The Hidden Children | Page 2

publication of "The Hidden Children" the author
received the following interesting letters relating to the authorship of
the patriotic verses quoted in Chapter X., These letters are published
herewith for the general reader as well as for students of American
history.
R. W. C.
149 WEST EIGHTY-EIGHTH STREET,
NEW YORK CITY.
MRS. HELEN DODGE KNEELAND:
DEAR MADAM: Some time ago I accidentally came across the verses
written by Samuel Dodge and used by R. W. Chambers in story
"Hidden Children." I wrote to him, inviting him to come and look at the
original manuscript, which has come down to me from my mother,
whose maiden name was Helen Dodge Cocks, a great-granddaughter of
Samuel Dodge, of Poughkeepsie, the author of them.
So far Mr. Chambers has not come, but he answered my note, inclosing

your note to him. I have written to him, suggesting that he insert a
footnote giving the authorship of the verses, that it would gratify the
descendants of Samuel Dodge, as well as be a tribute to a patriotic
citizen.
These verses have been published a number of times. About three years
ago by chance I read them in the December National Magazine, p. 247
(Boston), entitled "A Revolutionary Puzzle," and stating that the author
was unknown. Considering it my duty to place the honor where it
belonged, I wrote to the editor, giving the facts, which he courteously
published in the September number, 1911, p. 876.
Should you be in New York any time, I will take pleasure in showing
you the original manuscripts.
Very truly yours,
ROBERT S. MORRIS, M.D.
MR. ROBERT CHAMBERS,
New York.
DEAR SIR: I have not replied to your gracious letter, as I relied upon
Dr. Morris to prove to you the authorship of the verses you used in
your story of "The Hidden Children." I now inclose a letter from him,
hoping that you will carry out his suggestion. Is it asking too much for
you to insert a footnote in the next magazine or in the story when it
comes out in book form? I think with Dr. Morris that this should be
done as a "tribute to a patriotic citizen."
Trusting that you will appreciate the interest we have shown in this
matter, I am
Sincerely yours,
HELEN DODGE KNEELAND.
May 21st, 1914.

Ann Arbor, Michigan.
MRS. FRANK G. KNEELAND,
727 E. University Avenue.
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________
THE LONG HOUSE
"Onenh jatthondek sewarih-wisa-anongh-kwe kaya-renh-kowah!
Onenh wa-karigh-wa-kayon-ne. Onenh ne okne joska-wayendon.
Yetsi-siwan-enyadanion ne Sewari-wisa-anonqueh."
"Now listen, ye who established the Great League! Now it has become
old. Now there is nothing but wilderness. Ye are in your graves who
established it."
"At the Wood's Edge."
_________________________________________________________
________
NENE KARENNA
When the West kindles red and low, Across the sunset's sombre glow,
The black crows fly-- the black crows fly! High pines are swaying to
and fro In evil winds that blow and blow. The stealthy dusk draws
nigh-- draws nigh, Till the sly sun at last goes down, And shadows fall
on Catharines-town.
Oswaya swaying to and fro.
By the Dark Empire's Western gate Eight stately, painted Sachems wait
For Amochol-- for Amochol! Hazel and samphire consecrate The
magic blaze that burns like Hate, While the deep witch-drums roll-- and
roll. Sorceress, shake thy dark hair down! The Red Priest comes from
Catharines-town.
Ha-ai! Karenna! Fate is Fate.

Now let the Giants clothed in stone Stalk from Biskoonah; while, new
grown, The Severed Heads fly high-- fly high! White-throat,
White-throat, thy doom is known! O Blazing Soul that soars alone Like
a Swift Arrow to the sky, High winging-- fling thy Wampum down,
Lest the sky fall on Catharines-town.
White-throat, White-throat, thy course is flown.
R. W. C.
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CHAPTER I
THE BEDFORD ROAD
In the middle of the Bedford Road we three drew bridle. Boyd lounged
in his reeking saddle, gazing at the tavern and at what remained of the
tavern sign, which seemed to have been a new one, yet now dangled
mournfully by one hinge, shot to splinters.
The freshly painted house itself, marred with buckshot, bore dignified
witness to the violence done it. A few glazed windows still remained
unbroken; the remainder had been filled with blue paper such as comes
wrapped about a sugar cone, so that the misused house seemed to be
watching us out of patched and battered eyes.
It was evident, too, that a fire had been wantonly set at the northeast
angle of the house, where sill and siding were deeply charred from
baseboard to eaves.
Nor had this same fire happened very long since, for under the eaves
white-faced hornets were still hard at work repairing their partly
scorched nest. And I silently pointed them out to Lieutenant Boyd.
"Also," he nodded, "I can still smell the smoky wood. The damage is
fresh enough.