Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1841-07-27

OF leaving behind him the name of dcscrier. lie
therefore resolved to ASK Of his commander release.
although he well knew the character of CORVALLIS,
and had good suSpoc, the answer with which
his questions would be met.
However CORVALLIS soon discovered tina, there was
something wrong with Brock, he not tina, cheeT-
ul witty, and pleasant person that had been, hut
jus, the lie began to get uneasy; he knew
how deeply and how sensibly he should feel the loss
Of Brock-hat the brightest feather would be plucked
iom his plume. One evening as he walked out to
take view OF his camp, he Brock seated upon the
trunk of fallen iIee far separated from any one else
his hands upon his face and his rested upon
the ground. CORVALLIS approached and thus address
ed him
Major, what is the ma,ier' VIVA, has over
you within the last few days that has made you 50
down hearted You just the OF wha, yon
were heretofore ~
'Ah my Lord replied Brock, there is something
which weighs heavily upon my mind, and although it
is within your power, fear you will not relieve me Of
the burthen
'Why, Brock, you know hare always been friend
y towards you, and would certainly be very happy TO
do for you at present. whatever is in power, continu
ed Corvallis in rather condescending tone.
1T is very true said Brock, you have acted a
! friend towards me; but at present | ear-l know ]
shall be deserted
Brock, demanded CORVALLIS, assuming his usual
naughty air, explain this mystery you have excited
my curiosity. Is it anything of Importance you
thus brooding over
'Of vast importance TO SIR said Brors,. and
you demand TO know what i, is, throw myself upon
your friendship, and humbly pray release
"A release why VIVA, ,his-are you joking
me- or are you insane Z said CORVALLIS in naughty
threatening voice
Il am neither SIR replied Brock, Il mean what /
say
Then, sir, explain Immediately, why you demand a
release; wish to know the meaning Of ihis,' said the
naughty commander
well, my lord, as you express strong desire to
know, | will tell you: As was going to the American
camp with your letter, found General Washington
kneeng upon the ground in the forest, pra wing and
And he turned you iratorr interrupted CORVALLIS.
'Traitor' Taunt me not, pray you sir, with such
an expression said Brock in clear, manly voice. and
the Indignation of his soul flashed from his eye. Il
was going to say, continued he, that my feelings
were aroused by his piey, that swore more
TO against that good man, who is engaged in n
righteous cause, and trusts for the 'Arbter
of Nations ~
Remember sir said CORVALLIS, the words which
you now speak if adhered to, may be the cause OF
your death Butdid you pray before
is it any thing uncommon
Yes, SIR replied BROCK, IT was uncommon. | have
seen men pray, but never before saw the commander
OF a mighty army seek out place Of secrecy, and
there pray for his enemies well as for himself
Had General Washington, continued Brock, prayed
alone for himsel-alone for his army, for his
own cause my feelings would at present be different
from what they are; but he prayed, too for us-or
army-ior Government-yes, my lord, he prayed
for yOu.'
The feelings Of CORVALLIS somewhat subdu
ed by the simplicity and of Brooks man
ner bu, second thought he resumed his threatening
Major Brock, said he, tell me without testing
whether not you have spoken your mind and intend
practising what you have proessed.'
Il do, my lord / do replied Brock and there wa.
something in the expression which gave double assur
ance to his words. CORVALLIS knew him too well tc
believe he would abandon purpose whic.. he
r had solemnly formed, and f6r the maintenance Of
which lac had pledged his honor
Brock resumed CORVALLIS, leave you-to. NOR
row morning at o'clock must you again, and il
your attention be then it is now Court Martial will
, settle your fate
The morning came and at O'Clock Brock was a,
the tent OF his commander; and the question being
put to him Do you intend maintaining the purpose
which you last evening avowed = he calmly and earn
/ esty replied
Il do cir and ever will What swear to is no, ia
. NC i'iHoAitH ~ a hdJs
This foil and explicit, /, settled the
, business with him and put an end TO questioning. A
court martial called-Cornwallis presided ovei
their deliberations, which solemn and lasted long
II indeed hard task for them to condemn BROCK
To death, but what were they 10 dot lie had sworf
never 10 bear arm. in their Some were in ia
Of releasing hun bu, this strongly opposed b,
Others, who maintained that he dare not 60 home Il
, his own country, and would therefore espouse the
cause Of the rebels The views OF the latter wer,
sustained, and Brock condemned to death for mu
uny
. The day appointed, the hour was fixed, and the
conveyed 10 the convict who received IL with
oalmness and apparent satisfaction though he had
anticipated as much Bot Cornwallis could scarce
permit himself 10 believe that they would be put 10 IN,
disaqteesbie necessity Of carrying the Injunction,
Of their decree He silI entertained faint hope tia
Brock would change his mnd before the day Of eTeeu
ton should arrive And Il was that hope. with view
70 ascertain the degree 10 which IL might be exercised
, that prompted hu o put lGe loliO~ing question q
Brock, a day or TAO aler his sentence had reached
him. aud cundescend 90 their familiar manner, snc
houied expression, by which be expected 70 play ID,