The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1848-03-04

L HFTH. $40. 30 t'fH|I.hiA J-ft. LftfHs.' t.hIff
could give u~tterance. Itseemed to her
that but a few moments had elapsed,
when there was a knocking at the door.
She knew well what the signal meant,
but took no heed. II was repeated;
and more loudly; still she gave no an.
swer. Again, and yet more loudly, the
knocks were repeated; and then she
rose quickly, and opened the door.
Il was the Adjutant General, who
came to inform her that they were rca-
dy, to ldepart.I Lydia let them out;
then fastened the house, and extingdish.
ed the lights and fire. Again she re-
turned to her chamber, and TO bed; bat
repose was a stranger for the rest Of the
night. Her mind was more disquieted
than ever. She thought Of the dangers
that threatened the lives of thousands
Of her c%ountrymen, and Of the ruin that
impended over the whole land. Some
thing might-must be done, and that
immediately--to avert this widespread
destruction. What was her duty?--
Should she awaken her husband, and
inform him? That would be TO place
him in special jeopardy, by rendering
him a partaker of her fearful secret; and
he might, too, be less wary and pru.
dent than herself. No-come what
may --she would encounter the risk
alone. Her husband should be spared,
to be a protector to the children, should
aught of evil befall her. Her children
the thought Of them was uppermost
in her soul; and first of oil, before a.
DOPING any resolution to meet the ex-
tremity, she prayed fervently in their
behalf to the Father of all. Then she
offered up the earnest petition that the
path Of duty might be made plain to
her, and that she might be enabled to
discern the means by which she could.
prevent the intended devastation.
When was il that the prayer of a
devoted spirit failed 10 obtain the an
swer suited to the wants oil the appli.
cant? The breast ofLydia Darrah was
calm again, for her resolution was form.
ed; and she waited with composure and
res;gnation--though sleep was impos-
sible-till the dawn Of day. Then she
walked her husband, and informed him
that flour was wanted for the use of The
household, and that it was necessary
she should 60 to Frankford to procure
1t. This was no uncommon occur
renee, and her declining the attendance
of the maid-servant, excited little sur
prise. Taking the bag with her, she
walked through the snow--having stop
ped at the headquarters, obtained ac-
cess to General Howe, and secured his
written permission to pass the British
lines. ~ ''.o -satfV - .t'
The feelings Of a wife and MOTHER
one whose religion was that of love,
and whose life was but a quiet round of
domestic duties-bound on an enter
prize so hazardous. and uncertain wheth-
er her life might not be the forfeit of
what she was about to do, may be bet
ter imagined than described. We shall
confine ourselves to the mere narration
of facts. q
Lydia reached frankfort, then dis
tant four or five miles, and deposited
her bag at the mill Now commenced
the dangers of her undertaking,for she
pressed forward with all haste to wards
the outposts Of the American Army.--
Her determination was to apprise Gen.
washington OF the danger, regardless
of the risk to herself, should the fact of
her communicating the information be
discovered. ~ yea 10 $685. 5g3acl
She was met. on her way BY an A.
merican officer, distinguished for his
superior Intelligence and activity, who
had been selected by General WASH
lngston tosigaiai Information respecting
the m movements Of the enemy. Ac-
cc.rddihng 70 on! many authorities this was
Captain Allen Mclean, though some me
that it was Lieutenant Col. craig,
IF the light horse.a Heiinmediately re.
;ogpised her, and inquired Whiihleeirl she /.
was going, In reply, she, prayed the |,