Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1849-05-12

| iect. In the centre of this large group, a
little apart from the rest, is Gen. Sumpter,
the hero whose name is spell with which
| to kindle all the enthusiasm in their breasts,
or to carry terror 10 the hearts of the foe.
No gaudy apparel adorns his well-formed
person but hunbly, almost as the meanest,
he is clad. His undress blue coat has well
nigh changed its color with hard usage, and
his toraging cap looks as if it had seen many
campaigns. ..'
He is surrounded by few of his Off
GERS, who, like himself. have been parta-
king of the same coarse fare that has been
served out to the soldiers. They are dis
coursng of their trials in the past, their
hopes of the future, and of the present ex-
petition upon which they are engaged :
which last is, to surprise body Of British
troops, who are conveying quantity of
clothing, ammunition, and other stores to
Corvallis camp at Camden, and also they
have in view the capture of small fort
upon the Wataree, within a mile of the
enemy's head quarters
ave shall secure the convoy" Sumpter
observes, sand when it is ours we will be
able to provide our brave boys with shoes
and comfortable clothing"
sHeaven knows they want them badly
enough" young officer (whose wardrobe
might be improved by being replenished)
replies: 'sthere never were poor fellows
who have endured more, suffered less COM
plainingly.''
"They have the noblest motive TO fortify
their powers of endurance," Sumpter re-
marks, as he casts his eyes proudly around
him, the achievement of their country's
freedom! The night may be dark, gentle
men, but the morrow cometh, and with it,
light and liberty" .
"The night has never been so dark"
another officer exclaims, "but that we could
not see a beacon shining. The name Of
Washington has been that beacon, nor has
Sumpter failed TO assist in dissipating the
gloom, even when it was darkest.''
81 have only led those willing hearts,"
Sumpter says, "who hating tyranny have
lacked nothing but leader to assist in de-
throning it. Daily its power grows
weaker, and we may with confidence be-
lievc that ere long it will cease to profane
our shores.' .t. .
"The presence Of Gates, at the head OF
our army" an old Major observes, sis an
assurance that Cornwalis and his hordes
will soon be driven from the boundaries of
our State"
"General," the officer who has before
spoken says, addressing Sumpter, sis it not
time our express arrived from Clermont
We will not be able TO make a successful
attack upon the fort without artillery"
"Fear not, Gates" Sumpter replies, "we
will doubtless hear from him before night
fall. Ere morning we shall be masters Of
the convoy and the fort, or know nothing
of the troops who follow me-"
While the General is speaking he is ap-
preached by subaltern officer; accompa-
nyng whom is modest looking female of
some nineteen years ofage, and also a youth
whose age scarcely from appearance, ex-
ceeds seventeen. The latter is dressed as
a soldier. His youthful breast is surnount-
ed by the cross belts and in his hand he
| bears musket.
Why tho is the girl here? Ii is not
modest or seemly to be from amongst her
own sex and in the midst of crows. Let us
hear what brings her from peaceful home
to seek the soldiers camp.
The subaltern tells the General that they
have requested an interview.
"What can do 10 serve you my young
friends :" the General asks, with half
smile at the boys equipments.
"We were told, sir" the girl replies,
':that you are about to attack :he fort, at
the ford, below Camden, and if you are,
my young brother, here, wishes permission
TO be with you.
"And why, my pretty maid !"
"Because ] am an American :" the boy
exclaims proudly while a blush mantles his
cheeks, sand because ! have father and
an elder brother who are confined in that
fort and doomed to death for serving their
country"
"They were with General Lincoln, sir,
in Charleston" the girl says, sand after be-
ing taken prisoners the British wanted to
make them desert their country, but they
took up arms again and having the misfor-
tune to be -retaken, they have been senten-
Ced 10 ule.N
"What is your name, my good girl % the
General asks in tone Of sympathy.
"Ellen Willard, sir, and my brothers
rame is James" .H... ....
Sand how is it, Ellen, that you have
accompanied him instead of remaining in
your peaceful home? The soldiers BIZ
vouac or the battle field is no place for such
as YOU"
eve are motheress, sir," she replies,
and none besides ourselves, are left at home.
We saw you pass our dwelling this morn
ing and learned from friend the object OF
your expedition. There was then hope
in our hearts that the lives of our brother
and father would be saved. James thought
it his duty to assist in that salvation, and ]
thought so too, and accompanied him to
learn whether you will accept his servi-
ces."
81 am young, sir," the boy remarks In
pleading tone, "but, in fighting for my
country and my kindred | am very strong.'
Sand are you willing, Ellen, to let this
brave boy hazard his life and to run the
risk yourself of being left desolate in the