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

tackled your house. l should have paid dearly
for the attempt, had not my cantine, tin one,
one, well filled with liquor, intercepted your
shot, which passed through the outside, and
struck so violently on the inner one, forcing it
against the pit of my stomach so hard, as to
knock me off my legs. But the ball turned, land
went out at the bottom, Twas, with my SER
geant, cut off in the retreat and have, ever
since, been skulking about, Until an opportuni-
ty of escape should present itself. The day of
the trial of my sergeant, who was taken, was
concealed in the alders, which bordered the road
where you let your horse step to drink !; and
thrice was this gun, which never misses fire,
raised to an eye that never aimed away, with
the resolved purpose of shooting you through
the heart: But, my soul relented; and, thank
God, that it did SO! Iwoud not have had your
blood, shed in such manner, upon my con-
scence-especially, after was apprized of your
conduct at the trial of Bullock, for the universe.
had supposed, as YOU came down the road
leading to the barracks, that you bad been ag-
gravatlng the dangers that encompassed him !;
and, when you were whistling so gaiIy, it APP
peared to me, that you were exulting at having
accomplished his condemnation. FAREWELL he
added extending his hand, which readily ac-
cepted; the boat is approaching which is to take
me off rely upon your honor that you will
not encourge pursuit; and, God be my witness,
that henceforward, if can prevent it, you shall
not be molested.' We parted, and forever !.
He was killed at the storm of Fort Montgome
ry. some months after his sergeant had perish
ed at Conpo.
''These incidents will serve to show you up
on what uncertain tenure, a life of anxiety and
distress was held. In search of peaceful as
YUM for my family, instead of the safety had
hoped for, perils were encountered, more dam
gerous than conflicts in the open field. 1t was
not unfrequent that non -combatants, and even
their wives and daughters, were shot dead, as
they were pursuing their ordinary occupations,
by the merciiess wretches who were banded to-
gether, more for purpose of plumber, than to de-
fend the rights of the sovereign they acknowl-
edged. With these, rebel-and all were re-
bells with them who did not initiate their exam
pie, was fit subject of revenge and often, in
mere wantonness, selected as 9 mark on which
to try the range of their rifles, and the accuracy
of their aim. The commandant of the post dis
avowed and discouraged these crueltics, and
denounced the severest punishment against the
perpetrators; but there were few detections; for
who would venture their own lives, or those of
their families, to bring to justice the daring out
laws who might visit upon them, in revenge,
atrocities as fragrant!
ssThis practice provoked retaliation and, al
though equally denounced by the authorities
upon the other side, similar murders were COM
United. And the doors and windows of the
house of mi father in-law, as we'll as others of
the neutral inhabitants, were often targets for
the zeaots of the revolutionary party, whenever
Infamed by patriotism or intoxication. In short
none who behed the rising of the sun in safety.
could, with confidence, expect to behold its set
ting, in equal security. Under these continual
anxieties, the health of my wife declined; the
poor infant, scarcely sustaining life, with every
appliance, compelled to relinquish its natural
aliment, was consequently subjected to aggra-
waited caamlties. urged my wife to accompa
ny her sister, who had been a month before
married to Lieut.. Cation, of the-Regiment,
suddenly ordered to the South ; and who after
the departure Of her husband, was then about
to return to her parents:) but she was resolved
to share the dangers which beset me: But,
through the entreaties of her sister, and my
persuasions, she consented to part with the
child as the only hope, and that slight one, of
preserving its existence. BY the consent of
the con,mandsnt, j.. engaged four men of that
class who held intercourse with the opposite
side, for the purpose of procuring intelligence.
to take them across the Sound: and, ION the night
appointed, accompanied my sister to the boat,
she having the infant, just lulled to sleep, after
one of its periodical fits of crying. AS | was
handing her into the boat, one of the men dis
covered the child under her cloak, and swore
that il should not come on board: adding, that
he would not risk his life, or liberty, for any
brat alive. In this opposition, he was joined
by another, while the other two were quiesceut,
and even family demonstrated with the recus
ants. They continued obstinate until threat
ened to report them to the comriandant, when
they sullenly yielded one OF them swearing
that, if the child opened its throat on. the pas
sage, he would throw it overheard. There was
a bare probability that the infant would remain
quiet the whole distance, and still less chance
that the ruffian would relinquish his purpose,
should occasion call forth its expediency; yet,
agonizlng as was the alternative, there was no
course but to commend them to heaven and bid
them adieu.
"For weeks, we were in the greatest sus-
pense and uneasiness, at the non return OF the
boat, and the failure to receive intelligence: but
at length; she arrived; and we were relieved by
news of the safe arrival and improved health of
our boy: he, most miraculously, had given no
provocatlon, and was unmOlested.