The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1850-05-09
Katharine of Russia.

ly fell the snow flakes; but darker wer
the prospects, and HEAVIER was the hear
of the poor Livonian, as he reached tn,
skirts of the dense forest surroundin.
the town of Marienburg. Misfortune
had compelled the indignant peasant t
sever the endearing relations that bount
him to his native village, to bid a tina
adieu to the scenes Of his early days, t
abandon his favorite haunts of sacret
memory, and seek among strangers tina
which was denied him in the midst of hi:
( friends. c
Accompanied by his first born, q
sprightly youth Of fourteen, and bearing
ln his weary arms tender infant, the
express image Of her whom he had late
ly consigned to the silent tomb, he had
well nigh completed faithful journey
through bleak and inhospital region
A violent storm Of snow and wind, (pe-
culiar to that dreary country fiercely
ragged, bearing destruction and desola-
tion in its progress. and producing ter
ror in the minds of the unsheltered wan
derers. Overcome by the severity OF
the cold, and unable longer to sustain
his precious charge, he carefully depos-
tied it upon bed of snow, and went in
quest of assistance and kind retreat
from the bowling storm. But he return
ed not again. The early dawn had dis
covered frozen corpse to the astonish-
ed tenants of an obscure cottage in the
outskirts of the quiet village.
Good God! what do | hear:' ejacu-
lated the pious minister, Skovrouski. as
its subdued cries of distress, falling up
on his eager ear. during a temporary
cessation Of the storm, attracted his at
tention to the frozen embarkment upon
which rested the deserted infant. He
hesitated not to reflect upon the cruel
misfortune that had bereft the infant of
parental protection; nor did he waste
time in the fruitless endeavor of discov-
ing those who had abandoned their Off
spring to the peltings of the storm. But,
content to acknowledge the mysterious
agency OF Him who doeth all things
WE'LL and 'heareth the young ravens
when they cry he fled with winged foot
steps to its rescue. Wrapping it in his
ample cloak, he hastened to reach his
humble home, that he might minister to
its relief ere the spirit had fed to that
undiscovered country from whose bourne
no traveller returns. Arrived at the
peaceful cot, he consigned his tender
charge to the care of his kind hearted
housekeeper, and again sailed forth in
search Of other objects for his benevo-
lence. He had not proceeded far be-
fore his attention was called to the mel
ancholy scene before noticed.
Papers were found upon the unfortu-
nate stranger which induced the good
minister to believe that he was the pa
rent Of the infant which he had rescued
from the ruthless elements Of the night
before; and no sooner was he impressed
with the idea, than the resolution was
taken to adopt the tender babe as his
own daughter. and to bring it up in the
path of duty, and in the nurture and ad-
monition of the Lord Ordering, that
the last tribute of respect be paid to the
remains, according TO the rites of the
Greek Church, he took charge of its
effects, for the benefit of his youthful
protege.
Years passed away, and under the
affectionate care and protection of the
good pastor and his benevolent COM
panion. Katharine, (for such she was
named by her foster parents, increased
not only in personal beauty and lowell
ness, but as she grew in years, devel-
oped those peculiar graces and DISPOSE
tions which become an amiable and
grateful daughter. And soon she was
enabled, by assiduous attentions to the
wants of their declining years, to testify
her appreciation of their self sacrificing
devotion to her youthful days.
The Car of Russia, not content with
his widely extended dominions, and de-
sirous of the conquest and annexation of
the province Of Livonia, had already
marched his forces upon its chief city.
Katharine had attained her thirteenth
year when his formidable cannon an
nounced to the inofensive inhabitants
the bombardment Of their quiet town.
With view to her safety, she was sep
arated from the aged pastor and sent to
his sister, Alexis. The patriotic Skrov-
rouski remained to assist in the defence
of his native city. But the efforts of the
besieged proved fruitless, and they were
compelled to surrender captives of wal
and subjects Of the Emperor Of Russia
The humiliating news spread like
lightning, and no sooner did it reach the
eager ears of Katharine, than she de-
termined to return and share the fate Of
her benefactor.
The dusky shades of evening were
just closing in, as horse, reeking with
foam, and almost ready to sink frcm ex.
haustion, reached the border of the wood
nearest the gates of Marienburg. Emerg-
ing from the shade of the trees, its pro.
gress was suddenly arrested by soldier
seizing the bride, and rudely demand.
ing
Where are you goingn
What is that to you:' was the per.
emptory reply. i am in haste, and pray
you allow me to pass unmolested.'
Impossible !'replied the sentinel, thor
art Livonian, and now Livonia belong:
this day to Peter /, of Russia. You art
therefore, my prisoner, and must be con
! Quoted before our General
/ Arrived at the Generals tent, sh'
threw herself at his feet and demanded