The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1856-02-27

..No, no!'' Then raising his voice until it
rung in trumpet tunes over the field, he contln- |
ued-"Virginians, forgive my hesitation. Now
that my own home is desolated, can ask you
to follow me to the rescue OF a loved sister,
A loud shout of ..lead oni'' made the hearts
of Bacon and Wythely beat high again; nor
was it many hours ere the force was IN notion
A brayer set Of men never hastened to the fray.
The sun had set in clouds behind the ridge,
and the woods grew dim, as the Virginians ap-
preached the house of their general. Scouts
who had been sent in advance to reconnoltre re-
ported that there was an entrenchment around
the house, within which huge council hre had
been lighted exactly at sunrise. 1t was evi-
dent no time was to be lost. The mounted
cavaliers, under the command of Wythely,
were ordered to sweep around to the right,
while general Bacon led the bulk OF the force
directly up the hill, against the silent frowning
breastwork
On they moved, with a cautious tread, un-
certain as to whether their coming was known
to the entrenched foe. But when they were
within about twenty PAGES OF the breastwork,
there came along from its front cloud Of ar
rows, making many man bite/the dust. The
scene which followed is described as one OF
deadly warfare, for no sooner haG the Virgin
ians reached the breastwork, than yell was
given, and the rude terrace swarmed with
painted warriors, each bearing in his left hand
blazing torch, and in his right a war-club.-
Springing into the midst ftheir assailants. the
savages dealt murderous blows on all sides,
often thrusting their burning torches into the
faces ofthe whites, who could not use their FIRE
arms, so close was the encounter.
s.Sound retreat!' shouted gen. Bacon, and
| in obedience to the brazen trumpet his men fell
back.
At that moment the cavaliers under Wyth-
| ely charged through the savages, and when
they had passed the infantry formed into line,
and poured in murderous yolleys. Again the
cavaliers swept through their painted ranks,
and then with cheer the entrenchment was
stormed At the head Of those who first en-
tered the breastwork, fighting like demon,
was Rupert Wythely, and at the door Of the old
mansion, as be rode up to it with heavy heart,
| he saw his own Henrietta.
.sShe is safe! Thank God, she is safe!' he
exclaimed, and in an instant he had reached
her side and she was clasped to his heart.
Our limits will not permit US to portray the
/ -
that night around the family hearth-stone.
Destined for sacrifice, she had been care
fully treated, and allowed the unmolested lib
erty of her own room. But that night was to
have witnessed her erimmolation. A divine Pro
violence had nerved her heart as she was al
ready summoned to the burning pile, when a
scout gave the alarm cry. Then by the light
of the torches she plainly witnessed the fray,
imploring upon her knees before the window
that heavenly arm would support those whom
she loved so well.
Morning dawned, and horrible scene pre-
sented itself around the house There-whcre
St. Johns now stands-laJ mangled corpses II
the stiff attitude of death, and the stream neal
by was tinged with blood.
The wounded were cared for, the dead In
tered, and by dinner-time the horrors O
"grim- visaged war; no longer met the eye
The last council fire ofthe Indian race at Jane
river falls was extinguisned, and few survirin!
descendants of that terrible tribe of Pocahon
tas began their funeral march towards the set
ting sun.
Success insured success. Had Bacon bee,
defeated, he would have been shot as trato
to his king; but now the naughty governor re
warded him, and he was hailed by the Virgin
ians as their defender Marching to James
town, he forced the governor to adopt new laws
} which code was adopted on the 4th Of July
1676-1oO years to a day before the congress
Of the United States. Adopting the declaration
framed by the statesmen Of Virginia began !
new era in the history of man. The eighteenth
century in Virginia was the child of the seven
: teenth; and Bacon IS rebellion, with the cores
pondng scenes in Maryland, Carolina, and New
England, was the early harbinger Of American
: independence.
And where was Henrietta, the sturdy loyal
list? Not in the stately rooms of the governor
! but with the sister Of her affianced lover, Ru
pert Wythely, who had a residence in James
: town. Her dreams of royal protection and
noble husband had vanished during her terri
, BILE captivity, and she now bowed in homag
before her hearts lord. Soon they were mar
, ried, and returned to the plantation which Ma
, thanicl Bacon gave his sister as DOVER
Some clouds darkened the pathway of life, bu
they lived as happy as mortals can; nor did sh
ever forget, in after wears, in narrating TO he
grandchildren the events of her rescue, to add
"For all that, my dears, your grandfather di
not hold the kings commission-Virginisn
would act for themselves"
ears FOilcQ ON. lne Olu D0nttlion OCEAN
, the leader in great movement, and while tn
name of the Wythelys is remembered by man
who visit the beautiful locality Of their homes
: once ,he scene of deadly slaughter, histor
$ sounds the praise of Nathaniel Bacon, and in
1 scribes his name in golden letters upon the al
5 chitecture Of our national pantheon.
-~-@o~~~--~~~@->~>-e~~4r-~
: In the year 1875, widow woman and he
. family resided in the city of Diet, in a lionel
: situation. She had one son and two daughter
$ and was supported BY some property which he
! husband had left her. One night a perso
: dressed in uniform, with musket and broad
sword, came to the house and requested ]odg
e ings. II let no lodgings, friend" said tn
: widow, "and besides, have no spare bed, un
: less you sleep with my son, which | think yer
: improper, on account of your being pcrfec
e stranger to us ALL" The soldier showed
! discharge from Diesbach's regiment, whicl
. gave him an excellent character, and pass
6 port from count Mailebois, governor Of Breda
: He was then Hospitality entertained and with
drew to bed. Some hours after knockin
] vas heard at the door, and it was almost bro