The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-09-13

It was a cloudy afternoon in September l777.
The sun was descending behind the far Allegha-
nies and beyond the broad Mississippi, into his
ocean bed in the Pacific. when the events of the
narrative now about to be rehearsed began. Be-
fore an humble brick edifce in Philadelphia,
small group OF individuals were gathered, by the
side of an unique carriage containing but two oc-
cupants. The persons in the vehicle seemed to be
exchanging an'adieu with venerable, gray -headed
gentleman, who stood with his hat off. and his sill
yer locks stirred by the breeze which blew from
the west, and rustled among some trees in an open
area near at hand. A few sympathizing listeners
stood by, apparently deeply interested in the sepa-
ration about to occur D. a'-9
.Youmust return id all secrecy SAID the elder
gentleman, who stood near the carriage. II was
perilous adventure to come here, when the kings
troops may be within one days march OF the city
may, when they may be nearer still. To-day is
the seventeenth; tomorrow it is determined that
myself and all my fellow members of the Federal
Congress shall depart for Lancaster We shall
Quit the city for the hamlet; and the banks of the
Delaware and Schuylkill for those Of the Conesto-
ga Icharge you. brother, go by the river road;
II is shady and quiet and for you your prospects
for the ensuing month or two, are too golden and
brilliant to be jeoparded by the exposure of your
pretty face and form, to the gaze of ruthless Hes
slams, or it may be the vindictive glance of some
struggling descendants of the Leanilapee. Even
the Indians Of the land, in this unequal struggle
wherein we are engaged,a bought and set against
U.S.
-, Fear not for us, dear uncle said the young
lady, as she oosened the string in her hand, and
then threw her calash bonnet her clear, young
brow, to receive the PARTING sautaton of her ven-
cradle relative. Her countenance was possessed
at the moment with that Heeting expression of
,sweet sadness, which renders women in sorrow so
supremely lovely. AS she bent forward and pres
sedher rosy lips on the silver temples OF her uncle,
tears dimmed the dark blue heaven Of her eyes,
and her frame. Just rounded in the yoluptuous full
ness Of seventeen trembled with emotion. 'Fear
mot for US, she repeated with feigned composure,
cthe river road is quiet and unmolested, and shall
not feel so terrified in the country as in the CITY,
Her voice faltered as she added But have we
mot reason to fear for George Lesle' He has
barely escaped the death his bravery ssemedto
court on the field of Brandywine-and will the
same exemption attend hisfuture chivalryl Alas!
i feel my heart sink, when reflect upon the dan
gers into which he soon may be rushing. With
out his presence, too am lost, perilled and uhhap
py. Last evening as sat in my roomin Mulberry
Street, looking IN the uncertain moonlight, away
down toward the distant woods and copses by the
Schuylkill, I was musing deeply about him and
the dangers which beset him when saw mis-
happen form often pass to and fro in the street be-
meath, opposite the window of my chamber 1t
was that hateful Hessian, of whom have before
told you, who has SO often accosted and annoyed
me in his prowngs about Wilmington. have
not yet mentioned these things to my father least
they might increase his solicitude None have
witnessed HIM but myself--and in pursuance Of a
threat and an oath, which he forced me to hear,he
has discovered the secret Of all my walks and jour
neys with my father, and has followed me from
Wilmington to Nazareth hither. He avoids me by
day, yet hunts me in the darkness, like an evil and
MYSTERIOUS spirit; he Turks about our dwelling in
country and town, and sometimes pulls away the
vines from my window, to gaze upon me with the
indiscribabe hideousness Of fierce eye, and talks
of spassions' Yet she added, : do notfear
him; I trust in that power which doth all things
well, and my fears are resolved into praise for the
past goodness Of God Ssei 8,sf ss;ia
There was blending of disguised fear in the
deep How Of youthful affection, in the separation
the maid from her uncle, which ordinary occa-
siSns wouldby no means have excited. Her father