Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1860-04-27
THE PATRIOTS DAUGHTER
AN INCIDENT OF 1879.

It was in the year 1879, and in the State
Of Virginia, that the following incident is
said to have occurred and as everything
relating to our first great war possesses
more or less of interest, we feel anxious to
contribute our portion to the general stock
of information.
The story is one of many which an an.
cient grandparent of ours used to relate,
and though we were but child at the
time we heard it, the recollection has never
departed from US.
Early one bright morning, handsome,
dashing young girl was riding along soli-
tary road in the vicinity of the British en-
campment. With free rein, and bold,
undaunted bearing, the lady fearlessly
pursued her way, notwithstanding her
proximity to the invading army was any.
thing but safe.
A few miles in the country, a little back
from the point where the young girl had
made her appearance, there was handsome
dwelling, which was owned and occupied
by patriotic gentleman named Clement
Moore. Mr.. Moore's immediate family
consisted of wife and two children, son
and daughter, aged, respectively, twenty
three and twenty years. Like most of
welI.to.do Southern gentlemen, Mr.. NJ
also possessed number of male and female
domestics, house servants and field hands.
At the date referred to, the family was
separated, the members scattered in differ
ent directions, and the mansion deserted
and closed up. Mr.. Moore and his son
were away in the swamps with the partisan
chief, Marion, and, in consequence of GER
tain suspicious movements on the part OF
the British, and, in view of the enemy's'
well-known Iolicy, the negroes had been
quietly sent off to distant parts, as much of
the furniture and articles Of husbandry re-
moved as was possible. and Mrs. NJ. and
her daughter Lydia had betaken themselves
to small and secluded cottage not far dis.
tant, there to remain perdu, and watch the
course of coming events.
Suddenly, as it would happen, Mrs
Moore was taken very i'll with a nervous
disorder, and, feHring to trust the slow
motions of the only domestic they had kept
with them-an old negro man---Lydia, the
daughter, mounted her favorite. horse
which, very fortunately they had not sent
along with the rest-and started off to call
in the doctor, whose residence was some
miles distant.
Her course necessarily and unavoidably
led her not far from the British camp. but
trusting all to Providence and her own re-
solutc spirit, she unhesitatingly spurred
forward on her errand. The hour was
quite early, and without let or hindrance,
the gallant young woman reached the doc
tors house, but only to be disappointed by
not finding him at home. Leaving an ur-
gent message for his early attendance she
started back, and it is on her road home
that we first encounter her.
All the country round Lydia Moore YVES
famous for her handsome presence; and
our forefathers were as excellent judges Of
what was beautiful as we are of the present
day She was tall and queenly, with a
we'll developed, finely proportioned form
! Her complexion was as pure and white as
new fallen snow-heT cheeks as red and
blooming as the best of health could make
them-her eyes deep, dark blue and liquid
looking, and her hair glossy brown,
wavy. and markedly profuse. Her mental
gifts were also as rare as her personal
charms, and not a lady in all Virginia was
more blessed in mind and body.
And, now, having placed our heroine
properly before the reader we will proceed
with the mora active incidents of our little
sketch
With her proud, handsome head thrOwp
majestically back, the young girl dashed
along on her way. All at once, however,
she reigned in her horse and uttered a
sudden exclamation. The next moment
she resolutely muttered; 81 can but try
it! and again put her horse into gallop.
Advancing from the point toward which
she was proceeding, she beheld we'll
mounted British officer, who was also speed
ing on his way with considerable rapidity.
Squirting her horse into run, Lydia
boldly dashed on. Tho officer appeared to
divine her intentions at once, for he sud
denly halted, and speedily placed himself
in the most favorable position to intercept
her progress.
That the Englishman meant TO wayIay
her there was not the least room to doubt.
On came our heroine, however, sweeping
like the wind, and evidently intending to
run down everything in her path The
officer seemed TO oonstrue her purpose
Alright, and, apparently thinking it bsst to
avoid the impending catastrophe, drew
aside sufficient to let her pass.
Lydia dashed ahead, eongratulatlng her
self on her good fortune.
As she passed along the Englishman
suddenly wheeled his horse around, accom-
lplishiDg The movement 40 ouicklv and