The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1846-02-24
THE RESCUE.

II A ~ ~
In the autumn of I777, when Lord
Howe had possession of Philadelphia, the
situation of the Americans who could not
follow their beloved commander, was tru-
ly Distressing. Subject to the every day
assaults of cruel and oppressive foes
bound to pay obedience to laws, predica-
ted on the momentary power of a proud
and vindictive commander-it can better
be pictured than described. To obtain
the common necessaries Of life, (particu-
larly -four they had to go as far as
Bristol distance Of eighteen or twen-
ty miles-and even this indulgence was
not granted them. until pass was procu-
red from Lord Howe, as guards were pla-
ced along Vine street, extending from the
Delaware to the Schuylkill, forming a
complete barrier; beyond these, through
the woods, extending as far as Frankfort,
were stationed piquet guards-thus rem
dering il in a matter impossible to reach
the Bristol Mills, unless first obtaining
pass.
The commander in Chief Of the Amer
ican forces was then encamped at the
Valley Forge, suffering from cold,
hunger, and the inclemency of the sea-
son.-
The British rolled in plenty, and spent
their days in ieasting, and their nights in
balls and riots, and dissipation, thus rest
ing in security, while the American chief
tian was planning mode for their final
extirpation. A poor woman with six
small children, whose husband was at the
Valley Forge, had made frequent appli-
cation for pass. Engagements rendered
it impossible for her cruel tormentors to
give her one. Rendered desperate from
disappointment, and the cries of her chill
dren, she started alone without pass,
and by good luck eluded the guards and
reached Bristol.
1t will be remembered by many now
living the. SIX brothers by the name Of
Loale Or Doale, about this time commit
ted many acts of heroic bravery, but
more in the character of maranders than
OF soldiers. They were men full six
feet high, stout and active, and they al
ways succeeded in making their escape.
A marked partiality TO the Americans rem
dered them obnoxious TO the British, and
always welcome to the former, TO whom
they conveyed what information they
could in their adventures.
Our adventurous female, having procu-
red some flour in pillow case holding
about twenty pounds, was returning home
with a light heart 10 her anxious and lone
ly babes. She had passed the piquet
guards at Franklord, and was just enter
ing the woods little this side when tall
stout man stepped from behind a tree, and
put letter in her hand requesting her 10
read it. She grasped with eager Joy the
letter bearing the character of her hus-
bands writing. After pause he said,
"your husband is well, madam, and re-
quested me to say, that IN short time he
will be with you; money is scarce artl-
Gle among us-I mean among them; bu'
on account OF your husbands partiality
TO the cause of liberty, | am willing to
become his banker. So saying he han
ded purse of money. "My means are
adequate or / would not be thus lavish, ="
she was about to refuse it.
"You said my husband would see me
shortly, how do you know that which
seems so impossible! And how do you
know me, who never
"Hush, madam, we are now approach
ing the British guard; suffice it to say,
the American commander has that in his
head which like an earthquake, will shake
the whole American continent, and ex-
punge these miscreants; but bark, take the
road TO the left-farewcll."
So saying he departed. She gave one
look, but vacancy filled the spot where he
stood. With slow and cautious step she
approached Vine street. Already her fire
burned beneath her bread, when the awful
word ahalt'' struck her to the soul. She
started and found her self in the custody
of British sentinel. "Your pass wo-
man. I'll have none, sir; my children
are the rebel crew, why
do you breed enemies to your king-thl:
-four is mine.-off woman and die with
your babes. A groan was her only an
swer. The ruffian was about departing
when the former messenger approached
his whole demeanor wes changed; hum