Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1845-04-10
confidence, and she FASTENED TO tell him wha,

Il could not she said, with her face hid
den on his broad breast, stay at home and
leave you IN this peril Father is old, and
was afraid he could no. be here in time
God IN heaven bless you. How can ever
repay you Tor this But mus, find shelter
tor you III the cabin, for no time is to be lost
we are already in sight of Hogan's place, and
1t Is too late to retreat. Even if we anchor
they viii come after US, but, now that know
their intention, there is nothing TO fear, and
our best course, therefore, is TO disarm suspi.
cion by going on
Ellen would have demonstrated. bu, NJ 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, 20 be led into the cabin, where she
waited, with breathless heart, the termina-
ton of the contest.
tradition tells us how in few words. their
leadc;,io.ormed the crew Of the approaching
attack, and OF the vigorous measures taken to
defeat it. The sloop's course was retarded as
much as possible, while the wood, which
formed part of the cargo, was hastily arranq-
ed IN piles around the quarter deck as well as
forward, so as completely TO barricade every
side OF the vessel. Fortunately there was a
double supply of muskets on board, and these
were all loaded and ranged ready for use. IN
that critical hour the hand and the voice of
Briggs was every where. He felt that not
only his own life, but what was dearer even
than that, depended on success in his present
struggle.
For some time the refugees, who continued
pulling lazily up the river, as if not caring to
excite suspicion did not see the movements
on board the sloop; but when the prepare
lions for defence became visible in the grow
ing bulwark on every side of the vessel, thew
gave loud cheer and began to pull Justify
toward her.
'Ihey are coming now,' said Briggs. plac-
ing the last armlul of wood on The pile along
the quarter deck. Take your muske,s, lads.
and be ready for a volley-the bloody re-
fugees 10
Quick and sharp came the rollicking Of the
oars TO their ears, and even those manly hearts
beat faster, as they counted the fearful odds
against them, and recognized the burly figures
OF Hogan and one or two OF his more desper
ate associates.
sPull away around the stern. my LADS
shouted the refugee leader, rocking in the
stern sheets with the motion of the boat.
'Now's your time,' said Briggs, energeti-
caily. 'Pick your men. l'll take Hogan
lhe muskets we're raised, and breathless
instant ensued
'Are you ready ? whispered the leader.
'Ay was the prompt and stern reply.
'Then firep
he Voiiey was not moment too soon.-
ihree OF The men in the boa! fell, but almost
Immediately she struck the side Of the vessel,
ana me crew began TO scramble over the bar
rcade erected between them and her defend
II
haho 10 hanc. 1t was then that Briggs re-
memoered Ellen with each blow of his sturdy
arm. Clubbing his musket he met the ne.
saiiants at every point, cheering and animal
ing his scantv band even more by his exam
PIE man his voice Short, but terrible was
Inc conflict. Most of The outlaws never reach
ed the deck OF the sloop, but fell back wound
Ell or dead in their boat; while the few who
gained at last foothold on the vessel, sunk
hnally before the athletic arms and indomi,a
Die courage OF the defenders. In less than
hve minutes after The attack began the refu
gees were repulsed at every point; their lead
err killed, and the rest in full flight to the
shore. Two of their number remained pri-
soners in the hands of Briggs, land subsequent
~ met the deserved fate of their crimes.
No sooner had the enemy left the vessel
already ascending the gang way, alarmed bv
the cessation OF his voice, which. throughout
the strife, had arisen above the noise of the
conflict, and sustained her during its terrible
suspense.
Their meeting we shall not ATTEMPT to des-
cr'oe. II IS sufficient TO say that long after.
they were accustomed 10 refer to i, as the
happiest period of their lives.
TBut now dearest. bo .o;J -,
must see you safe to your fathers ere |
proceed, let me hope for still more.'
he returned to his vessel he had pressed her 10
his bosom as his wife.
For many long year the old musket, with
It's shattered stock, used on that memorable
night by The hero Of our story, was wont 10
! be exhibited to the vislers of the bonnv
household that grew up around Ellen. il
may yet be in existence, treasured relic a.
mcng her grand children
gentleman has this morning given lis kew
TO the mysterious origin Of many confederation.
On opening desk drawer in his Office, he found
| the papers and sides Of the drawer cbarred and
on farther examination discovered the canse in =,
j box OF iucl'er matches Not that he supposes
II to nave been spontaneous OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
es do not play any such tricks. The cause Of
their ignition, though much less likely to be sus-
pected was soon revealed. The paper box was
nibbed in many places by mouse, and the pro-
liability is that having eaten through the paper.
the little marauder piled his work upon the
Matches turning one or more Of them round by
the process and producing the friction, slight
degree oil which only is necessary 10 ignite The
combustibe matter. The mouse was puiItv ~
attempted arson no doubt but as our Courts have
no jurisdiction in mouse.dom, would it not se
better to use only metallic boxes, for lucifer match
es! Had not the drawer been almost air-tiobt.