text:  The country seemed to improve--that is to get a little less Dutch in its level as we proceeded--and we finally reached the Hay with the determination of Barnaby's raven to bear a good heart at all events and take for our motto in all the ills of life "Never say die!--never say die!" The hotel had been taken by assault and was occupied in great force by a troop of dragoons on their march into Glo'stershire