Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1858-08-07


General Greene, was dispatched, but win
force inadequate to the task. lie had iald
siege to the fortress Of Ninety-Six, but md
ing il stronger than had been supposed: was
compelled to submit to the delay necessary
TO the erection Of counterworks, and hnaliy
began the assault. But as the details of this
stern encounter are familiar in history, shall
not dwell on them suffice it to say, that
when the tory commander was on the point
OF surrendering, information was conveyed to
him That Lord Rawdon, having heard OF his
critical situation, was at that moment near
at hand with a Sufficient force for his succor.
The effect Of this Information, while it insplr-
ed the garrison with renewed energy, was
most disastrous upon the besiegcrs, aud Gen.
! Greene found himself compelled TO raise the
siege and withdraw his little force. lie has.
| tily crossed the Saluda river, and rctreated
| in the direction of the Enoree leaving the to-
ries still masters OF the district. Lord Raw
don, after reaching the fortress OF Ninety SIX
and finding all safe set out in pursuit OF Gen.
| Greene, but evidently deemed it prudent TO
give up the chase and turn his attention TO
the occupation of Fridays ferry at CRANKY,
and the concentration Of strong force at
that place with the ultimate view Of sweep
ing the entire continental power from the
province. TO prevent this plan, General
reiniorcements OF the British commander, and
accordingly halted on the banks of the Saln
du, in the immediate vicinity Of our old irleud
! Hans Griger,
! To accomplish the precautionary measure,
Gen. Greene found il necessary to send ln-
structions to Generals Marion and Snmpter,
who we;c then with their separate commands,
securing the country somewhere between the
Edisto and Santee rivers; but the precise
| position of either was unknown and as the
entire district was overrun with predatory
parties Of the enemy, the conveyance OF
message 10 either WAS trust OF great dllii-
Guilty md danger. In fact the attempt was
coneidered fatal TO any one who should pos
sess the hardihood to undertake it, Not
wishing 10 force u duty so critical and hazar.
dous upon any Of his men, dispirtcd as they
were, in consequence of their late retreat from
the assault upon Ninety Six, the General
called for volunteers who were willing to un-
dertuks it, The call was for some time an
swered only with muttered grievances
Weared with long and forced marched in the
van Of pursuing enemy, and discouraged by
a temporary reverse, each soldier clung to
the present momentary respite from hardship
toll and carnage. None seemed willing to
undertake the fearful responsibility.
But at this moment new and unexpected
character appeared in the drama. ~ girl in
the garb of peasant presented herself ut the
camp, and demanded nn audience With the
General. With look Of surprise, the pick
ct inquired:
wi hat have you to do with the general ."
THAT will tell him." was her answer.
Good " exclaimed TIE picket; so lie sum
moned the corporal, who conducted her to
the officer Of the guard, who sent word to the
LA, f Il H., I,,;
galantly conducted her in person to the
marque Of the General. There was a look of
timidlty. but not Of fear, on the face of that
young creature, as she passed along the street
OF the camp under the wondering gaze of the
idle soldery but her sep was firm and her
bearing unawed. 1t was no strange thing to
see woman III the camp; but long before
this visitor had reached headquarters the
circumstance Of her imperative demand to
see the General in person lad been whispered
among the men, aud their curiosity was ex-
cited.
Ii was hard for them to conjecture what
mischief might be brewing under that simple
and humely garb. 1t was at last graveIy
concluded that she must be spy from the tory
camp.
Gen. Greene was in no cnviuble humor at
the moment of her arrival 10 front of his
send TO his two generals were of immense
importance, and, driven to vexatiun by what
he denominated the pusilanmous spirit ot
, men, who, one and all had, by tncit silence,
, refused to convey them, he was in the act OF
writing an order detailing messengers to
{ perform the duty, when the unexpected visit
tor was announced. Not partaking Of the
iancles OF his men, the General ordered that
she should be Immediately brought into his
, presence, and accordingly she was ushered
into the marquc. She was now really EN-.
barraSSed, but the Generals veXation had
changed TO IA good natured surprise by the
unexpected visit, and he addressed her with
so much ease, that in a moment, her conf
dence was restored, and she proceeded to
make known to object of the interview.
General" she said, they tell us at the
farm that you want u person TO carry II mes
sage to General Sumpter,"
} 81 do indeed, my good girl, aud | will pay
handsomely any one who will perform that
service for me-"
~ will do it, if you please, General, bat not
for pay"
} Yes"
81 reckon you know where he is, and am
; sure can find him. she added, without ap-
peariug to notice his looks of astonishment
} "But do you know the danger of the un.
dertaking ?" inquired the veteran. There is
not man in my whole army that is willing
, to perform the required duty"
IL don't think it's because they're afraid to
sir" she replied delicately, "The soldiers
: are tired and worn out, and don't blame
them for wanting little rest. But ] can dc
it, sir, and nobody will think Of suspecting O
girl like me-"
you are brave girl; who are your pa
I rents!"
MY father is Hans Griger. Your camp
is on part of our plantation"
. "IIans Griger know him well ~ exclaim
ed the General. "As true a friend of ou
> cause as any man in America, as have more
> than once occasion TO testify. If he is will
: ing, you shall have your wish, if it were only
: an example aud rebuke to the cowardlN
drones that are swarming around me"
!. II have my fathers consent alre"'' " al.'
!. said "l1c told me might ash liz
o would have sent one Of my brotr th'
!. only one that is large enough is in