The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1858-09-29

n buzz went through the American
camp, and the scantiIy dressed soldiers
were seen passing fiom one teLt to an
other; the whole exhibited scene Of
confusion and anxiety, and the deem
touches of interest which dwell upon the
coiintenance Of officers aud men, gave
evidence that more shan common sacri
fice was expected from one or from all.
The "Star Spangled Banner" waved
proudly i'll the breeze, and the insignia of
command arranged in due order before
one of the tents, pointed out the soldier
like habi,a ion of the chief warrior.
The general sat in his tent, his head
MAS pensiveIy reclining OH his hand, and
he unused on the asperlies OF a soldiers
fortune, and perhaps in his reverie, he
heard the tones Of his sweet Clara's voice
AS she sang:
Rest, warrior, rest"
! lie was in that kind Of reverie, from
which it is painful to be aroused, aud the
indulgence of which is marked with all
! the Joy of grief"
George Worlley entered. a deep
OF feelings which brooded over some
blighted hope-over some fond renIem
brance which had been all sunshine, but
which now darkened on his sonI. He en-
tered, but without any military formaIi
ties, and WAS kindly received by h,s su.
perior officer, who never considered his
presence an intrusion Georges counter
ance assumed, # possible. = deeper shade
of melancholy as lie opened the conver
sation, by informing :he General that he
offered to go on the proposed adventure.
The general answered
George, there are many whom we can
better spare. An ig"onnous dra.h -.
waits you it discovered should YOU re-
turn safe YOU will have the honor due to
spy
1T is my wish to g",' rejoined WortIey
! These brave fellows have something TO
bud them TO the world. You know my
tale. Misery has made me drink deep of
his cup, and broken heart little recks Of
joy or life. All things are ready aud
so to night. If | fall, give tear to my
memory, bu, let my fate be unknown
| AS he spoke lie extended his hand to
the General, who rising from his seat,
shook tear from his eyelid and fervently
grasping Georges hand, with II soldiers
farewell greeting, said:
Good bye, George, and may God bless
you.'
The American encampment was but
! few miles west of the town OF Buffalo,
and commanded an unobstrnciet. view of
that part Of Lake Erie. The morning
previous, AS the sun arose slow wheeling
from the deep aud rolled back the curl
ing vapors from the bosom Of the lake,
several vessels bearing the English flag
rode ut anchor in full view, with stately
pride, and looked like spirits Of the wa.
| ter.
1t was known to the American General
that they bore important dispatches, and
he thought 1t would facilitate his cause,
and perhaps save bis army from medita.
ted danger to become acquainted with the
designs Of the opposing enemy.
The vessels all rode in full view, and
the breeze Of the evening frequently bore
10 tia i'll provided Americans The SQUAD
OF uncouth mirlh and wsnlon reveIry.-
The delay of the vessels was occasioned
by a desire OF the British officers 10 learn
the situation Of the American army (; but
! the disposition of the men By the com.
mandant WAS such ~ rendered every ut
tempt Of that kind impracticab.e.
To propose himself as an advenlurer,
TO discover the designs OF the enemy by
visiting the vessels, Vas the object OF
Wortley's visit 10 the Generals tent -
Others ws.e ai!ling 10 undertake The per
ilous task. but George claimed it as n
matter of right as we'll as a favor, which
was, however, reluctantly allowed.
AS he departed from the Generals tent,
an unusual fire beamed from his hereto
fore tranquil eye, aud an unwonted glow
threw a ight upon his wan and pallid
features. lie felt the warm blood rush
to his heart, aud invigorate his whole sys
tern, lie was then happy, but why, he
knew not, lie hastened 10 hls ten, to
make preparations for his nights adyen-
ture, Ills companions IN rank sighed as
he passed by, and the old soldier turned
away, and he thought ,hat perhaps ere
long the muilled drum might give to the
mournful gale the ,idiugs of his igLinin.
| ious fate.
The sun had gone down, and but one
lone and lovely star shone amid the dy.
ing glory Of the West. worlley passed
from his tent, disguised in the habit Of a
British sailor, and as he supposed wen,
forth alone The banks Of the lake were
high and abrupt, and tho waves dashed
aud foamed with sulen voice at thei'
rocky ba,e.
lie followed the winding margin Of The
banks until he came to small rivuIel
that dashed down deep, abrupt and
narrow channel, which, at the bottom
formed still aud secluded bay, and ir
which va, concealed the boat that was