The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-05-28
WooDsFlELD, May 20, 1851.
For the Spirit of Democracy.

For the Spirit Of Democracy.
Mr.. EDIToR:-Towards the close of tho
last war with Great Britain two young vol.
unteers, J. F. A. and D. H. started from
Clarksburgh Virginia to the defence of the
frontiers. The former had been in the
service, from the beginning of the war,
wherever hardships were to be endured or
dangers encountered. He had been q
Clerk in mercantile store in Clarksburgh.
II. who was little younger, had been
deputy in the office OF the Clerk of the
Superior Court. Towards the close of
their term of service he was seized with
dangerous fever, which reduced him 10 OK.
treme weakness. The two friends waited
until his strength was partially restored
and then turned their steps homeward.
They arrived in the Allegheny mountains,
weary and worn with the tolls Of the jour.
ney. They were unfortunately, induced
one morning to take path, which was
recommended to them as near cut
They were lost, the cold winds of night
overlook them far from any human habi.
ta,ion, wandering on the crest of the noun.
tain. They had been destitute Of refresh
ment for more than twenty four hours.
The strength of young II. failed. His
feet were sweled enormously. Walking
had become too painful 10 be endured;
faint and despairing he laid himself down
to die. lie began to charge his friend with
the delivery of his last messages to the
objects of his affectionate solicitude, par.
ticularly his mother, whom he had always
regarded with great filial tenderness, at
the same time exhorting him to mako no
more delay but to use the remainder Of
his strength in escaping from that horrible
situation. But he was talking to soldier.
The lion.spirit was reused. His comrade
assured him that escape was yet possible,
or if not that he would share the same fate,
they would live or die together. Nothing
should induce him 10 abandon his COM
panior in arms and leave him TO perish.
Encouraged and cheered by the voice
OF kindness, young II. consented to make.
another attempt to move forward. Some
times carried by his friend. sometimes
merely supported while he e,sayed to make
a few totering steps(himselt After pro-
ceeding in this slow and tosome manner
a considerable distance, they heard the
joyful sound of a bell tinkling in the bushes
at the moment when H. was about to sink
down again, in utter exhaustion. A. though
very young, was an experienced woods
man. lie pronounced it horse.bell and
went in search, and at length found very
fine, gentle marc, surrounded by a colony
Of colts. lie led her back to his exhaust.
ed comrade. They formed halter out
of their pocket handkerchiefs and placed
Mr.. IL. on her back resolving to let her
take her own course in hopes that she
would conduct them to the plantation Of
her owner. Young A. himself was by
this time too much exhausted 10 walk alone.
so he supported himself by clinging to the
name and in this manner they journeyed
onwards, the squadron of colts bringing
up the rear. After proceeding as they sup
posed, several miles, they discovered a
light far down in the valley below them.
They shouted with all their remaining
strength and were answered by a female
voice. They called TO the woman 10 hold
out light; she complied with their request.
and they abandoned their iour.footed
friends aud made their way down tho
mountain, strengthened by the hopes Of
immediate relief. Arrived at the cabin,
they found no person except the woman
and some small children. They asked for
lodgings; she explained to them, that as
her husband was gone to, mill, and would
not be at home that night, it would be a
delicate matter to take in two young SOL
diers, as dodgers. They stated that thew
were utterly unable to go any further, and
Il. to whom an upright position was pain.
fully intolerable, stretched himself upon
the floor. Their kind hostess had pone
Of most excellent corn bread in dutch,