The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-07-31
Vol. w.

ty, about a quarter Of a mile from the
scene of outrage. The greater part of
the day was spent in moulding bullets,
and preparing their weapons, which be-
ing accomplished, they awaited with
feverish anxiety the appointed hour.
Twas a lovely eve; such a one as
we rarely see in our changeable eli
mate. The sun bathed in a halo Of
golden light, slowly set behind the tow
ering steep of Shamrock. The bright
stars looked down from the pure ether,
with a seemingly encouraging smile
upon the band of youthful heroes, who
had silently gathered in a corps at the
base Of the mount. Each moment one
brave boy would approach with his
gun on his shoulder, and with a simple
nod Of recognition, take his place, and
quietly await the order Of the person
who was to be their leader.
The one chosen 10 command them,
was IA sturdy youth Of eighteen years
of0ge; strongly built and very athletic,
and was clad in a grey rustic suit of
grey home.spun. His quick movements
and hurried instructions, showed that
he felt the importance and understood
the danger of the attempt they were
about to make, and the fire that flashed
from his dark eye, proved that he was
equal to the emergency.
At length the party, numbering ff-
teen, was assembled; the age Of none
exceeding eighteen; while the majority
were still younger. The order to march
was given, and the young band follow
ed their leader in profound silence.
Twas a noble sight! Those brave
spirits setting out to revenge the wrongs
of their mothers and sisters. at the risk
of their lives, against fearful odds of
numbers and experience, but stern re-
solve sat upon every heart! Soon they
approached the spot, where lay en-
camped the object of their hatred; the
British numbered twenty, and were all
wrapped in profound slumber. Slowly
and steaIthily they neared the enemy,
their hearts beating violently as they
saw them in their power-but not a
word escaped their lips; their c%aIcula-
tons had been we'll made, and they con-
tinued to advance cautiously until they
were within about thirty feet of the red
coats, when a gesture from their leader
brought them to a stand. Each boy
singled out his man--the command was
given in a low tone, and the sharp re-
port OF fifteen rifles broke upon the still
ness of the night, and re-echoed along
the hills and crags of Shamrock! In
stantly under the cover of smoke, they
rushed in upon the survivors and pin
toned them ere they could recover
from their sudden surprise. The aim
of the boys had been fatally true; ff-
teen soldiers among whom was Captain
Smith, lay weltering in their blood,
groaning and mingling curses and exc
crations with their departing breath.
The five prisoners securely bound,
were marched at once to the copse
from which the youthful band had start.
ed; there a consultation was held to
determine their fate.
Some who had individual wrongs to
revenge, were DESTROYS to hang them at
once upon the nearest tree. Others,
more lenient, wished to allow them a
soldiers death. Many and various
were the opinions and methods propos-
ed but they all agreed TO be guided by
the decision of their leader, Dan Lount.
During the whole affair, Dan had
scarcely spoken, except TO give the ne
cessary commands, and now, when
appealed to, to decide the fate of the
prisoners, he merely said-"To THE
DEvL's HALE AcREw
A responsive "aye," burst simultane-
ously from all, and in a few minutes
they stood near the mouth of the
l.WeIuw
SIN with them,' cried the excited
boys, "here they buried the Widow
Gale and Old Pomp! In with them"