The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1848-03-04
WooDsFIELD, OHIO, SATURDAY, MARCH 4 1s4s.

-FfNr - W. - -LL EH.L| ANH q rEtH HEs. L| LLEH
tray her Individually since the British
might take vengeance on her and her
family.
The officer thanked her for her time
ly warning, and, directed her to go to a
house near at hand, where she might
get something to eat. But Lydia pre-
ferred returning at once, and did SO,
while the officer made all haste to the
commander-in-chief. Preparation was
Immediately made to give the enemy a
fitting reception.
With a heart lightened and filled
with t%hankfulness, the intrepid woman
pursued her way homeward, carrying
the bag Of -four, which had served as
the ostensible object Of her journey
None suspected the grave, demure Qua
keress OF having acted SO daring a part;
Of having snatched from the British
their anticipated victory. Her demea-
nor was, as usual, orderly and subdued,
and she attended to the duties of her
family with her wonted composure.-
But her heart beat, as, late on the ap.
preaching night, she watched, from her
windows, the departure of the army
on what secret expedition bound, she
knew to well! She listened breath
Iessly to the sound of their footsteps
and the trampling Of horses, till it died
away in the distance, and a silence
profound as that Of death itself, reigned
through the city. s. -a.f n.
Time never appeared to pass so slow
ly as during the interval between the
marching out and the return of the
British troops. To paint the anxieties
and app~rehensions that filled the bosom
Of our heroine, would be a task beyond
tho power of a simple chronicIer.--
When at last the distant roll of the
drum proclaimed their approach; when
the sounds came nearer and nearer, and
Lydia saw the troops pass in martial
order, the agony Of anxiety she felt was
too much for her strength, and she re.
treated from her post at the window
not daring to ask a question, or mani
fest the least anxiety or care as to the
event. 'a 1l .a
A sudden and loud Knocking at her
door was not calculated to lessen her
apprehensions. A thrill of terror shot
through her heart; but it was no time
now 10 falter, and the safety of her
depended on her elf-possession
this critical moment. The visitor
was the Adjutant General, who sum-
noned her to his apartment. With a
pale cheek, but composed, for she
placed her trust in a higher power,
Lydia obeyed the summons.
The officers face was clouded, and
lis expression stern. He locked the
ioor with an air Of mystery, when
lydia entered, and motioned her to a
ieat. After a moment of silence, he
aid:
"Were any ofyour family up, Lydia,
IN the night when | received company
n this housew, afag s.4af a..f a.
"No," was the unhesitating reply.-
They all retired at eight O'clock
sit is very strange" said the officer,
md mused a few minutes. "You, l
NOW, Lydia, were asleep; for | knock
ID at your door three times before you
,eard me--yet it is certain we were
betrayed. am altogether at a loss to
conceive who could have given the in
of our intended attack TO-
General Washington! On near
lis encampment we found his cannon
mounted, his troops under arms, and
70 prepared at every point to receive
IS. that we were compelled to march
Jack, without injuring our enemy like
parcel Of FOOLS" - reg i'f naiqlo
Whether the officer ever discovered
whom he was indebted for the disap-
continent, we cannot tell. But the
'ious fQuakeress blessed God for her
and rejoiced that it was
OF necessary to utter an untrutb,
r 10 prsvaricate in her own defence.
md all who admire examples of coura
ge and patriotism. ~especiallya thosell;