Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1836-04-20

we hunt the wolf, when lion is in the
ncighborh0od?'
"A lion' exclaimed the old lady,-'how did
he get among u.s."
mo matter how, Hannah. he il among us,
, and must be met and conquered. Henry,
have you any bullets cast
Only few--wc are out of lead
'Out Of lead! 90 to the closet and get the
} two heaviest pewter plates and melt them in
to bullets before you 90 to bed! The lion
must be conquered, and both of US join in the
party:'
But where is he fa,hcr?'
Il will explain my son. A division Of the
British army IL near rs, anxious for plunder
and thirsting for blood. General Stark has
ordered out his militia, and calls earnestly
| on every patriot to jon him. At dawn in the
morning we must start for Bennington. "
Hannah put loaf Of bread, piece of cheese,
and a few slices of venison, into our hunting
pouches. And should never return-for
! the first time a tear gistened in the eye of
! the patriot but he dashed it from him and
! continued-shouldI never return, this (reach-
! ing her the manuscript he held in his hand,)
contains some instructions relative to the
management of our worldly affairs, which will
| probably be of much service to you. She
took the paper and deposited it in her bosom.
Henry promptly obeyed the instructions
Of his father relative to the converting Of
plates into bullets, and had scarcely finished
them when his mother brought him large
pewter mug-'Melt that also, my son, it can
not be put to better use, and when you
meet the enemy, let every shot count! But
before you 60, bid farewell to Emeline-for
it may, my son, be last farewell!
! ayes, Henry" said the father 81 will cast
the other bullets, while you call upon Fine
line. Tell her that your bridal day must be
postponed-tell her to pray for the success
OF our arms, for the speedy emancipation Of
our beloved country from the thraldom Of
despotism, and for our safe return to home
and happiness"
| Henry Elverton and Emeline Wharton
had been intimate from childhood. They
had recently exchanged vows Of eternal fidel-
ity-and the day was appointed when these
vows, already recorded in heaven, were to be
ratified at an earthly altar.
| The present unlocked for emergency was
like death blow to the youthful hopes of
Henry-but he braced his nerves to meet it,
as he rushed from his fathers house to reveal
| it to Emellne. In ten minutes he was by
her side. The deepest anxiety was depicted
on his countenance as he spoke:
/ Emelinen
Il Overcome by his emotions he could say
no more-and for the first time in many years,
his cheeks were moistened with tears.
! 'Henry'
! Another pause ensued. The anxious girl
knew not what to fear, expect or hope-but
she endeavoured TO prepare herself for the
| worst.
| 'Henry, explain, and relieve my suspense
H 'EmeIine, we must part, perhaps forever.
Il The blood left her cheeks-shc in vain at
tempted to rise-when Henry, forgetful of
every thing hut her safety and welfare, caught
her arms. The embrace was mutual, and
restored to Emeine that confidence i'll Hen
ry's fidelity, which his last words rendered
questionable.
'Emeline, the British are near us. To-
morrow's dawn will find my father and my
selt.on our way to join the American army.
Should fall
mo more, Henry, said she, as she grasped
his neck more closely, proof off pure atfec-
ton-no more--obey your country's call!
should you fall, it will be in righteous
cause;' but said she after moments hesita-
ton; but Henry, ice shalt meet again. An
other warm, heartfelt embrace closed the 4
scene, and Henry left the presence of his
early love with much lighter heart than he
entered it. Encouraged by her he could face
the cannon's mouth, thoughtless of the dan
ger, in the hope of returning to his much be-
loved home, sharer in the honors of glori-
Gus victory. i
The parting Of Mrs. Elverton with her hus-
band and son was brief and affectionate; her
heart was full, but not a tear bedewed her
aged cheek, as she gave them her blessing,
and encouraged them to depart.
/ On their arrival at Bennington, the bloody
strife had already commenced. The odds
was fearful against our i'll armed and undis-
ciplined militia, but the appearance Of re-
crults constantly appearing and joining them
from every quarter, encouraged Stark and
his little band to hold out till their force
should justify them to making bold but well
planned chernurdefrize in hopes TO surprise
and ensnare the enemy. The soldiers felt,
moreover, that they were fighting for their
/ firesices and their little ones, the graves Of
their ancestors. and the consecrated affairs of
their religion, against foe whose only wish
was the spoils of victory, and whose only
fear was the displeasure Of their royal mas
ter. These considerations nerved every man
and animated every heart. The battle was
short but decisive in favor of the Americaps.
Many fond wife that day became widow;
many prettling infant was left fatherless;
many an anxious mother was doomed to con-
secrate the memory of a favorite son by una
vailing tears of sorrow; and many maiden
pressed to her anguished bosom the colored
likeness, all that remained to her Of her love
departed.
Immediately after the battle Of Benning-
ton, beardless young lad, apparently not
more than fifteen, offered his services to the
commander Of the company to which the El-
vertons we're attached, which were accepted.
He gave his name as Robert WILDER. Not
withstanding his youth, his swar,hy complex ,
4 i'll ihaA h. LII 10.