The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1855-01-05
THE EMPRESS OF RUSSIA.

In the little town of Marenburg lived
Lutheran minister by the name of Skovrons.
Xxi, who was remarkable for his piety, benev.
osnce, and unwearied efforts in dang good.
On returning TO his humble dwelling one
evening, his attention was attracted by the
cries of child. His horse was unwilling to
proceed; he dismounted, and at short dis.
tancc on the snow he discovered the object
of distress. There lay half frozen child
Wrapping it in his cloak, he remounted his
horse, and in short tWe was at the parson-
age.
That child was beautiful little girl, not
year old. 1t was at once adopted by the pas
tor, and placed in tho care of his faithful SER
want. an old lady, who had long resided in
the family. She was named Catharins, from
the circumstance that she was found on st.
Catharine's day, the twenty fifth of Novem-
ber. She was nursed with great care and
tenderness, and treated by the family as an
only child. Her beauty, dociity and sweet
temper attracted the attention of oil who
saw her. A more lovely little creature could
hardly be imagined.
As she grew up she interested herself in
the management Of the household affairs, and
red. The venerable Skovonski was grow
ing old under his excessive lat ors for the
good Of his flock, his naturally robust const-
tuition was evidently giving way. This deep
ly affected Catharine, for she loved the good
old man as her best earthly friend. She re.
spected him as parent; and she could never
forget that it was he who saved her life
When he became i'll, she would do all for
him in her power, and often cheered his lone
ly hours by singing some beautiful hymns
She would often say:
my dear father, what can do for vou!-
Can not render you some assistance! Can
/ do too much for one who saved my life!
On the twentieth Of August, 1902, Marien-
burg was ,aken by the Russians. and many
of its inhabitants slain. 1t was a sad day.
Many hcart-rendng scenes were witnessed.
Catherine at this time was seventeen years
of age, and at the time of the battle was via
iting the sister Of Skovronski few miles
distant. She heard the cannon, but did not
understand the cause. This part of our ste.
ry must be described by another. Though
slight thread of fiction may be seen in the
description, il will give q fe-liks air to the
facts presented.
A horse suddenly stopped at the door Of
the cottage, and a young man hastily dis
mounted.
The Russians are at Marienburg!' exclaim-
ed be, rushing into the apartment. Il have
escaped with difficulty to bring this letter
from your brother, addressing the pastors
sister) who has given his horse fer my use.'
DO tell me What has occurred at Marien-
burg said Catharine. "
why, do you not hear the csnnon!-
General Scheremetief, with an army, is
bo,nbarding Marienburg o, it is a cruel
sight to bebold.
my father, my benefactor! cried Cstha-
rins, sobbing.
Such was her anxiety to see her best earth
ly friend, that she Immediately started for
Msrienburgj but on reaching the town she
wss met by one Of the guard, with 'whers are
ysu going
| What is that to yeui" replied the young
girl, I am in haste, and pray let me pass"