Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1878-09-18
The Girl Who Saved the General.

one hundred years ago, a noble brick
built mansion, with lofty porllco and
broad piazza.
1t was the home of Mr.. Robert Glbbes
and bis 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-the Or
phan children of Mrs. Fenwick, sister
to Mr.. Glbbes. He himself was a Grip
pie, and could not walk. In a chair
which ran on wheels he was drawn dali
ly over the pleasant paths, sometimes
by the faithful servants, sometimes by
the still more devoted children, who
tugged at the rope like so many frlsky
colts. The leveliness Of the spot suited
well its name of Peaceful Retreat" 1"
by which it was known through all the
country.
But in those troublous times it could
not always remain peaceful" In the
spring Of l779 the British took possess
sion Of all the sea-beard. Gen. Provost
marched up from Savannah and laid
seige 10 Charleston. But hearing that
General Lincoln was Fastening on with
bis army, he struck his tents in the
night and retreated rapidly toward Sa-
vannah. He crossed the Stone Ferry.
and fortified himself on Johns Island,
as the island Of St. Johns was often
called.
For weekc now the voice of musketry
aud heavy guns destroyed the quiet JOY
at Peaceful Retreat" The children,
in the midst of play, would hear the
dreadful booming and Suddenly grow
still ana pale. The eldest daughter
Mary Anna, was sprightly, courageous
girl Of thirteen. She had the care oil
all the little ones, for her mothers hands
were full in managing the great estate
and caring for her husband.
After a time the enemy determined
to take possession of this beautiful place.
A body of BRUSH and Hossians quietly
captured the landing one midnight, and,
creeping stealthily onward, filled the
park and surrounded the house. At
day-break the inmates found them
selves 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 thai
Peaceful Retreat" had been captured
by the British, they determined to res
cue it from the enemy. Two large gal
leys were Immediately manned ant
equipped and sent to the plantation, Will
strict orders not to fire upon the man
sion.
Sailing noislessly up the Stone river
at dead ofnight the vessels anchored
abreast the plantation. Suddenly ou
Of the thick darkness burst flame an(
roar. and the shot came through thC
British encampment. The whole place
was instantly in uproar. The officers
in the house sprang from bed and hasti
" dressed and armed. Tho family
rudely awakened, rushed to the windows
A cold rain was falling, and the soldiers
halt cad,were running wildly hither ant
thither, while the officers were tranti-
cally calling them 10 arms. Mary woke
at the first rerrible roar and fed to he
mothers room. The eXcitable servan
uttered most piercing shrieks. Th'
poor children were too frightened t.
scream, but clung tremblinglo to Mary
Mrs. Gibbes was IN great distress
She knew not at first whether it was al
attack by friends on the camp, or al
assault on the house b. the enemy. Sh'
ordered the servants to cease their wall
inc and dress themselves. Then he
husband and the children were prepar
ed: and while the cannon beloved il
quick succession and the noise aroun'
the house grew louder, the father ant
mother consulted what was best to do
1t was not evident that the attack wa
by their own enemy. But Mr.. Gibbe
did not know that the house would no
be fired on, and he advised instant flight
He was carried to his chair, and tn
whole household sailed forth from
back door.
The scene was terrific. The igh
was pitchy dark, and when, just as the
stepped out, sheet of fame belche
I forth from the vessels, 1t seemed to b
against their faces. The roar shook th
ground. The troops were too bus
saving themselves to notice the fug
tiyes, and they pashed on as rapidly q
possible.
Not one was sufficiently protecte
from the rain. Little Mary had th
hardest part, for nearly all the childre
were in her care. The mud was deeI
, Some of the little ones covld walk bl
short distance at y time, and had
, be carried-Mary having always on
, sometimes two, IN her arms. Sever
of the servants were near her, but mol
Of them seemed to notice her or h
G burdens. The last horse had been ca
d ried of that very day; there was no c
< cape but on foot.
Suddenly, a bali came crashing
them through the trees Then a char
II of grape-shot cut the boughs over hea
n They were exactly in the range OF I