The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1850-06-06
From TIE Neu York Era.
THE QUAKER AND THE COW BOYS.

menCement OF tue year 100 10 the close
of 70. was an eventful time for the infant
Republic. They had declared their in
dependence. had thrown off the yoke Of
Britain and the time had now arrived.
when, in the words of patriot, s'it was
time to be seen whether merica had vir-
tue enouehto be free or not" The year
of '76 was particularly distinguished by
the evacuation Of Philadelphia by the
British, by several brilliant engagements
in the tented field which shed an un-
dying lustre upon the American arms,
and for the mnltitarlous bands Of predato-
ry ruffians who infested the forests IN the
vicinity Of New York, Philadelphia, and
the "neutral grounds" They were COM
posed of renegade tories and Williams of
all descriptions, principally native Amer
leans. They were fierce and cruel; saw
age alike in their manner of living, and,
indeed, verifying the assertion Of the poet,
that
He who loves not his country. can lovo nothing
II was balmy morning in June; the
sun shone with intense brIliancy, and its
burning rays reflected upon some parts of
the armor of solitary equestrian, who
was winding his way from West Chester
to Philadelphia. His horse might have
seen better days, as well as hlrnsef-both
appeared faded and worn with toll. The
former was large black and noble look
ing animal: the maugre appearance Of
his ribs, which stood out in bold relief.
..bore testimony ample" of his meagre &
stinled fare. ii rider was man whose
demeanor at once stamped him as one of
the brave sons of IIberty,'a a certain express
sion about the mouth, the bold and fear
less glance of black eye, and the noble
contour Of his form, spoke Of him as the
bravest Of the brave, when deeds Of dam
ger were nigh. His holsters contained
pair of pistols, which were the only arms
visible. military coat rather worn,
rough foraging cap, completed his warIIle
accoutre .nents. An air OF determined
bravery was blended with humoriSh ex-
preston which fingered about his visage,
and upon all this
"Middle age
Had slightly passed his signet sage"
"By Jove," exclaimed he, "here is old
Bakers they told me of at Chester" and
spurring his Rosinante, he soon dis
mounted al the door of miserable inn.
and giving his noble animal in charge of
an attendant, he made his way into the
interior Of the dwelling.
The landlord was alone. Our adven-
turer knew him to be staunch Whig,
and greeted him cordially.
We'll, Baker," said he, sis there any
news stiring?'
None of consequence, sir--are you
going to the city!"
"Yes,-what is the distance!'
"a about five miles to go the direct road,
but-but-"
"Bnt why. pray?'
why, the Cow Boys, are as thick as
blackberries-a band of twenty robbed
two men yesterday. and only on Monday
there was a man murdered out right.
He stepped to the window and mused
| anxiously.
Baker" observed he at last, 81 have
been told you are honest, and | doubtnot.
My name is Barton, and | am paymasteI
in the army, and with me have several
thousand dollars. TO go through the for
est you speak of as am now, were az
act of consummate folly. Can you rig
me with poor horse and countryman'
dress. with a wig and Quaker hat?"
"Yes, Major, | have the very things
If you'll come this way I'll show you
In few minutes Major Burton returned
having undergone complete metamor.
phosis. A pair Of home spun hreeches
drab coat and broad brimmed beaver ha
superseded his military equipage, every
trace of which had disappeared. and hi:
soldIer-lilie bearing had given place to the
demure and quiet department Of the hon
est Quaker. Albeit his bold eye flashed
occasionally from under the broad brim o
his upper integument, and sadly beliec
the staid and suffering disposition which
it became him to assume. The money
was carefully deposited in pair of saddle
| bags, which were thrown across the sad
die, and Major Burton mounted.
Good morning, Baker" said Burton
stake good care of my beast"
q viii" shouted The worthy landlord
sand luck be with ye."
The Major rode on in silence. and thus
communed with himself; this is indeed
making a virtue Of necessity, TO be com
PEELED TO ride this sorry jade.
1t was transformation with ven
geance, and no one wonld there have rec
ognized any out the honest Quaker. Ht
had proceeded into the forest about mile
and was turning short angle in the roat
when he was commanded in Btentorlal
voice TO stand. But two men were nea