The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1849-10-04

dence in his own good opinion. Sir Hen
ry was so well pleased with him that his
instructions were soon complete; and re-
ceiving his commission the new lieutenant
bade the British commander farewell, to
return in few days with desired informa-
ton. On reaching his quarters, he chang
ed his military appearance to plain coun-
tryman's suit, ripped the lining of his
cooked hat, under which he placed his
commission, which he reserved, saying to
himself
i think when Miss Rosa Milford sees
my commission as an officer in his majes-
ty's service, she will no longer refuse the
hand of Nathan Palmer.
The next morning he left the further
| back, where Gen. Tyron had accompan-
led him, to pursue his expedition. 1t was
| a beautiful morning, and he looked for
ward with all the anticipations of pleasure,
and hope cleaned warmly in his breast.
He passed the 'nuetaIl ground,' without
molestation, and advanced into what was
considered the American district without
being troubled by any Of occasional travel
lers on the road, although almost every
one was armed and carried his musket.-
Now and then he met an American yoe-
man or farmer, with whom he was ac-
quainted, that knew not yet of his defec-
ton, for he was born in that section of the
country, and residents within a wide circle
were then considered as neighbors. Late
in the afternoon he came within sight of
the regular American out-posts, when he
turned off the main road by a narrow one
that led to a mill and a dwelling on the
banks of a small but rapid stream. Let us
for a moment look into the dwelling and
notice It's inmates. One was girl about
eighteen, fine rustic beauty, engaged in
some trihing house-work, but mainly list
ening to the conversation of lively look
ing brown complexioned young man in
half military garb. 1t was evident that
what he had said pleased her for she look
ee at him from time to time, she smiled
archly, with fondness. These two were
Rosa Milford the miller's daughter and
William Townly, neigh6oring farmers
son, and an ensign In the American army
lying near.
Who is that William, coming towards
the mill, on horseback!
AS live,' said the young man, 1T is
your old spark, that sly rascal, n athan Pal
mer, the dominie's nephew, who dispises
him and has cut him off. The rogue, l
heard in private this morning, had enlisted
in the refugee corps. If | knew certain,
he would swing for 1t. Depend upon it
Rosa, he is here for no good purpose, or
reason
DO not be seen William, leave me to
manage him.
The young man retired to a back door,
but not out of hearing, as the tory lieuten-
ant entered by the front. He advanced
with a bold step.
Miss Rosa, have but little time to
spare, and | want you to answer at once.
Read that
He took the commission from the lining
of his hat and placed it before her.
Some difference between holding COM
mission in the King Georges service and
ragged continental.
Nathan Palmer said Rosa sternly
Il always disliked you-now | hate
you!' And she handed him his commits
sion.
DO you refuse to be my wife now!'
Your wife! Leave this house immedi-
ately or shall be tempted to loose the
dog at the mill door upon YOU
Good bye Miss Rosa he said, grinding
his teeth in anger. Look TO your fathers
mill-your house-yourself. l will be
avenged
He mounted his horse and rode swiftly
away.
Rosa hastened to the back door to look
for her lover. He was just entering the
woods leading to the camp and the wave
of his hand indicated to Rosa that he knew
Palmer's errend. He hastened to the
camp, had an interview with Putnam,
and the latter issued his private ordels.-
Palmer came into camp that night with
the freedom of an old companion, and
having as he supposed accomplished his
errend, was about taking his departure,
when he was arrested, ald the fatal COM
mission was full proof of his guilt as
tory. After brief trial he was ordered
to be hung on Puts gallows the next af-
ternoon.
Before the hour of execution came, Iy-
ron who had heard of the arrest of Palmer
sent in flag, declaring it murder to hang
a mere civilian who happened to be a
loyalist, and threatening retaliation. He
was not aware that Palmer's commission
had been found upon his person Put
nam wrote back this brief and memorable
note:
HEADQUARTERS, Aug. Z, l777.
Sir:-Nathan Palmer a lieutenant in
your service, was taken in my camp