Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1859-01-29

prisoners.
This reverse of the American arms
aroused anew the patriotic feelings of
George, and he at once communicated
his intentions to his father, who offered
no impeachment to his Immediately join
ing the army, and helping to retrieve
what had been so unfortunately lost.
$50, my son, said he, g ] am beyond
service myself; but, like Abraham of
old, am willing to offer my son to the
sacrifice. Let the plea of protection to
your parents be no longer an excuse to
keep you from the ranks of those brave
and devoted men who follow Washington,
but receive our blessing, and bid farewell
to your young wife, whose love of her
country | am sure cannot be less than
her affection for yourself. If you fall,
it is in just and holy cause"
This was heroic advice, but nowise
uncommon in the mouths of our venera-
bic sires. George communicated his
design to his mother and afterwards to
his wife but the latter would not listen
to his arguments, and wept and beseeched
him not to leave them to the mercy of
the mercenary robbers that overrun the
country in the neighborhood of the Brit
ish armies. Earnestly did he plead the
sufferings of his countrymen and the
necessity of his presence among those
who were battling for the blessings of
liberty--to nothing would she listen--no
argument could convince her. What
was single arm in the mighty strife
Despairing and impatient, our hero at
length resolved to leave for the army the
ensuing night, and for this purpose he
made all necessary preparation for his
secret departure. His gun and KNAPP
sack were deposited in the barn, and a
letter of farewell written which he would
leave to be read after his departure
Midnight at length came, melancholy
and gloomy to George; but he rose from
his bed, to which be had retired in the
early part of the evening to lull suspi-
con, and kissing his wife afectionatcly,
as she lay asleep, he hiod to the barn,
accoutred himself as we'll as his few
equipments would allow, and was soon
on his way to join the army He had
not far to travel, as Washington had en-
camped within eight miles of German
town, and but half that distance from
his own residence, and long ere daylight
on the first of October, he had presented
himself within the lines Of the Ameri-
can army, and made known his desire
to enlist, and that mornings rcville, as
it beat the time to rise, was answered
also by the presence of George Madden.
But what Consideration did that morn
ing's dawn bring to the hearts of his
wife and parents His non-appearancc
was at first scarcely noticed, till the for-
mer perceived letter lying on the table
directed to herself, wherein George in
formed her Of his resolution, and urged
the necessity of his assistance in the
struggle for freedom
If | fall, it said, remember me-
shall die in a just and glorious cause.
If live, trust me, it will be in the en-
joyment of u freeman's glorious priyi-
leges."
Ere the letter was concluded, the for
saken wife had fallen senseless on the
floor The father felt glow of patr-
otto pride thrill his heart at this devotion
in his son, while the mother knelt and
clasped her hands in silent prayer.
The poor wife al last came to her sem
SEE, but it was to wander about the
house, weeping continually calling upon
her husband, and insisting that she should
never see him any more, and marveling
at his cruelty in deserving her. She was
not of Spartan mould, and possessed not
those stern virtues which prompted those
ancient heroines to lay tic last particle
of affection upon the altar Of their coun-
try's freedom. No, she asked nothing
more than the love and presence Of her
husband devotion that reigned para
mount in her heart, permitting the pres
cncc of none else. She could not submit
to be left alone. The act must be re-
voked that made him of the army. She
would seek him she would impore him
to come back to those who loved him,
and to whom he was all the world.
So, that same day, ere the sun had
reached his meridian, unknown to any
one, she left her home, and after three
hours weary travel she stood beside her
husband in the camp, beseeching him to
return. Those who witnessed her ear
nestness were melted by her tender en-
treaties-those rugged soldiers that would
rush madly on bayonet and cannon
march barcfootcd over frozen ground and
through deep snow, sustained only by fer
vent patriotism they wept ms they be-
held this fond but tiinid wife clinging to
her husband, and with eloquent endear-
ment begging him, for the love he bore
her, to return once more TO the desolate
hearth now left without protector. I'm
possible he could not, with any decent
grace, retreat from position 50 recently
assumed. He consoled her as best be
could, but assured her Of the impossible
ity Of leaving the army. She must sub.
nit; it would be sacrifice no greater
than had been made by thousands. -
There was no remedy but to wait in hope
the end was certain, and the conse-
quences would be glorious. But what
could the poor wife do? la! thought
has struck her. She viii seek the tent
Of Washington at his feet will she lay
her petition
Behold the hero in bis tent-tho great,
the gol.like, in whom ore joined al viz