The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-02-19
THE BLACKSMITH AT THE BATTLE OF
BRANDYWINE. @

And now have given you some instances of
courage and heroic daring among those high in
station and renowned in fame. One instance
more-an example Of reckless courage. The hero
was stout blacksmith-aye, an humble black
smith, but his stout frame, hardened by toll, throb
bed with as generous an impulse Of freedom as
ever beat in the bosom Of Lafayette, or throbbed
around the heart of mad Anthony Wayne.
1t was in the full tide of the retreat, that fol-
lower of the American camp, who had at least
shoudered cart-whip in his country's service,
was driving baggage wagon from the battle
field, while some short distance behind body OF
Continentas were rushing forward, with troop
Of Britlshsrs in close pursuit.
The wagon had arrived at narrow point OF
the bye road leading to the south, where two high
banks of rock and crag arising on either side, al
orded just space sufficient tor the passage OF his
wagon, and not an inch more.
His eye was arrested by the sight of a stout,
muscular man, some forty years OF age, extended
at the foot OF tree at the very opening of this
pass. He was clad in the coarse attire OF a me-
ehanc. His coat had been flung aside, and, With
the shirt sleeves rolled up from his muscular
arms, he lay extended on the turf, with his rifle
in his grasp, while the blood streamed in torrent
from his right leg, broken at the knee by cannon
ball.
The wagoner's sympathies were arrested by
Inc SlpnL--llc NOuIu udSC pouoCu ~ nO WY ~
stant of his flight, and placed the wounded black
smith in his wagon, but the stout-hearted me-
chanc refused.
"l'll not get into your wagon" he exclaimed
in his rough way "but III tell you what will
do. DO you see yonder cherry tree on the top Of
that rock that hangs over the road Do you think
YOU could lllt man of my build up thar For
YOU see, neighbour" he continued. while the blood
flowed from ms wound, IL never iheddIed with
the Britishers until they came tramplihg over this
valley AID burned my house down. And now I'm
ali rildled 10 pleces and haint got more than nj
teen minutes life IN me But have got three
good rifle balls in my cartridge box, and SO jist
prop me up against that cherry tree, and I'll give
EN- The whole three shots, and them" he exclaim-
ed, "and then IN die - fI
he wagner started his horses ahead, and
then With sudden effort of strength, dragged the
blacksmith along the sod to the foot of the cherry
tree surmounting the rock by the road side.
In a moment his book was propped against the
tree his face was to the advancing troopers and
while his shattered leg hung over the bank, the
wagner rushed on his way, while the black
su,ith very cody proceeded to load his rife
1t was not long before body of American SOL
ders rushed by, with the British in pursuit. The
blacksmith greeted them with a shout, and then
raising his rifle to his shoulder he picked the fore
most from his steed, with the exclamation, 'thats
for Gen. Washington" In moment the rino
was loaded, again was it fired, and the pursuing
British rode over the body of another fallen oiii-
Ger; "That's for myself y cried the oiacKsmtn