e of the most picturesque draperies
painted by nature.]

CHAPTER XI.

The dreadful din of war is heard
Wide spreading o'er the land and sea;
The battle's shout and cannon's roar
Proclaim the nation shall be free.

The nodding plumes, like waving pines,
Are shaken by the morning breeze;
The gilded armour brightly shines,
And patriots sigh for victories.

The tumults of a second war with Great Britain still increased, and was
not only exhausting the finances of the country, but called for a still
greater sacrifice--all the bravest American youth. A large army of
reinforcements was shortly expected from England to land on our shores,
and the confused noise of the warriors, with more vigorous and intrepid
combat, were already anticipated.

[_A&M_ (break in sequence):

.... and great numbers of American youth volunteered in the service
of their country. A large army of reinforcement was soon expected
from England, to land on our shores, and "the confused noise of the
warriors and garments rolled in blood," were already anticipated.]

Theodore had received a commission in a regiment of militia, and was
pressed by several young gentlemen of his acquaintance, who had enlisted
in the army, to join it also. He had an excuse: his father was a man in
extensive business, was considerably past the prime of life, had a
number of agents and clerks under him, but began to feel himself unable
to attend to the various and burthensome duties and demands of a
mercantile life. Theodore was his only son; his assistance, therefore,
became necessary, until, at least, his father could bring his business
to a close, which he was now about to effect.

[_A&M_:

Alonzo had received a commission in a regiment of militia, and was
pressed by several young gentlemen of his acquaintance, who had
entered the army, to join it also. He had an excuse--His father was
a man in extensive business, was considerably past the prime of
life, had a number of agents and clerks under him, but began to grow
unable to attend to the various and burthensome duties and demands
of a mercantile life.

Alonzo was his only son; his assistance therefore became necessary
until, at least, his father could bring his business to a close,
which he was now about to effect.]

Theodore stated these facts to his friends; told them that on every
occasion he should be ready to fly to the post of danger