Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1850-06-08
The Cow BOys.
A STORY OF THE REVOLUTION.
'I'II rend your matter deep and dangerous
Full of peril and adventurous spirit"

L lie intervening periOu from thc cOulucnCe-
ment of the year l776 to the close offs, was
an eventful time for the infant republic. They
had declared their independence, had thrown
off the yoke of Britain, and the time had now
arrived when, in the words of patriot, sit was
time to be seen whether America had virtue
enough to be free or not" The year of rs
was particularly distinguished by the evacuation
of Philadelphia. by the British, by several beau
tifuI engagements in the 'tented field, which
shed an undying lustre upon the American arms
and for multifarious bands Of predatory rutfians
who infested the forests in the vicinity Of New
York, Philadelphia, and the ''neutral ground"
They were composed of renegades, tories and
villains Of all description, principally native
Americans. They were fierce and cruel; savage
alike in their manner Of living, and, indeed
verifying the sanction Of the poet, that
He who loves not his country can love nothing"
1t was balmy morning in June; the sun
shone with intense brliancy, and its burning
rays reflected upon some parts of the armour
of solitary equestrian, who was winding his
way through from West Chester to Philadel-
phia. His horse mi light have seen better days
as we'll as himself Both appeared jaded and
worn with toll. The formerwas a large black
and noble looking animal. The meagre ap-
pearance of his ribs, which stood out in bold
relief, 'bore testimony ample" of his meagre
and stinted fare His rider was a man whose
demeanor stamped him at once as one of the
brave sons of Liberty" A certain expression
about the mouth, the bold and fearless express
sion of black eye, and the noble contour of
his form, spoke Of him as the bravest Of the
brave, when deeds of danger were nigh. His
holsters contained pair of pistols, the only
arms visible. A military coat rather worn, and
arough foraging cap, completed his warlike ac'
coutrements. An air of determined bravery
was blended with humorish expression which
fingered about his yisage, and upon all this.
''Midde age
. Had slightly passed his signet sage"
sBy Jove," exclaimed he, "here is old Bakers
they told me of at CHESTER" and spurring his
Rosinante, he soon dismounted at the door Of
miserable inn, and giving his noble beast into
the care of an attendant, he made his way into
the interior of the dwelling.
The landlord was alone. Our adventurer
knew him for a staunch whig, and greeted him
cordially.
swell, Baker, said he, sis there any news
stirring!"
sNone of consequence, sir-are you going
10 the city?" ......
"Yes-what is the distance!"
"About five miles, to 60 the direct road; but
but
''But what, pray!'
"Why, the Sow Boys are as thick as black
berries-a band Of twenty robbed two men
yesterday, and only on Monday there was man
murdered outright" s
He stepped to the window and unused anx-
iously.
aBaker," observed he at last, II have been
told YOU are honest, and doubt it not My
name is Burton, and am paymaster in the
army, and with me have several thousand
dollars. To 60 through this forest You speak
of, as am now, were an act of consummate
folly. Can you rig me with poor horse and
countryman's dress, with wig and Qua
ker hat!' -.5...,...I .'5.g..= is. z-... ~.,.
"Yes major, have the very things. Fyou'll
come this way I'll show YOU . @ -
In few minutes Major Burton returned,
having undergone complete metamorphosis.
A pair of homespun breeches, drab coat and
broad brimmed beaver had superseded his mili-
tary equpage, every trace of which had disap-
peared, and his soldier-like bearing had given
place to the demure and quiet department of
the honest Quaker. Albeithis bold eye flashed
occasionally from under the broad brim of his
upper integument, and sadly belied the staid
and suffering disposition which it became him
to assume The money was carefully deposit
ted in pair of saddlebags, which were thrown
across the saddle, and Major Burton mounted.
"Good morning, Baker," said Burton, atake
good care of my beast"
Il will,'' shouted the worthy landlord" and
luck be with ye." as; u aaa ta25e
xcs1n md fh,,a
muned with himself this is indeed making q
virtue Of necessity, to be compelled to ride this
sorry jade. 's . 1,'fs 20
1t was transformation with vengeance, and
no one would there have recognized any but
the honest Quaker He had proceeded into
the forest about mile, and was turning short
angle in the road, when he was commanded, in
a stentorian voice, to stand. But two men were
near him, and these two were as villainous look
ing beings as one would wish to look upon.
Squalid wretchedness was depicted upon every
feature, and in avoice rendered hollow by mis-
cry, they demanded his money. " 's 5ea
sAlas, my dear friends, said our worthy Qua
ker, Il have but little, which, viii bestow up
on thee, if thou demand it. But friends Ito the
one that held the bridle) release my beast, and
fear not thatI shall attempt to escape thee.
Why dost thou pursue this course, running
both body and that immortal part which .dieth
not would have that ye cleaye unto some
calling, and if ye willimbrue thy hands in the
blood Of thy fellow man, join the forces Of
your country, and s5y a'sta
aLook her" shouted one Of them, ayou in.
fernal canting hypocrite, stop your preaching"
The Quaker fumbled, first ID one pocket, and
then in the other, and producing some change
he handed It out to them in silence. They eyed
the paltry sum with looks in which shame and
wrath struggled for mastery. yts ..st9
4Three fps and four coppers!" munbied
one, glaneing at the Quaker, who sat compla-
Gently and composed on his horsss.
Z ssThree fms and fonr conprs! DIN yon, be-