The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-08-16
MISCELLANY.
INCIDENT OF THE REVOLUTION
ny MRS. ANN S. STEPHENS.

vi ~ ~ VIZ, .>s''
ny MRS. ANN S. STEPHENS.
The morning dawned on
the unfortunate Hale's confinement just rs
he had committed to paper and secured the
he had ysntured his life to OBJ
tain. He knew that he gazed on the bless
ed sunlight for the last time for ever. lie
felt that in few hours, portion of the
beautiful! earth,-now spread out so glori-
ously, would be lying cold mass on his
bosom. lie knew this,-and his heart
cramped like a deceased thing within him.
lie thought Of his parents in their bcreaved
Loneliness, Of his bctrothed, in her broken
hearted grief, and again IT expanded with
sorrowing tenderness. lie was ns brave II
man as ever confronted death, still he fel.
thar il was fearful thing to yield up life in
its young hopes, to enter into the unknown
boundIessness Of eternity, with few hours
preparation. lie asked for the company OF
n clergyman, but none came: for a bible,
but none was procured. lie knelt down In
his last prayer, and the outpourlng Of his
soul was broken in upon by those who came
to conduct him to the gallows tree. lie
went forth TO his execution, not seeking
mans applause on the very brink ofeterni-
ty, by false bravado against nature, rush
ing with his proud soul cased in pride, up
to the very presence Of the Most High, o.
vorcoming natures just fears, and chalIeng-
ing after ages to admire the boldness with
which his ambitious soul could pass to
the awful face Of Jehovah.-Tkere was no
such presumption in Hnle's death. With
! ell ~f ha ha
went to meet his fate as Christian--a SOL
di.r. His soul was bowed in humility to
God, and his last words were, Oh, that
had more lives to offer up to my country"
| 1t was a splendid scenes at the dinner table
of the English commander. From his own
land of luxury had he imported the mps-
sIvc plate and delicate chiEa that covered it,,
loaded proiusely with viands. British gold
had purchased tho tory farmers cutlery,
goblets sparkled with wine, like " Molten
rubies or liquid AMBER" and brimmed to
the lips Of the gay young officers, who in
their glittering uniforms surrounded by song
and wine, reyelled on the brink of intoxica-
ton. Loud rose their voices Of merriment
in gleeful chorus, when a servant entered
with information that a female had arrived
at their camp with flag oftruce, and de-
manded an interview with General Howe.
A naughty smiled curled the English
mans liz, as lie addressed an Aid-de-camp.
" What trick is this, think you The re-
bells must be in extremities, indeed, when
they send US women for ambassadors"
The aid de-camp answered his generals
smile, and demanded Of the servant If the
lady were young or old Z
"Young, sir"
"And pretty 7" asked dozen voices al
once.
Rather pale, your honors."
"Young and interesting; our gallantry
is bestirring ITSELF" exclaimed some OF the
same voices, general, pray admit her."
Silence, gentleman, silence, the wine
has made yon noisy, replied General Howe
rising from the table, and ordering the ser
want to admit the visitor Immediately.
| Most Of the young officers were Oh theI
| feet, and all eyes turned to the entrance o.
, Sarah Easion advanced-her deep mourn
ing rendered her pale features almost ghost
", and her Grape veil thrown back so as L
| display her white forehead and eyes, touch
I ingly sweet in their expression, even whil'
resting on the form of him who made he
\ heart dcsolate. Not word was spoken b.
4 the group that surrounded the dinner table
the merry smile was quenched on the warn
;. lips Of each gay individual as he looked o.
n the Young American who stood before thei
Q in the beautiful majesty of her grief How
d advanced with stately politencss to rcceiv
e her, but she shrunk from bis approach, al
with steady dignity requested the body
Nathan Hale for Christian burial.
i Howe was evidently surprised at the nn
,. ture of the petition, but courteously answer
n ed that it could not he granted, Capsal
Hale having already been buried 'hrc
n days. -,
m "Ye, surely be might be jisin,ered, pc
y. sisted she, eagerly stepping forward--'.'
e. seeing denial IN his look, she added b
!. scecb,ncly,-"you will not refuse h's o
r. parcn,s last look on the face OF their sor
I'd If You are father You esnno' be 80 efuel
n deaf TO humanity