Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1844-11-28

| ment in his power. In the evening
a courier arrived from Greene, inform
| ing Marion of Rawdon's movements,
and urging upon him redoubled activl-
ty. On the 18th, the British general
reached the country opposite Fort
Motto, and at night encamped on the
highest ground in his route, that his
fires might convey to the besieged the
certainty of his approach. The large
mansionin the centre of the trench left
but small part of the ground within
the works uncovered; burning the
house, therefore, must force them to a
surrender. The preparation of bows
and arrows with missive combustible
matter was Immediately commenced.
Lieutenant Colonel Lee and every of
fcerof his corps daily experienced the
most cheering and gratifying proofs of
the hospitality of the owner of the beau
tiful mansian doomed TO be thus de-
stroyed, whilst her politeness, her ten
derness, and her active benevolence
extended to the lowest in her ranks
The destruction Of pirate property was
al all times peculiarly distressing to the
two gallant commanders and these con-
siderations gave new edge to the bit
terness of the scene. But they were
ever ready to sacrifice their feelings to
their duty, and Lee forced himself to
make a respectable communication to
the lady respecting her destined loss.
When the intended measure was I'M
parted to her, the complacent smile
which settled on her features at once
dispelled the embarrassment of the ag-
itated officer, while she declared that
she joyfully gave her house to the good
Of her country, and should delight to
see it in flames. Shortly after, seeing
accidentally the bow and arrows which
had been prepared, she sent for Colo
mel Lee, and putting into his hands a
splendid bow and its apparatus, which
had been presented to her husband by
friend from India, begging his sub
stitution of them as probably better a.
dapted to the purpose than those pro
vided. Lee was delighted with this
opportune present, and quickly prepar-
ed to end the scene. The lines were,
all manned, the force at the battery
doubled, and DR.. Irwin was sent with.
last summons to surrender. Me-
Pherson listened patiently to his ex-
plantations, but remained infexibly fix;
ed in his determination of holding out
to the last. 1t was now midday of the
18th, and the scorching sun had pre-
pared the shingles for the confagration.
/ When Irwin returned, three arrows
were successfully fred at different
parts of the roof The first and third
kindled into blaze.
Mcpherson ordered party to repair
to the loft of the house and stop the
conhagration by knocking offthe shin
giles. But Capt. Finley's six-pounder
completely raked the loft; the soldiers
were driven down and the brave Brit
on hung out the big white flag and
surrendered Internationally. The
conquerers and the conquered soon after
appeared at Mrs. Notes, where, by
invitation, they partook together of a
sumptuous dinner, in full view Of the
smoking ruins-the unexpected polite
ness Of the patriotic lady soothing the
angry feelings which the contest had
engenGered, and obliterating from the
memory of the gallant wings the recol-
lection of the injuries she had avoida-
bly, sustained at their hands. When
Rawdon finally effected the passage of
the river, he found ruined post, and
parolled officers, the captors, having
divided their forces and moved off
Lee against Fort CRANKY, and Marion
to Georgetown.
We have seen in the possession of
George Bandcroft, ESQ.,. of Boston a
splendid miniature of Mrs. Motto. It'll
| is a noble countenance, Indicating
strong intellect, and that lofty frankness
and courtesy which were SO remarka
bly, displayed by her during that glorl-
Gus and heroic age ofour country when
American ladies were at once the
prompters and exemplars Of brilliant
deeds Of chiyalry.
A Chinese having been introduced
to an American who wore boots, re-
ported that the gentleman stood IN two
| little leather casks.
WOMAN VERSUS MAN.
Some leatherheaded scamp describes
woman as "a sign on which to hang
dry goods The ladies can retort byI
describing such slanderers as blocks
upon which tailors exhibit their skill.