Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1859-07-16
gu Original StuTg.
Writ.sn for he p.lawars inquirer.
THE QUAKER SPY.
A ROMANCE OF THE REVOLT
TlON.
~ JAMES xosrooMERr.


iii no doubt result in the expansion OF the
aeria Of chrlstianity--the enlightenment OF
those, who through bigotry and superstition,
would trample the meek and lowly beneath
their unchristian feet. The spirits Of the
Martyrs will no doubt look down upon my
conduct and approve the deed. But how can
my conscience be reconcilod to deeds ofblood;
OF rapine and plumber; of all the disgusting
scenes consequent upon ruthless war The
very Idea staggers my resolutionai feel as
though were committing crime, revolving to
my nature, and in no wise consonant with my
feelings. But when reflect what blessings
may grow out Of this struggle my purpose
becomes armer, my resolution more deterIni-
ned and feel disposition TO sacrifice in 9
measure, my feelings that good may grow cut
OF the Offering. Should the British govern
msnt succeed IN crushing the rebellion, the
came spirit Of intolerance, that Characterised
that government for ages, will again prevade
the land and the sacrifices that have been
offered upon the alter of liberty have been
for nothing. The great and most important
difficulty, in the way Of accomplishing any
good for the world, must be through the
pathway Of blood, Of carnage and dssolstion;
itmust be through rApine, plumber, and all
tine vices and crimes that the ingenuity of
man can invent to satisfy his ungovernable
lust and passions. These are the conssquen.
ces OF war; will the result be beneficial TO our
country VIII the people appreciate human
liberty If they conquer the enemy, or will
they only exchange one master for another,
and the blood and treasure, which Is being
expended, be wasted IN frultless efforts Of the
people to govern themselves. Thus solilo-
quised In elderly quaker lady, in the town Of
Wilmington in the dark days Of the revolu.
ton at time whom the stout heart. Of de-
teTmined patriots shrank within their bosoms
at theimpeniing fate that seemed to hover
over tho destiny of the Colonisa st : time
when the bloody hand Of war had left its
mark upon every town, hamlet and village
when the smoking ruins Of happy homes
told too plainly the fate Of hundreds whose
names have pssSd away uurecordsd BY the
historian. She was lady whose head was
eilverel over with age; probably, three score
and ten years may have added their frosts 10
that intellectual brow, bu. time nor circu m
stances Ind dimned tho brillisncy OF hsr
eye or shaken that indomitable viii which
characterised the qunkers Of the early epochs
Of our history. She was one Of those intel
lectnal =tars thst guided that meek and lowly
sect when the hand Of proscription--as duty
10 chris.isnity--was imbuea ininnocsnt HOOD
She looked npon the result Of the struggl
for freedom a. the great trial that was to test
the perpetuity or the destruction Of the denom-
She had seen her brethren driven from one
part OF the country 10 another simply be-
cause they did not see fit to oppose tho hand
Of the oppressoF their creed taught them
that 10 take lilo was sinful and following the
example Of tho meek and lowly sufferer Of
Calgery, they bowed with submission to the
will Of Providence. But there were those
among this sect, who did not willingly sub
nit 10 al the aggressions Of sinful men with
out Z marmer, and among them was Edith
AtAAsLIOLBs EnG liu DECDlttt l0E 9tdla DNti
the wrongs Of her people and mouined in se-
ere. the prescription that had followed the
quaker in his every movement, and when the
revolution broke out she saw in the dim dis
tance faint slimmering Of hope. The idea
occurred to her, that if the patriots succeeded
in throwing OF the government OF tho mother
country, that the Quakers might possibly BE-
allowed to worship their creator according to
the dictates Of their consciences, and not ao
corilng to the way tina. hgo,s and narrow
minded men should prescribe for them. i
was revolving in her mind the many sacri-
fees that her brethren had made for the eause
Of truth that Edith resolved 10 contribute hei
mite towards establishing government that
would protect her and hcr friends IL the OK.
ercise Of their religious rights. Panslng =
moment in her reflections she FLASHED her
brow with feverish grasp and sat with hei
head buried in her hands few moments
what passed through that brain none knew
cave the searcher OF hearts, that probably hac
been .lnpored TO guide AMI direct her Alright
in ;he part she.vas abou. to perform in the
afea. drama OF revolution, She arose ana
with an 4gitatei step paced the foor-eve.
ani anon word seemed to escape from he
lips. But It was low un!nteligble word, no,
destined for the ear Of man. The door opened,
young iaan, apparently about eighteen year,
Of age, entered and took a seat in an arm
chair. Edith paused and serutinized him
closely. Unoonciously her lips parted, and a
low voice said distinctly The !. young and
athletic, and fnll OF resolution, and as cum
ming as tile fox he will answsr my purpose
Tie young man started a. the strange sen.
teuce struck his ear. He looked with aston.
ishIneus upon Filth, but her eye quailsd not
Eaa continued; " have said It. Joshua thol
hast always been dptiiul 70 thy parents-thei
wish hath been thy wish, thou has ever beer
obelient and willing to honor and obey them
viii thou ever so continue TO bs'' "draut
mother thou tslkest strangely hast tho,
ever known re derelict to my dutyf' 40
nv child, thou az. credit to thy parents an,
blessing will no doubt follow thy after lif
for thy obedience and love for thy kim
"Then If thou hast such 4 good opinion of m.
past eon6uo. why dost thu doubt my futur
actions" Ny child no such idea ever en-
tered my mind, have mission for thoe ;.
p4rforra, and would like TO know il thy obs
dienoe TO thy parents would lead thee to rlsk
Thy lite for the task have for thee to por
form is one Of no ordinary character It vii
require al thy ingenuity and presence of mint