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

thah tiitc AiCb uV Hpt EptllDtl fIle
either to shun danger which would attend the
failure, or the glory that would crown the
success of the enlerprizev
Enough" replied the General, ssbut re-
member that on you, perhaps, more than on
myself, depends the fate of our little army.u
Then calling WILDER aside, hegavehim the En-
glish countersgn, with such advice and direc-
tons as he thought would be Of service 10 the
young soldier, who Immediately commenced
preparations for placing himself between arare
chance for life, and the almost certainty of
death. Arrayed in the uniform of British
soldier, and wrapped in dark cloak, he was
conducted by an officer Of the guard 10 the
outposts Of the American camp, when bid.
ding farewell to his comrades. he directed his
steps toward the camp of the enemy.
He had now moments time for reflection.
He thought Of his late peaceful and happy
home-of the parents whom he had left clan
destinely and ofthe probability of never again
meeting them on earth--but he thought of his
country too, and pressed forward In short
time he found himself within haillng distance
Of British piquet.
"Who goes there ?" demanded the sentinel
in rough voice.
"a friend"
Wllber advanced to the point ofthe sentineps
bayonet, and opening his cloak sufficiently TO
show his uniform whispered ".Suecess.n
Fright" replied the unsuspectng sentinel
'what news from Without"
81 have been into the rebels camp" was
the reply. Their force is small, but rapidly
increasing, and they are not expecting an at
tack from US for several days"
Then they will be disappointed" replied
the British soldier. Even now Gen. Bur.
goyne is preparing TO attack them. Before
sunrise we must all be under arms"
81 know it," replied WILDER, "and they
will fall an easy prey TO US, but must hasten
TO join my company and throwing off his
gulse, he was soon IN the heart Of the enc.
my's camp. There was hustle and activity.
IN anticipation OF the next days conflict, and
all was ela,ed with the certainty OF an easy
and ignoble victory.
Having satisfied himself after half an hours
rambling among the tents, of the danger to
procure any further information, and aware
of the importance of Immediately conveying
TO the American General the little intelligence
he had received, he cautiously but boldly left
the camp in a different direction from that by
which he had entered it. He met with no
detention until accosted by the piquet guard.
"Who goes thsre 20
ga friend"
"The countersign %
Success"
"Whither bound %
''For the camp of the rebels, in quest Off
telligenee. shall be prepared with dis
guise, and il escape detection. shall return
10 the camp of Gen. Burgoyne before the
dawn to morrow. Should not return, you
will know my iate."
$50, then, and may God and your King
protect YOU"
He reached his anxious comrades in safety
and was soon in the presence Of his General,
with whom he had conference of few min
ues, when confidential messages were imme-
diately prepared for desperate struggle
WILDER having changed his dress, was made
bearer of these dispatches 10 the several COM
handing officers o. the regiment and compa-
ny 10 which he was attached, which he was
not backward 10 execute.
Just before dawn. a soft voice whispered in
the ear of Henry Elverton, as he was lying on
his musket,-''Courage. Henry, we shall
meet again" Before Henry could recover
from his surprise, the mysterious speaker had
disappeared and that moment the drum beat
loudly TO arms.
1t is unnecessary to repeat the bloody scene
cord them in letters which will never be eta
ced.
Immediately after the battle, Gen. Gates
first inquiry was for the gallant youth whose
deed of daring had contributed so much to the
success Of the American arms. But he was
not TO be found.
On the evening of the 18th of October, a
wounded soldier presented himself at the farm
house of Isaac Wharton and crayed accom-
modatons for the night. He bore the impress
of extreme fatigue, and was readily admitted.
After having partaken of homely meal, with
which he seemed much refreshed, he recount
ed the principal incidents which attended the
pernatural eloquence OF its glorious termina-
ton.
After moments se-"Stranger," in
quired the worthy host, "did you chance to
meet young soldier in the army by the name
of Elverton ?'
81 did," said WILDER, "and bravely did he
acquit himself received this wound in my
hand while fighting by his side. He escaped
uninlured."
"Thank heaven for his safety" exclaimed
the patriot; "but he little dreams what sor-
row is in store for him. ! fear that he will
never again embrace his beautiful. bride, or we
an only daughter"
WILDER could hold no longer
''Father, mother, forgive your daughter"
And the next moment Emeline Wharton was
in the arms of her mother!
Let those who can imagine what cannot be
described, picture the scene which followed
this revelation.
On the surrender Of Burgoyne, about FIVE
days after the general battle, Elverton and his
father were discharged, and reached home on
the very day following the incident. After an
ahectonate welcome by his mother, Henry's
first question was
''How is Emelne?"
'Alas my son."
Sobs and tears deprived her of uterance.-
Henry forgot the laurels his bravery had won
even patriotism itself was forgotten, as he
hung in painful suspense over his weeping and
almost fainlng mother. Though his head on
the rack TO know the fate of Emeline, he re-
Trained from asking any questions until she
should become composed. AT this moment
sweet voice from the outer door fell upon his
ear. "Henry, we have met again." The
voice was familiar--he had heard il in battle
and springing TO the door 10 welcome the
brave WILDER, he encountered- Wha,'-
ton 1t was a long time before he could be
persuaded that the gallant soldier, who so va
liantly fought by his side at Saratoga, was the
betrothed Of his bosom!
About three years afterwards. gentee look
ing stranger, accompanied by single servant