Squatter sovereign., 1855-03-13
5flisfellaneous.
ND
THE ToRY's DEFEAT.
BY "cRoQUILL."

|
Tory gang have burned Mr.. Leland's
dwelling, and carried himself and family
away as captives"
| Such were the startling words of rough
uncouth countrvman, as he rushed past
the sentinel stationed at the entrance, into
| the private apartment of General Putnam
who at that time was in command of por-
ton of the American army.
The person who had made so uncere-
monious an entrance, had evidently come
in the greatest of haste as the perspiration
was streaming pofusely from him, and his
breathing was short and difficult Draw
ing soiled and well-worn cotton handker-
chief from his pocket, he proceeded to wipe
off the enormous quantity of sweat that had
gathered on his face, and this done, he
seated himself in chair standing near
AT these words, the person whom he ad-
dressed leaped to his feet, and in a voice
that attested the interest that he took In
what was being related, exclaimed;
'sDave Watson, again! when did this
take placer
''Last night, SIR
"And you offered no resistance?"
ave did, but the Williams were too nu-
merous for us; Williams, Parker, and a
number of others arrived just as they W ere
securing their captives, but they had ten
men to our one, and resistance proved una
yailing."
Confusion to them! can we never ride
the country of this nest of tories? Where
is Lieutenant Milton: methinlss he has a
right to protect the fair Clara, for if report
speaks the truth, he is the favored one."
'SentineE''
"Your pleasure, sir2"
"Go call Letenant Milton. Tell him
my business is urgent"
Bowing respectfully, the guard with
drew upon his errand; and while he is gone,
we will describe little more minutely
the person he is in quest of.
Ralph Milton was young Lieutenant
in the American army; he had entered as
private soldier; but his well timed bravery
during battle had raised him in the estima-
ton of his superiors, and at the time of
which we write, he was enjoying the full
lest confidence of his commander. Cen
eral Putnam was correct in his supposition
Of the young Lieut.. being the favored one,
for Clara Leland had promised to bestow
her hand on the young solder as soon as
the great contest should terminate, and
both were waiting patiently for the time to
come that would render them both happy
for life. But everything looked discoura-
ging, for since the defeat of the American
forces at Brandywine, settled gloom per-
vaded the hearts of the American people.
And this could not be wondered at, for be-
sides reinforcements arriving to succor
their enemies, their own country people
were turning against them. This was
the state Of affairs at the time Of our
sketch.
Ere long the sentinel re-entered the
room followed by a young man of about
twenty-five years of age. His features
were regular in their outline, and would
convey to the strangers mind an idea of
the nobleness of nature which their owner
possessed. He was dressed In the uniform
of an American officer, and he bowed res
pectfully to his superior In command, and
removing his hat, stood awaiting the pleas
ure of his General.
Lieutenant Milton, I have mission
for you to execute, and if report is to be
credited you will not find it an unpleasant
one. / have just learned from our friend
here, that the notorious tory leader, Dave
Watson, has been executing some of his
cowardly work upon the person and property
of n man whom, if mistake not, you would
be anxious to shield from harm. Aecor-
ding to the statement Watson with about
fifty of his gang proceeded to the dwelling
of Mr.. Leland, fired the house and carried
the old gentleman with his wife and daugh-
ter away to some of their secret hidings
Now what wish of you is to rescue our
human shape to the end of the earth.-
Now do not doubt your skill in this mat
ter, but be cautious, for one false step might
rum all Choose any number of men you
may need, and proceed upon your work as
soon as you please"
s'The young Lieutenants features paled
quickly as the startling words fell upon his
ear, and turning to the messenger, who was
looking on with puzzled air, he exclaim-
ed: M
"Did you notice the direction the party
took2s 'a
..Yes sir, to the northward towards the
riverr =.
"They should have been followed" "
"That was impossible, as they were
mounted on the best of steeds, while we
were on foo"
1t did not take long for our hero TO ar
range his plans. and with speed that
showed he was no novice in the matter he
had undertaken, he had about thirty picked
men well armed and mounted ready for
the pursuit.
'sHow many did you say there were of
thems" questioned Ralph Milton of his
stranger guide.
"Fifty, or there-abouts,' was the an
swer.