Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-09-13
THE HIDDEN CONTINENTAL.

The eventful year of 177S was draw
ing to close when Colonel Campbell,
of the British army, landed near Savan-
nah. and fell furiously on the Ameri-
cans under General Howe. Howe's
troops were in no condition to face the
enemy; an unsuccessful n campaign in
the Floridas had enfeebled his men by
disease, and, deeming "dlscretion the
better part of valor." he retreated up
the river. ss.,l..4 sqefssG
OF course the then capital of Georgia
fell into the hands of the enemy, who
abused his triumph, and consigned his
name to an unenviable fame.
There was strong Tory element in
Savannah, which had been kept in
check by the presence of the Continent
ais; but when the British marched in
to the city, it rose and asserted its
strength. Houses were plundered, and
& number of patriots bayoneted in the
streets. Neighbor rose against neighbor
and Tories led plundering soldiery to
the homes of the patriots.
The Holly family, that dwelt in Sa-
vannsh at the time of its capture and
sack, consisted of three persons-the
tilO OWO CuIIOI eli. 1uc Idtu0I
8 man of wealth and influence in
Gecsgis, had died during the year that
preceded the outbreaking of the war,
and the home of the family was one of
the finest residences In the city.
Miriam Holly, the oldest child, was
q beautiful girl of nineteen, while her
brother was five years her junior. If
the father had lived, he might have
proven Tory, for he was devotedly
attached to the mother country, and
when the Kings troops took possession
of the capital, Col. Campbell COM
nanded that the Hollys' home should
not be 1ansacked. 1aHtn hHg sIaIs
Thus the house escaped pillage, and
Miriam FASTENED to thank the soldier
for his kindness. eT
Col. Campbell was struck by the girls
grace and remarkable loneliness, and
detained her at bis headquarters until
he had learned her family history by
many adroit questions.
There goes the handsomest woman
In Georgia" cried Campbell, as the girl
left the house.
His companion, who happened to be
his chief of staff, looked after Miriam,
and remarked:
:" [ quite agree with you, colonel.
These American rebels are all beauti-
full"
Campbell was silent for a moment.
ave will not occupy this building
after tomorrow" he said, suddenly.
:" ana going to take up my abode be-
meath the same roof that shelters Miss
Holly 7to. hrEraf nst #as
Glove at first sight, eolonel?" said
the chief of staff, with merry twi kle
IN his eyes. ais Lady Bonn so soon
.-.H1 ,EE
Lady Bonn be hanged ~ cried
Cam pbell.- A soldier loves when and
whom he pleases; and besides, major,
one is not obliged to marry these
American girls because he loves them"
The conversation was interrupted by
the arrival of an orderly, and was not
resumed D
On the following day Colonel Camp
bell made Miriam Holly's home his
headquarters
The girl grew deathly pale when she
learned of the sudden change, and
said. IN q whisper, to her mother:
"This is terrible event. He is not
fit TO depart yet, nor will he be for
week to come.
Miriam, I have been thinking that
it might be policy for us togive him up
to the army" replied Mrs. Holly.
teGive him up now 2" cried the girl.
&c Give him up, and hear every Tory in
Savannah cry for his blood2 No IN
less discovered, he1shall remain where
he is until he is able to escape" sE5oTge
Miriam Holly spoke with much firm
ness, and tears stoed in the mothers
ewes when she opened her arms and
received the daughter in her embrace.
Forgive me-, Miriam" she, cried.
We must keep our secret from Col.
Campbell. He must not know who
lies to-day beneath our roof. 7.frFf. !
So Miriam fastened from her moth
er's presence, and, by touching con-
ceaIed spring In the wall of an unfin-
ished room, revealed a narrow stair
way. She at once mounted the steps,
and entered very small apartment,
into which light streamed from 8, sky
window.
The room was tenanted On a low
cot Law a man in his tWenties. His
dark hair contrasted wildly with the
deathly pallor Of his face, and the suit
OF faded Continental uniform, with
sword, that hung against the wall over
the bed, told that he was an American
soldier. A boy of fifteen, who sat On
the edge of the bed, was reading aloud,
but In 8 cautious tone, when the door
opened to admit Miriam.
The invalid's. face lit up with smile
when the fair girl came forward and
took lis fevered hand.
Then she told him about Colonel
Carnpbell's change of quarters, and he
listened without a question.
WELL" he said, at last, "what are
We going to dor 6,gs
we are going to remain here till we.
get strong enough to leave the city,"
answered Miriam, with smile; and
even while she spoke faint noise be-
Low told her that the British colonel
uras moving into his new quarters.