Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-11-17

TO my appeal from the officers Of the
militia?" continued the governor.
Gentlemen, do you allow your
brothers of the regular army to out
do you in Patriotism"
'By Cod sir" ripped out one Of the
leading officers of the militia. I'VE can
not fight any more, and there's an end
to it! Our men are deserving by hun
dreds. and we are hungry! We have
had nothing to eat since last night.
nothing to drink either! IT'S Ill keep
Ing guard and fgh ting on nothing!
The English are there in thousands,
curse them We cannot keep them
out. My men won't fight any longer!"
Nor mine!"
"Nor mine!" rang through the hall.
And you, monsieur, has your
stomach for fight also left your" asked
de Ramesay frowning upon the man.
Eyes, it hast" snapped out the Of
fcer furiously. Its hopeless con-
test, the city is LOST"
Yes, yes, he is right"
Surrender"
"Give up the town.
1--WE are LOST" cried one after an
other
There was no doubt either of their
unanimity or of their determination.
you cowards," exclaimed the gov
ernor bitterly, turning upon them with
whitening glance of contempt. His
calmness gone. he stamped his foot
in passionate scorn and anger.
In the midst of the confusion, which
the town, an officer burst into the hall
and shouldered his way through the
struggling mob toward the governor.
The crowd became silent as they rec
ognized his presence and instinctively
felt that he had news of importance.
His face was grave with anxiety.
Monsieur" he cried saluting, "the
English are about to storm the st.
Charles gate. Monsieur lie Gardeur,
who commands there, has sent me to
say that the town troops have thrown
down their arms and have refused TO
| fight! He has no force to stay the
advance. For Gods sake, send rein
| forcements, or we are LOST
Even as he spoke another officer
came running into the room from the
walls on the other side.
Monsieur lie Gouverneur," he cried.
as he entered the apartment, the
colonial troops have withdrawn from
the walls, Capt lie Moyne says that
the English battalons are mastering
| for an immediate attack. He has not
enough regulars to man the guns! He
must have achievements Immediate
ly, and the men are hungry"
rs there an ounce Of bread left"
asked the governor, turning to the
quartermaster, ito feed the soldiers
who are faithful and these cattle?"
Nothing, sir" answered that func-
tionary sadly, "the last ration was is
sued last night"
You see, sir" cried the merchant,
ITO what straits we are reduced! My
children cry for bread"
my wife suffers with hunger; we
are ruined!" cried another.
my soldiers starve!" exclaimed a
third.
Gentlemen" said the unfortunate
chevalier, turning to the militia. lyon
have some influence with your men
surely! Return to them, beg them to
| fight one more day! Monsieur de Lewis
will surely succor us. Upon us depends
the fortune of New France. When we
strike the flag We give up a province,
an empire. For Gods sake, messieurs,
for the king, for your own lands, once
more to the walls! Nive Ia nuvellc
France"
The militia officers stood in gloomy
silence in the face Of this appeal. The
feeble acclamations of the loyal off,
GERS Of the line were drowned by a
dreadful crashing sound, followed by