Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1841-12-30
ga fsreIIaurous.
An INCIDENT oF rIIE REVOLUTION.
M sas. ANN o. srEPasxs.


The morning dawned on the unfor,u-
nate Hale 8 Confinement. JUS, ~ he bad
committed To paper aud secured the ia
formation hs had forfeited his liie TO Oh.
tain. He knew that be gazed upon the
blessed sun for the last time. He felt
that IN few short hours q portion OF the
beautiful earth, now ad out so gIorl-
ousiy. would be lying cold mass upon
his bosom. lie knew this. and his be art
crumbled like a diseased thing within
him. He thought Of his parents IN their
beresved loneliness. and Of his belrolhed
ia her broken-hesried grief. and again 1t
expanded with sorrowing tenderness -
He was as brave a man as ever confront.
ed death. still he thought it was a fear
iul thing 10 yield up bis life in its young
hopes, TO enter into the unknown bosad.
lessness OF eternity. with a few hours pre-
pafalion. He asked for the company OF
clergyman. bu, none came, for a Bible
but none Was procured. tie knelt down
IN bis last prayer. aud the outpouring OF
has soul was broken in upon by those tho
came 10 conduct him TO the gallows tree
lie went forth to bis execution. not seek.
ing mans applause on the very brink OF
eternity. by q false bravado, against ma
ture, rushing, With his proud soul cased
IN pride. up 10 the very presenc4 OF the
Most High, overcoming natures Just
fssTs. and challenging after ages to ad.
nire the boldnsss silh which HE ambi.
tious soul could pass the awful face Of
God. There was no such presurn piion
IN Hals's death. With full aud solemn
sense OF the awful event, he went 20
meet bis death As q ehris,ian-a soldier.
His soul was bowed IN humility 10 God
and bis last words were, "Oh that
had more lives 10 offer up for my coun-
try -
1t was q splendid scene the dinner
table Of the English commander. From
his own land OF luxury he had imported
the massive plate aud delicate china that
covered il, loaded. profusely with viands.
British gold had purchased the tory far
msr's cutlery. go5lets spaIkled with wine
like "molien rubies OF liquid amber" and
bnmed to the lips OF the gay Young Oil.
Gers, who. 10 their glit,ering uniforms,
surrounded by song and wine TevelliCg on
the brink OF intoxicaiion. Loud rose
their voice Of meuiment in gleeful cho-
rus, when Q servant entered with the IN.
formation that q female had arrived at
their camp with flag OF truce. aud de.
msnded an interview with Gen. Howe.
A naughty smile curled the English
mans lip. as be addressed an Aid de-
camp.
who is this. think you the rebels
must be IN exuemities, when they send
US women instead Of ambassador"
The Aid de- csmp answered his Gene
raPs smile. and demanded OF the servant
if the lady were young or old
Young, SIR
"And prstiyl" asked dozen voices at
once.
Rather pale, your honors." -
Young and Interesting; our gallantry
is bestirring itself, exclaimed some Of the
same voices. General. pray admit
her."
Most Of the young officers were on
their feet and all eyes were turned to
the enhance, ss Sarah Easion advanced
her deep mourning rendered her pale
features almost gbastly. and her Grape
veil thrown back go As 10 display her
white forehead and eyes iouchingly su est
IN their expression, even while resting on
! the form Of him who made her hesrt de-
ISOLATE. Not word was spoken by the
group that surrounded the dinner table :,
the merry smile was quenched on the
lips Of each gay individual Is he looked
on The young American who stood before
them IN the beautiful majesty OF her
gTIsi. Hove advanced with stately po-
likeness TO receive her, but she sbrsnk
from his approach. and requested the body
Of Nathaniel Hale for christian burial.
Howe was evidently surprised at the
nature Of the petition. but courfeously
answered that il could Get be granted,
Captain Hale having already been buried
three days.
Yet surely he nigh, be disin'erred. Z"
persisted she, eagerly stepping forward
then seeing debIsl in his looks, she add.
ed besesehingly. You will net refuse
BIS parents look on the face Of their
son. % yoo ere father you esnnot De 90
cruelty dead 10 bUmsnlly"
Are you the sister OF wife Of the de-
essssd, ihst you thus ngenlly ask for he
feDains Z"
"Nsi,hsr, oh : neither" replied the
'oftsSed gifi, pressing her hands over her
eyes 10 bide the burst Of tears The quss-
ton had Unlocked. A Young odieer.
plying her distress, ha0ded her . chair
She SAT dswB snd sndesvoufsd 10 cheek
her untneIy tears. when another advasr-
sd--a thing 81 iased scsflst and bpge
spauisliea sod iouchisg TIE Up Of ksr
White aees With be insslsnl 6neer, ds.
maneed III she wsrs neiihef tie uife
nor sssisl u TIE handsome spy. vhal slse
could she be unless q uefs . sNesi
hsang'
The bioed aushsd into The cheek 81
The ipsulled gifl, ike sudden suassi.
Bot Niihout aasuenne bin. che turosd
70 Geaersi HsNe ana ssid--"i expected
~ leaf 70 Be secure bu' a. Dad ny.
sell mistaken, request On snsvsf 10 rs
rsiiiion. sod liberty 70 enkdaw.'
Hove east % he youos inperinsnt
stree loek a siefa sf7sf. cod Thee
InFatHn A. So - - III ..-a.ra