Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-10-07
Gelefteo Gale.
THE SOLDIERS BRIDE;
OR, THE HEROINE OF SARATOGA.
A TALE OF THE REVOLUTION.
By p. STU RTEVANT.

AT that dark period of our revolution which
preceded the capture of Burgoyne on the
plains of Saratoga, the friends Of liberty, in
censed aud driven almost to desperation by
the repeated success OF the British arms, and
the cruelty with which American prisoners
were treated by the enemy, resolved to leave
their firesides, "march to the battlefield" and
risk their all upon the "hazard of die" 1t
was a fearful hazard. New York, Philadel-
pha, and other posts on the seabord, were in
undisturbed possession of the invaders the
northern frontier was lined by a savage and
bloodthirsty foe, and the little Spartan band
who had sworn by the ashes of their fathers,
TO ''live free or de-" were compelled 10 seek
refuge in the interior, and patiently, but anx-
iously wait for favorable opportunity to
avenge the wrongs of their oppressed country.
The entrance of Burgoyne into the State OF
New York from Canada, with powerful and
well disciplined army, created fresh alarm;
and excited spirit of patriotism among all
classes OF both sexes, which even the martyrs
OF ThermopylG might have envied. Among
the many who thought more OF liberty than
life, was Hezekiah Elverton, one Of the pio-
neers Of western Massachusetts. He was
among the first TO raise the standard of liberty
IN New England, and embraced every oppor-
tunlty OF intoxicating into the minds Of his
wife and son, (who composed his whole fam
ily,) the same spirit by which he was ANNA
ted
On beautiful evening in October l777, Mr..
Elyerton appeared more than usually agitated.
He paced the room to and fro, considerable
time, as if in deep thought; and then request
ed his son 10 bring him his horn inkstand, a
pen and sheet OF paper. After spending
hall an hour in writing, during which time
not word was whispered by any member OF
the little family, he carefully folded the sheet
and still holding il in his hand, placed him
self between his wife and son.
"Henry, are both our guns in order?"
Eyes, sir,-l cleaned Them yesterday, and
put in new fints for the purpose of pursuing
the wolf that has lately made such havoc
among our sheep. was about TO ask you to
allow me to join small party of our neigh
bors for the purpose tomorrow. The rogue
cannot be far off, and think he might be cap
tured."
"Henry, did ever refuse you reasona-
bic request 2"
mo, father-on the contrary, you have
granted me an unreasonable one. But this is
certainly for our interest and almost becomes
duty. The whole party would roloice also,
w sec 1Ou lHty hnOW
that your long sirer seldom betrays you
come, father, let us both 60"
"Henry," replied the patriot, his eyes spark
ling with youthful animation, "why should
we hunt the wolf when lion is in the neigh
borhood ?"
"A lionl" exclaimed the old lady, show
did he get among US 2'
'No matter how, Hannah he is among
us, and must be met and conquered. Henry,
have you any bullets CASTE"
"Only a iew-we are out of lead"
'Out OF lead-go to the closet and get the
two heaviest pewter plates and melt them in
TO bullets before you go to bed The lion
must be conquered, and both of us will join
the party!"
"But where is he, father ~
81 will explain, my son. A division OF the
British army is near us anxious to plumber,
and thrsting for blood. General Stark has
ordered out his militia and calls on every pat
riot TO join him. AT dawn in the morning we
must start for Bennington. Han.
nah, put up loaf OF bread. piece Of cheese,
and few slices of venison into our hunting
pouches. And should never return, for
the first time a tear glistened in the eye of the
patriot, but he dashed it from him and contin-
ued "should never return, this (reaching
her the manuscript he held contains some
instructions relative to the management OF our
worldly affairs, which will be Of much SER
vice to you" She took the paper aud depos-
lied i'm her bosom.