The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1854-11-01
The Young Partisan


The year 1776, is the date Of which we
write. The American revolution! What a
world Of meaning is contained in those simple
words! How easily a feeling Of patriotic pride
is aroused at the mention of that time! ''The
time that tried mems souls.'' 1t is often re-
marked that s.the times make the men," but it
would be hard matter at the present age, to
find band of men who would equal our fore
fathers of the revolution. g&
We would ask the reader to accompany US
into the comfortably furnished dwelling of maj.
Winslow, firm whig, and worthy and infu-
entail citizen.
Within the principal room Of the house were
assembled the different members of the family
consisting of major WinsloW-a hale and hearty
looking man of forty, his Wife-a fine matronly
lady, few years his junior, his daughter Grace
of whom we shall speak more hereafter, and
Edward Mcdonald, youth of eighteen, who
was at the time residing with major Winslow.
Edwards parents were both dead, they died
when he was quite young, and the little orphan
was at once adopted by the kind hearted major.
It had been full twelve years since his parents
were buried, and he was now considered as
much one of the family as any other person
present g sE.~.- 49, .a.5-..
It was easy to discover that something un-
pleasant had occurred to mar the usual harmo-
ny Of the family circle. At length, Mr.. Win
slow broke the silence, which was becoming
embarrassing, by exclaiming: ~
edward! why were We not informed of this
before? You should be aware that anything
which concerns your interest also concerns ours.
1t has always been my endeavor to provide for
your welfare as far as in my power ,and think
it no more than just, that should possess a
part of yogr confidence, especially in matter so
grave as that Of enlisting in the army. I say
nothing against it, still, think | should have
been consulted before so important step was
taken"
Edward McDonald did notYmmedately speak,
he was aware that his benefactor was in the
right, nor had he willfully kept his intended de-
parture concealed from him. He had several
times essayed to speak upon the subject, but
had never until the present time found courage
to inform him that he was about to leave his
protection, the only home that he could claim, to
seek his fortunes with the patriot army-per-
haps never to return. ..... ...... u
Edward was ambitious, perhaps more so
than most young men Of his age, but neitRer
ambition, nor love of glory were the sole promp-
tings Of his joining the patriot army
The gentle Grace-alo lovely girl of seventeen
had now been his almost constant companion
from the time of his entering the family. He
had accompanied her in her rambes, assisted
her in her studies, and III short, hardly
pleasure experienced by one that was not
shared with the other. In this manner had the
earliest part of their lives past away. Edward
thought he could discover studied GOODNESS
in her department towards him of late. Often
had he racked his brain to study out the cause
but his exertions were in vain, for he was as
far from the truth as before. ..-..
Little did he surmise that Grace loved him,
and loved truly, and this was the reason that
she Stunned his society, fearing that by some
act she might enable him to discover that which
she would rather keep secret. But this was
the case. The noble hearted girl had volun-
tarily abandoned his company-which was rem
dered doubly dear by her regard for him-with
view of keeping the secret forever locked in
her own breast.
But we must return to the drawing room
where we have left the group.
After few moments Mrs. Winslow and
Grace arose and left the room. The major and
Edward were alone.
Major Winslow was the first to speak.
"You must not be angry with me Edward,
for the manner in which | have addressed you
this evening. You are aware that am often
hasty in my conclusions, and should judge me
accordingly. You know my character sutfi-
GENTLY to be aware that would not purposely
iniure your feelings. Much as we shall teel
your absence, to convince you that deem your
welfare of more consequence than our pleasure,
l will see general Wayne, as soon as possible
and if there happens to be vacancy, will use
my influence for you
Edward thanked him for his Blindness, but
did not endeavor to continue the conversation,
his mind was too much engrossed with Other
matters to converse about things of minor I'M
portance. After an Intellectual attempt, on the
part of the major to continue sociable, they re-
tired to their rooms for the night. ..-...
On the following morning the family were
early cup and stirring After breakfast the
major departed for the American camp. He
sought out general Wayne and made known the
object of his visit The result was tar more
favorable than he had at first dared to antlcl-
pate. .... ...... :-...-.. ,..-
Wayne informed him that there was lieu
tenancy vacant, and that he would be happy
to render him favor of far greater Importance,
if such chance should ever be presented, than
installing his protege in that such situation.
The major arrived at home highly elated
with his success, and although he was paned
to part with his friend, yet he was anxious tc
! see him doing well. -s....-. -.
At length the time for Edwards departure
arrived. He packed the few articles OF ward,
robe belonging to him, into his vallse' and pro,
ceeded to take farewell of major Wlnslow, ano
his family. He shook the major and his wife
by the hand, and received some very good ad
vice from the former, and turned to Grace
He fancied her voice was slightly tremulouS
as she repeated his parting salutatlon, but per
haps he might have been mistaken. ne was
soon on his road to the camp, and had time tt
reflect on his future course of action. Edwaro
had not proceeded over half the distance, ,wher
his reverie was suddenly broken in upon by
the appearance Of a score of ill-featured ruff
ans directly in his path. Before he could deter
mine what course topursue, anumber OF then
a. e,,I t1n f,ra