The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1906-08-23
TIE DEATH OF ARNOLD.
Al Extract from |" Benedict Arnold,
the Man and Soldier"
BN Geo. II 1Aachfr.

By Gro. N fhachtr.
The scene, summers night in Lon
don. the 18th Of June, 1901. The seem
of roses iioais IN through the open win
dow OF room In Arnold's house IL
Gloucester Place, and by the Pickering
rays Of candle light two occupants may
diuly be deserted. Upon the canopied
bed lies the weared, wasted form Of
the arbitrator, and by its side, clasp,
ing his shrunk hand in hers. her heart
almost breaking under the burden OF
/ her grief, kneels one who once was
known rs sweet, little, winsome Peggy
Shippen. Her hot and fearless eyes
sought vain response from his, Ms the
| life of her hero ebbed slowly away.
The last farewells had been spoken,
and other relatives and friends had
gathered in an adjoining room, leaving
these two together at the last. She re.
called the happy Philadelphia days,
the days of their courtship and mar
riage, and again she saw the athletic
form of her lover at her feet, and again
she looked upon the face that was
bronzed by the suns of many battles.
Once more the deep blue eyes looked
into hers and told their tale of love
and devotion that would never fail,
that had been true and {steadfast for
the twenty-five years of their union.
From the hour of her troth- plight her
perfect love had known no fear, and in
faith might she have said,
"The span o. Lfe's nae long enough,
Nor deep enough the sea,
Nor braid enough this weary world
To part my Love frae me-"
AS the gentle summer zephyr stirs with
ripping touch the smooth surface of
placid waters, so now and then. under
the play of passing emotion, the feat
ures of Arnold would respond with va
ried expressions. Now IA sigh would
escape from the pallid lips that soon
We're to curl in scorn, as some heeting
memory of his wrongs touched a vi
brant chord. Again his face would set
IN stern severity, as when in days
agone the rage of battle waxed strong
within him; soon gentler expression
would soften his features as CLEAN of
sunshine pierces the dark depths of
the forest. Anon his wearied lids
would lift and the unveiled eyes shoot
forth message of deepest love to the
kneeling figure at his bedside. Thus
the fleeting moments sped away, hold
ing no hope, only gripping tighter a
heart surcharged already with the an
guish of a final separation. Now Ar
nold's eyes unclose and in them shines
a light not seen before, and, as he
raises himself upon his elbow, she
springs quickly TO her feet, bends her
sweet face close to his and hears the
tremulous whisper, g Wife! bring me
my old Continental uniform Hastily |
she complies. Help me, dear, to don
it," and soon again, with trembling
voice, "Ah, Godl would had never
put it off. Now bring me the epaulettes
and sword knot that Washington gave
me-" his tones ringing clearer as the |
la st of his life's blood pulsated through |
his veins by the might of his mighty |
will. My sword, the sword wore at
Saratoga" he exclaimed, and, totter-
ing, strove to hold erect his trembling
frame. Aroused by the strange tones
of his voice, his friends stole softly
into his from the adjoining room, TO
behold thrilling scene in this, the last
Of soldiers drama. They saw him
stretch out his hand TO grasp the sword
toward him by his wife. and
as that gannt figure, clad ia the Cont.
mental uniform. tottered out into tie
room with uplifted sword, they saw
again the man whose iron will com
PEELED to hardship his own worn body. /
and IN tenacious clutch dragged with
him his starving expedition through
the wilderness, until at last, haggaul.
ragged and footsore, they stood defiant
before the intrenched and wel-fed foe
lpon the Heights Of Abraham. Up
right. in the exaltation of glorious
past, he raised his sword against an
unseen foe, slightly turned his head.
md cried once more 10 the beloved
who Tough. behind him on
many a desperate field, "Come on.
Boys. follow mel" Whirling the bright
mi flashing blade above his head. he
strobe forward and, his eyes now look.
ng into the eyes of death, plunged
ieadlong across The bed, and 80 into
he valley Of rest and silence. His
'artbly expiation was complete. AZ IN
be early dawn Of tha; bright June
morning, Arnold made his first and
ast surrender.