panic and general bustle which prevailed at
this time, will yet be remembered by many." These circumstances were not
calculated to impress the mind of Alida with the most pleasant
sensations. She foresaw that the burden of the war must rest on the
American youth, and she trembled in anticipation for the fate of
Theodore. He, with others, should it continue, must take the field in
defence of his country. The effects of such a separation were dubious
and gloomy. Theodore and herself frequently discoursed on the subject,
and they agreed to form the mystic union previous to any wide
separation.

[_A&M_:

The troubles which gave rise to the disseveration of England from
America had already commenced, which broke out the ensuing spring
into actual hostilities, by the battle at Lexington, followed soon
after by the battle at Bunker Hill. The panic and general bustle
which took place in America on these events, is yet well remembered
by many. They were not calculated to impress the mind of Melissa
with the most pleasing sensations. She foresaw that the burden of
the war must rest on the American youth, and she trembled in
anticipation for the fate of Alonzo. He, with others, should the war
continue, must take the field, in defence of his country. The
effects of such a separation were dubious and gloomy. Alonzo and she
frequently discoursed, and they agreed to form the mystic union
previous to any wide separation.]

[[The phrase "actual hostilities" was used earlier.]]

One event tended to hasten this resolution: The attorney in
whose office Theodore was engaged received a commission in the
new-raised American army, and marched to the lines near Boston. His
business was therefore suspended, and Theodore returned to the house of
his father. He considered that he could not remain long a mere spectator
of the contest, and that it might soon become his duty to take the
field, therefore concluded to hasten his marriage with Alida. She
consented to the proposition, and their parents made the necessary
arrangements for the event.

[_A&M_:

One event tended to hasten this resolution. The attorney in whose
office Alonzo was clerk, received a commission in the new raised
American army, and marched to the lines near Boston. His business
was therefore suspended, and Alonzo returned to the house of his
father. He considered that he could not long remain a mere spectator
of the contes