The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-01-25
CHAPTER |.
INTRODUCTORY Observation-Disclosures
TO THE WAR OF lSl2.--A SUMMONS TO
pATTLE-rAHGs OF SEPARATION.

APART hom the consideration of evils,
which are entailed upon nations by con-
tinual course of hostility, we ale led to de-
plore the calamities which befall fam
lilies in their private relations. The tocsin
Of war may, for a moment, cause n nation
to hesitate, as the lion ut a breaking
shrub, while in pursuit of his prey. Yet
the trumpet sends to the family hearth
u sound. that often bursts the cords Of
youthful hope, and lea IS a blooming
rose whitening On the stalk, cherries and
sad.
The late struggle with Great Britain,
never, for an instant, Impressed our SOL
diery with the least shade of Thought,
that youthful America couIl ever forget ,
there once lived a Washington, whose
patriotic soul, in the full spirit of sef:de-
nial, had bequeathed to them an unlimited
legacy Of National Independence. New.
ertheless, were we to visit those abodes,
since the Revolution induced lethargic
indifference, we might justly conjecture
that the intelligence Of q coming war
would strike deep into the hearts OF those.
who, in the simplicity Of love, were an,i.
ously awaiting the hour Of holy consum-
nation.
We might see the cheerful smiles Of
content playing like zephyrS over the faces
of fair damsels, whose cheek had never
felt the salty, scorching drop Of misfor-
tue, wind its way along the marble sur
face-whose heart had never heaved like
ocean pillows, at hope deferred. Then
the happy youth rejoicing in his maniness,
thought of little else than his lady love,
in whose presence an earthly paradise rose
full in view, with no serpent TO entice to
sinfulness or error when like the voice
Of thunder, the alarm Of war rang through
fhe valleys, and echo hurled it back from
the hill side, rs ifby repeating the sound,
it signified sanction.
In this thoughtessness Of peace let us
visit Washington County, in the South
west OF the "Old Dominion" AMI pay
our respects to the wealthy and hospita-
bic NJ jor John Elvane, whose pride was
an only son, in whom he had always en-
Aeaycrsd 20 Inspire deep yeneration for
his country; thus far he had been sue
cessful still was an inspiration Of another
kind deeply rooted in his bosom, and
which, though growing vigorously, had
not, as yet met the fathers observation.
In the same county, not far distant,
dwelt q gentleman no less wealthy than
The courteous Major, yet he bad not the
same prediction for republican govern
rnent, and could not believe a nation to
be capable Of seIfcontfoI, and therefore
chose to attach his opinions TO the British
Grown. Upon this difference Of political
sentiment, these otherwise friendly citizens
became enemies, and were hostiIe towards
each other in every act Of social, as well
az civil lie. But Amelia, the beautiful
daughter Of Theodore shipman, had en-
grated her image in the heart Of Frauk,
and he often sighed for the happy day to
hasten on, when they two, should become
one.
Having premised this far, let us, for
moment, commune with Frank and his
father. seated in the verandah Of his
spcndid abode. The former was reading
with interest some important period