Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1853-12-28
REVOLUTIONARY TALE.


ished musket and gorgeous equipments of senti.
mel in the scarlet uniform of the 3uffs-the crack
regiment of the day-as he traversed his brei
round at the garden gate of Greenwich ST., behind
the residence Of Sir Henry Clinton, the comman.
der-in-chief of the British forces in America. =.
+ His stalwart figure and high grenadier cap made
his shadow appear gigantic beneath the rays oi
our full and glorious orb-the Western 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 mingling in the
dance within. Once or twice he passed the back
Of his hand across his eyes, as if to stay truant
tear that was stealing froEa its fountain. His
memory rushed to the days of his early home in
I"merry England" s&s'asssA 2 .s5@si sss~S
"Ry St. George!" he muttered, half aloud, 81
did not think could be childish! The sound OF
the tune has put me in mind of home and old De-
vonshire.'' .---
Saying this, he broke out into the military song
of General Wolfe, which, as tradition goes, he
sung while passing up the st. Lawrence, the night
before he fell on the plains of Abraham: ,
E.zezE ssWhy, soldiers, why, -. Ez..= ,=...z.~
) -. Should we be melancholy boys,
: His voice, naturally sweet, sounded perfectly
melodious, as unconsciously, he forgot his duties
as sentinel, and gave to the song the full COM
pass of his manly tones. At little distance, con-
cealed from the sentinel by the shrubbery, was an
officer, upon whose arm leaned a beautiful girl
absentees from the ballroom. n s.f,. p.
Pt AS the after fate of this brave officer forms
memorable page in our country's history, my read
ers may perhaps like description of his person.
He was rather unde the middle height, of a hand
some, well-made figure, and erect military car
riage. His face was oval, and the features deci-
dedly handsome. The main expression of his
countenance displayed frankness and sincerity
His age seemed about thirty. His scarlet coat
was faced with buff, and buff breeches, with white
silk stockings. adorned the lower part of his per-
son. Such was the ballroom costume Of an Off
Ger at that period. .-sls1za T.ate
p s.You seem melancholy tonight, Major Andre, ;"
said his fair companion. son such night as this
you should be otherwise"
s.And in such company, you should have added,
Miss Beckmaa. Pardon me for this apparent qui
etness: The thought that this may be the last
night that shall ever spend in New York, is
enough to make one feel melancholy, is it not,
fair lady2' s5 E@ sa@
"Leave New York , Major Andre?'' said the young
lady, with some surprise. Are you going south
with Lord CornwalEs!''
ga soldier, Miss Beckman, must inform no one
of his destination, and particularly one like your
self, with touch of the rebel feeling towards your
countrymen. This much 1 will answer am
going south. IL a sd
"Some new plan of Sir Henrys, I'll be bound,".
said the laughing girl. II do love Washington,
and that is the truth. My father, it is certain,
mains firm in his allegiance to King George; but
I 60 with our republican George-the soldier from
Virginia. -s es.-~a +
: 81 cannot say that ] think less of you for such
feeling, Miss Beckman,' said Andre; it is natural
we should love our country. Washington is a
brave soldier, and from all hear, good man.
b that as it may, however he has right to take
up arms against his lawful king, and when he is
taken, as he must be, he will end his days on
gibbet." 49,. F~.-
s'IIl wager you this rose,' said the merry-hear-
ted girl, in laughing tone, taking one from her
hair, "against the first new novel you receive by
the London packet, that you will suffer such pun
ishment frst--and that, you know is impossible,
Major; for my countrymen treat the kings Off
GERS with the highest respect when prisoners
Spies only are hung, and neither Washington nor
yourself are likely to undertake that profession.
1t seemed as if spasm passed through the frame
of the officer, for he trembled for an infant like a
leaf an incde mt which was long after remember
cd by his fair companion, when mentioning his
melancholy fate. asE :=-.. ,.1 s-.,. y
"You are i'll, Major, Let us 60 in -
,"No, no. SAID he, family; sit was but mo-
mentary nervous affection, and has now passed.
"There are at times, Mis-; Beckman, PRESENT.
ments of evil in the human mind, that come with
cannot say but that my physical health is as good
as it ever was. The night is beautiful, and the
scene within Sir Henry's mansion enchanting;
but still there is heaViness about my spirits that
I cannot shake off. / see danger before NE, yet
know not where to guard against, or how to meet
Though shadowy, it appears palpable and distinct
Ah! that song" Gz
/ Atth moment the silver tones of the sentinePs
voice rang sweetIy upon the ear with the words o
the song we have mentioned Whilst thus 'enga-
ged, the Major and his fair companion suddenly
appeared before him. In an instant his voice was
hushed, his musket brought suddenly to 'presen'
arms" as he stood motionless in true military po
sition before his superior.
ebay, nay, Whitley, cease not your song" said
the Major; son such night as this wonder moi
/ that you should feel like singing. I will stanc
responsible to the sergeant for such breach o
discipline -
81 should like much better to hear it in full