Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1857-09-17
URNAL And BUSINESS DRCT0RYS AIM TO AMUSE TO INsTRUC
FREEHOLD, n J.. THUREnaY MoRNING.-sEPTEMBER l7ls6z


conscious. There was no avenue to reach
her proud heart by fattery-she scorned
it as she did those who sought to gain hel
hand; there was no vanity in her pure
heart; she was far too proud, too conscious
of her own merit to care if others appre
ciated her. If she performed a good &C
ton, it was to give pleasure to the receiv
err, and happiness to her own heart. never
to receive praise. Not that she did not
wish to have those around her pleased
with her, but simple !" God bless YOU
or the heaming light of an eye was dear
er to her than all the compliments ever
spoken.
There wasa young man of wealth. and
an American soldier offered her his heart
and hand, he told her she was his guiding
star, that to gain her love he had joined
the patriots in their rerilous undertaking
OF what deep bitterness was in her tone;
how full Of whitening contempt and scorn
as she spurned him from her. From that
moment William Merwick swore to be
avenged. He deserted the American
standard and enlisted under the British
flag. He was always a traitor at heart
no doubt.
But there was one, brave and noble
fearless Of danger, with true high-souled
patriotism and great moral wealth. He
was first common soldier in the Ameri
can army, but had been promoted, and
now bore the title of Lieutenant.
Henry Starr was all that could be wish
ed for as brave soldier,-and devoted
lover; perhaps it was the holy band of
patriotism which bound the young officer
and Miriam Harley SO closely together:
their hearts beat in unison in the great
work. Both were fearless and enthusiast
tic, and the aged Sir James Harley cord
tally welcomed him as future son-in-law.
A word in regard to this venerable pa
triot. When he was mere boy he came
from England with bis father Baronet.
who hpweverv soon died. and, he was jeff
alone in strange land; fortune however,
favored him, and he grew up in the midst
of a noble, enterprising people, WORTH
er man perhaps than if his aristocratic
folks had lived.
At the time the war broke out Sir
James came boldly ont on the side of the
colonists, and was greeted warmly and
enthusiastically by his neigbbors; lie was a
man of stern and mistaken purpose, proud
and uuyielding and resolved to carry un
til death the same principles he had es-
spoused. His motto was embroidered up
on beautiful little flag that spread IFS
folds above his roof; it was Mirian's
mark. The design was an eagle battling
with lion. and beneath in large golden
letters" Victory or death" If he was
asked his opinion of the war, he simply
repea ted the inscription of his flag; and
to those who asked his own preference
the same answer was returned. In vain
he was urged by his neighbors to lower
the little banner, lest it should be the
means of his misfortune. He resolutely
persisted as before.-a brave and unyieId-
ing man truly .he was in his old age.
Chapter III.
1t was near the close Of bright day
in the latter part of April. Miriam sat
near the window in her fathers library;
she had been reading aloudto him from
the Bible. for the old mans eyes were too
dim to read himself. She had closed the
book, and resting her head upon the win
dow, had given herself up to deep thought
At length. however, she arose and turned
towards her father; seating herself ON a
low ottoman by his side, she looked stead
lily and thoughtfully up into his face.
" What is it my darling?" asked the old
man, stroking back her dark hair from
her brow very fondly. You seem very
thoughtful of late, what is the cause?"
Indeed / do not know what is the
cause; have dark foreboding of late
that seems to shadow all the brightness oil
my life. No, not all, father, while you
are near me. but tits sad feeling"
File! Fie! Miriam, don't let every little
thing Cypress you.
" But It's not little thing, father-this
war;"
No, grave and solemn, brave and
glorious cause, firm hearts should never
give way to dependency.
+" But shall we triumph? Shall this
land ever be free? Shall we ever see cur
country's flag spread its folds over an I'M
fettered land? Shall we ever see these
traitors TO their country, and these Brit
ish hirelings driven from our soil?"
Miriam the old mans voice was very
strong. Miriam, we shall conquer,
kno,o it, I feel it in my heart; we may
never live to see the day. but America
shall be freel yes, free! and Briton's proud
king shall bitterly repent the war"
God grant it, exclaimed the maiden
" but will England ever resign her righl
to this beautiful land? Our men are cour
ageous, but courage is not proof agains
lead and steel; will not our patriots lane
be at length conquered, aud we as coun
try be in worse condition than ever be
fore?'
:" Not while regiment Of patriot troop,
remain! We will conquer or die. victory
or death, freedom or death, never dun
geons and chains. Yet there will be som,
lives lost, the noblest blood split. yet tina
blood shall be but a sacrifice; its voic,
shall arise thrice blessed to the God Q