The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1894-05-24
RRAVE JENNIE'S RIDE

/ nurinp the Revolutionary war there
strip of land in Westchester
rountv. New York, called the neutral
rroupd 1t WAS so named because it
WAS not held by either the American
or British army, but lay between them
forming common foraging ground
for both.
The people of this section had a
hard time during the long eight years
If conflict, for they were liable at any
time TO be overrun and robbed by
friends and foes, scouts from either
,rmy. or, as it often happened, by
Williams who cared nothing for the re-
s1lt of the struggle, but took advan-
sge of the unprotected condition of
the inhabitants to serve their own in
srests. no matter at whose expense or
inconvenience.
Near the center of this famous neut-
raj ground their lived a widow-gen-
lie Mrs. McNeal-and her pretty if
teen-year old daughter, Jennie. The
husband and father had been an hon
est, hard working man, and at his
death had left his little family in as
comfortable circumstances as was COM
non in those trying days. The
rosy cottage where they dwelt was
al their own, and the few acres which
elonged to the little homestead were
Wy fertile, yielding quite enough to
nply the modest demand of the fru-
n widow and her industrious daugh-
sr. The father had been as brave as
b wes honest, and several times had
laid down his farming implements to
take part in the Indian wars that at an
earlier period had devasted the land
Of his adoption. He was an intense
American and had not his career been
brought suddenly to close by the
common enemy-death-just on the
eve ofthe battle of Lexington, he
doubtless have laid his life on the
altar of his beloved country--a willing
sacrifice
Jennie not only inherited her faith
esp patriotism, but his fearlessness as
we'll, and she and her mother, refus-
ing the advice of friends to move into
more protected section, remained in
'ne home that love had provided for
them unmolested by friend or foe, I'M
1.-Two whole years of life and blood
Shed had passed away.
Though gentle and loving to her
ilends' there was plenty of fire in Jen-
nes black eyes, and those who we're
Vh disposed knew that she would not
hesitate to use her fathers old gun
'nch hung high up on the kitchen
vail should it become necessary for
p'' own or her mothers protec-
bon.
Vne dark, rainy night, late in No
'noer, after the evening work was
'nisned and she and her mother had
'"ied themselves for pleasant hours
Al there came loud knocking at
Y outer door. Jennie ran to draw
poit but before she had time to
use The latch the door was thrown
pen and In walked n dozen or more
'goons' That they were British
4uiefs their stained and muddy red
''@ plainly showed, but withal they
e gentlemen, a fact which Jennie's
DVA eye detected, and made her feel
~ helpless women were safe in their
''ence The leader, called by the
Il'' soldiers Capt. Long, bowed
af'eously, and in a respectful tone
- ior something to eat, saying
hey would pay for all the trou-
"ey made. And then he added:
''a'e madam, be as quick as possible
0u' placing food before us, for we
+" ride ten miles to catch Col.
- oi the rebelarmy, who is at home
sAe night. Hurry up now, my
guy lass he continued, to Jennie.
aeisa lucky chap, if he slips me
'ne and you shall be we'll paid if
give us a lift by fastening us on
p journey"
ie went to the kitchen to help
er' apparently as unconcerned
ue 3ray-haired Colonel was alto
~ nown to her. But for all
r,. neaft was very heavy, for,
1ef mother, the brave old war