Wheeling Times And Advertiser

From the Saratoga Sentinel
"BATTLE OF THE GROVE."

A day or two since I was witness in company with a friend to a most novel conflict. The spot occupied by the belligerents was Chancellor Walworth's grove, and regardless of the sanctity it possesses as the residence of a stern Champion of Law and Order, they waged most deadly combat—The belligerents themselves were two Robins vs. a Chipmunk. Being unable to ascertain the point of dispute from either of the parties, I conjecture that Chip. (who by the way was as gallant and noble looking fellow as can be imagined) had come from a distance to enjoy the fashionable season at the Springs, and knowing that his pretensions to respectability and importance would be measured by the elegance of his stopping place, forthwith selected the Chancellor's grove—which does indeed afford as luxurious accommodations to gents of his class as any similar place in Broadway.

Sauntering out a morning or two after his arrival for an adventure, he had not proceeded far ere he discovered a robin's nest. He had come to Saratoga for recreation—and was already flushed with feelings of importance, and desirous for frolic, to which, in his more humble sphere and sedate conduct at home he had been a stranger. The nest was perched in a sly place and the little "hungry expectants" within, were awaiting the return of the robins with food. By careful peeping over the edge of the nest, young Chip saw just how matters were. The whole four were his right by discovery—so yielding to his mischievous propensities, he gave them a slight stirring up with his paw, and was wonderfully amused to see the little fellows open their mouths so wide, for which as a partial recompense for their trouble, he tickled their throats with the same instrument with which he gave them the stirring up.

But at this stage of the proceedings Chip was interrupted that the "beaks" were upon him in reality. At first he gave them good battle—but this was an unrighteous cause. He had invaded domestic peace, wantonly injured helpless innocence, and the aggrieved party—the robins, without stopping "to file their bills at the Chancellor's office" poked their "fiery fancies" into his eyes and head with such effectual assiduity, as to make him retreat. But they were as quick on the wing as he was nimble on the foot. In vain he jumped from bough to bough—from tree to tree—in vain he implored the interposition of the Chancellor as the grand Arbitrator of disputes, or appealed to the "gods of the grove," or with momentary energy turned upon his assailants—from tree to tree they pursued him, till he was compelled to escape to the backwoods, vanquished, dishonored and where—though punished in such suitable manner for his mischievousness—he will undoubtedly congratulate himself, that his escape—technically and in the eye of the law—was a legal one. Thus terminated the "Battle of the Grove."

G.S.R.
Saratoga Springs, June 25, 1842.