Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1852-06-09

Ranulph my God what is the mat
ter :? What news, what horrid news do
you bring from Mobile ?''
That your brother was taken by the
English, and shot," said the youth, as he
sunk down exhausted at his feet.
When this narrowing news fell upon
the chieftain's ear, he seemed transformed
to a statue. No sigh, no tear escaped
him, but with face liyid as death, he drew
his sword from its sheath, and raising the
bright blade high in air, he said
Be witness, ye Heavens, and thou
earth that drank my brothers. blood, that
here swear eternal hatred to the English,
and that with their lives they shall atone
for the injury they have done me.
Come, rise up Ranulph, dear boy.
and take some refreshments-for this
night you must go with me-"
But you must be cautious my chief,
for the English are now advancing upon
New Orleans"
"Ha, is it so ? then my revenge is at
hand" said he, as fresh demoniac smile
passed over his face, and with quick
nerv0u. !. step ! he left the spot
| Tue IOWn CLOCK. OF new orleans 1aQ
tolled the midnight hour and the hum
and hustle of the dense populace had died
away-and creation seemed sleeping on
the bosom of serenity-while no sound
broke the slumber of its inhabitants, save
the measured tread of the sentinel, or the
hoarse baying of the watch dog, who kept
guard over the sleeping inmates of some
princely mansion.
From the large window of a room, in
hotel, light still glimmered family forth,
and within, q man walked stoutly to and
fro in profound thought.
The silvcry hair that partly shadowed
his lofty brow, would have proclaimed
him past the meridian of life, but the glow
of health that mantled his cheek-the un-
conquerable fire that blazed from his
stern grey eye, attested that strength and
courage still united in that tall and sinewy
| frame.
His thoughts seemed to be of no plea
SAINT nature, for his hands were clenched,
his lips compressed, and ever and anon,
a low deep imprecation burst forth.
" Our scouts bring us but scurvy in
telligence," he muttered. The caitiff
dogs are afraid to go out of carshot, lest
they should be picked up by the British.
Would to God l had the command of
those iron-hearted fellows, that now inha-
bit the island l should not be long in
doubt as to the whereabouts of the enc
my"
You can have the command of us all,
general" said voice at the door II
have come to offer you our services"
Heaven be praised % said jackson,
as he opened the door and grasped the
chieftain's hand "but are you alone,
Laftte 90
4" No, sir; the Skipper and her crew
await my orders; and Ranulph, the bold
and strong, has gone to reconnoitre the
enemy, and my life upon it we shall soon
hear correct tidings of the enemy. He
has been gone these four hours, and"
But the conversation was cut short by
a loud rap at the door, which was instantly
opened, and Ranulph entered
" The English have landed, General,
and are now passing along the narrow dyke
to the South Of the city, with view of
gaining the plain on the West, from
whence the attack will certainly be made ;
but think that from the rout they will
be compelled to pursue, that they will not
reach the city till noon tomorrow. Their
land forces should think, numbers two
thousand, and two twenty four gun boats,
carrying each hundred men, have bloc
ked up the river, with view of cooper
ating with the land forces"
"By the eternal God the West side of
the city is defenceless," said Jackson, as
a blaze of wrath lighted up his face; "and
the miserly authorities of this city have
refused to grant the means of making a
temporary breast-work; but will enforce
martial law, for l stand upon the princi-
pies of immutable justice, and no human
power shall drive me from my position"
Will you permit me to take command
of my own vessel? We are real ea-dogs
general, and would rather meet the
treacherouS scoundrels on my own ele-
ment," said Laftte.
" Most certainly but do you think you
are able to cope with them ? remember,
they outnumber you two to one"
" The ocean-king has never struck his
colors yet, nor will he do it now," said
Ranulph proudly But if my chief will
give permission, will stay with you gem
eral, and fight by your side ; for dark as
it is, l recognized among the land forces,
the hated wretch who caused my chief S
brother TO be shot, and mine shall be the
task to revenge him and you, brave gen.
eral, may need fearless messenger to
remain close by you"
"Noble boy" said Jackson. as he fond
ly stroked the glossy hair of Ranulph
" you are but child in years, and you
have already undergone great fatigue for
one so young, and think you had better
not take any part in the coming battle"
have watched all night on the deck
of the Skipper, when the lightning flash