Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-10-07

to Emeline--for it may, my son, be the last
FAREWELL
Eyes, Henry SAID the father, 81 will cast
the other bullets while you call upon Emeline.
Tell her your bridal day must be postponed
tell her 10 pray for the success OF our arms,
for the speedy emancipation of our beloved
country from the thraldom of despotism, and
for our safe return to home and happiness"
Henry Elvefton and Emeline Wharton had
been intimate from childhood. They had re-
Gently exchanged vows of eternal fidelity
and the day was appoiaesd when these vows,
already recorded in heaven, were TO be ratified
at an earthly altar.
The present unlocked for emergency was
like death blow TO the youthful hopes Of
Henry--but he braced his,aerves to meet it,
as he rushed from his fathers house to reveal
il to Emelne. In ten minutes he was By her
side. The deepes; anxiety was depicted on
his countenance as he spoke:
"Emeline."
Overcome by his emotions he could say no
more--for the first time In many years his
cheek was moistened with teais.
"Henry."
Another pause ensucd The anxious girl
knew not what TO fear, expect. or hope--but
she endeayored to prepare herself for the
worst
..Henry, explain and relieve my suspense"
"Emelne we must part, perhaps forever"
The blood left her cheeks-she in vain at
tempted TO rse--when Henry, forgetful of
every thing but her safety aud welfare,
mutual, and restored to Emene that conf
dence in Henry's fidelity, which his last
words rendered questionable.
SsEpoaiipa the British ara paor nc IT.
morrow's dawn will find my father and my
self on our way to join the American army !;
should fall''-
mo more, Henry" said she, as she grasp
ed his neck more closely, proof of pure az
tection-'sno more-obey your ceuntry's call !;
should you fall, it will be in righteous cause;
but" said she after a moments hesitation !;
"bnt, Henry, tce shall meet again ~
Another warm, heartfelt embrace closed
the scene, and Henry left the presence of his
early love with much lighter heart than he
entered it. Encouraged by her, he could
face the lannon's mouth, thought,ess of the
danger, in the hope Of returning 10 his much
loved home, sharer in the honors of glo-
rous victory.
The parting of Mrs. Elverton with her hus-
band and son was brief and afiectioBate; her
heart was full, bur not tear believed her
aged cheek as she gave them her blessing, and
encouraged them to depart.
On their arrival at Bennington, the bloody
strife had already commenced. The odds
were fearful against olra harmed and undis-
cipliaed militia, bal theLrpearance OF recruits
constantly appearing and joining them from
every quarter encouraged Stark and his little
band to hold out till their force should Justify
them in making bold but well planned che
Ua,tr de .trise and surprise the enemy. The
soldiers felt, moreover, that they were fighting
for their firesldes and their ancestors, and the
consecrated alters Of their religion, against
foe whose only wish was the spoils of victory,
and whose only fear was the dispeasure OF
his royal master. These considerations nerv-
ed every man and animated every heart
The battle was short, but decisive in favor of
the Americans. Many fond wife that day
became widow; many pratling infant was
left iatherless; many an anxious mother was
doomed to conSecrate the memory OF favorite
son by unavaillng tears of SORROW, and mary
a maiden pressed TO her anguished bosom the
colored likeness; all that remained to her of
the love departed.
Immediately after the battle of Bennington,
a beardless young lad, apparently not more
than fifteen, offered his services TO the COM
mander Of the company to which the Elver-
toms were attached, which were accepted -
He gave his name as Robert WILDER. Notwth-
standing his youth, his swarthy complexion
indicated that he had been accustomed to labor
under the scorching rays of a summersun and
his sparkling eye, as he enqured for the officer,
was sufficient proof that he was willing, if
not able, to endure the faugues of campaign.
This company, with several others, set off
with all possible despatch to JOIN Gen. Gates,
where ii was expected that severe and decisive
battle would takepla Burgoyne was the more
anxious for II, having ascertalned that the A
merlcan force was daily and rapidly increasing.
Early in the evening of the 9TH of October,
British sentinel introduced himself 10 one OF
the plquet guards of the American army in the
character OF deserter from the British camp,
but was Immediately arrested as spy and
carried before Gen. Gates. Alarmed for his
personal safety, the prisoner offered to give
the English countersign for that night and
remain close prisoner unit. it could be ascer-
tanned whether or not he was deceiving them.
OF the intended movements of1he enemy he
knew nothing. He gave the countersign TO
Gates, and was placed under strong guard.
Taking advantage of this uniimely aud I'M
expected intelligence, Gen. Gates immediate
Iy summoned Il COuilCll Vi officers IN Oruer 10
inquire whether any brave spirit could be
found under their respective commands who
would voluntarily run the almost desperate
risk of entering the British camp that night
for the purpose of ascertaining as near as pos
sible their force and intended movements.
The project was Immediately made known
to a chosen few whose zeal in the cause could
not be doubted; when about thirty of their
number whose enthusiasm overcame all fears
of danger except Of their common country,
volunteered to make the rash
attempt. Lots were cast, and the important
daring enterprise deyolved upon young VIII
Der. For moment even his apparently sun
burnt cheeks could not conceal the flush with
which they We're suffused; but it was only for
a moment, but within that moment, score of
New England hunters offered themselves as
substitutes.
"No, "replied WILDER with frmness, "should
not consent, l should deserve a towards
fate. II has fallen to my lot, and let mine be
the peril"
Crash YOUTH" said the General, ''leave
this dangerous undertaking TO some one of the
many VINO have already offered their services,
and who, if they have not stouter hearts, must
be supposed TO have more experience and TO
possess more physical energy than possibly
could be expected in lad oc your age. l
doubt not your patriotism, but old soldiers,
and we have not few among us, are more
efficient in such cases than mere school boys"