Tales, Traditions and Romance of Border and Revolutionary TimesEllis, Edward Sylvester
History
Tales, Traditions and Romance of Border and Revolutionary Times
Ellis, Edward Sylvester
Frontier and pioneer life -- United States -- Anecdotes; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Anecdotes
"'Stop, I entreat you!' said Sarah.
"His looks were riveted upon her with an ardent admiration which
embarrassed her.
"'I will, on one condition,' said he.
"'What is it?'
"'Will you give it?'
"'If I can,' replied Sarah.
"'It is, that you will allow me to kiss you.'
"'Oh, if that is all,' said her father, 'comply, my daughter.'
"So, as she made no resistance, the rough soldier planted a fervent kiss
on her lips, expressed himself satisfied, and departed. They found,
before her baby-house, that the soldiers had stuck the dolls on their
bayonets, and railed among themselves and laughed.
"It is seldom that a man's house is attacked more than once. Mr. Harris
had his turn some time ago; therefore, although he saw some
suspicious-looking persons lurking about, he feared nothing, and arose
at daylight, with the intention of going to the south of the island for
salt hay. Mrs. Harris, however, began to feel uneasy and timid, from the
reports she heard during the following day, and the recollection of her
never-to-be-forgotten injuries, and persuaded her husband to stay at
home. That night passed without disturbance. About nine o'clock the next
evening, a neighbor stopped at the gate in his wagon, and he and Mr.
Harris were talking over the exciting times and scenes enacting around
the country, when they saw a man moving about the fields, and passing
now and then in and out of the edge of the woods. One of the
serving-women, too, had seen some one about dark standing close by the
wood-pile, who had vanished on her appearance at the door of the
kitchen. In consequence of these signs Mr. Harris concluded to sit up,
and keep lights and fires burning about the house. Charles, and the
older children, were sent to bed, but not to sleep—that was impossible
with their perturbed and excited imaginations. About twelve o'clock, Mr.
Harris being on the look-out, saw a man at a short distance from the
house, reconnoitering; he now held a consultation with his wife and the
two hired men. They came to the conclusion that an attack was meditated,
and that it was time to act; they determined to leave the house in a
body, taking the two loaded guns, the money, silver, and small
valuables. Though the next house was full two miles off, there seemed no
other alternative. The poor little frightened children were hurried up
and dressed; their fears and cries were hushed, and they were carried
down stairs. As quietly as possible, all left the house by the back
door. It was a moment of intense anxiety; their hearts beat with dread;
with trembling limbs, which almost refused to bear them, they moved on.
'Faint, though pursuing,' they endeavored to stay their minds above. At
length, arrived at Mr. S.'s, another difficulty presented itself. The
family would inevitably take them for robbers, and be liable to fire
upon them. In this dilemma Mr. Harris thought it best to go close to the
door and call out his name, trusting that his voice would be recognized,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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