Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1841-01-12
From the Ladie.' Compsnion.
THE RESCUE.
Az INCIDENT OF THs RryoLurios
By Robert Hamilton.

An INCIDENT OF THE RryoLUrios.
by Robert Hamilton
], was an autumnal evening--ihc forest had
begun 10 don their mantles ofgorgeous colous
The fields shorn Of their harvest treasures. lay
like golden lakeleis in the rich and me How
sunset. The noble Highlands, like giant war
riors, clothed IN their panoplv of rock and fol
iage, threw their sulen shadows far out upon
the bosom Of the glorious Hudson, who roll.
ing on his path of beauty CLEANED like allen
rainbow in innunerable ,ints ofs ccidentsl plo-
~. Far in the distance towerd the Cro'nest.
bsgirt with a diadem of purple and gold 49,
The first was t~nkling on the brow ~ tvi-
Hght-deep, dark clouds were encircling the
zone OF creation, rock and mountain, tree and
shrub, hill, dale, valley and rivulc,, all com
mingled 10 enc hazy sonness, rendering il a
scene OF understandable loneliness, beautiful as
in those days Of primitive innocence, ere sin
was known, or desolation and decay had fall
en- spon the blossoms OF our earthly Eden
Such was the evening when barge was
seen to leave the prOmoatory of West Point,
in the neighborhood, of which, we locate our
narrative, in the year 1889. In itwere several
persons at'ired in the military costume ofthat
period, who, with well measured strokes Of
their oars, made II to dart over the golden wa
ter like ray Of light. In the stern was seat
ed man OF about fifty years of age, his head
was uncovered, aud revealed TO view wide
and capacious brow; his features were mark
ed and masculine-his mouth, which was De
culiarly characterized by closeness Of the
lip, gave 10 him look Of determination, vet
which in no way impaired the mild and mer-
ciful expression which reignsd over his gen
eral aspect. Like the others in the boat, he
wore a dark blue coat with broad buff faciurs
closely bnttoned TO the throat, heavy golden
epaulet,es, buckskln small-clo,hes, high mil
ltary boots, with spurs OF steel, while belt of
bun enclrcled his waist, in which was fixed a
straight sword. Such was the costume Of the
parsonage who was destined 20 achieve the
liberty of his country, and to burst the letters
of oppression. NeeIwe say who il vast In
"vour minds eye" does he not stand before
you! Is not his name the watch-word of your
independence, and his memory snshrined in
the heart of every son OF freedom? II was
George Washington
As the barge gained the opposite bank one
OF the rowers lesped ashore, and made il fast
to the root OF a willow which hung its broad
thick branches over the river. The rest OF
the party then landed, and uncovering, saluted
their commander, who respectfully returned
their courtesy.
"By ten O'Clock you may expect me" said
Washington. "Be cautious, -look we'll that
you are not surprised. These are no times
for triilng."
depend upon u.s." replied one of the party.
81 do" he responded and, bidding them
farewell, departed along the bank of the river.
That evening party was to be given at tho
house Of one of his old and valued friends.
TO which he, with several other American Of
flcers, had been invited. 1t wa. seldom that
10 rtip taI in
cially at that period when every moment was
fraught with danger. nevertheless, in resusct
to an old acquaintance, backed bv the solicit.
atoms OF Ruby Rugsdale, the daughter Of the
host, he had consented TO relax from the tolls
OF military duty, and honor the party for few
hours, with his presence.
Alter continuing his path for some distance
along the river's side, he struck off into a mar
row road, bordere1 thickly with brushwood,
ilnged with a thousand dyes of departed sum
mer-here and there a gray crag peeped out
from the foliage, over Which the green wv and
the scarlet woodbine hung in wreathy DALI
ance; at other places the arms of the chestnut
and mountain ash met in lofty fondness and
cast gloom deep almost az night Suddenly
crashing among the branches was heard.
and like a deer, young Indian girl bounded
into the path, and stood full in his presence
lie started back with surprise, laid his hand
upon his sword-but the Indian only fell upon
her knee, placed her finger upon her lips. and
by sign with her hand, forbade him TO PIE
coed
What seek you my wild hover," said the
General. She started to her feet, drew
small tomahawk from her belt ofwsmpum, and
Initiated the art OF scalpng the enemy-ihen
again waving her hand, as forbldding him 10
advance, she darted into the bushes, leaving
him lost IN amaZement
There is danger" said he 10 himself, after
shon panse,and recovering from his surprise
" That Indians manner betokens me Of no
good. but my trust is n God he has never
yet deserted me" and resumlng hi, path, he
shortly reached the mansion Of Rufus Rugs
dale.
His appearance was the signal FOR joy a
mong the party assembled, each OF whom We'd
with the other 10 do him honor Although
grave IN council, and bold in war, vet IN the
bosom OF domestic bliss, no Que knew better
how 10 render himself agreeable The old
were cheered by his cOnsolatory words The
young by his mirthful manner-nor even Ia
gallaniry was he wanting, when Il added 10
the vlruons spirit Of the hour The protesra.
tons Of friendship and welcome were warmly
rendered 70 him by the host. Fas, and ih!ca-
ly the guests were sssembing-the smile. the
laugh, and the mingling mUsi~, rose j1yogsly
around. The twilight WAS fast merging INTO
night, buia thousand .pafkllug lamps of5cal-
~ gave b.i.liancy Of d1y % tie sccae-all
was ppiness-bn2lt eyes and nl0oniug
faces were every where belmina but ala.
= serpen; was lurking among the houers
IN n. rnids' n y. h.lar'y. he s7grd 81