Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1846-02-10
From the New York Weekly Times.
A FEARFUL TALE OF A TREE.
BY THADDEUs MEIuANs.

fectiy familiar) is not more remarkable
than the one we are about TO relate.
Near the village of White Plai ms, and
within mile Of the battle ground, stands
peculiar looking remain. Of what was a,
one time a very singular oak tree. Ii
STOOD, like giant alone, in clear enclos-
ure used for pasturage. and was spared
by the axe, as it is said, because of its un-
couth and malchless shape. A branch
had, when the oak was young, been bent
in the form of a circle; so. that The end res.
ted in what is elegantly and expressly ter
med ''crotch." In this manner it grew
the crotch" closing up as the trunk expan-
ded, and securing the intruder. The other
branches grew straight and strong-four
of them indicating the points of the compass
and bearing foil ge, which, unusually pen-
ti(ul, formed beautiful shelter The
''oak ring" grew, as we have already int-
mated, below these branches or arms, and
consequently was completely canop ed. Ii
was a secure" and comfortable resting place
OF which the yong people residing in the vi.
cinitv made good use. Lovers met there.
Public meetings were held there. Many
day festives and other spots were celebra-
ted at this celebrated spot, and, to % brief,
the residence of the Squire and the Little
frame school-house were objects Of secon.
dairy consideration compared with this oak.
Perhaps until this day that tree would have
been associated with pleasure had il not
been for mournful occurrence which
Swallowed It's memory with the idea of
death, and connected with itsxname ter
ribe thoughts of the attributes Of another
world This mournful occurrence may
be briefly related.
A short time previous 10 the battle of
White Plains, the British soldiery were
accustomed to scour the county daily for
whatever good fortune nigh, cas-, in their
way. They pundered the houses Of all the
vauables they contained, stripped the lar
ders, desola ted the henroosts drove off The
tenants Of thAk:abl.s. and LEI, the country
Whereabouts as bare as it must have been
shortly after the deluge, in all things save
human beings. Hunger compelled by the
want Of food wrongfully withheld, will
make any man irascible and destructive -
The natural consequence Of the foraging
was feeling Of hatred, as wild and un-
governable as the northern tempest, against
every man who wore red coat. If il
were possible, there were others who
we're hated-more cordially than the British
solders-and these were the "torys' inhab-
itants, many o.! whom also formed them
selves into marauding bands, and followed
the occupation Of "robbns in the kings
name," al the expense OF those who were
neighbors and had been friends. The
chief leader Of the tory band was a young
man of much talent aad great personal
beauty, named Brownson; who owned the
oak tree, and land upon which it grew,
and neat little house about fifty rods dis
,an, BY foraging he assumed in few
weeks large sum of money, and the fact
became as notorious as the Scriptures -
He had young and pretty wife, whose
amiabi'ity and patriotism shielded him for
a long time for any extreme demonstration
Of hatred; but the ravages his band made a
length were carried to such an extravagant
pitch, tha. meeting Of his wronged and
oppressed neighbors was at last called 10
consider measures for the prevention of fur
Their itnposition-the prompt punishment
Of the leaders Of the tories. A blacksmith
ib'ltu Ilcut uGuuCu tiIO IlCGtIllS. liz uU-
vocated immediate action. and called for
the appointment, Of commi;te to select
subjects for punishment, & to originate the
method Of lis administration.
The committee reported that Brown on
should be the first trkcn in hand His life
was TO be spared but they decided that he
should be stripped of all his earthly posses
>ions, and that his dwelling should be given
to the flames twenty strong ren i'm
medately armed themselves and bent their
steps toward Brownson's house. They
halted beneath the Oak tree and reconno-
tered.
Now" said Lent, who had gone TO the
windows of the dwelling and inspected ev-
cry part around, ''advance, every man.
There is no one there but Brownson him
self. We will call him out and demand
his money"
All assente0. With noiseless steps thew
reached the house and posted themselves
al the door. Lent advanced, and in loud
voice comm, nded Brownson 10 come forth.
"Who cals!' demanded Brownson.
al, Peter Lent"
''We are not friends-you can have no
bus ness with me. Leave my premesisr'
continued Brownson, as he opened the
door.
"We will leave the premises!" exclam-
ed Lent as he watch-d the gaze OF of his
astonished enemy, "but that will be after
We have taken your gold and burnt your
nest OF treason about your ears"
.'Pe,er Lent, know you, and | know
every man with you. Let harm come 10
me, and you shall all pay dearly for i'll
As for gold, have none."
We'll search for itl'' shouted Lent, as
he pushed Brwonson aside and rushed into
the house followed by his companions.
They were met by the wife. who pa
theticaly imploFed them 10 spare the house
from the dissertation of a search.
'sWe would do anything for you, madam:
but your husband is marked man and
mus, be punished. He has searched and
robbed our houses -we will now pay him
ir his own coin"
Thus spoke one of the committee who
had proposed the punishment. As it con-