New-York tribune., 1900-05-06

II the spring Of T7g Ninety-Six was the most i'm
Fortant post Upper Carolina held by the British.
General Nathaniel Greene planned 10 capture this
strongly garrsoned fort and began the attack but
being advised Of Lord RaWGon's rapid approach
with q large British force, he forced TO with
draw across the Saluda River. and pursued by
Rawdon 10 the EaOree River. II this retreat Gen
eIal Greene considered Il imperative TO communt-
cate with General Sumter who was stationed on
the Wateree River, over a hundred miles away.
with many rivers and great forests intervening
Worse than these were the British soldiers guard
ing every road leading to the south. and the few
inhabitants Of the country between the TWO pa
tr4ot forces We're Tories Rawdou's forces were re-
ported divided, and Greene wished Sumter TO join
him. 50 that united they might make an attack on
Ire British general
Il was considered hopeless 70 dispatch an ordi-
nary courier TO carry word 10 Sumter, and no man
was found willing undertake the risk Then a
girl OF eighteen came TO the General and offered
her services. She was Emily the daughter OF John
Geiger. an ardent patriot. who was crippled and
unable 10 bear arms. The daughter begged an op-
porturity 10 do something for her country She
was good horsewoman and she knew the roads
Though IN pressing need Of nessenfer General zen raj
Greene heslttteo 20 5eLo LiiS s1II & oI
60 per1IoGs journey put nl.4ly hef llssLehce pre-
vailed. He her written message to sum
journey. on the evening Of the second day after
crossing the Saluda River and when approaching
60 e.. me rom The direction Of the enemy and
gave evasive answers. Emily taken into Lord
Tawdon's presence. He suspicious and sent
FOR TWO Tory women living three miles away, to
search the prisoner During 4 few minutes she
was left alone the girl tore up and swallowed the
r,aDer on which General Greene's dispatch was
written and her secret safe. although every
women searchers Lord RaWdou then permitted
the girl 10 continue her way. giving her an escort
10 the house OF a friend several miles distant
v-Eare a fresh horse given her by the patriot,
.rd Emily CJeiger continued her ride by night Rid
ing many miles through swarnps and forest where
~ darkness was intense. she continued onward
after davlgat although. with the exception or the
rirDe detained British headquarters, she had
i-.en rwenty-four hours in the saddle
~ O'Clock on the afternoon OF the thlrd day
~ f-s,-e girl rode into SuTnters camp, and. al
80 delivared clearly the message from General
C,r@ene Il IS said that IN one hour sumter was
resFv 10 march. and after Joined General
f-raa,a In consequence Of their union or rorces
E5av-5or was compelled 20 retreat &c OrargeDurg,
- re+a- desDairing Of success. sailed Tor home
--vo weeks after her ride Emily c5eger returned
~ hzv acme General Greene presented her with q
rair af earrings and breastpin that are still IN
av5-,e,os as IS a beautiful silk shawl presented
her by General l-aiaytllT "H 'ie o10@7'oH "a
fss last visit this country
ys-- 7s--Ie j. known OF the heroine after the war
chs married Colonel Threwitts. wealthy planter
- Tev5rgrou Tradition says that when Lafayette
80 T-ie fsrevrell visit South Carolina ana a
grsrF bsli was given in his honor IN Charleston
So 49, sent for 20 grace the occasion. ana that
- 5aroa9 the first ninuet WITH the Marquis II
is lyrCgcr that she left no chloren- but beyonu
fbsr ro record can be found Of her subsequent NE
sh4 was buried IN the old Tl2reWitf bufylns ground
r. Lexington County