Daily national Republican. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1862-1866, 1864-05-14
An.a 1n.,a.n, az an. Wa.

The Charleston Mercury Of April "a relates
the following tragic incident Of the slege Of
that city,
"The Yankees throw now and then bomb
shell Into the city, and no one paya attention
to II. But chance has willed yesterday that n
bomb should throw all our society into mourn
Ing. Es
"Miss Anna Plckens, the daughter Of our old
governor, has never wished to leave the city.
In spite Of the representations Of Gen. Beaure-
gard she had remAined here, Drawing tho bombs
and the Greek fire, taking care OF the wounded,
and cheering everybody by her presence.
Among the officers whom che has had occasion
to take care OF was NJ. Andrew de Rochelle,
who is descended from one OF the most dlstin-
guished Huguenot families, who had formerly
taken refuge In our city.
"The young man was full Of gratitude for
his nurse; from gratitude he passed to a more
tender sentiment; his wishes were listened to
Governor Piekens gave his consent, aud the
marriage was fixed TO take place yesterday the
Ssdof April. Lieutenant Rochelle was on duty
at Fort Sumter In the morning, and 1t was de-
eided that the Ceremony should take place in
the ho1se Of General Bonham at seven O'Clock
In the evening.
"Almost at the moment when the Episcopa-
lian minister demanded Of the betrothed ones
II they were ready to listen TO him, bomb
broke on the roof OF the house, penetrated the
room In which the parties were, burst, and
wounded nine persons, among Others Miss
Anna Pickens. The scene which followed is
more easy 10 imagine than TO describe. Order
was soon restored, the wounded were removed,
except the bride, who lay without movement
on the floor. Lieutenant Rochelle, bending
over her, wept bitterly, and endeavored to stop
the blood which flowed from horrible wound
over her left breast. surgeon was called,
and declared that Miss Pickens had but two
hours to live. We will not attempt to depict
the general despair.
"When her senses returned she wished to
know hes fstc, and as they refused to tell It to
her, Andrew she said, addressing her future
husband, pray you to tell me the truth. II
| am to die. wish to die worthy Of you.' The
tears Of the young man replied for him, and
Miss Anna, recalling all her energy, made an
effort to smile. Nothing could be more touch
Ing than the agony OF the courageous woman,
struggling against the aEonles Of death and
against great physical suffering.
| Mr.. Plckens, whose courage Is known, was
almost senseiess; and Madame Pickens's eye
was like that Of person whose reason had fed.
". de Rochelle was the first TO speak, and, ad-
dressing himself TO his betrothed, Anna be
said, |, too, may soon die, but wish that you
should die my wife. There is yet time to unite
u.s." The young lady did not reply; she had
not strength enough. slight blush colored
for an instant her pale face Joy and sorrow
divided her soul.
stretched upon a dlvan, bleeding In heI
nuptial dress she had never appeared more
beautiful. Without being able to prevent 1t,
NJ. de Rochelle took her hand and prayed tht
Rev. Mr.. Dickenson to proceed with the cere.
mony. When II was the turn OF the dying one
TO say yes she opened several times her lips
without being able TO articulate a word. She
finally succeeded, and light froth appeared
on her mouth. The last agony was approach
ing. 1t was only In sobblng that the minister
could finish. One hour more all was over, and
the nuptial chamber was transformed into a
chamber Of death"