HEROISM OF MISS SCHWARTZ

22. August 2008 by admin.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MO., JEFFERSON CITY, August 9, 1863.

GENERAL ORDERS No. 42.–On the night of the 6th instant, a party of bushwhackers, some three in number, visited the house of a Mr. Schwartz, about twelve miles from Jefferson City, in Cole County, and on demanding admittance they were refused by Miss Schwartz, a young lady of fifteen. They replied they would come in, at the same time trying to break down the door. While this was going on, the other inmates of the house, namely, Mr. Schwartz, John Wise, Capt. Golden, Government horse-dealer, and a young man in his employ, all left, taking with them (as they supposed) all the arms and ammunition. In their hasty retreat they left behind a revolver, which Miss Schwartz appropriated to her own use. She went to the door, and on opening it presented the pistol to the leader of the gang, telling them to “come on if they wanted to, and that some of them should fall, or she would.” They threatened to kill her if she did not leave the door. She replied: “The first one who takes one step towards this door dies, for this is the home of my parents, and my brothers and sisters, and I am able to and shall defend it.” Seeing that she was determined in her purpose, after holding a consultation together, they left.

Here is an instance of true courage; a young girl of fifteen years of age, after all the inmates of the house, even her father, had fled, leaving her alone to her fate, with a courage worthy of a Joan of Arc, boldly defended her native home against three bloodthirsty and cowardly ruffians, and by her coolness and heroic daring, succeeded in turning them from their hellish designs.

It is with feelings of no ordinary pride and pleasure the Commanding General announces this act to the citizens and soldiers in his district. On the other hand, those miserable cowards who deserted this brave girl in the hour of danger, flying from the house, leaving her to her fate, are unworthy the name of men, deserve the scorn and contempt of the community at large, and whose society should be shunned by every one who has the least spark of honor or bravery within them.

By order of Brig.-Gen. BROWN.

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