Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1859-06-23
9n gnttresting Gals.
WASHINGTUN'S REVENGE
BY lRCOLA.

Every one who has read the great story
of the Revolution. ss il is written upon the
desthless page of history, knows the evils
sgaiust which the great Washington was
forced to contend, Not the least of these
arose in the base conduct of his country
men, " no, IN the light of justice and irOmsn-
ity, should have been his compatriots, but
were the servants OF the throne that was
expressing the people. One OF the mos'
active OF these Tories, was one Gershom
Wilson, who had, at one time, held office
under the crown. and who still cIung. with
a continued pertinscity, TO the cause OF The
monarch. Washington, in taking up his
quarters at Fort Washington or Kings
bridge, had been forewarned as to the
mans conduct and Fad, accordigIy, sci
men to watch his actions. The residence Ui
Wilson was between the city Of New York
and the position of the American forces, so
that be could readily inform the enemy OF
the doings of the patriots.
3 One afternoon, just as the day was fading
sinto twilight, ;he American scouts perceiv-
ed a kosemsn draw rein at the door of the
suspected tory. One OF the three men,
Richard Merrick, who wss all vfiicer among
-tks rehpl troops, had rS-iaes hirrrsrif -s.tl
q disguise, and in this he at once determin'
ed to seek an entrance into the house, to
learn what mig ghl be the nature Of the
strangers errand. Dsmeuntinr, and CIV.
ing the rein of his horse to subordinate, he
directed tie party to retire 10 a ihicket moi
far of, there to await his coming, and I,
respond to given signal. He then departed
upon his scli-imposed mission. Represent.
ing himself farmer, in the interests of the
British, and with which character his dis
guise fully accorded, he succeeded, il
gaining admission TO the kitchen. Hs
found the evening meal yet spread, al
though the family had apparently partoker
of it. Beside the old woman, domestic
who had admitted him, be found in tht
apartment a young and beautiful ma Iden
who seemed to be assisting the aged ser
vapt in her household duties.
Here is a stranger from below, Mis-
gisss,' said the domestic, calling the youp:
lady's attention TO the new conner
Clara cast her deep dark eyes full upel
him, and although they reflected what wa
probably some heart sadness, Captain Msr
rick thought he had never gazed upon th'
lid-fall OF more resplendent orbs. He bow
ed, ss much TO conceal his look of admira
tion, as his confusion at being thus scrutini
Ied.
Are you from the British campr sh
asked, with half sigh.
Yes, miss
'And a friend of the king!' Anothe
sigh.
Your father would hardly admit any otf
err the officer replied, evasively.
"True! My father has no sym7athle
with the rebels, as he calls them. and wou
net afford them shelter or sustenance. Bu
have you supped! Sent yourself, and pal
take IN welcome
The captain would, under any other Gil
eumstances, have cheerfully complied, psl
ticulsrly as she was there to DO the honor
of the table; but he felt that mis- errand wa
Of iha. nature that he could not break tn
tory's bread. He declined, politely. an
seated himself TO await the course OF event
or shape his plan of action. He recalle
the tone in which the girl had ques,ionc
him, and the peculiar emphasis she ha
laid upon the word. father Wss he I
.oseluac from this, that she, and the rest