The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-05-09
Vol. 9, No, 42, Whole No. 45s.

treat; and, bearing Isabella in his arms thro'
the ralting fire of the enemy across Charles
town neck. placed her ina carriage and thus
conveyed her to her native vaey--to die.
Her sun went calmly down. She glored
in the exchange ofworlds, not so much from
mere ioathing OF life, as from the triumph
ant assurances ofthe gospel. The seeds Of
life, eternal had been sown early in her mind,
Ii had sprung up,a vigorous and healthy plant;
and though the lightnngs had scathed aud III
fled il, its roots were still lively and sent forth
buds and bows All within her was peace. The
christians hope, that breeze paradise, which
had famed her chldhood's hours and which
had recently been put TO fearful rout, had re-
sumed lis wonted breaThings,and was waiting
her STEADILY on to the haven ofrest.,-IhCy
assembled for her funeral It was more sol
enn than her fathers, but cannot describe
it. The deep waters ofthcir souls were troub-
led, and there was weeping and woe, but TO
ylolence-no confusion. Her angel spirit
seemed TO hover there, with spell on every
heart bidding them to be still, for she was at
rest. But think not If thus silent sorrow, it
left not its impression, Deep was the oath
by which her heroic band, fneelmg round
her grave, bound their souls to the service of
their country, till death or victory should
close the conflict. The band in WHICH size
had fought took a new ardor 10 revenge the
wrongs OF Isabella Dowuer. With Gates they
were a, Saratoga; with Green, at Eutaw
Springs; with Washington, at Trenton and
Yorktown. At length fifty war-worn vote
rams returned to Willow Valley. The bones
of the remaining fifty were strcgn from Mas
sachUsotis BAY 10 Georgia, DOwncr returned
but not to remain. lie saw the ashes of his
home, and the voice OF other days came hack
upon him and unnamed him. He retired
I 4 -,
atoms of his house. His vine has fourishcd
and numerous goodly branches have sprung
from the parent stock. His eldest son, who
iuherits tie parental estate, was colonel in
| the service during the last war, and more res
Gently member ottle rational council, In
| his house is Il singular roOm,which is opened
hut once n year. AT one end of il hangs the
Epicture ofiis grandfather At the other are
pictures Of his latherQnd Isabella in her mill
tary dress; and between them is spread the
banner under which they fought. Here on
the anniversary ofthe nineteenth of ApIil, a
solemn feast is held. AT branches of the
family al! called home, the history oflhat BAN
ueris repeated, and all feel ms they turn from
the sacred relics 10 separate, each TO his home,
the bonds fconsangui"ity strengthened, aud
their love oiliberty increased from the iSnowi-
edge OF the price it cost. JiGd every family
IN the land such an heir-loou as his says tbs
colonel, 'Britons ut least ctuldueyer cunqueF
| us
| We beg that our motive in recording this
narrative may not he Inexperienced Let
us Lot I've accused Of exOgGerating tie suffer
! ings ofOur revolutionary Patterson Of wishing
10 strengthen national autipatllies. 'HOni soft
qui NAL Pease.' The angry passions of that
struggle have subsidized, and far lie il from us
10 rake among the smouIderiug emheEs of tho
last century for the purpose ofkindling ogaip
a flame which, for the good Of both nations,
every enlightened Englisman and every true
American wishes eXtinglished forever. Rut
/ if hy portraying the outrages to which our
ancestors were exposed, in winning for thcnn7
selves and us their children, rich Inhegi-
lance Offence and liberty, our humble tate
can beeet in lis proper vencration for their
memories, and II just appreciation 2fthcir glo=
rious hequests then will the wishes of lis atls
thor be fully realized.