The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1880-08-22

people in Scituate harbor were in great dis
tress over the strange ship that had ap-
peared at the mouth of the har'
Dor.
1t was fishing place in those days, and
the harbor was full of smacks and boats OF
all kinds. The soldiers could easily enter
the harbor aud burn up everything, and no
one could prevent them. There were men
enough to make good fight, but they were
poorly armed, and had nothing but fowling-
pieces and shot guns, while the soldiers had
muskets and cannon.
The tide was down in the morning, so
that there was no danger for few hours;
and all the people went out on the cliffs
and beaches to watch the ship and see what
would happen next
On the end of the low, sandy spit that
makes one side of the h.rbor, stood the lit
tie. white tower known as Scituate Light.
In the house behind the light lived the
keepers family, consisting of himself, wife,
and several boys and girls. At the time
the ship appeared the keeper was away,
and there was no one at home save Mrs.
Bates, the eldest daughter, Rebecca, about
fourteen years old, two Of the little boys,
and young girl named Sarah Winsor,
who was visiting Rebecca.
Rebecca had been the first TO discover the
ship, while she was up in the lighthouse
tower polishing the reflector. She at once
decended the steep stairs and sent off the
boys to the village to give the alarm.
For an hour or two the ship tackled and
stood off to sea, then tackled again and
made for the shore. Men, women and
children watched her with anxious interest.
Then the tide turned and began to flow
into the harbor. The boats aground on
the fats foated, and those IN deep water
swung around at their moorings.
Now the soldiers would probably
land. If the people meant to save any
thing il was time to be stirring. Boats
were hastily put out from the wharf, and
such clothing, nets, and other valuableS as
could be handled were brought ashore,
loaded into hay carts, and carried away.
1t was no use to resist. The soldiers, of
course, were well armed, and if the people
made q stand among the houses il would
not prevent the enemy from destroying the
shipping.
As the tide spread out over the sandy
flats il filed the harbor, so that, instead Of
channel, it became wide and beautiful
bay. The day was fine, and there was a
gentle breeze ripping the water, and max
ing it sparkle in the sun. What splen
did. day for fishing or sailing Not much use
10 think of either while that war ship
crossed and recrossed before the harbor
mouth.
About two o'clock the tide reached high
water mark, and, to the dismay Of the peo-
pie, the ship let 90 her anchor, swung
round, and lay quiet about half mile
from the first cliff. They were going to
land to burn the town. With their spy
glasses the people could see the boats low
cred to take the soldiers ashore.
All then there was confusion and uproar
Every horse in the village was put into
some kind OF team, and hurried off to
the woods behind the town. The men
would stay and offer as brave resistance
as possible. Their guns were light and
poor, but they could use the old fsh-house
as tort, and perhaps make brave fight
Of ii. If worse came to worse, they could
at last retreat and take to the shelter Of
the woods,
1t was splendid sight. Five large
boats, manned by sailors, and filled with
soldiers IN gay red coats The oars all
moved together in regular order, and the
officers in their fine uniforms stood up to
direct the expedition. 1t was a courageous
company come with a war ship and cannon
to fight helpless fisherman.
So Rebecca Bates and Sarah Winsor
thought, as they sat up in the lighthouse
tower, looking down on the procession of
boats as i, went past the point and entered
the harbor.
"Ohl If only were mani" cried Re-
becca.
"What could you do' See what lot Of
them; aad look at their guns"