The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-03-29

to pray for the success of our arms, 70,
the speedy emancipation OF our beov
ed country from the thraldom ofdespot
ism and for our safe return to home anc
happinrss.'
Henry Elverton and Emeline Whar
ton had been intimate from childhood
They had recently exchanged vows ot
eternal fidelity; and The day was ap
pointed when these vows, already re-
corded in Heaven, were to be ratified
at an earthly altar.
The present unlocked for emergen.
cy, was like death blow to the youth.
ful hopes Of Henry-but he braced his
nerves to meet it, as he rushed from his
fathers house to reveal it to Emeline. In
ten minutes he was by her side. The
deepest anxiety, was depicted on his
manly countenance as he spoke-'Em.
elineo
Overcome by his emotions, he could
say no more; and for the first time in
many yeats his cheeks were moistened
with tears. 'Henry,' another pause
ensued. The an&iAus girl knew not
what to fear, expect, or hope; but she
endeavored to prepare herself for the
worst.
"Henry explain, and relieve my sus-
pense.
'Emeline we must part, perhaps for
ever
The bloom left her cheek, she in vain
attempted to rise when Henry, for.
getlu olevery thing but her safety and
welfare caught, her in his arms. The
embrace was mutual and restored to
Emeline that confidence. in Henry's Fl
ielity which his last words had render
ed doubtful. =
'Emeine the British are near us.
To-morro w's dawn will find my father
and myself on our way, to join the A.
merican army. Should fall
mo more Henry said she as she
grasped his neck more cIoseIy;'a proof
efyour aflection-no more--obey youl
country's call should you fall it will
he IN a righteous cause ;--but,' SAID she
utter moments hesitation--'but Hen.
ry we shall meet again! Another
heartfelt embrace closed the scene, and
Henry left the house of his early love
with amuch lighter heart than he had
it. Encouraged by her he
could face the cannons mouth thought
ess of danger in the hope of returning
20 his much loved home a sharer in the
,onors Of glorious victory.
The parting Of Mrs. EIverton with
Ter husband and so n was briefand affec-
ionate; her heart was full but not o |
ear bedewed her aged cheek as she
rave them "a blessing and encouraged
hem to depart.
On their arrival at Bennington the
,loody strife had already commenced
he odds were fearful against our i'll arm |
d and undisciplned militia, but the ap-
,earance Of recruits constantly ap-
'rnaching and joining them from every
uarter encouraged Stark and his little
'andko hold out till their forces should
Justify them IN making a bold but well
tanned chevau-de-irize in hopes to spr-
rise and to ensnare the enemy. The
oldiers felt moreover that they were
ghting for their 6resides and their.little
nes, the graves of their ancestors, the
onsecrated aItnrs OF their religion, A.
ainst foe whose only wish was the
polls Of fvictory, and whose only fear
vas the displeasure oftheir royal mas
er. These considerations nerved eve
Y man and animated every heart.
he battle was short but decisive in "a
or OF the Americans. Many fond
fife on that day became n widow
,uny an anxious mother was doomed
/, consecrate the memory of afavorite
On by her unavailing tears of sorrow
-and many maiden pressed 10 her
nguished bosom a beloved likeness
L that remained of the departed.
Immediately after the'battle of Ben.
ingd III beardIess young lad appa.
entity not more thanifteen, offered his
,rvices to the commander Of the com
any, to which the Elvertons were at
ched, which was accepted. He gave
IS name us Robert WILDER. Notwitil-
anding his youth, his swarlhy CON-
exion Indicated that he had been ac-
istomed to labor under the scorching
US Of a summers sun, and his spark
lg eye, ,as he enquired for the officer !
us sufficient proofthat he was viii !.
,g il not able 10 endure the fatigues Of {
campaign. M Il
Early in The evening of the 7th Octo-
ira British sentinel introduced him /
II To one Of tho piquet guards Of the .
merican army, in the charactc ,3i 4 | /