Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-08-13
WHIG AND TORY.
A True Story of the Revolution.

A True Story of the Revolution
1t was chilly, dreary afternoon in Novem-
Der, and the winds whistled about the little
cottage where the remnant of Colonel Harper's
scattered family drew around the hearth, from
which the blazing firelogs sent forth unwonted
cheerfulness. 1t was long since Madam Har-
per and the fair Mary had seen so happy an
hour. Never since the news came that the
stalwart man to whom they looked for protec-
tion, to whom they clung with mingled love
and reverence, had been barboroUsly murder
ed at the close of a disastrous skirmish with
the royalists on the Santee. The family had
some time before this sad event removed from
their plantation on the river to small estate
IN the more remote interior, where they would
be less exposed to the malice of their enemies
to whom the name of the Harpers was sufi-
ciently obnoxious. And when their prime
stay was thus torn from them, the widow and
orphan felt doubIy desolate in their solitude
But young Master Frank was now at home
for short space, recruiting from the effects
of severe wound received in one of the re-
cent battles. He had come with the glad I'll
dings of victory; and promotion, well de-
commendation of his general. So the genial
spirits of the soldier communicated themselves
to all around him: the mother and sister smil-
ed at his camp jests, and were never weary of
listening to his stories of martial adventure.
Old Ceaar and Dinah also came in for their
share of social enjoyment; and the few sables
which the little establishment still retained
participated in the common happiness, now
that, to use their own words, ''Mass' Frank
come home real Congress cap'n.'' Notwith-
standing the outer dreariness of chill No
vcmber afternoon, ,all was pleasant within doors.
As fresh blast made the fastenings of the
shutter rattle, Captain Frank would hitch his
seat nearer TO the fire. 80
ssAh, my dears,'' hej Jay, .swould I
not like that Marion ari oilers could be
sheltered this night as SssEz as1 shall be But
1 dare say that the General is at this very mo-
ment, making bivouac at the foot of some oak
or hickory-may at the edge of swamp,
or impenetrable mountain jungle. Eh, and
even our friend Castor, Miss Mary, may very
probably lodge this night on 'thc cold, cold
ground,' as the roundelay has it,"
ssAnd if it be so,'' replied the black eyed
sister, ssit will not have been for the first times
nor will Charles Castor be the first to COM
plain"
ssHo, no, my lady," rejoined Frank, laugh
ingly, spray take offence at my remark
/ meant no insinuaton against the young gen
tleman's hardihood. L am we'll aware that if
he should suffer serious injury, there is GER
tain warm-hearted relative of mine who would
be much more ready to complain than he
would be himself. But, then, don't seek to
retaliate! 1 will give you the honors of the
field, and retire from the contest at once. By
the way, has anything been heard lately of that
rascally neighbor of ours, that once was, Tom
Eastwood ?''
ssHush, Frank 70 exclaimed his mother with
an involuntary uplifting of her finger; while
Mary, with evident discomposure, murmured
something about affairs in the kitchen, and
hurried out.
Frank stared at his mother in surprise.
ssWhat means all this agitation 20 he inqui-
red. 81 have only asked simple question,
which methinks scarce demands such emotion
from either you or Mary Iknow that the fell
low once pretended some uncouth attentions
to her, but what of that 20
ssYou mistake, Frank" repli.I his mother
ssIt must be, then, that you are ignorant of
what we have lately heard of this mas viIlai-
nv. You know not, then, that he is fought
to have been the cause of your fathers deat.7,'
ssGood Heaven ?-rol 1t is the first inti
nation of the sort that have had. But how!''
oYou are doubtless aware" answered his
mother, ssthat the Dashwoods never bore
good reputation for honesty in their dealings
Some years since this Thomas Dashwooo WaS
implicated in a fraudulent conveyance OF es
tate and your father was employed as ma
gistrate in ferreting out and furnishing th'
crime. 1t was just about this time, also. tina
Dashwood received rebuff in his rather oo
trusive attentions to Mary. In the law busl
ness, he succeeded in getting quite clear, a