Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1882-08-24

thunder, yet passes on, harmless and in silence
at my feet. 1t is an awfully grand sight, and
one which once seen will never be forgotten.
| From this point may be seen to advantage, the
river for great distance below, as also the
beautiful rainbow bedded in the gray clouds
| of light mist formed from the ever ascending
and descending spray that falls so thick and
fast that nature seems ever weeping over the
| troubled scene copous tears like falling show
ers of rain.
Here, too, all have to come who wish to
visit the Cave of Winds, or 60 behind the
Falls. Behind the descending flood will be
found a mammoth cave one hundred and sixty
feet long and one hundred wide, and one hun
dred high. Near by is the burning spring,
which was warned not to visit.
The sun was now fast sinking beneath the
western horizon, and entering our carriage
the driver soon returned us to the hotel.
After tea in company of friend, return
ed to the park to enjoy the cool and invigora'
| ting breezes ever breathing health and music
through the many groves that there abound.
On entering, we found the entire park beau
Gllully Will SiSSCllSiVJ SSAiSA"o,N
by machine located near the centre of the
park and propelled by turbine water wheel
driven by water conveyed from above. the
Falls, by means of subterraneous canals
through the entire length of the park. This
canal opens into an oblong square, well
walled with hewn stone, and situated not far
from the centre of the grounds. In this pool
may be seen red, black and purple fish, of all
sizes and various kinds. And Immediately in
front of this never failing pool of water stands
a large glass house in which is beautifully
arranged several large fountains constantly
throwing large jets Of water to considerable
height These large jets are tastefully sur
rounded by numerous smaller ones Which
fairly cause the spray to dance above and
around them, creating a thin cloud OF humid
mist, in which noticed a number of gosamer
wheels so arranged that they were kept con-
stantly rapidly revolving by the spray from
the Jets. The park was thronged with visitors
of all ages and sexes, not few being bridal
couples enjoying their honeymoon, While there
was goodly number of bellies and beaux, chat
ting as gibly as if their hearts were overflow
ing with pure delight.
AS twilight deepened into night the electric
lights were turned directly on the fountains
and both the great Falls, which, viewed through
glasses provided for the purpose, transmitted
all the rays of color in the bright and gorgeous
tints of the loveliest rainbow. All that was
lacking to render everything lovely in the
highest degree was a band Of good music,
which, were this park and it's fine accessories
in the South, would be speedily furnished to
crafty the demands of our music loving peo-
pie.
The place was famed by such delightful
breezes, and the stars shone so brightly over
head, that many of the large crowd fingered
there until the wee sma' hours, in social,
friendly and earnest conversation. When
left the grounds, many parties were still occu-
pying rustic seats, taking their rest after
long promenade in the early part of the even
ing. But here Must take my leave of the
park and it's gay and happy visitors.
GUILFORD.
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 portco 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 couple, and seven little
adopted cousins were their playmates
orphan 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
paths, sometimes by the faithful black SER
wants, sometimes by the still more devoted
children who tugged at the rope like so many
frisky colts. The lovelness of the spot suited
well it's name, "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
1779 the British took possession of all the sea-
bord. General Provost marched up from
Savannah and laid siege to Charleston. But
hearing that General Lincoln was approach
ing, he struck his tents in the night, and
retreated rapidly towards Savannah. lie
crossed the Stone 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 JOY at "Peaceful
Retreat" The children in the midst of play
would hear the dreadful booming, and sud-
denly grow still and pale. The eldest daugll-
ter Mary Anna, was a sprightly, courageous
girl of thirteen. She had the care of the lit
tie 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 IIessans quietly captured the
landing one midnight, and creeping stealthily
onward, filled the park and surrounded the
house. At daybreak 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 that "Peaceful Re-
treat" 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 vessel anchored abreast the
plantation Suddenly out of the thick dark
ness burst a flame and roar, and the shot
came crashing through the British encamp'
ment. The whole place was instantly in an