The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1834-11-12
THE HORRORS OF WAR

THE HORRORS OF WAR
The following very affecting illustration of the
horrors of war are extracted from lately publish
ed work, the Revolutions ofa Prirate SOLdier;-
"There is something, III the mind, that iorclbly
appeals the heart, in witnessing the distress of
conquered foe to sec fear and horror depicted in
every countenance pity must arise, however the
fatigue and suiferlngs of war may have bunted the
kindlier feelings.-Such were my thoughts, as
traversed the streets of BOnapartc though elated
by the victory, humanity still kept its domn-
ion over me. | had seen in few hours, the wife
rendered a widow, the child parentess, and heard
the wangs of fond mother, for her only loved,
and long cherished son (; had seen the trembling
maiden torn from the arms of her protecting lover,
father or brother to become the victim to the lust
of an intoxicated solderyi But brief time since,
had crossed the bleeding corses, both of my COM
rades and the enemy unheeding the slaughter sur
rounding me-but the excitement had passed, Fa-
tigued-parchng with thirst-sick at heart with the
sight of blood-the groans of the wounded and dy-
ing, which every avenue presented,-l sought a
place of repose and retreshment. was joined by
two comrades ofthe -th and, while consulting how
to pass the night, observed four Sepoys us.
The distrust existing in our minds against these
fellows, induced us to watch them. They knocked
at one of the houses and upon receiving no answer,
applied musket to the lock, gaining speedy en-
trance. We followed them into the house, and
stretched upon couch, in corner of the room, lay
an old man, with his daughter, girl of fifteen, rem-
bling and sobbing on his breast. The Sepoys de-
manded food and drink, the old man, pointing to a
recess, desired them to take it. We joined them,
and after some refreshment separated, my compan-
ions having recollected some business at head quar-
tcrs thus left alone with the Sepoys, the faith
er, and daug ughter.-Knowing their character, and
possessing in small degree the general prejudice
against them, l sharpened my musket flint, and
prepared for any emergency that mis- ght present it.
self They had satisfied their hunger, and expec-
ted were about to depart, when they seized the old
man, and demanded of him where his money was
hidden, to which he gave no reply exasperated at
his obstnacy, one of them presentedhs musket, and
swore he would shoot him in the event of his not
producing gold. Whether the old man was petri-
fled with fear or whether avarce was ruling pas
sion. know not but he remained silent as death
Finding their threats unavaing they seized the
GIRL and by most horrible oahs, endcavored to wiring
the secret from her; it was in vain, she trembled
violently, but uttered not a syllable. Burning will
fury and disappointment, the villains, doubt not
would have sacrificed both, had not new idea
struck one of them; resolution which he gave ut
terance to with savage Joy. Three of them sezeC
the unfortunate GIRL while the fourth proceeded tt
accomplish his brutal purpose before the eyes OF he
agtated, but helpless father! Never shall forge
the old mans countenance at that moment horror
despair, and misery were depicted thereon his iac
was distorted with the utmost rage; but weakness
the imbccility of age prevented his interference.
grasped my ire-lock with a nervous hand recol
lecting, however, the number had to oppose, re
monstrance seemed the only means | could use.
reminded them of the crime they were about to com
nit entreated them to desist from their horrible
purpose. The old man had crawled to the side o
his child and clung to the knees of her ravishers
while the big tears suffilsed his dark furrowed coun
tenance The rufiians laughed, and desired me t
stand off, as valued my own life. They proceeded
with their hesh work, the girls shrieks bccam
more and m re shrill mingled with the jcsts AM
loud laughter of the fends who held her. Fury tool
possession of me- a fire was rekndled in me- whic
nought but the blood of the Sepoys could allay.
thought of my own loved sisters,-the thought wa
harrowing-in a moment of frenzy, levelled m
piece-the ball pierced the brain of the Sepoy, VIII
turned to curse me, and fell bleeding corse tn
fainting girl.
Thank heaven had missed her. She was ur
, hurt unblemshed as had first seen her. BY tn
time my comrades had returned, and met the SUI
2 vivng soldiers in their precptate retreat. Raisn
, the girl from the dead body, placed her til
| bosom of her father. had again stained my hanC
+ in blood but it was in defence of innocence, an
never will remorsc gull; stain the fair name of
British soldier, for offering protection to the feeb
and needy-even though he should do so, by II
C sacrifice of worthless life. The unhappy fath
v sobbed forth his thanks,-they penetrated my hear
!, pressed his aged hand, chased the tear from m
It eyes, and hurried to repose my wearied limbs, whe
O chance might afford me an opportunity
= A CRAFTY ADVOCATE.