Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1848-04-06


who had accompanied mel prevailed on M
mother 10 leave me alone, and seek more secur
place for herself and my little ones. My fathe
and husband were at the fort and though M
wants were all supplied, none else were willing Il
peril their own lives by remaining with me, a
their presence would be no safeguard TO my life
Hour after hour passed thus alone, listening l.
the booming cannon, and, now and then, sarlln
and shrinking as ball whiz2ed by the house
sometimes feeling almost sure that it was a mari
for the enemy, and thinking perhaps the next sho
would terminate my existence,
DAY dawned at length, and the cannonadnI
ceased. Presently, my mother came 10 tell M
that the red coats were crossing the river II
Sping-wells: 'now, said she, I'VE shall be be
tween two fires and where we can 90 for safety
| cannot tell Her voice trcmbed with emotion
but her fearless eye flashed forth the determine
ton of resolute heart. She seated herself by
window that looked on! on the beautiful Detroit
Unlike yesterday, not cloud appeared on all tic
face Of the heaven; The cool breeze came sweep.
ing up from its Undertakings. ripping the river
and refreshing poor humanity; the glad song Of
the birds hailed the rising sun; and the green her.
bGge and the frightened flowers nodded assent to
their hymn of praise But The rereile at The for,
broke harshy on the ear amid the peaceful beau.
ly Of nature. i; proclaimed the fearful truth,
that for g'ory, or nIammon, man will murder his
leIIowmen, desOlate the homes of the happy and
even rush, himself, INTO the presence of the Just.
| The river below us was thicky dotted with
canoes and barges, filled with scarlet-clad soldie-
ry and the reflected sunbeams flashed from burn
ishcd implements Of war
There was buslIe at the fort, but no forming
of troops on the Esplanade AT length cannon
was placed at the west gae and small delach-
ments Of troops were placed, here and there, be-
hind the strong picket-lences, that lined the
road side from Spring-weIls 10 Detroit, The
British troops, having breakfased only mile be-
low US, formed, and commenced marching toward
the town.
"'What oS our menu exclaimed my mother,
as the troops continued 10 advance; why don't
they fire on lhem''
"' Perhaps they might kill US, mother sug-
gesled.
'We might as well be killed., she replied, 'as
to fall into the power of The red coats and Ind-
ans. Now, MY dear continued she, turning
towards me, you have been dressing, | see lean
on my arm, and we will Try 10 find safer place
than this for if Hull is not coward, we shall
have warm work to-day
Supported by my mother, succeeded in reach
ing the foot of the stairs, where my father, who
had obtained leave of absence from the fort for a
halt an hour, met us, and, taking me in his arms,
carried me 10 our old retreat in the ravine. After
telling me that my husband was on duty at one Of
the outpOsts, he left US, and returned to the fort
kind friends made me bed on the cold, damp
earth; my children were brought to me- and, when
all was done that could be done for my comfort
my restless mother again sought the house, TO
watch the movements OF the beigerent. fay
Of truce was sent from the fort across the river;
presently one of General Books aids gaoped by,
towards the fort, bearing il white flag; after short
absence, he returned, and was sent second
time, when he was met, outside the gate, by Il
flag from the fort; soon OflCr to our utter dlsmay,
the American flag was hauled down, and Il white
flag, in token of surrender, run up in its place.
In the mean time, orders had been issued TO recall
the detachments; and Captain Smelling, who stood
at the cannon by the gate, with lighted match in
his hand, to fire the gun which had been agreed
on as a signal Of attack by those in ambuscade,
had the match struck from his had by superior
officer, who, pointing 10 the flag Of surrender,
told him not 10 fire, at the peril of his life
Scarcely were the terms Of the capitulation
signed, before the British took possession of the
town and fort, and officer rode thro' the lanes,
and orchards. assuring the trembling inhabitants
Of protection from the Indians, that were swarm
ing in vast numbers, in The rear Of the British
troops There was an universal burst Of indigna-
ton from officers, soldiers, and inhabitants, al this
disgraceful surrender this stain on our national
r,L oL l ''"' '"n' '' cc. ''"
Nv sa', .,, 81 ,ho aG;'ors hronI' ,i,;, y ,"
md ,noon o,cr ,hnir d;,nraoo Ilo lit,la ch;drcn
.Rnt spreIy snid ,ihs women were Glad 10
hoyo n cass,,ion NJ hn,,iI;,ies IN nnv ,erms 2
Ths old lndy cnZed moment in nv face, in
quirngly, as if to ascertain whether was testing
or not; then the expression Of her counienance
changed 10 that of supreme contempt, as she re-
piled, Glad? no, indeed, do you think they had
no patrolsm?'
But you know woman is naturally timid and
she might be glad of safety for herself and those
dear TO her.
Talk Of tmd, shrinking woman exclaimed
Mrs. Me, in most sarcastic tone; she is so
il is lrue when all is peaceful; and she will pru-
IDENTIFY seek shelter from the impending storm; but
when it must be met, her herolsm and fortude
are uneuualIed place her or one in ieopardy, and
she is not only fearless, but daring. Nor are wo-
men, especially American women, destitute of
patriotism. wish you could have heard the ap-
probfious epilbe,s that were heapcd on the head
of General HuII hy the indignant women. yeri-
y believe thew then felt that they would have pre-.
lerred victory, or even an honorable defeat, at the
expense of half their lives, to this pnoble surren-
der Nor could thew. even now, Snticipa,e any
safety for themselves and their families. They
well knew that The Indian allies of the enemy,
greater in number than the white forces, could not
be entirely controlled by the most strenuous efforts
on the part OF the commanding officers; and con-
slant annoyance, pllInse, and perhaps massacre,