The Windham County reformer. (Battleboro, Vt.) 1876-1897, 1896-03-27

Geo q. Smith, druggist, SO, Londonderry, Vt.
are those in our midst who hesitate
not either to take up arms against
their countrymen, or. what Is no bet
ter. secretly to aid the enemy, and
halbor and conceal in their houses
hostile emissaries, trying to seduce our
people. And not perceiving the pol
icy or Justice of longer permitting
their cause thus to be endangered, the
coucil have decided on measure for
promptly remedying the evila meas
me which they had less hesitation in
adopting, as they believed, from the
repeated threats of the loyaists, they
would only be anticipating their op.
ponents by infiicting penalties, that,
in case of the conquest of this country,
will be visited on themselves. They
have passed solemn decree, sir, TO
confscate. for the public use, all the
estates Of both of the classes of loyal
lists | have named, among one of
which, at least, they have abundant
proof. regret To say. to warrant
them IN chasing Esquire Haviland.
And they direct me to permit him to
take one Of the horses, lately his own,
and depart. with the least possible
delay, for the British camp, where,
they think, he more properly belongs. y
The arrogant loyalist, who had
hitherto looked upon the Council of
Safety with utter contempt for their
powers or ther efficiency, was now
perfectly thunderstruck at the announ
8 l,1l md n
measure and, for some momnets, his
mouth seemed wholly sealed against
any remonstrance to a step which, not
for public good. but for his own ag
grandizement, he was conscious of in
tending to recommend TO the British
government in relation to the es-
tate of the leading rebels, and especial
~ those of the reasonable body by
whom, as had just been SO truthfully
told him. his seltieh designs had now
been anticipated Soon rallying, how
ever. he wrathfully muttered.
" They dare not do it; their au-
dacity will not carry them to that
length. But if they do. he contin-
unued, with louder and more menac-
ing tones-''lf they do attempt to car
~ out their plundering purposes, |
will bring down upon them, within
eight and forty hours, a British force
that will give them enough to do to
take care Of themselves and their own
property, without meddling with that
of oilers.
THAT is what We supposed you
would be glad to do, in any case, -
quietly responded A Hen. at but swells
the proof against you, and goes to con
firm the justice of the decree ~
20. do not say any more, father,
interposed Miss Havland. with much
feeling. Do not, beg of you, further
and more inextricably involve yourself.
You know how gladly would have
saved you from this; how often warned
you to the consequences of persisting
In your course. Perhaps it is not to
late 10 retract. eyennow. Who knows
but the council who have done this
but from a sense of duty to their coun-
try and with no i'll will against you
personally may yet be induced if you
will send in pledge of neutrality 10
reverse their sentence as regards you
and still leave you in possession of
your property and quiet home?
myself feeble girl as | am would 90
before them to intercede for you; and
perhaps this gentleman would assist |
glance to Allen.
Most gladly" replied the latter,
touched at the magnanimity of the
girl in her distress most gladly and
with great hope Of success. y
do you hear that father?' said the
other eagerly 81 do you hear what | feel
I know-may yet be done for you?
Then do not reject my petition, but
and give up your intention
of joining these invaders of your coun-
try"
No" replied the old gentleman after
a moment of apparent wavering-" no
never Let the plunderers take pos
session Of my estate here for the short
time. They will be unable to hold it if
they will. Tomorrow morning start
for the British camp"
1T is as | feared" observed Allen,
turning to the daughter; but your
Efforts to rescue your father, Miss
Haviland and the noble stand you
have taken on this occasion and before
are let me assure you appreciated by
myself and will not fail to he so by
those of more controlling influence.
And although this property will, in a
lew DAYS, be sold by those duly APP
pointed, and now here to guard and dis
pose of it, yet the government, which
las the power to confiscate, will have
he power to restore: and | have no
ears that your own interests will
eventually be made to suffer by a
measure which may now appear as
larsh to you as it appeared necessary
% the upright and patriotic men who
elt themselves constrained to adopt it.
In this you may trust, | think, as
.egards the future. As for the pres
mt | am only empowered 10 offer you
an ASYLUM in some friendly family of
he neighborhood with ample means of
support. or, if you prefer, a safe convey
nee with a female attendant, should
gu desire t, to any family in more
Instant part of the state.
My daughter will probably go with
ne sir said Haviland resentfully.
:. No father said the girl firmly that ,
.rmy is no proper place for young
adv and especially one of my views.
shall. for the present, go in the
amily of our neighbor Risdo; but in
few days, | will gratefully accept
.Ir. Aliens offer of conveyance and
IS [ proposed TO you short time ago
20 to my connections on the other side
II the mountains.