Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/370

 346 HISTORY OP America, are in close contact. Onward they rush to the charge, with hearts burning for victory. Several times the American forces are driven back, and again they rally and rush upon the enemy, eager to obtain that which is dearer to them than life — their altars and their homes. Two horses are killed, on which Col. L. rode, and still he escapes uninjured. For- tune seems to smile on the efforts of the British troops ; but tins is not a damper on the spirits of the Americans. They know that their cause is 2i,just one, and they feel that the smiles of a righteous Providence will yet be theirs. They are seek- ing to retrieve their country's safety, that lay bleeding at every pore. Naught is heard but the clashing of arms, the roar of artil- lery, and the groans of the wounded and dying. The fate of the day is decided — the British troops are routed — the Ame- rican flag floats in triumph over the battle-field. Dearly was this victory purchased, for the bravest troops are slain, and only a handful of men are left, to relate the horrors of the day. Among the number of wounded, is Colonel Leavenworth. Now the assistance of a wife is requisite ; and faithfully Mrs. Leavenworth performed her task : tenderly she watched over her husband, administering everything necessary for his com- fort, through those long days and nights of pain and anguish ; yet her attention was not confined to her husband alone. Like an angel of mercy sent to bless mankind, she visited the sick and dying soldiers, performing all those acts of kindness, — springing from a heart formed of benevolence and love — that were necessary to alleviate their distress, to comfort them in their afilictions, and pour the balm of consolation on their stricken hearts. 0 woman, kind an'ft tender-hearted ! Thou hast a heart to feel for others' woes and sorrows. Thou canst dispense bless- ings and happiness, that will cause the faint and weary heart to revive, like the parched and withered plant after the gentle