The Newtown bee., 1908-07-24

In the perilous days of the Revolu
 tion, Newtown, Conn.,, was a depot oi army supplies. For protection iron Tory raids detachment of the French army under the command of Elias Bris
 tol, were quartered for the winter or the homestead lot of the Sanford fam fly. This story was told the writer by his mother, after she was ninety-fve years old, in full possession of her in tellectual faculties, while sitting ir the back porch ot her home, within fifty feet of the building which was headuuarters of the French officers and is still standing. During the winter months there were many social events given in honor of the gay soldiers, but the most noted which has become a part of our family and national his- tory was the marriage of Elias Bristol, an accomplished gentleman and a brave soldier, to Annie Foote. In pos session of their brightest social jewel, he was showered with lavish congrat- ulations by the loyal citizens. In the zenith of his delirium of happiness and glory, the end came. He had made hls last charge in the the defense of our national Independence. His life was an offering upon the impregnable rock of religious and civil liberty for the present and forever. The anxious wife waited months for tidings from the army. Late in the fall horse was limping up the road with deformed rider and turned into the lane and came to the gate and whinnied. Abbie threw up her arms and said "La mas. sa missus, here's Pompey and Yankee Doodle, all that there's left of them. '" In a moment she was lifting dark distorted shadow from the saddle, which she carried in her arms and laid tenderly upon her bed. Annie patted and kissed the veteran horse and laid her head upon his neck, while he ca ressingly laid his head close by hers, while she wept bitterly, as her golden hopes died within her. and she realized that this wreck was all that was left. Raising.her head with quiet resolu- tion she said to Yankee, Come with me to your stable. will take care of you. Pompey is too i'll to do it." With more than human instinct he under stood her and followed with his head caressingly near her face. She re- moved his saddle, gave him water and provender, new bed, and adjusted his blanket. For moment she petted him, bid him goodbye, going rapidly away. leaving the door open. As she passed into the house she looked back and Yankee whinned his recog milton. Going quickly to the bedside of Pom' pey and taking the shadowy, crippled and emaciated hand into her own, re- viving, he told all that she knew of her hreo for years. Pompey was good shot and as a volunteer sharp shooter he was concealed behind a stone wall, and the officers of the enemy were les sened by his deadly aim. In whirl- wind charge of cavalry he saw his masters horse plunge, reel and fall and the Colonel was fighting desperate ly with overwhelming numbers. A dangerous combatant was gaining an advantage over him. At the crack of Pompey's rife the complainant threw up his arms and fell and Pompey bounding like a hungry lion from his lurking place and with the butt end of his musket opened way through the fierce warriors ana fell at the feet of his master, literally cut to pieces and knew no more until in the home of Quaker. The battle was end ed and they were buryilg their dead,
 and about to roll the black man, yet alive into the grave. A Quaker ex- postulated and said "This is on my ground and I claim the privilege of caring for both, the man and the beast" His human request was grant ed. He nursed them both tenderly for months and then sent them in care of a wagon train going to their home. "Then it was for your master that you have suffered this?" "Yes and for you too Missus. thought then, how much you'd miss him." At this point Abbie came in with the broth of young dove which she had hastily cooked and bot tle of choice elder berry wine of her own make, for she was a born nurse. Annie left the room and went to her infant which was sleeping in the era dle, kissed it and experienced thrill of returning life as it were from her lost husband. In moment all the in- tensities of her affection were aglow. Her purpose and aim in life was set tied. "I will lavish these affections upon the child and him who gave more