Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-09-22

For an hour and half, these brave and
patient men waited then the men from the
outpost drove up to the captain, and inform
ed him that body of horses, with baggage
train. apparently the enemy, were approach
ing. Then everything was still the slight
est whisper would have been heard by the
Whole two hundred. Captain Wilson led his
horse behind large rock, and leaving the
faithful animal, he climbed to the top of it,
where he could over look his entire force, and
see the British troop when they reached the
brow of the hill. Shortly the tramp of hor-
ses was heard which grew more and more
distinct, until Wilson could see them he no.
tccd that their commander seemed to carry
something before him on his horse; as he drew
nearer it reSembled Il female form. Could it
be Johanna And he was less calm than was
his wont: as he ent ntertained the thought. They
had decended nearly half the hill. lie decid-
cd that it must be Johanna, and wondered, as
he slid down from the rock, how she came
there. He led his horse ont his command
could see him, but still out of the sight of the
advancing foe. and mounted; in instant
every man was in his saddle. and Captain Dick
returned to the rock. 1t was but minute
ere the officer passed him; just then the
moon shown clear through the haZy clouds,
and w ilson's eyes met those of Johanna; bat
there was not word, not a sign of recogni-
ton; the troop moved on ; about fifty men
had rode by when the captain, putting the
spurs to his horse, dashed into the road, cry
ing .'Chargel: The half asleep enemy had
hardly aroused themselves before they were
surrounded by the Americans, with drawn
swords and pistols, and at the same moment
the order was given, there was single pistol
report, and the British captain fell from his
saddle to the earth-dead. Surprised they
were, both at the attack and the loss of their
commander, they made no resistance, but
surrendered without shot being fired, or a
blow struck. Captain Wilson gave his lieu
tenant few general orders regarding the dis
position OF the prisoners, and the preparations
to be made for the march home then turning
to johanna. who still held pistol in her hand,
he asked, s.How came you here ?''
ssIn pushing the boards into the river,'' she
said, 81 made great deal more noise than |
expected to, which attracted the attention of
my father an the English officer; when they
inquired as to the cause of the noise, told
them that was standing upon the pile of
boards, watching the soldiers, when they fell
into the water, and l came going with
them; nothing more was said, but noticed
that the officer watched me very closely. At
ter the wagons were all loaded, the command
er called his lieutenant, and placed the gold
in his hands. told him to take my father into
the house and pay him. Instantly was seiz-
ed, gagged, bound, and placed upon his horse,
and the troop moved forward. After march
ing nearly mile, a halt ordered. the
gags removed, and | was unbound. Until
now had thought that our plot was discover
ed, or at any rate that was suspected, but
from the careless manner, of the company,
and hearing nothing said about it, decided
that it could not be. In riding along, dis
covered a pair of pistols in the belt OF the
captain, and my mind was instantly made up.
l resolved that when your men appeared, /
would draw the pistols and shoot him, or
feared lie might shoot me. When my eyes
met yours in the moonlight, my heart beat
quick, and my hands instinctivcly went almost
to the pistols, but by strong effort govern
ed myself, and appeared calm. When YOU
sprang into the road seized both pistols, dis
charged one, and killed the william; if | had
not, should have fired the other.''
ssYou are noble girl,'' said the captain,
and he shook her hand, warmly.
.sForward marchi'' cried Wilson, and they
moved forward, Johanna and himself riding
at the head. In short time they entered the
lines of the American camp, with one hundred
and thirty prisoners, some three hundred hor-
ses, with cattle, sheep, hay and grain. OF
Wilson's many forays, this was the most sue
cessiul. When Johanna s story became known
through the camp, the next morning, she be-
came qnite lion, and received every atten-
ton. until she and Captain Dick started for
her fathers house.
During the remainder of the war, Wilson
was great favorite throughout the army, and
| when peace was declared, five years later, he
made Johanna, not Mrs. Capt, but Mrs. Col.
Wilson. On the spot where she shot the Eng
| lish captain-the same spot where her horse
! fell, the night that her husband first met her.
| Wilson erected a house which is still stard-
| ing, and is occupied by the descendants OF
ssDare-devil Dick and his best spy-'
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