Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1856-07-22

TLEIIITa NARRATIVE.

Howe had possession OF Philadelphia, the
situation of the Americans who could not
follow their beloved commander, was tru-
ly distressing; subject to 'ne every day in.
suits of cruel and oppressive foes. Bound
to pay obedience TO the laws predicated
I on the momentary power OF the proud and
lvindletive commander, it can be better
pictured thln described. To obtain the
common necessaries OF life. particularly
Hour, they had to go as far as Bristol, a
distance of eighteen or twenty miles, and
even this indulgence was not granted them.
until pass was procured them from Lord
Howe, as guards were placed along Vine
street, extending from the Delaware to
the Schuylkill, forming a complete barri-
er; beyond these, through the woods ex-
tending as far as Frankford, were station
ed the piquet guards, thus rendering it in
a manner impossible to reach Bristol M lis
unless first Obtaining pass.
The American forces were then en-
camped at Valley Forge, suffering from
cold, hunger and the inclemency of the
season. The British rolled in plenty, and
spent their days in feasting. their nights
IN balls, riots and dissipation: thus resting
IN supposed security, while the American
chief was planning a mode for their final
extlrpatlon. a poor woman, with six
small children, whose husband was at the
Valley Forge, had made frequent applica-
uons for pas. Engagements rendered
1t impossible for her cruel tormentors to
give her one. Rendered desperate from
disappointment and the cries of her chill
dren, she started alone, and by good luck
eluded the guard and reached Bristol
About this time there were six brothers
OF the name of Doale, renowned for ma
NY acts of hero:c bravery, hut which was
n the character OF ml~audars rather than
soldiers. They were men full six feet
high, SIT nj active, fearless intrepid
lty characterlzing their deeds, and they
always succeeded in making their escape.
Il mark d partiality to the Americans
rendered thcm obnoxious to the British.
and always welcome to the former, TO
whom they conveyed what information
they could CLEAN in their numerous adv
enturcs.
Our adventurous female, having pro-
cured her flour IN IA pillow case holding
about twenty pounds, was r turning to her
anxious and lonely babes with a light heart.
she had just passed the piquet guards at
Franktord, and was just entering the
woods little this side, when a tall, stout
man stepped from behind tree, and put
ting i-ttcr into her hands, requested her
to read Il. She erasped with eager 10Y
the letter bearing the character of her
husbands hand writing. After pause,
be sad, = Your husband is well, madam,
and requested me to say that in a short
time he will be with you, money is a
scarce article among us-I mean among
them; ut on account of your husbands
rartalIty to the cause of liberty, [ am
wiling to become his banker" So saying,
he handed hor piece of money, /" nv
means madam are adequate, or | would
not be thus lavish, seeing she was about
TO refuse it,
" You said sir, my husband would see
me shorty; how do you know that which
seems impossible? And how did you know
Hush madam, we are now approach
ing the British guard suffice it TO say,
the American commander has that ia his
head which, Ike an earthquake viii shake
the whole American continent, and ex-
punge all these mis- creants; but bark =
take roadto The left-farewell" !" SO say
ing, he departed. She gave one look,
hut vacancy filed the spot where he stood
With slow and cautious steps she ap-
preached Vine street. Already the fire
burned beneath her bread, when the aw-
ful word . haltr struck her to the soul
She started, and found herself in the GUS
tody Of British sentinel. g Your pass,
woman" 81 have none, sir, my children
are s'D-n the rebel crew, why
do you breed enemies to your l>ing-this
flour is mine-of,, woman, and die with
your babes" A groan was the only an
s'ver. The ruffian was about to depart
when the former messenger appeared
his whole demeanor was changed; hum
bic simplicity marked his gait--he ap-
preached with a seeming fearfulness,
and begged him in a suppliant voice, to
give the poor woman her -four. Fool
Idol" exlaimed the guard, who are
you? see yonder guard house, if you In
terfere here, that shall be your quarters"
May be so sir; but wont you give the
poor woman the means of supporting her
little family one week longer2 recollect
the distance she has walked, the weight
of the Tag, and recolIect'
''Hell and furies sir! Why bid me
recollect-you plead in vain-begone, or
I'll seize You for q spy.
g Then you wont give the poor woman
her flour g.
"Nor'
Then by my country's faith aud hopes
of freedom, you shall" and with pow
erful arm, he seized the guard by the
throat and hurled him TO the ground
90 Run, madam run-see the guard house
is alive-secure your -four, pass Vine
street and you're safe" Twas done
The guard made an attempt to rise when
the stranger drew pistol and shot him
dead. The unfortunate man gazed around
him with fearless insrepidity. There was
but one way of escape, and that through
the woods. Seizing the dead man 5 mus
ket he started like deer pursued by the
L l.