The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1848-02-19

F"o ~ Soh Ou "
Long l%sland--the least expression OIL
alarm from you, that moment you
breathe your l%ast--if peaceable no VIC
lence will be offered" Mrs. Silliman
threw herself before them, and entreat-
ing for mercy, gushed from her agoniz.
ing heart: "Oh spare him-take what
money is here, but leave me my hus-
band, the father o :my children. Think,
if you have wives and families, what
their sense Of bereavement would be
to see some ~murderous band tear you
from their arms, and they left in horrid
uncertainty as to your fate. Take all
that we have, but leave HIM" A sheer
of scorn curled the officers lips, as he
coolly replied:
"Madam, we are neither robbers or
assassins-the compliment on our part
is quite undeserved. We are British
officers"
"Then, sir" exclaimed Mrs. S.,
starting to her feet-her eyes flashing,
her proud form trembling, as her own
wrongs were forgot on those Of her
country--"shame on the cause that
sanctions such a deed as this-in the
silence Of night to enter a peaceful
dwelling and take an unoffending man
from the arms of his wife and family.
Truly, such an act as this would we'll
need the covering Of darkness. You
may call yourselves servants of Britain
that is your fit appellation. Take
him-another victim is required for my
country. But the vengeance OF Heav.
en- is abroad, and, ere long, the men
who war for the price Of blood, will find
the arm who fights for his ireside and
liberty, nerved by a stronger conscious
ness Of right"
"Madam," interrupted the officer,
awed by the stern majesty Of her q
ner, III came not hereto interchange
words with , woman, or ! might speak
about warning against cur lawful king.
But you know, Tom," turning to his
companion, 81 never was good at
preaching" "Not to a woman, Ger.
tainIy," said Tom, laughing, Cor rather
you could never bring one to your way
Of thinking"
A slight noise warned them Of the
improperly Of their longer remaining.
The General having completed dress
ing, took an affectionate farewell Of his
wife, assuring her he would soon be
enabled to return. They left the house
but to gain the shore was a matter
Of some difficulty. The General was
rendered incapable ofmaking the slight
est noise if he had wished to, and they
had tied Mrs. Silliman, and bound her
mouth to prevent her giving any alarm.
But the tents were not SO easily passed.
The morning was fast approaching, and
the route they came would occupy too
much time to retrace it-their only
plan now was 10 make as straight a line
as possible to the shore. Already had
they passed n tent, when the cry of
goes, there" was heard. In a
moment they gained the shadow Of an
adjoining tent, when a man suddenly
before them and demanded their
business. No time could be lost-the
officers proceeded on to the boat
with the General, while the remainder
overpowered the sentinel and gained
their companions as the dawn was
p%erceptible in the east. By the
Time an alarm was given they were
far beyond the reach Of pursuit.
Their prisoner was borne in triumph
to their commander, who intended
waiting for superior orders as to the
disposal of him.
: In the meanwhile Mrs. Silliman was
not idle. A council was called, and
every plan was proposed that could
tend to liberate her husband.
The womanly wit of Mrs. Silliman
suggested that they should cross the
flyer in the same manner as the British
mad done, and seize the person Of one
IF their influential men, and hold him
Is an hostage until terms could be
upon for the exchange Of priso-
ners. 1t was q. risk, and if discovered,