Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1857-09-17
STORY OF THE REVOLUTION.
BY MARY A. KEABLES.
Chapter II.

SMSaPbCA
I the northwestern part OF New Jersey,
L in the early part of the war between
England and the Colonies, situated near
the waters Of the Delaware, was a little
village of unpretending appearance, and
great retirement. The buildings were
simple cottages owned by those who OBJ
tanned their sustenance by cultivating the
soil; but at the time which we speak, they
had thrown down their farming nipple
ments and shouldering their faithful rifles
had joined the patriot Washington to
fight for national liberty.
mences the spring of 1777 had just open
ed. General Washington was still at
Morristown. and the British army under
General Howe at their winter quarters in
Now Brunswick.
The American army was continually in
creasing in numbers, and over ten thous.
and men were ready to commence the
struggle for liberty. Their hearts beat
high with hope. for the brave Marquis de
Lafayette had just landed with his gallant
followers on the American shores and
Joined the patriots; and although Gener
al Howe was offering pardon and reward
to all those who would enlist under the
British flag, deserving the "rebel' army,
'bur few accepted. seafHihg ttdeseft sdeiF
suffering country in hour Of need. Some,
hpgeyer, who priced wealth and ease
more, than freedom, bought with blood,
and Suffering, peril and persecution, turn
ed from the cries of help" of their own
land. and became the most despicable of
all the characters history records.
But among those who stood firm and
ungielding. were the noblest and bravest
hearts. We who enjoy freedom bought
with the hearts blood, and of those mar
tyrs to their country. with the toll, suffer
ings and years of persecution and labor
of our ancestors, may We ever cherish
their memory sacred, and devote ourselves
also, to our glorious land. May no stain
ever rest upon our name. and may her
sods ever be as noted for their patriotism
as they were years ago.
+" The Star Spangled Banner, OH long may it wave
Der the land of the free and the home of the brave
On gentle eminence overlooking the
village. stood an infrIn gentleman Of both
wealth and rank. Y ct Sir james Harley
was known by his neghbors as being a
firm and uncompromising patriot. al.
though urable to join them in their glori-
Gus undertaking. willing to use his wealth
and influence in that cause. He dwelt
there in undisturbed quiet, with a mum
Der of servants, and all only and beauti-
full daughter.
Miriam Harley was about twenty years
of age. proud and regal as an empress,
with that dark bewildering beauty, more
easily imagined than described. Rather
above the medium height, yet 1.-THE and
graceful in every movement; high broad
forehead shaded by masses of waving
black hair; eyes dark as midnight, full of
thought aud expression; finely. perhaps
haughtily turned mouth and chin, and a
form symmetrical, and beautifully devel
oped.
Such was Miriam, peerless alike for her
beauty, education and talent. For miles
around she was known as the pride of the
Jerseys, and was loved as well as admir-
ed; for the heart of the young girl was as
kind and generous as her face was beau
tiful. She it was, who with her own
hands ministered to the sick, and whose
bounty fed the needy. She it was who
watched over the wives and children Of
the patriots of the village and supported
their wants. And at home she fitted
here and there Frightening everything by
her gladeDing presence, and winning the
hearts Of all around her. Few, to have
seen her gliding quietly around with the
proud, beautiful smile upon her counte-
nance, would have guessed the deep bit
terness that lay slumbering in her heart
would have guessed the courage and fear.
lessness of her nature. Yet sometimes
that half slumbering spirit was aroused
and her dark eyes flashed, and her whole
countenance expressed intinitelymore than
the most eloquent words. When she
spoke of expressions, and the oppressed
--of the life blood of the noble patriot
hearts, shed as sacrifice to liberty
when she spoke of those who for sordid
gold, rank, or title, sold themselves to the
service of the British hirelings- then, ii
the flashing fire of those lustrous eyes, the
quick, short breath-the curl of the fine
~ turned lips, the dilating of the proud
form, there you could read world of un
daunted courage. of heroic resolution and
mistaken purpose.
Miriam was beautiiul-this she knew
educated and talented-of this she was