State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-02-29
AMERICAN WOMEN.

The zeal with which the cause of liber-
~ was embraced by the women of Ameri-
ca, during the war of our revolution, has
often been mentioned with admiration and
praise. The following anecdotes will
forcbly illustrate the extent and strength Of
this patriotic feeling:
To Mrs Pinckney, the wife of Col. Charles
Pinckney, a British officer once said, 1T is
impossible not to admire the intrepid firm
ness of the ladies of your country. Had
your men but half their resolution, we
might give up the contest, -America would
be invincibe.'
Mrs. Daniel Hall, having obtained per-
mission to pay visit TO her mother, on
Johns Island, was on the point Of embark
ing, when an officer stepping forward, in
the most authoritative manner demanded
the key of her trunk.
What do you expect 10 find there" nsk-
ed the lady.
Il seek for treason was the reply.
'You may save yourself the trouble of
search thcn,' said Mrs Hall; you may find
plenty of it at my tongues end
An officer distinguished for his inhuman-
itv and constant oppression of the unfortu-
nate, meeting Mrs. Charles Eliot in gar
asked the name of the chanomile, which
appeared to flourish with peculiar luXuri-
ance.
'The rebel .Ro'rcr, she replied.
'Why was that name given III! asked the
officer.
Because cnjoincd the lady, ii hriveS
most ,chen most tramPied upon.'
So much were the ladies attached to the
wing interest, Infatuated to injuries, and
so resolute in supporting them, that they
would iocosely speak of misfortunes,
/ though at the moment severely suffering
under their pressure. Mrs. Sabina Elliott,
having witnessed the activity of an officer
who had ordered the plundering of her
poultry houses, finding an old muscoyy
drake, which had escaped the general
search, still straying about the premises,
! had him caugh, and mounting servant on
horseback, ordered him to follow and de-
liver the bird to the officer with her com
pliments, as she concluded that in the
hurry of departure it had been left alto
gether by accident.
The contrivances adopted by the ladies
to carry from The British garrison supplies
10 the gallant defenders of their country,
were highly crcditable, to their ingenuity,
and of infinite utility to their friends. The
cloth of many q military coat concealed
with ar, and not unIrequenty made IN
aDpendage 10 female attire, has escaped the
vigilance of the guards expressly stationed
to prevent smuggling, and speedily been
converted into regimental shape, and worn
uiumphantly in battle. Boots have, in
many instances, been relnqushed by the
delicate wearer TO the active partlzan.
have seen horseman's helmet concealed
by arranged head dress, and epaulets delv-
cred from the folds of the simple cap a
matron. Feathers and cockadcs were
much in demand and so cunnngly hid,
and handsomely presented, that he could
have been no true knight, who did not feel
the obligation to to defend them 10 the last
extremity.
In the indulgence of wanton aspcritics
towards the patriotic fair, the aggressors
were not untrequeetly answered with n
keenness ofrepartee that gave them little
cause for triumph. Tar!ton, Wanting
his feats of ga!lantry to the great dIsparage-
ment Oft the officers of the continental caval-
ry, said 10 lady Mt Wilmington, y have a
very earnest desire TO see your iar-iamed
hero Colonel Washington
your wish, Colonel, might have been
fully gratifed," she promptly replied, had
you venured TO look behind you at the
battle of The Cowpens.' 1t was in this bat
tie that Washington wounded Tarton in
the hand, which gave rise to a sill more
pointed retort. Conversng with Mrs VIII
ey Jones, Col. Tnrlton observed, "You APP
pear to think very highly of Col. Washing
ton and yet have been told that he is SC