The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1845-12-02
VOL. X.
MISCELLANEOUS.
From Hills n. II. Patriot.
Rose III acle an.
BY vENETIA.

a party Oh uOIscusCE OhS VI thS
roads leading from that city into the open
country. 1t was the evening after The sur.
render of the place 10 the British who had
for forty DAYS besieged it; and this war-worn
hand Of men, who after a toilsome march
from Virginia to aid in the defence of the
capitol, had approached it only 10 learn ofits
fall, were now hastily retreating 10 avoid be-
ing discovered py the enemy and subjected
10 the terms which the army of Gen. Lincoln
had been forced TO accept. There was E.
nough in this dispiriting Intelligence 10 have
excused the detection resting like cloud On
every countenance IN that band, even had
not the indications Of Joy on every hand told
them how hopeless was the cause Of the pat
riots in the south for not merely the acknowl-
edged loyalists, but many before proiessed
friends of liberty, having now thrown offtheir
disguise, were welcoming the British whose
recent success riveted one more chain which
seemed destined 10 fetter America. No won
der the brows of those soldiers kindled with
Indignation, and muttered words of future
revenge dropped from their lips, at thought
of those who in the trying struggle had prov
ed traitors TO their country's interest. Their
murmurs broke forth into open expressions
OF vengeance and disdain, as they neared the
country residence of one of the Tory leaders
General Maclean, and supposed from the
brilliant light cleaning through the trees
shat screened lis 'front.' that he was manifest
ing his allegiance 10 the king by an illumina-
ton. Blu, soon the broad, bright flame burs-
ting through the roof and lighting up the
whole country around, showed that the man.
sion was on fire.
1t was a splendid s:ght-that fame fash
ing round the prncely dwelling, wreathng
itself about the huge pillars, shooting golden
arrows .ar over the trees, and throwing down
showers Of brilliant sparks that seemed an o.
cean of gems in the rich, dark foliage OF the
magnolias. Yet there had been nothing in
that 10 tempt the soldiers accustomed eye
nothing 10 interrupt the hasty retreat, had
not at the instant they were passing the west
ern wing, a wild, piercing shrek, ringing out
on the air, drawn every eye 10 the upper bal
cony, where leaning from an open easement,
stood young girl, one jeweled arm resting
on the mass OF vines that twined about the
window, the other halfextendej as she bent
forward with straining eye, watching for the
last chance Of escape. But one long gaze.
thrilling from IFS intense hopelessness, SEEM
ed 10 convince her that escape was now i'm
possible; and after an earnest glance at the
soldiers who with one impulse had checked
their steeds, she quietly folded her arms as il
resolved 10 meet her fate with unblanching
heart; her features settled into calm dispair
us she saw the fiery element curling round
the balcony, whose light trellis-work was
dropping off piece by piece, then, like thing
of life, darling its forked and serpent tongue
among the vines, seeming anxious 10 clasp
the beautiful victim 10 IFS embrace.
There was something in The heroic look Of
that young girl 10 have fired towards
heart, and though comprehending all the
danger, there was scarcely a man in that.
group who would not have risked his life ID
save her.
Not you. Rutedge-and 10 save an accur-
sed tory was the exclamation of one hard
browed man as the gallant leader sprang
from his horse.
Have you forgotten your own mother and
sisters? Have you forgotten that you are
manF were the only words which accompa
MED the whitening look of Rutledge; and
hinging his bride 10 a soldier before an arm
could be raised TO arrest him, he sprung into
the garden. II seemed certain death and I'M
availing; yet many of the faithiul-hearied
soldiers followed him. while the others re-
eardless of their danger in lingering so long
in the vicinity of the British troops, remained
silently gazing at the noble girl, who stood
by the burning easement, her pale, beautiful
face looking out calmly from the mass OF
dark brown hair that fell like a siken mantle
around her.
Rutledge sprang up the falling staircase,
aong the Lighted corridor, and clearing with
one bound yawning chasm offire, grasped
the girl and disappeared from the view Of the
spectators below. 1t was daring deed
which SAVED her from her fcarfnl sitna finn