Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/377

 DELAWARE COUNTY. 353 husband's arms. " Harriet, you have come at last;'' was all that Colonel L. could utter; and taking his child, he pressed it to his bosom, while tears of heartfelt joy coursed down his manly cheeks, that were never moistened in the din of battle. Here it would be well to remark, that Mrs. L. was the first white woman who had crossed this trackless forest, or these extended and delightful prairies; emphatically termed Na- ture's flower garden. The trio were happy, for after many lonely and wearisome days, they were permitted to meet again. The savages gazed on the scene in mute astonishment. Day after day sped rapidly by, and still there was happiness. A few years passed, and Colonel L. was sent by government, 1100 miles farther south. Thither his wife and children accompanied him, where they arrived in safety. V. " I miss the warm clasp of thy hand, And thy warm breath on my cheek, And I still keep' listening for the words That you never more may speak." A few months passed after their arrival at Cross Timbers, and Colonel L. was taken sick with a fever incident to the cli- mate. With all the care and solicitude of a kind and tender wife, she watched over him day and night with untiring zeal, barely allowing herself time for a moment's repose, and minis- tering to all his wants ; yea, anticipating them, and consoling him with the reflection that he would once more return to his far distant home." Alas ! Death loves a shining prize, and marked him for his victim. The truth became manifest to himself, and those around, that he must die. But how agonizing the thought, that he must leave his wife and chil- 30*