, 1878-08-29
The Girl Who Saved the General.

Far down the Carolina coast lies the
lovely island of St. John, where stood,
one hundred years ago, noble brick
built mansion, with lofty portico aud
broad piazza.
II 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 the orphan chill
dren of Mrs. Fenwick, sister to Mr..
Gibbes. He himself was a cripple, and
could not walk. In the 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 tugged at
the rope like so many frisky colts. The
loveliness of the spot suited well 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
spring of 1910, the British took posses.
sion of all the sea-board. General Pre-
vost marched up from Savannah and
laid siege to Charleston, But hearing
that General Lincoln was fastening on
with his army, he struck his tents in the
night, aud retreated rapidly toward Sa-
vannah. He crossed the Stono Ferry,
and fortified himself on Johns 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 sprigthly, courageous girl of
thirteen. She had the care Of all the
little ones, for her mothers hands were
full, in managing the great estate and
caring for her husband.
After time, the enemy determined to
take possession OF this beautiful place.
A body of British and Hessians quietly
captured the landing one midnight, and,
creeping stealthily onward, flled 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 Stono River,
at dead of night, the vessels anchored
abreast the plantation. Suddenly, out OF
the thick darkness burst flame and
roar, and the shot came crashing through
the British encampment. The whole
place was instantly in uproar. The Off
GERS in the house sprang from bed, and
hastily dressed and armed. The family,
rudely awakened, rushed to the windows
A cold rain was falling, and the soldiers,
half clad, were running wildly hither
and tbither, while the officers were fran
tically calling them to arms. Mary woke
at the first terrible roar and fled to her
mothers room. The excitable negro
servants uttered most piercing shrieks
The poor little children were too fright.
ened to scream, but clung, trembling, to
Mary.
Mrs. Gibbes was in great distress. She
knew not, at first, whether it was an at,
tack by friends on the camp, or an assault
on the house by the enemy. She ordered
the servants to cease their wailing and
dress themselves. Then her husband and
the children were prepared; and, while
the cannon beloved in quick succession
and the noise around the house grew
louder, the father and mother consulted
what was best TO d. II was now eVi.
dent that the attack was by their own
friends, and its Object was TO dislodgC
the enemy. But Hr. Gibbes did mol
know that the hou would not he fired
on, and he advise instant fight. He