The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-12-14

or and husband were both dead the bone
OF the former arc now rcposing in old Eng
land, beneath splendid granite monu
ment; the latter s!ccrch tie sleep of death
beneath the sods of the cemetery known
as the Old Burying Ground, which is in
sight Of the red farmhouse and small
grey stone now marks the spot where his
ashes lie mingled with the dust.
The day on which we introduce tie
reader to Madame Rawford for so We
will call hcr-she was alone on the farm
engaged as We have before described
SNOWFALL, negro servant, hat gone on
some GRAND to town for his mistress,
which would detain him til night.falI; and
James, the hired man, had so seriously
wounded his leg with the axe in the morn
ning, that he was unfit for work, and was
obliged to return to his home about two
miles distant, which, by the way, was
the nearest homestead to the old farm.
house.
1t was now in the stormy time of the
revolution, and the widows four brave
sons, Of ages varying from nineteen to
twenty-four, had started but few DAYS
previous for the field of battle. And vet
feeling that, in all probability some if not
all OF her treasures would be smt,cn by
the ruthless hand of war, her cheek was
still unbleached, and holy hope set in
the rcposc of her beautiful features.
Occasionally she would turn to the
opened Bible before her, and read few
eonsoing passages, and straightwav re.
sumo her work with trusting smile.
All patriotism found. an enduring
home IN many Of such gentle breasts
suddenly. in tho h;S'o""n "",,o " tramp
ling of horses hoofs, and an immediate
cloud Of dust bctokcned the APPROACH Of
travellers, hurrying to their destination.
Madame Rawford moved to the door, and
shadi,. her rl cs from TIE intense sunshine,
watched their progress.
They drew nearer, and in few me-
ments three horSemen wheeled up before
the door. They were dressed in military
costume, and were noble looking gentle
men but one, the foremost one, far ex-
cecdcd them all by his noble, imposing
figure, and the greatness of his countc-
nance.
1t needed no introduction to inform the
wi low that it was George Washington.
With that courtesy which always charac-
terized him. he bowed gracefully to the
widow, as he said bIandly, "Can we find
, rest for ourselves and horses fer few
hours. We have ridden s'nce four o.
clock this morning and would gladly re-
cruit ourselves"
sour poor beasts" said one Of the otfi-
GERS, patting his smoking horse, 81 would
that they could be attended to now is
there n groom or servant about your
house, Madame, who would rub down and
feed these creatures! will reward him
literally"
"We would ask no reward, sir" replied
the widow, if you will lead the horses
arounl TO the stable they shall be well
cared for"
Accordingly the animals wero con,Isic.
ted TO the stable and there left, though
the officers thought there were no in
dications Of man stirring about the
place.
walk in, gentlemen, and make your
selves perfectly at home, said the widow,
sand excuse me, whilst | prepare you
some refreshments, for you must be faint
and hungry, as we'll as fatigued"
In another moment the widow was in
the stable, unh arnesstng the poor horses
work to which she was not accustomed,
but which she nevertheless could do in
time Of need, being a woman Of strong
muscular frame and great energy. She
knew it must he done by herself or not at
all. As for both, men and horses, they ap.
peared completely jaded out.
In little while the animals were free,
and she, cleaning them off with straw the
best she could, led them to their stalls and
prepared togive them food. After chang
ing her dress, she returned again TO the
Parlor, where the officers, having un buck.
led their swords and their trappings, sal
conveIsing together, enjoying a delight.
ful rest. AS the widow stepped on the
threshold, ono Of them was just rcmark-
ling, . lie was one Of my best men, and
as fine a looking follow as ever volan.
iecred.r "a. -
~Did you speak Of young Rr@ford r
sskcd another