The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1849-02-08
MATERNAL COURAGE.

MA ERNAL COURAGE.
We have rarely, if ever, met with more
striking example of maternal self devotion, UNI,
ted with singular presence of mind, than is offer.
ed by the following circumstance, which occur.
red two or three weeks ago in the state OF New
York. The extracts which we give are made
as will be perceived, from letter written nv
the heroic mother herself to friend few davs
after the event narrated had occurred.
Mrs.--, accompanied by her daughter d.
young girl about twelve years OF age, and soma
young children with their nurses, went to visit
cemetery. A tavorite dog, named Carlo, was
permitted to accompany them as escort, and the
little ones were amused with his gambols az he
ran and leaped by their side On reaching the
cemetery, Mrs and her daughter were
little in advance of the rest ofthe party.
when suddenly we were all arrested bv tho
most horrible yelDs from Carlo, who came pIung.
ing, writing, and foaming, furiousIy mad TIE
dog took circuit round, and as the shrieks went
forth from -, and -, "He is mad be
is mad" | echoed. eyes he is mad-run for
your livesr' In the same breath tore from NV
shoulders large heavy blanket shawl, as nv nm.
ly defence. Carlo Immediately made for Mary
who was running with all the speed possible -
| shrieked-"Mary, tits you he pursues. tnrn
quick as thought" At the same time. kent
nearly pace with the dog, and, as dear Marv
turned, | enveloped him completely with nv
shawl, winding the corners (Which | held in NV
hand for the purpose) closely round his neck -
1t was, OF course, only for one moment, | could
hold him, but every instant counted, and enabled
Mary to change her course, so that he was nm
able to pursue her in any direct line. But the
instant he escaped from me, he made directly for
her again, irothy foam issuing from his mouth
accompanied by that unearthly velp.
"The others had made their escape from the
cemetery. | We fnff
tend with, and protect my child against ravipg
mad dog Oh, who can imagine my fee Iinps -
Calm and perfectly SELF possessed remained.
giving directions increasingly to Mary who fol.
lowed them quicker than given. All the time
the dog was at full speed, save when muf1ed
him with the shawl. 1t was only by Mary's ma
king short turns and leaping upon palings that |
had all opportunity to wind it around him at all.
Several times ne SO nearly reached her as to raise
his paws TO spring up to the spot she occupied.
and each time strength and thought was given
me to cover him with the shawl and wind it
round his neck. Thus she escaped until aid was
sent. Even that, | fear would hay been loo late
had he not fallen in fit, from which he was new
er allowed to rise. His head was severed from
his body by the heavy blow OF an axe, given NV
a strong arm, while Mary stood directly over him,
upon high fence, whittier he pursued her.
'One week has passed, and last night was the
H's' ube nave oeeh aoIe TO shut out from nv
sight that furious dog, crashing his jaws, utter
ing those horrid yelps, and toaming thick froth
from his mouth, rushing after my poor child
In the midst of the horrors of the scene de-
scrlbed with such simplicity and vividness, how
touchlngly sublime appears mothers love
One word IN the remarkable presence of mind
here displayed. 1t is invaluable in the hour Of
danger. and who knows when that hour nav be
at hand The tmid and irresoute are in ,mmi.
nent peril themselves and entirely useless to 9th.
ers, while those who have learned to maintain a
control over their thoughts, and to preserve pres
ence OF mind, are often made the happy nstru-
ments OF saving those whom they love, from dam
ger and from death Christian Chronicle.