Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1840-12-01
CROSSING THE DELAWARE.

luStOH IHIluCHCC Win tHe army So SlIt-
kingIy exemplifed, as his attack on the
enemy at Trenton. Der and DER have
listened with intense anxiety, in the day
of my boyhood, whilst my now departed
sire who fought and bIed on that proud
field, rected with thrilling interest, all that
related TO the enterprise. 1t was on De-
cember's night Che would say) when our
litIe heart broken army halted on the banks
Of the Delaware. The night was dark
cheeliesS, -telnpes and bore a strong
resemblance to our country's fortunes 1t
seemed as if Heaven and earth had con-
splred for our destruction. The clouds
Observation-Disclosures and the storm came on
apace. The snow and the hail descended,
beating with unmitigated violencesupon the
supperess, halt-clad, shivering soldier
and in the roarngs Of the flood and the
waiings Of the storm, were heard bv fan
cy's ear, the knel Of our hopes and the
dirge of liberty The mpetuous river
was filled with floating ice an attempt to
cross II at that time, and under such cir
cumstances, seemed a desperate enterprise;
yet It was undertaken; and thanks be to
God and Washington. il was accomplished.
From where we landed on the Jersey
shore TO Trenton was about nine miles,
and on the whole Iiuc Of the march there
was scarcely word uttered, save by the
officers when giving some order. We
were we'll nigh exhausted, said he, many
Of US frost-bit;cn, and the majority of Us
SO badly shod, that the blood gushed from
our frozen and lacerated feet at every
tread; yet we upbraidcd not, complained
not, but marched steadily and firmly though
mourntuIly onward, resolved 10 persevere
10 the uttermost:-not for our country,
alas we had given up for lost. Not for
ourse!yes-Ille for Us no longer wore
charm-but because such was the will of
our beloved chef-'twas for Washington
alone we were willing to make the sacri-
tice. When we arrived within sight of the
cnemy's cncampment, we were ordered to
form line, when Washington reviewed
us. Pale and cmaciated, dispirited and
exhausted, we presented a most unwarlike
and melancholy aspect. The paternal eye
o. our chief was quick to discover the cx-
tent Of our sullerngs, and acknowledged
them with his tears; bat suddenly check
ing bis emotions, he reminded US that our
country and all that we held dear was
staked upon the coming battle. AS he
spoke we began 10 gather ourselves up,
and rally our energies: every man grasp
ed his arms more irmIy-and the cIcnch-
cd hand, and the compressed lip, and the
steadtast look, and the knit brow, told the
souls resolve Washington observedus well;
then did he eXhort us with all the fervor of
his soul, ION yondor field to conquer, or
die the death Of the brave" AT that in
slant the glorious sun, as if in prophetic
token OF our success, burst forth in all its
spendor, bathing in liquid light the blue
hills of Jersey. The faces which but a
few minutes before were banchcd with de-
spair, now glowed with martial fire and
animation. Our chicfwith exultaiion hail
cd the scene then casting his doubts TO
the winds, and calling on the "God of bat
ties" and his faithful soldiers led on TO the
charge. The conflict was fierce and bloody.
For about twenty minutes not a gun was f.
red,the sabre and the bavonet ddthe work of
Observation-Disclosures a hurricane of fire. and
steel, and death. There did we stand (be
wouIdsay) there did we stand "loot to foot,
and hit TO hit," with the serried foe and
where we stood we died or conquered"
Popping the Qucstion.--To US, gentle
men, this Popping the Question is no easy
matter. 1t drives | verify baIinva y bach