The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1857-08-13
The Presentin emt.
"There was a sound of revelry by night"

-tne crack regiment or tne udy-aS ne u av-
ersed his brief round at the garden gate of
Greenwich street, behind the residence of Sir
Henry Clinton, the commander chief of the
British forces of America.
His stalwart figure and high grenadier cap
made bis shadow appear gigantic beneath the
rays of our full and glorious orb--the Western
moon. Occasionally he would pause, as if
listening to the rich music which ever and anon
swelled forth from the residence of Sir Henry,
and his thoughts turned upon the youth and
beauty mipgling in the dance within.
Once or twice he passed the back of his hand
across his eyes, as if to stay a truant tear that
was stealing from its fountain. His memory
rushed to the days Of his early home in "mer.
rie England"
BY Georgel" he muttered, half aloud. eel
did not think could be childish. The sound
of the tune has put me In mind Of old Devon
shire.''
Saying this he broke out into the military
song of General Wolf, which, as tradition goes,
he sang while passing up the St. Lawrence, the
night before he fell on the plains OF Abraham:
Why, soldiers, why, .a
Should we be melancholy boys,
Whose business tits to die," &C.
His voice, naturally sweet, sounded perfect
iy melodious as, unconsciously, he forgot his
duty as sentinel and gave to the song the full
compass OF his manly tones. AT little dist
ance, concealed from the sentinel by the
shrlbbery, was an officer, upon whose arm
leaned beautiful girl-absentees fr om the ball
room.
As the after fate Of This brave officer forms
amemorabie page in our country's history, my
readers may perhaps like description of his
person. He was rather under the middle
height, Of handsome, well made figure and
erect military Carriage. His face was oval,
and the features decidedly handsome. The
main expressions Of his countenance display
en- frankness and sincerity. His age seemed
about thirty. His arlet coat was faced with
buff, and buff breeches, with silk stockings s,
adorned the lower part of his person. Such
was the ball room costume Of that period.
"You seem melancholy tonight, Major An
dre," said his fair companion. On such
night as this You should be otherwise.'
And in such company, you should have
added, Miss Beekman. Pardon me for this
apparent qustness the thought that this might
be the last night | should spend in Now York,
is enough to make one feel sad, is it not, fair
lady?"
"Leave New York, Major ANDRE" said the
young lady with surprise. "Are you going
South with Lord Cornwallis?"
"Asoldier, Miss Beekman, must inform no
one OF his destination, and particularly one
like yourself, with touch Of the rebel feeling
towards your countrymen. This much will
answer, am 40: going south"
"Some new plan of Sir Henry's, rll be
bound," said the laughing girl. 81 do love
Washington, and that is the truth. MY father,
At certain, remains firm in his allegiance to
King George, but IL go with our Re2ubli-
can George-the soldier from Vhgina.'
cannot say think less of you for such
feelings, Miss Beekman,' said Andre it is
natural that we should love our country
Washington is brave soldier, and from all
hear, is good man. BE that as it may, how
ever, he has no right to take up arms against
his lawful king, and when he is taken, as he
must be, he will end his days on giDbet."
pil wager you this rose," said the merry
hearted girl, in laughing tone, taking one
from her hair, . as ainst the first new novel
you receive by the London packet, that you
will suffer such punishment frs. and that you
know is Impossible, Maj, for my countrymen
treat the kings officers with the highest re-
spect when prisoners. Spies oaly, are hung,
and neither Washington or yourself are likely
to undertake that profession"
1t seemed as if spasm passed through the
frame of the officer, for he trembled for an
instant like leaf-an incident which was
long after remembered By his fair companion
when mentioning his melancholy fate.
"You are i'll, Maj. Let US 60 in.''
No, nos" said he, faintingly; sit was but
a amomentary nervous Affection, and has now
passed. There are at times, MISS Beekman,
presentiments Of evil in the human mind, that
come without real cause, and trouble US we
A"o" '0s "oys Cdhhot say Out tnas my
physical health is as good as it ever was. The
night is beautiful, aud the scene within Sir
Henry's mansion enchanting bat still there
IS heavyness about my spirits that carnot
shake oil. see danger before ne yet know
not where to guard against or how to meet it.
Though shadowy, it appears palpabls and dis
tinct. All! that song"
At this moment the silver tones of the senti.
nel's voice rang sweetly upon the ear with the
words Of the ssng we have mentioned. Whilst
thus engaged, the Major and his fair compan.
ion suddenly appeared before him. In an in
stant his voice was hustled, and his musket
brought suddenly to "present arms,n as he
stood lnotionless, in true military style before
his superior.
"Nay, nay, Whiteley, cease not your song"
said the Major; "on such night IS this
wonder not that you should feel like singing,
will stand responsible to the sergeant for
such breach of discipline"
~ should like much better to hear it in full
soldier" said the lady.
81 only know it, LADY," said the sentinel,
@from hearing Maj. Andre sing it when Pve
been on duty at his quarters. Perhaps he,
madam, will consent to favor you with it."
n