The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-01-24

often been averred and certain liz
Gems to have been the case n regard
TO the thrilling adventure of Mrs. De-
Rossett and her then baby daughter.
Gabrille de Gondin DeRossett.
During the War Of Secession Mrs.
eett, one of the trusted agents of the
Confederate government, had run the
blockade successfully and reached
Nassau, when he, unfortunately, was
overtaken by that dread disease, yell
low fever. The young wife heard Of
his illness and declared that h and
her child must go to him SO that she
could nurse him, and in spite of pro-
tests from her family and friends. she
went.
&. One dark night a very long, low,
1akish steamer which was watched by
a Gordon of vessels waiting outside for
her, lay in the port of Wilmington, y.
c.. This was the steamer Lynx Her
master was an old salt in experience,
(though young in years. a successful
blockade runner, and he had almost
concluded it was not his night for ac-
ton. He was well 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 as she
prayed earnestly that the sick nus
band would soon be better and that IL
would not be many days before she
would be at his side.
The good warm-hearted Swedish
gentleman, Capt. E c. Reed, had sal@
cheerful things to encourage her TO-
the time of waiting hung heavily. Stlll
he talked confidently, heartened ms
men and communed with his officers.
Then he looked at the weather, 1Or
time was money to him and he 1onged
to see his owners. Being still COM
PEELED to lady idle, his thoughts re-
verified to his strange passengers, Mrs.
DeRossett and her baby.
This lady had formerly lived in
Charleston before her marriage when
she was Miss Maria T. Finley. AS ne
passed the cabin door an anxious face
looked questioningly into the captains
and inquired: Captain, have you any
instructions for me tonight if we
should steal out?' NO, for there is
not any chance for slipping away;
calm yourself, and go to sleep and
rest he replied.
Being near Fort Fisher the men on
watch reported every movement
around them in the harbor. Even the
slightest change of weather or wind,
- - he y01 yrhSfn opE
blue lights of the vessels were brought
to the notice of the captain. Their were
only a few days in each month which
suited for entering or eaving the mar
Dor, so hat it was important to i'm
prove the least chance, and delays
were dangerous. The officer finally re
ported the wind southwest by west,
Captain!'
us that good for u.s." asked gen
tie voice in the gloom? 1T does no
one good tonight" was the captain S
reply. 1.-THE tide is strong against us.
Run to bed. I may move the vessel
nearer the fort or go higher up the
river. Do not allow it to disturb you.
Remember, you must be ready to go
when we start, and expect no help
from any one but myself. The wealth
er is warm and you need no extra
clothing. We may risk getting away
tomorrow morning if the fog thick
ems. Keep quiet. When the time
comes, I'll signal to you with my
hands. Look out for yourself. Baby
is arranged for, she will be in the care
of the mate and pilot"
Capt. Reed paced the deck in a
thoughtful mood. On the morrow he
should leave. if all conditions were
favorable he had thought, but why
not now? Steam was slightly escaping
from the Lynx Silent men were
carrying sacks Of coal to the fur
naces in front. Slowly she left her
n1oorings. Everything was dark and
quiet. Silence was everywhere.
On, on, the vessel stole; while the
officers anxiously watched the rivers
mouth. One steamer came in view.
showing her red, then green, the all
three lights. The captain was at his
post. The excited wife was silent,
hidden under a heavy dark shawl,
waiting. The blockading vessels were
exchanging signals among themselves.
One of the vessels paid her compli-
ments to the Lynx by firing at her.
i L lcIIlliSo lduy CI0pI near tHe cap
tain, watching every movement ne
made. and keenly conscious of all else
around her. Another sheTl came
scheeching through the air, lighting
up the vessel and the harbor with its
fiery glow. Bang! Bang! came others.
Not a word was heard on the
Lynx" Reed issued no order. The
steamer forged ahead steadily, while
many a vessel was clanking her
chains and making ready to give
chase. The baby slept as sweetly and
serenely as if she were in her own
snowy crib at home, instead of on a
blockade runner, which might be de-
stroyed at any
Close beside the captain stood the
intrepid mother. The Lynx" passed
out between W vessels, getting ready
TO chase her. One steamer ahead kept
firing and thereby lighting up the bay
with signals. Then a shot from one
struck neal the Lynx, another burst