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

age, the General granted her request Of
condition of her returning to him whel
she had completed her march.
The night was dismal, and the under
taking fearful one, but the difficuitie
daunted not the rcsolute Katharine Sh,
soon came upon a field covered with th'
uEequel contest, while the piteous groan
and cries of anguish told that many still
survived the slaughter
Intent alone upon discovering hel
more than father, she did not discover
the presence cf a young Cossack Off
Ger, who, struck with her charms, ant
udmiring her boldness, had accompanied
her to the CORY field.
The evening air is chilling, and this
is no place for woman; prayreturn and
leave me to seek your wounded kins-
man.
Astonished at the sound of human
voice, she turned and recognized in the
stranger the sentinel who had impeded
her progress without the city walls Re-
fusing his generous offer, she permitted
! him to aid her in her errand of mercy
and love-
Long and tedious was the search, but
unavailing, ard at early dawn they re-
turned to the city, having failed to find
the remains of the good old minister.
Katharine religiously kept her word,
and surrendering herself Il prisoner of
war. demanded the protection of the no.
bic General.
Bereft Of her preserver and benefac-
tor, she was now alone in the world, and
young, with promise of long life, there
were no ties to bind her to earth, and
she longed to join her pious and devot-
ed guardian. A prisoner, she was treat
ed with marked courtesy and respect by
the General in Chief, who ordered her
well furnished apartments and every at
tention to her comfort and pleasure. She
also received many kindnesses from the
youthful Cossack, who at length became
enamoured with her charms, and proved
the strength of his attachment by pro-
curing her release from confinement,
upon parole Of honor, and personal Sc
curity for her safety. His assiduous at
tention to her wants, and earnest efforts
in her behalf, were not without reward
for she soon came to regard him as her
hope, her refuge, and lord of her afIec-
tions.
The General and the young officer,
who appeared from his dress to be but
a simple lieutenant, were the only oc-
cupants Of the tent, and Katharine was
employed in experimenting their domes-
tic affairs
One day as she was engaged in serv-
ing their customary meal, their CONVEX
sation turned upon the merits of their
fair maid, and the younger officer ad-
dressed the former in tones laudatory Of
her courage and beauty, concluded with
the inquiry
General, will you sell your prisoner:'
And what will you do with hcr:'
Make her my wife-the wife of SOL
der, replied the noble Cossack
What say you Katharine:' added he
turning to the blushing damsel.
Her hesitating response was, Il would
rather be the wife of soldier than the
servant of great General
'Bravely spoken!-from this moment
you are mine, he rejoincd; 'but we must
obtain the permission of the Gar, Twill
60 Immediately to the Emperor's tent
and receive his sanction to our union.
Remain here while l seek an audience
of our majesty
In few moments a young leuten-
ant, advancing to the Generals tent,
said
The Czar, Peter, commands the pres
ence Of Madame Katharine
With quick. though trembling step,
size followed. and on entering the mag
nifcent tent, discovered throng Of Off
GERS surrounding one who was seated
and whom she recognized as her affianc-
cd husband
Where is the Emperor demanded
Katharine of her conductor.
'Ihere!' replied he, pointing to the
soldier who was seated.
That is my husband
He is thy husband, and Gear of Rus
Sia likewise, broke out the Emperor,
} (for it was he:) and presenting her to
his officers, bade them acknowledge the
humble Katharine as the future Empress
of Russia.