The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1864-08-04
MisttIlanrOns.


90 mes Of the occurrence, relates the
following to the Hagerstown H,rild:
Mr. George Blessing, a farmer resid-
ing near Myersville, Frederick county,
Maryland, when it was learned that tn e
Rebels we're prowling through the
neigbbOrhood, stealing horses and com
mitting depredntions generally, at noon,
on the I'd of July, gathered bis family
about him and read aloud the 9lst
PSalm--"I will say of the Lord, He is
my refuge and fortress; my Godl in Fl i'm
will | trus"-when he engaged :in de.
votional worship, imploriug the Most
High to shield and protect his house.
hold from the assaults and rapacity Of
the enemy, who were laying waste his
native soil and seeking to overthrow the
best Government ever devised by the
wisdom of men, pleading God to uphold
and sustain the old flag of his fathers.
Taking two guns, he repaired with
his son, lad yet in his teens, to his
barn, from which he deserted a squad
of Rebels approa ching on horseback
Handing his son gun, he ordered him
to take certain position, and should
the squad dismount and attempt to
break open the doors Of the stable,
which were fastened by locks, he should
hre upon them. The Rebels advanced d.
to within a shirt distance of the stable,
when one of the numbe rthrew himself
from his horse and commenced the work
OF demoIishing the stable door.
AT that moment the old man a nd his
son fired simultaneously y upon the often
der, both balls taking eff5ct in his right
arm. The balance of the party scam
pered away, leaving their wounded com
rade behind, and swearing vengeance
against the resistants Before they had
escaped beyond the reach of Mr.. Bles-
sing s gun, hO fred second shot at
the fleeing foe, but with what success
he cold not tell. The Rebel at whom
he aimed fell forward on his horse, ev.
identity wounded, but he managed 10
get away.
Mr.. Blessings neighbors, learning
what he had done, waited upon him and
BY every argument they could advance
endeavorCd to dissuade him from his
purpose to "stand his ground" They
tried to prevail upon him to leave the
vicinity and seek refuge from the inru-
ria'ed Rebels, who would return with
reinforc ements and not only destroy
his property, but would murder him
and his son. The brave old patriot
was immovable in his purpose to de-
fend his property, whether in the event
his life should be forfeited. He ex
pressed infinite confidence in his Shield
and Buckler, assured that needed
strength would be given him in the une.
quail contest which might ensue.
The guns were reloaded, and ia ther
and son resumed their former csitions
and awaited the return of the foe -
They were not long kept in suspense.
Twenty mounted Rebels, accompanied
by four citizens of Myersvillc, with
whom Mr. B. was acquainted, were ad.
vnncing on his premises. When with
in short distance of Mr.. Blessi n Q g
barn the citizens were ordered in front
of the Rebel squad, as a profession n to
them from the bullets which the cow
ardly land pirates knew we're ready to
greet them. Undisnayed, Mr.. Bles.
sing warned his aCquaintances agaius st
moving a step forward, assuring them
that should they do so they would meet
with swift and certain death.
Intimidated and bewildered, there the
the Rebels stood, hesitating what to do
Every shot discharged in the direction
; where they supposed the "Yankeo sol.
diers" were secr1ted, was promptly and
vigorously answered. "What should
they do now2" reasoned these bnfied,
thieving sons of Mars. Evidently they
were fighting superior numbers, and
would not hazard the chances Of success
with their present force, but would &c
la,k for artillery. As they were wheel
ing their horses to retrace their course
Mr. Blessing shot the leader of the banC
through the head, killing him instantly
! A second time Mr.. Blessings neigh
bOrs waited upon him, and urged hiu
in the most earnest language they coul,
employ, TO desist from the hazardc u
course he was pursuing. Their ontreat
les were unavailing, He was determ
L. ined TO fight to the bitter end, severe a
the consequences might prove to him
IA Would God permit him to kill ono NOR
" traitor, he was willing to die.