Sunset track, unafraid,
Straight through the blockade,
This jade
Of a harmless craft,
Packed full to her draught,
Fore and aft,
With powder and shot,
One day when, red hot
The British got
Their full share and more
Of this cargo, they swore,
With a roar,
At the trick she had played,
This "damned Yankee jade"
Who had run the blockade!
Nora Perry.
The abortive expedition against Rhode Island practically ended the war at the north, and for a time the scene of activity was transferred to the frontier. The Indians had naturally allied themselves with the British at the beginning of the war, and early in September, 1777, attacked Fort Henry, near Wheeling, but were beaten off after a desperate fight, during which the garrison was saved by the famous exploit of Elizabeth Zane.
[September, 1777]
Women are timid, cower and shrink
At show of danger, some folk think;
But men there are who for their lives
Dare not so far asperse their wives.
We let that pass—so much is clear,
Though little perils they may fear,
When greater perils men environ,
Then women show a front of iron;
And, gentle in their manner, they
Do bold things in a quiet way,
And so our wondering praise obtain,
As on a time did Betty Zane.