Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1882-08-22
gTRANsIENT BILLs-eAs1H
INCIDENT OF THE RBvoLUTIoN.

There is 1ittls incident connected with
the history of the Revolution, which occurred
in the year 1TTS, at Valley Forge, to which
there has not been as much publicity given
as it justly merits. We are oil familiar
with the terrible suffering endured by our
army at Vslley Forge during that severe
winter, one of the coolest experienced for
many years. Itwas through the most intense
suffering this winter was passed by the band
of patriots who risked ell that we might bc
free. Brsye heroes of liberty The recol-
lection OF their deeds will echo through eyerv
hill aud yalley over our land until time shall
end in eternity. Their sutferings were great.
aud endured with patience. Yet there Was
no prospect of, things growing better, but
constantly worse There was no hope for to-
morrow, aud eSch tomorrow was ushered in
with great distress. The hope of the bravess
began to fslter, the feet of the strongest to
grow weaker. Overcome with sickness and
fatigue, the brsvest saw their only refuge was
in death, and many in despair Dried out.
''Save Us, Lord, or we perish"
Over rock and hillside. down through hill.
valley and ravine the feeble sound was
echoed. On day when the sun shoue bright,
ly, and the clear blue background more beau
titul than usual, there appeared upon the
horizon bright speOk like cloud, which
Appeared to have come to dim the beauty of
that clear winter sky. The sick dragged
themselves to watch, while the keeuer OBJ
servers noticed that this cloud moved, not
away from the suffering band but nearer, aud
shaped itself into a small caravan rs onward
1t oame-on on aud over the snowy frosty
road. Presently thoy heard tho cracking
sounds of whOels, WHOM, 10! to their eager
gaze appeared ten wagons filled with food and
clothing, each drawn by two oxen and driven
by women. On they came. slowly over tho
frosty road, patiently plodding to save their
loved ones, the soldiers of Valley Forge.
Tho women of Philadelphia had, out of their,
own incomes, filled these wagons with sup>
plies, among which were bundles of their
own handiwork. These consisted of two
thousand shirts, cut out aud made by their
own delicate fingers. Other things were in
proportion, all done by these noble, patient
women, to save their liberators. The poor
soldiers had nearly lost ell hope; death np>
peared inevitable, when, 10! could il be pos
sible, relief was coming TO them SO far awoy
on those bleak hills. Yes; those ten wagons
were driven by noble. self.sacriticing women,
who came to save them from starvation.
The sick dragged themselves to the doors
OF thoir miserable huts to look out through
the cold frosty air at their doliverers Tears
rolled down their checks, and the sick and
suffering all Joined in ono loud shout of Joy,
exclniming, "God bless our deliverors, the
women of PbiIadelphiay' Over the hills
and down through the valleys the sound went
ringing On through timo, on until eternity
will the sound of praises echo in memory of
that noble band who saved tho army at VAL
ley Forge. Those women who asked no re-
ward Dor solicited praise. 1t was on an er.
rand OF mercy, for their hearts were tender
and their love was strong. We still have
reason to cry out, "God bless the women of
their good works, tho noble enterprises in
which they are constantly engaged. There
are many noble workers who oro willing tos
day to make personal sacrifices for the good
of humanity. The same blood courses through
their veins, aotuated by the Same spirit that
inspired that noble band who saved from STAR
walton the heroes of tho Revolution, tho army
OF Valley Forge. Time will record their
good act. 1t will be written on the pages of
eternity. Long after the traces on those
bleak hills of Valley Forge shall be blotted
out, and not a trace of the foundations of fort
or tent left, will it be fresh and green in the
balls of memory. That Re6eration which has
passed away left its record eacred in the hearts
of all. Their bodies have long since mol
dered to dust, but their spirits have assembled,
oHN IAOy habG OSGu CIOHueU III glory Dy IlILu
who has recorded their good deeds and pro,
pounced their work soeH done ss,ts
PRocrEss or THE ETELEpHoNH.-1tbeg begins
to look as if the telephone would shortly be>,
como as formidable q competitor Of tho tel.
egraph to the country asit has already become
in the cities. Arrangements are now being
made to connect large number Of the intee
rior towns Of tho Western States with tho
chief cities. like Chicago and St. Louis. For
some timo large towns near 70 each other
have enjoyed the use of the telephone, and
the service has given great satisfaction. A
new company. with telephone system is
spoken of by the papers.
This now telephone, go it is said, can trans-
NIT messages more clearly, and alonger disc
tances than the bell system, and has the cir>
cult SO arranged that none but the party to
whom the message is sent can hear what is
being said. Additional Improvements in the
telephone may be expected in the future,
and its use is bound to be greatly enlarged.
With its expansion let US hope that the SER
vice will be improved and cheapened.
Industrial Institute.
The Enquirer of Cincinnati saws: Hon.
2: T. Barnum strongly indorses ST. Jacobs
Oil for pain. His combination and artists all
useit.