The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-07-06
Fran the Dollar NepspaEer.
The Refugee.

While New York city was occupied by
the British troops during the Revolutions
ry War, the inhabitants of the surround
ing country suffered severely from their
exactions but the foes dreaded mos. by
the good Wings in these. parts were the
Refugees, = band of desperadoes profess
my strong attachment for the British, but
IN fact interested only in the acquisition
OF spoil, sort of warrior drovers were
they, or as they were unclassically named
i'll those days, the Cow Bows.
The Southwestern portion of Connecti-
cut, especially Fairfield County, was over.
run by these individuals, and some among
their number were adopts in every species
OF outrage, hated and dreaded wherever
their forage extended.
Most of the able bodied Wings being
at the time in the Continental Army, but
little resistance could be offered, when
Refugees "were about" by women and
old men, therefore plundering was carried
on with inpunity, and every species of
property capable of enduring the journey
found its way safely to New York. When
age or weakness rendered retaliation i'm
possible, these wretches were by no means
backward in shooting down those who
evInccd the slightest degree of opposition,
or Tor whom they had conceived dislike.
One of these precious fellows in particular
made Fairfield County his circuit, and
ranked as leader among his associates.
His name was Gales, and the memory of
ils exploits is yet fresh in the minds of the
old people thereabouts. Some ten or if
teen miles from Stamford there resided an
| old gentleman by the name Of June: al
though in somewhat Strengthened circum-
stances, he was good staunch Wing, aud
being so, was singled out by Gales, on
account of his infirmities, as fit subject
to attack and kill when circumstances
rendered it convenient. One day, Gales
and two or three Of his companions, while
in the vicinity of June's abode, ensconced
themselves among some bushes, for the
purpose of having IA shot at the old man
when he made his appearance. Their
desire was soon gratified. In the mean
time they had drawn lots to decide which
should perform the cowardly and brutal
deed. The lot fell upon Gales. As old
MIR. June was slowly following path on
the say to his house, ball from the vii.
lain's musket extended him rfeiess.
A young American officer became
Gales next victim. This officer had ob-
tanned permission to visit home for short
period, as his father lay in critical situa-
tioc, attended by his sister alone. His
arrival becoming known to Gales, ne
found means to dccoy him from the house
and shot him dead. The career Of Gales,
however, terminated not long afterwards
very much like that of sheep-killing
dog. Hunted from one place to another
he was finally overtaken by a young Ran
'"r and shot, through the holy. Tie
niger having some compassion, even for
such foe, brought clergyman to the
spot where the dying Refugee lay, for the
purpose Of comforting his last moments,
"Oh, for Gods sake" exclaimed Gales, as
the clergyman approached, pray for my
life" "rll pray that God may have mer-
cy on your soul, but never that YOU may
i've" replied the stern old Wing preacher.
"n'l shortly afterwards the Rufugee breath
ed his last.