Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1852-07-14
THE TEMpTER AND THE TEMPTED.
BY J. T. IIEADLEY.

Z.
1t was morniug-a bright cool, glorious
morning 10 autumn-after the terrible battle
OF Brandywine. and the greatful beams OF
the sun were gliding the tops ofthe trees,
which formed the great forest lying within
sight of the American encampment below
Princeton. The disastrous result of the
memorable conflict had well nigh crushed
the hopes of the bravest colonists, and the
commander:in.chicf himself was dispirited
and heart-stricken. -. Z.
Hundreds of his brave companions III
arms had bitten the dust in that illfated
fray many of the best officers had been
cut down !; the energies: Of his spartan band
were crippled d;:WitAttef va was aPproagh hjag and
ig1hfy pros.
poets. The soldiers were without shoes:
scarcely decent tent was left with the,
array; the ground was frozen and rugged,
and as the men were forced over il, their
bare feet were exposed, and many rueful
cash had caused a bloody foot print to be.
left behind them. sss:,s' 49,
But on that lovely and bright morning,
within the edge of that broad forest, there
sat an aged royalist, whose syInpathies had
latterly inclined towards the American in
terests, but whose personal veal had until
now induced him to pursue. an inactivity, a
neutrality between the two parties. And
vet this man had son in Washngton's
camp mere boy in years, who had taken
his muslet and joined the American forces
some months previously. The father had
learned of the defeat of the colonial army,
he knew they had been forced to retreat,
and lie came to the neighborhood of the
army, which had halted an hour or two, to
learn if possible the fate of his boy.
He dare otapproach too abruptly, and
having reached the deep wood at last which
lay between him and the distant camp, he
mounted knoll, from the summit Of which
he had view of the vanquished, but still
determined band, who had comportcd them
selves so valiantly, but a little time pre-.
viously, but who were now hastcning to-
wards Princeton. The fathers heart throb.
bed audibly, as he gazed beyond him at the
remains of the gallant army, and questioned
il his child was there, or whether fate might
have numbered his body among tile three
hundred noble spirits who had been sacri-
feed but few hours before on the field Of
battle. And as he strained his aged sight
far down toward the camp, white horse
suddenly came in view, and approached at
length toward1the forest.
The figure Which bcstrods this noble ami.
NAL was commanding and -, and the
old man quickly noted that his i'Sse' esPee. = y
coat and chapeau indicated him an Ameri-
can officer. He was at the verge Of the
forest, and turning his steed aside, he Sc.
cured the animal to tree, and disappeared
within the confines of the wood. So
Who could it be, and what was his pur-
pose at this hour alone in that dark forest. +.
The man turned slowly about, and he re.
ioiced that the intruder did not observe him
for he could not satisfy his curiosity. y Z,
The stalwart form, the proud step, the
manly face, the solemn movement of the
stranger greatly interested the watcher, who
saw that deep burthen weighed upon his
heart, and as he looked again he saw that
noble form bend low, and on his knee the
old man heard George Washington send up
fervent, earnest prayer TO the God Of
Battles, for the deliyeranco of his country
from war, opposition and peril-and ardent
supplication in behalf Of his suffering coun:
trymen. =
"A tear, of sympathy gushed from the
grey eye Of the royalist, but as he dashed
aside the fallen drop, tile brave warrior rose
from his knees, and was slowly. vending his
way towards the spot where his steed was
secured when another figure from an oppo,
site direction suddenly hove in sight, and
halting, stood in the path Of the American
commandment. chief. i5. 60
[ Imam instant the hand Of Washington
clasped his sword bilt, and he, would have
drawn the blade from tbe,scabbard, but the
man who confronted him niotioned hind
kindness, and the warrior stood in hi
tracks Drawing himself up to his height
he gazed fora moment OH The face of sth'
other, and evidently recognised him, he. ex