The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1888-07-25
THE DEFENSE.

Nehemiah Strong, jealous and faithful
Quaker, was smitten with the western
fever" some years since, and finally removed
to the regions where "squatter soyereignty''
was being experimental upon. But squatter
or any other sovereignty troubled Nehemiah
but little. He was man true TO his creed.
and wherever his lot might be cast, there
would he live in peace and quiet with his
fellow men. The proper location was soon
found, and when Nehemiah had made a
clearing and built q log house, he was mon
arch OF all that he surveyed and staked But
Strong was not allowed long to remain in
peaceshle possession. Rolder and more evil
men lived in these western regions than he
had ever before met, and In the absence OF
any very positive or very available law, they
did not hesitate TO take the management Of
affairs into their own hands. A few reckless
men could thus, by combining for common
purpose, rule a great number of more timid
or more respectable people, driving them
from their houses, or dealing with them as
they would.
Strong, notwithstanding his blameless life
and gentle religion, did not long escape these
vultures of the west. His home attracted the
notice OF q desperate named Bob Bellows,
who determined to possess it, inasmuch as it
would be easier than building a house for
himself, or perhaps driving away more de-
termined man. Besides, the honest Quaker
had not forgotten wheat, potatoes, corn and
other provisions for d comfortable winter
which season was now approaching. though
still quite distant
Accordingly, ono day, Bob Bellows. armed
to the teeth and looking especially ferocious,
rode up TO the cabin and inquired for the
owner. The Quaker CHANGED to be inside at
the moment and quietly answered the sum
mons.
Does thee wish to see meY'' he asked, gaz.
ing upon the intruder with some degree OF
alarm, notwithstanding his peaceful nature
wal, yes,n growled the ruffian. 81
thought I'd ride over and ses what in the old
boy you'd gone and set your house on my
land forl That's ali wanted ter see We ferI"
.'Thea Is mistaken, rptnrnsd Nehe.nsah.
This land belongs solely to me, one Nehe-
miah Strong, thy humble servant
''You Hep was the rejoinder; this is my
land, and now, as yer shanty is stuck on
here, jest in the place whar was goin' to put
my own, I'll be easy with yer, and say moth
in about the law IL you'll just get out of here
aud be beyond sight and hearin' to-morrer
morning. What dye say to thatf
verify, l believe thee villainI'' returned
Nehemiah. finding that he was not TO be i'm
mediately eaten up or run through. "This is
my home, and the home Of my family; yet
thee seek to turn me from 1t, and leave my
self aud family to starve Nay, cannot
eonstrain myself to depart thus. Thee has
10 right nor title here TO my knowledge. Ii
thee has produce it and will -depnrt freely"
Look We, you old robberin Missed the des-
perado, IL hev a claim here. / sarvayed
this land near ten years ago and made my
marks. II you have cut them down, it'll be
al the wuss for We. I've pleutyof witnesses
who know about it, and needn't tell thee
tbs bad scrape tew be guilty OF cuttn' away
yer neighbors' landmarks Now. shall be
here tomorrow mornin', and ii ye knoU
when yer well off, you'd better not be here
at the same time
With this unmistakable threat the outlaw
turned and rode away, leaving the Quaker
in no enviabic frame Of mind.
We may have stated before, although it
may be quite as we'll to say here, that
Strong's family consisted of his wife and two
daughters, with son, Mark, about 12 years
Of age The daughters, hearty, buxom girls
Of 90 and 20 years each, named respectively
Ruth and Naomi, were full OF natural life
and decision, quite unlike what the daugh-
tiers of a meek Quaker would naturally be-
come.
They, with the mother, middle aged gem
tlewoman, who strove hard to live as peace
able as the tenets OF her faith required, gath
cred about the husband and father. The
latter sank upon chair, seeming quite dis
couraged and disheartened by the event which
had just occurred.
verify, know not what course to pur-
sue,n he rlourned. az can't afford to leave
this house and the growing crops smiling
upon us with promise of sustenance for the
winter / fear this villain is a rascal of utter
dye, who will not hesitate at bloodshed. 1t
may be well to go, yet must remain for
time"
An anxious night was passed, and very
early the next morning all hands were astir.
The sisters had been engaged in consultation
during the night, and when they descended
from the loft Ruth drew her father aside.
"What wilt thou do, father, In case those
bad men conner she asked.
"Verily, know not" he replied; ~ have
studied upon the matter all night, but my
mind is far from fixed. II they insist upon
it, suppose we shall be Obliged to flee; our
religion doth not allow us to fight with car
nal weapons
Let us manage that, father the girl in
sisted. 'sTruly, we cannot fight, for we have
no worldly weapons. but much think II we
are not sadly mistaken we can induce these
outlaws to 60 their own way"
II pray that thou niayst, my daughter
tho father returned, Though know nothow
women can persuade such fearful beings"
But thou wilt leave the matter to Naomi
and myself, II they comeT'
Eyes, daughter was the reluctant assent,
"thee can have thy way; but pray thee do
nothing rqshly."
Tho mahen went her way web satisfied,
and in o short time had a vigorous kettle
over the fire containing small quantity Of
water. When this was brought to boil
more was added until tho kettle was nearly
f,ill.
'surely, Ruth. thou dost not intend to
wash toslay, =" the mother remarked. seeing
these preparations.
Never mind, mother" was the significant
reply. Naomi and may need 10 do u little
washing, but shah not disturb thee"
The morning meal was eaten with levo-
tional fear, and almost before the table had
been cleared. Bob Bellows, accompanied by
I've or SIX raseals like unto himself, rode up
TO the door.
'sConel" he shouted from his horse, "get
out Of here in quick time. told You TO be
gone before come"
Nehemiah Strong rose to his feet and mp
preached tho door, but was pulled back by
Ruth, who said:
Stay there, father. Thee promised that
sister and might meet these yagabonds OF