Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1864-05-20
frenlontgorrnal.
A Bridal Chamber The Chamber Of death.


The Yankees, from time to time, throw
shell into the city and nobody seems tc
mind il. But misfortune willed that yes
terday shell should throw the entire com.
munity into mourning.
Miss Anna Pickens, the daughter of our
former Governor, never consented to leave
the city. Despite the REPRESENTATION Of
Gen. Beauregard, she remained, Drawing
shells and Greek Ere, tending the wound
ed and cheering aIlwith her presence
Among the wounded officers under her
ministering care was Mr.. Andrew de Ro-
chelle, descendant of one of the noblest
Huguenot families of this city. This young
man was full of the lveiest gratitude that
gave birth to a more tender sentiment; his
suit was listened to: Governor Pickens gave
his consent and the marriage was fixed for
yesterday, the 23d of April
Lieutenant de Rochelle was on duty at
Fort Sumter in the morning, and it was
determined that the ceremony should take
place at the residence of Gen. Bonham, in
the evening at seven O'Clock. At the mo-
ment when the Episcopal clergyman was
asking the bride if she was ready, shell
fell upon the roof the building, penetrat-
ed to the room where the company were
assembled, burst, and wounded nine per
sons, among them Miss Pickens. We can
not describe the scene that followed. Or
der was at last re-established, all lexcept the
bride, who lay motionless upon the carpet.
Her betrothed, kneeling and bending over
her, was weeping bitterly and trying to
staunch the blood that welled from ter
rible wound under her left breast A sur
geon came and declared that Miss Pickens
had not longer than two hours to live. We
will not paint the general despair.
When the wounded girl recovered her
consciousness she asked to know her fate
and when they hesitated to tell her, San
drew" she said, 81 beg you to tell me the
truth. III must die, ! can die worthy of
you" The young soldiers tears were his
answer, and Miss Anna, summoned all her
strength, attempting to smile. Nothing
could be more heartrending than to see
the agony of this brave girl, struggling in
the embrace of death, and against terri
bic mortal pang. Gov. Pickens, whose
courage is known, was almost without con-
sciousness, and Mrs. Pickens looked upon
her child with the dry and haggard eyeof
one whose reason totters.
Lieutenant de Rochelle was the first to
speak, Gamma" he cried, 81 will die soon,
too, but Iwould have you die my WIFE
There is vet time to unite us"
The young girl did not reply ;she was too
weak. A slight flush for an instant to came
her pale cheek; it could be seen that JOY
and pain were struggling in her spirit for
the mastery. Lying upon sofa, her bri-
dial dress all stained with blood, her hair
disheveled, she had never been more beau
tiful. Helpless as she was, Lieut.. de Ro-
chelle took her hand and requested the
Rev. Mr.. Dickinson to proceed with the
ceremony. When it was time for the dy-
ing girl to say 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 sobbed as he pro-
ceeded with the ceremony. An hour af-
terward all was over, and the bridal cham
Der was the chamber of DEATH Lieut. de
Rochelle has sworn to perish in battle
again the Yankees, and we are sure that he
viii keep his oath. He has now double
motive to hate them and his own existence.
Paper.