Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1852-03-23
miscellaneous.
MAJ. ANDRES LAST NIGHT In N.YORK
by HENRY A. BUCKINGHAM.

'There was a sound Of reyelry by night"
The moon was shining brightly upon the
polished musket aud gorgeous equipments OF
sentinel in the scarlet uniform OF the Bluffs
the crack regiment of the British army of
the day as be trayersed his brief round at
the garden gate in Greenwich street, behind
the residence OF Henry Clinton, commander
in chief Of the British forces in America.
His stalwart figure and high grenadier cap
made his shadow appear gigantic beneath the
rays Of our full and glorious orb the West
ern moon. Occasionally he would pause, as
if listening to the rich music which ever and
anon swelled forth from the residence of Sir
Henry, and his thoughts turned upon the
youth and beauty mipgling in the dance with
in. Once or twice he passed the back of his
hand across bis eyes as if to stay a truant
tear that was straying from its fountain. His
memory rushed to the days of his earl home
in "merrio England"
"By st. Georgev p he muttered, half aloud,
81 did not think could be so childish -
The sound of that tune has put me in mind
of home and old Deyonshrc."
Saying this, he broke out into that military
song Of General Wolf, which, as tradition
goes, be sung while passing up the st. Law
renee. the night before he fell on the plains Of
Abraham:
"Why, soldiers, why
Should we be melancholy boys,
Whose business It's to die,n &c.
His voice, naturally sweet, sounded per-
fectly melodious as uneonsciously be forgot
his duties as a sentinel. and gave to the song
the full compass Of his manly tone. At a
the sbrubbery, was an officer, upon whose arm
leaned a beautiful girl, absentees from the
ball ROOM
As the after fate of this bravo officer forms
a memorable page in our countrys history,
my readers may perhaps like description OF
( his person lie was rather under the middle
/ height. of handsome, well made figure. and
erect military carriage. His face was oval
and features decidedly handsome. The main
expression Of bis eountenancc displayed
] frsnkncss and sincerity His age seemed
about thirty. His scarlet coat was faced
with buff, and buff brooches, with white silk
stockings. adorned the lower part of his per-
son. Such was the ball room costume of an
officer Of that period.
"You seem melancholy tonight, Major
Andre" said his fair companion. "On such
a night as this you should be otherwise"
"And in such company you should have
added, Miss Beekman. Pardon me for this ap
parent quietness The thought that this may
Ice the last night shall erer spend il New
York is enough TO make one feel melancholy
lis it not. fair ladyF'
Leave New York. Major Andre 2" said
the young lady. with some surprise. "Are
YOU going South with Lord CORVALLIS ?"
"A soldier Miss Reekman. must inform
no one of his destination. and particularly
one like yourself. with touch Of the rebel
feeling towards your countrymen. This much
| will answer am not going South"
"Some new plan Of Sir Henry III be
bound" said the laughing girl. ii do love
Washington. aud that is the truth My father,
it is certain. remains firm in his allegiance to
King George; but !. 60 With our republi.
can George -George the soldier from Nir-
GINA"
II cannot say that think less Of you for
such feelings. Miss Beekman" said Andre
1T Is natural we should love our country,
Washington is brave soldier. and. from al
| hear good man. BE that as il may. how.
ever. he has no right to take up arms agnins,
his lawful King aud when he is taken. as he
must be. be viii end his days on a gibbet "
"l'll wager you this rose" said the merry
hearted girl. 10 a laughing tone taking one
from her hair. against the FIRST new novel
you receive By the London packet. that you
will suffer snsh punishment frst-and that
you know. is impossible. Major fur my
eountrymen treat the Kings officers with the
highest respect When prisoners. Spies orly
are hung. and neither Washington nor your
self arc likely to undertake that profession
II seemed as il spasm passed through the
frame Of the officer. for be trembled for an
instant like leaf-an incident which was
long after remembered by his fair companion
when mentioning his melancholy fate"
stN,u ara m Matorf To& M ~ -