VOL. XL-[II. NEW SERIES.]

For the Rural Repository.
The Martyr,

A TALE OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
He lived for his love, for his country he died;
They were all that to life had entwined him.'-MOORE.
Thy young heart's mournful dream is past,
Fair bird, o'er whose pale leaf is cast

The blight from sorrow's pinion shed.-MRS. HALE.

To eulogize the mighty dead-to dwell with rapture on their virtues to repeat the story of their glorious deeds, and to hand to succeeding generations the record of their acts for admiration and example, has been sanctioned by custom in all ages of the world. The Orator, the Novelist and the Poet, have vied with each other in expressions of esteem and respect, and the giant intellects of every age have combined to eulogize the life and hallow the memory of the departed statesman, hero or patriot. The warrior whose pathway through life has been deluged with blood-the sanguinary despot whose every act evinced a recklessness of human life, and a total want of human feeling, has sunk into the gaudy mausoleum, leaving thousands behind to chaunt their praise, while the more humble but not less useful man, whose heart while here beat high with all the nobler feelings of humanity, whose life was an honor to himself and a pattern to mankind, has descended into the cold and silent grave

Probitas laudatur et aloet.'

NO. 18.

ingratitude and cold neglect of half a century of an American forest, while far away on the have heaped upon him-to bring to light his heights in front might be seen the little virtues and heroic deeds, and to secure to his American camp, its white tents gleaming name that homage and respect which his in the moon-beams, 'fair as the driven snow.' transcendent excellencies deserve, is the A death-like stillness rested upon it, for the motive which impels me to the execution of night was far advanced, and the soldiers, this task, and if successful, if this simple and wearied by the late disastrous battle and hasty unvarnished story shall have the effect of retreat from Long Island, had sunk to rest. diverting the public mind from the British Here and there the watchful sentinels were Major Andre's melancholy end, to the fate secn pursuing their solitary walks, while their of one no less brave, virtuous and accom-bright arms, flashing and glancing as they plished among our own countrymen, I shall paced along, gave a strange and unearthly not have written in vain, nor regret what I loveliness to the scene. An ancient grove have written; but exult in the thought that I surrounded the mansion, through which the have been the humble instrument in raising moon-beams faintly penetrated, casting on from the dust a name, which, if strict justice the ground the fantastic images of the gnarled had been observed among us would long ere branches above, and covering the green sod this have taken the place of his, who, though with a net-work of silver, which, contrasted undoubtedly brave, talented and unfortunate, with the flood of light without, seemed like a has no claim on our veneration or sympathies holy spot, a place where innocence itself superior to the virtuous, amiable, long neg- might dwell securely, and where the contemlected subject of this sketch. plative mind might revel in pleasures which the noise and bustle of the world never yield. 'Twas night. The moon shone brightly In the middle of an elegantly furnished in the cloudless skies and her clear light slept apartment, within, stood a young man in the in calm and solemn beauty on all around. uniform of an American Captain. He was It was one of those lovely midsummer nights apparently three and twenty, and displayed in peculiar to our climate, which the romantic face and person a degree of manly beauty mind delights to contemplate, and which rarely exhibited. He stood with his arms insensibly steals into and softens the most folded, earnestly regarding with a countenance obdurate and unfeeling soul. The stars in which manly pride and sorrow sparkled in all their clear brilliancy above strangely blended, a young and beautiful the air was cool and pure, and the placid female figure, who sat near him, leaning on a silence of the night was uninterrupted save hand which rivaled the purest marble in by the low rippling of a neighboring water, clearness. Her dress was deep mourning Ah! how many brave hearts have burst, and that solemn, monotonous, though not without ornament, and her mournful attitude how many noble spirits have left this selfish unpleasing rustling of leaves, which is always accorded well with the death-like silence and ungrateful world unnoticed amidst the heard in the vast solitudes of our native which reigned on every side. They had halo of false glory which surrounded the wilds. On the brow of an eminence, which evidently been conversing for some time, for death bed of an Alexander or a Napoleon! descended to the margin of the stream, he in a voice remarkable for its depth and and even here in this our boasted land of stood a house, whose ample dimensions sweetness, broke silence. equality and republican gratitude, how many and romantic situation evinced at once the have bled and died in its defence, with no wealth and taste of its owner. On one side other recompense than the plaudit of an a broad sheet of water was seen stretching approving conscience; Unnoticed and un-away far as the eye could reach, its banks known, with not a stone to tell where they lined with lofty trees and its thousand ripples lie. To rescue from oblivion the memory sparkling and glittering like gold, and on the of one of these noble martyr's of liberty-toother, the majestic oak and hemlock towered remove the lava of forgetfulness which the to the heavens with all the sombre magnificence

Unhonored and unsung.'

were

And now farewell! I leave you to the protection of Heaven, who never will desert you. When I am gone think of me, and in your prayers to God breathe one petition for him who will love you while he lives. The path I must tread now, Mary, is certainly fraught with danger. I may fall a victim to oppression-a martyr in my country's cause;

him to approach. The man, who, as if anxious to escape the observation of this group, had changed his course, stopped, and for a moment seemed to hesitate, but an angry repetition of the command caused him to tura and walk leisurely toward the company.

but it is the lot of a soldier and I dare not || young heart has once loved, deeply and Without replying, the young soldier smilingly shrink from the task. If I am successful, sincerely loved, she is immutable. Mis-turned to the subject of this conversation and my country will be benefited by it, and you, || fortunes may wither her prospect here-the in a tone half jest and half earnest commanded Mary, will share her honors and her blessings world may become a barren desert, but her with me. If I fall, she will do honor to my heart, unshaken and unchanged, will, like the memory, and register my name on the bright ivy, seize on each remaining fragment for list of patriots, who, preferring the path of support, and living on its own deep and duty to their personal safety, have shed their passionate emotions, die only when the object blood in her defence. Cheer up then my which inspired them ceases to exist. Oh! love-one bright look ere I go-one smile to there is nothing in life more pure, nothing cheer me in the difficulties and dangers I more holy, than the warm, enthusiastic must shortly encounter.' affection of a young heart-there is nothing which elevates humanity so far above the guilt and sin of this polluted world, as the delightful emotions of first love, and yet there is nothing so liable to suffer from its vicissitudes. Alas! alas! the course of true love never did run smooth.'

She spoke not, but raising her head slowly. endeavored to comply; but the tears rushed again into her eyes, and covering her face with her hands, she leant forward and gave way to an incontrolable burst of grief. For a moment he faltered, his whole frame trembled, but it was only for a moment. Recovering himself with an effort, he in a low, calin tone, evincing a steady and determined mind, continued.

6

The sun had risen and set twice since the scene I hate imperfectly endeavored to describe had occurred, and as it went down 'Mary, be calm, I did not expect this, I the third time, its rays rested in all their believed that when you were made acquainted magnificence on the British encampment on with my determination—when you saw the Long Island. The national pride of the glorious object which I had in view, you invading army had been increased by their would reserve your brightest smiles for the recent victory over the provincial troops, and man who dared attempt the accomplishment flushed with conquest, they reposed, conscious of it. I had hoped that the spirit of of the security which their superior numbers patriotism which is abroad in our land had and discipline afforded. Some were engaged found a home in your breast, and that the in preparing their evening's repast, some in duty I am about to perform would alone have groups conversing on the recent battle, while been a passport to your love, and, Mary, let others more refined were gazing with enthume leave you with this impression. Be calm-siasm on the beautiful scenery around them. stain not with tears this parting moment, which By St. George! here he comes again,' should glow with the bright hopes of a speedy exclaimed a young officer, as a singularly and a happier meeting. When I am away, the attired man was seen approaching from the thought that your happiness depends on my opposite side of the encampment. I wonder exertions will support me, and in the perils what the deuce he means, lounging about our which I must encounter, your image will camp so long? It can hardly be owing to the appear before me, smiling as it was wont, excellence of our accommodations, for these leading me to victory and shielding me from Americans appear determined to keep us on every danger. Mary, farewell! my time has low diet as long as we remain here.' expired and I must begone-may Heaven protect you!

'Designing thereby to reduce the fighting fever,' replied a grave looking person in the group, the paroxyisms of which are so violent, as they unfortunately discovered at their last visit.'

I want to know why in the devil's name you do not retreat after the rest of the Yankee-doodles? Do you imagine we can afford to board you gratis when our very dogs are starving?'

The man hung his head a moment and then replied, in a voice that startled his hearers by its depth and sweetness, the river is deep and broad and Samuel can't swim, else he would not stay with the British. His heart is with his countrymen and he would like to go after it, for the officers and the dogs are both hungry and wont let him alone.'

Let the soldiers fear God and go home,' returned he in the same deep startling tone, and Samuel will never tell on them.'

How is this,' exclaimed another in the crowd which had gradually collected, what is your business here?'

'Samuel has no business no where but in Heaven,' replied the stranger after a pause. during which he betrayed some agitation,' he will soon leave this world and go where no British can come.'

Yes, and perhaps sooner than he wishes He turned to leave the room-the sound it,' returned the other, who now advanced aroused her, and starting up, she gave him one eagerly, bending his eye keenly on him. look of sorrowful reproach--'twas understood, 'Come here sir,' catching hold of him rudely— he seized her hand, wrung it earnestly and rais- Most probably, the plan is a good one,Upon my honor! what a beautiful head of ed it to his lips. Their eyes met in one long look though I can't say that I admire the treatment,' || hair, let me move your hat-gently—so,' and of love, and she leant upon his breast and wept returned the other, laughing; it resembles suiting the action to the word, he attempted bitterly. For the time he was overcome-he your own mode too much, doctor. However, to remove it, but the stranger, who had thus wreathed his arms around her and pressed we may as well laugh as cry, and as the men say her fervently to his heart-then recovering, he this fellow is a simpleton, we will have some placed her on a seat and impressing a burning || fun, that is if your gravity has no objection.' kiss on her forehead, rushed from the apart- You will, Sir, in this little matter,' replied ment. When she looked up he was gone. the person addressed, with hauteur, as in all The brilliant lamps shone as before, but she others, consult your own pleasure of course. saw them not. On a table lay his miniature. If the poor fellow is half witted, as you say, 'Seize him!-the rebel-down with the It caught her eager eye-with a convulsive the interview may be of advantage to you, andspy'-rung through the crowd as they pressed grasp she seized it, and pressing it to her as my gravity is unwilling to prevent a free tumultuously forward. The fallen officer, heart, retired. Oh! who can fathom the interchange of sentiment between such dis-muttering a deep imprecation, sprung to his depth of woman's love? who can estimate tinguished individuals, I shall retire, wishing feet, drew a pistol, and taking deliberate aim, the strength of her affection? When her you all, gentlemen, a very good evening.' fired! The ball passed through the right arm

far tamely submitted, started back with a haughty air, and casting on the officer a look of proud contempt, struck up his arm so violently as to send him reeling to the earth, then lifting his hat, he replaced it and turning, strode rapidly away.

of his victim, shattering the bone in its course. | discovered, which was found to contain | fate. He had counted on the danger of his He fell to the ground covered with blood and several drafts, sketches, notes, &c. relating enterprize, and he now knew that his death was taken immediately. The news that a spy to the present state of the British army. As was certain. Yet he was not dismayedhad been arrested flew like wild-fire, and these were examined, many an exclamation the enthusiastic love of liberty which had instantly the camp was thronged with the of surprise was heard. Movements and plans influenced him during the whole of that soldiers, all anxious to see him who had were detailed which had originated in the memorable struggle for independence-the dared to enter it in that character, and the com- secret council of the most experienced spirit that prompted him to leave the commander-in-chief, on hearing the particulars, officers. A small note signed by the American parative security of the camp and engage in expressed a determination to superintend the commander was found carefully preserved in an expedition so hazardous, still glowed in examination in person. Matters were soon the center of the package, and as it was his breast and enabled him to view with a arranged. On a sofa within a splendidly produced, all pressed forward to gaze on the calm and untroubled eye his approaching furnished tent, over which the red cross of bold signature of him whose name was end. The marque in which he was confined England floated majestically in the evening synonymous with glory, and who, though an stood on an eminence from which every part breeze, sat Sir William Howe, commander enemy, was honored for his bravery and skill; of the encampment could be seen; and, heavily of his majesty's army in America. On a but Sir William, waving them back, haughtily ironed, with a sentinel placed over him, he, table that stood before him lay an elegantly took the paper from the hands of him who whom we beheld but a few evenings before finished sword, a pair of gold-mounted pistols held it, and gazing on it a moment, tore it free as the air, lay a prisoner condemned to and a promiscuous heap of maps, dispatches, into pieces and threw it under his feet. die. He thought on his absent companions sketches, and the whole brilliantly illuminated There was now no doubt as to the prisoner's and on the pleasant hours he had passed with by a chandalier, which hung suspended from intentions, and as the investigation was ended them. His soul went back to the days of his the top of the tent. Presently a sound was all turned to see what effect it had on him, childhood and the image of his fond mother heard as of men approaching-the arms of expecting to see the signs of detected guilt, rose before him, smiling as she was wont on the sentinel at the door rattled as he rapidly or hear his defence. But he stood where he her only son. He thought on his last meeting challenged the intruders-the curtain which had first been placed, calm and unmoved, a with her for whom he lived-her faint farewell, hung before the door was drawn aside, and model of manly beauty and firmness. His her tears, all, all, rushed into his mind, and, the prisoner, heavily ironed, conducted into eyes were bent on vacancy, his countenance leaning on his hand, the stern soldier wept. the apartment. His arm, rudely bandaged, fixed, and his thoughts wandering far away Oh, memory! thou hast a chord in every hung powerless at his side, and though his among scenes of happiness past and gone. breast, which, when all others are unstrung. countenance betrayed no pain, it was pale He spoke not-he moved not-he seemed to will still vibrate. With mind intent on blood with the loss of blood. As he entered, several know that his fate was sealed, and he stood and spoil, the warrior rushes to the field, no of the officers present rose to their feet, before them as if he had nothing more to do fears of death assail him; no mercy dwells offering him their chairs, but the commander, with the world. within his hardened breast; but if a scene frowning sternly, ordered them to keep their Prisoner,' said one of the court. He break on his view resembling that which met places. A low, stifled murmur ran through started and looked hurriedly at the speaker- his earliest sight, even in destruction's path the roon-two or three of the oldest officers | You have been accused of a crime from the|| he stops, and he, who but a moment since closed around the table, and after a brief commission of which every honorable man was dead to every human feeling, sinks pause one of them announced that all was shrinks with horror-your guilt has been fully ready. Several witnesses were examined, proved and by the law of nations you must who all agreed as to the time of his appearance die! Your unlawful rebellion has assumed an on the Island. He had been seen soon after attitude which calls for the utmost severity on the retreat of the American army; but as he our part, and as a warning to your misguided appeared to be insane and very harmless, countrymen you must die! Have ye aught little or no attention was paid to him. The to offer in defence of your conduct?" occurrence which terminated in his arrest was related with revengeful bitterness by the officer he had handled so rudely, and the singularity of his disguise was dwelt upon by those who had divested him of it, with all the eagerness of ignorance determined to believe the worst. Still however the evidence was incomplete. He had affected insanity for some purpose, but his object could only be surmised; he had resisted the authority of an officer in his majesty's service, when caught within the bounds of the encampment of mankind-for liberty and their native disguised, and yet, though the presumption was strong, there was no positive proof of his being a spy. His judges were about to dismiss him, when Sir William ordered his disguise to be examined. As it was produced, a slight shade passed over the features of the prisoner, which however vanished instantly, leaving them pale and calm as before. Within the lining of his coat a small package was

Nothing,' said the prisoner, firmly, my country can spare me better than many others in her service, and in dying for her only regret that my death can do her no good. But a few hours more and all would have been well; with the imformation I had collected I would have returned to my countrymen, and you and the host around us would have slept forever on this lonely isle. We are called rebellious and misguided! Sir, if men who are contending for the dearest privileges

conquered 'neath the magic of thy power! And the mourner too, whose life is drugged with sorrow's bitter draught, can with thy magic word call up the joys of other days, and in thy consoling fountain drown her present griefs. His tears relieved him and he slept-he, who on the morrow had to die, slept! He rested well, his respiration was regular, and ever and anon a smile stole over his features, as his slumbering imagination in her wild freaks brought before him the pleasant scenes of other days. When he awoke the night was far advanced, the moon was high in the heavens, shedding her light beautiful as ever on a world he was so soon to leave. He gazed through the entrance of his prison and thought that nature never looked so lovely before. He looked out on the stars, those bright incomprehensible orbs that wheel along the sky, silent witnesses of the majesty of God, and their sparkling light was pleasant Away with him,' said Sir William, sternly, to his eye. He thought on the time when he and the unfortunate prisoner was hurried had stood with his betrothed to gaze on their back to the place of his confinement. An holy light and wish, with the innocent order for his execution was immediately enthusiasm of youthful lovers, to fly hand in issued, and on the morrow's dawn his life was hand to some bright planet far away from the to be offered up on the altar of revenge. coldness and selfishness of the world; and Peacefully and silently he submitted to his as the night air bathed his feverish brow, he

homes, are rebellious and misguided, then
indeed we glory in the name.'

felt that, pleasant as life had been to him, it || die. Sir William never repents. If you have
was not so difficult to die.
any message to your friends, tell me where
they live, and I pledge the word of an
Englishman and a soldier, that it shall be
delivered.'

How calm and still is every thing around me,' exclaimed he, in a tone scarcely heard by his guard, as his eyes wandered over the silent encampment. The busy hum which a few hours ago was heard rising from the multitude is now hushed, and man, like the wayward infant, has worried himself to rest, emblem of the silence to which I am fast hastening-Sir, have I permission to sit without? the air is close here and I feel feverish.'

'Certainly sir,' returned the sentinel, advancing, permit me to assist you take my arm, sir-so.'

On a bench in front of the marque sat the prisoner, his eyes turned eagerly on the scene before him. This is a beautiful night,' said he, communing to himself in a low tone.

'Beautiful, indeed!' echoed the sentinel. It is not very often that we see such nights as this, sir, I love to do duty when every thing around me is so pleasant, it makes me think of home and the pleasures which are there to be found.'

No wonder then you love your home. I have neither, and yet my heart longs to visit the home of my youth and my friends ere I die, but it is impossible, before another night I shall be no more; the green sod of this island will soon lie upon my breast and press this body into its original element, and none will follow my remains in sorrow to its last resting place; but my country,' continued he, my country will honor my memory-my name will not perish with this body, but live embalmed in the hearts of my nation! Soldier, you are among our oppressors-you are one of those, who, had I left this isle in safety, would have fallen by our hands. Can you still assist in this attempt to enslave us? Do you approve of this war?'

'No-God knows my heart-I do not! I was like many others deceived; we heard that you had rebelled and were prejudiced against you; but we soon saw our error; we found you fighting for your natural rights, and though we still remain in this service, our hearts are with you. I have been in many battles, sir, I have fought where blood was spilled like water, but never did I see such bravery as your late retreat exhibited. I saw your men retire slowly before our superior force and discipline-I saw your leader, whom some call traitor, pass unhurt through the thickest of the fight, and I felt that God was with you, and that you would eventually conquer. I feel it now, sir-our expedition will fail! Many of your men fell, but none were taken prisoners; that tells well. Their cry was Liberty or Death.' and one or the other they got. Young man, I feel sorry for you. To-morrow you must

Thank you! thank you, my friend! I thought I was deserted entirely in this trying moment, but 'tis not so. In the crowd which will surround me to-morrow, there will be at least one to lament my fate. When I am gone, let this miniature be interred with me. Take a small lock of my hair, enclose it in the letter which you will find within, to-morrow, and see it safely delivered-there is one who will prize the gift, humble as it is--will you?'— I will sir,' God bless you! You will soon be taken away, for I hear the rounds approaching. If we see each other for the last time, remember your promise-farewell.'

God's will be done,' ejaculated the unfortunate man, and his look was calm and collected as before.

Why do I dwell on this revolting scene? His hour had come, and even the courtesy extended to the vilest criminal was denied him. He had requested permission to write to his friends. "Twas granted. He wrote, and his letters, save one, were destroyed in his presence. He had requested the presence of a clergyman in his last moments and was refused. He had come out expecting a soldiers death and even that poor boon was denied him. With a firm step he ascended the platform and looked slowly around on the silent crowd. The sun shone brightly above him-the cool breath of the morning fanned his burning cheek, and he knew that he saw and felt them for the last time. Death is at any time a fearful, awful change. Even when Morning came at length, beautiful and calm affliction has rendered life a burthen-when as the night which preceded it. The cool air the soul is sick even unto death, and the agitated the trees with a soothing, murmuring friends, who should have ministered to our sound, and the revelly was heard, swelling dying wants, have abandoned us, and we or falling on it, as it freshened or died away. have nothing to hope, nothing worth living There is something peculiarly delightful in for; even then it is a fearful thing to die! the morning hours, something in their serenity much more so then, when forced to stand in and holy silence which all can feel, yet few the morning of life, in perfect health, on the exactly define. The clear blue sky, fading at narrow line which divides time from eternity. the approach of the sun into a lighter, though Oh, 'tis a dreadful thought! and yet he scarce less lovely tint-the low murmuring seemed not to think so; for he stood upright sound with which animated nature resumes and firm as ever, awaiting calmly the signal its wonted life and activity, and the gradual which was to launch him into eternity. The transition from silence to comparative noise arrangements had all been hastily completed and bustle, have an effect on the mind which and he stood alone on the scaffold. The few are hardened enough to resist. Within executioner gave notice that he had but a few the lines all was life and animation. Officers moments to live. He cast his cyes hastily hurried to and fro-soldiers were hastening over the crowd, and near the foot of the to the parade ground, and a casual observer gallows, caught the eye of the sentinel; a would never, from the careless, reckless air, signal, observed by none but him for whom have surmised the mournful cause of this it was intended, was given; the soldier drew excitement. A temporary gallows had been a letter from his bosom and bowed his head. erected during the night in a small hollow The face of the prisoner brightened; he cast some distance from the camp, around which, his eyes toward heaven and seemed to pray; all, who were not actually on duty crowded the sight of that letter had recalled to his with singular earnestness. Presently the mind recollections which unmanned him; his shrill sound of a fife was heard, and then the heart was broken; he staggered forward, deep monotonous rolling of a muffled drum exclaiming, my country will—he was unable sounded a solemn accompaniment to the to say more, the blood rushed up in torrents dead march.' Every eye was turned on through his mouth and ears, and he fell dead the approaching crowd, whose arms flashed on the platform; which giving way at the same brightly in the rising sun, as they moved instant, left his lifeless body swinging in the slowly and steadily along. In the center of air! The crowd swayed to and fro and bowed the square walked the prisoner, conversing their faces to the ground-a smothered shriek occasionally in a low tone with the officer at rose on the air, and then all was silent as his side, or gazing on the crowd around him the grave. with an eye that never quailed. Arriving at the fatal spot, he stopped, and raising his eyes She wept not when the news of his death started back with an involuntary shudder. arrived her agony was too deep. She 'I did not expect this,' said he, to the pressed his last mournful gift to her lips, kissed commander of the escort let me I beseech his miniature again and again, and murmuring you die as a soldier.'. his name in soft, endearing accents, leaned 'Impossible,' returned the officer, my forward on her hand and gently fell asleep. orders are particular and must be obeyed.'

Her pure, affectionate spirit was crushed, and