The National tribune., 1886-10-14

federate conscript officer stationed at Murphy
Bryson determined To strike and capture the
post In this expedition, which, as usual, was
undertaken during the night, he passed the
home OF Mcdonald, who determined to remain
with his family until the expedition returned.
Having but few hours journey before him to
reach the object Of his expedition, BrysOn
waited until, as he supposed, the hour of mid
night would render his movements more secure
from observation. In this he was only partially
successful, as no sooner had he departed than
the house Of Mcdonald was surrounded by n
party of 20 or more, who had stealthily watch
ed his movements. Approaching the little log
house, the leader was surprised to find every
door and window securely barricaded, and only
to be captured by regular approach.
The little garrison consisted of Mcdonald,
his wife, (whO upon this occasion displayed the
heroic courage of a Spartan,) and two daugh-
tiers Of the age of Is and 20 years respectively,
who proved themselves
WORTHY OF THEIR MOTHER,
and more cannot be said. Their arms and ac-
couterments consisted of rifle and dOuble-bar-
relied shotgun, with plenty Of ammunition, and
the usual parapherualia of a kitchen, consist
ing of skillets, pots, frying pans, AK, and fire.
poker, all Of which became invincible weapons
in the stalwart arms that had heretofore been
trained TO their use for a very different pur-
pose
The attack was announced by the demand of
the leader that the door be opened TO his admis-
sion. Hastily clothing himself Mcdonald in
quired his errand.
I'VE want your id carcass" was the Ia
comic reply.
Come in and take it, you cursed heather"
answered Mcdonald.
After an attempt 10 enter the house by tho
door and windows, fuIsilade was commenced,
the object of which was made apparent by the
advance Of three or four of the party bearing o
log, with which an assault was made upon the
door. This eventually gave way. The leader
OF the party entered, when he was met by a
discharge from the qua which Mcdonald car
ried in his hand. simultaneously the leader
fired at Mcdonald, but neither shot was effect
i've. A rush into the house followed, and Nc
Donald and his foe were at once locked in a
deadly embrace. The man who had followed
his leader into the house dealt Mcdonald blow
with the but of his gun, and at the same instant
was felled by q blow from Mrs. Mcdonald, who
welded skillet. Turning upon the leader
she swung the deadly skillet about her head,
and when it reached its destination the leader
lay prone upon the floor of the cabin and the
lady stood bending over the senseless form of
her husband.
During the struggle inside two more of the
attacking party had dashed into the open door,
where they were met
BY THE TWO YOUNG WOMEN,
who. armed with a cast-iron kettle and an AK,
respectively, each with a deadly blow laid
out the intruder as eifeetually as though
armed with the thunderbOlts of JOve. 1t was
the work Of an instant to close the door and
disarm the PROSTATE intruders, now left to the
tender mercies Of the mother and her daughters.
With the true spirit of galiantry, no further
violence was offered the men but the pots and
skilets were kept in handy reach to meet
emergencies.
Standing guard over the PROSTATE foe, the
young ladies spenta busy hour or two, while the
mother was intent upon restoring her husband
TO consciousness. This accomplished, they pro-
ceeded TO secure the arms and feet of the at
lacking party, who piteously begged for their
! lives. Under the Misrepresentation that these
heroines were thus put of their guard, one of
them jumped forward to secure the captured
weapons, when he was met by a blow from the
iron skillet that lasted him until he and his
companions were thrown out of the house, aud
left 10 reflect upon the uncertainties of a war
| fare upon the domain of woman when armed
with the weapons Of devotion, patriotism, and
the furniture of North Carolina mOuntaineer's
kitchen; and upon the very spot, too. where
every incentive TO resistance against invasion
has been breathed into her being and tradi-
tionally practiced from time immemorial.
Every member Of the brave little garrison
still survives. The stalwart form of the father
Is bowed with age, and suffering still from the
cruel blow that has shattered his mind and left
physical wreck. while the mother aud
daughters stand IS tie living witnesses of one
OF the most courageous feats in the great war OF
the rebellion. They are surrounded by another
generation of stalwart boys and lovely girls,
trained TO sentiments of loyalty to the Union
and the use of the weapons employed by their
mothers in defense of their principles and
home. The fate of Bryson and his men will
| be told hereafter.