Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1840-03-13

i.
'Heuryexpaiu. and relieve my suspense
'Emelne, we mus, part, perhaps forever
The blood left her cheeks-she in vain
attempted to rise---when Henry, forseiful /
Of every thing bu, her safety and welfare.
caught her in his ms.-The embrace was
mutual. and restored TO Emeline that conf
dence in Henry's fidelity. which his last
words had rendered questionable.
Emeline, the British are near Us. To-
morrow's dawn will find my father aud my.
self on our way to join the American army.
Should falP--
No more, Henry said she as she grasp-
ed his neck more closely q proof Of pure
af1ec,on---'no more-obey your coun,ry's |
call should you fall, it would be in a right
eous cause but added she, after a mo-
ment's hesiiaiion--'but Henry, zoe shall
meet againr Another warm, heartfelt en-
brace closed the scene, and Henry left the
presence of his early love with much
lighter heart, than he had entered It. En-
couraged by her, he could face the can
mons mouth, thoughlless Of danger, in the
hope OF returning TO his much loved home
sharer in the honors of glorious victory.
| The parting OF Mrs. Elverton with her
husband and son were brief. and affection
ate--her heart was full bu. not a tear bed
ewed her cheek, as she gave them her bles-
sing, 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 appearances Of re-
crui,s constantly approaching, and joining
them from every quarter encouraged Stark
and his little band TO hold out ill their force
should justify them in making a bold but
well planned cheraur de frizs in hopes to
surprise and ensnare The enemy. The SOL
diers felt. moreover. that they were fighting
| for their firesides and their little ones. the
graves of their ancestors, and the conseeTa-
ted affairs of their religion. against foe
whose only wish was the spois Of victory,
and whose only fear was the dspleasure OF
their royal master.--These considerations
nersed every ma IN. and animated every heart
4 The bauIe was Short but decisive in favor OF
the Americans. Many loud wife that day
became widow-nany pratling infant
was left fatheress many an anxious mother
was doomed 10 concecrate the memory oil q
favorite son by unavailing tears Of sorrow
and many a maiden pressed 10 her bosom
the colored likeness, oil that remained to
10 her OF her beloved departed
Immediately after the battle Of Benning-
ton beaIdless young lad. apparently moi,
: more than fifteen, offered his services TO the
: commander OF the company 10 which the
. Elvertons were attached, which was accep-
ted He gave his name as Robert WILDER.
) Notwithstanding his youth, bis swarthy
7 complexion indicated that he bad been ac-
J customed to labor under the scoTching
rays of a summers sun. and his sparkling
eye. as be inquired for the officer. was SUI
ficient proof that he was willing. II not able
, 10 endure the faiigues Of campaign.
!, This company, with several others, set Oh
with all possible despatched Join Gen. Gates al
Saraioga. where il was expected thut a severe
z and decisive battle would take place. Bur
J goyne was the more anxious for il. having
! ascertained that the American force was
i daily and rapidly increasing. M
Early in the evening OF the 7th Of Octo
Der, British sentinel introduced himself tt
II one Of the picquet guards Of the American
r army, in the character Of deserter from the
j British camp-but was Immediately ARRESTED
s as a spy, and brought before Gen. Gates
}. Alarmed for bis personal safety, the prise
" ner offered to give The English counlersigr
lot tudt uIguts ouu fcthatu SsooS PsiSoue
9, until il could be asceriained whether or no
r he was deceiving them Of the intended
E. movements Of the enemy he knew nothing
n He gave the countersign to Gates, and wa
D. placed under strong guard.
Isl Taking advantage OF this timely and un
b expected intelligence, Gen. Gates immed'
o a'ely summoned council Of officers, In OF
D. der TO inquire whether any brave spirl
'e could be found who would voluntarily rul
d the almost desperate risk Of entering tn
British camp that night, for the purpose :
IS ascertaining. as nearly as possible, the'
IS force and intended movements. The projee
n. was speedily made known to chosen few
" whose zeal in the cause could not be doub
OF ed when about thirty ofthe number. who's
e enthusiasm overcome all fears oil danger e,
re cept for their common country. sllmulian'
y, ously volunteered TO make the FASH atieinp
Lots were cast, and the important and DARN
st enterprise deyolyed on young WILDER
e. For moment, even his apparently sunbur'
st cheeks could not conceal the flush vii
&C. which they were snffused but It was onl
"a for moment--and, within that moment.
A. score of hardy New England hunters offe
to ed themselves as substitutes ese4a
!. No. replied WILDER with fimness. sshou
I" consent, should be deserving OF COY
4 ards fate. Il has fallen 10 my lot. and |
- mine be the peril
n. Rash youth. said the General. 'lenvet h
Y dangerous undertaking to some one of u