 | LOYAL SOUTHERN WOMEN. Women of the war : |  |
Heroism of the Misses Taylor.
During the same campaign a scene took place at Danville,
Kentucky, which illustrates the lofty courage which
often inspires the soul of woman. This town was much
divided in allegiance, many who had long been neighbors
and friends espousing opposite causes. But there
was no doubt as to the sympathies of Mrs. Taylor and her
estimable family.
Broad and beautiful floated the striped bunting over her
cottage, which proclaimed that their hearts, and hopes, and
fears were all with the Union cause.
When Kirby Smith occupied Danville, he sent a squad of
half a dozen men to take down that piece of bunting from
Mrs. Taylor's house. They were met at the door by Mrs.
Taylor's two daughters, Maria and Mattie, who politely,
but firmly, announced their intention to resist any effort to
remove the national emblem. The valorous squad returned,
and reported that it would require a full company to remove
the flag. The force was detailed. A captain marched a
hundred men with loaded guns to the door, drew them up
in "battle's magnificently stern array," and made a formal
demand for the colors. The young ladies now came to
the front door, each armed with a revolver, and holding
the glorious banner between them. They replied to the
Confederate captain that they had vowed never to surrender
that flag to traitors, and declared their intention to shoot
the first rebel that polluted it with his touch. After hesitating
a few moments, the officer withdrew his force, and
reported that in the exercise of his discretion he had not
found it advisable to remove the colors referred to.
| LOYAL SOUTHERN WOMEN. Women of the war : | |