al Greene, who had heard through messengers from
Colonel Lee of the proposed abandonment of Ninety-six, and the division
of the British and tory forces, was making preparations to retrace his
steps, and strike, if possible, a decisive blow against Lord Rawdon. In
order to make certain of victory, it was necessary to inform Sumter of
his designs, and effect a junction with him before attacking the enemy.
But, thus far, no one offered to perform the dangerous service.

On the morning of the day upon which the army was to commence retracing
its steps, General Greene sat in his tent lost in deep thought. Since
taking command of the southern army, he had been struggling at every
disadvantage with a powerful enemy, whose disciplined troops were daily
strengthened by citizens of the country, lost to every feeling of true
patriotism; and now, having weakened that enemy, he felt eager to
strike a blow that would destroy him. But, with the force that he could
command, it was yet a doubtful question whether an engagement would
result in victory to the American arms. If he could effect a junction
with Sumter before Lord Rawdon reached Friday's Ferry on the Congaree,
he had great hopes of success. But the great difficulty was to get a
messenger to Sumter, who was distant between one and two hundred miles.
While the general was pondering these things, an officer entered and
said--

"A young country girl is before the tent, and wishes to speak with
you."

"Tell her to come in," replied the general.

The officer withdrew, and in a few moments reappeared in company with a
young girl, dressed in a closely fitting habit, carrying a small whip
in her hand. She curtsied respectfully as she entered.

The general arose as the maiden stepped inside of his tent, and
returned her salutation.

"General Greene?" inquired the fair stranger.

The officer bowed.

"I have been told," said the visitor, the colour deepening in her face,
"that you are in want of a bearer of despatches to General Sumter."

"I am," replied the general. "But I find no one courageous enough to
undertake the perilous mission."

"Send me," said the maiden. And she drew her slight form upward
proudly.

"Send you!" exclaimed the general, taken by surprise. "You? Oh no,
child! I could not do that. It is a journey from which brave men hold
back."

"I am not a brave man. I am only a woman. But I will go."

"Touched by such an unlooked-for incident, General Greene,