Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1842-12-10

on tue OutSklIlS OF tne village OF New
ark, in Delaware, stood at the time of our
story, a neat farm-cottage, with majestic
elm growing before its door. In the dist
ance, over the fields and woodlands could
be seen the spires of the town and sill
very glimpse Of the river Delaware, with |
a group of vessels Of war, anchored full |
three leagues off. The cottage stood little |
back from the dust of the frequently trav-
elled road, with green sward between.
Ii had an inviting appearance of comfort.
and never failed to attract the eye Of the
passing traveller
The sun was near setting, one pleasant
afternoon in September, l777, when a
young man, half in uniform, half in cti-
lZen's dress, came out of the cottage door
followed by young and interesting girl,
who was clinging to his arm, and evidently
in earnest entreaty with him. He was tall
and handsome, though sunbrowned. and
bore the appearance Of young farmer
She was rustic too, in her dress, but her
ia e was very fair and beautiful. and her
manners refined above the condition to
which she seemed to belong. Tears were
in her large blue eyes and one of her hands
clasped his, while the other lay upon his
shoulder.
why will you go, dear George, into
this dreadful contest? Tomorrow you
may be brought home to me a mangled
corpse! Oh. fearful, fearful Say you will
not 60, and fight against your own country!
This is worst Of all p
Il am a loyal Kings man, Annette, and if
| fight, it must be on his side. The people
are rebels, and will yet be put down, and
heads will soon fly from the scaffold like
wheat heads beneath the sickle"
mo, never! The cause is right one-a
holy one, George, and Heaven will prosper
it," she answered, with enthusiasm. 81 am
grieved that one so dearly love-to whom
my troth was plighted before this quarrel
broke out, and tory and rebel were I'M
known, should now be going forth, armed.
to join the foes Of my and his country,
against his own brethren. If we be wrong.
yet we are your kndred--your neighbors,
and this should unite your sympathies with
US, at least"
you need not speak, dear Annette. |
am resolved in the approaching battle to
draw my sword for my King. CORVALLIS
and Howe are now within few leagues,
marching Washington and his forces
have taken ground to oppose his passage of
the Brandywine-and tomorrow the battle
will take place, and Philadelphia be in our
hands"
The maiden was silent for an instant
with her face hid--at length she spoke, and
said gravely.
Dear George, feel asif I was called
upon to sacrifice my love for you to my
conntry's honor! How can | love my
bleeding country and at the same time him
whose sword is ready to pierce its bosom.
Turn, for my sake, George, and be an
American in heart, as you are by birth, and
as you should be in honor
"You need not urge me, Annette" said
the young man, impatienty; 81 will never
draw my sword in favor of rebel cause"
Bet it So and pledge myself never to
give my love to a traitor" answered the
maiden, with spirit. Thus perish the troth
that hath been plighted to one who has
proved false to himself and his country
And thus speaking, the spirited girl took
from her finger her betrothal ring, and cast
it al his feet.
l. The young tory lover gazed upon her
y with surprise and anger, which, as he saw
her re-entering the dwelling with reso,
: lutte step, without even casting glance
y upon him, instantly changed into -one of
entreaty.
Stay, Annette, do not leave me thus
You are not surely in earnest. Come back
and let me talk with thee. If you can
thus idly break your troth, love you toe
well to do so myself"
"You love me, George LeeT she repeat
ed, with scorn; "you love mel when you
are now ready to go forth and draw your
weapon and aim your rifle at the hearts
of my fatEer and brother, who are in the
ranks of Washington, ready to do and die
for their country! Out upon such Lowell
will none of it! Go, traitor to love and
honor! fight for the tyrant King George
and be his slave as he is thy master"
With these spirited words, the young
Or girl entered the house and closed the inner
N door, thus shutting out all farther speech
u with her unworthy and recreant lover
al The young volunteer of torysm stood for
IL few moments looking both mortified ano
n angry, and happening to see the ring at his
e feet in the sudden and bitter feeling Of
ID the moment, he ground it into the eartt
n with his iron heel.
)" "Yes, let it and her perish, if they will
(, am fool TO love a rebels daughter and q