Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1872-05-30

tary or nervous headache, can sympathize
with Mrs. Elliott. She could not remember
the time when she was not subject to its vic.
lent attacks. Nearly one-seventh of her life
had been passed in acute pain. Physicians
had been consulted and remedies tried in vain.
If medicine seemed to do good at one
time it had no effect at another; and after
trying everything she was advised to take,
travelling to various places, and using every
means possible, she had resigned herself to
the belief that she should never be relieved
from her suferings.
True, she never had fevers, or any other
sickness; they did not seem to leave any ill
effects afterward, nor did they injure her
beauty, but it was torture to endure them.
They were generally just as frequent, but did
not last so long in the low-oountry as higher
up, and MIR. Elliott was glad to live wherever
she could be spared single hour from the
horrible pain.
Grace was usually the one to take care of
hermother, and very gentle and tender were
her attentions. Conway was just as willing
to do all she could, but she was so quick in
her movements, lifted her mother 80 suddenly
it gave her pain, and her touch was not so
soft and delicate as that of Grace, and grad
ually the whole care fell to her when she was
at home.
Mrs. Elliott had justrecovered from one OF
her most severe attacks, when they were all
awakened in the middle Of the night by the
arrival of Mr.. Wright with the news that
Sherman's army was not far of, and would
probably be in the neighborhood early in the
day. There was no more sleep that night; and
while Mr.. Wright went with Mr.. Elliott and
helped him bride the horses and put some
corn in sacks for them, the girls collected the
spoons, forks and such little things Of value,
which it had been necessary to retain for daily
use when they buried the more massive plate,
and consigned them to their fathers care.
Mrs. Elliott hastily packed a basket with pro-
visions, and brought out pair Of warm blan-
kets. To Grace was given the direction they
were to take, and the particular spot they in.
tended as their place Of refuge. 1t was re-
lief to all, in that moment Of haste and anx-
iety, to know that Grace and Stuart had learned
all suitable places Of concealment, and, if it
was necessary, might possibly communicate
with the loved ones who knew it was better to
fly than run the risk of being made prisoners.
Before daylight the two men and their
horses were miles away. Had the family sat
down quietly, it would have seemed as if there
had been funeral in the house; but they had
no time for idleness or rest. The clothing,
books and every thing that could be packed
away was put in bureaus, trunks and clothes
presses, and locked with the greatest care. A
few laces and small things were secreted
about their clothes. Breakfast was scarcely
tasted, and it was scarcely cleared away, be-
foresoldiers seemed to spring out Of the ground
likelocusts, so suddenly and in such numbers
did they appear. They poured into the house
like bees, and to Mrs. Elliotts inquiry for
their commanding officer, or guard to pro-
tect them, they only returned
30, he's back yonder-we've had our Or
ders-you don'tneed a guard-we shan't hurt
you," or made no reply at all, and passed on.
The house servants gathered round the
family in silence It did not seem ten minutes
before every corner in the house had been
ransacked the attic explored from end to
end the trunks, wardrobes, and closets were
broken open and their contents scattered here
and there. Disorder reigned everywhere.
The only place left partially untouched was
theparlor, in which the family we're gathered; !;
but even there the men pushed in and out,
stared about and made remarks on the fine
furniture but were prevented from doing any
damage by two or three who with some fine
feelings, ordered them to let one room alone as
there was enough in the rest Of the house for
their vandalism.
Just as it seemed as if everything would
certainly be destroyed-for they were then
forcing the doors Of store.room, smoke-house
and other outbuildings-a body of cavalry
dashed up at full speed, guards were placed at
all the out-houses, tho dwelling was emptied
of its crowd of ruthless men, and something
like quiet succeeded the late confusion and
hub.bub.
The servants began wandering over the dis
ordered apartments with exclamations Of as
tonishment, and Mrs. Elliott was leaning back
in her chair wondering what had caused such
change-the arrival of some high officer, or
the special interpostion Of Providence when
card was handed her on which was written
"An interview with Mrs. Elliott is desired, if
agreeable. H. s. CLINTON, Capt. U. 8. c.
"Tell the man to come in," said she, sur
prised that he had not done so, like the rest
of the horde, without ceremony; and mo-
ment after, fine looking man, with barred
head, stood on the threshold. A bow to Mrs.
Elliott, graceful inclination to her daughters,
and before she could reply coldly to his, "Mrs
Claude Elliott, I believe" pleased look
came over his face, and military salute was
given to the portrait Of her son Claude, which
hung directly over where Conway stood.
To the look of surprise which all showed in
spite of the chill haughtiness they felt, Cap
tain Clinton said
"I am happy in being permitted to protect
this family. Two years ago I received great
kindness from the hands Of Colonel Elliott,
and vowed to repay it if it was ever in my
power. The protection I am now able to
give, 1 pray you to accept as coming from
him. I hope to hear, madame, that he is
WELL"
Tears came in Mrs. Elliott's eyes. There