Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1854-09-27

own troops INTO his arms.
Urging her horse at top.speed, she
dashed down the highway, Intending to
give warning to the rear division OF the
events which had transpired in front. On
she flew, and was soon far past the reti-
ring soldiery. who drew back in good orr
der before the British. without any ap.
pearance Of trePidation. or of having been
beaten. Away she sped quick as the
wind she hurried past the ancestral man.
sion-her steed painting with the intense
heat and reeking with foam. Like an ar.
forests on her important mission. AT the
distance of about three miles from her
home. she met the advance. guard, but
passing them. hurried on in search of the
general in chief. Washington W as stand
ing by his foam dripping aud dusty white
charger, at a point where the highway
was crossed by two roads. Above hi n
waved the American flag. and he was lis.
tening with the most intense eagerness to
the sharp rafting Of musketry, and the
deep booming Of ordinance in the distance.
Respectfully saluting him, Blanche RiN ers
said:
Your excellency! The other division
of the American force has retired before
the enemy, and is now falling back slowly
upon you
A fearful look. in which indignation,
E'scorn and despair were most vividly de
picted. passed over the features of the
commander in chief Those who saw the
expression of Washington's face when he
learned of Lees pusilanimity. say it was
terrible
Gen. Lee conquered SO quickly. I'M
possible! Hurry up the rear Advance
On! at half trot! Maiden, ride by my
side J.
Blanche rode beside the general, and
answered his enquiries in regard to the
disgraceful retreat, with as much accura.
cy as her knowledge Of the facts and oI
military tactics would enable her to- Her
heart swel'ed with pride that she could
thus render service to her America, and
be the companion and adviser of the ia
ther of his country.
Did he not strike single blow 2 ask,
ed Washington.
yes. but very feeble one. I saw
Wayne called off in the middle Of charge
This is most strange, most incompre
"S"'lO'S' OIuel w OteIIIu5 anu NuOA
from the rear! Maiden. you have this
day rendered your country an invaluable
service; you have perhaps been the means
of changing the destinies of America
What is your name?
blanche Rivers NN
Blanche, God bless your hcroism. II
you ever require assistance, either for
yourself or yours, remember you have a
friend in Washington
Blanche buried her face in her hands
and wept. The general rode to the front
to give orders and make preparations fol
the reception of Lees fugitive squadron
Just as the hurrying troops had arrived
near Blanche Rivers home, they metthcir
retreating comrades, who with some pre-
cipitaLion were falling back in disorder
ly manner. No sooner did Washington
catch sight of them, than squirting his
white charger into headlong gaIlop, he
rode up to Gen. Lee, and uttered that pas
sonate exclamation, more memorable fol
the language in which it was spoken, thar
for the language in which it was clothed
Sir. desire TO kno'0 vbqt Is Tie reason
and 1Ohence arises This disorder and confu
SSCH E1hu ~ ItlS ulONiChb
ing the artillery Of Sterling and Knox res
pectfuIIy to the right and left, he enlea
voreI. by the powerful influence Of III
personal cxhortations, to stem the tide o
retreat.
After the general left her side, Blanche
endeavored to cxtricate herself from tht
troops. in order to inform her parents o
the dan 5erous proximity OF the Englist
army. Scarcely had she emerged frou
the lines, when she behcli E lmund Stan
ley's horse plunging across the road di
rectly opposite her fathers house. Th'
riderless animal appeared in great terror
his eyes fl tshed wildly. and his nostril
were distended as if some excessive fea
were urging him on in his break necl
course.
That betokens no good said Blanche
Edmund Stanley would not easily be con
PEELED To abandon his iavorite charger
On! Juno!' And applying her whip t.
the horse she rode, she stood, in a mo
ment. at the front door Of her fathers man
sion. The portal was open, but ther,
were no Indications OF unusual commolion
Every thing looked as quiet and peaceful
as on an ordinary day. She listeneI 70
IA moment, and the clashing Of steel in I
remote part of the house was distinct,
borne to her ears. A moment more ant
a horrid yell Of triumph awoke the echoe
of the deserted rooms. SnaLching a pis
tol from her belt, she rode quietly 70 {
back entrance. and conceaIing herself be
hind an angle of the wall, beheId at lit
tie distance half dozen soldiers in scar
let uniforms, forcing an entrance into
side hall, against that appeared TO be for
| midable resistance.
Il have it. she whispered, drawing hel
remaining weapon. and dismounting; =