Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1850-04-05


desirous 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
nounccd TO the inolftnsivc inhabitants the
bombardment of their quiet town. With
view to her safety, she was separated
from the aged pastor and sent to his sis
ter Alexia. The patriotic Skovrouski re-
mained to assist in the defence of his ma
tive city. But the efforts of the beseig-
ed proved fruiless, and they were com
PEELED to surrender captivcs of war and
subjects of the Emperor of Russia.
The humiiating news spread like light
ming, and no sooner did it reach the ca
ger ears of Katharine than she detcrmin-
cd to return and share the fate of her
bcncfactor.
The dnsky shades cf evening were
just closing in as a horse, rccking with
foam, and almost cady to sink from cx-
haustion, re chcd the border of the wood
nearest the gates of Maricnburg' Emcr-
ging from the shade of the trees, it's pro-
gress was suddenly are ted by soldier
seizing the bride, and ludcly demanding
Where are you going?'
What is that to you?' was the perem-
tory reply. Tam in haste, and pray you
allow me to pass unmolcsted'
Impossihle!' repiidd the sentinel, thou
art " Livonian, and now Lvonia, belongs
this day to Peter l. of Russia You are,
therefore, my prisoner, and must be con-
Quoted to our General Arrived at the
generals tent, she threw herself at his
feet, and demanded the privilege of
seeking her protector among the slain.
Moved at the sight of her youth, and as
tonishcd at her courage, the general
granted her request on condition OF her
returning to him when she had completed
her search.
The night was dismal, and the under
taking fearful one, but the difficulties
daunted not the resolute Katharine. She
soon came upon field covered with the
unequal contest, while the groans and
cries of anguish told that many still sur
vived the slaughter.
Intent alone upon discovering her
more than father, she did not discover
the presence of a yo ing Cossack officer,
who, struck with her charms, and ndmi-
ring her boldness, had accompanied her
to the gorv field.
The evening air is chilling, and this is
no place for women; pray return, and
leave me to seek your wounded kinsman.
Astonished at the sound of human
voice, she turned and recognised in the
stranger the sentinel who had impeded
her progress without the city walls.
Refusing his generous offep she permit
ted him to aid in her crrand of mercy and
love.
Long and tedious was the search. but
unavailing, and 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 prisoner of
war; demanded the protection of the no
bic general.
Bereft of her preservcr and benefacton
she was now alone in the world, and
young, with premise of long life, there
were no ties to bind her to earth, and she
longed to join her pious and devoted
guardian. n prisoner, she was treated
with marked courtesy and respect by the
general-in chief, who ordered her well
furnished apartments and every attention
to her comfort and pleasure. She re-
ceived many kindnesses from the youth
full Cossack, who at length became enam-
ored with her charms, and proved the
strength of lie attachment by procuring
her release from confinement, upon parole
of honor, and personal security for her
safety, His assiduous attention to her
wants, and earnest efforts in her behalf
were not without reward; for she soon
came to regard him as as her hope, her
refuge, and lord of her affections.
The General and the yeung officer,
who appeared from his dress to be but q
simple lieutenant, were TIE only occu-
pants of the tent, and Katharine was en-
ployed in experimenting their domestic
affairs. One day as she was engaged in
serving their custenaar meal, their con-
versation turned upon the merits of their
fair maid, and tina young officer address,