THE WOUNDED BRITISH OFFICER

During the action at Stono, Lieutenant Parham, the adjutant of the light infantry, was stationed by Major Pinckney in the rear of the continentals, purposely to keep the men in their stations, and prevent the possibility of skulkers falling behind. As he passed over the field of battle, a British officer, desperately wounded, pressed him so earnestly to afford him a drink of water, to slake consuming thirst. That to refuse was deemed impossible, and the request was complied with.

The British officer, now presenting an elegant watch, said, --"Take it, sir, 'tis yours by conquest; your generous procedure, too, give you still greater title to it." "I came into the field," said Parham, "to fight, and not to plunder; it give me pleasure to have rendered you service: I ask no other recompense."

"Keep it for me then, in trust," rejoined the officer, "till we meet again, for if left in my hands, it may be wrested from me by some marauder, who, to secure silence, may inflict death." "I will accede to your wishes, and take charge of it," said Parham, "but, as soon as an opportunity occurs, I will consider it a sacred duty to return it."

A very considerable period elapsed before a second meeting took place; but, in strict conformity to his honorable feeling and voluntary promise, Parham no sooner found himself within reach of the man to whom he had pledge the restitution of his property, than he waited upon him, presented the watch, and was greeted with an expression of grateful commendation, that amply rewarded his correct and liberal conduct.

LAMENTING THE LOSS OF A HAT

At the battle of Eutaw, when General Marion's brigade was displaying in face of the enemy, Captain Gee, who commanded the front platoon, was shot down, and supposed to be mortally wounded. The ball passed through the cock of a handsome hat that he had recently procured, tearing the crown very much, and, in its progress, the head also. He lay for a considerable time insensible; the greater part of the day had passed without a favorable symptom; when, suddenly reviving, his first inquiry was after his beaver, which being brought him, a friend at the same time lamenting the mangled state of his head, he exclaimed --"O never think of the head; time and the doctor will put that to rights; but it grieves me to think that the rascals have ruined my hat forever."

THE STUTTERING COLONEL

Colonel Peter Horry was a descendant of one of the many Protestant families who removed to Carolina from France, after the revocation of the edict of Nantz. He early took up arms in defence of his country, and through all the trials of peril and privation, experienced by Marion's brigade, gave ample proof of his strict integrity and undaunted courage. The fame which he acquired, as one of the band of heroes who defended the post at Sullivan's Island, was never tarnished. For although in a moment of despondency he once said to his general --"I fear our happy days are all gone by:" it was not the consequences that might accrue to himself, but the miseries apprehended for his country, that earned the exclamation, for never were his principles shaken --never, even for a moment, did the thought of submission enter his bosom. No man more eagerly sought the foe; none braved danger with greater intrepidity, or more strenuously endeavored to sustain the military reputation of his country.

A ludicrous story is told of him, that though probably varied in the narration, has its foundation in truth. Colonel Horry was once ordered to wait the approach of a British detachment in ambuscade; a service he performed with such skill, that he had them completely within his power, when , from a dreadful impediment in his speech, by which he was afflicted, he could not articulate the word --"fire."

In vain, he made the attempt --it was, "fi, fi, fi, fi," -- but he could get no further. At length, irritated, almost to madness, he exclaimed --"Shoot, d--n you -- shoot, --you know very well what I would say, --shoot, shoot--;' accompanying the words with an oath. He was present in every engagement of consequence, and on all occasions increased his reputation. At Quimby, Colonel Baxter, a gallant soldier, possessed of great coolness, and still greater simplicity of character, calling out, "I am wounded, colonel!" Horry replied--"Think no more of it, Baxter, but stand to your post." "But I can't stand colonel --I am wounded a second time!" "Then lie down, Baxter, but quit not your post." 'Colonel," cried the wounded man. "They have shot me again, and if I remain any longer here, I shall be shot to pieces." "Be it so, Baxter, but stir not." He obeyed the order and actually received a fourth wound before the engagement ended.

FIGHTING ON MY OWN HOOK

At the battle of Yorktown, while the aids of the American chief were issuing his orders along the line, a man was discovered a short distance from it, who presented rather a grotesque appearance, being dressed in the coarse common cloth worn at the time by the lower orders in the back country, with an otter-cap, the shape of which very much resembled the steeple of a meeting-house, and a broad leather apron. His equipments consisted of a small woodchuck's skin, sewed together in the form of a bag and partly filled with powder, and an old rusty gun, which measured about seven feet eight inches from the muzzle to the end of the breech, and which had probably lain in the smoke ever since the landing of the pilgrims. One of the aids passing him in the course of his rounds, inquired of him to what regiment he belonged.

I belong to no regiment," said the fellow, after he had fired his "long carbine." A few moments after the officer rode by again; but seeing the fellow very busy, and sweating with exertion, he once more inquired to what regiment he belonged. "To no regiment," was the answer; the speaker at the time levelled his piece at a "red-coat" who was preparing to fire, but who dropped dead before he had half raised his gun. "To what company do you belong?" "To no company." -- "To what battalion." --"Then where the de--l do you belong, or whom are you fighting for?" "Dang you," said the fellow, "I don't belong anywhere, I am fighting on my own hook!"

HONESTY OF LEVINGSTONE

A soldier of General Marion's brigade, named Levingstone, an Irishman by birth, meeting with an armed party, on a night profoundly dark, suddenly found a horseman's pistol, applied to his breast, and heard the imperious command --Declare, instantaneously, to what party you belong, or you are a dead man." The situation being such as to render it highly probable that it might be a British party, he very calmly relied, "I think, sir, it would be a little more in the way of civility if you were to drop a hint, just to let me know which side of the question you are pleased to favor." "No jesting," replied the speaker, "declare your principles, or die." "Then --" rejoined Levingstone," I will not die with a lie in my mouth. American to extremity, you spalpeen; so do your worst and ----to you." "You are an honest fellow," said the inquirer; "we are friends, and I rejoice to meet a man faithful as you are to the cause of our country."

AN UNINVITED GUEST

During the siege of Yorktown, Baron de Steuben, giving a breakfast to several of the field-officers of the army, in the course of the entertainment, while festivity was at its height, and in anticipation of the honors which awaited them, mirth and good-humor abounded, a shell from the enemy fell into the centre of the circle, formed by his guests. There was no time for retreat; to fall prostrate on the earth afforded the only chance of escape. Every individual stretched himself at his length. The shell burst with tremendous explosion, covering the whole party with mud and dirt, which proved rather a source of merriment than serious concern, since none of the party sustained any further inconvenience.

GOOD FEELINGS OF WASHINGTON

Washington was never known to injure intentionally the feelings of any person, no matter whether his friend or his most hostile enemy. In illustration of this trait, an incident may be related, referring to the surrender at Yorktown. While the continental troops were preparing to receive the British who were to march forth from the garrison, and deliver up their arms. Washington was heard to remark to the troops --"My brave fellows let no sensation of satisfaction for the triumph you have gained, induce you to insult your fallen enemy --let no shouting, no clamorous hazzaing increase their mortification. It is sufficient satisfaction to us, that we witness their humiliation. Posterity will huzza for us."

SIR GUY CARLETON

While the gallant defence of Quebec, by General Carlton, envinced the excellence of his military talents, and his liberal treatment of the vanquished did honor to his humanity, particular credit is due to him, for his skillful management even of the prejudices of the troops under his command. Apprehending, during the protracted siege, that the return of St. Patrick's Day would occasion the soldiers of the garrison, chiefly Irishmen, to indulge too freely in generous libations to the memory of the patron saint of Erin; and that his vigilant adversary would profit by their intemperance to attack the town; in orders, issued on the 15th of March, he invited "all true Irishmen to meet him on the following day, at 12 o'clock on parade, to drink the health of the king. St Patrick's Day being, for that year only, put off till the 4th of June." An Irishman himself, and highly honored by all who served under him, his proposition was applauded, and perfect sobriety reigned where, according to all former experience, riot and disorder alone were to be looked for.

INHUMANITY OF TARLETON

From the vicinity of Rocky Mount, an almost beardless youth, of the name of Wade, was seduced to enrol himself in the ranks of Tarleton's Legion. Repentance quickly followed his departure from duty; and he deserted with the hope of rejoining his family and friends. Fate forbade it. He was taken tried, and sentenced to receive A THOUSAND LASHES. It is scarcely necessary to relate the sequel. He expired under the infliction of the punishment

YANKEE CAPTAIN

Till the last hour that the British kept possession of New York, independent of custom-house forms, they obliged the captains of American vessels, bringing in articles for sale, to dance attendance, in many instances, for days together, seeking passports, to prevent detention by the guard-ships. An unfortunate Yankee who had sold his notions, and was impatient to depart, having been repeatedly put off with frivolous excuses, and bid to "call again," indignantly exclaimed, "Well, I vow, for a beaten people, you are the most saucy that I ever met with." "Make out that fellow's passport immediately,' said the superintendent to an officiating clerk, "and get rid of him."

AMERICAN AIR-GUNS

Some British officers, soon after Gage's arrival in Boston, walking on Beacon Hill after sunset, were affrighted by noises in the air, (supposed to be flying bugs and beetles.) which they took to be the sound of bullets. They left the hill with great precipitation, spread the alarm in their encampment, and wrote terrible accounts to England of being shot at with air-guns, as appeared by their letters, extracts of which were soon published in London papers. Indeed, for some time they really believed that the Americans possessed a kind of magic white powder, which exploded and killed without a report.

In that much celebrated and admirable poem of the day, M'Fingal, the circumstance is thus satirized: No more the British colonel runs From whizzing beetles as air guns; Thinks horn-bugs, bullets, or thro' fears Moshetoes takes for musketeers; Nor 'escapes, as if you'd gained supplies From Beelzebub's whole host of flies. No bug these warlike hearts appals; They better know the sound of balls.

LAFAYETTE AND CORNWALLIS

For some months previous to the capture of Cornwallis and while his army were traversing the Carolinas and Virginia, he was opposed by the Marquis de La Fayette, with an inferior force. So confident was he of success, and so much did he despise the extreme youth of La Fayette, that he unguardedly wrote, in a letter, which was afterwards intercepted, "The boy cannot escape me."

He once formed the plan of surprising the Marquis, who was on the same side of James river with himself; but was prevented by the following incident. General La Fayette, wishing to ascertain the particular situation of his opponent, contrived to send a spy into his camp to obtain intelligence. Having reached the British camp, the spy was soon introduced to his lordship, who inquired the reason of his deserting the American army. Charles Morgan artfully replied, "I have been in the continental service from the beginning; and while under Washington, I was well satisfied; but being now commanded by a Frenchman, I am dissatisfied, and have quitted their service."

Lord Cornwallis commended his conduct; and Charley, without suspicion, entered upon the double duties of an English soldier and an American spy. While in conversation with his officers, Lord Cornwallis asked Charley how long it would take the Marquuis to cross James river. Pausing a moment, he replied, "Three hours, my lord.' "Three hours! "Exclaimed his lordship --"it will take three days." "No, my lord," said Charley, "the Marquis has such a number of boats, and each boat will carry so many men. If you will please to calculate, you will find that he can cross in three hours." His lordship, turning to his officers, said, "The scheme will not do."

After obtaining the necessary information, Morgan prepared to return to the American camp; and he prevailed on seven British soldiers to desert with him.

"Well, Charley, have you got back!" Said the Marquis, when he returned to head-quarters.

"Yes, please your Excellency; and I have brought seven men with me.

The Major-general offered to reward him, but he refused one; and when it was proposed to promote him to the rank of sergeant, or Corporal, he replied, "I have ability to discharge the duties of a common soldier, and my character stands fair; but should I be promoted, I may fail and lose my reputation." He, however, requested that his destitute comrades, who came with him, might be furnished with shoes and clothing; which was very readily complied with.

WIT OF A NEGRO

When the count D'Estaing's fleet appeared near the British batteries, in the harbor of Rhode Island, a severe cannonade was commenced, and several shot passed through the houses in town, and occasioned great consternation among the inhabitants. A shot passed through the door of Mrs. Mason's house just above the floor. The family were alarmed, not knowing where to flee for safety. A negro man ran and sat himself down very composedly, with his back against the shot-hole in the door; and being asked by young Mr. Mason why he chose that situation, he replied, "Massa, you never know two bullet go in one place."

CIVILITY OF WASHINGTON

At the commencement of the revolutionary war, there lived at East Windsor a farmer of the name of Jacob Munsell, aged forty-five years. After the communication by water between that part of the country and Boston was interrupted, by the possession of Boston harbor by the British fleet, Munsell was often employed to transport provisions by land, to our army lying in the neighborhood of Boston. In the summer of 1775, while thus employed, he arrived within a few miles of the camp, at Cambridge, with a large load, drawn by a stout ox team. In a part of the road which was somewhat rough, and where the travelled pathway was narrow, he met two carriages in each of which was an American general officer. The officer in the forward carriage, when near to Munsell, put his head out of the window, and called to him in authoritative tone --"D--n you, get out of the path." Munsell immediately retorted --"D--n you, I won't get out of the path --get out yourself." After some vain attempts to prevail on Munsell to turn out, the officer's carriage turned out, and Munsell kept the path. The other carriage immediately came up, having been within hearing distance of what had passed; and the officer within it put his head out of the window, and said to Munsell --"My friend, the road is bad, and it is very difficult for me turn out; will you be so good as to turn out and let me pass?" "With all my heart, sir," said Munsell; but I wont be d----d out of the path by man." This last officer was General Washington.

MATERIAL TENDERNESS

The superiority to all selfish consideration which characterizes material tenderness, has often elevated the conduct of women in low life, and perhaps never appeared more admirable than in the wife of a soldier of the 55th regiment, in America, during the campaign of 1777. Sitting in a tent with her husband at breakfast, a bomb entered, and fell between them and a bed where their infant lay asleep. The mother begged her spouse would go around the bomb, before it exploded, and take away the child, as his dress would allow him to pass the narrow space between dreadful messenger of destruction and the bed.

He refused, and left the tent, calling to his wife to hasten away, as in less than a minute the fuse would communicate to the great combustibles. The poor woman, absorbing all care in anxiety to save her child, tucked up her garments to guard against touching the bomb, snatched the unconscious innocent, and was hardly out of reach, when all the murderous materials were scattered around. Major C-----, of the 55th regiment, hearing of this action, distinguished the heroine with every mark of favor. She survived many years to lament his fate at fort Montgomery , in the following month of October.

A MISTAKE ON SUNDAY

The Rev. Mr. Parker, of Provincetown, had been for years in the habit of praying for the British government; but at the eventful period of the American revolution, he, together with most other clergymen of that time, was zealously opposed to the oppressive measures of England; however, by a strange absence of mind, he, one Sabbath, long after America had been declared independent, continued his usual prayer, "We beseech thee to bless the king, the queen, and all the royal family." --then pausing, with evident embarrassment and vexation, he added, "Pshaw! Pshaw! It was the continental congress I meant."

DR. FRANKLIN IN CONGRESS

When the Declaration of Independence was under the consideration of Congress, there were two or three unlucky expressions in it, which gave offence to some members. The words, "Scotch and other auxiliaries," excited the ire of a gentleman or two of that country. Severe strictures on the conduct of the British king, in negativing our repeated repeals of the law which permitted the importation of slaves, were disapproved by some southern gentlemen, whose reflections were not yet matured in the full abhorrence of that traffic. Although the offensive expressions were immediately yielded, those gentlemen continued their depredations on other parts of the instrument. I was sitting by Dr. Franklin who perceived that I was not insensible to the mutilations.

I have made it a rule, said he, whenever it is in my power, to avoid becoming the draughtsman of papers to be reviewed by a public body. I took my lesson from an incident which I will relate to you. When I was a journeyman printer, one of my companions, the apprentice hatter, having served his time, was about to open shop for himself.

His first concern was to have a handsome signboard, with a proper inscription. He composed it in these words :--'John Thompson. Hatter, makes and sells hats for ready money.' With the figure of a hat subjoined. But he though he would submit it to his friends for their amendments. The first he showed it to, thought the words 'hatter' tautologous, because followed by the words 'makes hats' which showed he was hatter. --It was struck out. The next observed that the word 'makes' might as well be omitted, because his customers would not care who made the hats; --if good and to their mind, they would buy, by whomsoever made. He struck it out. A third said he thought the words 'for ready money' were useless, as it was not the custom of the place to sell on credit --every one who purchased expected to pay. They were parted with and the inscription now stood, 'John Thompson sells hats.' Sells hats! Says his next friend; why , nobody will expect you to give them away. What then is the use of that word? It was stricken out, and 'hats' followed it, the rather as theirs was one painted on the board; so his inscription was reduced ultimately to 'John Thompson' with the figure of a hat subjoined."

MAGNANIMITY OF BARON DE STEUBEN

After the capture at Yorktown, the superior officers of the American army, together with their allies, vied with each other in acts of civility and attention to the captive Britons. Entertainments were given by all the major-generals, except Baron Steuben. He was above prejudice or meanness; but poverty prevented him from displaying that liberality towards them, which had been shown by others. Such was his situation, when calling on Colonel Stewart, and informing him of his intention to entertain Lord Cornwallis, he requested that he would advance him a sum of money as the price of his favorite charger. " 'Tis a good beast," said the Baron, "and has proved a faithful servant through all the dangers of the war; but, though painful to my heart, we must part." Colonel Stewart immediately tendered his purse, recommending the sale or pledge of his watch, should the sum it contained prove insufficient. "My dear friend," replied the Baron, " 'tis already sold. Poor North was sick, and wanted necessaries. He is a brave fellow, and possesses the best of hearts. The trifle it brought is set apart for his use. My horse must go; so no more, I beseech you, to turn me from my purpose. I am a major-general in the service of the United States; and my private convenience must not be put in a scale with the duty which my rank imperiously calls upon me to perform."

PATRIOTIC SCHOOL BOYS

In November, 1776, the general court ordered four brass cannon to be purchased for the use of the artillery companies in Boston. Two of these guns were kept in a gun-house that stood opposite the Mall, at the corner of West-street. A school-house was the next building, and a yard enclosed with a high fence was common to both. Major Paddock, who then commanded the company, having been heard to express his intention of surrendering these guns to the British army, a few individuals resolved to secure for the country a property which belonged to it, and which in the emergency of the times, had an importance very disproportionate to its intrinsic value.

Having concerted their plan, the party passed through the school-house into the gun-house, and were able to open the doors which were upon the yard, by a small crevice, through which they raised the bar that secured them. The moment for the execution of the project was that of the roll-call, when the sentinel, who was stationed at one door of the building, would be less likely to hear their operations.

The guns were taken off their carriages, carried into the school-room, and placed in a large box, under the master's desk, in which wood was kept. Immediately after the roll call, a lieutenant and sergeant came into the gun-house to look at the cannon, previously to removing them. A young man, who had assisted in their removal, remained by the building, and followed the officer in, as an innocent spectator. When the carriages were found without the guns, the sergeant exclaimed, with an oath, in true soldier phraseology, "These fellows would steel the teeth out of your head, while you're keeping guard." They then began to search the building for them, and afterwards the yard; and when they came to the gate that opened into the street, the officers observed that they could not have passed that way, because a cobweb across the opening was not broken They next went into the school-house, which they examined all over, except the box, on which the master placed his foot, which was lame; and the officer, with true courtesy, on that account excused him from rising. Several boys were present, but no one lisped a word. The British officers soon went back to the gun-house, and gave up the pursuit in vexation. The guns remained in that box for a fortnight, and many of the boys were acquainted with the fact, but not one of them betrayed the secret. At the end of that time, the person who had withdrawn them, came in the evening with a large trunk on a wheel barrow; the guns were put into it and carried up to a blacksmith's shop at the south-end, and there deposited under the coal. After lying there for a while, they were put into a boat in the night, and safely transported within the American lines.

AN UNNECESSARY ALARM

A sentinel on the banks of Ashley river, opposite to Dorchester, perceiving a "red-coat" moving through the brush-wood on the other shore, gave the alarm that the enemy were without their lines. This being communicated to Lieut. Colonel Laurens, a troop of dragoons, and a company of infantry of the legion, were ordered to cross the river and reconnoitre. But the rapidity of the stream determined Captain O'Neil, who commanded, to wait until a boat which had been sent for should arrive.

In the interim, Laurens galloped up, and demanded, with warmth, "Why this halt, captain --were not orders given to cross?" "Yes, colonel, but look at the current, and judge if it be practicable." "This is no time for argument," rejoined Laurens. "You who are brave men, follow me." Saying this he plunged into the river, but was instantaneously obliged to quit his horse, and it was with extreme difficulty that he was enabled to reach the opposite shore.

O'Neil, than whom a braver man did not exist, highly indignant at the speech of Laurens, replied, "You shall see, sir that there are men here as courageous as yourself," and at the head of his troop entered the river. Now, all was tumult and confusion, for although no lives were lost, several of the m en were so nearly drowned, that it became necessary to use every means to make them disgorge the water they had swallowed; and all were so much exhausted, that a temporary halt was indispensably needful.

The infantry, by the aid of a plank, and large doors torn from a neighboring warehouse, passed over with less difficulty. During the mean time, Laurens, attended by Messrs. Ralph and Walter Izard and Mr. Wainwright, who ever accompanied him as aids, hastened to the spot, where the British regimental had been seen. It was then found that a military coat had been hung up in a tree by a soldier who had been whipped and drummed out of the 64th regiment, for drunkenness, and whose lacerated back could admit of no coverings.

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