yet be well; that, however, in the present state of
his mind, he thought a change of place and scene might be of advantage.
He said, moreover, that he no longer had an excuse, and that
circumstances now compelled him to join the army.

A sorrow unknown before seized upon the minds of his parents as Theodore
repeated these words. Sad and dreadful ideas crowded their imagination
at this gloomy period, when in the war's dread emergency they must risk
the life of an only son, to march to the field of battle. 'Tis true, he
might be again restored to them, but were there not a thousand chances
to one? They were overwhelmed with sorrow at these thoughts, till at
length they finally felt themselves obliged to consent to what they
considered his inevitable destiny, leaving the result of their united
wishes and prayers for his safe preservation to an over-ruling
Providence.

His father then offered him money he had on hand to defray his expenses.
Theodore refused, saying, his resources had not yet left him. He then
disposed of his horses and carriages, the insignia of his better days,
but now useless appendages.

After taking an affectionate leave of his parents, he set out the
ensuing day to join his companions on their route to meet the army,
which was far distant. When hostilities first commenced, Theodore had
said, that when it became actually necessary, and his father's affairs
were settled, he would enlist in the service of his country.
Nevertheless, he journeyed with a heavy heart and an enfeebled frame of
spirits, through disappointment, vexation, and fatigue. The scenes he
had so lately experienced moved in melancholy succession over his mind,
and his despondency had not abated, even in a small degree, when he
reached the army.

He now joined the forces under Colonel Van Renssalaer, "who, with a
detachment of about one thousand men, crossed the river Niagara, and
attacked the British on Queenstown heights. This detachment succeeded in
dislodging the enemy, but not being reinforced by the militia from the
American side, as was expected, they were ultimately repulsed, and
obliged to surrender. Eight hundred British soldiers now came to the aid
of the others, and pressed on to renew the attack. The Americans for a
time continued to struggle against this force, but were finally obliged
to surrender themselves prisoners of war."

The fate of war was hard for Theodore, on his first expedition. He was
taken, and carried a