Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1859-12-02
TERMS OF ADVERTISING.
From "Our Country's Flag."l
A CRITICAL MOMENT.


sing, the British army advanced, crossed
the Braudywine at different points, and
attacked the main army of the Americans,
who sustained the assault with intrepid
ty for some time, but at length gave way,
General Washington effected a retreat
with his artillery and baggage to Chester,
where he halted within eight miles of the
British army, till next morning, when he
retreated to Philadelphia. -
A little incident which transpired on
the night referred to will be the subject of
this 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
grounds of both armies, and somewhat
out of the reach Of the main road, there
resided in a small, antique farm house a
man named Kenton He was an earnest
patriot and a brave man-one of those
who we're ever ready to sacrifice property
or life in carrying out the principle which
was a part and parcel Of their natures.
The battle of Brandywine had been
fought-ihe Americans had retreated to
Chester-both armies were encamped for
the night, and darkness had settled upon
the whole scene.
Kenton had participated in the san
culinary struggle-had fought gallanty
almost side by side with Lafayette, who
there first drew his sword in defence of
American freedom-and had returned to
his home after the engagement had ended
Covered with the sweat, and dust, and
blood of the battle, the gallant patriot had
entered his home, and confronted his anx-
ious wife and daughter--all his family
Safe, husband cried his wife, joyfully
springing into his arms thank GoDr
oh father, | am SO glad to see you
again ! 80 glad |! murmured his weeping
daughter, as the next moment she too was
folded to the patriots bosom in fond
paternal embrace.
And the battle, husband? inquired
Mrs, kenton, eagerly.
1T was hard fought field, wife res
pouded the patriot and the army is now
retreating to Chester, where Washington
intends to encamp for the night and where
L shall rejOin my countrymen before day.
light. 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, patriot
ism--everything forbids it, But | am
faint and weary, he added, get me little
something to eat and Jet me have a few
hours rest to recruit my exhausted en-
eIgies.
Comfortable food was at once placed be-
fore him, and after he had partaken Of
some. he retired to back room and flung
himself on bed. In few moments he
was fast asleep His anxious wife and
daughter kept watch by his side,
Must father 90 away again the latter,
whose given name was Martha, at length
inquired.
Yes, child rejoined Mrs. Kenton
briefly and sadly.
I'm sorry, added Martha, in detected
tones.
so am l, my child, said the mother f;
but your father is the last man living to
desert his countrys flag,
Father is good and brave. | know, and
it is right that he should fight for his
country; but, oh mother, it he should
be killed
Mrs Kenton started painfully Don't
she cried in agonizing tones.
At that moment several loud raps fell
quickly upon the front door.
The mother and daughter started from
their chairs, and the patriot suddenly
leaped from his couch, The first move.
mcnt of Mrs, Keaton was to blow out the
light, and almost instantaDeeesly with
the knocks the room was enveloped in
deep darkness
What is it, wife ? demanded the patriot,
hardly yet awake
Some one is ropping loudly at the front
door, responded his wife, with a shaking
voice.
Indeed Some Of the pickcts have found
us out, | suppose, but whether friends or
foes remains to be seen, 1t is as likely
10 be one as the other, for We are about as
near the latter as the former 1t wars
scarcely prudent to remain here just now,
and must have been crazy not 10 remem-
Der that before.
Again the raps fell upon the door,
What shall we do, husband 7 inquired
Mrs, kenton, anxlously,
Face them, be they friends or foes :
rejoned the patriot, sleruly, at the same
moment resolutely taking up his gun. i
tread the soil Of my native land-am ar
rayod in an honest and a righteous cause,
and have no reason to fear any man on
earth, and, as the LORD liyeth, do not !
Yes, yes, husband but will it be pru,
dent2 demanded his wife, cXcitedly
Mr. Konton did not reply, for the words
of his wife recalled him to fuller sense OF
his danger,
'For my sake, hpsband-for the sake OF
our childr and Mrs Kenton clasped heI
hands before her husbaud-'do not be
rash If'h-te are English soldiers al ouI