The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-04-19
THE HERO WOMAN.
A STORY OF THE REVOLUTION
AIRY WAR.

In the shadows of the Wissahikon
woods, not more than half mile from
the Schuylkill, there stood in the time
of the Revolution a quaint old fabric,
built of mingled logs and stone, and en-
circled by palisaded wall. It had been
erected in the earlier days of William
Penn, as q blockhouse, intended for de-
tense against the Indians. ;-....
And now it stood with its many roofs,
it's numerous chimneys, its massive,
square windows, its varied front OF logs
and tone, its encircling wall, through
which admittance was gained by large
and stoutly built gate; it stood in the
midst of the wood, with trees .inclosing
it's veteran, outline on every side. = .
From its western window you might
obtain a glimpse of the Schuylkill
waves, while large easement in the
southern front commanded view of
the winding road, as it sunk out Of
view, under the shade of thickly clus
tered boughs, into deep hollow, not
more than one hundred yards from the
mansion. ..l..lijs.s,
Here, from the southern easement, on
one Of those balmy summer days which
look in upon the dreary autumn toward
the close of November, farmers daugh-
ter was gazing with dilating eyes and
half-clasped hands. ".~
Well might she gaze earnestly to the
south, and listen with painful intensity
for the slightest sound Her brothers
were away with the army Of Washing
ton, and her father, q grim old veteran
he stood six feet and three inches in bis
stockings-who had manifested his love
for the red:coat invaders in many a des-
perate contest, had that morning left her
alone in the old mansion, alone in this
small chamber, in charge Of some am
munition intended for band of brave
farmers, about to join the hosts of free
dom. Even as she stood there, gazing
out of the southern window, faint
glimpse of sunlight from the faded
leaves above, pouring over her mild
face, shaded by clustering brown hair,
there, not ten PAGES from her side, were
seven loaded rifles and keg of powder.
Leaning from the easement, she lis
tened, with every nerve quivering with
suspense, to the shouts of combatants,
the hurried tread Of armed men echoing
from the south. -... E%JLj + u
Suddenly the shouts grew nearer, and
then, emerging from the deep hollow,
there came an old man, running at full
speed, yet every few PAGES turning
round to fire the rifle, which he loaded
as he ran. He was pursued by party
of ten or more British soldiers, who
came rushing on, their, bayonets fixed,
as il to strike their victim down ere be
advanced ten PAGES nearer the house.
On and on the old man came, while
his daughter, quivering with suspense,
hung leaning from the window; he
reaches the block house gate-look he
is surrounded, their muskets are leveled
athis head; he is down, down at then
feet, graphing for his life! But loob
again / He dashes his foes aside, with
one bold movement he springs through
the gate; an instant, and it is locked
the British soldiers, mad with rage, gaze
upon the high wall Of logs and stone,
and vent their anger in drunken curses
Now look to yonder window! Where
the young girl stood a moment ago
quivering with suspense, as she beheli
her father struggling for -ife,I nov
stands that old man himself, his brow
barred, his arm grasping the rifle, while
his gray hairs wave back from hil
wrinkled and blood d-dabbled face Tha
was fine picture of an old veteran
nerved for his last fight; a stout war
rior, preparing for his death struggle.
Death struggle2 Yes for the ole
man, Isaac Wampole, had dealt tot
many hard blows among the British sol
diers, tricked, foiled, cheated them tot
often to escape nowl A few moment
longer, and they would be REINFORCED b.
strong party of refugees; the powder
the arms, in the old block house, per