The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1839-12-07
Number az.

about to express his gratitude, when Major
Henderson, by the authority of the nurse,
snioined him to keep silerce, as talking
might injure him in his weak state.
Towards evening the party left their en-
campment and proceeded to the camp of
Gen. Marion, whittier the supplies were
destined. Two O'Clock the next day they
arrived. Having delivered up his charge,
Maj. Henderson proceeded 10 furnish COM
Portable quarters for Capt. Morton, his late
enemy. A week passed and the wounded
man was fast recovering, and Maj. Hender-
son had again been sent out for the purpose
of seeking supplies for the army.
In the mean time, man by the name OF
earns, Capt in Gen. Maron's army, and
formerly neighbor of Capt. Morton, but
his impacable enemy, had industrously
circulated the report that Capt Morton had
lormely belonged to the continental troops
aud had, at the commencement Of the war,
been connected with the detachment Of
which he was Captain but had deserted 10
the British. This was serious accusation
and one which Gen. Marion could not over
look. If Capt Morton was proven deser-
ter, it became his duty to execute him as
an example to others. He accordingly in-
stitued an inquiry which resulted in
knowledge that the said earns was ready
to bring forward sufficient evidence of the
truth of his accusation. A trial was there
fore appointed. to take place the next
week. Capt. Morton was allowed 10 de-
fond himself, and every means was taken
to procure evidence of his innocence In
the mean time, Isabella, the afecionate
daughter, was not idle in her falhsr's ha-
hail. She had procured the promise of
two Witnesses, who, for many years had
been acquainted with Captain Morton,
and knew him to have been staunch TO-
rv from the commencement Of the dispute
between England and Ter revolted colo
nies.
The day at length arrived, the anxiously
expected day. which was to decide the fate
OF the accused. The hour approached and
vet the witnesses for the defendant did not
arrive. Atlast one came. The other, but
the day before, was killed by the falling of
tree. Thus did it seem as if The last ray
of hope was shut out from the wrcichod pa.
rent--wretchod only in view of the orphan
state of his daughter.
The witnesses were examined. Those
aqainst the accused Testified as earns had
before done. They were two in number
lie for the defendant stated clearly and dis
tiuctly what the reader has already been
made acquainted with yet the amount OF
evidence in support Of the accusation was
surh that the court martial pronounced the
sentence Of death upon him. Before The de-
cson was given Isabella had exhibited ur-
controIable grief, but as soon as she heard
the sentence which would consign her father
to a disgraceru and ignominous death her
tear ceased to flow her breast swelled
with emotion, yet no other sign OF distress
did she exhibit. Her mind seemed occupied
with some strong resolyo-some mighty
purpose. Capt. Morton was kept under a
guard until the day of execution should
come which was to take place in eight days
from the lime sentence was pronounced;
Isabella departed for home with apromlss
Of returning in few days. Time rolled
away. The fata! period hastened to lis con-
sumalion. The eighth day arrived and yet
the distracted father in vain awaited the re-
url ofhs daughter. No tidings of her
could be obtained. She left her homo
neatly a week before with the intention, as
The neighbors supposed, to revisit her
father. Whittier she had gone, no one
knew .i..
Wrelched, indeed, was the parent as the
hour Of execution approached She IN
whose life his own seemed bound up was
absent, and he was about 10 die without