The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-07-15

TIE FOREST.
It was the crisis of the great American Revolu-
ton it was the time when the two opposing
causes had mustered their utmost power, and were
preparing for the final and the decisive struggle
The hand of war lay heavy upon all, and the land
groaned under the accumulated ills OF years OF
strife.
In addition TO the great contending parties in
This momentous strife, there were others, composed
Of the lowest and basest of mankind, who took
advantage of the distracted state Of affairs to add
to the general ills, and Unfortunately plumber
their helpless countrymen. Under such fantastic
names as ''Cow Boys and SINNERS" they wan
dered in rowing bands, enveloping the country in
ruin and contiagration.
A large district in the neighborhood of New
York was thus overrun by these miscreants. Life
became uncertain, property valueless, and hos
tile army itselfwas not SO much dreaded as they.
The sun was slowly setting Oh sutry summer
day in the year 1850, when a strange company
came upon the scene, on the road that ran be-
tween New York and Philadelphia.
1t was war party of Indians, about thirty in
number. They were all stalwart men, remarkable
for stature and agility; their bodies hdeously
painted, and covered with the grotesque war gear
that the savage loves. They passed quickly on
ward with pace which was half running and half
walking, and as they went they dragged with them
a young white man, whose despairing face and
pinioned arms showed that he was prisoner.
All around were the prmeval woods, deep, dark,
and hid in an impenetrable shade, whose gloom
light In the distance rose hills which were
clothed in their forest robes up to their very sum:
mits. The winding road was the only sign of
human handiwork in all the scene
Soon light CLEANED in the distance. With an
exclamation of satisfaction the Indians quickened
their pace Passing rapidly down long descent,
they followed turn in the road, and there, in an
opening of the forest, they halted directly in front
OF az immense fire.
Close beside the fire there stood two men of
striking appearance.
One Mas dressed as an Indian chief. Tall, sinewy
and athletic, he seemed the beau ideal OF savage
warrior. His face however, presented a singular
contradiction of expressions. His eye was as keen
and quick as light, but it was full Of intelligence;
his features were Indian in their outline yet they
had all that mobility and eXprcssiveness which is
The result Of civilization. His air. also, his gestures
and manner as he talked with his companion, were
rather those of an Engshman than an indian brave
His companion was evidently an American, and
he was dressed III common country clothing. His
manner was that of one accustomed to command
his voice was imperiOus, his eye black and flashing.
Between those two men there was certain
marvellous resemblance. 1t was not SO much in
material outline Of feature, in that subtle spirit
ual likeness which nature stamps upon the faces of
family.
These two men were so absorbed in their own
conversation that they did not notice the war party
fill they had close to the fire, bringing their
prisoner with them.
The American gave a careless glance at the new
corners, and then walked slowly away, his head
bent on his BOSOM
The chief advanced toward his men.
"Who is tlLs?" he asked in the Huron language
"a messenger said a tall warrior, roughly.
"Who sent him."
"Washington." ,
"Where Vas he going?"
"TO his French brother with this message"
Saying this, the savage held out a package to his
chief The latter took it. lie opened it with q
calm and almost careless manner, and after glanc-
ing hastily through the contents, he walked over
toward the American, and said, in perfectly good
''Therc Is not anything new in this You've sent
them word already.o
At these words the prisoner uttered cry.
Save me! save me! My God! you must be an
Englishman-"
''Peace,n shouted the chief. eff you want to
live you had better keep quiet"
"But surely-surely," cried the young man, who
was scracely more than boy, "y0u will not leave
me in the hands of these fends? For mercy's sake
loosen these cords
|. Cords! !" cried the chief, with terrible empha-
A'. "You will soon learn another use for cords"
Y 1t is not for myself that care" said the poor
bV, but for my mother. She has only me-"
SPeace, tell YOU"
'"That despatch had nothing harmful in it," con-
tnued the prisoner. '.You said just now that you
had sent word BEFORE
Hal" shouted the chief, advancing close to the
lad. "You heard that did you? Then you have
spoken your own DOOM"
The American also started and came toward the
prisoner.
The latter was as pale as death at the chiefs
last words, but no sooner had he seen the Ameri-
can than he gave shout of joy.
General Arnold!'' he cried, in an ecstasy Of de-
fight.
1t was now the Americans turn to grow pale.
'What?'' he cried, in a low voice.
'Oh, save me--you will Do you not remember
me? | marched with you to Canada was by
x,,..1 %IA pta,,, hrot dat Mo-,
treal-and at st. Johns. Ny glorious General! do
you not remember the drummer boy, Tom Poole?
Do you not remember how charged with you
against Burgoyne?"
Arnold's brow. As the boy paused, they were
succeeded by deep cloud.
Boy said he, 81 have buried the past out Of
any remembrance forever"
this cruel blow. "Will you dsown me, and leave
me to the merces Of these fierce savages?"
e., ~ am done with mercy. said Arnold, sternly
81 seek now only revenge"
''This to me- faltered the bow "from you? Oh,
my General!n
Even so,'' said Arnold, sternly "Friend is
word that do not know. ] cannot create any ex-
ceptional pity for you. Better friends than YOU
must fall before long,
The lad looked long and earnestly in Arnold's
face, but found there no ray OF hope. Hissuspense
was followed by despair.
And now, in his despair, all boyish weakness
vanished. Finding death inev table, he summoned
up all lis fortitude to meet it IKE hero.
you doom me- he said, "you doom your
country! Remember that, General Arnold
'Be il so.''
81 am in the service of my country. II die, II
will be for her, and my blood ami my country
curse will fall on YOU"
az win survive it,, sneered Arnold.
False traior!'' cried the boy, in FRENZY Of in
Signation, will you dare to betray the holy cause
OF Liberty at such a time az this?''
Condo said Arnold, quietly, 81 think Twill
leave you to finish this conversation. It. is youf
efiair don't control you. lhave nothing at all
10 do with it, You will have to do just as you
please"
''Oh, my country" cried the boy. "wouldS that
my death could compensate for this mans thea.
soc!"
az would take thousand lives like yours to dc
thet,"
Would that had thousand lives" said the
boy, chow gladly would lay them DOWN. =
.EroughiD said the chief, whom Arnold bad
csllse.tiopde. Warriors, assemble
Tao Indisas Ji,eyeE