The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1834-11-26

II was clear moonlight night in autumn, in II
"a and the old garrison house of the valiant Cap
tain Wheelwright, the terror Of all The Indians with
in twenty miles of Wells, was brilliantly illuminated
for the wedding of the veterans daughter, TO young
and gallant ranger, belonging to the band of Capt.
Uarman. The house was crowded with guests,
principally with military men, for at that period cy-
ery man was soldier, and every woman, If she could
not merit that appcation, at least worthy OF be-
ing a soldiers wife.
twas "A grand timc--that wedding There was
an abundance Of maple sugar and pumpkin pies,
and all the young ladies within thirty mi!es had been
invited to partahc of the festivities on the occasion.
The dance went nimbIy down the rude hall, and cy-
cry one seemed desirous of adding something to the
general expression of merriment and JOY.
Yet there were watchfu eyes and anxious hearts
amidst the Joyous assembly. AT every sound from
without-thc sudden bark of dog, or the creaking
ofthe large old trees in the autumn wind, thrill
like that Of electricity passed thro the rong ofrcy-
ellers More than once had the hands Of The ram
gers instinctiycIy fastened on their rifles, which
leaned, ready for execution, IN every corner OF the
building. II was known to all lhIt The eastern saw
ages were in motion that the mpIacable hate Of
the red men was brOoding like thunder cloud over
the encroaching advance of thc Englsh.-Thc IN
l,nbanls of Wells had not indeed suffered recently
from the attacks of their subtle cncmy-but they
felt no security from the vengeance Of foes, who
were unappeasablc in their resentment, and whose
transient forbearancc like the crouch of the panther,
or the coil of the reused rattle snake might be only
the preparation for Il sudden and deadly blow.
But the wedding went without interruption.
The beautiful Emily WhcclwrgIt stood up with the
young lover before the vcneratcd clergyman. She
was fine specimen of natural bcauty-her dark
hair fell careessly and richly upon her ncck-hcr
full check glowcd with the freshness of health, and
the free waist and uucOnincd form, gave 10 her mo-
tons elasticity and graccfuncss to which the
moderate victim is Il stranger And the bridegroom
in the strength and vieor of his YOUTH with his sun
burnt countenance, AND manly proportions, prcscn-
ted striking contrast to the fashionable exquisite
Of modern days.
The rites concluded; and Charles lIanwc
had Just imprinted the blushng cheek of the
bride the ceremonial kiss, when terrific cry from
without rang through every nook Of the mansion.
All sprang on their feet at the fearful alarm. The
next instant the report Of rifles came sharply their
ears.
TO arms the heather are upon us shouted
Captain Wheclwright, snatching his mushct from
the hooks by which it suspended
There was sudden rush towards the door. The
moon shone full upon the wild scenery around, but
there were no visible traces of an enemy At length
a solitary figure made its appearance at remote
corner Of the building. Help, for Gods sake =
said n well known voice. am wounded. The /
bloody red skins abroad
half-bewildcred group. At that instant rifle flash
cleaned from the nearest thlckct. The aim was a
fatal oae for its unfortunate object who had nearly
reached his comrades, sprung suddenly and convu- /
sivcly from the earth and fell dead at their feet. .
The cxulting whoop Of an invisible foe drowned
in the report of the muskcs of the white men, which
were now directed at every bush and thickct.
20 your horses, mem = exclaimed Captain lIar- .
man, rs the dusly forms of the enemy became yis-
bic, at distance, which was beyond the certain aim
of his rangers. Charles Hunwcl turned anXiously
to his bridc-she deadly pale she did not join
in the cries and tears around hcr-but she sat sill
and white rs a statue. Do not he alarmed said
Charles aileclionatcly pressing her hand. The
Sayages viii not mOleS, after one vigorous attack
from rifles, aad there is little danger TO be ap
pretended. Be quiet. We shall return immediately
The spirit Of her father was strongly within the
heart of Emily. Go, Charles she said, and may
God preserve YOU A party had already mounted, .
ald the trample OF hOofs ringing Without
Charles sprang to his saddle, and in moment the
band to which he belonged disappeared in the shad-
ows ofthc surrounding woodlands. Captain Wheel
wright undertook to garrlsOn-his dwelling with the
reminder OF the company.
/ would be impossible to describe the anxiety
with which the wedding guests listened TO every
sound which came from the direction which the ram
gers had taken The tInmpling of their horses
gradually died away then the sound of firearms
was heard and ever and anon, the shrll and terri
ble cry Of the savage rose icarully on the wind
The heavy tread ofhorses soon announced the
turn of the adventurcrs.-They wheeled into the
rIle enclosure, and the next moment Hanman con-
f'on.cd the agitatcd assembly. The vile heathcn
hc maite9ed between his clenchcd teeth: and turn
ing to- the bride, Your husband is among the mis-
sing 1t has been horrid nights work. and lac
threw himself into chair, apparently exhausted.
Is hs dead calculated Emily lIanwell, SPRING
<ing up, and graspng conyulsiycy the hand of the
soldier. Tell me, Captain liarman, as you hope
for mercy, tell me, is nc dead p
Your husband is prisoner said Iarmau, bul
he fought desperately before he yielded. lie was
overpowered by numllers, and we were unable 10
effect his rescue. There was earlnl akirmish Cor