The Windham County reformer. (Battleboro, Vt.) 1876-1897, 1896-04-24
,efore worse mistake shall befall

before a worse mistake shall befal
us. p"
With curious mixture of chagril
and qualification at what had just oc
Cured, the two Rangers now made tn
Amounted signal, and hurried back t
ioin their companions in arms at tn
tavern. And in few minutes, tn
fine little brigade of the hardy ant
resolute New Hamphire Boys, headed
by their intrepid leader now equipped
in imposing regimentals, and mounted
on his curvetting charger came pour
ing along the plain in all the pomp o
martial array, and were received by
the customary military salutes, and the
reiterated cheers of their conger ia
wecomers of the Green Mountains
The hour that succeeded was +
busting and a joyous one. The
greetings, the introductions, the
mutual compliments for deeds done al
Ticonderoga and Bunker Hill, and the
merry Jokes given and taken, as the
mineling forces partook of the good
cheer prepared for the whole at the ex-
pense of the public patriotic indi
viduals, together with strong com
munity of feeling that agitated their
bosoms in view of a common object
to be accomplished and common dan
gers to be encountered, all combined
to render the scene one OF no ordinary
interest and animation. At length,
the drums of the different companies
began to beat to arms. and the soldiers
we're seen gathering at their respec
tive stands preparatory to the march of
,na1 fnrpac fha
tains.
At this juncture, single horsman
came galloping along the road from
the west: and, the next moment, Ira
Allen, the active and untiring secre-
tary of the council of Safety, with a
countenance betokening good or ex
citing news, rode up to the door. and,
throwing himself from the saddle,
turned to receive the greetings of his
acauaintances gathering round him.
With a significant look and GESTURE to
Woodbun to follow he led the way TO
an unoccupied room, at length found
in the crowded tavern.
What news do you bring, Mr.
Allen?" said Woodburn, with an eff
fort at calmness, as soon as the two
were by themselves.
"That which will scatter the black
est part of that cloud on your brow,
| trust, my dear fellow" replied Al
len, with an animated and exulting
air. Here, look at this!' he added
pulling out and presenting small
and closely folded letter.
With trembling eagerness, WOODBURY.
seized the missive, and, with a glance
at the we'll known hand of the super
scription. ITO Captain WOODBURY., or
Mr.. lien of the Council" opened il
and read as follows;
II am at the British head quarters
not exactly prisoner but evidently
a closely watched parsonage, having
reached here with my captors, after
forced ana fatiguing journey, which
however, was not made unpleasant by
the party to whom | became a prisoner,
have been frightened back or recalled,
and the expedition of which they
were the advance given up,yet | think
it my duty to say, that another. and
much more formidable one is in agita
ton against Bennington. hope our
people will be prepared for it, and
show these naughty Britons that they
do not deserve the name of undisci
plined rabble of poltroons and towards
by which here daily hear them
branded 5. III.
We will not attempt to describe the |
emotions of WOODBURY. on the occasion. |
But the letter disclosed that which in |
rolved more momentus interests than |
those merely that concerned the indi-
sidual feelings of lover And it was
soon concluded to lay it before General
Stark, who with Colonel Herrick was
then called in, the letter shown, and all
he attending circumstances, past and
present, so far as concerned the public
July explained.
Meanwhile the troops were drawn up
n marching order, before the tavern.
md stood, wondering why their gen
rails did not appear, or, at least, give
order for the column to move onward
At length however, the long expect
ID leader. attended by those with
whom he had been in consultation.
made his appearance at the door, and
ordered the horses of those who were
% travel mounted to be led forward.
There's something more than com
non on John Starks' mind" wins
1ered tall New Hampshire boy to his
elbow in the ranks. See how his eyes
map. am an old neighbor of his
fou know, and can read him like a
book. | shouldn't be surprised if we
heard from him soon : for he ain one
# those that like to keep chawing on
thing that makes him feel, but wants
% out with it, and always will unless
lie has good reason for close mouth.
ies, I'll bet goose we hear from
lim before we start. F"
ITO RE CONTINUED,