Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1859-05-26

SeStcus
"That s it e1actlyr be anwered. "I've
lived under a suspicion of falsehood for
more that thirty years, and I wish to clear
it away before l set out on my long jour-
ney."
/ have seen many such. With enough
of the good things of this world they had
no need of warrant whatever-but they
were justly proud of the service they had
done their country, and wished the evidence
in their possession.
As 10 Spreadeagle he preserved his in
a gilt frame, and hung it up against the
wall of his parlor, where it might be seen
and felt by all the defendants of Didymus.
In this there may have been little van
ity. Yet there were few who had better
right to be proud of their exploits. One in
particular-that to which / have already
the characteristics which
it had in common with others, was in some
respects entirely unique.
it occurred an the night before the bat
tie of the Maumee.
The Indians having rejected his over
lures of peace, General Wayne left Fort
Deiarce, fortifeation which he had erect
ed at the junction of the Au Glaize and
Maumee rivers, and advanced TO Roche
De-bout. Here be remained four days
erected and fortified a depot, and disen-
numbered himself of bis stores and bag
gage.
About four miles beyond the enemy had
taken position, found, upon close and
careful reconnoitering, to be in all respects
well adapted for defence. Their right
flank was covered by thickets, nearly i'm
pervioss; their eatiie front by strong
abatis, the effect of a tornado, while their
left side rested on the Maumee. Behind
these natural and accidental barriers, the
enemy, lay in three lines of open order, with
fanks widely extended.
1t was the intention of the general to en-
cages the enemy in their position Oh the
day. But to guard against sur
prise, should night attack be meditated,
sentinels were stationed about the camp.
and the soldiers slept on their arms. And
for greater security, pickets were thrown
out on the side next the enemy, one be-
yond another, but not widely apart-the
extreme reaching to half the intervening
distance.
In the evening, when the men detailed
for the night guard were mustered for du-
ty, the general suddenly appeared before
them; and in their hearing addressed the
officer in charge with great earnestness:
"Captain Smelling, let every picket be a
volunteer"
"For che occasion?' inquired the officer,
not certain of his meaning.
"Assuredly," said the general. Il would
make no invidious distinction.
The captain perceived from the manner
of his superior, and the time chosen for the
PRONUNCIATION of his orders, that his pur-
pose was to impress the guard with due
sense of the responsibility devolved upon
them, that their vigilance might be increas-
ed, and the safety of the camp promoted.
"Then you apprehend dangeri" he in
quired, endeavoring to advance the object
of the commandant.
"Certainly," answered Wayne. "There
is always danger in the face of an enc
N.Y."
"But at this mement something more
than ordinary?" continued the captain.
sThe enemy cannot be ignorant of our
purpose tomorrow" replied the general;
"and if they design to anticipate us, their
attack will be made tonight"
The object of The general accomplished,
captain Smelling proceeded to select his
pickets, who were to be thrown out in the
form of an accute triangle, the the number
decreasing as they receded from the line
of sentinels.
For the posts Immediately beyond this
line, the volunteers numbered several times
as many as were required; not because
they were anxious to fill the posts of great
est danger, but precisely the CONTRARY
None wished to seem afraid; and as those
who occupied one position would not be
expected to fill another, all preferred the
places of comparative security.
But in this many of them were grievous-
ly disappointed. Instead of selecting from
these the required number, Captain SHELL
ing ordered them few PAGES in front Of
the main body Of the guard, and calling
out successfully the posts beyond, inquired
who of them would offer their service.
Still there were volunteers, but not so
many. And as the posts became more
and more remote, the number steadily d.
minished. At length he reached the post
in advance, and no one offered.
@This is the post of danger said the
general, after waiting few moment. "Bui
it is also the post of honor. He who fills
it with credit shall have my appreciation.
There was an impulsive movement in the
ranks, like as of an electric shock, but nc
one volunteered. Many were ready to incurr
any ordinary danger for the cause they had
espoused, but for the sake of friends or fam
lilies, valued their lives too much to sacri
fee them merely for the reputation of un'
equaied bravery.
"There IS not a man among you who
would not 60 if designatedp said the gen
eral not little chagrined: "yet I should
be afraid to trust the post to one who
went under compulsion"
It was this consideration that induced
the general to choose his pickets from suct
as voluntarily profered their services. Fol
on several previous occasions, the outmos'
picket had been transfxed with indian ar
rows, and found dead next day. No one
could hope to occupy the post witout ex'
traordinary vivilance, and escape with hi
life.
Captain" said the general presently