Delaware State journal and statesman., 1864-05-24
A Thrilling Incident of the War.

We find 10 the Courier Des Etdt Unis tue fol-
lowing touching narrative OF All incident in the
siege Of Charleston, taken from the Mercury oil
that city;
The Yankees from time to time throw shell
into the city, and nobody seems TO mind it But
misfortune willed that yesterday shell should
throw the entire community into mourning.
Miss Anna Pickens, the daughter of our
former Governor, never consented to leave the
city. Despite the representations Of General
beauregard, she remained braving shells and
Greek FIRE, tending the wounded aud cheering
all with her presence. Among the wounded
ficers under her care was Mr.. Andrew de Ro-
chelle, descendant of one of the nOblest Hugue
not families Of the city. This young man was
full Of the livelieat gratitude for his fair nurse
gratitude gave birth 10 more tender sentiment
his suit was listened 10, Governor Pickens gave
his consent, and the marriage was 6xel for yes
terday, the 23d Of April.
Lieutenant de Rochelle was on duty at Fort
Sumter in the morning, and it was determ n led
that the ceremony should take place at the resi-
dence Of General Bonham in the evening" OF
seVen O'Clock. AT the moment when the Episco
pal clergyman was asking the bride ii she was
ready, shell fell upon the roof OF the building
penetrating to the room where the cOmpa ny
were assembled, bursted and wounded nine per-
sons, and among the rest, Miss Anna Pckeus
We cannot describe the scene that followed
Order was at once re.cstablished, and the wound
ed were removed, all except the bride, who lay
motionie9s upon the carpet. Her bethrOthed
kneeling and bending over her, was weeping
bitterly and trying to stauuch the blood thai
welled from terrible wound i'll her left breast
surgeon came and declared that Miss Pickens
had not longer than two hours to live. Who
will paint the general despair
When the wounded girl recovered her con
seriousness, she asked to know her fate, and when
they hesitated to tell her, 'Andrew," she said
~ beg you TO tell me the truth. Ii must die
eau die worthy of youn The young soldier.
tears were his answer, and Miss Anna, summon
ing all her strength, attempted TO smile No
thing could be more heart-rending than to see
the agony of this brave glrl, struggling in til,
embrace OF death aud against terrible mora
pang.
Governor Pickens, whose courage is known
was almost without consciousness, aud Mrs
Pickens looked upon her child with the dry and
haggard eye of one whose reason tctters
Lieutenant de Rochelle was the first to speak
"Anna," he cried, "I will die soon, too, but
would have you die my wife. There is yet time
10 unite us"
The young girl did not reply, she was too
weak. A slight flash rose for an instant to her
pale cheek; il could be seen that Joy aud pain
neIe struggling IN her spirit for the mastery.
Lying upon sofa, her bridll dress all stained
with blood, her hair disheyeled, she bad never
been more beautiful. Helpless as she was,
Lieutenant do Rochelle took her hand and re-
quested the Rev. Mr. Dickinson to proceed with
the ceremony.
When il was time for the dying girl to saw
yes" her lips parted several times, but she
could not articulate. AT last the word was
spoken, and slight foam rested upon her lips.
The dying agony was near. The minister sob
bed as he proceeded with the ceremony. Au
hour afterwards all was over, and the bridal
chamber was the chamber OF death. Lieutenant
dc Rochelle has sworn to perish in battle against
the Yankees. and we are sure that he will keep
his oath. He has now double motive to hate
them and his own existence.