Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1844-11-28
An Adventure OF the las, war.

One day during the last war, opposite to
Portsmouth flarbor and about three miles from
;he shore, Law black frigate a, anchor, and The
continual motion on It's decks as seen with The
aid Of glass from land beiokened tha, some
event Of unusual interest was soon 10 occur. Al
though il showed no colors, it required an eye
of but lule experience in naval matters 10 de-
eide that it was English. Wha. could be lis
object was a mystery. LIS wooden walls ef-
iec,ually concealed from many who watched II
anxiousy from the shore, and when, during the
day i. was joined by another vessel OF the same
class, and heavy man-ol-war, not iit'le ex-
element was created among those who lived
near the water.
Towards Portsmouth the enemy had often cast
longing eances. Twas the key 10 New Hamp-
shire and the western part Of Maine, and pos
,essing one of the fines, hafbors in the world,
where navy, without losing spar, might ride
om tempest, il held in their eyes place OF
no mean importance.
Ba, The iron teeth thai grinned on The forts
at The mouth Of the Piscaiuqna had hitherto
been an cfTec,ual check upon their courage.
Besides several thousand well trained soldiers
had been collected there, in anticipation OF an
attack, and whole companies Of volunteers were
daily arriving from The northern parts of the
Sale, and even from the Green Mountains
painting with desire for The conflict. Ports
mouth was under martial law. lis rope walks
=, hool houses, and churches, were crowded
v th The bone aud muscle of New England. al
determined TO defend the place TO the last ex
r-mlty The shore was walked for miles
night aud day, by a corps OF sen'inels, and eve
" ptecau;ion taken to guard against surprise.
A notice Of the approach Of the war ships
,oon reached the town. The tall fac staff iha
had been placed near the mouth of the river
and was watched from the s,eepes, was see'
10 have been inclined towards the sea, which
was the signal Of danger agreed upon. An'
when the sun went down not knowing how EN-
lnenl il nigh, be, the excitement that filed th'
4 place was tremendous There was mouniin,
in hot haste, and coursers dashed through In
!. Sreeis like The winds. Every cart aud car
5isss wac busy in removing the women ant
i vslustle. 10 a station Of security. and The sol
diets hura.shed their arms and renewed tn
charges in their pieces, and were ready at IN
tap Of tue drum or the blast of ihs busle,
spring TO their dedeacc. ,a1 srs.ss - ,.al
The night gathered dark snd chilly. n
heavens locked wa,esy and filled with cl''pn o
mist. double watch was set upon The 0o'
posts. and ,he soldiers lag down 10 dream
their home or Of ballIiag Cor It's safety
M sooner had she dafkaess settled the sea
than bnais just observable through the twilight
were seen passing between the enemy's YES
sells, and evidently bearing orders from one 4
the ohor maturing their plans. Though In
opened pon-holes lights could be seen ayin
IN all directions, and there was none who say
these movements who did aos feel the tate q
Portsmouth would be decided befote morning
All along the coast and on every eminenc
commanding q view, Of ,hs vessels, were cp'
NF'ed hl'le companies Of speculailye watchers
On lirle hillock. a few rods from ,he shefe
oa he east side Of The river, we're gathered se