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-lke spir-
its were suddenly seized with lion courage,
and marched out to battle with their noble
countrymcn. None, perhaps, in the whole
struggle of the colonies to free themselves
from oppression, exhibited more dauntless
front than Peletiah Hicks. Although men,
ber Of the society of ssFriends,'' his patriotic
feeling had repeatedly manifested itself in
very unqnakcrlike manner. At last the news
came to him that the enemy had crossed from
Staten Island to Long Island to attack the A
merican 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
avocations upon his productive farm, and pre-
pared to accompany some other volunteers from
his ncighborhood. He sought his daughter to
communicate his determination to her. He
found her seated in arbor in the garden at
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 a
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 earned 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-
panv me TO the struggle. Nay, Judith, ex-
press 10 surprise; and least Of all, attempt not
70 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 of,
and indulge in as thy heart is capable Of"
al am with you, to the DEATH cried Thom-
as, springing to his feet.
"Death !" murmured the frightened girl
"Thomasl father remember that our society
have ever advocated the principles of peace
Will not thy appearance in the contest be con-
demned By our friends Why not wait for
the summons ~
ssJudith,' answered the Quaker warrior, and
there was somewhat of sternness in bis tones,
eswe have no right to remain inactive in this
fearful crisis. Perhaps our arms, nerved with
a might derived from the Great Ruler, may
render efficient aid to those who are battling
for Us. have no pleasure in wartare-I would
rather bind up wounds than cause them-but
thy father were cravsn and coward did he
not f1y to the rescue, or rather to the support
of those brave hearts who have already ven-
tured forth in this struggle for freedom. We
have borne much from our oppressors; l, as
an individual, would never have tamely SUBJ
mitted thus far, but now the hour has come
we must go forth, and with what success may
be Youchsafed us, bare our bosoms to the fray
Take a short leave of Thomas, and let thy pc
titious 20 the Director of life's contests be fire.
oucnt and fervent, for his and thy parent:
protection
The parting of the lovers, after Mr.. Hick:
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 bt
Roman damsel, she kept back her tears; ane
when he pressed his farewell kiss upon hel
lips, her eyes were scarcely moistened, altho
her heart entertained many forebodings.
"Gol" she said, "and when the struggle 1.
ended, if thy life is spared, thou wilt recei7s
deserved welcome"
Our new.fedged warriors were too late tc
join the volunteers that had already left bu
they at once set out, alone. When within ,
mile Of the brave Greene's encampment, tn,
quick eye of Peletiah discovered movemen
in the underbrush just ahead of them. Il
seized the arm of his companion, and thus al
rested his progress.
"Look there" he whispered, "does the Sc
something crawling along stealthiiy in tn
bashes7 Be cautious, and we viii see VII
znd what ii IS. Honesty seeks no such hidin
place"