Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1848-04-05

prisoner. In his defence, he alleged that he
was a non-commissioned officer in the Ameri-
can service that he came over from the other
coast, with party, for the purpose of capturing
me, whom he well knew. That he came cloth
ed in his uniform, and when the party was de-
feated, and on the retreat, he lost his way in
the wood, and was left behind. That he put
on the disguise to conceal himself until he could
make his escape, which he had endeavored to
do, without success. AS soon as he mentioned
his acquaintance with me, the president of the
court despatched an orderly requesting my at
tendance. had just mounted my horse for an
excursion of few miles, when the message
was delivered and, turning his head towards
the barracks, | was there in a few minutes
AS entered, cast my eye upon the prisoner.
1t was Joe Bullock, heavily ironed; his features
exhibiting that logged, yindictive sulleness for
which it was remarkable. He cast his eve up
on me, and as lie did so, his features darkened
with unusual ferocity. II seemed as if the de-
mon of hatred had taken entire possession of him
soul and body. Had we found Joe the morning
after the attack, dead on the ground, certainly
should not have attempted to disguise my salts
faction. But as scrutinized his face, O deep
indenture of the forehead proclaimed the effect
of the blow | had formerly dealt him and on
the top of bis head was deep ftirrow, through
the hair, which nv bullet had ploughed few
nights before. He had been twice foiled in his
attempts on me; both times narrowly escaping
death from my hand and for the last assault,
was enduring rigid captivity, and threatened
with ignominious death. As these reflections
passed through my mind felt sentiment of
compassion stealing about my heart.
"'Mr. Talbot said the President of the court
martial, Eve have a spy here with whom we
shall make short work. He pretends that he
is an acquaintance of yours, and joined in the
recent assault on your house. All lie, in
vented for the purpose, do not doubt: | have
sent for you, however, before We pass sentence
on him. asked to hear his defence: the heads
of it were repeated. captain Kerr, replied,
Il know this man well, and have known him
from childhood I. All that he has stated is
strictly true. He is non-commissioned Off
Ger in the rebel army; and saw him in the
garb he now wears, when attacking my house
on Wednesday night, and heard his voice or
dering the retreat. Ny servant found his cap
next morning, shot through and as aimed
pistol at him during the attack, do not doubt
that the vacant space in his hair was caused by
my shot. Nor do doubt that he came ashore
in his uniform, and only assumed disguise, when
his retreat was cut off, sIndeed,' eaid the
President. step forward, If you please The
oath was rendered, and my declarations repeat
ed. The court was cleared, and after few
minutes delay, was again opened. They found
the prisoner not guilty. 'Guard, said the
President, sknock off the prisoners irons. and
take him back to the guard-house give him
better food and better quarters: and treat him
as prisoner of war; cast g lance at Bull
lock, who was intenily gazing at me: Every
trait of revengeful ferocity was gone: and a
mazement had assumed possession lie SEEM
ed utterly to disregard the favorable finding OF
the court: so efectually was he lost in aston
ishment. Well, Talbot, said Captain Kerr,
after he was taken away, as this fellow bears
your mark, may be fair to ask what you wish
done with himf 'If you will do me the kind
ness replied, ITO iutercede in The proper quar-
ter for his release on parole: or procure his ex-
change for some of our poor fellows, who are
kept in DURANGO on the other coast, will take
it as a singular favor 'Bv Jove,' said he, 'for
a fellow so free with his cold steel and lead as
YOU areelipon occasions, you are the most of
Quaker ofany man know of.
"This business ended, l resumed my ride,
mnsing upon the preservation which had been
extended to me- -and the fustratlon OF the
schemes of my enemies: You know my impli
L
incidents seemed to indicate that the 'sweet
little cherub' of the old song had not slumbered
at his post. Without any mingling of vindic-
tiveness, | had felt satisfaction at the death of
Johnson, providentiaIly inflicted by my hand:
But my self-gratulation at my triumph over
Bullock, was far greatar than if my ball had
penetrated his forehead. | had seen mine enc
my in circulation and had not aggravated his
sufferings: and the reflection was more pleas
ant to nv heart than the sacrifice of hecatombs
to revenge. In this frame of mind stopped to
let nv horse drink at little brook which cross
ed the road, near a copse of alders: whsting,
as did so, a staye of Poor Jack, and then
spurred homeward.
ssMy friend Kerr was faithful to his promise;
and in few days he sent for me. .Here,' sai
he, as entered, 8 is an order for an exchange
of prisoners; and your friend is included. You
NAV, if YOU please announce it to him yourself.
accordingly went to the guard house,and gave
him the information; at the same time, slipping
few guineas into his hand. This completely
unnamed him: and he burst into passion of
tears, sobbing violently for some minutes. At
lenght, graspng my hand, Talbot he said,
syou have conquered me in every way. |, that
you have sought your lite on every occasion,
had no right to expect such generosity at your
hands: and the remorse feel, at the malignity
which | have INDUCED towards you, requited
as it has been, is almost as bitter, as thoughts
of the fate from which you have assisted to save
ME. Henceforth, from me; you and yours shall
be free from molestation: and, as shall have
the power to protect some of your friends on
the other side, who have hitherto shared in your
persecution-I will not fail to execute it, He
kept his word; and; on many occasions, shield
ed the relations of wife, who lived in the neigh
borhood in which he was quartered, until he
was killed at the battle of Compo, when Tryon
burnt Danbury. After parting from Joe, l
strolled along the edge of the bay,when, round
ing point, noticed, at some distance beyond,
a whaIe-boat coming towards me, which adj
monished me of the prudence Of returning. |
had scarcely turned about, when a man, armed
with fusee, stepped into the road before me-.
from the edge Of the wood. drew pistol
from my belt, and made preparations for de-
fence. A truce, Captain Talbot, said he; Il
mean you no harm have already sought to
do you too much. / have wanted few words
with you, in order to express the sorrow that
fool % hay;po desipned vour death, which has