Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-07-07
The Girl Who SaYed the General.

lovely island Of st. John, where stood one
hundred years ago, noble brick mansion
with lofty portico and broad piazza.
1t was the home of Mr.. Robert Gibbes
and his beautiful young wife, and the
great house was full at all seasons.
Eight children had already come to this
good couple, and seven little adopted
cousins were their playmates Or
phan children OF Mrs. Fenwick, sister to
Mr.. Gibbes. He himself was cripple.
and could not walk. In a chair which
ran on wheels he was drawn daily over the
pleasant path, sometimes by the faithful
black servants, sometimes by the still
more devoted children, who tugged at
the rope like so many frisky colts. The
loveliness of the spot suited we'll its name
of peaceful Retreat by which it was
known through all the country.
But in those troublous times it could
not always remain peaceful" In the
spriug of 1919, the British took possess
ion of all the sea-board General Pre-
vost marched up from Savannah and laid
siege to Charleston. But hearing that
his army, he struck his tents in the night
and retreated rapidly toward Savannah.
He crossed the Stone ferry. and fortified
himself on John Island, as the island of
St. Johns was often called.
For weeks now the noise of musketry
and heavy guns destroyed the quiet Joy
at peaceful Retreat" The children, in
the midst of play, would hear the dread
full booming, and suddenly grow still and
pale. The eldest daughter, Mary Anna,
was sprightly, courageous girl OF thir-
teen. She had the care of all the little
Gnes, for her mothers hands were full, in
managing the great estate and caring fol
her husband.
After time, the enemy determined tc
take possession Of this beautiful place
A body Of British and Hessians quietly
captured the landing one 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 mile.
from Charleston, and when the American
officers in the city heard that "Peacefu
Retreat" had been captured by the British
they determined to rescue it from thu
enemy. Two large galleys were imme
diately manned and equipped and sent tt
the plantation, with strict orders not t.
fire upon the mansion.
Sailing noiselessly up the Stone River
at dead of night the vessels anchored
abreast the plantation. Suddenly, out o
the thick darkness burst a flame and roar
and the shot came crashing through tn,
British encampment. The whole plac,
was instantly in uproar. The officers i,
the house sprang from bed, and hastil,
dressed and armed. The family, rudel,
awakened rushed to the windows. A. COLI
rain was falling, and soldiers, half-clad
were running wildly hither snd thithe1
! while the officers were frantically calm.
them to arms. Mary woke at the frs
) terrible roar and fled to her mother
room. The exciteable negro servant
uttered most piercing shrieks. The poo
, little children we're too frightened t,
F scream, bat chung, trembling, to Mary.
! Mrs. Gibbes was in great distress
She knew not, at first, whether it was Al
attack by friends on the cap, or an. as
: sault on the house by the enemy. Sh
ordered the servants to cease their wail;n
= and dress themselves. Then her husban
+ ana the Children were prepared ane
!, while the cannon beloved in quick sue
J cession and the noise around the hous
2 grew louder and louder, the father an
" mother consulted what was best to d,
1t was now evident that the attack was b
their own friends, and It's object was t
: dislodge the enemy. But Mr.. Gibbe
]: did not know that the house would ne
) be fired on, and he advised instant fitch
: He was carried TO his chair, and til
It household sailed forth from a bac
q door, ~ = = i St9s ,s2
r The scene was terrific. The night ws
n pitchy dark, and when, just as they stel
b ped out, sheet of fame belched fourt
g from the vessels, it seemed to be almo
i against their faces. The roar shook I'll
y ground. The troops we're too busy sa,
Y ing themselves to notice the fugitive
q and they pushed on as rapidly as possibl
+. No one was sufficiently protecte
o from the rain. Little Mary had tt
}, hardest part, for nearly all the childre