The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-06-10
Adventures on a Man of War.

IL Panther at Londonderry. Ireland was
then in state of commotion with the
famous rebellion Of the period, and the
city was full Of English soldiers. l was
much interested in the old historic town
which, from time to time, had given the
Sassenagh (the Gaelic for Englishman)
such abundant trouble. 90
One day while the ship was waiting
freight, had opportunity to walk upon
the great wall which encompasses the
place. A group of remarkable faces here
attracted my attention. They were those
of middle-aged woman, girl of seven
teen, and boy of fifteen. The appearance
of all three was interesting, but the face
and figure of the young girl were the most
beautiful that had ever looked upon.
The group conversed in animated tones,
speaking, however, the ancient Irish, with
which was totally unacquainted. Their
gestures and apparently indignant though
partially suppressed sentences, on the ap-
pearance of squad of English soldiers
near the wall, led me to suppose them
touched with the calamities of their nation,
and deeply in sympathy with the rebellion.
Presently there passed near them British
Officer. 1t seemed probable that they did
not suppose him to understand the Irish
language, for their conversation continued
while the officer drew very near them. l
heard from the boy the term "Sassenagh,"
coupled apparently with an expression of
patriotic Or incensed feeling, though of this
| could judge only by what followed.
Instantly the officer halted in his walk,
and then starting violently towards the
young lad, struck him with the fiat of his
sword, almost telling him to the flinty wall.
Surprised as he was, the youth Immediately
recovered his balance, and though helpless
before an armed enemy, he seemed ready
with his naked hand to return the blow of
the sword. His face had brave defying
look; yet what mere mite he would have
been to the burly Englishman. The latter
incensed at the lads unconquered attitude,
seemed about to repeat the blow, while the
mother and sister lifted their supplicating
arms. stood within twenty feet of the
group.
you mean miserable coward :" cried;
"another blow and you go off the wall p
was stout and quick. ] had hauled out
many an earring, and steered ship in a
gale. Nevertheless, as the English officer
rushed upon me with his sword, must
have fallen beneath it had not the Celtic
lad, by grasping the legs of my adversary,
caused him to stumble. Ere he recovered
l grasped his sword arm aud struck him in
the face. AS he reeled backward, sue
ceeded in wrenching the weapon from his
grasp. Confused, yet raging, he felt fran
tically for pistol, when suddenly up went
his arms and legs at once. An instant's
struggle to regain his poise, quick flutter
of his scarlet coat, and then backward and
downward; he was gonc-right off the wall
of Londonderry
My heart leaped up with fright. What
was but murderer? looked down. /
saw his red coat and his buff knee e-breeches.
He had struck upon widespread bramble
which broke his fall Right Justify he be-
stirred himself to clear his garments and to
pick up his cat" His round English
curses fell soothingly upon my conscience,
for as yet had done no murder. l threw
his sword after him and bade him good-by
My new-made Irish friends were aware
of the dangerous position in which all Of
us were now placed, and together we hur-
ried away.
1t happened that no soldier or partisan
, of England had witnessed the transaction,
and thus we regained the city streets un.
molested. The mother, who, together with
her children, spoke good English, though
most at home in the Irish, thanked me fol
my interference in behalf of her boy. She
had suffered much from the " Sassenagh, u
as had her unhappy country, and would be
glad : to seek refuge beyond the sea. Hel
husband, Captain 0'Hara, was about to
sail for America, in command of a mer.
chant vessel, and thither herself and
children were to accompany him. Should
circumstances so direct, they might perma,
nently reside there; but, at the least, the
voyage would secure them for time from
the perils they must otherwise encounter
at home. al
Near the water-side we met Captain
O'Hara. Imust accompany him on board
his vessel, the fine brave lad that was, fol
he would talk with me. Never had seer
finer representative of old Erin's sons
In addressing his daughter, his "Cathleer
astore,D his strong face SO lighted up with
Aordnrnona thnA L nonld not runndnr nj tha