[Elsie’s Vacation and After Events by Martha Finley]@TWC D-Link bookElsie’s Vacation and After Events CHAPTER III 4/9
The cannons were silenced,--the men who worked them being shot down,--and their commander presently ordered a retreat; but that was difficult to accomplish, for any one seen at the helm, or aloft, adjusting the sails, was sure to become a target for the sharpshooters; in consequence many of the sailors retreated to the holds of the vessels, and when their commander ordered them out on the dangerous duty, refused to obey. "The victory for the Americans was complete; before the fleet could escape, the Hampton people, with Woodford and his soldiers, had sunk five vessels." "And such a victory!" exclaimed Rosie, in an exultant tone. "Yes," the captain said, smiling at her enthusiasm. "Were the houses they fired on the very ones that are there now, papa ?" asked Lulu. "Some few of them," he replied.
"Nearly all were burned by Magruder in the Civil War; among them St.John's Episcopal Church, which was built probably about 1700.
Before the Revolution it bore the royal arms carved upon its steeple; but soon after the Declaration of Independence--so it is said--that steeple was struck by lightning and those badges of royalty were hurled to the ground." "Just as the country was shaking off the yoke they represented," laughed Rosie.
"A good omen, wasn't it, Brother Levis ?" "So it would seem, viewed in the light of after events," he answered with a smile. "Papa, can't we visit Hampton ?" asked Lulu eagerly. "Yes, if you would all like to do so," was the reply, in an indulgent tone and with an inquiring glance at the older members of the party. Everyone seemed to think it would be a pleasant little excursion, especially as the _Dolphin_ would carry them all the way to the town; but first they must visit the fortress.
They did not, however, set out thither immediately, but remained on deck a little longer gazing about and questioning the captain in regard to the points of interest. "Papa," asked Grace, pointing in a southerly direction, "is that another fort yonder ?" "Yes," he replied, "that is Fort Wool.
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