Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-05-14
THE QUAKER PATRIOT.


THE QUAKER PATRIOT.
The British troops were investing Long Is
land, and spreading the fire of resistance that
had been kindled on Bunker Hill to wild
blaze. The time had come when no one who re-
ally loved his native land could look idly upon
the contest and many hitherto lamb-like spir-
its were suddenly seized with a lion courage,
and marched out to battle with their noble
countrymen. None, perhaps, in the whole
struggle of the colonies to free themselves
from oppression, exhibited more dauntless
front than Peletiah Hicks. Although a men,
Der of the society of ssFriends,'' his patriotic
feeling had repeatedly manifested itself in
very unquakerlike manner. At last the news
came to him that the enemy had crossed from
Staten Island to Long Island to attack the A.
Inerican forces. With promptness and decis-
ion he made up his mind to join the army
Throwing aside, then, his peaceable character,
and shouldering his musket. he left his usual
ssocations upon his productive farm, and pre-
pared to accompany some other volunteers from
his neighborhood. He sought his daughter to
communicate his determination to her. He
found her seated in an arbor in the garden ut
the rear of the house. By her side sat one who
had sought her love and obtained it, with the
sanction of her father, and they now waited
favorable opportunity to unite their fortunes
forever. As our friend joined them, the young
man held the hand of the Quakeress, and was
evidently pouring into her ears the soft words
of true affection. They started at the unex-
pected appearance of the farmer sssrmed and
equipped" He said
81 must interrupt thee, Thomas Edison, in
thy billing and cooling; for the trump of bat
tie is sounding in our ears. Thou must accom-
pany me to the struggle. Nay, Judith, ex-
press nc surprise and least Of all, attempt not
60 use entreaties to dissuade him from his du-
ty. When peace comes again, when the storm
that now hangs over our beloved country has
passed, thee can resume where thee left off,
and indulge in as thy heart is capable Of
"I am with you, to the DEATH" cried Thom-
as, springing to his feet.
"Death .'' murmured the frightened girl
esThomas fatheri remember that our society
have ever advocated the principles of peace.
Will not thy appearance in the contest be con-
demred by our frieuds7 Why not wait for
the summons p"
oJudith." answered the Quaker warrior, and
there T7as somewhat of sternness in his tones,
.swe have no right to remain inactive in this
faarf,l crisis Perhaps our arms, nerved with
amight derived from the Great Ruler, may
render efficient aid to those who are battling
for u.s. i have no pleasure in wariare-i would
rather bind up wounds than cause them-out
thy father were crayan and coward did ne
not f1v to the rescue, or rather to the support
of those brave hearts who have already ven-
t,rcd forth in this struggle for freedom. We
have borne much from our oppressors; l, as
an individual, would never have tamely sub
mitted thus far, but now the hour has come
we must go forth, and with what success may
no vouchsafed us, bare our bosoms to the fray
Take a short leave of Thomas, and let thy pc
,i.;ons 70 the Director of lifes contests be fire.
oyent and feryent, for his and thy parents
protection"
The parting of the lovers, after Mr.. Hicks
had left them, was divested of pain, by the
bright hopes which the young man had sud-
denly conceived of glory and renown. Judith
contented herself with charging him TO be
careful of himself, and to watch over and be
near her father. With fortitude worthy of
Roman damsel, she kept back her tears; and
,5Yhen he pressed his farewell KISS upon her
lips, her eyes were scarcely moissened' aitho'
her heart entertained many forebodings.
,Go.,, she said, ssand when the struggle IS
ended, if thy life is spared, thou wilt receive
a deserved welcome"
Our new-fedged warriors were TOO la'e 10
ioin the volunteers that had already lett; ou'
they at once set out, alone. When wthiu d
mile of the brave Greene's eneampment' inc
Quick eye of Peletiah discovered a movement
in the underbrush just ahead OF them- de
seized the arm of his companion, aud thus ar
rested his progress.
"Look there" he whispered, "does the see
something crawling along stealthiiy IN the
bushesf Be cautious, and we VIII see VINO
and what it is. Honesty seeks no such hiding
place.