South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1876-04-07

GU oy the rouSn sold,ery, who claimed
the Colonel rs their prisoner.
This is Col. Goodwin, 1 believe: we
have orders. sir, to burn your house and
take you prisoner, so you had better
bring the women cut" Thus spoke,
with mock ceremony an officer, rs he
rode up TO the door.
II am willing, sir, to become your
prisoner. but l be- you not to harm my
wife and daughter. and ut least spare
my house" replied Colonel Goodwin
earnestly.
"We have orders to spare nothing, 50
get out quick" and so saving. the work
of destruction began in earnest. Col.
Ooodwln saw that entreaty would he
useless, so with sad hearts they LETT the
house and watched in silence the eager
search for plumber ofthe rabble soldcry.
But their search for va.uables was fruit
less, and the maddened crowd again
rushed upon the Colonel and demanded
him to produce them or he shot. The
assurances OF Col. Goodwin that there
were none in the house were laughed at.
and drunken officer was about to exc.
cute his threat as he drew his pistol and
aimed it at his head, when old Tom
rushed in. and said: ..Stop, sar de
Colonel done tell de truth, dat | kao,r,
an you can hunt in dat house all day
an you won't get nuiling, no dat you
won't
TON know whar It's. Tom done
hide it, dat he is" exclaimed several of
the young negroes, as they surrounded
the old man, but who stood firmly BRAY.
! ing the storm.
You old gray-headed villain. if you
don't tell us where it is will! blow your
brains out" cried the officer, now turn
ing upon old Tom with his pistol.
well, shoot den; kill old Tom Mt
once, and den | know YOU won't ebher
find out" exclaimed Tom exultingly,
as he faced the savage crowd.
Let tAc old man alone. boys, but
keep him prisoner; we will get it ont Of
himyct.' Thus spoke n superior officer.
as he came up, and the old servant and
his master were securely bound and led
away.
The house having been pillaged OF all
that could be moved, it was now given
TO the flames, and soon the once lofty.
grand old mansion was bel of smoul-
dering ruins.
The Yankees now quickly left with
their prisoners and plumber. followed by
all the negroes OF the place, leaving
none behind but the two weeping females
rs they stool gazing in utter despair
upon the spot where once stood their
happy home.
Thus they stood until the sun had
nearly set, nor did they notice solitary
soldier rs he crept along the skirt OF u
distant woods and drew near them. AZ.
ter lew moments pause he advanced
to the trembling, terror.stricken ladies.
and said.
Madam. this is hardly q safe place
now, and you should seek some shelter,
as it will soon be dark"
I'VE know not where to 90, sir: I only
wish to follow my husband and die with
him, but they would not let u.s." sobbed
Mrs. Goodwin.
"lt you will allow me, madam. will
escort yon TO our camp, where you will
be safe and we'll taker care Of
30 your camp! No, sir, nerer! /
will die here before ever going to a
Yankee camp" replied Mrs Goodwin,
with indignant flashing eye
"Oh mother, he is the Confederate
officer, who we saw yesterday and told
us of the Yankees" cried Ada.
"Yes, Miss. am have TO adopt n
Yankee uniform TO escape detection. I
have been watching the whole proceed.
ings from yonder woods. | knew they
would burn the house and leave YOU des
olate, and only watched a safe moment
to protect you"
''Oh, sir, how thankful | am to Won
| forgive my hasty words we will follow
you at once" replied Mrs. Goodwin.
much relieved.
They now quickly left the spot, and
entering the woods, walked in silence
for some distance, until they reached
the officers horse, upon which the two
ladies' were placed, and the soldier walk.
cd beside them.
Thus they traversed through the woods.
along by.path and circuitous winnings
most of the night. Not soGal wac ut
tered by either, save now and then q low
sob from the two broken hearts even
TIC noble steed they rode seemed to step
softly lest il should betray them 10 n
hidden enemy.
"N no goes there?" sounled n rough
voice suddenly upon the still night air.
a low, peculiar whistle was sounded
by the young officer in reply to the chal.
lenge. which was also responded TO by
the picket guard.
eve are now safe. madam. and near
our camp" spoke their escort for the
first time.
"lIello. Hal, where have yon been. and
what have you got fherc?" cuquired his
brother officer. approaching.
"Why those blue devils have burnt
old Col. GOodwin's house ana turned
his wife and daughter ont or doors. and
here they are" replied tho young officer.
as he pushed rapidly on.
The camp fires were soon seen twink.
ling in the distance. and few minutes
more Mrs. Goodwin and her daughter
were in safe quarters. and. though bow.
CT down with grief yet they expressed
their uFafifu1 n fft.tr