Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1864-07-28
A THRILLING INCIDENT.
From the Haperstown Herald

tory may be traced IN vain Tor more
remarkable instance of heroic fortitude,
sublime patriotism and unwavering faith
in the Almighty arm, than that which
we relate below the particulars of which
are furnished by the Rev. Mr.. Startzman,
formerly a resident of Hagerstown, who
witnessed the closing scenes of the occur
renee.
Mr.. GEORGE BLESSING, farmer re-
siding near Myersville, Frederick coun-
ty, (Md.) when it was learned that the
rebels were prowling through the neigh
borhood stealing horses and committing
depredations generally, was importuned
by his family to remove his stock beyond
the reach of the marauders, which he de-
clined doing. avowing his purpose to de-
fend his property to the last extremity.
He had ten guns in his house which he
proceeded to load and put in readiness in
the event Of necessity arising for using
them.
At noon on the I'd of July, he gather
ed his family about him and read aloud
the 91st Psalm-'I will say of the Lord,
lie is my refuge and my fortress; my
God. in Him will l trust" when he en-
gagged in devotional worship, imploring
the Most High to shield and protect his
household 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 man, pleading God to uphold
and sustain the old flag of his fathers.
Taking two guns, he repaired with his
son, a lad yet in his teens, to his barn,
from which he deserted squad of rebels
approaching on horseback. Handing his
son gun he ordered him to take GER
tain position, and, should the squad dis
mount and attempt to break open the
doors of the stable, which were fas tened
by locks, he should fire upon them. The
rebels advanced to within short distanc,
of the stable when one of the number
threw himself from his horse and COM
menced the work of demolishing the sta.
BILE door. AT that moment the old man
and his son fired simultaneously upon
the offender, both balls taking effect in
his right arm. The balance of the party
scampered away, leaving their wounded
comrade behind, and swearing vengeance
upon the resistants. Before they escaped
beyond the reach of Mr.. BIS gun he free
second shot at the fleeing foe, but with
what result he could not tell. The rebe
at whom he aimed fell forward on his
horse, evidently wounded, but he man
aged to get away.
, Mr.. BLESSINGS neighbors, learning
/ what he had done, waited upon him and
by every argument they could advance
endeavored to dissuadc him from his pur'
pose to "stand his ground" They tried
I to prevail upon him to leave the vicinity
and seek refuge from the Infatuated rebels
who would return with reinforcements
and not only destroy his property but
would murder him and his son. The
brave old patriot was immoveable in his
purpose to defend his property, whether
in the event his life should be forfeited
He expressed his infinite confidence in
his Shield and Buckler, assured tina,
needed strength would be given him in
unequal contest which might ensue.
| The guns were reloaded and father and
son resumed their former positions and
awaited the return of the foe. They
were not long kept in suspense. Twenty
mounted rebels, accompanied by four
citizens of Myersville. with whom Mr..
B. was acquainted, were advancing on
his premises. When within a short dis
lance of NJ. B IS barn the citizens were
ordered in front of the rebel squad, as q
protection to them from the bullets which
! the cowardly land pirates knew were
ready to greet thea. Undismayed, Mr..
b. warned his acquaintance against NOV.
ing step forward, assuring them that
should they do so they would meet with
swift and certain death.
Intimidated and bewildcred, there the
rebels stood hesitating what to do.
Every shot discharged in the direction
where they supposed the Yankee sol.
diers' were secreted. was promptly and
vigorously answered -" What should
they do ?"-reasoned these bafled, thiev-
ing sons of Mars. Evidently, they were
fighting superior numbers, and would MOI
hazard the chances for success with their
present force but would 60 back 31F-
tillery. AS they were wheeling their
horses to retrace their course, Mr.. b
shot the leader of the band through tie
head, killing him instantly.
A second time Mr.. BLEssING's neigh
bors waited upon him and urged him in
the most earnest language they would en-
ploy to desist from the hazardous course
he was pursuing. Their entreaties were
unavailing. He was determined to fight
to the bitter end, severe as the conse-
quences might prove to him. Would
God permit him to kill one more traitor
he was willing to die.
Momentarily expecting the marauders
to return with artillery, Mr.. B. shoulder
ed two guns and posted himself in
clump of trees on lane leading from
the public road to his residence. He
had been there but a short time when he
observed heavy clouds ofdust rising from
the road, some distance off. A large
body of horsemen were moving toward
him. In the advance he noticed what
he conceived to be rebel scout In an
instant the old man raised his gun and
was in the act of firing when the object
of his aim fell back into the main column
of soldiers riding rapidly up the lane
He now recognized the Blue Goats, who,
having heard of the heroic conduct of the
dauutless old patriot and his worthy son,
were fastening to their rescue. The
scene which followed can better be i'm
agined than described.
Mr.. BLESSING is upwards of seventy
years of age, enjoys good health and is
brim full of the spirit of'76. He is an elder
in the Myersville Lutheran Church, over
which Mr.. SrARTzMAN presides.
Es- A number OF years have elapsed
since the introduction of HOSTETTER'S
BITTERS to the pub