The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-05-31
Il II E w E d d | N G..
BY j. C. WHITTIER.
81 wed thee, in the battles eve,
Amidst the mailed and stalwart throng;
And answering to thy banner cry,
As it had been lovers throng

Amidst the mailed and stalwart throng;
And answering to thy banner cry,
As it had been lovers throng
1t was a clear moonlight night in au-
tumn in 1924, and the old garrison
house of the valiant Captain Wheel
right, the terror ofall the Indians with
in twenty miles of Wells, was bril-
lianty illuminated for the wedding Of
the vetran's daughter, to young and
gallant Capt. Harman. The house
was crowded with guests, principally
with soldiers, for at that period every
man was soldier, and every woman,
if she could not merit that appelation.
was at least worthy of being a soldiers
wife. 1t was a grand time-that we'd
ding; there was an abundance of ma
pie sugar and punkin pies, and all the
ladies within thirty miles had been
invited to partake of the festivities Of
the occasion. The dance went nimbIy
down the rude hall, and every one
seemed desirous OF adding something
to the general expressions of merrl-
ment and joy.
Yet there were watchful eyes amidst
the Joyous assembly. At every
sound from without-the sudden bark
of a dog, or the creaking of the large
old trees, IN the autumn wind, thrill
like that of electricity passed through
the throng of jewellers. More than
once had the rangers instinctively fas-
tened on their rifles, which leaned for
execution, in every corner of the bull
ding. 1t was know n that all the eastern
savages were in motion; that implaca-
BILE hate of the red men was broodIng
like a thunder cloud over the encroach-
ing advance of the English. The in
habitan;s Of Wells had not indeed SUI
fered recently from the attacks of their
subtle enemy-but they felt no secu-
rity from the vengence of toes, who
were unappeasable in their resentment
ard whose transient iorbeorance like
the crouch of the panther, or the coil
of the reused rattlestake, might be on
ly the preparation for u sudden and
deadly blow.
But the wedding went on without
interruption.
The beautiful Emily Wheelright stood
up with the young lover before the
venerated clergyman. She was fine
specimen of natural beauty-her. dark
hair fell oarelessly and richly on her
neck-her full cheek gowed with the
freshness of health and the free waist
and uncon6ned form, gave to her mo
tions an elasticity and gracefuiness to-
which the modern victim is a stranger.
Antthe bridegroom, in the strenth and
vigor of his youth, with his sunburnt
countenance, and manly proportions,
presented striking contrast to the
fashionable exquisite of modern days.
The rites were concluded; and
Charles Hanwell had just imprinted on
the blushing cheek of the bride the cer-
emonial kiss, when terrific cry from
without rang through every nook of
the mansion. All sprang on their feet
at the fearful alarm. The next instant
the report Of rifles came sharply on
their ears.
TO arms!-the heathens are upon
usr shouted Captain Wheelright, catch
ing his musket from the hooks by
which it was suspended.
There was sudden rush towards the
door. The moon shone full upon the
wild scenery around; there were no
visible traces Of an enemy. At length
a solitary figure made its appearance
at remote corner of the building
sHelp, for G DDS sakep cried well
known voice. Il am. wounded. The
bloody red skins are abroad
The wounded man staggard towards
the half bewildered group. AT that
instant rifle flash cleaned from the
nearest thicket. The aim was fatal
one, for its unfortunate object who had
nearly reached his comrades sprang
suddenly and convulsively from the
earth, and fell at their feet. The ex-
ulting whoop ofan invisible foe drown
ed the reports of the muskets Of the
white men, which were now directed
at every. bush and thicket.
TO your horses menr exclaimed
Captain Harman, as the dusky forms