Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1878-09-05
The Brave Girl.

lies the lovely Isl ana or st, Jonn'
where stood, one hundred years ago,
noble brick-built mansion, with
lofty portico and broad piazza.
1t was the home or Mr.. Robert
Gibbes and his beautiful young wife,
and the great house WIS full at all
seasons. Eight children had a.rea6-
y come to this good couple, and sew
en- little adopted cousins were their
playmates-tlle orphan children Of
Mrs. FenwicA, sister to Mr.. Gibbes.
He himself was a cripple and could
not walk. In q chair which ran on
wheels he was drawn daily over the
pleasant paths, sometimes by the
faithful black servants, sometimes
by the still more devoted children,
who tngged at the rope Nke so many
frisky colts. Vhe lovehness Of the
spot suited we'll it's name Of Peace
full Retreat" by which it was known
through all the country.
But in those trou 9lous times it
could not always remain peaceful"
In the spring of l7E9, the British
took possession of all the sea board.
General Provost marched up from
Savannah and laid siege to Charles
ton. But hearing that Gen. Lin
coin was fastening On with his
army, he struck his tents in the
night and retreated rapidly toward
Savannah. He crossed the Stone
Ferry, and fortified himself on
Johns Island, as the island 'Gf st.
John was very often call ed.
For weeks now the noise of mus
kerry and heavy guns destroyed the
quiet joy ar peaceful Retreat. -
The children, in the midst of play,
would hear the dreadful booming,
and Suddenly grow still and pale.
TIE eldest daughter, Mary Ann,
was sprightly, courageous girl of
thirteen. She had the care Of all
the little ones, for her mothers
hands were full, in managing the
greatest estate and caring for her
husband.
After time, the enemy deter
mined to take possession of this
beautiful place. A body of British
and Hessians quietly captured the
landing at Midnight, and, creeping
stealthily onward, filled the park
and surrounded the house. At day
break the inmates found themselves
prisoners.
Then came trying days for the
family. The officers took up their
quarters in the mansion, allowing
the family to occupy the upper story.
Johns Island was less than thirty
miles from Charleston, and when
the American officers in the city
heard that Peaceful Retreat" had
been captured by the British, they
determined to rescue it from the
enemy. Two large galleys were
Immediately manned and equipped,
and sent to the plantation with
strict orders not to fire upon the |
mansion.
Sailing noiselessly up the Stone |
River, at dead of night, the vessels |
anchored abreast the plantation. |
Suddenly, out of the thick darkness
burst a fame and roar, and a shot |
came crashing through the Britis*
encampment. The whole place was
instantly in an uproar. The officers
in the house spraDg from bed, and
hastily dressed and armed. The
family, rudely awakened, rushed to
the windows. A cold rain was fall
ing, and the soldiers, haaf-clsd, were |
running wildly hither and thither,
while officers were franticallY call |
ing to arms. Mary woke at the first |
terrible roar and fed to her moth
er's room. The excitable negro SER
wants uttered most piercing shrieks.
The poor little children were too |
Frightened to scream, but clung trem.
bllngly to Mary.
Mrs. Glib bes was in great dis
tress. She knew not, at first,
whether it was an attack by friends
IN the camp or an assault on the |
house by the enemy. She ordered |
the servants to cease their wailing |
and dress themselves. Then the |
husband and children were prepared !; |
and. while the cannon beloved in
quick succession and the noise |
around the house grew louder, the
fother and mother consulted what |
was best to do. It was now evil
dent that the attack was by their |
own friends, and its object was TO |
dislodge the enemy. But Mr.. |
Gibbes did not know that the house
would not be fired upon, and he ad-
vised instant fight. He was carried
to his chair. and the whole house
hold sailed forth from back door.
The scene was terrific. The night
was pitch dark, and when, just as