Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1840-03-13
oR---rnE HnRoisE OF SARATOGA.
A Tale eftAel RepolHtion

AT that dark period Of the revolution
chpreceded the capture OF BuTgoyne on
the plains Of Saratoga, the friends of liberty
ncensed and driven almost 10 desperation.
by the repeated success Of the British arms,
and the cruelty with which American priso-
ners were treated by the enemy, resolved
10 leave their domestic fresides, march 10
the battle field and risk their all upon the
hazard Of a die.' Il was fearful hazard
New York, Philadelphia. and other impor-
tant posts on the seaboard, were in undis.
turbed possession Of the inyaders--the moth.
ern frontier was lined by savage and blood,
thirsty foe, and the lule Spartan band, who
had sworn, by the ashes OF their fathers, to
live free or die. were compelled TO seek
refuge in the interior, and patiently, but
anxiously wait for favorable opportunity
to avenge the wrongs Of their oppres-
sed country. The entrance Of Bur
goyne into the State of New York. from
Canada, with powerful and well disciplined
army, created fresh alarm--and excited
spirit Of patriotism among all classes. and
both sexes, which even the martyrs Of
Thermophylne might have envied.
| Among the many who thought more of
liberty than life was Hezekiah Eyerton,
one Of the pioneers Of western Massachu.
sets. He was among the fist to raise the
standard of liberty in New England. and
embraced every opportunity Of intoxicating
into the minds of his wife and son. (who
composed his whole family.) the same patri-
otto spirit by which he was animated.
On beautiful evening in October. l777,
Mr.. Elverton appeared more than usually
agitated. He paced the room, to and fro. a
considerable time, as If in deep thought
and then requested his son to bring him his
horn inkstand a pen and sheet Of paper.
After spending half an hour in wiring,
during which time not a word was whisper
ed by any member Of the anxious little
family, he carefully folded the shetland,
still holding j, in his hand, placed himself
between his wife and son.
Henry are both your guns in order ?
| Yes sir-l cleaned them yesterday, and
put in new fnts for the purpose ofpursning
the Wolf that has lately made such havoc
} among our sheep. Twas about to ask you
TO allow me to join a small party Of our
, neighbors for the purpose, tomorrow. The
rogue cannot be far of, and think he might
be easily captured a
Henry, did ever refuse you a reasona-
BILE request q
No. Father-on the contrary. you have
granted me many an unreasonable one
But this is certainly for our interest, and al
most becomes duty They know that your
long sizer seldom betrays you--come, father
let US both CO.
S Henry. replied the patriot. his eye.
sparkling with youthful animation. why
q should we hunt the wolf. when a lion is il
: the neighborhood 2
, "a lion + exclaimed the old lady, 'ho
: did he get among us2'
NO matter how, Hannah, he is among
, US. and must DO met and conquered Henry
have you any bullets cas-, .
Only few--we are out of lead
u Out of lead 60 to the closet and get tn
d two heaviest pewter plates. and melt then
into bullets before you go to bed The Ii
d on must be conquered. and both of Us mus
e join in the party
d But whore is he. father p
n i will explain, my son. A division Q
the British army is near us. anxious 70
!, plumber, and thirsting for blood Genera
!. Stark has ordered out his militia. and call
!. !. earnestly upon every patriot 10 join hin
! Al dawn in The morning. we must start 70
:" Bennington. $50.
'e Hannah put loaf OF bread,a piece Of chees,
D. and few slices OF dried venison, into on
ofl hunting pouches. And should l never T,
IS lum'-for the first time a tear glisiened j
is the eye Of the patriot, but he dashed ii frou
oil and continued should never return, th
or letter Preaching her the manuscript whic
he held in his hand contains some instru'
lion relative TO the management OF our worlt
y affairs, which will probably be Of som
service TO you She took the paper an
at deposited il in her bosom.
lie Henry promptly obeyed the instruction
al Of his father relative to converting the plat
til into bullets and had scarcely finished then
n when his mother brought him large pc,
. ter mug--'melt this also. my son, il cam
~ be put 10 better use. and when YOU NEE. III
enemy, let every shot count But befo
Is you go, bid farewell TO Emeline-for il ma
~ nv son. be last farewelIp
81 YES. Henry said the father, Il will CO
ne the other bullets, while you call upon EN-
he line. Tell her that your bridal day mu
ds be postponed her to pray for the su
ne cess Of our arms, for the speedy emancip
lot ton OF our beloved country, from the thru
dom Of despotism. and for our safe return
home and happiness
al Henry ElveIton and Emeline WHARF
=, had been intimate from childhood. TIL,
~ had recently exchanged vows Of eternal
~ deliiy-and the day was appointed VIII
x these vows already recorded in Heavs
hpl were to be ratified at an earthly altar.