Liberty advocate. [volume] (Liberty, Miss.) 1835-1866, 1837-09-19
A REVOLUTIONARY ROMANCE.

West Point was one of the most I'M
prepnablc posts Of the American army
during the Revolutionary war Its com
manding situation afforded prospect of
the country for many miles round, and
its natural deiences, assisted with little
art. rendered it one of the most important
businesses. of the American Army, during
the eight years contest with the British
nation; and the consequence attached 10
it in IA military point of view was evlnced
by the frequent but unsuccessful efforts OF
the enemy to obtain possession of it. 1t
was here that Arnold conceived the horrid
purpose of bartering his country for gold.
This conspiracy, however, which aimed a
death-bIow at liberty in the western hem
isphere, resulted, as every one knows,
only in the universal contempt and igno-
miny of Arnold, and the lamented death
of the unfortunate Andre.
1t was in the latter part of the year
II, the fourth year of the struggle be-
tween England and her colonies, that the
British meditated another attack on West
Point, which they intended should decide
the contest. For this purpose secret pre-
parations had been going on for some
time, and small parties were daily sent
out to reconnoitre the American camp
About three or four days before this memo,
rable action took place, one of these re-
connoitering parties, fatigued with the
exertions Of the day, and finding them
selves unable to reach their place of des
tnation before night, halted before the
entrance of wood, resolving there tc
take up their quarters for the night. The
party was headed by brave officer, Col
W, who, though young, had already
distinguished himself in several engage
ments. Being within three miles of the
American camp, and Of course liable at
any moment to be surprised and taken
prisoners by the Americans, or the saw
ages who prowled around, two ofthe party
we're obliged to act as sentinels, while the
others reposed themselves. Col. W
not being inclined to sleep, laid himself or
the ground near tree, which his com
panion had assembled, and was soon com
pletely absorbed in revere of brigh'
hopes Of future glory, strangely mingled
with thoughts Of those he had left in his
native land. Suddenly he was aroused
by the trampllng of horse, and Selling
his musket was preparing to awaken hl'
companions, when he perceived through
the trees foaming steed, who had rar
away with his rider; in an instant he per
ceived that it was a lady, and darling
through the thicket he caught the bride
Of the horse just in time to prevent he1
from being crushed under his heels. He
assisted the lady to dismount, and hal
dead with terror, she sank almost sen seles
on the trunk of tree. By the time the
officer had secured the horse, she recover
ed from her fright, and informed him that
she was the daughter of General Mon
trose, commander of the garrison ther
stationed at West Point; that riding gu
with some of her companions, her horse
had taken fright, and she was soon los
to their view, and probably but for thi
timely assistance, she would have beer
dashed to pieces in the forest. When thc
lady was sufficiently rested, the gallan
officer, at her own request, set out t
escort her home. The sun was just set
ting in all its splindor and throwing it
departing beams upon the beautifully va
riegated hue Of the distant forests, as they
came in sight Of the American encamp
ment; they had not proceeded far, wher
they met the lady's companions, her owl
brother and young friend, riding at ful
speed in search of her. Overjoyed a
finding her in safety, they forgot for
moment the presence of the stranger; the
rescued lady was first to remember il, anc
turning to the officer, said, "by what name
shall thank the brave preserver of my
lifer "Reserve your thanks, fair lady
for him in whose hands | was but thu
humble instrument" said the officer; "my
namo is Eugene W., colonel in hi