THE BATTLE AT GREAT BRIDGE.
"News hath been brought that on the seventh, a battle was fought, and great victory was given to the colonists. But young Lionel Grandison and Hugh Spottswood of our township are among the wounded, and help in caring for the injured is called for.
"Doctor Hancocke goes in his wagon with drugs and potions, and so loud a lament made Mammy Leezer, the old colored nurse at Ingleside, begging to go and care for her 'chile,'—for so she calleth young Lionel,—that Doctor Hancocke will take her along with his medicines and bandages.
"Sir Percival also hopes she will soon be able to return with the young man in charge. He scarcely dareth to go himself to the scene of conflict, for feeling is bitter against the Tories. Lady Gabrielle hath taken to her room with cries of anger and sorrow at the news, and as for Rosamond Earlscourt, she hath servants, smelling-bottles, hot drinks, and all she can muster about the place attending on her, so loud is her grief.
"Beshrew me! but I would like to see were it only an ounce of common sense poured into her from some bottle or other!
"Now I go to get my camlet ready,"—a great cape like a cloak,—"and to roll up a blanket."
"Oh, please!"
Parson Kendall and his wife Matilda turned about to see Maid Sally standing with out-stretched hands, cheeks burning, eyes full of entreaty.
"Oh, please let me go! I will squeeze into Doctor Hancocke's wagon with Mammy Leezer, taking but little room. Very, oh, very sorely I have longed to do something that would help in these days. Let me wait on the wounded. I am strong and full of health, and almost a woman grown. I can twist a bandage, make a posset, mix a medicine, feed the sick. I prithee, let me go!"