Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1837-08-23
M I 3 G e L I. A n Y i.
REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENT.
BY MRS. ANN s. STEPHENS.

BY MRS. ANN s. STEPHENS.
The morning dawned on
the unfortunate Hale's confinement just
as he had committed to paper and Sc
cured the information he had ventured
his life to obtain. He knew that he
gazed on the blessed sunlight for the
last time, forever. He felt that in a
few hours, a portion OF the beautiful
earth now spread out so gloriously,
would be lying Il cold mass upon his boz
som. He knew this. and his heart
cramped like diseased thing within
him. He thought of his parents in their
bereayed loneliness of his betrothed,
in her broken hearted grief, and again
il expanded with sorrowing tenderness.
He was as brave man as ever con-
fronted death still he felt tina! it was
fearful thing to yield up life in It's young
hopes, TO enter into the unknown bound
Iessness Of eternity, with few hours
preparation. He asked for the compa-
ny of clergyman, but none came ;
for bible, but none was procured.-
He knelt down in his last prayer, and
the outporing Of his soul was brokcnin
upon by those who came to conduct
him to the galows-tree. He went forth
to his execution, not seeking mans APP
plause on the very brink of eternity,
by false bravado againstnature, rush.
ing, his proud soul cased in pride, up
to the very presence of the Most High,
overcoming natures just fears, and
challenging after ages to admire the
holiness with which his ambitious soul
could pass to the face of Jehovah.-
There was no such presumption in
Hale's death With a full and solemn
sense Of the awful event, he went to
meet his fate as a christian-a soldier.
His soul was bowed in humility to
God, and his words were, Oh, that |
had moro lives to offer up to my coun-
try !"
1t was splendid scene, the dinner
table OF the English commander. From
his own land of luxury he imported the
massive plate and delicate china that
covered it, loaded proiusely with VIZ
ands. British gold had purchased the
tory'farmer's cutlery; goblets sparkled
with wine, like molten rub;es, or Ii
quid AMBER" and brlmmed to the lips
of the gay young officers, who in their
glitterng uniforms, surrounded by song
and wine, revealed on the brink of in-
toxication. Loud rose their voices of
merriment in gleelu chorus, when a
servant entered with the information
that a female had arrived at their camp
with flag of truce, and demanded an
Interview with Gen. Howe.
A naughty smile curled the English
mans lip, as he addressed an Abide
Camp, " What trick is this, think you
The rebels must be in extremities, in
deed, when they send us a woman in.
stead of ambassadors.
The Abide. Camp answered his gen.
erals smile, and demanded Of the SER
want if the lady were young or old.
Young, sir"
And rather pretty?" asked do
zen voices at once.
Rather pale, your honors."
"Young andinteresting our gallan-
try is bestirring ITSELF" exclaimed some
of the voices, general, pray admit
her,"
Silence, gentlemen, silence; the
wine has made you noisy;" replied
General Howe, rising from the table,
and ordering the servant TO admit the
visiter Immediately.
| Most of the young officers were on
their feet, and all eyes were turned TO