Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-09-17
From Graham's Magazine.
TIE LOYALISTS DAUGHTER.
A Tale of The American Revolution,
BY F. HAMILTON MEYERS.
CHAPTER vi.


ded still lay sleeping at anchor, Just beyond me
reach of the cannons of the fort; and himself,
mingling freely in society, was every where re-
ceived as welcome addition TO It's limited num-
bers. Gansevoort, at this period, received a let
ter from his sister, which she had found means to
send TO Washington's camp ia New Jersey, and
which had been forwarded from there. ltwas of
recent date, and fully detailed the unparalleled
persecution to which she had been subjected, and
and to recurrence of which she was so soon 10
be exposed. Uuerly aSoniohed by this inlelll-
gence, and moved almost to madness by her
earnest appeals for a relief beyond his ability to
beslow his grief yielded only to the most bitter
and burning wrath against the infamous author
of her sufferings. Long and anXioIsy he re-
voved The subject in his mind, without being able
to decide upon any feasible plan of relief The
time appointed for the compulsory nuprials was
so close at hand, that no action but the most
speedy could be of the least avail. There was
no possibility of his quitting his post, without
special leave of the ommander-in-chei which
could not be obtained within the requisite time;
and 10 complete the combination of untoward
events, his friend and counsellor, the Count De
Zeng, was temporarily absent from the fort. His
return was not expected until the ensuing morn
ing, and Gansevoon was compelled patiently TO
await that event, with the very faint hope that
some means of rescue might be devised. In the
mean time, hoping to meet Wiley and obtain
from him some information that might be SER
viceabIe to his plans, he made an evening visit at
The house of Captain Wilton, where, for the first
time, he found himself alone with Arabea.-
Conversation, as was not unusual, took polltl-
cal turn, and the affairs of King and Congress
were discussed for some time in semi.locular
vein.
Colonel Gansevoort is now in the camp of the
enemy" Miss Wilton AT length remarked; ''if |
could expect him to speak the truth under such
circumstances, should be disposed to trouble
him with very serious question:"
"Colane Gansevoor will speak the truth, if he
speaks at ALL" replied the lauer, smiling, "even
in the enemy's camp"
"Tell me, then, Frank" she rejoined, assum-
ing familiarity that their acquaintance in early
life may possibly have justified, ''tell me If you
really desire to see the independence Of these CO.
lonies established"
For q moment Gansevoort was too much as
tonshed at this question to reply. While he
hesitated, light Of startling intensity broke upon
his mind; but subduing every sign OF emotion,
he still remained silent
ii know" shecootinued, "thatalthough Con-
gress has declared independence, thereare many
of its supporters who in reality desire nothing
more than an honorable peace with Great Brl-
tain; as her subjects. Suppose, them" she ad'
ded, 'rhat you had it in your power to cOntri-
butte to that end, and thus to promote the best in
terests of your country, and spare the etluslon
of human blood-would you not do it!'
Still Gansevoorl did not reply.
"Suppose, also," she continued, "that in Sc
doing an honorable, praiseworhy action, you
could secure to yourself allluence and distinction
would you not do it!'
Her companion at length spoke. "Why
should we waste time in these idle hypOthesis!' "
he said 81 know of no such opportunities"
"But would you avail yourself Of them if pre-
sented to you!"
"lf Miss Wilton believes that would not ac
in accordance with what was at once just anc
honorable, best for my country, and most advan'
tageous to myself, she certainly gives me but lit
tie credit for discretion"
"You have spoken at last, sir oracle, and like
a man of sense and spirit. You seek the sub
stantial good of your country. For this alone
you have taken up arms and for this, when |
can be best accomplished by so doing, you are
willing to lay them down. You are ready to TAXI
part in that patriotic and spontaneous movemen
which is every where making to promote per
manent peace. You are prominent and influ
entail man, whose exampI would lead others t
return to their duty; and as such. his majesty il
ready TO testify his regard for you, in aPar'icula
and most gratifying manner"
ellis majesty has long had the reputation o
being a gentleman of benevoence," replied
Gansevoort. "May inquire in what manner h
PROPOSES TO display it toward so insignificant
parsonage as myself"
"Francis Gansevoort," said Miss Wilton.
is not unknown TO the officers Of the king, tha
YOUR patriotism has brought upon you the curs
of a loval father, and that you are dislnherlIe
and penniless man. You shall see that you
sovereign is more easily propitiated than you
sire. The royal exchcquer will furnish an am
ple substitute for forfeited patrimony. FIRE
oft of ten thousand pounds will testify the apprC
bation of our most gracious sovereign for hi
worthy friend and subject, Sir Francis Ganse
Voort."
ais it possibe!" exclaimed Gansevoort; 81
!, nossibIeF' now carried away by real surprise
"Bu." he continued, after a pause, sis Iher
nothing expected from me in return for such mu
ni6cence, besides renewed aegiance!"
'Nothing," replied Miss Wilton, "llteraII
nothing. 1t is true, that merely as proof
your sincerity, you will be expected TO give u
this useless air-caslle of yours, which, now thu
the war is exclusively in another quarter is in re
alitv of no value either tic King or Congress"
"It is an air-castle, truly" exclaimed Gansc
WORT. glancing momentarly from the window
the fac which foated among the dark clouds
n;gbt. "Have not reason to suspect that you
Jazzling project is also a castle in the air, and
Ioa. substantial texture! Kings do not usual
employ r such agents in their negotiations"
..His majesty does not lack an agent far MOI
,yortbv 10 represent him than myself. Whe