Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1861-01-31
Incident os the Battle Of Trenton.
DY EDWARD 3. ELLIs.

I. was the fight before the battle--the
darkest night of the Revolution. The town
of Trenton was lis up as if for carnival.
and gay forms could be seen fitting by the
windows. and their boisterous voices ofsen
reached the sbisering sentinels outside.
Every one abandoned himself to revelry.
and harbored no thought Of danger. Now
and then an officer rejected for moment,
that perhaps disciplined army might afford
them considerable tronble, but what was to
be feared from the poor, ragged, half-starved
Continental soldiers? They were far away !;
and even should they dare to make dem-
opstration, the disciplined !Iessians would
rally at tho call to arms, and annihla,e them
in an instant. No, danger was not worth
the thought.
In small unpretending house. close to
where the Estate Bank" building now ssands.
lived an elderly lady sud her only daughter.
They were both patriots, and the mothers
darling son was then serving in the Cont
mental army.
Upon entering the town, three Of tho Hes
sian officers took up their quarters with this
Mrs. Manton,. without the formalty Of an
invitation. 1t was out of her power to re-
fuse them, even if she wished but it was
not her. disposition to deny shelter to even
her enemies, aud consequently she made no
objection to their presence.
The officers we're all young, swearing dis
sipated men, who Immediately took posses
sion of the best room, on tho second q tor,
which fronted the street. Here, on the af-
ternoon Of the day before the battle, they
commenced drinking. Not drinking as they
usually did, in moderation. but with the de-
termination of getting dead drunk and cele-
bratng Christmas eve in a manner that
would be long remembered. By nightfall
they were only slightly exhi'erated just
enough to sing songa. and talk boisserously.
and swear terribly. Several times those who
werc passing slung the streets paused and
looked up at tbe reveiers. and then with a
knowing smile passed on.
Late in the evening. just as one had Gn-
ished a song, another asked
II wonder where the girl is -
Whom d. you mean p
Why. Ruth. the old woman's daughter,
IF CT urse. Let US have hsr in here to sing q
song"
Good-agreed but suppose she has re-
tired ?"
Hang the difference we will have hsr
for all that"
Who will bring herf'
81 will, of course" volunteered the one
Who had made the proposition.
go. then, and bring the rebel maiden
hither!" cried the others III chorus.
TIE man eruss TO leave the apartment. but
| suddenly paused aud looked at b lis ccmpsn-
ions, as be heard the low tones Of what ap--
pearsd to be a conversation.
I!a she is praying" he cried.
One of their number slipEe ed to ths door
and opened it. Then they listened, and the
low, earnest. pleading torres of Ruth were
heard Size prayed that her brother might
be preserved in the danger which now en-
compassed him. that Gnd would aid the fee
BILE patriofs in their holy struggles and open
| the eyes of those who were in th cir house to
the injustice Of their oppressive course
While still engaged in suopIication, Ruth was
startled by foots.sp, and looking up. dis
cerned, iu the gloom Of the chamber the out
lines of the figure Of wsp standing before
her.
What do you wish hercf" she said
We want cong, my little charmer."
Leave the room. air! no gentleman
would thus invade the sanctity ,f domestic
privacy T.
Come. my girl, there is 20 use Ct handy
ing words.
lie seized her arm ss be spoke, and drag
eed her by main force from the room, Ruth
would not scream. for she feared no real in
jury at their lands. and did not Wish to
alarm her mother. who was asleep in the
chamber beneath her own.
Nv hat means this insult I" she demand
ed, as she stood before tho three intoxicated
officers.
"a scng my BIRDIE"
Il will not sing" 80
Suppose we compel you!'
You may kill me, bus will not utter
one single note upon compulsion."
" The spirit of rebellion courses even shro'
the veins Of their women" said one, :" Do
not fear. Roth; We are not going to harm
you; you know we are gentleman"
"nave you proved it by coming into my
chamber and dragging me here by force p
Well, say no more about that. Let us
change the subject. Pray tell US something
about that brother Of yours. Who is be? a
commander Z"
Ruth perceived tho snssr. and made no 70
ply.
"Who is hef an oficerf"
You may learn before this war is over" /"
"Eh do you threaten my beauty Stsyp'
he added. as abe started away.
She sprung forward, but he caught her be-
fore she esscned the door, and sudsly con-
essssai