Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1853-11-23
From the South Carolinian.
A TRIBUTE,
TO THE CAROLINA WOMEN FROM TIE pen
oF AN ITALIAN WRITER.

A TRIBUTE.
TO THE CAROLINA WOMEN FROM TIE pen
OF AN ITALIAN WRITER.
These noble mothers of noble sons have
called forth not only the eloquent approba'
ton of the historians of their own country
but have elected an equal NEED praise from
classic Italy-from the land of the Cesar
Our countryman Headly says: "The ladies
Of Charleston were distinguished during the
Revolution for their devotion to the cause OF
freedom. Enthusiastic, seif.sacrifcing, and
cheerful, they inspired hope and courage and
daring in the men, and she'd glorious light
on that night of gloom"
OF their patriotism in the war of the Ame-
rican Revolution, Botta, an Italian historian,
writes: In that fierce struggle, the women
of Carolina presented an example of forti.
tude more than manly. | know not the his
tory, ancient or modern, which has trans
mitted story of devotion exceeding or
equalling that exhibited by these noble beings
to their American country. Far from con.
sidering the epthet reproach they gloried
and exnlted in the name of rebel uomen.
Instead of frequenting public resorts of
gayety and amusement, they repaired to the
sides of the ships, and to other places where
their husbands, sons and friends were held
prisoners, and sought by every act to sustain
and animate them.
"Be firm" they said, "yield not to the
fury of the tyrant; prefer prison to ;gno-
miny, and death to servitude; look on Ame-
rica, our beloved country; cherish The hope
that these evils will hasten, produce, and Sc
cure that priceless liberty of which these
British thieves would rob US be martyrs,
but martyrs in cause sacred to man, and
grateful to God"
By such words did these heroic women
mitigate the sullerings of the unhappy pri-
soners.
When the British officers, in their dazzling
regaia, assembled at military or gay con-
cert, their entertainments, and the invaders
themselves, were regarded with contempt by
these spirited women. But when prisoner
an officer Of the American army, came into
Charleston, Immediately lie was received
with courtesy, and followed by every mark
OF distinction and Difference.
When some of these devoted women re-
tired to the most secluded apartments to
weep and mourn over the fortune of their
beloved country, others so encouraged and
inspired their husbands, when wavering and
irrdEsatss That they preferred the discomforts
69a Jsn stbe2 2indulgencies Of home.
-'- pt.l-. H. ,,,or,o,, xvaro ca
hated D tic British. ol,-aetounl tfer con-:
stancy, that, they suffered tire confscation of
their property and Punishment from their
country. When this band Of patriots bade
adeu t9shsjr RaraHHttff4ssn RaraHHtfs; they T Exhibited no
sign of%veakness, but presented an example
| know not, in their case, whether to say OF
masculine or feminine frmness. With un-
wavaring fortitude they left their native
shores, departing in prison.ships 10 distant
land.
Many born and educated in the midst of
wealth, not only renounced its advantages
for themselves and families, but engaged in
fhe coarsest labors, and performed the most
menial services. This they did, not only
with resignation, but with joy. Their exam
pie was inspiring. and it is owing principally
to the frmness Of these patriotic Carolinians,
that the name and love Of liberty were not
extinguishcd in the Southern States. From
this the English knew that they were en-
gagged in an enterprise much more difficult
than at first they had imagined. For the most
decided proof Of the united opinion of a ma
lion, and the surest sign Of success in pub
lie enterprise, is that woman has engaged in
it with all the powers of her imagination,
which although when calm is more yielding
than that of man, is when excited and en-
kindled more tenacious and powerful.