Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1859-10-06
yntcrcsting gtorp.
A CRITICAL MOMENT.
AN INCIDENT IN THE LIFE or A REvOLU-
TIoNARY SOLDIER.

AAON'@A4sA 1OlLD1EEs
On the 18th Of September, says an his
torical work which have been perusing
the British army advanced, crossed the
Bfandywiae at Different points, and at
tackled the main army Of the Americans
who sustained the assault with intrepidity
for some time, but at length gave way
General Washington Effected retreat
with his artillery and baggage, to Ches
ter, where he halted, within eight miles
of the British army, till next morning
when he retreated to Philadelphia.
A little incident which TRANSFERRED on
the night referred TO will form the subject
OF tn paper, the FIRST of my Pen and Ink
Pictures.
Between Chester and the point where
the battle of Brandywine was fought
about equally distant from the camping
ground Of both armies, end somewhat oul
of the reach Of the main road. there re-
sided in a small, antique farm house a
man named Joshua Kcnton. Kenton
was an earnest patriot aud a brave man
one OF those who were ever ready to
sacrifice property or life in carrying out
the principle which was part and par
eel of their natures
The battle of Brandywine had been
fought-the Americans had retreatcd ia
CheSter-bOth armies were encamped for
the night, and darkness had settled upop
the whole scene.
kenton had participated in the san
= tPunala H.o.l
alisoSt side by side WIFI E1fayette, who
there first drew his sword in defence OF
Ireedom-and had returned to his home
after the engagement was ended.
Covered with the weat, end dust, and
blood OF the battle, the gallant patriot
had entered his home, and confronted his
anxious wife and daughter-all his fam
lily.
" Safe, husband i" cried lis wife, iov
FULLY springiny into lis arms; thank
God !"
" Oh father, I am so glad 10 see YOU
again so glad +" murmured his weeping
daughter, as the next moment she too
was folded to the patriots bosom in a
fond, paternal embrace.
And the battle, husband ?" inquired
Mrs. kenton, eagerly.
1t was hard fought field, wife" re
soonded the patriot, land the army is
now retreating to Chester, where Wash
lngton intends to encamp for the night,
and where shall rejoin my country men
before daylight. The cause of liberty
has need OF every true man in the land.
and Joshua Kenton would not stand in
the back ground even to save his neck
from the halter. Honor, love of country.
patriotism-eyerything forbids it. But
I'm faint and weary" he added, d" get me
little something TO eat, and let me have
lew hours rest to recruit my exhausted
energies"
Comfortable food was at once placed
before Mr.. kenton, and after he had par
taken OF some refreshments, he retired to
back room and flung himself on a bed
La a few moments he was fast asleep
His anxious wife and daughter kept
watch by his side.
" Must father go away again p the
latter, whose given name was Martha, at
length inquired
9esr ehlldr" rejoined Mrs. Kenton,
briefly aud sadly.
N sorry, added Martha, in detected
" So am ], my child" said her mother;
" but your father Is the last man living
to desert his country's flag"
" Father is good and brave, | know
and it Is right that he should fight for
his country,-but, oh mother, if he
should be killed |"
Mrs. Kenton started painfully.
Ron't speak of it, my child, don't
speak OF it !" she cried, in agonized tones
At that moment several loud raps fell
quickly upon the front door.
Fhe mother and daughter started from
their chairs, and the patriot suddenly
leaped from his couch.
The 1rst movement of Mrs. Keaton
was to blow ont the light, and almost
lnstantaneously with the knocks the room
was enveloped in deep darkness.
W hat is it, wife p demanded the pa
trlot, hardly yet awake.
Some one is rapping loudly at the
front door," responded his wife,. with a
shaking voice.
Indeed ! Some Of the pickets have
found US out, suppose, but whether
friends or foes remains to be seen. 1t is
as likely to be one Jas the other. for we
are about as near the latter, as the form
err. 1t was scarcely prudent to- remain
here just now, and must have been
crazy not to remember that before.
Again the raps fell upon the door.
What shall We do, husband ?" in.
qulred Mrs. Kenton, anxiously.
Face them, be they friends or foes p
rejoined the patriot, sternly, at the same
moment resolutely taking up his gun