Spirit of the times. [volume] (Ironton, Ohio) 1853-1858, 1855-05-15
From liiackwood Mnga2il
TIE EMPRESS OF RUSSIA.

In the little town Of Maricnbers livel
Lutheran minister by the name Of
Skovronski, who was remarkable for
his piety, benovlence, and unwearied
efforts in doing good. On returning 10
his humble dwelling one evening, his
attention was attracted by the cries Of
a child. His horse showed an unwilling.
ness to proceed ; he dismounted, and at
a short distance OF the snow, he dis.
covered the object OF his distress. There
lay half.frozen child. Wrapped it in
his cloak he remounted his horse, and
in a short time was at the parsonage.
That child was beautiful little girl,
not yet year old. 1t was at once adopt.
ed by the pastor, and placed in the
care Of his faithful servant, an old lady
who had long resided in the family
She was named Catherine, from the cir
cumstance that she was found on ST..
Catherine's Day, the 25lh Of November.
She was nursod with great care and
tenderness, and treated by the fanily as
an only child. Her beauty, dociIity and
sweet temper attracted the attention of
all who saw her. A more lovely crea.
turc could hardly be imagined.
As she grow up, she interested her
self in the management OF the house.
hold affairs, and was always ready to
assist as occasion required. The ven.
eroble Skovronski was growing old, and
under his excessive labors for the good
of his flock, his naturally robust con.
slitution was evidently giving way
This deeply affected Catherine, for she
loved the good old man as her best
earthly friend. She respected him as a
parent; but 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 lonely
hours by singing some beautiful hymns.
She would often say, "My dear father,
what can lido for you Can | not rem.
der you some assistance Can | do too
much for one who saved my life 2"
On the Goth Of August, 1902, Mari.
enberg was taken by the Russians, and
many of its inhabitants slain. 1t was
sad day. Many heart.rending scenes
were witnessed. Catherine al this time
was thirteen years Of age. and at the
time Of the battle was writing the sister
of Skovronski, a few miles Distant
She heard the cannon, but did not un'
derstand the cause. This parf Of oul
story must be described by another.--
Though slight thread Of fiction may
be seen in the description, it will give 9
life like air 10 the facts presented.
A horse had suddenly stopped at thu
door Of the cottage, and a young mar
hastily dismounled.
"The Russians are at Marienberg,
exclaimed he, rushing into the apart
ment. have escaped with difficulty t
bring this letter from your brother, (ad
dressing the pastors sister,) who ha
given his horse for my use."
"Do tell mo what has occurred a
j Marienberg." said Catherine.
i "Why, do you not hear the cannon
Gen. Scheremetief, with the army, i
bombardiny Marienberg. o., it is
cruel sight 10 behold"
4 "My father, my benelactor I" erie
4 Catherine, sobbinS.
u Such was her anxiety 10 see her be.
. earthly friend, that she immcdiatsl
/, started forMsrisnberg but on rsaci
ing tho town she was there met by on
, Of The guard, With "Whers are you 4,
L. oaa Al