and torr.
What sight was this the mother
and. son on, one side Of the drum, aud
The maid and lover on the other The
first transports Of their frantic joy, at
finding them alive, were soon abated by
the dreadful uncertainty of what must
follow. Tie officer was a man who did
did not hurry the volunteer 10 throw.
He put his hand on the box Of his own
accord. his mother fell PROSTATE upon
the earth, us did also the maid, and both,
with equal consgancy and fervour poured
forth their different prayers.
He threw nine a CLEAN of imperfect
Joy lighted up the widows face, and she
looked as you might have supposed her
to have done, if standing on the shore,
she had seen her son shipwrecked, buf.
feting the waves, when presently he
gains raft and is padding to the shore,
and already she thinks to feel his fond
embrace, but still is anxious, lest even
yet some envious biIiow sould snatch