which dyed that fatal stream, has even now passed away; Yet your
deeds shall survive in the name which you have given it. And future
generations, when they look upon its calm and unstained bosom, will
remember with grateful hearts, those brave men who have given
security to their homes, and will bless your patriot names when
they repeat the story of Bloody Run.

"For this you have been proclaimed traitors to your country and
rebels to your king. Traitors to a country within whose borders the
Indian war whoop has been hushed by your exertions! Rebels to your
king for preserving Virginia, the brightest jewel in his crown,
from inevitable ruin! But though you have accomplished much, much
yet remains undone. Then nerve your stout hearts and gird on your
armour once more for the contest. Though your enemies are not to be
despised, they are not to be feared. _They_ fight as mercenaries
uninspired by the cause which they have espoused. _You_ battle for
freedom, for honor and for life. Your freedom is threatened by the
oppressions of a relentless tyrant and a subservient Assembly. Your
honor is assailed, for you are publicly branded as traitors. Your
lives are proscribed by those who have basely charged your
patriotism as treason, and your defence of your country as
rebellion. Be not dismayed with the numbers of your foes. Think
only that it is yours to lessen them. Remember that Peace can never
come to you, though you woo it never so sweetly. You must go to it,
even though your way thither lay through a sea of blood. You will
find me ever where danger is thickest. I will share your peril now
and your reward hereafter."

Inspired with new ardour, by the words and still more by the example of
their leader, the soldiers proceeded to the task of constructing a
breastwork for their defence. Bacon himself at imminent risk to his
person, drew with his own hands the line for the entrenchment, while the
soldiers prepared for themselves a secure defence from attack by a
breastwork composed of felled trees, earth, and brushwood. It was a
noble sight, I ween, to see these hardy patriots of the olden time,
nearly sinking under fatigue, yet working cheerfully and ardently in the
cause of freedom--to hear their axes ringing merrily through the still
night air, and the tall forest trees falling with a heavy crash,