Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1862-04-24
Sflis&tllaueous,
A THRILLING NARRATIVE.

The following Revolutionary remenis-
cence we find in an old periodical, where
it is given as well authenticated fact.
In the autumn of 1777, when Lord
Howe had possession of Philadelphia, the
situation of the Americans who could not
follow their beloved commander, was
truly distressing, subject to the every day
insults of cruel and oppressive foes
Bound to pay obedience to laws predi-
Gated on the momentary power Of a
proud and vindictive commander, it can
be better pictured than described. To
obtain the common necessaries of life,
particularly -four, they had to go as far
as Bristol, distance of eighteen or .wen-
ty miles, and even this indulgence was
not granted them, until pass was pro-
cured from Lord Howe, as guards were
placed along Vine street, extending from
the Delaware to the Schuyikill, forming
a complete barrier; beyond these, through
the woods extending as far as Frankford,
were stationed the picket guards-thus
rendering it in a manner impossible to
reach the Bristol mills, unless first OBJ
tanning pass.
The American forces were then en-
camped at the Valley Forge, suffering
from cold, hunger, and the inclemency
Of the season. The British rolled in
plenty, and spent their days in feastings,
their nights in balls, riots and dissipa-
tion; thus resting in supposed security,
while the American chief was planning
a mode for their final extirpation. A
poor woman, with six small children,
whose husband was at the Valley Forge,
had made frequent applications for pass.
Engagements rendered it impossible for
her cruel tormentors to give her ONE
Rendered desperate from disappointment
and the cries of her children, she started
alone without pass, and by good luck
eluded the guards and reached Bristol.
About this time, there were six broth
ers by the name of Doale, renowned for
many acts of heroic bravery, but which
were in tn, character of maraudcrs rath-
er than soldiers. They were men full
six feet high, stout and active, fearless
intrepidity characterizing their deeds,
and they always succeeded in making
their escape. A marked partiality to the
Americans rendered them obnoxious to
tho British, and always welcome to the
former, to whom they conveyed what in
formation they could CLEAN in their ad-
ventures.
Our adventurous female, having pro-
cured her flour in a pillow-case, holding
about twenty pounds, was returning with
light heart to her anxious and lonely
babes. She had passed the picket guards
at Frankford. and was just entering the
woods a little this side, when tall
stout man, stepped from behind tree
and putting letter in her hand, requested
her to read it. She grasped with eager
| Joy, the letter bearing the character o
her husbands hand writing. After {
pause, he said, "Your husband is well
madam, and requested me to say, that il
short time he will be with you; money
is scarce article among us-I meaI
among them; but on account of you
husbands partiality to the cause of lib
erty, am willing to become his banker
So saying he handed her piece of mon
ey; "my means, madam, are adequate o
l would not be thus lavish" seeing sh,
was about to refuse it.
"You said, sir, my husband would se(
me shortly; how do you know that whicl
seems SO impossible? and how did yol
know me, who never-'
"Hush, madam, we are now approach
ing the British guard; suffice it to say
the American commander has that in hi
head, which. like an earthquake, will
shake the whole American continent, ant
expunge all these miscreants; but, hark
take the road to the left-farewell !" 81
saying, he departed. She gave one look
but vacancy filled the spot where h
stood. With slow and cautious steps
she approached Vine street. Already he
fire burned beneath her bread, when tn
awful word "hault !" struck her to tn
soul. She started and found herself il
the custody of a British sentinel. "You
pass, woman" 81 have none, sir ; m,