White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1871-12-28
THE RANGERS ADVENTURE.
AN INCIDENT OF THE REVOLUTION.

In the Autumn of Iii, when Lord Howe had
possession of Philadelphia, the situation Of the
Americans, who could not follow their command
er, was truly distressing To obtain the common
necessaries of life particularly -four they had to
go a distance of eighteen or twenty miles; and
even this indulgence was not granted them until
pass was procured from Lord Howe as guards
were placed along Vine Street. extending from the
Delaware to the Schuylkill, forming a complete
barrier; beyond these, through the woods, extend
ing far as Frankfort, were stationed the piguet
guards. thus rendered it in a manner impossible
to reach Bristol mills, unless first obtaining one.
The Commander in Chief and the American
forces were then encamped at Valley Forge, suf-
fering from cold, hunger, and the inclemency of
the season. The British revealed in plenty, and
spent their days in feasting, their nights in balls,
riots, and dissipation; thus resting i'm supposed
security while the American chieftain was plan
ming mode for their final determination. poor
woman, with six small children, whose husband
was at Valley Forge, had made frequent applica-
tiOns for pass. Engagements rendered it impos-
sible 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 guard and
reached Bristol.
Among those who fought on the American side,
were six brothers by the name of Doale, who about
this time committed many acts of heroic bravery,
but more in the character of niarauders than SOL
diers. They were men six feet high, stout and ac-
tive; fearless intrepidity characterized their
deeds, and they always succeeded in making their
escape.
Onr adventurous female, having procured her
flour in a pillOw-case, holding about twenty
pounds, was returning, with a light heart, to her
anxious and lonely babes. She had just passed
the piquet guards Mt Frankfort, and was entering
the woods little this side, when tall, stout man
stepped from behind tree, and putting letter
in her hand said: "YOur husband is WELL madam
and requested me to say that in a short time be
will be with yOu; money is a scarce article among
II I,v.k ,f
bands partiality to the of liberty, am will
ling to become his banker" So saying, he hand
ed her purse of money. "My means, madam
are adequate, or would not be thus lavish, see
ing she was about to refuse it.
"YOu said SIR my husband would see me short
ly; how do You know that which seems SO impos-
sible, account of the British holding possession
of the cityf And how do you know me, who new
er"
"Hush, madam, we are now approaching the
British guard; farewell" So saying, he departed.
She gave one look, but vacancy filled the spot
where he stood. With low, cautious STEP she
approached Vine Street. She had nearly reached
home, when the awful word "haltr' struck her to
the soul She started, and found herself in the
custody of a British sentinel. "Your pass,
man." 81 have none, sir; my children arc"
"NO matter about them; why do you breed enc
mics to your Kingf This flour is mine-of, wo-
man, and die with Your babesr'
A groan was her only answer. The rufian was
peared-hs whole demeanor was changed-hum-
BILE simplicity marked his gait-he approached the
guard with seeming fearfulness, and begged him,
in q supplant voice. to give the poor woman her
flour. "FOOl, IDIOT" exclaimed the guard. "Who
are youf See yonder guard-house: if you inter-
fere here, you soon shall be its inmate" "May be
50, sir; but won't You give the poor woman the
means of supporting her family one week longers
Recollect the distance she has walked, the weight
of the bag, and recollect-"
"Why bid me recollect, sirrah. You plead in
vain-begone, or I'll seize you as a spy"
"You won't give the poor woman her four!"
"Then, by my country's faith and hopes of free
dom, you shall!" and with powerful arm, he
seized the guard by the throat, and hurled him to
the groud. Kun, madam, run-see, the guard
house alive-seize your flour, pass Vine Street.
and you are safe" Twas done. The guard made
an attempt to rise, when the stranger drew pis-
tOl and shot him dead. Then seizing the dead
mans musket, he started. "Shoot him down!
down with him. was echoed from one line to the
other. The desperate was lost in the woods, and
general search Commenced; the object of their pur
suit, meanwhile gained ground rapidly, and the
guard was left behind; but the whole piquet line
would soon be alarmed-0ne c6urse alone present. |
ed itself, and that was to mount his horse which
was concealed among the bushes, and gallop down |
to the mouth of the Delaware; boat was there |
for him. He did 30, and eluding the armed guards
had nearly reached the shore.
Here he found himself headed and hemmed in |
by at least fifty exasperated soldiers One sprang
from behind a tree, and demanded immediate sur
sender "'Tis useless to prevaricate-you are now !
sur prisoner and your boat which before excited |
suspicion, is now in our possession"
"A Doale never surrendered himself to any |
mar" he exclaimed, "far less to a blinded pol |
troon-away, or dier and he attempted to pass.
The guard levelled his gun, but himself was lew
elled to the dust; the ball of Doales pistol had |
been swifter than his own. The chase was now
truly desperate; behind him was the whole line |
IF guards the north of him the Frankford |
piqnets, and the left of him the city of Phila-
1elphia, filed with British troops.
One way, and only one, presented ITSELF and |
hat was to cross the river. He knew his horse;
ne plunged ina shout succeeded, and ere he |
reached half the distance, several armed boats
we're in swift pursuit. His noble horse dashed |
through the Delaware, his master squirting him on |
With double interest, while the balls whistleld |
,round. The tide was running down; when he |
reached the Jersey shore, he found himself imme-
lately opposite the old Ship at Market street
m reaching the shore, he turned round, took ont |
pistol, and with steady aim, fired Mt the first |
,oat; one man fell over the side and sank to rise
10 more. He then disappeared; his pursuers gave
Up the chase as hopeless, and returned to the
shore.
Az ere not hunters that blow the horn.