The Pacificator. (Augusta, Ga.) 1864-1865, June 24, 1865, Page 148, Image 8

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148 L * 13 IA D A It IS. A 11. A TALE Or THE REVOLUTION. On the second day of December, 1777, late in the afternoon, an officer in the British uniform ascended the steps of a house in Second street, Philadelphia, immediately opposite the quarters occupied by General llowe, who, at that time, had full possession of the city. The house was plain and neat in its exterior, and well known to be "tenanted by William and Lydia Darrah, members of the Society of Friends. It was the place chosen by the superior officers of the army for private conference, whenever it was neces sary to hold consultations on subjects of impor tance ; and selected, perhaps, on account of the unobtrusive character of its inmates, whose re ligion inculcated meekness and forbearance, and forbade them to practice the arts of war. The officer, who seemed quite familiar with the mansion, knocked at the door. It was opened; and in the neatly furnished parlor he met the mistress, who spoke to him, calling him byname. It was the Adjutant-General, and he appeared in haste to give an order. This was to desire that the back room above stairs might be prepared for the reception that evening of him self and his friends, who were to meet there and remain late. “ And be sure, Lydia,” he con cluded, “ that your family are all in bed at an early hour. I shall expect you to attend to this request. When emu guests are ready to leave, the house, I will give you notice, that you may let us out, and extinguish the fire and candles.” Having delivered this order with an emphatic manner, which showed that he relied much on the prudence and discretion of the person he addressed, the Adjutant-General departed.— Lydia betook herself to getting all things in readiness. But the words she had heard, especially the injunction to retire early, rang in her ears; and she could not divest herself*of the indefinable feeling that something of impor tance was in agitation. While hei' hands were busy in the duties that devolved upon her, her mind was no less actively at work. The evening closed in, and the officers came to the place of meeting. Lydia had ordered all her family to bed, and herself admitted the guests, after ! which she retired to her own apartment, and I throw herself, without undressing, upon the bed. i But sleep refused to visit her own eyelids, j Her vague apprehensions gradually assumed j more definite shape. She became more and more uueasy, till her nervous restlessness amounted to absolute terror. Unable longer to resist the impulse—not of curiosity, but sure ly of a far higher feeling—she slid from the bed, and, taking off her shoes, passed noiselessly from her chamber and along the entry. Ap proaching cautiously the apartment in which the officers were assembled, she applied her ear to the key-hole. For a few moments she could distinguish but a word or two amid the murmur of voices ; yet, what she did hear but stimulated her eager desire to learn the important secret of the conclave. At length there was profound silence, and a voice was heard reading a paper aloud. It was an order for the troops to quit the city on the night of the fourth, and march out to a secret attack upon the American ai - my, then encamped at White Marsh. Lydia had heard enough. She retreated soft ly to her own room, and laid herself quietly on the bed. In the deep stillness that reigned through the house, she could hear the heating of her own heart—the heart now throbbing with emotions to which no speech could give utter ance. It seemed to her that but a few moments had elapsed, when there was a knocking at her door. She knew well what the signal meant, but took no heed. It was repeated, and more loudly ; still she gave no answer. Again, and yet more loudly, the knocks were repeated ; and then she rose quickly, and opened the door. It was the Adjutant-General, who came to in form her they were ready to depart. Lydia let thorn out, fastened the house, and extinguished the lights and fire. Again she returned to her chamber, and to bed; but repose was a stranger for tb rest of the night. Ilor mind was more disquieted than ever. She thought of the dan ger that, ihreate tied the lives of thousands of her country; eri, and of -the ruin that impended over the w ! : land. Something must he done, and that in;, .ediately, to avert this wide-spread des . tructio: Should she awaken her husband and inform mi? That would ho to place him in special jeopardy, by rendering him a partaker of her secret; and he might, too, be less wary and prudent than herself. No; come what might, she would encounter the risk alone. THE PACIFICATOR A. CATHOLIC J OTTIMST AL. After a petition for heavenly guidance, her reso lution was formed; and she waited with compo sure, though sleep was impossible, till the dawn of day. Then she waked her husband, and in formed him that flour was wanted for the use of the household, and that it was necessary she should go to Frankford to procure it. This was no uncommon occurrence ; and her declining the attendance of the maid-servant excited little surprise. Taking the bag with her, she walked i through the snow; having stopped first at head quarters, obtained access to General Howe, and secured his permission to pass the British lines. The feelings of a wife and mother—one whose religion was that of love, arid whose life was but | a quiet round of .domestic duties—bound on an I enterprise so hazardous, and uncertain whether her life might not be the forfeit, may be better imagined than described. ■ Lydia reached Frank ford, distance four or five miles, and deposited her bag at the mill. Now commenced the dan gers of her undertaking; for she pressed forward with all haste toward the outposts of the Ameri can army. Her determination was to apprise General Washington of the danger. She was met on her way by an American offi cer, who had been selected by General Washing ton to gain information respecting the move ments of the enemy. According to some au -thorities, this was Lieutenant-Colonel Craig, of the light horse. lie immediately recognized her, and inquired whither she was going. In reply, she prayed him to alight and walk with her ; which he did, ordering his men to keep in sight. To him she disclosed the secret, after having obtained from him a solemn promise not to betray her individually, siuce the British might take vengeance on her and her family. The-officer thanked her for her timely warn ing, and directed her to go to a house near at hand, where she might get something to eat. But Lydia preferred returning, at once ; and did so, while the officer made all haste to the Com mander-in-Chief. Preparations were immedi ately made to give the enemy a fitting recep tion. . With a heart lightened and filled with thank fulness, the intrepid woman pursued her way homeward, carrying the bag of flour which had served as the ostensible object of her journey. None suspected the grave, demure Quakeress of having snatched from the English their antici pated victory, ncr demeanor was, as usual, quiet, orderly, and subdued, and she attended to the duties of her family with her wonted com posure. But her heart beat, as late on the ap pointed night, she watched from her window the departure of the army—on what secret expedi tion bound, she knew too well! bhe listened breathlessly to the sound of their footsteps and the trampling of horses, till it died away in the distance, and silence reigned through the city. Time never appeared to pass so slowly as du ring the interval which elapsed between the marching out and the return of the British troops. When at last the distant roll of the drum proclaimed their approach; when the sounds came nearer and nearer, and Lydia, who was watching at the window, saw the troops pass in martial order, the agony of anxie ty she felt was too much for her strength, and she retreated from her post, not daring to ask a question, or manifest the least curiosity as to the event. A sudden and loud knocking at her door was not calculated to lessen her apprehensions. She felt that the safety of her family depended on her self-possession at this critical moment. The visitor was the Adjutant-General, who summoned her to his apartment. With a pale cheek, hat composed, for she placed her trust in a higher Power, Lydia summons. The officer's face was clouded, and his expres sion stern. He locked the door with an air of mystery when Lydia entered, and motioned fiev to a seat. After a moment of silence, he said— “ Were any of your family up, Lydia, on the night when I received company in this house ?” “ No,” was the unhesitating reply. “ They all retired at eight o’clock.” “ It is very strange,” said' the officer, and mused a few moments. “ You, I know, Lydia, were asleep; for I knocked at your door three times before you heard me—yet it is certain that we were betrayed. lam altogether at a. loss to conceive who could have given the information of our intended attack to General Washington 1 On arriving near his encampment we found his cannon mounted, his troops under arms, and so prepared at every point to receive us, that we have been compelled to march back without in juring our enemy, like a parcel of fools,” It is not known whether the officer ever dis- covered to whom he was indebted for the disap pointment. ‘ But the pious Quakeress ‘blessed God for her preservation, and rejoiced that it was not neces sary for her to utter an untruth in Jier own de fence. And all who admire examples of courage and patriotism, especially those who enjoy the fruits of them, must honor the name of Lydia Darrah. KIN SON & S H ECCI, FAMILY GROCERS AM) COMMISSION MERCHANTS, 141 BROAD STREET, OPPOSITE MONUMENT. Keep constantly on band Family Supplies of all descriptions, which we are offering at the Lowest Prices for CASH. Will barter fotr Country Produce at a fair valuation. j 024 yjW NTIs TB Y . 7 DR. GEORGE PATERSON Informs his former patrons, and the citizens of Au gusta and vicinity, that he has resumed the practice of his profession, and can be found at his office on Broad-struvt, one door below Express office. June 17 ts A , J. A. ANSI.EY, W. J. BI.AIH, A. J. SMITH. F A. ANSLEY & CO., tJ • . No. 300 Broad Street, Augusta, Ga., GENERAL COMMISSION MERCHANTS, AND SPECIAL AGENTS FOR SALE OF MANUFACTURED TOBACCO. Refer to either Bank in Augusta. June 17 ~jd n. PUG H E , STAPLE AND FANCY DRY GOODS STORE, No. 190 Broad-street, Augusta, Ga. Juno 17 JAMES T. GASDINE 11. U (SUCCESSOR TO GARDINER & RCSSELI.) WAREHOUSE AND COMMISSION MERCHANT, Mclntosh-strcet, Augusta, Ga., Will give his personal attention to the Storage and Sale of Citlon, and such other Produce as may bo sept to him. ts June 17 Y F., C. BARB E BROKER AND DEALER IN EXCHANGE, Broad-street, Augusta, Ga. June 17 (f J0217Y C. CiALYIY, 259 Broad Street, . Augusta, Ga., COMMISSION MERCII A N T And dealer in ALL KINDS OF PRODUCE. JSS" Consignments of all kinds solicited. Mar 11 —6m « . V&IsUI2 IS , Direct importer of CHOICE lI<A VA N A SEGA BS, and Manufacturer .of DOMESTIC SEGA RS, Mar. 11-ly No. 193 liroad Street, Augusta. Ga. J. J. BROOM. w. C. JONES. BROOM & CO., COMMISSION MERCHANTS, No. 238 Broad Street, Oct. 15 Augusta, Ga. Merchant Tailoring LNlaDllslimem JOHN KENNY, BROAD STREET, AUGUSTA, GA. HAS on hand, Extra-fine Black Broadcloth, Black Doeskin and English Melton Cloths, N. C. and Fancy Cassiinero, all of which he will make up to or der in tho latest style, and warranted to tit or no salo. Give me a call befote purchasing elsewhere. ju9-6m 111. O’DOWD, GROCER AND COMMISSION MERCHANT, 273 Broad street, Augusta, Ga., Will give prompt and personal attention to all busi ness entrusted to his care. my 27 1m Spring Hill College, near Mobile, Alabama. THIS institution is under tho charge of the ItR. VS. of the Society of Jesus, whose object is to devote themselves to the Christian education of youth. It has been empowered by the State of Alabama to confer all academical degrees.* The course of studies is divided into two: the Classical course and the Com mercial course—the latter comprises the study of the Living Languages, Arithmetic, the elements of Alge bra and Geometry, History, Geography, and Book keeping; the forrnor comprises, besides what has been already stated, Latin and Greek, Literature, Poetry, Rhetoric, the higher branches of Mathematics, Natu ral Philosophy, Astronomy, Chemistry, Natural His tory, Logie, Metaphysics, and Moral Philosophy. The age of admission is from nine to fifteen years. It is required that the pupils know previously how to read and write. For reference applh to the Rev. Clergy of tho Dio cese, and to this office, and for terms to “y2O F. GAUTEELET, S. J. TV X T ENSIVE Bosk and Job PRINTING ESTIBLISHMEST.’ • \ IN CONNECTION WITH “The Pacificator” We have one of the LARGEST PRINTING OFFICES IN AMERICA! And are prepared to execute IN PLAIN OR FANCY STYLE Every Description of Printing Railroad Companies can have all their work done here. ■ Professors of schools and colleges oan have their reports, catalogues and demerit tickets printed in the neatest manner. Merchants’ Circulars, Cards, Bill Heads, Checks, etc. Showmen’s Bills and Tickets. Wedding and Visiting Cards. Ball and Party Invitations. » Handbills, Promissory Notes, Blank Checks, Deeds, Summons,’ Letter Heads, Lablce, Receipt Books, in fact any tbi»g in the printing lint), either plain or ornamental, cap be done. Having superior workmen and new material, we defy competition. Promptness and cheapness is onr forte. Printing office corner of Mclntosh and Broad sts. M. M. HILL, Manager. ' STEAUI BAKERT, fpHE undersigned, having now in full blast BOWEN’S STEAM BAKERY. Take pleasure in annotiw-ing to the citizens of Au gusta and vicinity that they arc prepared to sopdly. daily, all kinds of BREAD, CAKES, PIES, SODA AND WINE CRACKERS, Together with Family Groceries of every description which are sold at the lowest market price. ' ’ Wine Crackers - - _ .to c ts. per lb Soda Crackers - - - 35 cts! per ib Butter Crackers - . - 35 cts. per !b M. RICE & CO., Bowen’s Steam Bakery, icy 27 1 m 341 Broad street. BARTER, BARTER, HARTER, ALL KINDS OP GOODS FOIL PROVISIONS, AT M. O’DOWD’S, 273 Broad street. r WILL exchange, on the most reasonable terms » -.ugar, Coffee, Salt, Tobacco, Shoe tin >' -Shirti- I Osnaburgs, Iron, Nails, etc., etc., for Country Prodiw' to-wit: Bacon, Wheat, Flour, Corn, Peas Meal ter, Lard, eto. ’ ’ T Farmers and Planters will’find it to their adVan tage to give me a call. mv2i— -1355. ML J. 1503.A 1¥ XT AS resumed the practice of Medicine and Su-r.-erv , f“ and f l T uln his services to his former t atrons and the citizens of Augusta generally. For the pres ent can be found at residence, No. 421 Broad street my2o—tf MRS. F. SMITH, 134 Broad Street, Augusta, Ga., General assortment of DRY GOODS, FANCY QOO DS> HOSIERY, YARNS, Mar 11—6 m ’ Medical Noticed DOCTOR 11. L. BYRD -RESPECTFULLY tenders his services in all the XV branches of his profession to the citizens of SION HOUSE am ,' residence in the MAK- Jackson ’ Strect ’ f6ur d00 » above jc9—lot