Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1864-07-29

number threw himself from his horse and com
menced the work of denolishing the stable door.
AT that moment the old man and his son fired
simultaneously upon the offender, both balls TAX
ing effect in his right arm. The balance of the
party scampered away, leaving their wounded con-
rade behind, and swearing vengeance upon the re-
sistants. Before they had escaped beyond the
reach Of Mr.. B. s gun he fred second shot at
the fleeing foe, but with what result he could not
tell The Rebel at whom he aimed fell forward on
his horse, evidently wounded, but he managed to
get away.
Mr.. Blessings neighbors, learning what he had
done, waited upon him and by every argument
they could advance endeavored 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 infuriated Rebels who would
return with reinforeements and not only destroy
| his property but would murder him and his SON.
| The brave old patriot was immoveable In his pur-
pose TO defend his property, whether in the event
his life should be forfeited He expressed infinite
confidence in his Shield and Buckler, assured that
needed strength would be given him In the unequal
contest which might ensue.
The guns were reloaded and father and son re-
sumed their former positions and awaited the re-
turn Of the foe They were not long kept in sqs
| pense. Twenty mounted Rebels accompanied by
four citizens Of Myersville, with whom MIR. b.
was acquainted, were advancing on his premises
Whom within a shert distance Of Mr.. B. g barr
the citizens were ordered in front of the Rebe
/ squad, as protection to them from the bullets
which the eowardIy land pirates knew were ready
to greet them. Undisnayed, DIR. Is. warned his
suring them that should they do so they would
meet with swift and certain death.
Intimidated and beWildered, there the Rebels
stood hesitating what to do Every shot discharg
ed in the direction where they supposed the an
kee soldiers were secreted, was promptly and
vigorously answered. What should they do 2"
reasoned these bafled, thieying, Sons of Mars
Evidently, they were fighting superior numbers
ard would not hazard their present foice but would
60 back for artillery. as they were wheeling then
horses to retFaee their course, DIR. Is. shot tht
leader Of the band through the head, killing hin
instantly
A second time Mr. Blessings neighbors waite(
upon him and urged him in the most earnest Ian
guage they could employ to desist from the haz
arcous course he was pursuing. Their entreatle
were unavailing He was determined to fight q
the bitter end, severe as the consequences nigh
| prove to him Would God permit him TO Kill on
more traitor he was willing to die.
MomeRtarlIy expecting the maTauders to retuTl
with artillery, Mr.. B. shouldered two guns an
posted himself in elunp of trees on lane lead
ing from the public road to bis residence. lie ha
been there but short time when he observe
heavy clouds Of dust rising from the road, som
distance off a large body Of horsemen wer
moving toward him In the advance he notices
what he conceived to be Rebel scout
In an instant the old man raised his gun an
was in the act Of firing when the object of his ain
fell back into the main column of soldiers rldIn
rapidly up the lane He now recognized the Blu
Goats who, having heard Of the heroic conduct Q
the dauntless old patriot and his worthy son, wer
! fastening to their rescue The scene which FOL
lowed can better be imagined than described,
Mr.. Blessing Is upward Of seventy years Of age
enjoys good health and is brim full Of the spirit
! 20. He is an elder in the Myersviile Luthera
Church, over which Mr. Startzman presides.
We are sorry to hear that the press and fixture
Of the Boonsboro Odd Fellow were smashed, an
tLa 4gTe scattered in the street By the Rebels dI
ring thelr EOlouFn IN that vicinity.