Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1844-12-24

suffered the boat TO drop down with the
tide. As she expected, the sloop soon
overlook her.
$ Boat, ahoy - cried we'll known voice
that made her heart leap, as the stout yes
sci came surgng down toward her.
James-don't you know me!n she arti
culated family, all the modesiy of her ma
ture suddenly aroused at peIceiving, now
for the first, time the indelicacy of her be-
havor
''Elen!" cried the voice from the sloop,
IN tone of surprise, and Immediately the
vessel was rounded 10, and the athletic arms
of her lover lifted her on deck; for over
come with shame, she could neither stand
nor look up.
"What is the matter dearest?H said her
lover as he held her in her arms. '.has any
thing happened at home? Speak-you
don't know how you alarm me-"
Ills anxious tone recovered for Ellen her
confidence, and she FASTENED to tell him
what she had heard
81 could no,," she said, with her face
hidden in his broad breast, stay at home,
and leave you to this peril Father is old,
and was afraid he could not be here in
time"
God in heaven bless YOU How can
ever repay you for this? But must find
shelter for you in the cabin, for no time is
to be lost We are already in sight Of Ho-
ganss place, and it is too late TO retreat
Even if we anchor they will come after us !;
but now that know their intentions, there
is nothing 10 fear, and our best course,
therefore. is to dlsarm suspicion by going on
quietly"
Ellen would have demonstrated. but al
that instant the moon broke forth, and
large boat was seen pulling out into the
stream some distance down the river. She
suffered herself, therefore, to be led into
the cabin, where she waited, with breathless
suspense, the Il rmination of the contest.
Tradition tells how, in few words, their
leader informed the crew of the approaching
attack, and of the vigorous measures taken
to defeat it. The sloop's course was re-
tarded as much as possible, while the wood,
which formed part of the cargo, was hastily
arranged in piles around the quarterback as
well as forward, SO as completely to barri-
cade every side of the vessel. Fortunately
there was double supply of muskets on
board, and these were all ready and ranged
ready for use. la that critical hour the hand
and voice Of Briggs was everywhere. He
felt that not only his own life, but what was
dearer even than that, depended on success
in the present struggle.
For some time the refugees, who contin.
ued pulling lazlly up the river, as if no.
caring to excite suspicion, did not see the
movements on board the sloop but when
the preparations for defence became visible
in the growing bulwdrks OH every side Of
the vessel, they gave loud cheer, and be-
gan to pull Justify toward her.
"They are coming now" said Briggs,
| placing the last armful of wood on the pile
along the quarterback. "Take your mus
kets, lads, and be ready for volley-the
bloody refugees!'
Quick and sharp came the rolicking of
the oars to their ears, and even those manly
hearts beat faster as they counted the fear
full odds against them, and recognized the
burly figures of Hogan and one or two of
his more desperate associates.
"Pull away-around by the stern, my
lads,' shouted the refugee leader, rocking
in the stern sheets with the motion of the
boat.
Now $ your time," said Briggs, emerge
ticaly. Pick your men; I'll take Hogan"
The muskcts were raised, and breath
less instant ensued
Are you ready?" whispered their brave
leader.
"Aye!- all ready" was the stem, prompt
answer.
"Then fre!'
The volley was not a moment too soon.
Three Of the men in the boat fell, but al
most Immediately she struck the side of the
vessel, and her crew began to scramble over
the barricade erected between them and her
defenders. Firing was now impo ssibe; the
conflict was hand to hand. 1t was then that
Briggs remembered Ellen with each blow of
his sturdy arm. Clubbing his musket, he
met the assalants at every point, cheering
and anlmating his scanty band even moe
by his example than his voice. Short, but
terrible was the conflict. Most of the out
laws never reached the deck of the sloop,
but fell back wounded or dead into their
boat while the few who gained at last
| foot-hold on the vessel, sunk before the ath-
letic arms and ndomitable courage of the
defenders. In less than five minutes after
the attack began, the refugees were rcpulsed
at every point, their leader killed, aud the
few who remained alive, in full flight to the
shore. Two of their number remained pri-
soners in the hands Of Briggs, and subse-
quently met the deserved punishment for
their crimes.
No sooner had the enemy left the vessel
than Briggs fastened to the cabin. Ellen
was already scending the gaugway, alarmed
at the cessation of his voice, which, through
out the strife, had risen over the noise of
the conflict, and sustained her during its
terrible suspense.
Their meeting we shall not attempt to
describe. 1t is sufficient to say, that long
after, they were accustomed 10 refer to il as
the bappiest moment Of their lives.
But now, dearest" he said, at length,
8 must see you safe at your fathers ere
proceed. Let me hope for still more"
| ElIan horno ,rJ -