Year: 1859

minaiion to root them from the soil that
the very recklessness of hate gave fre
quent opportunities for the betrayal Of the
plans OF their enemies. Often were the
boastings of those who plotted some mid
night surprise or some enterprise that prom
ised rare pillage-uttered in the hearing
Of weak and despised women-unexpecte
ly turned into wonder at the secret agency
that had discontented them, or excavations
upon their own folly. The tradition of the
country teens with accounts of female en-
terprise in this kind of service, very few
instances of which were recorded in the
military journals.


Inc patriots were frequently indebted
Tor important information to one Young
girl, fifteen or sixteen years old at the com
mencemcnt of the war. This was Dicey.
the daughter of Solompn Langston, of Lau
rens district. He was in principle stout
liberty man but incapacitated by age and
intirmities from taking any active mart in
the contest. His son was devoted patri-
OF, and was ever found in the field where
his seFyices were most needed. He had
his home in the neighborhood and could
easily receive intelligence from his sister.
who was always on the alert. Living sur
rounded by loyalists, some of whom were
her own relatives, Miss Langston found It
easy to make herself acquainted with their
movements and plans, and Immediately to
communicate what she learned to the Wings
on the other side of the Ennoree River
At length, suspicion of the active aid she
rendered was excited among the Tory
neighborhood. Mr.. Langston was inform
ed that he would be held responsible thence
forward, with his property, for the conduct
OF his daughter The Young girl was re-
proved severely, and commanded to desist
from her patriotic treachery. For time
she obeyed the parental injunction but hav-
ing heard by accident that company of
loyallsts, who, on account of their ruthless
cruelty, had been commonly called the
!" Bloody Scout" intent on their work of
death, were about to visit the Elder set
tlement," where her brother and some
friends were living, she determined at all
hazards to warn them of the intended ex-
pedition. She had none in whom to con-
tide, but was obliged to leave her home
alone by stealth and at the dead hour Of
ti4Shts AAtAt't lAiitg hEhC ~ Ut IEdNtESGu.
and the road lay through woods, and cross
ed marshes and creeks, where the conven-
fences of bridges and foot-logs were want
ing She walked rapidly on, needless of
slight difficulties, but her heart almost fail
ed her when she came to the banks of the
Tiger, deep ard rapid stream, which
there was no possibility of crossing except
by wading through the ford. This she knew
to be deep at ordinary times, and it had
doubtless been rendered more dangerous
by the rains that had lately fallen. But
the thought of personal danger weighed
not with her in comparison to the duty she
owed her friends and country. Her mo-
mentary hesitation was but the shrinking
of nature from peril encountered in dark
ness and alone, when the imagination con-
jures up thousand appalling ideas, each
more startling than the worst reality. Her
strong heart battled against these, and she
resolved to accomplish her purpose or per-
ish in the attempt


She entered the water, but when in the
middle of the ford, became bewildered and
knew not what direction TO take. The
hoarse rush of the waters, which were up
to her neck, the blackness OF the night the
utter solitude around her the uncertainty
lest the next step should ingulf her past
help. confused her and, losing in degree
her self possession, she wandered for some
time in the channel without knowing with
er to turn her steps. But the energy of a
resolnte will, under the care of Providence
s1stained her. Having with difficulty reached
the other side, she lost no time in Fastening
to her brother, informed him and his friends
of tho preparations made to surprise and
destroy them. and urged him 10 send his
men instantly in different directions TO
arouse and warn the neighborhood. The
soldiers had just returned from fatiguing
excursion, and complained that they were
faint from want of food. The noble girl,
not satisfied with what she had done at
such risk to herself, was ready TO help them
still farther by providing refreshment imme-
diately. Though weared, wet, and shiver-
ing with cold she at once set about her
preparations. A few boards were taken
from the roof of the house, fire was kin
died with them, and in few minutes
hoe-cake, partly baked, was broken into
pieces ard thrust into the shot pouches of
the men. Thus provsioned, the little com
pany FASTENED to give the alarm TO their
neighbors, and did so in time for all TO
make their escape. The next day, when
the Scout" visited the place, they found
no living enemy on whom to wreak their
vengeance.


HANNAH ERWIN ISRAEL.


Israel Israel, the husband of this lady,
was one of the Committee of Safety. His
residence was near Wilmington, Delaware.
On visit to his mothers dwelling,he found
it in possession of several soldiers quarter
ed on the family. While the family were
seated at supper, the house was surrounded
and Israel taken poisoner as rebel. lie
convinced them of their error by saying it
was his brother Joseph; this was done
merely TO gain time.


Having bid adieu TO his family, Mr.. Is
rael set forth on his journey homeward.
He arrived only TO be made prisoner.
The loyalist who had given him the coun-
tersign, had betrayed the secret of his ex-
pedition. He and his wife's brother were
Immediately seized and carried on board
the frigate Roebuck, lying in the Deia-