The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1846-06-23
Volume XII.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Cathais Acton.
OR,
The Retreat From lexington

Il
loped at full speed DIP 10 the door of small
farm house, situated upon the turnpike road
| to Boston. He threw himself from his sad
die. and casped the hand ola young girl,
who, with pale cheek, and anxious looks,
| came forth 10 meet him.
What news Of the enemy, GeorgeP she
asked eagerly: and are you hurt q
i am safe, Catharine, but White Star you
see, is slightly wounded in the shoulder by
a bullet that grazed it,
Thank God for your preservation cried
the maiden, with lervor that betrayed her
deep interest in the safety OF the young
man.
He was then three and-twenty, with a
manly figure, and fine, frank expression.
He was plainly dressed in the ordinary frock
of the yeomanry of the day, but was armed
with proud sword, slung at the waist and
long sowling-piece, which he held in his
hand. Upon his head he wore low-crowned
hat. with broad brim, but turned boldly up
in front.
She was a blooming, rustic beauty, with
rich auburn hair and sunny eyes. Her fig
ure was fhultless, though perhaps a thought
too full. She had a sweet look OF love and
genteness upon her face, and seemed well
fitted 10 be the mate Of the noble youth by
her side. Her age was about nineteen.-
Her dress was neat chintz gown, made in
the simplest fashion, and her only ornament
was ruby ring upon the middle finger Of
her right hand.
i have ridden her as fast DIS could spur,
Catharne,' he said, after she had spoken
10 secure your safety, which is dearer 10 me
than nv own. The British troops who
marched TO Concord during the night 10 de-
stroy the stores there, have been met and
compelled 10 retreat as you bavc no doubt
heard from those flying before them. They
were maniulIy resisted at Concord bridge,
and unable 10 effect their object, and seeing
that the country was rising in arms all around
them, they turned 10 fly. They have been
retreating now for severa! miles, battling, as
they march, with the country people, who
harrass them ii every step, firing upon them
from behind stone walls houses, hedges,
and every covert that commands Tie road.
| have been joining in the pursuit, until half
an hour ago, when seeing thai in their re-
treat they would take this road aud pass your
door. / crossed the ficlds and forests TO an
ticipate them, and warn you and your aged
grandparents 10 escape 10 place Of safety.
They are infatuated by the hot pursuit of The
people, and will doubtless wreak their ven
gence upon the inhabitants they fall in with.
Do not delay. Listen you can already
hear the firing Of musketry. They will soon
be here! Do not stop to save anything, bur
| fly 10 your uncle's dwelling. 1t is mile
back from the road, and will be secure ::
for they will not 90 far from the highway to
| do mischlefh
The sound of the distant firing was now
distinctly heard. The report of the shot
guns and rifles could be distinguished from
the deeper mouhed discharges OF the Brit
ish muskers, as they returned the fire OF
their assailants. The road was filled with
women and children, flying before the re
treating English; and the shouts Of the
Americans, as they rushed towards the
scene of conflict rupg loudly through the
| air.
Catharine Acton silently pressed the hand
of her lover, and proceeded Instantly 10
comply with his wishes.-She soon had her
old grandfather ready with his hat and
stick, and her grandmother with her cloak
and bonnet.
Now take the path through the wheat
field, and hasten with all the speed you cam
said George, Il will support your grandiath-
er. while your grandmother leans on you.'
Thus speaking, the young man, leading
| iIiS ny tOOh TIT
path towards the uplands. the grandsire
| leaning on his arm, and the loved girl sus-
tanning the aged iorrs fthe venerable moIh-
er. As they reached the edge ofthe forest,
along which their path led, the sounds ofihe
firing grow lou der and nearer. AT each
louder and fiercer discharge of fire arms,
the youngman's eye kindled, and he looked
back wishluly, while he bit his lip with i'm
patience. But his affection for Catharine,
and for those she loved vas even stronger
Than his desire 10 mingle with the strife.
All at once they discovered before them
several persons approaching, who on arri-
wing nearer, proved 10 be the family towards
whose dwelling he war escorting his charge.
| Ihey were on their way, two OF them sons
OF tie old man, armed with guns, TO harrass
the reireating foe, and the rest 10 bring off
| the old people from the scene of danger
| gladly surrender my charge 10 you,
said George TO the three or Jour families, and
one or two lads OF the party. Convey them
TO your house, and keep safely there your
selves till the British army have passed.
Do not remain in the fields even at this dis
lance and expose yourselves 10 draw their
fire. Catharine, trust to your discretion TO
see to this Now, one shake of the hand,
and ] return TO my duty with my fellow coun-
trymenl'
oh, George do not go! You-but | will
not detain you will not be selfish. !
will forget myself, and think only Of my
poor country, which needs every arm in its
defencel'
Patriotic as beautiful, my sweet Kate he
said, bending from his saddle-for he was al
ready seated in it aeain-and pressing his
lips TO her cheek, i shall return to you by
night. l am resolved to follow the enemy
till we see them fairly and safely shut up
in Boston againl'
Thus speaking, the young man touched
the horse with his spur, and in a moment af-
forwards he was hidden from the fearful
gaze Of the young girl by clnmp Of trees.
The young patriot had just time to regain
the house, and throw himself from his horse,
when the van of the retreating column came
in sight quarter of mile distant. 1t was
moving on in great confusion, several of the
platoons broken, and running each man by
himself, in advance Of the main body, while
tile officers, both on horseback and on foot,
were trying TO rule them. AS they came on,