Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1846-02-13
= T rom the Salufday NourIer.
THE HERO WOMAN. 4 -.

GOUFtH 1>eCLUT6 UT tHE HOWQUcS OF
the Reuotu'ion,' deliUered 6tfore the
WiHidnl Uirt Institute. a ."-
In thick wood. not more than half a
mile from the SchuylklIl, there stood, in
the tine Of the Revolution, quaint old
fabric, built of mingled logs and stone, and
encircIed by palisaded wall. 1t had been
erected in the earlier days of William Penn,
some years before the great
apostle Of peace first trnd our shores.-as
bInck-1louse, intended for defence against
the Indians. ..s ..s .r..
And nov ii stood with its many roofs,
its numerous chimneys, lis massive square
windows, its varied front OF logs and stone,
lis encircling wall, through which admit
lance was gained by large and stoutIy-
built gate; it stood in the midst Of the
wood. with age-worn trees enclosing its
| veteran outline on every side.
| From its eastern window you might OBJ
tain glimpse of the Schuy kill waves,
while large easement in the southern
front commanded view of the winding
road as it sunk out of view, under the shade
of thickl y-clustered boughs, into a deep
hollow, not more than one hundred yards
! from the mansion. .....
| Here. from the southern easement. on
one Of those balmv summer days which
look in upon the dreary autumn. toward
the close of November. far ner's daugh er
was gazing, with diDaling eyes aud half
cIa<ped hands.
Well might she gaze earnestly to the
south, and listen vi lh painful! intensity for
the slightest sound! Her brothers were
away with the army of Washington, and
her father, a grim old veteran-he stood
six feet and three inches in his stockings
who had manifested his love for the red
coat invaders. in many desperate contest
had that morning left her alone in The ole
mansion. alone in this small chamber. in
charge Of some ammunition intended for Z
band of brave farmers, about to join the
hosts of freedom. Even as she stood there
gazing out Of the southern window. lain
!, glimpse o! sunlight. from The faded leaves
above; pouring over her mild face, shaded
by clustering bro" II hair. there, not ter
PAGES from her side. were seven loaded ri
f1eS and key of powder.
Leaning from the easement. she listenet
with every nerve quverng i,h suspense
10 the shouts of cnmbaIanls. the hurried
cad of armed men echnng from the south
There was something very beautiful it
that picture! The form of The Young girl
framed by the square massive indnw. the
contrast between the rough limbers. ,ha
enclosed her, and that rounded face, the
lips parting. the hazel eve dsIa,ing. and the
cheek warming and flushing. with hope
= and fear; there was something very beau
tIIni IN that picture. Young girl leanin!
from the window of an old mansion. " i'll
her brown hair. waving in glossy masses
around her face!
Suddenly the shouts TO the south grew
nearer. and then, emerging from the deer
: hollow there came and old man, runnin!
at full speed, yet, every few PAGES. turnin!
round to fire the rifle, which he loaded a
he ran. lie was pursued by a party o
ten or more British soihie.s, who cam
rushing on, their bayonels fixed, as if t.
sI'lke their victim down, ere he advance,
ten PAGES nearer tie house.
On and ON the old man came. while hi
- daughter, qulvering with suspense. hun
leaning from the window he reaches tn
2 bloc k-hnuse gate-look! He is surroun
ded. their muskets are fevelied at his head
he is down, down at their feet, grapplin
Is for his life ! But look again He dash
es his foes aside, with one bold movement
= he springs through the gate; an instant
and It is locked; the British soldiers. ma
with rage, gaze upon the high all Of log
II and stone, and vent their anger in drunke
curses.
Now look to yonder window! Wher
The Young girl stood moment ago. uui,
rrlng with suspense. as she beheld he
father struggling for his life now stand
l. 1hrt old man himself. his brow barred, hi
ann grasping the rife. while his grey hal.
wave back from his wrinkIed and hoot
dahbIed face! That was fine picture ,
an old veteran. nerved for his last fight:
A. stout WARRIOR preparing for his death s,ru!
v gle. .... .........-.
W Dea'h-struggle? Yes for The old maj
Isaac Wampole. had dealt too MANY har
blows among he British soldiers, tricke.
- i"Iied' cheated them too often to oscar
Tor now: A few moments longer. and ,hc
w""'d he reinforced by a strong party
refugees; the powder. the arms, in II
Old bl"ck-house. perhaps that daughte
- herself. was to he their reward .Iho
was scarcely hope for the old man ar