Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 186?-1872, 1868-07-31
BRAVE KATE HEATH.

world.
BRAVE KATE HEATH.
The year 177S was q dark and
gloomy one for our forefathers, who
were then struggling for liberty. In
South Carolina affairs were then in a
critical condition. General Greene
made an unsuccessful attack on
the British Post of Ninety-six, and
withdrew his men beyond the Tiger
and Broad Rivers. Lord Rawdon fol-
lowed him, but could not draw the
patriot general into an engagement.
At that period there stood in South
Carolina a plain and unassuming
house, it was one-story building,
neatly white washed and surrounded
by fence. The garden contained
smany choice flowers, and the beauti-
full honey suckle shaded the doors and
windows. 1t was the home of Mrs.
Heath, who lived with her two
daughters, while her son George was
in Washington's army, fighting for
freedom.
Kate, the eldest of the daughters,
was a beautiful girl of sixteen sum-
mers; her aburn hair hung in graceful
curls down her shoulders, and her face
beamed with kindness, while her eyes
shone like the stars that lit up the
azure vault of Heaven.
One evening, as Kate was standing
at the cottage door, she beheid two
mounted officers approaching. They
were richly dressed, and one of them
she recognized as Lord Rawdon, the
commander of the British forces i'm
that section of the country. They
rode up to her, and Rawdon leaned
over i'm his saddle and said, in a kind
voice:
"Well, Miss, can you let me have
the use of room for few minutes"'
YES, sir, our house is open to you"
Come, Colonel, let us hurry up
business" said Rawdon, dismount-
ing, while the Colonel did the same,
the latter leading the horses to the
stable.
Lord Rawdon advanced to where
Kate was standing and said:
"Whosc house is this, Miss?'
"Mrs. Heath's SIR"
"Ha! her son is in the rebel army
under Washington, is he not?"
Kate tiembled at the insult, and
she look at the Briton with search
ing glance.
"My brother is no rebel, Lord Raw
don; he is fighting for his country"
III am sorry for that; he is brave
boy, and would, no doubt, make a
good British soldier" returned Raw
don.
"Lord Rawdon, you insult me, sir;
I would sooner see George die fel-
on's death than see him in the kings
army was the heroic answer.
IT see you are a rebel, too, Miss
Heath. But here comes the Colonel"
said Rawdon, as he saw that worthy
coming from the stable.
They entered the house and went
into small room to hold a consulta-
ton. Kate thought they might have
something important to say; so she
concluded to play the part Of, an
eavesdropper. She told her mother
of her intention, who approved OF, it,
and Kate placed herself in position
to hear Briton's plans.
1t was h dangerous undertaking,
and she knew that if she was caught
in the act of listening she would be
treated rs a spy, and perhaps execu-
ted, for Lord Rawdon knew no mer-
cy. She cautiously approached the
door and looked through u crevice.--
Rawdon and his Colonel were seated
at q small table OH which lay maps
They were examining them closely,
While Rawdon was explaining them
to his Colonel.
"Here is Ereene's camp" said hey
'iand here is ours. We must make a
bold strike, and if it be successful
Greene will he destroyed"
~ don't see why it should not suc-
ceed, do you, my Lord?n
"No; if our troops fight ms well as
they have heretofore, we shall sue
ceed,n said Rawdon, his face assun-
ing triumphant expression.
/ shall feel happy when these
/ cursed rebels are driven away from
Carolina, and then their rule will be
over,n said Colonel Roberts.
"We must crush Greene Colonel
l do not wish to 20 back to England
and let it be said that / was outgener'
aled by a rebel. No, neverW ex'
claimed Rawdon, rising TO his feet.
"Then we make the attack at day
break, do we not ?" asked the Colonel
1--WE do; have your regiment ready
and make your men fight like de
mons"
\ "IIet us go now. But hold, what
is the ountersign for the pickets to-
night, my Lord?'
nEngland," answered Lord Raw
don, lowering his voice, 49,.
i Kate listened To the Briton's plans
with a wild throbing heart and she
resolved to save the patriot army
I When she heard the countersign sh'
left the door and busted herself witt
the household duties, and soon th'
two officers emerged from the room.
1--WE must go, Miss Heath, bnt frs
let me thank You for your kindness, y
said Lord ltawdon.
'Your thanks are received answer
ed Kate.
/. The horses were saddled and tn
!, officers Were soon on their way. Kat
watched them III they were out q
sight, and then prepared for her peril
= Ia a 4