Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1855-09-20

ened the house, and extingulshed The
lights and fire. Again she returned
to her chamber, and to bed; but re-
pose was a stranger to her all thai
might. Her mind was more disquiet
ed than ever. She thought of the
danger that threatened the lives o
thousands of her countrymen, and O
the ruin that impended over the whole
land. Something must be done, and
that Immediately, to avert this wide.
spread destruction. Should she ava,
ken her husband and inform him
That would be to place him in special
jeopardy, by rendering him a parta-
ker Of her secret; and he might, too,
be less wary and prudent than herself
No; come what might, she would en-
counter the risk alone. Aftera peti-
ton for heavenly guidance, her reso-
luton vas formed, and she waited
with composure, though sleep was inn
possible, till the dawn Of day. Then
she walked her husband, and informed
him that -four was wanted for the use
of the household, and that it was nee
essary that she should go to Frank
ford to procure it. This was no un-
common occurrence; and her declin-
ing the attendance. of the maid-ser;
want excited little surprise. Taking
the bag with her, she walked through
the snow; having stopped first at
headquarters, obtained access to Gen,
Howe, and secured bis permission to
pass the British lines.
The feelings of a wife and mother
one whose religion was that Of love,
and whose life was but quiet round
of domestic duties bound on an en-
terprise so hazardous, and uncertain
whether life might not be the forfeit,
may be better imagined than des-
crbed.. Lydia reached Frankford,
distant four or FIVE miles, and deposi-
ted her bag at the mill. Now COM
menced the dangers Of her undertake
ings; for she pressed forward with all
haste towards the outposts of the
American army Her determination
was to apprise General Washington OF
the danger.
She was met on her way by an
American officer, who had been Sc
lected by General Washington to gain
information respecting the movements
of the enemy. According to the
same authorities, this was Lieutenant
Colonel Craig, of the lighthouse
He Immediately recognized her, and
inquired whittier she was going. In
reply, she prayed him to alight and
walk with her; and so he did, order
ing his men to keep in sight. To him
she disclosed the secret, after having
obtained from him a solemn promise
not to betray her individually, since
the British might take vengeance on
her and her family.
The officer thanked her for her
timely warning, and directed her to
20 to a house near at hand, where she
might get something to eat. But
Lydia preferred returning at once; and
did so, while the officer made all haste
to the commander-in-chief. Prepara'
tions were Immediately made to give
the enemy a fitting reception.
With a heart tighten ed and filled
with thankfulness, the intrepid woman
pursued her way homeward, carrying
the bag of -four which had served as
the ostensible object of her journey
None suspected the grave, demure
Quakeress of having snatched from
the English their anticipated victory
Her demeanor was, as usual, quiet
orderly, and subdued, and she attena
ed to the duties of her. family witt
her wonted composure. But hel
heart beat, as late as on the appoint
! ed night she watched from her win
dow the departure of the army-on
what secret expedition she knew toe
well! She listened breathlessly tt
the sound of their footsteps and the
tramping of horses, till all died away
in the distance. and silence reignec
through the city.
Time never appeared to pass sc
slowly as during the interval which
elapsed between the marching ou'
and the return of the British troops
when at last the distant roll OF the
drum proclaimed their approach; wher
the sounds came nearer and nearer
land Lydia, who was watching at ths
window, saw the troops pass In mar
Itial order, the agony OF anxiety she
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