Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1858-02-13
MISCELLANEOUS.
THE QUAKER PATRIOT.
BY ARCIi0bA.


Throughout the land sounded the loud
rummons--to arms IIundrc s of our
countrymen were flocking to the stand
ard thrown boldly to the breeze, by those
leaders whom the minioas of the King
had donominated "Robcls.' The battle
Of Bunker Hill, with all its honors, was
fresh in the minds of the daring few who
had staked their lives, fortunes. and sa-
cred honor in their country's cause--yet
no feeling of intimidation came 70 the
breast of single man, for all felt that
they had a personal interest in the struG-
gle. The bar, the pul pit, the factory, the
farm-all contributed their stalwart sons
to do battle for the right. Age formed
no Exemption Youth assumed the pow
or Of manhood, and joined the tide setting
towards the bloody field. There was but
one class that seemed to be regarded as
non-combatiye. They Ser' the friends
or .Quakers.'
Peletah Payne had settled III early
life upon farm in the town of Cold
Spring, Long Island. Here he had mar
ried, and here he had seen falling from
his side, one by one, the children God
had given him, until, in his old age, he
stood alone with the partner of his youth
and mature years, childless man. lie
was one Of the leaders in the society of
Friends in pure worship OF his
Master his days were drawing to an hon
orablc end.
The messengers of Washington, who
were then supposed to be near at hand,
were 1ying through that sccticn, and call
ing recruits to join him. Old Payne
stood at his gateway as the Courier, ap-
preached.
What nows from the campr he inqui.
red.
The enemy is growing more formida-
bic daily was the reply, as the rider
drew up his painting stccd, 'and we are
seeking men in every direction. Pity
you hadn't son to tcptesent you in the
struggle =
The aged Quaker bowed his head, as
the memory of the lost ones @as thus
iudely awakened.
But you are a "Friend," continued the
courier, 'and don't believe in resistance.
who SAYS that Peletah Payne does no.
advocate resistance to oppression ? cried
the old man with animation. Who can
charge him with the bascness of mac
ton, when the foes Of his country stand
at the threshold of that country's honor
I am a Friend, IN the sense that thee puts
upon the word, but am no friend to the
enemies of my native land
lam glad to hear you say so! would
that youth and strength were yours. 4.
it is, we are cen grateful for your good
wishes
The courier rode onward upon his mis-
sion.
Youth and strength = soliloquizcd thu
Quaker. Ay, l would they were mine
indeed But they have left me, aS
withered tree, almost useless. Yet no
so! Why may not join the forces o
Washington! Why not stand besid'
my neighbors-l My wife Ye
she will not bid me pause We mus
see I'VE must see ! The gate was clio
sed, and MIR. Payne retired to the dutie
of his farm.
Gloriously and brightly arose the SUI
Oh the succeeding morn, as our Quake
friend led his horse, already saddled, t.
the gate. At the same moment his wifi
came from TIE house, bearing 4 gum
With fearful eyes she handed the weapon
to her husband as she said:
May that God who has watched owe
me and thee, be with thee still, and il
be His will to return thee to me-
Sobs checked her utterancc. The oil
man stopped from his saddle end imprint
ed kiss upon her upturned check.
'And what matters it, Judith, whether
return or not. Better TO die in ouch
struggle than live for years in the recol
lection that bore NJ hand in the contes