Year: 1860

thing relating to our first great war pos
sesses more or less of interest and feeling
anxious to contribute our portion to the
general stock of information.


The story is one of many which an an
cient grand parent Of ours use to relate,
and though we were but children at the
time we heard it. the recollection has nev-
er departed from us.


Early one bright morning handsome
dashing young glrl was riding along a soli-
tary road in the vicinity of the British en-
campnent. With free rein, and bold,
undaunted bearing, the lady fearlessly pur-
sued her way, Notwithstanding her prox-
unity to the invading army was anything
! but safe. #@


A few miles in the country, little back
from the point where the young girl had
made her appearance, there was hand
some dwelling, which was owned and occu-
pied by patriotic gentleman named
! Clement Moore. Mr.. Moore's immediate
family consisted of wife and two children,
son and daughter, aged, respectively
| twenty-three and twenty years. Like
most we'll to-do Southern gentlemen, Mr..
NJ. also possessed number of male and fe-
male domestics, house servants and field
| hands.
| At the date referred to, the family was
| separated, the members scattered in differ
ent directions and the mansion deserted
and closed. MIR. Moore and his son were
awayin the swamps with the patriotic chief
| Marion; and In consequence of certain
suspicious movements on the part of the
British, and in view of the enemy's we'll
known policy, the negroes had been quietly
sent off to distant parts, and as much of
the furniture and articles of husbandry re-
moved as was possible, and Mrs NJ and
her daughter Lydia had taken themselves
to a small and secluded cottage not far
distant, .here to remain pernu, and watch
the course of coming events.


Suddenly, as would happen, Mrs. NJ
was taken very i'll with a nervous disorder
and fearing to trust the slow motions of the
only domestic they had Kept with them
an old negro man, Lydia, the daughter,
mounted her favorite horsc--which, very
fortunately. they had not sent along with
the rest-and started off to call the doc
tor, whose residence was some miles off.
! Her course necessarily and unavodably
led her not far from the British camp, but
trusting all to Providence and her own res
olute spirit, she unhesitatingly spurred for
ward on her errapd, The hour was quite
early and without let or hindrance, the
gallant young woman reached the doctor s
house, but oply to be disappointed at not
finding him at home. Leaving an earnest
message for his early attendance, she star
ted back, and it is on her way home that
we first encountered her. .+.-.., ~


All the country round, Lydia Moore was
famous for her handsome appearance and
our forefathers were just as excellent judg-
es of what was beautiful as we are of the
present day. She was tall and queenly,
with well developed, finely proportioned
form. Her complexion was pure and white
as the drifting snow--her cheeks as red
and blooming as the best of health could
make them-her eyes deep blue, and
liquid looking, and her Lair glossy brown,
wavy and markedly profuse. Her mental
gifts were also as rare as her personal
charms, and not lady in all Virginia was
more blessed in mind and in body.


And now having placed our heroine pro-
perly before the reader, we will proceed
with the more active incidents of our
! sketch .,-... ...i


With her proud handsome head thrown
majestically back, the young girl dashed
along on her way. All at once, however,
| hn bor IT
can but try it, and again put her horse
into gallop. ..


Advancing from the point toward which
she was proceeding, she beheld we'll
mounted British officer, who was also speed
ing on his way with considerable rapidity


Squirting her horse into run, Lydia
boldly dashed on The officer appeared
to divine her intentions at once, for he
suddenly halted, and speedily placed him
self IN the tavorite position to intercept her
progress. E


That the Englshman meant to waylay
her there was not the least room to doubt


On came our heroine, however, sweeping
like the wind, and evidently intending to
run down everything in her path. The
officer seemed to construe the purpose
Alright, and apparently thinking it best to
avoid the impending catastrophe, drew
aside sufficient to let her pass


Lydia dashed ahead, congratulating her
self on her good fortune.


As she passed along, the Englishman sud
denly wheeled bis horse around accomplish
ing the movement so quickly and nicely,
that be was enabled to seize the bride rein
of Lydia's steed before the young girl had
cotton out of the reach of his hand.


A small whip dangled from the lady s
wrist, and quick as flash she drew back her
arm and struck her assailant cutting blow
across the face blood flowed instantly, and
the Englishman uttered howl of pain, but
did not relinquish his grasp of Lydia S
horse as the young girl calculated he
would.


'.Let me pass at once, sir or I'll repeat
the blow l'' She exclaimed boldly.


Try it again you devil, and I'll show
you no more mercy than I would dumb
BEAST shouted the enraged Briton.


81 know just what you are capable of
doing, and act accordingly responded
Lydia, her head erect and her eyes flashing
fire /; "You wear scarlet coat, and nothing