Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 186?-1872, 1868-06-12
From the Southern Home Journal.l
THE SOUTHRON'S DAUGHTER.
An INCIDENT OF THE WAR.

Amidst the beautiful scenery OF the
Shenandoah Valley lies little shell
tered glen, so secluded that even the
light and heat of the suns rays
scarcely penetrate the Ieafy canopy
above the heads of the few travellers
who have crossed its paths. On
three sides 1t is bounded by wooded
heights, on the other, washed by a
branch of the broad Shenandoah.
Here, one evening, small but res
olute band of men, whose retreat had
been cut off, were concealed. They
wore "the gray" and the surround
ing hills bristled with the rifles of the
Federals. In the stern silence that
reigned, they could hear the voices of
the distant pickets. Night was COM
ing on, and the dark outline of each
others faces could hardly be discern
ed
One started up from the midst.
LET us climb the hill to the left
then, If compelled, fight our way
through. To lie here, would be TO
die the death of the hunted beast"
"Impossible," exclaimed q COM
rade. "We should be overp0wered
and made prisoners; but could we not
swim across the stream ?"
mo" said another, who raised
himself from the ground and leaned
upon his elbow while he spoke; "there
are troops on the other side, who
would discern and fire upon us; better
wait until morning. The yankees
will not remain long in their present
quarters;"-and the weary man sank
down again to rest and sleep.
Atlast 1t was agreed that one of the
number should swim across the river,
reconnitre the opposite bank, then sig
signal to his companions to follow, If 1t
were possible to do so with safety.
Lots were cast, and the perilous task
fell upon the first speaker, a tall, fine
looking man of middle age. He
grasped the hand of each of his COM
rades, lifted his hat reverently, say
ing.
"God protect my children if
fall'-plunged into the stream.
Major Courtney as we must now call
him, reached the other side of the
river under shelter of some deeply
over hanging willows that fringcd
the shore. He heard the distant roll
of the drum; it came nearer, then a
number of Union soldiers passed by
the friendly willows concealing him
from their view. Two of the men
united their horses from a tree to
which they had been secured, then
rode on to join large force which oc-
cupied a position higher up the river.
From the few words Major Courtney
overheard, he gathered that at mid
night they were to march.
The Southerner's home was within
twenty miles of this spot. After
some consideration he decided to walk
the distance and return early in the
morning. TO give the concerted sig
nal now, 1t would be fraught with
danger to his friends. On reaching
the place where the horses had been
fastened, he beheld q third. The
powerful instinct of self-preservation
was irresistible. Major Courtney un-
loosed the animal, led him short
distance, then mounted, and never
drew rein until arriving at his own
dwelling.
A summons brought his anxious
wife and daughter to the door.
"Thank God, my dear ones are
safe" were the majors first words
The toil-worn man sat down between
them, and gladly partook of the well
come food hastily placed before him.
He related the story of his escape,
and his anxiety to place the promised
signal on the rivers bark early in the
morning, saying to his daughter.
"Virginia, / must be astir by day
break. You are an early riser; de-
pend upon you to arouse me. I shall
take fresh horse, andride to Willows
Creek"
Virginia had while her father was
speaking determined in her own
mind what course to pursue. She
kissed him, bade him good night, and
hastened to the bedside of a young
girl, who held situation i'm the
household. Waking her from her
sleep, I'm few words she told her ot
the Majors return and of his peril In
in the woods; then added,
"Annie, you must assist me to take
my dear fathers place i'm the morn
ing; lac is worn out with fatigue and
loss of sleep"
Annie Connolly's father held q
small farm on the Majors estate
She was devoted to her young mis-.
tress, and protested that she would
accompany her. At last Virginia
consented, but they must leave early
and he away before any of the hoiise.
hold had risen. Then bidding Annie
try to sleep for few hours, Virginia
fastened to her own room to prepare
n suitable toilet for the adventurou.
ride. She placed ready dark brown
dress and white sun-bonnet; a colored
sacquc she would borrow from Annie
She laid down upon her bed, but dared
not sleep. At last the faint evidenc.
Of dawn appeared. After bathing
her face In cold water and fasteninf
up the dark curls that floated rounC
her neck, she went to arouse her COM
panion. The girl started up at he
voice. They We're soon dressed, ant
stole softly down the stairs. Virgini,
prepared their breakfast, while Ami,
saddlcd the horses.
"Miss Virginia, we must each carry
basket; we shall then appear as
we We're going to sell farm produce. ;
"Well thought of Annie, and let u
put i'm some cold meat and bread
When the poor fellows cross the rive
they they will be glad to find a baske
of provisions"
Thestables were some distamcc from
the house, so they rode off unheard
Virginia Courtney was only seven
teen, but she was brave, higl
spirited girl, fearless of danger; an,
she declared she had never In he
life enjoyed ride so much. Annie
knowledge of the country serve
them well, and by cross-road tn
distance was shortened few miles
/ At length they reached the river; dis
r mounting, Virginia tied her handkel
chief 10 tree that grew along clos
TO the waters edge. They tore o