The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1859-12-21
Seleet NiseelIanp,
A CRITICAL MOMENT.

On the 11th of September, says an histori-
cal work which have just been perusing, the
British army advanced, crossed the Brandy
wine different points, and attacked the main
body of the Americans, who sustained the as
sault with intrepidity fer some time, at length
gave way. General Washington effected re-
treat with his artillery and baggage to Chester,
where he halted within eight miles of the
British army till next morning, when he re-
treated to Philadelphia.
A little incident which transpired on the
night referred to, will form the subject of this
paper, the FIRST of my Pen and Ink Pictures.
Between Chester and the point wherethe
battle of Brandywine was fought, about equal
ly distant from the camping grounds of both
armies, and somewhat out of the reach of the
main road, there resided in a small, antique
farm house, man named Joshua Kenton.-
Kenton was an earnest patriot and brave man
ono of those who were ever ready to sacri-
fee property or life in carrying out the princi-
pie which was part and parcel of their ma
lures.
The battle of Brandywine had been fought
the Americans had retreated to Chester
both armies were encamped for the night, and
darkness had settled upon the whole scen:.-
Kenton had participated in the sanguinary
struggle-had fought gallantly almost side by
side with Lafayette, who there drew his first
sword in defense of American treedom--and
had retured to his home after the engagement
was ended.
Covered with the sweat and dust, and the
blood of battle, the gallant patriot had entered
his home, and confronted his anxious wife and
daughtcr-all the family.
"Safe, husband % cried his wifs joyfully
springing into his arms. "Thank God"
"Oh, father, L am so glad to see you again |!
so glad y murmured his weeping daughter, as
the next moment she too was folded to the pa
triots bosom in fond parental embrace.
'And the battle, husband p inquired Mrs
Kenton, eagerly.
at was hard fought field, wife" responded
the patriot, "and the army is now retreating
to Chester, where Washington intends to en-. L
campssfor the night, and where shall rejoin
my countrymen before daylight. The cause
of liberty has need of every true man in the
world, and JoshLa Kenton would not stay in
the back ground even to save his neck from
the halter. Honor, love OF country, patriotism
everything forbids it. "But I'm faint and
weary" he added; get me a little something
to eat, and let me have few hours rest to re-
cruit my exhausted energies"
Comfortable food was at once placed before
Mr.. Kenton, and after he had partaken of some
refreshment, he retired to back room and
threw himself on bed. In few moments he
was fast asleep His anxious wife and daugh-
ter kept watch by his side.
"Must father go away again ?" the latter,
whose given name was Martha, at length in
quired.
eyes, child" rejoined Mrs. Kenton briefly
and sadly.
"I'm sorry" added Martha, in detected
tones.
$50 am I, 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 lilledp'
Mrs. Kenton started painfully.
"Don't speak of it, my child, don't speak OF
it p she cried in agonized tones.
At that moment several loud raps fell quick
y from the frsnt door. 7sl-.s-s