Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-03-05

came with startling effects upon his mind.
Must he leave her--she who had nurtured
and cherished him IN infancy, and who had
fingered over his sick couch for days and
nights increasingly? No that must not be.
Yet how could he avoid it Not being able
to obtain leave of absence, (such being the
orders issued by the Commander-in in Chief
and burning with desire to behold his mo-
ther and Lucy, he had (knowing the watch
word) passed the sentinel, in hopes of return
ing again before morning, What then was
he to do? If he returned 10 the camp, he
would perhaps never more see her again il
he remained, he would be branded as de-
serter, and suffer, If taken, an ignomnious
death. Ii was fearful alternative, yet he
chose the latter for said he, she for my
sake would have done the same
He communicated his resolution TO Lucy,
without, however, acquainting her ofthe fear
ful risk he ran, and he seated himself again
beside his afflicted parent.
The day wore away, and night was about
drawinghis dark mantle over the earth, when
the tramp Of horses feet was heard approach
ing the house. Charles arose, and approach
ed the window, just in time to see "A score of
troopers di-mount, the leader of which in
quired ofSambo, the old negro slave, ifCap-
tain Fortescue was there. Ere the officer
propounded the question, Charles had OWNED
the cause oftheir appearance, and Immediate
ly descended.
"Captain Fortescue," said the other, as
Charles made his appearance, | have come
upon an unpleasant duty but one that must
be performed-l have come TO arrest you as
a-D
Dcserter," added Charles, finding the
man hesitatcd. 81 know it, he continued !;
edo not alarm them, and will accompany
you in few moments"
lie ordered the servant to prepare his
horse, and rc-cntering the house, assembled
to his mothers reom. Lucy met him as he
entered, and inquired what was the matter.
"Nothing much," he answered as he pres
sed her to his heart, and imprinted kiss
upon her cheek. &c am wanted. Farewell,
dear Lucy'
He then turned and pressed his lips TO
the check of his mother. Fastening from
the room, he was soon upon his way, accom-
panied by the soldiers.
Lucy had observed his emotion, but a,tri-
buted it to separation, and it was not until
some time afterwards that she became ac-
quainted with the fact. As she was passing
through the kitchen, she heard Sambo inter-
rogatng the other servants as to the meaning
of deserter. She Immediately inquired his
reasons for wishing TO know; and he related
to her the conversation that had passed be-
tween Charles and the officer of the troop
and to which unobserved by the former, he
had been listener.
ooh, God ~ she exclaimed, as the con-
sequences flashed upon her, and she sunk
back insensible.
1t was the day after he surrender of York
town. Lord CORVALLIS, after holding GU,
from the ninth to the nineteenth, hat at length
yielded; and joy and gladness prevailed
throughout the American encampment.-
Washington, with few of his officers, were
assembled in his tent, attending to some
affairs state, when an officer entered, and
handed letter to the Commander-in- Chief
stating that young woman with tears in her
eyes, had begged him to present it to the
General, and that she was now awaiting ar
answer without.
Washington took the letter, and opened it
A tear stole down his sun-burnt cheek as h.
re-folded it, when he had finished; and ia.
king pen, he wrote on slip of paper the
following -
To Mrs. Fortescue:
Madanl.-You have desired to me rescue
your son from an ignominious deatll-fron
the death of deserter. You say that he
deserves not the ti,le-that he is innocent
and that it was affection to you that brought
upon HIM this disgrace. know all this
have inquired closely into his case, and
myself deem him clear of guilt therefore
rest assured that all that lays in nv power
shall be done IN his behalf.
GEORGE WASHINGTON"
"Take her this" said he, handing the
paper to the officer; sand see that she i,
conducted safely without the encampmcnt.'
As soon as Lucy Grattan, for it was her
had been conducted by the officer without
the bounds of the encampment, she quicken.
ed her pace and in short time reached tho
place where Charles Fortescue was confined
which was small farm house, about three
quarters ola mile distant. Passing the guard
to whom orders had been given for admitting
her at any time, she rushed into the room
and flnging the paper into the lap of female
who sat reading; sunk into chair almost
exhausted.
The woman to whom she threw the note
was Mrs. Fortescue, who Immediately on re.
covering from her sickness, had set out witt
Lucy to sooth and comfort Charles in hi.
confinement. Deep and bitter was her gre
and anguish, when Lucy broke the dreadful
news to her; but when hope held out to hel
the probability of his yet being saved, she
determined to triumph over her feelings, anc
exert herself to obtain for him pardon. A
first she thought of the stranger guest, and o
his parting words; and she resolved to ap.
ply to him to aid her but then she remem.
bered that she did not known his name, and
consequently did not know who to i'm uire
for. 1t is true he told her he was an Officer
in the army, but she was not even aware O
his rank. In vain Lucy looked in the little
bible he had given her, to find some clue to
lead to his MISUNDERSTANDING could b,
found. Mrs. Fortescue then had but one