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


could pass the tents unobseryed. By
a circuitous route they gained the house
and here the faithful watchdog gave
the alarm; a blow soon silenced him
and ascending the piazza, Captain Hart
well opened the easement, and follow
ed by his men, stepped lightly into the
sitting room Of the family.
They now struck a light, and with
caution proceeded or their search
they passed through several apart.
men.s, while, strange to relate the in.
mates slept on, unconscious Of this deed
Of darkness.
They at length reached the Generals
room-two Of the men remained out.
side, while Captain HartwelI, with an
other officer, entered, and stood in ST.
Ience, musing on the scene before
them.
A night lamp burnt in the room, dim
Iy revealing the face of the sleepers-
whose unprotected situation could not
but awake a feeling Of pity even in
their c%allous hearts.
"Jack," whispered his companion,
"by heaven | wish this part Of the bu.
siness had been entrusted 10 some one
e~lse--I could meet this man face to face,
life for life, in the field of battle--but
this savors too much of cowardice."
"Hold your craven tongue, Low"
answered Captain Hartwell, "pertorm
your part of the play, or let some one
else take your ~place--you forget the
scrape we are in, at the least alarm.
We might happen to salute the rising
sun, from some of the tallest trees on
the Generals farm-an idea far from
pleasing"
"For my part, | could wish myself
back on Long lsland-but our General
expects every man to do his duty--let
yours be to prevent that female from
screaming, while secure her husband."'
The ear Of woman is quick, and from
their entering the room, not a word
had escaped Mrs. SilIiman. At first
she could scarce refrain from calling
out, but her uncommon strength of
mind enabled her to master her fear
she scarce knew what to think, her hus-
bands life, herself and family, were at
stake, and her courage rose in proper
ton as her sense Of danger increased.
1t is ever 50 with woman in the hour
of danger or affection, her weakness
will become her strength, and what ma
ture has withheld in her physical or
ganization, is fully made up in her men.
tai powers; her devoted love will hal
low the object of its affection, and en-.
shrine him in her hearts pure sanctu.
airy.
She scarce dared breathe, and even
the infant at her breast seemed to par
ofits mothers anxiety, and nestled
to her bosom.
The curtains partly shaded where
she lay, and breathing a prayer 10
Heaven for protection, she silently
stepped from the bed, scarce knowing
how to proceed.
Her woman's tact led her to appeal
to their sympathies, if sympathies they
she died, she but risked her life
for one deorer than herself, whose ex-
stence to his country was Invaluable
md perhaps by this means enable him
% escape. In an instant she was be-
ore them, her infant at their feet, her
'ale beseeching face ~imploring what
'peech refused to utter.
The officers s%tarted-this sight was
lnexps cted--the least hesitation, and
III was lost.
Captain Hartwell threw aside his
leayy watch.cloak and said: Il
"M',dam, let this uniform be the war;
ant for our honor--our object is to
axe your husband alive, if possible
hat depends, however, on you, Sir
AT this moment General Silliman
woke, and finding his wife in the hands
f men whose calling he knew not, his
GOD sword was soon in his hand, but
! strong arm wrestsd it from him
landcuffs were placed on his wrists,