Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/369

 DELAWARE COUNTY 845 those nuptial services, but there were hearts present that heat high with fond hopes and anticipations. Colonel Leavenworth was to leave immediately for Chippewa, Bridgewater, and Lundy's Lane, and thither Mrs. L., alias Harriet Lovejoy, was to accompany him ; and she shrank not from the trials and difficulties attending this undertaking. Early on the morning following their marriage, was the time appointed for their de- parture. Parents and friends breathed many a prayer for their safe return. Grood wishes for their success and prosperity, were tendered them, and the pangs of parting were rendered less acute in the hope of soon returning to their loved home ; yet, ere their departure, they were joined by four hundred and ' thirty brave men, the flower of Delaware county militia, who were to repair with Colonel Leavenworth, to the battle-field, to maintain the peace, rights, honor, prosperity and happiness of their own country ; to dispel the dark cloud that hung over a nation's destiny, and to perpetuate to future generations, the rich inheritance bequeathed them by their Revolutionary fathers^ — thus proving by their heroic deeds, that they were not de- generate scions of a noble stock. Many hardships and diffi- culties stared them in the face, sufficient to appal the stoutest heart; but their courage failed not, although exposed to the rigors of intense cold, and with barely provisions sufficient to sustain life. At length their journey is accomplished. They have reached the battle-ground — their feet are treading foreign land. II. " There are swift hours in life — .strong rushing hours. That do the work of tempests in their might." Let us draw aside the curtain. The battle has commenced. The veteran troops of Old England, and the hardy sons of