Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1871-09-29
Bravery Of q Young Girl.

WuO WAS
an earnest patriot in the Revolution, was
the owner of a plantation on the Stono, a
few miles from Charleston. Here, one
day, British battalion encamped, and
compelled the family to surrender to their
use the lower part of the mansion, and to
contine themselves in the upper story.
While here, on one dark and stormy
evening, two galleys appeared, ascending
the river, and began most destructive fire
upon the British encampment. The house
seemed particularly exposed, although the
vessels had been commanded to avoid fir
ing upon it, and to confine their attack to
the enemy's encampment.
OF this Mr.. Gibbes was not aware, and,
with the permission of the English com.
mander, he set out, although suffering
acutely from an infirmity, and with his
numerous family, hastened to the protec-
ton of the neighboring plantation.
The balls were falling thick and fast,
sometimes scattering dirt and disaster over
the parry, while their loud whizzng min
gled with the fury of the distant atfray,
rendered the scene one of danger and ter
ror. But scarcely had they proceeded so
far as to be out of danger from the balls,
when, to their unutterable agony, they
discovered that in the confusion and
behind.
To leave the child alone in his danger
was impossible, and to return for him was
an attempt of imminent peril. Mr.. Gibbes
was suffering under an inirmity that made
his movements exceedingly slow and pain
full, and, therefore, it was impracticable for
him to return.
The frightened and chattering servants
stood trembling around, looking from one
to the other in bewildering despair. OF
all the rest of the party, saving Mrs
| Gibbes, who was severely indisposed, none
were above the age of childhood.
Whiles thus undecided, Mary Anne
Gibbes, but thirteen years of age, sprsng
forward and offered to go for the lad, who
was a son of Mrs. Fenwick, Mrs. Gibbes
sister in. law. The night was dark and
stormy the distance considerable, and tht
whole space swept by the cannon of tht
assailant But without fear she retraceC
her way, and reached the house without
injury, where the scene was one OF un
mingled terror.
| Undismsyed by the laundering of the
cannon, the crashing of the balls, the
shrieks, shouts and imprecaticns of the
combatants, she sprang to the door witt
the intention of entering, when she wa
bruta ly refused by the sentinel.
But tears, entreaties and the natura
eloquence prompted by her heroism, over
came his opposition, and she was permit
ted to enter. With rapid steps she ascend
ed to the third story, and, finding tn,
child there in safety, she clasped it to he
bosom and hastened TO overtake her re
treating family. and often the ploughinl
balls would scatter clouds of dust owe
her person. Uninjured her perilous jour
ney was performed, and when she reached
her friends she was welcomed by shouts o
enthusiasm and admiration.
This intrepid action, worthy of an adult
and all glorious in a child, borrows a fai
share of romance by the reflection tina
the child thus saved afteTwsrd becam,
Lieut.. Col. Fenwick so highly distinguish
ed by his services in the last war witt
Great Britain.