The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1913-06-05
ACCOUNT FROM
OLD NEWSPAPER.
She Was Just About
to be Married When
the Blow Fell.

A clipping from an old scrap book
gives the following dramatic picture
of one of the saddest tragedies OF
the great war from the Charleston
Mercury.
The Yankees from time to time
threw a shell into the city and no
body seems to mind it. But misfor-
tune willed that she'll should throw
the entire community into mourning
Miss Anna Pickens, the daughter
of our former governor, never con-
sented to leave the city. Despite the
representations of General Beaure-
gard, she remained, Drawing shells
and "Greek' fire, tending the wound
ed. and cheering all with her pres
ence. Among the wounded officers
under her ministering care was Mr.
Andrew de Rochelle, descendant OF
one of the noblest Hugenot families
of this city. This young man was
full of the liveliest gratitude for his
fair nurse. Gratitude gave birth to
a more tender sentiment, his suit was
listened to, Governor Pickens gave
his consent, and the marriage was
fixed for yesterday, the 23d of April.
Lieutenant De Rochelle, was on
duty at Fort Sumter in the morning
and it was determined that the cere-
mony should take place at the resi-
dence of General Donham, in the
evening at 7 o'clock. At the moment
when the Episcopal clergyman was
asking the bride if she was ready a
shell fell upon the roof of the build
ing. penetrated the room where the
company were assembled, burst, and
wounded nine persons, and among
the rest Miss Anna Pickens. We can
not describe the scene that followed.
Order was at last re-established and
the wounded we're removed, all ex-
cept the bride, who lay motionless
upon the carpet. Her bethothed,
kneeling and bending over her, was
weeping bitterly and trying to stanch
the blood that welled from a terrible
wound under her left breast. A sur
geon came and declared that Miss
Pickens had not longer than two
hours to live. We shall paint the
general despair.
When the girl recovered her con-
sciousness, she asked to know her
fate, and when they hesitated to tell
her she said: Andrew, I beg of you
to tell me the truth. If must die, l
can die worthy of you" The young
soldiers tears were his answer, and
Miss Anna, summoning all her
strength, attempted to smile. Moth
ing could be more heart-rending than
to see the agony of this brave girl
struggling in the embrace of death
and against a terrible mortal pang.
Governor Pickens, whose courage is
known, was almost without con-
seriousness and Mrs. Pickens looked
upon her child with the dry haggard
eve of one whose reason totters.
Lieutenant De Rochelle was the
first to speak, Anna" he cried, Il
will die soon too, but | would have
YOU die my wife. There is yet time
to unite u.s.
The young girl did not reply; she
was too weak. A slight flush rose
for an instant to her pale cheek. 1t
could be seen that Joy and pain were
struggling in her spirit for the mas
terry. Lying upon sofa her bridal
dress all stained with blood, her hair
disheveled, she had never been more
beautiful. Helpless as she was Lieut.
enant De Rochelle took her hand and
requested the Rev. Mr.. Dickinson to
proceed with the ceremony. When 1t
was time for the dying girl to say
Yes her lips parted several times,
but she could not articulate. At last
the word was spoken, and a slight
foam rested upon her lips. The dy-
ing agony was near. The minister
sobbed as he proceeded with the cere-
mony. An hour afterwards all was
over and the bridal chamber was the
chamber of death.
Two 6-year-old children, son and
granddaughter of Noah Crout, of Gil
bert, Lexington county, were bitten a