Rensselaer Union and Jasper Republican, Volume 8, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 April 1876 — COURTSHIP IN THE DAYS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. [ARTICLE]

COURTSHIP IN THE DAYS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

During the two years when Massachusetts was rising to the first blow, a lovely, bright, volatile young maiden was constantly flitting to and fro between Block. Island and Narragansett Bay. Back and forth with her she drew the heart of a young Quaker, who, between the strong passions of love and resistance to tyranny, was losing his hold on the principles of his fathers. Catherine Littlefield combined rare beauty of person with remarkable loveliness of soul, and, when once Nathaniel Greene had come under the spell of her bewitchment, his Quaker shit of sober gray was but weak protection against the shafts of love. Now he could be found at Block Island, entering heartily into her favorite amusement of dancing, which his father had often and vainly flogged him for; again he could be seen ■on the way to Boston, to buy military books at the store of Henry Knox. The young bookseller was also in Jove, and agitated by the stirring signs o't the times. He was now spending his time in studying -the military works on his shelves, and in maintaining Ids possession of Lucy Flueker’s heart against the strong influence of her family and friends. This young lady had been a constant visitor to the; attractive bookstore. Frequent and protracted.conversutions across the counter had worked their perfect work, and, while he might well be enamored of the beauty, grace and wit, of the Secretary's daughter, she could feel proud of the no-ble-looking young major of militia as he paraded at die head of his troops. Thomas Flucker was the Secretanr of Massachusetts under Gen. Gage, and he was bitterly opposed to having a rebel for a son-in-law. But love rises above all family ties and teachings, and, while Nathaniel Green was “read out of meeting” for his patriotic service, and yet clasping the hand ■of fair “ Kate Littlefield." his friend Henry Knox was bearing away his bride from the grasp of her Tory parents. She left all to follow him, wild noblyvwas she rewarded. As so often happens when wiseacres among the woman’s family, thinking only of a great match that shall flatter their own pride, shake their beads and say “ She is going to the dogs, the devoted wife found she hud Indeed chosen the belter part, and rapidly did she rise upon her husband’s shoulders, to honor and the purest fame. While her family, bereft of power ami estate by the irou jus-" tice of a patriotic Congress, were outcasts and fugitives, she herself was tho beloved ■companion of Mrs. Washington, and the center of that noble and exalted circlft—the “Republican Court" Slie was -of such remarkable beauty that Gilbert Stu* art, foiled in attempting lo transfer it to the canvas rubbed out his work, and steadfastly refused to make another trial. After the war, the widows of Greene and Montgomery received the most courtly attentions from Washington, who invariably handed them to and from their carriages, bestowing this honor upon them alone. As the eventful years went on, love wove its golden threads into the dark woof of war, and many are the bright lines that cross the gloomy pictures. The battle of Brandywine, in 1777, gives us a touching story of faithful love which Reserved a happier ending. On the banks of that stream there dwelt a beautiful-girl,-Molly Harvey," who loved a young patriot soldier by the name of Heymour. It was the old story—a rich father, a poor lover—and the course of love* would not run smooth. iThe disappointed yoiffig soldier plunged into the war, determined to win. distinction and a bride. He fought in many battles, and at lust, on the Held of Brandywine, commanded a company almost In si gut of the maiden’s bouseAfter the battle, he went to her house, found her parents ready to welcome him, and the carriage at once took place. During the festivities some British soldiers rushed up and attempted to capture: the patriot. A fierce struggle followed, and the beautiful bride was killed by .a, bayonet-thrust—married and murdered qn the same day I ... >, . ( v , The famous übduqtiop of.Chauncy Judd t from Naugatuck, Conn., whs. the result pf courtship. Although so young, the. lad had spent the evening in winning a mwdr en’s heart, and on returning home late.at night was seized by a band of Tories and carried off. It was only after suffering a strange captivity and cruel abuse that no was restored to his family. EUian Allen was the last man we l should expect ' “ To sport with Amaryllis In the shade. Or with the tangles of SewttFahalr;’*and, in truth, his courtship was peculiar and characteristic. The fame of Allen’s wild deeds had tilled the New England country, and had interested, among atfo ers. Miss Fanny Brush, the yOung daughter of a British officer who had served gallantly under tlje great Duke of Marlborough, ahd against the French in America. She heard the story of his transportation to England,, bound down like a wild beast by a bar of iron eight

feet long; she heard .of his biting off ft Iteqpenny nail whilfe * a prisoner In tower of London; and one evening, in a mixed assembly, she said: “ I should .lute above all things,.to see this Ms, A-Upn, Vi .whom we hear such ib■credlble tjijugs/,’ . . The doughty ColoneTh&d just returnod from captivity, and, on hearing of this remark; he wunt to the house and was introduced to the young lady. He found her very fair and enjoyable, ahd when, very late in the evening, he rose to go, ho drew himself up to hiscommanding height and, looking down into her blushing face, said: ’ “ And now. Miss Brush, allow me to ask, hne do you like ‘ this Mr. Allen V’’ wd are not told fV’har she said, but “ actions speak louder than words," and they were soou married. It was a good deal, like thewayhe took Ticopderqga. i, Another gallant soldier won lus wife in the warrior’s rough-and-ready, manner. Timothy Murphy, the man who killed General Fraser at Saratoga, and the most noted of- Morgan’s famous riflemen, had gained the love of a young girl of sixteen 1 , named Margaret Fleck, of Schoharie County. Her .parents refused their consent and frowned sternly upon the young soldier. But Margaret was worthy of just sUch a daring spirit. She sent word to her lover that she would Meet him on the bank of the river, to join her life with him, and follow him “through fill '‘tne world.” *' ' ■]

When the Appointed evening came, she preteiidcd to seek A cow which had strayed from home, qnd went through the woods, barefooted, to the trystingplace. Murphy ,was not there, Nothingdaunted, the maiden forded,the stream, determined to go to tlie fort and join her lover. On the other side-she found his arms outstretched for her, and, she leaping upon the horse behind him, they dashed into the fort amid the jubilant cheers of the garrison. Here the women made her a wedding-outtit, aud soon the lovers had crossed the Rubicon—the dip was cast—and no parents conlct recall rt,y, '*■ j ' The year' 1771) was fruitful in love as in strife. Early ih the spring Mrs. Jay, in a letter, announces “ four approaching marriages in Coilsin Livingston’s family,’’ showing that the flames of Hymen burned brightly amid the darkness of war. This Livingston family was itself a rich “rose-bud-garden of girls;” one of great attractiveness to men of the highest rank and accomplishments in the ciyil and military service of both America and France. Mrs._ Jay, daughter of the" Governor, was re markable for loveliness of person and of soul, and all hearts bowed to her in two hemispheres. It was in the early part of this year, jn the depth of winter, that the dashimr young Col. Aaron Burr wa3 winning, in a marvelous manner the woman who was to be the mother of Theodosia. Two years before this Burr had led captive the heart of Margaret Moncripffe, as she so .ardCMif deefatel' in hef"'fMEMdirs.*’ ifurr/then iWft'Twetfty yeafo Of age, was on the staff of pitthaih—“ My gbod - old General," as the young-aide always cal led him. Margaret Montcrieffe, the ‘daugfo tar of a British officer, wps an Inmate pf Gen. Putnam’s family, suspected of being a spy, and held in a’sort of mild imprisohnien t.

Though but fourteen, she was yet a woman in growth and feeling, and her heart seems to have been all fire. She was exceedingly beautiful and vivacious; she had the faculty of enslaving all the young American officers, and probably her head was turned by the rapidity end ease of her conquests. For, although she states in the most glowing language that the young aide-de-camp returned her violent passion atid sought permission from Putnam to marry her, we find no corroborating words or acts, and the statement rests alone upon the claims of the young lady to truthfulness, which are sadly weakened in view of her after-career. No doubt Burr flirted with her and found her an agreeable foil to the stern duties of his position, for he was just the one to enjoy her brilliant conversation aud sparkling wiL_So far from losing his own heart and desiring to keep her near him, we are told by an intimate friend of Burr—the late Col. William L. Stone—that it was by the young aide’s advice she was finally sent out of the city. It is said that Burr, looking over her shoulder one day, and watching her paint a bouquet of flowers, was suddenly reminded of the “ language of flowers"” and became convinced that the fair artist was conveying valuable intelligence to the enemy in'this innocent guise. His suspicions were considered so reasonable that Washington ordered her removal farther inland.

Hut now, in these opening months of 1779, there could he no room for doubt that Col. Burr was hopelessly in love. The lady who had conquered this strange, inexplicable heart, which she held iu unwavering devotion to her until her death, wasyirs. Prevost, the widow of a British Colpnal. She dwelt in her charming re-i treat at Paramus, where the young Colonel had first met her, wheD eighteen mouths bpfore this his regiment was active in Ortlnge County. Now, however, he was stationed at some distance from, the fascinating widow, and in a position of great importance'and danger. Colonel Bunroominunded the Westchester lines.” The country which he now guarded was not only most exposed to the ravages of the eneniy, it was also the marauding ground of lawless parties of robbers, tvho claimed file protection now of one, now of the other flag, as circumstances advised. Into this seething caldron of bitter feelings and riotous deeds young Burr plunged with his natural vehemence. In a short type he had completely stopped all marauding, ’restored the, bloody huntingground to tranquillity, and brought Ins (eglment, Jjttlo better than a mob \vheu he took it, into fee highest condition of effectiveness and obedience. With superhuman activity he was everywhere at once, superintending himself even the minutest details of the dangerous duties devolving upon hiff' regiment. Ills lilies extended fourteen miles, from the Hudson to the Sound. Through all the wiuter he visited his jposts at night, riding on every night but Uwo from sixteen to twenty-four miles betyveen midnight And tnornfng. But amid all this labor and care the young officer’s heart longed for tlie face and voice that were yet, “though lost to sight, to memory dearp” and the two nights just mentioned were devoted to satisfying these longings, pew men but Aaron Burr would ever have planned so clashing a loVe’-chas'e f feW'but he could have executed ft so neatly. , Prom his quarters on the Hudson he cbula see, fifteen miles Across the river, the’ hfllß that folded T6Vtngly around the widow’s beautiful home. wide river, covered with the enemy’s .Jtoata, mud a cpqutry infested by desperate pamfe of marauders. Love, however, ki utM.nff'iJfear, and, for Aarou Bucr to W taW® fee. queen of, his heart was sijnply—to see her. Choosing six sturdy and trusty soldiers—men devoted to their commander—hfe seiA them inf the evening to Wolfert’s Roost, the immortal Sunnyside of recent years. Here he had ordered a barge to be held in waiting against the time of his arrival; then; having satisfied htttfsclf thSt his regimental duties would be faithfully performed In his absence, lle ; leaped upon a fleet horse and dashed 4Way," early in the evening, fbr river: At headlong speed he rushed,up to the waiting gToup, sprang tp the ground, help’ed his men throw the horse, bind bis limbs, yariy the animal to feebarge, and lay him on the soft bed of furs and blankets. Not a word was spoken: the men. bent sturdily to the mtiffied oars, and in less than half an hour,

the silence still unbroken, the fiery horse was bearing WengCr rider from trie other, shore. Before midnight the beast was panting in the wMorw’k stables; and the rider was with his lady love. Two short hours of happiness, ana'again the night Was startWtf biftfofffitAiTnf'Mf thfe hlfftte’s fret. To the river, to the boat as before, and again the barge was stealing its way among Hie eheiny’o gunboats. c!o' vjron* derWl were'BAms powers for Maintaining secreevyhat imt one etfMv Ar’jJieWn who rowed the liArge knew the ojijcct or extent of hitreXpedltion. In this same year,' 1770, flfo nlari who was So often to cross Burr’s path, and at lgst to drag him down to tnfauir, wAs'soffering from the same delightful ijluessr. Alexander UainQton was in love with' Elizabetn, the daughter of Gen. Schuyler." The sturdy oi i General was -with' Washington at Morristown; the charming Dlady was with her fetlier, and Col. iton was on Washington’s staff. What a tine combination of circumstances!' Surely the gods were "propitious. The young and brilliant aide ue-oamp, relieved from the duties of the. day, was'hccnstopied to spend his evenings at Schuyler’s headquarters; having burr’s marvelous*concentration, hi* ability to throw his whole soul into both business and pleasure WjtHdnt detriment to either, he found,'one night, thkt (lie heart had overpowered the intellect, Arid brought him to a predicament. He liftd been . spending the evening in happiness, and, on reaching the lines on Ills return to quarters, received the usual Challenge: “ Who comes, there?!’ Hamilton stepped Up to the sentry, stopped, looked bewildered, drew his hand over his forehead, and made desperate efforts to marshal the truant words. In vain. “ Miss Schuyler" was- all he could think <ot| The angry sentinel stood in belligerent attitude, and the soldier-lover’s situation was growing desperate, when suddenly little feet elattered out of the darkness, and brought jjeJieh in,the person of a .son, of - Mrs- EwdriDt,whose Hitmam Washyigtan hudJiis-quaikerß, -Tlns.ihkle ‘ftllow wqs a > grqqt .Jayorite t.witb HawiU ton. who look tutu w.iih him on fris visits to Miss Schuyler; ~and (UJowedtJiiniJts. play aboift tlje villqge till, the,time.forte:: turning. This evening he h&d, copie off from Gen. Schuyler’s without the lad, ex-i pccting to find him on the way, as, sure, enough, he did, just in the nick of time. “Ah, Master Ford, is that ,y.QU?” he said; and then, taking ,the Jad aqnie, the Colonel whispered, softly,, . Give, me thq. countersign!’’ ■ 4 The next instant Hamilton confronted the sentinel with the magic, words, This poor fellow was far from being satisfied, and hardly knew what to do. He plainly recognized his superjoi officer, but he as plainly saw there, was something irregular about all this business and, concluding the Colonel wartesttflg his fidelity, he still kept' his bayonet fixed. Hamilton, much ‘arrhCyCd, exclaimed; ' ■ ‘ 1 ”, “I” tidvb igivetl" yCu^lJ« o 'bbfinfei'slgn j “why'do 'yca'not sftottiaifr xo&t-' MflskW?’ v ’ “WHMh’atdor 1 cfeKCd tWh'dhM mam" doubtfully. tnatemA “ It leillforthii tintef' said 1 H6litiß(bU; f “ let me i pass. ’* 'lit. • -4'U'-1 ”■ ’» : ” But it was the lover that answered, not' the officer.—Charles U. Woodman, in Appleion’t’Journal. ,• < -* < >