The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1905-02-22
WAR STORIES.
M RS. DE Rossett and Her baby Run the
Blockade.



to the thrilling adventure of Mrs. De
Rossett and her then baby daughter,
Gabrielle de Gondin De Rossctt.
During the war Of Secession Mrs.
De Rossett's husband, Louis De Ros-
sctt, one of the trusted agents CT the
Confederate Government, had run the
blockade successfully and reached
Nassau, when he, unfortunately, was
ovcrtakcn b. that dread disease ycl-
low fever. Tie young wife heard Of
his illness and declared tha she and
her child must 20 to him so hat she
could nurse him, and in spite Of pro
ecsts from her family and friends, she
went.
One da.k night very long, low,
.rakish steamer, which was watched by
Gordon Of vessels waiting outside
Cor her, lay in the port Of Whining
ton, n. G. This was the steamer
"LyDx." Her master was an old
salt in experience, (though young in
years. successful blockade runner.
and he had almost concluded it was
, not his night for action. He was we'll
aware that the fleet of the enemy
knew Of his presence in the port of
Wilmington just as we'll as he did
himself, but the mother was aboard
with her baby and her heart was full
Of hope and trust AZ she prayed ear
nestly that the sick husband would
aoon be better and that it would not
be many days before she would be at
his side.
The good, warm hearted Swedish
gentleman, Capt. Il. G. Reed, had
said cheerful things to encourage her,
'ffor the time Of wailiDg hung heavily.
Still ho talked confidently, heartened
his men and communed with the Off
= GERS. Then he looked at the weather,
for time was money to him and he
longed TO see his owners. Being still
compelled TO lay idle his thoughts
reverted to his strange passengers,
Mrs. Do Rossett and her baby.
The lady had formerly lived in
;, charleston before her marriage, when
she was Miss Maria T. Finley AS
he passed the cabin door an anxious
face looked questionipgly into the
aptain's and inquired: Captain,
have you any instructions for me to-
night if we should steal out?" "No,
'Sor there is not any chance for slip
ping away; calm yourself, and go to
sleep and rest,' he replied.
Being ear Fort Fisher the men on
watch reported every movement
around them in the harbor. Even The
,slighteft change Of weather or wind,
or the tWinklipg Of the red, white and
blue Tights Of the vessels were brought
60 iie notice OF the captain. There
were only few days in each month
which suited for entering or leaving
she harbor, so that it was important
80 improve the least chance, and de-
lays were dangerous. The officers
finally reported The wind southwest
by west, Captain"
~'us that good for us2" asked gen.
s7tle voice in the gloom? 1T does no
one good tonight" was the Captains
.gsply. 's'The tide is strong against
us. RIM to bed. / may move the
vessel nearer the Fcrt or 90 higher up
the river. Do not allow it to disturb
you. Remember, you must be ready
sto go when We start, and expect no
help from any one but myself. The
weather is warm and you need no ex-
.tra clothing. We may risk getting
away tomorrow morning if the fog
shiokeDs. Keep quiet. When the
.sime comes, I'll signal to you with
my hands. Look out for yourself.
sBaby is arranged for, she will be in
sthe care ef-the mate and pilot"
Capt. Reed paced che deck in a
thoughtful mood. On the morrow he
should leave, if all conditions were ia.
vorable he had thought. but why not
E nuE2 Steam Was slightly escaping
: from 4he Lynx" Silent men were
carrying sacks OF coal to the furnaces
.infrsos. Slowly she left her moor
dogs. Rserything was dark and wet.
Silence was everywhere.
On, on the vestel stole; while the
.Sfioers anxiously watched the rivers
unouth. One steamer came in view,
!. showing her red, then green, then all
&threeNights.. Tbs Captain was at his
SposL. The excited wife was silent,
hidden under heavy dark shawl,
swaiting. The blookading vessels