Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1851-04-24


endearing home in many SUCH genll,
breast. Suddenly, in the distance came
a sound like the tramping of horses feet
and great cloud of dust betokcned ap
proach of travellers, hurrying to their des
tination.
Madam Pierpont moved to her door
and shading her eyes from the intense
sunshine, watched their progress. They
drew nearer, and in another moment three
horsemen wheeled up before the door,
they were dressed in military costume
and were noble looking gentlemen; but,
one, the foremost one, far exceeded them
all, by his imposing figure and the great
ness of his countenance. 1t needed no
introduction to inform the widow that
this man was Washington. With that
courtesy. which always characterized him,
he bowed gracefully to the widow as he
said blandly, "can we find rest here,
madam, for ourselves and our wearied
horses, a few hours! We have ridden
since nine o'clock this morning, and would
fain recruit ourselves
Certainly, gentlemen, and welcome"
she replied, smilingly, and threw the inner
door wide open, as they dismounted.
"Our poor beasts" said one of the off.
GERS, patting his smoking horse, al would
they could be attended, to NOW; is there
a groom or servant about your house,
madam, who would rub down and feed
these creaturess | will reward him libe-
rally"
owe would ask no reward" replied
the widow; elf you will lead the horses
round to the stable they. shall be well
cared for -'',,-'' -. -.-..-,'''-'
Accordingly the animals were con-
Quoted to the stable, and there left, al
though the officer thought there was no
indication Of a man stirring about the
place.
"Make yourselves perfectly at home,
gentleman" said the widow ,f"and excuse
me while !-prepare you soneseffeshment,
fer you must be faint as well as fatigued."
In another moment the widow was In
the stable, Embarrassing the, poor horses;
work to which she eassn not accustomed.
time Of need, being a woman of strong
muscular frame and great energy. She
knew it must be done by herself or not
at all. As for both men and horses they
seemed completely jaded out. In little
while the animals were free, and she with
clean straw rubbed them down the brst
she could, with her own hands, led them
into their stalls, and prepared and gave
them food. After changing her dress
she returned again to the parlor, where
the officers having unbuckled their swords
and donned their caps, sat conversing to.
gether, evidently keenly enjoying de-
lightful rest.
AS the widow stepped on the threshold
one of the officers was just remarking,-
"he was one of my best men; and as
fine looking a fellow as ever volunteered"
"Do you speak of young Pie:pont9'
asked another.
eyes; he fell yesterday, pierced by
three balls-horribly mahgled-I never
saw more shocking sight"
Fora moment the cheek of the widow
was blanched the heart of the mother
shocked.-But she spoke very calmly as
she asked,-" which one was it, sir!'
"Henry Pierpont, i'll aim not mistaken;
was he known to you!"
O! what torturine question! Was
he known to here Henry, her noble first
born; deathly faintness came over her,
but she rallied with great effort, and said
as calmly as before as she turned from
them, "he was my son, sir" They did
not see her face, for she walked quickly
but firmly from the room.
"Now God forgive me; | feel as if |
had done cowardly thing" murmured
the officer while his face grew pale with
emotion; coming here to partake of
this woman's hospitality have cruelty
stabbed her to the heart"
"You are not to blame my friend"
said Washington in his deep tones, in
which were blended in sudden pathos;
"neither, if. read her, Alright, would she
call back the child, bravely fallen in his
country's cause. That is no common
woman. Her very face tells of a souls
nobility. Mark me, when you see her
again she will be fearless; no word of
sorrow will issue from her lips. Our mo.
thers,-our wives-I am proud to say it,
are herones in this trying period-and
this" he continued, pointing to the bible,
I" this is the secret of their greatness.
Wherever you behold that volume open
ed. bearing evidence of constant perusal,
there you will find women equal to any
emergency l say, when we meet her
again she will be fearless, and calm, al
though mother bereaved,of her child"
And so it was. Madam. .Pierpont had
schooled her grief for the time into}a sud.
den and sacred submission; and when
the officers were called into another room,
to partake of the smoking viands she had
prepared, they found her collected, un'
changed in manner and serene in counte.
nance. The officer from whom the news
had so rudely burst, was lost in admira.
ton of her conduct, and was oftenheard
to say subsequently, that he almost vene'