Delaware State journal and statesman., 1865-11-21
NO. SO.

and have been vaguely alluded to by news
papers since the close of the wart
The siege was at its meridian. The baI.
ties of the 18th, 22d and 2sth of July were
fought. Those who remained in the city had
grown somewhat used to the firing The
bombardment, general indeed, Illuminating
the night with the brilliant explosion of
rockets, the glare of signal lights and the
blaze of confagration, and dining the dav
with constant roar, was still humdrum.-
People may become used to anything; even
powder and ball. The weather was temper
ate, and except along the lines in front, tho
place was insupportably dull. A party OF
ofiicers-ten or dozen in almost of whom
were high in command, sent out to an equal
number of lades-we suspect they were not
SO exclusive as the character of the princi.
pals ought 10 have required invitations for
dance, perhaps it was en- masque, at one of
the hospitals in the Peachtree quarter of the
town.
Mrs. Sarah Collins, a delicate and rather
pretty woman, was sojourning in the family
OF worthy lrishman, Haggerty by name
and waiting to return to her home in West
Tennessee, when the city should fall. She
was one of the invited guests, but declined
the invitation. The good people with whom
she dwelt, however, urged her to go on, al
leging that there was no danger, that she
required relaxation from the excitement of
the siege, and promising to wait up for her
until she returned. A Confederate General,
now in his grave, called to add his entreaties
and finally she consented and went with
him. She did not get back at 10 O'Clock,
and the family retired without any uneasi-
ness, leaving the front door aiar for her.
About four O'Clock in the morning Mr. Hag-
gerty was awakened by noise in the hall.
He opened his chamber door and discovered
some one at the door of the room occupied
by Mrs. Collins, which wars just opposite
who's there?" he asked "Where is Mrs.
Collins?" replied a strange voice Mr. H.
expostulated with the intruder for his unsea-
sonable visit, when he was informed that
there were urgent reasons for rousing the
lady, and the two raped loudly for admis-
sion. There was no reply. They raped
again still louder-and louder-and louder.
~ N"o 90 oiiOhb us tlc grave Wllnlni only
random gun or rocket resounded without.
Suddenly the stranger said, 'perhaps she
is dead Mr.. Haggerty was startled and
the two proceeded hastily to the window. 1t
was open. They looked into the room and
discovered in the uncertain light body ly-
ing on the floor. 1t was that of the unfor-
tunate lady = dead as Desdemonia No
marks of violence were found upon her. The
stranger said excitedly, "I'l go for a sur
geon.n He went away and never returned.
MIR. Haggerty was unable to identify either
the.voice or the figure.
An inquest was held the next day, and an
investigation begun before the Mayors Court.
Bnt evening advanced, the bombardment be-
came heavier, several officers of distinction
appeared TO be involved, and before quiet
was restored, the city was evacuated, and
with it the tragedy, such as it was, passed
into whisper and mere gossip.
Many of the parties to that bal saasque
have since paid the last debt of nature. One
"a very beautiful young girl-was fright
fully crushed upon railway near Griffin
Another died at Macon. Two were killed
at Franklin. The victim, Mrs. Collins, was
person of good family connections, of con-
siderable property, and of private worth as
a hospital ward or nurse.