The Democratic sentinel and Harrison County farmer. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1851-1852, 1852-01-07
CHAPTER VIII.


CHAPTER VIII.
"Now by yond marble heaven,
In the due reverence of sacred vow,
/ here engage my words" .9
.t.... OTHELLo.
We left Preston tortured with the reflection
that the news of Kate's peril had come
too late. Half insane with the thought, he
strobe to and fro in his marquee. Sudden
ly an orderly appeared at the door requested
our hero's presence at head quarters, where
a council Of officers was TO be Immediately
heald @" "" a. s-
Wondering what enterprise called them
together, fearful least duty would prevent
his obtaining the furlough which he intended
to ask, in order that he might save Kate, or
at least die in the attempt, he walked moodi-
ly to the tent of Marion, Here he found the
leading captains ofthe brigade already as
sembled, late as was the hour; and beside
them, Col. Lee who had just Joined Marion
with his legion, subsequently SO celebrated
in that partisan war.
81 believe Capt. Preston is the last one
expected ON glad to see him safely re-
turned?" said Marion, when our hero, hav
ing bowed to his brother officers, had as
sumed seat, "and as the affair on which
we have met is urgent, we will proceed at
once to business. Capt. Horny, will you
state the purpose Of this assembly, after that
we will listen to all, beginning with Capt.
Preston, who is the youngest" :"
Every eye, as he spoke, had been turned
on Marion; and as hitherto we have given nc
description of this celebrated parsonage, we
will employ the interval in drawing his pic
ture. Marion, at that time, was about forty
eight years old small Of stature, swarthy in
visage, and having face crossed by many
lines of thought. Without being positively
stern in aspect there was hard expression
in bis countenance, which at frstmight seem
to augur abo ON equally as hard but Marion
was, in reality, man of a singularly mild
temperament, and the usularly mild tempers
ment, and the usually passionless expression
of his face arose rather from the irmness
of his character, and the responsibilities y
his station, than from any lack of human
sympathy. His eyes,wer dark, small ant
piercing; but at times they kindled with en-
thusiasm. This, indeed was the only evi
dence that physiognomist could have founc
of genius in Marion but when those eyes
flashed Indignantly at wrong, blind, indeed
must he have been, who did notsee the mas
ter-spirit within. In attire, this great par y
leader was simple and modest. His wor dl
generally were few; and, after the exertior
he made in welcoming Preston, he sank bacl
into silence which he maintained until the
conference was breaking up, only, as each
offer delivered his opinion, Marion would
cast on him momentary glance, asiftoread
bis soul, and then sink his head on his breast
thoughtful, and distracted. t.., .
In few words Capt. Horny explained
the purpose for which the council had beer
convened. A spy had just come in with th'
intelligence that the garrison of Georgetown
had ben considerably reduced. on which Co
lionel Lee had proposed that an attack shoult
be made upon the place, since the country
expected some bold and decisive stroke. nov
that his forces and Marion's were united. -.
The plan he suggested was, that portion @
the brigade should drop down the Pedee b,
night, and lie in ambush below the town
| that on the succeeding night, this party shoulC
enter the town on that defenceless side, ant
taking it by surprise, open an entrance fo
their comrades, who, led by Lee and Marion
in person, would be ready, at the signal, t.
, assail the cntrenchmenis on the landward side
The heartof Preston leaped into his throa
as he heard this proposal. tsPerhaps Kat
may yet be saved" he said to himself.
Accordingly, when Horny ceased, snc
Marion, by nod, signifed his desire for on
!. hero to speak, Preston's eye kindled, and h
I answered. ..s
"My voice is for the attack, whatever b.
the odds. The opportunity for a bold,
resolut ls all / ask for We will die to !
E man, or succeed. will undertake, if ne
: cessary, to charge with my company up Il
the very muzSles of the battery which de
tends the town" .l
t Lee turned to Horny and nodded approx
] ingly at these words "A lad of spirit" h
whispered apart. ~ have heard ofhis dan
l ling at Blakeley's. Had there been such a
1 Camden, we never would have lost that day
i Marion, however, took no further notice 6
Preston's fiery speech than to turn to tn
NEXT officer at the table: but very close OF
y server might have detected sudden CLEAR
0 ofthe generals eye. like q flesh, gone in
! moment. .HhE Hi
The opinions Of the other officers were
the main less favorable to the enterprise tha
. Preston's and so may obstacles we're mer
r toned as necessary to over come, that he wa
It in torture lest the Hndert aking should be I
v bandoned. Even Lee seemed to hesitate
! startled by the difficulties brought forwart
0 Had military discriplines permitted it, Pres
!; ton would have brokenin on the conference
It tbbutlhe was forced to sit silent, hearing ol
Il staclec canvassed as 1nconquerabie, yet b
flashing eye, and the agitation Of his cOul
tenanee, told how difficult it was TO restrai
III himself. q ~ A,''a'
'tlsWg Atlengtli all had delivered their opiI
ions sxpect Marian. He glanced around u
r room before he spoke, and his words fell @
v a breathless auditory. With Preston the .;
q citement was intense to hear tho general
decision.
! ~ fnd." said Marion, that lam in Il
here and that with the exceptit
/. Of Col Lee and Captains Horry and PtstC'
+ d NJ VI .