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
"Jonathan, if thee wishes to see those men," said Mr. Wright,
approaching Major Paulding, with a knowing look, "if thee wishes to see
them particular, would it not be better for thee to go to 'Brundage's
Corner,' as they are most likely from the North, and will return that
way. There thee can'st see them without doubt."
The shrewd insinuation of the Quaker, was caught in an instant. The
place referred to, afforded a most admirable place for an ambuscade, and
by secreting themselves there, the enemy was certain to fall into their
hands.
The Whigs had not been concealed long, ere the party was heard
approaching. At the signal, the patriots sprung forward, and discharged
their weapons. At the very first fire, the bloodthirsty Tory leader
fell, some said from a bullet discharged by the hand of Major Paulding
himself.
The intense hatred felt by the people toward Blindberry, and the
universal joy manifested at his fall, prompted some to make a public
rejoicing on the event, and in order to express their uncompromising
hostility to their foe, his body was hung before the assembled patriots
of the district, amid their jeers and expressions of pleasure. Among the
assembly was Mr. Fisher, who, but a few hours before had so nearly
fallen a victim to his cruelty.
Some little time after the preceding events, while Mr. Fisher was on
another visit to his family, sudden word was brought, that the Tories
were approaching. This, as before, was during the night. Mr. Fisher had
reason to suppose, that the object of this party, was to secure his
person, and it became necessary to obtain a place of concealment. The
most advantageous one that offered, was beneath the flooring, which was
loose, where was ample room for him, and where it was hoped, the Tories
would not think of looking for their enemy. Scarcely had he secreted
himself, when the Tories appeared. They burst into the presence of Mrs.
Fisher, in a boisterous manner, and with brutal jests and extravagant
threats, demanded to be informed, where her husband was. To these
inquiries, the undaunted woman deigned no reply.
"Come, give us a light," said the leader, "that we may ferret out your
rebel husband's hiding place. I'll swear, that you've got him stowed
away somewhere here."
"I have no light," was the calm reply.
The difficulties of procuring stores, sometimes left Whig families for
weeks without the common necessities.
"Come, my woman, none of that!" broke in the Tory; "a light we want, and
a light we must have, so bring out your candles!"
"I have none," reiterated Mrs. Fisher.
The Tory, with an oath, drew a pistol, cocked it, and coming up to her,
placed the muzzle in her face.
"Look here, my lady," said he, "we know that you've got your rebel of a
husband somewhere about here, and if you don't at once give us a candle,
so that we may hunt out his hiding place, I'll blow your brains out."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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