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TIIK lilFT nv
w I r, r. I AM (i e: a y .
or H..st-.ii, Mi.-N.
{riiiw ol i-a!i).
w
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLOA.
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
OF
NORTH CAROLINA,
From 1584 to 1851.
COMPILED FROM ORIGINAL RECORDS, OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS,
AND TRADITIONAL STATEMENTS.
WITH
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF HER DISTINGUISHED
STATESMEN, JURISTS, LAWYERS, SOLDIERS,
DIVINES, ETC.
BY
JOHN H. WHEELER,
LATB TKEASCSEB OP THE STATE.
"Trath is strangor than Fiction."
ILLUSTRATED WITH ENGRAVINGS.
VOL. I.
PHILADELPHIA:
LIPPINCOTT, GRAM BO AND CO.
BCOOESaOBS TO ORIoa, ELLIOT AND CO.
1851.
^/^of3, ^/^
MatVAKO COLIEGE LIBRARy
I
I
">
/'
HitTORT maketh a yoang man to b« old, without either wrinkles or gray hairs ; privileging
him with the experience of age, without either the infirmitiea or inconvenience thereof.
FuLLxa'a Holy War.
Ill fares it with a State, whose history is written by others than her own sons.
PSBSCOTT.
The arehives of the State, and the desks of ancient families, now bary the story of the rise
and progress of the State of North Carolina : ignorance and wickedness may misrepresent the
character of her history, if efforts are not made to break away the darkness that surrounds it.
Such are the inducements of this publication.
Joicxs.
The world will not be able fully to understand North Carolina, until they have opened the
treasures of history, and become familiar with the doings of her sons previous to the Revolu-
tion, during that painful struggle, and the succeeding years of prosperity. Then will North
Carolina be respected as she is known.
Foots.
Etatered aocordiog to thfl Act of Congreis, in the 3rear 1851, by
JOHN H. WHEELER,
in the Office of the Clerk of the District Court in and for the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania.
k
PBILADELPBU : , ^
T. K. AMD P. «. COLLUIS, PUHTlSt. f
TO
GEORGE BANCROFT, LL. D.,
WHOSX WRITINGS BAVB MARISD TBS AGE IN WHICH HE LIVES, AND THE ONLY HISTORIAN
WHO HAS DONE JUSTICE TO NORTH CAROUN^ ;
TO
PETER FORCE,
OP WASHINGTON CITY,
WHOSE PATIENT LABOR AND INDEFATIGABLE RESEARCH HAVE PROVED HER EARLY
PATRIO^ISIf ;
AND TO
DAVID L. SWAIN, LL.D.,
WHOSE NATIVE WORTH, WHOSE SERVICES AND WHOSE TALENTS, ARE ALIKE HER PRIDE AND
ORNAMENT ;
TO THESE,
BY WHOSE COUNSEL THESE SKETCHES HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKEN. WHOSE EXAMPLE HAS
' ENCOURAGED, AND WHOSE LABORS HAVE AIDED ;
AND TO
THE YOUNG MEN
or THE
&iiit of jlnrt^ (Tarnlina,
THIS WORK
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED.
4
THE FOLLOWING OPINIONS RELATIVE TO THE MERITS
OF THIS WORK HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED.
Extract from the Report of the Joint Select Committee of the Li])rary
of the General Assembly of North Carolina, at the last session (1851), through
Hon. Wm. II. Washington (Chairman), Senator from Craven County.
" The Committee cannot but regard the work of Col. Wheeler as a patriotic
and praiseworthy effort to rescue from oblivion important facts of our early
history, and to elevate the character and standing of his native Stat«; and,
as such, would cordially recommend it to the favorable consideration, not
only of the legislature, but of the people of the State at large."
Extract from a letter of Hon. David L. Swain, President of the University of
North Carolina, to Rev. Francis L. Hawks, D. D., LL. D., of New York.
"Chapil Hill, February 22, 1851.
" The Sketches of Col. Wheeler, in relation to this State, contain a great
amount of usefVil and minute information, chiefly statistical and biographical,
connected with every county in the State."
Extract from a letter of Hon. R. M. Pearson, one of the Judges of tlie
Supreme Court of North Carolina.
** Raleigh, March 1, 1851.
" I have had a conversation with the other two Judges, upon the subject
of the Sketches of North Carolina, which you are about to publish.
" We concur in thinking that such a w^ork will be highly interesting to
every citizen of the State ; useful as a book of reference ; and will rescue from
oblivion many facts that ought not to be forgotten.'
if
Extract from a letter of Hon. George Bancroft, author of " History of the
United States."
" New York, March 15, 1851.
" I look forward to the publication of your work with great interest, in the
hope that you may fill the gap in the history of your patriotic State.''
" This is a work of which every son of North Carolina ought to be proud."
Spirit of the Age,
Raleigh.
" This work will be yaluable, and ought to be in the hands of every North
Carolinian."- Patriot^
Greensboro',
" Too little is known of our history. When the important information
thai Col. Wheeler will impart, can be procured, every family ought to own
a copy of this work." Mountain Banner,
Rutherfordton.
" We hesitate not to say, that this work will turn out one of the most
yaluable books to the citizens of the State ever yet published."
Watchman,
Salisbury.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
SERIES I-
THE COLONY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER L
FROM 1584 TO 1585.
The discovery of America by Columbus in 1492, under the auspices of Fer-
dinand of Spain — John Cabot's expedition in 1496, under the auspices of
Henry VII. — The first expedition to the United States in 1584, under the
auspices of, Sir Walter Kaleigh, wliich landed on Roanoake Island, in
North Carolina.
CHAPTER n.
FROX 1585 TO 1589.
Second expedition under Sir Richard Greenville in 1585, and the third under
the same in 158G— The fourth under Governor White, Governor of the City
of Raleigh.
CHAPTER III.
FROM 1589 TO 1653.
Other expeditions unsuccessful, and Sir Walter assigns his patent (1589) —
Sketch of the life, character, and death of Sir Walter Raleigh (1618)~Set-
tlement of the colony of Virginia under Captain John Smith — Sketoh of
the life, character, and services of John Smith — His rescue by Pocahontas,
daughter of Powhatan — Her life, character, and services.
CHAPTER IV.
FROM 1653 TO 1712.
Permanent settlement of North Carolina — ^William Dnimmond, first governor,
in 1663, a Scotchman — Succeeded by Governor Stephens on his death,
1667 — Who was succeeded at his deatn (1674) by Governor Carteret, whose
deputy. Miller, acts as governor during the absence of Carteret — Cul-
pepper's insurrection, and possession of the government by him in 1678 —
Governor Eastchurch arrives in Nordi Carolina — Culpepper sent for trial
to England, tried and acquitted— John Harvey, on the death of Eastchurch,
governor in 1680 — Governor John Jenkins appointed, who, on his death,
IS succeeded by Henry Wilkinson (Dec. 1681] — Seth Sothel appointed
fovernor in 1683 — His eharacter and life ; exilea by the people and death —
ucceeded b^ Governor Philip Ludwell (1689), who resided most of his
time in Virginia— Constitution formed by Locke for North Carolina (1693)
— Carolina divided into North and South Carolina — Thomas Smiui ap*-
X CONTENTS.
pointed goremor— On his advico, John Archdale, " the Quaker Governor/'
IB appointed (1694); bis sagacious and prudent administration — On
his return to England (1690 J Thomas Harvey governor — On his death
in 1699, Henderson Walker is governor — On his death (1704) Robert
Daniel succeeds as governor — Difficulties between the Church of England
and the Dissenters-r-First church in North Carolina (1705) — First news-
paper in the United States (1705) — Contest between Gary and Glover for
the government — Cary prevails — C^ry ^cnt to England for examination
(1711) — Edward Hyde governor in 171^--De Graaffenreidt's patent — Indian
murders — Lawson, first historian of North Carolina, killed oy the Indians
— Hyde dies with yellow fever (1712) and George Pollock succeeds him —
First emission of paper money in North Carolina.
CHAPTER V.
FROM 1712 TO 1729.
Charles Eden governor (1713) — Tuscarora Indians humbled, and make a
treaty — Black Beard, the pirate; his life and death — ^Edenton established
— Eden's death (1722) — Copy of his tombstone — Thomas Pollock succeeds
as governor ; and, in 1724, on his death, William Reed, as President of the
Council, is governor — In 1724 Governor Burrington arrives — His character
— His opinion of the people of North Carolina — Sir Richard Everhard
appointed governor, 1725 — Dividing line between Virginia and North
Carolina, 1^27 — The lords proprietors surrender to the crown, July 1729,
except Lord Granville — Population and divisions of the colony at this time
— Portion of Lord Granville.
CHAPTER VI.
FROM 1729 TO 1754.
North Carolina under the Royal Governors — Governor Burrington, 1729 — Ilis
character, conduct, life, and death in 1734 — Nathaniel Rice, the Secretary,
£>vemor in 1734, who was sneceeded by Gabriel Johnston, as governor —
ine between North and South Carolina — Computation of time altered
by act of Parliament — First printing press in North Carolina, 1749 —
Ix>rt Johnston built — Moravians purchase land in North Caroliiia — First
revisal of the laws of North Carolina— Governor Johnston, after being
governor for twenty years, dies (1752) — His life, character, and services —
e is succeeded, for a time, by Nathaniel Rice ; and, on his death, in Janu-
aijr 1753, by Matthew Rowan — Population of North Carolina in 1754 —
Aid sent to Virginia against the French by North Carolina.
CHAPTER VIL
FROM 1754 TO 1765.
Arthur Dobbs, governor (1754J — His conduct — His officers — People seize
and imprison Lord Granville s i^ent — Courts of law held in each district,
1762— On the death of Dobbs (lf65) Tryon succeeds.
CHAPTER VIII.
FROM 1765 TO 1771.
Tryon's administration from April 1765 to July 1771 — His character — ^Early
reaifltanoe of the Mecklenburg people— John Ashe and the Stamp Act,
1765 — ^Pftper seized — Conduct of the people of New Hanover, 1706 — Duel
between Captoin Simpson, of his majesty's sloop-of-war the Viper, and
Lieutenant Whitechurst, a relative of^Mrs. Tryon, in which Whitechurst
is killed — Suicide of Chief Justice Berry — Riepeal of the Stamp Act —
Palace for the gOTemor — ^A desoription of its splendor — ^Regulation troubles
coNTsirrs. zi
commence, 1766 — Herman Ilusbands; his character — Colonel Edmund
Fanning, of Oranfi;e ; his character — People of Anson County and Rowan
sympathize with the Regulators — Tryon s expedition to MecKlcnburg and
Kowan — He raises a body of troops, and marches to Ilillsboro' — Fanning
indicted and ooniricted — Husbands indicted and acquitted by the jury —
Judge Moore, in Rowan, cannot hold court — Sheriff of Orange resisted by the
Regulators, and beaten — Sheriff of Dobbs resisted, and one of his deputies
killed — Court at Hillsboro' broke up by the Regulators — Judge Henderson
compelled to retreat — Fanning and John Williams beaten by the Regulators
— OoTcrnor marches against the Regulators in strong force — Battle of
Alamance, May 16, 1771 — Regulators oefeated — First blood of the colonists
shed in these United States by royal troops — Tryon marches to join Wad-
del, as far as Jersey settlement, in Dayidson — Tryon returns to Hillsboro',
where court is held, and six of the Regulators are hanged — Tryon em-
barks, June 30, 1771, to New York, to which colony he had been appointed
governor.
CHAPTER IX.
FROM 1771 TO JULY 4, 1776.
Administration of Josiah Martin, November 1771 to 1775 — Last of the royal
governors in North Carolina — His life and character — Parliamentary usages
of " the olden times'' — The powers of the governor — ** A king, aye every inch
a king" — Difficulties arise between the governor and the Assembly, as to the
attachment laws and appointment of judges — Courts of law closed — First
popular Assembly meets at Newbem, on the 25th of August, 1774 — John
Harvey, Moderator — Names of the members — Its resolves — It adjourns and
another is called in April, 1775 — Governor Martin fulminates a proclama-
tion against ** such disorder and anarchy," March 1, 1775 — The Colonial
and the Popular Assemblies meet at the same time and place — '* Passage of
arms" between the governor and the Assembly — The governor, in his
speech to the Colonial Assembly, denounces these meetings of the people,
and particularly the unwarrantable appointment of delegates to attend a
ight of the peoph
and pass resolutions *' approving of the General Congress at Philadelphia,
to assemble September 4, 1774''-— Whereupon, Governor Martin dissolves
the Assembly — The last which ever sat under the Royal Government in
North Carobna — Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, May 1775 —
Governor Martin retreats on board of his majesty's ship-of-war Cruiser, in
the Cape Fear River; and the royal government terminates forever in
North Carolina — Provincial Congress meets at Hillsboro', August 1775 —
Troops raised for military operations — Civil government exeroised by a
Provincial Council — District Committees of Safety; and Co«hty Com-
mittees^Names of the committee-men in each district — Battle of Moore's
Creek, in New Hanover County, February 27, 1776 — Tories defeated
under General McDonald — Provincial Congress meets at Halifax, April
4th, 1776— Names of members — Names of general, field, battalion, and
county officers — This body instruct their delegates in the Continental
Congress, in April 1776, to vote for independence — Committees of safety
appointed — A^oumed on the 14th of May» 1776 — Provincial Council of
Safety meets at Wilmington, on the 6th of June, 1776 — General Ruther-
ford, of Rowan, marches with one thousand nine hundred men, against the
Overhill Cherokees (now Tennessee), reduces them, burns their towns,
and destroys their crops — Provincial Council of Safety meets in July, at
Halifax — The national Declaration of Independence reaches them while
in session — Their proceedings, and some account of the first celebration,
in North Carolina, of the Declaration of Independence.
ZU CONTENTS.
SERIES II.
THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER I.
The CoiiBtitutioD, by vrhom, when, and where formed — Congress of the State
meets at Halifax, on the 12th of November, 1776 — names of the members
T-Richard Caswell, President — Committee appointed to form a Constitu-
tion— Names of committee — Ridhard Caswell elected governor, and the
names of the Council of State.
CHAPTER 11.
Life, character, services, and death of Richard Caswell, first Governor of
North Carolina, under the Constitution.
CHAPTER III.
State of Fbakkland, its rise, progress, and fall.
CHAPTER IV.
Governors of North Carolina, from Richabd Caswell, 1776,
to David S. Reid, 1851.
CHAPTER V.
Judiciary of North Carolina — Its history — Lives and characters of Martin
Howard, Chief Justice ; Maurice Moore ; and Richard Henderson ; Associate
Judzes, under the royal government — The Judges of North Carolina, from
177o to 1851 — ^The Attorney-Generals, the Secretaries of State, the Trea-
surers of State, and the Comptrollers, from 1776 to 1851 — These statistics
are relieved by a specimen oi legal wit worthy of preservation.
CHAPTER VI.
A list of the members of the Continental Congress from North Carolina*
before the adoption of the Constitution (formed at Philadelphia, in May
1787) ; and a list of the Senators and Representatives in Congress, from
this State, from 1789 to 1851 ; with the ratio of representation for each
decade, and the number of members in the House — Fresent Congressional
districts by act of 1846, and the members of each.
CHAPTER Vn.
Press of North Carolina, from 1749 to 1851 — Account of some of the editors,
and list of the papers now published in NorUi Carolina (1851).
CHAPTER VIII.
Literary institutions of North Carolina — Their histoi^, pro^ss,^ and pre-
sent condition— Queen's Museum, at Charlotte, 17yO — University, incor-
porated in 1789, and located at Chapel Hill, 1792— Corner-stone laid in
• ••
CONTENTS. ZUl
October 1793 — Commenced tuition, 1795 — Life and character of Dr. Joseph
Caldwell; and a list of its graduates from 1798 to 1851 — Davidson College,
in Mecklenburg County, commenced in 1838; its present faculty and
alumni, from lS40 — ^Wake Forest College, in Wake County — Its trustees
and faculty — Female institutions, common schoolsi and Literary Fund of
the State.
CHAPTER IX.
Banks of North Carolina — ^Railroads — Canals — Turnpike and plank roads-^
Institutions for Deaf and Dumb— State hospital for Insane.
CHAPTER X.
Resources of the State, her liabilities, and her expenses.
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.
JDaie. Eoglurii Sorereigm*
15S4.
July 4.
1663.
1678.
1693.
1705.
Elizabeth.
Charles II.
t<
Wm. and Mary
Anne.
tt
CI
1710.
1729. George I.
1765. George III.
1771, May 16.
1774, August 25.
1775, May 20.
June.
June 17.
August
December 9.
1776, rebruary 27.
August 27.
December 12.
December 20.
August.
1777, January 3.
September 11.
October 4.
October 7.
1778, June 28.
1779, March 3.
June 20.
1780, May 12.
June 22.
August 16.
October 7. .
1781, January 17.
March 15.
September 8.
October 19.
1783, January 20.
Septembers.
1787, May.
1788,*2raly.
1789, NoyemlMr.
EycDts.
Columbus disooyers America.
Armidas and Barlow approach the coast of N. C.
{Charter of Charles II. William Drummond, Go-
. yernor of Carolina.
John Culoefjper's rebellion.
Carolina aivided into North and South.
First church in North Carolina.
First newepaper in the United States.
Carey's rebellion.
Charter of Charles II. surrendered.
Stamp Act passed.
Battle of Alamance.
Popular Assembly at Newborn, N. C.
Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.
General Washington, Commander-in-<;hief.
Battle of BunkePs Hill.
Royal goyemor retreats. Martin.
Battle of Great Bridge, near Norfolk, Va.
" Moore's Creek.
" Lons; Island.
Constitution of North Carolina formed at Halifax,
Battle of Trenton.
Gen. Rutherford subdues the Cherokees.
Battle of Princeton.
Brandywine.
German town.
Saratoga.
Monmouth.
Brier Creek, on Sayannah Riyer. Ashe
defeated.
Stono.
Surrender of Charleston.
Battle of Ramsour's Mill, in North Carolina.
Gates defeated at Camden.
Battle of King's Mountain.
*' Cowpens.
** Guildford Court House.
" Eutaw.
" Yorktown.
Treaty of peace at Yersfilles,
England recognizes the independence of America.
Constitution of the United States formed.
{North* Carolina, by a oonyention at Hillsboro', re-
jects Uie Constitution.
Oonyention at FayetteyiUe adopt it.
!
tt
u
«
«
«
u
PBEFACE.
I HAVE for many years, in hours of leisure, been engaged in
collecting and condensing documents and facts relative, to the early
history of my native State.
As the material increased on my hands, and the time has come
"when the results of my labors are to be presented to the intelligence
and favor of my countrymen^ I feel, unaffectedly, how inadequate
I am for such a task. My labors, however, may have one effect:
they may assist and inspire some abler hand to undertake and com-
plete this work, how so hesitatingly commenced.
There is no State in our Union whose early history is marked
by purer patriotism, more unsullied devotion to liberty, or more
indomitable opposition to every form of tyranny than North Caro-
lina.
Yet how little of that early history has been given to the world !
While Virginia, on one side, has had the labors of her Jefferson,
whose intellect shed a lustre on every subject it touched ; and a Mar-
shall, who was as illustrious as Chief Justice of the highest judicial
tribunal of our land, as his character was pure in all the relations of
life ; and the classic genius of her Wirt, Stith, Campbell, Howe, and
many others devoted to her history, and to the biography of her
distinguished sons ; while South Carolina on the other, has employed
the "philosophic pen** of her Ramsay, Drayton, Simms, and others;
North Carolina, earlier colonized in point of history, full of glorious
examples of patriotism and chivalric daring, has been neglected
by her own sons and others.
The fair records of her early fame are buried amid the mass of
official documents in the offices of the Board of Trade and Planta-
tions in London ; and her history only shadowed forth' in " the
heavy pages** of Martin, who wag a foreigner by birth, and the citi-
zen of another State by adoption ; and by Williamson, whose labors
terminated by an elaoorated dissertation on fevers, and ends in
1771. To these we should add "the fancy sketches** of Joseph
Seawell Jones, of Shocco, whose book, when referring to docu-
ments in our State Department, and official records, is worthy of
Btudy^but whose pages only embrace a limited time, and are marked
with misplaced temper.
Such have been the historians by whom the history of North
2
XVIU PREFACE.
Carolina has been attempted. The historian of the age (George
Bancroft), of whom it may be said, in the words of the immortal
epitaph of Goldsmith, by Dr. Johnson,* and inscribed on his menu*
ment in Westminster Abbey —
** Qui nullam fere scribendi genas
noD teti^it,
Nullam quod tetigit non orDayit/'
has been compelled to say, from examining such efforts, that '^ so
carelessly has the history of North Carolina been written, that the
name, merits and end of the first governor are not known."
One of these (Jones), however, makes this just remark : "The
archives of the State, and the desks of ancient families, now bury
the story of the rise and progress of the State of North Carolina.
Ignorance and wickedness may misrepresent the character of her
history, if efforts are not made to break away the darkness that sur-
rounds it. Such are the inducements for this publication."
The Legislature of North Carolina, in common with every citizen of
tbe country, has felt the opprobrium of this neglect. At its session
of 1827, a resolution was passed directing the Governor to make a
respectful application to the British Government to procure (from
the offices of Board of Trade and Plantations in London), for the use
of the State, copies of such papers and documents as relate to the
colonial history of North Carolina.
The Governor (H. G. Burton), in February, 1827, addressed
Albert Gallatin, then our minister at that court, on this subject ;
und the British authorities promptly afforded all the aid in their
E^wer. Such a mass of documents was discovered, that Lord
udley, then at the head of the Foreign Office, could only present
indexes ; but, at the same time, most kindly offering to an author-
ieed agent of our Government access to, and copies of, these papers.
These indexes, by a resolution of 26th January, 1848, were or-
dered, by the General Assembly of our State, to be published,
under my authority and direction — at that time associated in the
administration of the State, as Public Treasurer. This brought me,
by law, directly to the examination of these papers, as far as these
indexes would allow.
This important matter rested here for six years. The Legisla-
ture, by resolution, January, 1849, empowered the Governor to
procure, from the public offices in London, these documents.
In the interim, conscious of the importance of these papers, and
their vital connection with the State, I sent to a distinguished friend,
then in London, a list of such as seemed to me of the most import-
ance, and they have been procured. Aided by these, and by printed
works of rai*e merit, procured from abroad at much labor and ex-
pense, as well as by the records of the State Department, to which,
by a resolution of the last General Assembly (1850), and the cour-
* Who toaohed upon every subject, and touched no subject that he did not
adorn.
P&BFAOB. Xix
tesy of the predent renerable Secretary of State (Wm. Hill), free
•coess was obtained; aided, also, by gentlemen not only of our own
State, bat of other States, with copies of official documents, and
faithful traditional statements, important and interesting, this work,
^^with all its imperfections on its head,'' is committed to the press.
I here repeat the assertion made in the prospectus, that I do not
aspire to the position of an historian ; that niche in the temple of
fame can be occupied by some more worthy person. All that I
hope is to present a fair and truthful record of facts, illustrative of
the early times of our beloved and venerable State ; the names of
those ^ho have done her service in the field and senate; and
valuable statistical information of her resources and products;
thus affording data to other and abler hands to occupy the historic
field, as yet unexplored, and "so fair, so full of goodly prospects.'*
K I shall succeed in rescuing from the dust of age, or the oblite-
rating hand of time, one event elevating to our State character; or,
**like the fanciful enthusiast in Old Mortality, removing the moss
and lichen of neglect" from the monument of one generous name,
my end will be accomplished, and I will have paid that debt which
Lord Coke asserts "every man owes to his profession."
In this, the kind offices of every friend of North Carolina are
solicited. This book, it is hoped, will be worthy of the State, as it
IB the labor of years and patient research. That it will be read by
all, ia not to be expected ; but, to those who may study its pages, it
will be profitable.
To the Christian, it will present the record, without bias or sec-
tarianism, of a people guided bv the hand of Providence to this
western wilderness in search of freedom of conscience, and liberty
to worship without the trammels of law or priestly dictation ; and,
aided by the same hand, from feeble beginnings becomes a great
and powerful nation.
The story of the rise and progress of our State creates a high
moral feeling. In its records, we realize the words of David : —
" We have heard with oor ears, 0 God, our fathers have told us, what
work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.
" How thoa didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, ♦ ♦ ♦ « ♦
" Fox^they got not the land in possession bv their own sword, neither did
their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light
of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favor unto them/'*
To the Student, it will afford a data to more extended inquiry in
her history.
To the statesman, unmixed as it shall be with party politics or
partisan feeling, it may sometimes be a book of reference, by
which his efibrts may be guided, and ends for the good of the state
be attained ; and, by its statistic information, facilitate his labors.
To the youth of the State, the simple record of patriotic exertion
will act as a direct incentive to virtuous emulation.
* Psalms, xliv. I, 2, 3.
XX PREFACB.
Sallust informs us that Sciffio and Maximus, when beholding the
statues of their illustrious countrymen, became violently agitated.
^^It could not," he says, ^^be the inanimate marble which possessed
this mighty power. It was the recollection of noble actions which
kindled this generous flame in their bosoms, only to be quenched
when they too, by their achievements and virtues, had acquired
equal reputation."
*' And by their light
Shall every gallant youth with ardor move
To do brave deeds/' ^
It is to be hoped, too, that this book may be looked into (unin-
teresting as records and statistics may be to them) by the fairer
portion of creation.
They may find in the single*hearted devotion of a Pocahontas ;
in the enthusiastic fidelity of a Flora McDonald ; in the resolves of
the women of '76 in Mecklenburg and Rowan ; in the masculine
courage of Mrs. Slocumbe, of Wayne, and Mrs. Powell, of Halifax ;
in the patriotic ofiering of Mrs. Steele, of Salisbury ; in the un-
wearied care of the mother of a Gaston, examples worthy of imita-
tion ; and in the brilliant repartees of Mrs. Wilie Jones, and Mrs.
Ashe, of Halifax ; wit to be admired, before which the martial
spirit of a Tarleton was forced to quail.
I here take occasion publicly to acknowledge my obligations to
the very many friends by whom my efibrts have been countenanced
and aided. To Hon. George Bancroft, now of New York ; to Hon.
David L. Swain, Professors Mitchell and Hubbard, of the University
of the State ; to Col. Peter Force, of Washington (who has been
a kind friend to me from boyhood) ; to Dr. Cyrus L. Hunter, of
Lincoln ; to Professor Rockwell, of Davidson College ; to my faith-
ful agents in every county in the State, and to many others.
THE PLAN OF THIS WORK.
I. The first landing of the colonists in 1584, to the Revolution-
ary war, 1776, will constitute the first series ; with a list and sketch
of- the Governors under the Proprietary, and Royal Governments.
II. The second will present the Governoi^, Judges, and Executive
oflScers, from that time to the present.
The Members of Congress from the State, from 1774 to 1851.
The Press, from the first introduction of printing, in the State,
to the present day.
Education in the State ; History of the University ; Sketches of
the life and characters of its Presidents ; other institutions and the
Common Schools.
The public institutions of the State, as the Banks, Railroads,
Canals, Turnpike and Plank Roads ; Institution for the Deaf and
Dumb, and State Hospital for the Insane.
PRBEAOE. ni
Resources of the State ; her expenses and liabilities ; her Popu-
lation.
m. The third series, will present a sketch of each county in the
State, in alphabetical order ; 1, date of its erection ; 2, origin of
its name ; 3, situation ; 4, boundaries, its colonial and revolutionary
history, its products and population ; sketches of lives of its distin-
guished citizens, and an accurate list of the members from each
county in the Senate and House of Commons, from the adoption of
the constitution, or the erection of the county to the last session,
1850— '51.
Whatever defects this work may present, it has one merit that
cannot be detracted ; it is written and compiled by a native of the
Mr. Prescott thus speaks of Graham's History of the United
States: **Mr. Graham's work with all its merits is the work of a
foreigner, and that word coA'prehends much that cannot be over-
come by the best writer. He may produce a beautiful composition ;
faultless in style, accurate in delineation, and full of sound logic
and wise conclusions. But he cannot enter into the sympathies,
comprehend the feelings and peculiar ways of thinking that form
the idiosyncrasy of a nation. What can he know who has never
been warmed by the same sun, lingered among the same scenes,
listened to the same tales in childhood, pledged to the same inter-
ests in manhood, enlivened by the same hopes and depressed by
the same fears that go to form national character !" * * *
" As in portrait painting, so it is in painting characters in history.
A foreign artist may catch some bold outline, prominent feature, or
general air of his subject ; but he cannot hope to delineate the
fleeting shades of expression, the almost imperceptible play of fea-
tures which are only observed and revealed to the most familiar
observation and daily intercourse.
" Who would look to a Frenchman for a good work on England, or
to an Englishman for a faithful history of France ? HI fares it with
a state, whose history is written by others than her own sons ! What
foreign hand like Herodotus and Thucydides could have painted the
achievements of Greece ? Who, like Livy and Tacitus, the shifting
character of the Roman, in his rise, meridian, and decline ? Had
the Greeks trusted their story to the same Romans what would
have been their fate with posterity ? Lot the Carthagenians tell !"*
Of the histories of North Carolina (if we except Jones), not one
has been written by a native of the State, or who resided in the State
at the time of their death.
Williamson, whose work was published in 1812, was a native of
Pennsylvania, and died in New York.
Martin, who published in 1829, was a native of France, and died
in Louisiana.
* Prescott'a Miscellanies, 310.
Z3di FSflFAOI.
This work is written, collated' and published, by a natire North
Carolinian.
Errors, it doubtless contains, omissions unavoidable, and many
imperfections. '
But he trusts that his labors will nbt be without some beneficial
effect. ^
He will be grateful for any correction of errors, or any omission
supplied ; and if this meets a kind reception from his countrymen,
another edition may remedy these defects, and be more worthy of
their attention, and of his illustrious subject.
Ellakgowan,
Bkatty's Ford, N. C.
\9t Ju^, 1851.
SERIES I.
mSTOMCAL SKETCHES OP THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OP NORTH
CAROLINA, FROM 1584 TO THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR IN 1776.
CHAPTER L
rROM 1584 TO 1585.
The discovery of Ameriea by Columbus in 1492, under the auspicee of Fer-
dinand of Spain — John Cabot's expedition in 1496, under the auspices of
Henry VII. — The first expedition to the United States in 1584, under the
auspices of Sir Walter Raleigh, which landed on Roanoake Island, in
North Carolina.
The renown acquired fox the Spaniards in the discovery of
America by Columbus, in 1492, excited other nations to emulate
this example.
England and France engaged in this enterprise.
In 1496, John Cabot obtained from Henry VIL a patent for
himself and three sons,^ to search for countries hitherto unseen
by Christian people, and to affix the banners of England in any
land they might discover. A voyage, in 1497, was undertaken by
him, and, for the first time, the shores of North America, among
the polar bears and rude savages of Labrador, were visited by an
English ship.f
The discoveiT of a north-west passage, and the mercantile in-
terests of the kingdom, kept this feeling alive with the English
nation through the subsequent reigns of Henry VIIL, Edward Vl.,
Mary and Elizabeth. Added to this feeling was the thii-st for gold,
which it was believed abounded in this western world.
In 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh, not disheartened by the sad fate
of his step-brother. Sir Humphrey Gilbert, who perished a year pre-
vious on a voyage of discovery, obtained a patent from Queen
Elizabeth,! and fitted out two ships under Philip Amidas and
Arthur Barlow. These ships sailed in April, 1584, from England,
and in July they landed on the shores of North Carolina.
* Patent recorded in Ilaklajt, iii. 25, 26.
t Bancroft^ i. 9. t Hakluyt, iii. 297.
24 HISTOBT OF KORTH CAROLINA.
It was then and there "the meteor flag" of England was first
displayed in these United States, and on the sandy banks of North
Carolina, rested the first Anglo-Saxon anchor. '
After returning thanks to God for their safe arrival, Amidas took
formal possession of this country, in " the name of Elizabeth of
England, as rightful Queene and princess of the same/'
Here we may pause at this interesting point of our inquiries, and
remark as most providential, that this settlement occurred at this
period, under such auspices.
Had it occurred a few years earlier, under the rule of "the
bloody Mary,'* seas of blood and persecution must have been en-
countered before our forefathers had attained the religious liberty
they then enjoyed. Had it occurred under the flag of Spain, the
sword of a Cortez or Pizarro would have carried blood and devas-
tation ; murder would have signalized the event, and this country
now be no further advanced in science or religion than the be-
niglited and bigoted regions of South America. But here, the
reformed religion and enlightened privileges of the age of Elizabeth
marked the event.
The season of the year (July), was mild. The sea was calm; the
air was redolent with the perfume of flowers ; and, as expressed by
Amidas, in his report to Sir Walter Raleigh, "the fragrance, as
they drew near the land, was as if they had been in the midst of
some delicate garden, abounding in all manner of odoriferous
flowers."
The loveliness of the scenery, and the mildness of the climate,
was excelled by the gentleness of the native inhabitants, who re-
ceived the strangers with all that hospitality, which, even at this
dav, is cTiaracteristic of "the Old North State." On Roanoake
Island, now in Currituck county, the English were welcomed by the
wife of Granganimeo, father of Wirgina, the king. " The people
were most gentle, loving, and faithful, void of all guile and treason,
and such as lived after the manner of the golden age."*
After making a short stay, Amidas and iJarlow returned to Eng-
land, where they arrived safely in the following September, accom-
Eanied, in the guileless simplicity of their nature, by Manteo and
lanchese, two native Indians of North Carolina. Their accounts
to their patron. Sir Walter Raleigh, and to Queen Elizabeth, of the
climate, soil, and inhabitants, caused a thrilling excitement through-
out the kingdom of England. In the fullness of her heart, the
queen called it Virginia^ discovered as it was under the reign of a
virgin queen.
* Copied from Amidas and Barlow's account. Hakloyt, iii. 301, 307.
I
HI6T0RT OF NORTH CABOUKA. 25
CHAPTER II.
FROM 1585 TO 1589.
Second expedition under Sir Richard Oreenville in 1585, and the third nndet
the same in 1586-— The fourth under Governor White, Qovernor of the Citjr
of Raleigh.
This adventure of Amidas and Barlow was mo&t gratifying to
the spirit of the English nation. Believing with popular crednlitj
the gorgeous and glowing descriptions of this western world by
Amidas and Barlow, it was not difficult to gather a numerous com-
pany of emigrants to this land of promise.
Another expedition under Sir Richard Greenville, 8ailed(19tli
April, 1585) from Plymouth, under the auspices of Sir Walter
Raleigh, witn several persons of distinction; among whom were Sir
Ralph Lane, as Governor; Cavendish, who soon after circumnavi-
gated the globe ; Hariot, the historian ; and one hundred and eight
others. They landed on Roanoake Island in July. The ships left
the colonists in August and returned. This colony thus planted,
governed by Lane, achieved no permanent location ; and, after a
residence of a year, returned with Sir Francis Drake to England.
Thus terminated the first colony. This step of Governor Lane's
was ill timed, for, a few days after his departure, a ship, dispatched
by Sit Walter Raleigh, arrived, loaded with every essential to com-
fort ; and, soon after. Sir Richard Greenville appeared the second
time with three ships, who searched in vain for Lane and the
colonists. Sir Richard left fifteen men on the Island of Roanoake
and returned.
In the early part of the next year (January, 1587), Sir Walter
Raleigh dispatched John White, commissioned as " Governor of the
City of Raleigh," and a number of colonists, male and female, who
arrived in July. The colonists left by Greenville were not to be
found.
On the northern end of the island, the foundations of "the City
of Raleigh" were laid. By command of Sir Walter, Manteo was
baptized (27th August, 1587), and created Lord of Roanoake.
White returned to England, leaving a colony of eighty-nine men,
seventeen women, and two children. Among them was his daugh-
ter, Eleanor Dare, wife of one of the assistants, whose child was
the first-born offspring of English parents in this western world.
The condition of England, at the return of White, was unpro-
pitious to the colony. Sir Walter Raleigh, Greenville, and Lane,
with the whole nation, were engaged in a war with Spain, by which
an invasion was threatened. It was more that two years before
96 HISTOftT OF NORf H CABOLIHA.
White could return; and, on landing on the Island of Roanoake
(1590), not a single man was found.* It had been agreed on leav-
ing the colony, that if any accident should overcome the colonists,
to leave the name of the place where they might be found ; and, if
in distress, to designate it by a cross. Governor White found, on
a tree or post, the word Croatak, but without the sign of distress.
No trace of these colonists has ever been discoverpd.f
Lawson, the earliest historian of Carolina, believes that the Eng-
lish, despairing of all relief, from the long absence of their friends,
amalgamated with the Indians. In confirmation of which he learned
" from the Hatteras Indians that several of their ancestors were
white people, and could talk in a book. The truth of which is con-
firmed by gray eyes being among these Indians and no others."
Thus ended the second colony.
CHAPTER III.
FROM 1589 TO 1653.
•
Other expeditionB uDBUCcessful, and Sir Walter assigns his patent ( 1589) —
Sketch of the life, character, and death of Sir Walter Raleigh (I618)--Set-
tTement of the colony of Virginia under Captain John Smith — Sketch of
the life, character, and services of John Smitn — His rescue by Pocahontas,
daughter of Powhatan — ^Her life, character, and serrices.
Compelled to desist from the hope of successful colonization in
North Carolina, Sir Walter Raleigh still did not despair of finding
his faithful men, left by Greenville.J He sent five several expedi-
tions to search for them, but in vain ; and, after expending about
forty thousand pounds, and receiving no benefits in return, he
a88igned§ f7th March, 1589), to Thomas Smith and others, the
privilege of trading to Virginia, reserving to himself one-fifth of the
gold and silver they might discover. As the Chesapeake Bay had
been discovered by Governor Lane, he directed their location to
that point, as being a safe and commodious harbor, rather than the
dangerous coast and open road near Cape Hatteras.
Thus ended the efforts of the brave and gallant Raleigh to es-
tablish a colony in North Carolina. " A man of wit and the sword,"
as he was so tauntingly termed by Sir Edward Coke ; his character
and {ame are dear to our State. As a soldier, his courage was
undaunted ; and, as a scholar, his learning was deep and varied.
Although his gallantry and services found no favor in the eyes of
the pusillanimous James I., under whom he suffered ignominy
and death; after a long and rigorous confinement, he was tried for
* Williamson, i. 60. t Lawson, 62^
X Purohas, iv. 1653. 2 Williamsonfii. 58.
BtSTOllT OF NORTH OAKOUNA. ^
offences of which he was innocent, convicted^ and beheaded on Oc-
tober 29, 1618 ;* yet his name has been preserved ; and, after a
lapse of two hundred years, the State of North Carolina has offered
a tribute to his memory and his virtues, by naming its capital in
honor of the generous, chivalric and noble Raleigh.
" His memory sparkles o'er the fountain :
His name inscribed on loH^y mountain,
The meanest rill, the mightiest river
Rolls, mingled with his name forever.''
In accordance with the suggestions of the sagacious councils of
Sir Walter, the Chesapeake became the point to which future efforts
were directed.
A patent was granted to a London company (1606), and about
the same time, another patent was granted to oir Thomas Gates,
Sir George Sommers, and others.
The next spring (1607), saw a colony located at Jamestown,
governed by the distinguished Captain John Smith.
Discord, anarchy, and confusion, mark the early history of these
colonists, and but fop the genius, courage, and skUl of Smith, they
had shared the fate of the colony of Roanoake. But Providence
destined otherwise.
"Tanto molis erat,
condere gentium."t
Guided by his talents, influenced by his example, under the yrise
administration of Smith, the colony of Virginia was founded.
It is refreshing to the mind of every American, to know that
under the auspices of such men our country was first settled.
With all nations, the character of their founders is a source. of
pride. Ancient Greece asserted that her founders were divine.
Kome delighted in the fanciful idea that Romulus was descended
from their gods. "No Norman tyrant landed on our shores," nor
did any " fabled fugitive" from the flames of Troy settle this coun-
try; but men "who knew their rights, and knowing, dared main-
tain." The rock can now be shown upon which they first landed ;
the rude ramparts that sheltered them from the savage foe can be
pointed out. In their characters are discovered every virtue that
can dignify our nature, and every trait that ennobles mankind. In
none are virtue, courage, or patience more conspicuous than in John
Smith.t
He had distinguished him^lf in the wars with the Turks ; and, in
single combat, met (1607) before the walls of Alba Eegis, and over-
came three of the most distinguished of his adversaries. His whole
course of life previous to his arrival in the colony of Virginia, was
peculiarly adapted to prepare him for the trials, dangers, and adver-
sities of this position. In every situation in which he was placed
♦ See "Celebrated Trials" (Philada., 1835), page 180.
t Of sach material to form a nation.
X Life of Captain John Smith, by W. Gilmore Simms.
28 HI8T0RT OF KOKTH CABOLINA.
as a soldier, or a statesman, his character was fully equal to his
position.
While exploring the river which his patriotism had dignified by
the name of his sovereign (James), he was taken prisoner (1608),
and conducted by the Indians in triumph to their savage king,
Powhatan. Undismayed by adversity, he meets his fate with calm-
ness and dignity. He is condemned to death.
Already the savage death song is sounded ; the victim is bared
and bound, and Powhatan, the savage monarch, stands ready to
give the word to the executioners, whose war clubs are raised. But
the youthful daughter of Powhatan, Pocahontas, rushes between the
victun and his fat(
** A shriek arrests the falling blow.
And Pocahontas shields the foe.''
At her earnest supplications he is released ; in a few days he is
allowed to return to his comrades in arms at Jamestown.* Such
was his influence, that the Indians, instead of the war club and
tomahawk, are seen bringing com and other suppUes to the famished
garrison.
To the generous character of this Indian princess, Pocahontas, the
safety and preservation of the colony may be attributed. She was
80 pure and simple-hearted in her conduct, that often she advised,
at great peril, the colonists of impending danger ; and finally, was
induced to marry one of the colonists, Rolfe ; from which alliance
some of the first families of Virginia trace their origin.
She embraced the Christian religion,t and was baptized and re-
ceived into the church under the name of Rebecca.J In 1616, she
went with Sir Thomas Dale to England. She was cordially received,
and treated with that respect due her rank and her devotion to the
cause of the colonists. She died in England, at Gravesend, " the
sweetest example of Christian resignation and fortitude." She left
one son, Thomas Rolfe, who was educated in England, and became
a person of distinction in Virginia. He left one daughter, who
married Colonel Robert Boiling, who had the present Colonel John
Boiling and several daughters, who married Colonel Richard Ran-
dolph, Colonel John Fleming, Dr. William Guy, Thomas Eldridee,
and James Murray. The late talented John Randolph was a de-
scendant of this family. J
Years have elapsed since this admirable woman departed, but her
noble conduct will endure in the pages of history, when the marble
which records her generous deliverance of Smith, in our National
Csfpitol, shall have mouldered to its original elements.
capitol at Washington, by Chapman.
t Stith, 46. Simms' Life of Captoi
.ptain John Smith, 366.
HISTOKY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 29
CHAPTER IV.
raoM 1G53 to 1712.
Permanent settlement of North Carolina — William Drummond, first Goremor,
in 1663, a Scotchman — Succeeded by Governor Stephens on his death,
1667 — ^Who was succeeded at his death (1674) bj Governor Carteret, whose
deputy, Miller, acts as eovemor during the absence of Carteret — Cul- •
pepper's insurrection, and possession of the ^vemment by him in 1678—
Governor Eastchurch arrives in North Carolina — Culpepper sent for trial
to England, tried and acquitted — John Harvey, on the death of Eastchurch,
governor in 1680 — Governor John Jenkins appointed, who, on his death,
IS succeeded by Henry Wilkinson (Dec. 1681) — Seth Sothel appointed
governor in 168o — His character and life ; exiled by the people, ana aeath —
ucceeded b^ Governor Philip Ludwell (1689), who resided most of his
time in Vireinia — Constitution formed by Locke for North Carolina (1693)
^^arolina divided into North and South Carolina — Thomas Smith ap-
pointed governor — On his advice, John Archdale, "the Quaker Governor,"
IS appointed (1694) ; his sagacious and prudent administration — On his
return to England (1699J, Thomas Harvey, governor — On his death in
1699, Henderson Walker is governor — On his death (1704J Robert Daniel
succeeds as governor — Difficulties between the Church of England and the
Dissenters— First church in North Carolina (1705) — First newspaper in the
United States (1705J — Contest between Caiy and Glover for the govern-
ment—Gary prevails — Cary sent to England for examination (1711)— >
Edward Hyde governor in 1712^— De Graaffenreidt's patent — Indian mur-
ders— Lawson, first historian of North Carolina, killed by the Indians —
Il^de dies with yellow fever (1712), and George Pollock succeeds him-^
First emission of paper money in North Carolina.
SiXTY-NiNB years after the landing of Amidas and Barlow on the
coast of North Carolina^ a colony from Virginia (July, 1653), led
by Roger Green,* settled on the banks of the Boanoake, and on
the south side of the Chowan, and its tributary streams.
North Carolina had, previously, been the refuge of Quakers, and
others fleeing from religious persecutions. Before this period, this
country had been explored by the Secretary of the Colony of Vir-
ginia, m 1622, who traveled overland to Chowan River, and de-
scribed the fertility of the soil, the salubrity of the climate, f and
the kindness of the natives.
In 1662, the Chief of the Ycopim Indians granted to George
Durant a neck of land in Perquimans county, which still bears his
name.
On the 24th March, 1663, King Charles II. granted to Edward,
Earl of Clarendon ; George, Duke of Albemarle ; William, Earl of
Craven; John, Lord Berkley; Anthony, Lord Ashley; Sir George
* Hennin^, Statutes at Large, 380, 381.
t Smith's Virginia, ii. 64.
30 HI6T0BT OF NOKTH CABOUKA.
Carteret, Sir John Colleton, and Sir William Berkeley, all the coun-
try between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, between 31*^ and 36**
parallels of latitude, called Carolina, in honor of Charles.
In 1663, Sir William Berkley, Governor of the Colony of Vir-
ginia, visited the province, and appointed William Drummond
Governor of the Colony of Carolina. Drummond was from Scot-
land, and inheriting the national characteristics of that people, he
was prudent, cautious, and deeply impressed with a love of liberty.
Such was the settlement, and such was the first Governor of
North Carolina. The lake in the centre of the Dismal Swamp pre-
serves his name.
It was called the county of Albemarle from Gen. Geo. Monk, after-
wards Duke of Albemarle, one of the proprietors, which included
the country between Virginia and the Cape Fear River. The county
of Clarendon spread over the region from Cape Fear to Florida.
Drummond,'*' at his death in 1667, was succeeded by Stevens as
governor.
At this time the colony contained about four thousand inhabit-
ants, a few fat cattle, and eight hundred hogsheads of tobacco, f
The first assembly that made laws for Carolina, assembled in the
fall of 1669.t
I No freer country was ever organized by man. Freedom of con-
Bcience, security from taxation except by their own consent, were
their first objects. No one could recover a debt, the cause of action
. of which arose out of the colony, within five years ; the emigrant was
exempted from taxation for a year; every emigrant received a
bounty of land. These simple laws suited a simple people, who
were as free as the air of their mountains ; and when oppressed
were as rough as the billows of the ocean. They submitted to no
unjust laws, they bowed their knee to no earthly monarch.
"Are there any," says Bancroft,! "who doubt man*s capacity
for self government ? Let them study the history of North Caro-
lina ; the inhabitants were restless and turbulent m their imperfect
submission to a government imposed on them from abroad ; the
administration of the colony was firm, humane, and tranquil when
left to themselves. Any government but their own was oppres-
• if
Bive.
March, 1669. At this time, a form of government, magnificent in
design, and labored in detail, called " The fundamental constitutions
of Carolina," were drawn up by the celebrated author of the Essay
on the Human Understanding^ John Locke. These are preserved
in the second volume of Revised Statutes (1837), 449.
On the death of Governor Stevens, who died in the colony full
of years and wealth, the assembly chose Carteret for their governor,
^ana on his return to England soon after, Eastchurch, who then waa
i..ili England, was appointed governor, and Miller secretary.
• Williamson, i. 93. t Chalmers, 533. Bancroft, ii. 157.
} Chalmers, 525. i Bancroa, ii. 158.
HI8T0BT OV FORTH CABOLIKA. 81
The goyernor being detained, Miller proceeded to North Carolina,
"holding the triple oflSce of governor, secretary, and collector."
The conduct of this man, " dressed up in his brief authority,*' was
oppressive. The spirit of the people was aroused by his extortion and
tyranny. Led on oy John Culpepper, who had been surveyor-gene-
ral of South Carolina, they seized the president and six members of
the council, and put them in prison. They called a legislature,
appointed courts of justice, and exercised all the rights and powers
of government for two years.'*' The imbecile hand that then held the
English sceptre (Charles II.) was too fond of pleasure " to take
much trouble with a distant and disordered colony."
The colonists declared, that " excessive taxation, abridgment of po-
litical liberty, with a denial of a free election of an assembly, the
unwise interruptions of the natural channels of commerce were the
threefold grievances of the colony."
This was the germ of the great principles that ripened more
than one hundred years after, into our glorious revolution of 1776,
and its rich fruits were our national independence and liberty.
* When Governor Eastchurch arrived, his authority was derided.
He applied to the Governor of Virginia for aid to restore his
authority. But he died before troops could be raised.
Culpepper was tried in England in 1680 for these offences, defended
by Shaftesbury ; he was acquitted, even by an English jury.
In 1680, John Harvey, as president of the council, took charge
of the colony of North Carolina, and in June of that year, John
Jenkins was appointed governor by the proprietors ; who was suo-
ceeded on his death (December 1681), by Henry Wilkinson.
That the insurrection of Culpepper was not considered treasona-
ble, or even unpopular with the Proprietors themselves, is proved
by the fact that one of his associates under Governor Harvey, was
the Beceiver General, and another (George Durant) a judge of the
court.
Such, however, was the free spirit of the people, that it was ex-
pedient to send one of the proprietors as governor.
In 1683, Seth Sothel, who had purchased the rights of Lord
Clarendon, arrived as Governor in North Carolina.
The character of Sothel presents every vice that can degrade
man or disgrace his nature. ^' During the six years that he mis-
ruled the people of North Carolina, the dark shades of his charac-
ter were not relieved by a single ray of virtue, "f Profligate in his
habits, licentious in his tastes, sordid and avaricious in his conduct;
his administration is marked by every kind of extortion. He was
not fit to rule over a people that were impatient of any tyranny or
oppression. He was impeached, imprisoned by the people, and sen-
tenced by the colony to twelve months exile, and a perpetual
incapacity for the office of governor. He returned to South Carolina,
where he afterwards became governor ; from this colony also his
« WillUunsoo, i. 132. t Ibid. i. 140.
82 HI8T0BY OF NORTH CAROLIKA.
vices expelled him, and he died in North Carolina in 1692 without
issue.
For the will of Seth Sothel, from the records now on file in Se-
cretary of State's OflSice at Raleigh, see chap, six., Chowan county,
in the following pages.
Philip Ludwell succeeded as governor, 1698. He continued
but a short time in the colony, and although four years governor,
resided the greater part of that time in Virginia.*
Governor Ludwell had been a collector of customs in Virginia,
an adherent of Berkley, and a complainant in England against
EflSingham as Governor of Virginia. After some time spent in vain
eflforts to carry out the wishes of the lords proprietors, consistent
with the prosperity of the colonists, he gladly retired to Virginia,
and Alexander Lillington was appointed deputy governor; two years
afterf Thomas Harvey succeeded as deputy governor.
The fundamental constitutions so sagely devised by the philoso-
phic Locke, were abrogated at this time.
The portion of the province north of the Santee, was called North
Carolina ; and the four southern counties, South Carolina.
A dreadful storm was in this year experienced in North Carolina ;J
it reversed the order of nature. It stopped some rivers, and opened
others.
Thomas Smith, on the abrogations of the constitutions of Locke,
was appointed governor by the Proprietors ; but his political opi-
nions were so different from those of the colonists, that he gladly
advised that one of the Proprietors should visit North Carolina, to
inquire into their grievances and redress their wrongs.
Following this salutary counsel. Lord Ashley, the grandson of
Shaftesbury, the pupil and antagonist of Locke, and the celebrated
author of the Characteristics, was appointed. He declined the mis-
sion, and John Archdale, a member of the peaceful society of
Friends, received the appointment. Until his arrival, Joseph Black
was deputy governor of the province.
The selection of Governor Archdale was most fortunate. Ln-
bued with the peaceful and wise tenets of his religious belief, and
the true principles of democracy that it inculcated, like his great
predecessor in Pennsylvania who landed only twelve years before, at
New Castle (27th Oct., 1682), his administration of the colony was
prudent, wise, and salutary.
In the month of March, 1695, he met the Legislature in Charles-
ton.§ He purchased lands in Albemarle, and one of his daughters
married in Pasquotank, where some of his descendants live to this
day. The wife of William Hill, Esq., the present Secretary of
State of North Carolina, is a descendant of Governor Archad,le,
through his daughter Ann, who married (July, 1688) Emmanuel
♦ WiUiamBon, i. 147. t Ibid. i. 143.
t Marten, i. 195. 2 Williamson, i. 158.
mSTOKT OF NORTH CABOLINA. 88
Lowe, whose daughter Anne married Pendleton, whose daughter
Mary married Dempsy Conner, the father of Mrs. Hill.
Ab advocate for the freedom of conscience, he wisely avoided the
religious disputes between the zeal of the high church party, and
the great body of the people, which had much excited the colony.
He quieted the jarrings between the colonists and their feudal
sovereigns, by remitting quit rents for three and four years, regu-
lating Uie prices of lands, and allowing the payment in produce in
lieu of mon^. To Cultivate the friendship of the Indians, he es-
tablished a JSoard to decide all contests between them and the
whites. Although surrounded by dangerous and savage tribes, no
conflict was apprehended, because no offence was committed.
Penn's treaty with the Indians iix Pennsylvania has received the
plaudits of all ages. Made, unlike other treaties, without any
formality of oaths ; and, unlike others, was never violated. So
Archdale acted. He established in our jurisprudence the ^eat
principle that those, who, from conscientious scruples, refused to
bear arms, should be exempted therefrom on a certificate from the
Governor.*
Beads were made under skillful surveys. The course of his con-
duct was such that the representatives of the freemen of the colony
declared that, "by his wisdom, patience, and labor. Governor Arch-
dale had laid a foundation for a most glorious superstructure. ''f
His character deserves to be held in grateful remembrance by the
people of North Carolina. The effects of his sagacity introduced sys-
tem and union into the colony, and his name should be perpetuated
by a more enduring monument than it has hitherto received.
During his administration, a brig from Madagascar, on her way
to England, anchored off Sullivan's Island. Thomas Smith, a land-
grave, on going on board, received a bag of RicCy with descriptions
of its culture, its suitableness for food, and its incredible increase.
From this small beginning arose that which soon became the chief
support of the colony, and is now one of its staple commodities and
a source of wealth.J
^V^len Governor Archdale returned to England, the government
of the Colony of North Carolina devolved on Thomas Harvey, as
Deputy Governor, who had already (1695) exercised that oflSice;
and, on his death, the administration devolved on Henderson Walker,
who was President of the Council. § He was a lawyer, and for some
time a judge of the Supreme Court.
Under his administration, an important change took place in the
judiciary. Hitherto the general court had been held by the chief
magistrate, the deputies of the lords proprietors, and two assistants.
A commission now issued appointing five persons Justices of the
Supremo Court.
* See Militia Laws of North Carolina, quoted in note to vol. i. William-
son, 272.
t Archdale, 21. Bancroft, iii. 16. Martin, i. 198. t Martin, i. 198.
i See Martin, i. 265. Williamson, i. 189. Bancroft, iii. 20.
3
84 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
The piracies of the famous Captain Kidd occurred at this time,
who was taken, and tried in England and executed.
Under the mild jule of Gov. Walker, the inhabitants of North
Carolina increased in the enjoyment of the highest personal liberty.
" Five miles below Edenton, just a hundred yards from the sound,
beneath the shade of a large cedar, is the grave of Henderson
Walker. The stone that marks the spot keeps the record that
* North Carolina, during his administration, enjoyed tranquillity.* *'
I copy from the tomb-stone the following :—
" Here lyes y* body of
flENDERSON WALKER, Esq.,
Presideat of the Council and Commander-in-Chief of North Caroling,
during whose Administration the Province enjoyed that tranquillity which
it is to be wished it may never want.
He departed this life, 14 April, 1704, aged 44 years.''
On the north side of this tomb
" Lyes y* body of
GEORGE LILLINGTON,
Son of Major Alexander Lillington,
who died in ye 15 year of his age, Anno 1706."
Over the other side is the following inscription : —
" Here lyes y* body of
MADAM ANN MOSELY,
Wife of Edward Mosely, Esq.
She was y* danshter of Maj. Alex. Lillington, Esq., and y*
Widow of the Hon. Henderson WSker, Esq.,
Late President of His Majesty's Council of No. Carolina.
She departed this life, Nov. the 18th, A.D. 1712,
aged 55 years & 5 months.'^
On the death of Governor Walker, Robert Daniel, a landgrave,
was made President of the Council. He had distinguished himself
in arms at the late attack on St. Augustine, and was appointed by
Sir Nathaniel Johnson, whose commission now extended over the
whole Province as Deputy Governor of the Northern part of
Carolina.
Lord Granville, who was still Palatine, had instructed Sir Na-
thaniel Moore to establish the religion of the Church of England
in the colony by legal authority.
In 1704, by arts and intrigue in the General Assembly, a law
was passed by a majority of one, disfranchising all dissenters from
any oflice of trust, honor, or profit.
A previous assembly had passed a law (1702) by which thirty
pounds should be raised in each precinct to support a minister of
the church of England.
This produced tumults and insurrections among the people. A
large majority of the colonists had no religion ; many who professed
religion were Quakers, Presbyterians, Lutherans, and Independents.
!m the year 1705, the first church in North Carolina was built
HIBTOKY OF NORTH CIROLINA. 85
in Chowan County.* Quakers were not allowed to give evidence
in any criminal case, or serve on a jury, or hold any ofiBce.
The Governor (Daniel) and the people, inimcdiately opposed
these laws. A petition was introduced into Parliament, and, on
hearing the evidence, the House of I^ordsf declared that these
" acts were repugnant to the laws of England, contrary to the charter
of the proprietors ; an encouragement to atheism ; detrimental to
trade; and tended to the depopulation and ruin of the province.'*
Thus was first asserted, in North Carolina, hy her simple and
patriotic people, the great principle of divorce of church and state.
This year (1705) was pointed the first American newspaper,
caUed the Boston News Letter.
In this year, so severe was the cold, that Albemarle Sound, at
Edenton, was frozen over.|
Peacefully as was this important principle (separation of church
and state) maintained and established, North Carolina was not
free from tumult. The succession of a governor (like that of the
sceptre of the mother country) was often the scene of confusion
and insurrection. In the language of a cotemporaneous writer,$
"it was the common practice of the people in North Carolina to
resist and imprison their governors, until they looked upon that as
lawful which had been so long tolerated."
Thomas Cary was appointed Deputy Governor by Sir Nathaniel
Johnston. The Lords Proprietors disapproved of the choice, and
directed their deputies to select one of their own number as Governor
of North Carolina. The deputies selected William Glover. Cary,
who was selected as deputy governor, had been collector of the
rents of the Lords Proprietors, end had neglected to settle his ac-
counts. For awhile he seemed to yield to the sway of Glover ; but,
aided by his friends, he seized the records of the province, and
proclaimed himself governor.
The colony now was a scene bf anarchy ; the laws were suspended,
and justice fled. The respectable portion of the colony adhered to
Glover ; while Cary possessed the force. A general assembly was
called, which met at Captain Heekelfield's, on Little River, to de-
cide this vexed question. Members appeared under writs of election
issued by President Glover ; while another set appeared under writs
of election issued by President Cary. Glover and Cary sat in
separate rooms with their respective councils. Great confusion
prevailed, and the partisans of Glover, irritated by the persecutions
from Cary and his adherents, sought refuge in Virginia. Thus
was the Colony of North Carolina, for a time, again under a domin-
ion contrary to the proprietary government.
At this period, Edward Hyde arrived with the commission of
Lieutenant Governor ; but Cary refused to yield. With an armed
brig and a smaller vessel he made an attempt upon Edenton^ but
♦ Williamson, i. 169. t Martin, i. 223.
X WiUiamson, i. 177. I Spotowood MSS.
86 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
-was repulsed and retired to Bath. Governor Hyde made a requi-
sition upon the Governor of Virginia, Alexander Spotswood, who
sent a party of marines from the ships that lay in Hampton Roads.
The finale of this insurrection is detailed by the following letter
from Governor Spotswood^ which I copy from a document on file in
the archives of the Historical Society of the University of North
Carolina.*
"Kbquotan, JttZy 31, 1711.
" To the Proprietors of Carolina :
"My Lords — Since my writing this, the marines are returned,
after having frighted the rebellious party so as to lay down their
arms and disperse; and I with joy tell your Lordships that there
is now some prospect of tranquiUity in your Government; and that
I have brought this about without efiusion of blood or disorders
committed. And, upon my arrival at this place, I found Colonels
Cary, Levy, and Truit, and company, blustering, and pretending
to have taken a passage in the fleet for their going for England, in
order to justify their actions. Whereupon I had them brought
before me ; but plainly discovered they intended nothing less than
a fair trial at your Lordships' Board. Wherefore, seeing they
would give me no security for such appearance, I have sent them
home in the Reserve and Tyger men-of-war; believing the greatest
justice I can do them is to leave them to your Lordships' examination.
"A. SPOTSWOOD."
Edward Hyde, who was appointed Governor the next year, issued
his proclamation January, 1712, granting pardon to all the late in-
surgents, except Thomas Cary, John Porter, and three others.
The Lords Proprietors granted, in 1709, to Christopher, Baron
de Graaffenreidt, ten thousand acres of land, on the Neuse and Cape
Fear rivers, at the rate of ten pounds sterling for every thousand
acres, and five shillings quit rent. A great nimiber of Palatines,
and fifteen hundred Swiss, followed the Baron, and settled at the
confluence of the Trent and Neuse. The to¥m was called New Bern,
after Bern in Switzerland, the birth-place of Graaffenreidt.
It had been the boast of one of the earliest historiansf of North
Carolina, that this colony was the only instance of a nation planted
in peace, and located without bloodshed of the natives. This was
true at this time. While Massachusetts, Virginia, and others were
laying the foundation of their colony on the bones of the aborigi-
nes, and cementing their structure vrith blood. North Carolina was
quietly pursuing her course, unmolested by the Lidians, and respect-
ing their rights.
* Extracts from "Letters of the Hon. Alexander Spotswood, late Governor
of Virginia, respecting the affairs of North Carolina, addressed to the Ministry
of the late Queen Anne, extracted from the letter book in MS. and deposited
in the Secretary's OfiSce of North Carolina by Alexander Martin, late Gover-
nor, to serve as materials for some future historian of said State."
t Lawflon's History of North Carolina.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 37
The Indians viewed with jealousy the increasing numbers of the
whites. Th^ first blow was struck by them. The Tuscaroras, a
powerful tribe, formed a conspiracy with the Pamplico Indians, to
attack the planters on the Boanoake. The Cothechneys, who lived
in the present county of Greene, engaged to come down and join
the Cores, and attack the planters on the Neuse and Trent rivers.
Bath was to be attacked by the Mattamuskeets and Matchepungdes.
On the 11th of September, 1711, one hundred and twelve per-
sons, principally settlers on the Roanoake and Chowan, fell under
the murderous tomahawk. The carnage was continued for three
days, until fatigue only disabled the savage foe.
The utmost cruelty marked the inroad of the savages. From a
letter of C. Grale, who was then Chief Justice of the Supreme Court,
written a short time after, this horrid massacre has been trans-
mitted to us in all its fearful truth. Old men and infants, young
men and maidens, all shared the same awful fate. ^^ The family of
Neville," says Gale, "was treated after this manner. The old man
was found, irfter being shot dead, laid out on the floor, with a clean
pillow under his head, his stockings turned over his shoes, and his
body covered with fine linen. His wife, after being murdered, was
set upon her kness in the chimney corner, and her hands raised up
on a chair, as if at prayer. A son was laid out in the yard, with a
pillow under his head, and a bunch of rosemary laid to his nose.
At the next house, the owner was shot, and laid on his wife's grave ;
women were laid on the floor, and great sharp stakes run up through
their bodies. Women with child, were murdered, and the unborn
ripped out and hung on trees."*
Lawson and Graafienriedt were taken while exploring the Neuse.
Lawson, the Surveyor-General of tha province, and its earliest
historian, was murdered by the savages; De Graaffenreidt only
escaped by humiliating stipulations. Such was the effect upon
Grraaffenreidt, that he sold his interest to Thomas Pollock for eight
hundred pounds, and returned to Switzerland. This conduct of the
Indians, met with severe chastisement. Governor Hyde called out
the militia of North Carolina. 'The Legislature of South Carolina,
with alacrity raised six hundred militia, and three hundred and sixty
Indians, under Col. Barnwell; who, with great expedition crossed
the wilderness that then separated North from South Carolina, and
was Joined on the Neuse by such portions of the North Carolina
militia, as could be spared from guarding the inhabitants. The
Indiims were fortified on the banks of the Neuse, in the present
County of Craven, about eighteen miles west of Newbem. Here
they received the attack of the whites. They were defeated with
great slaughter (1712); more than three hundred savages were
killed, and one hundred made prisoners.
* I am indebted fot this letter to the excellent address of Professor Hub*
bard« of the University, at the last commencement, on the " Early Historians
of North Carolina."
58 HISTOEY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
In the summer, to the horrors of war, the ravages of the yellow
fever were added to the misfortunes of the colonists, and the
Governor fell a victim (September 8th, 1712).
The Deputies of the Lords Proprietors selected George Pollock,
the Deputy of Lord Carteret, as President and Commander in
Chief to succeed him.
To liquidate the heavy debts* of the colony, in consequence of
the Lidian wars, eight thousand pounds of bills of credit were
issued by the colony.
This was the first emission of paper money in the State of North
Carolina.
I n
CHAPTER V.
FROM 1712 TO 1729.
Charles Eden governor (1713) — ^Tuscarora Indians humbled, and make a
treatv — Black Beard, the pirate ; his life and death — Edenton established
— ^Eden's death (1722) — Copy of his tombstone — Thomas Pollock succeeds
as gOTcmor; anu, in 1724, on his death, William Reed, as President of the
Council, h ^yemor — In 1724 Goyernor Barrinf^n arrives — His character
— His opinion of the people of North Carolina — Sir Richard Everhard
appointed governor, 1^25 — Dividing line between Virginia and JVorth
Cfarolina, 1727-^The lords proprietors surrender to the crown, July 1729,
except Lord Granville — Population and divisions of the colony at this time
— Portion of Lord Granville.
On the 13th of July, 1713, Charles Eden was appointed Gover-
nor of North Carolina.
From 1693 to January 1712, tljie northern part of the province
(Albemarle), was ruled either by deputy governors appointed by
the Governor of Carolina at Charleston, or by the President of the
Council, elected by the deputies of the lords proprietors. In all
other respects the two governments, North and South Carolina,
were independent, separated by a wilderness, and a well defined
boundary, the Santee River.
The Tuscarora Indians, now humbled, entered into a treaty (June
1718), and a tract of land on the Roanoake, in the present county
of Bertie, was granted to them by Governor Eden. Finally, this
tribe joined the nations in New York, holding, until a few years
past, the fee simple in a portion of the soil of Bertie County.
In the administration of Governor Eden, a character notorious
for his crimes as a pirate, Edward Teach, commonly called Black
Beardy lived in North Carolina. So daring were his adventures,
that he defied the government; he had a ship of forty guns well
armed, and spread terror along the coast. The colonial govern-
ment finding itself unable to resist his power, it was deemed proper
* Martin, 1264.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 39
that the king's pardon should bo issued to all pirates, who, within
a limited time, should surrender themselves to any of the colonial
governors (George I. 1717).
Teach, and twenty of his men, surrendered themselves to Governor
Eden. His associates dispersed themselves, and some went to work.
Teach's habits were illy suited to a life of peace and industry. His
ill-gotten wealth was soon squandered in licentious courses. He
fitted out a sloop at a place which now bears his name, within
Ocracoke Inlet, called TeacVs Hole^ and again sallied forth on
piratical adventures. Such was the annoyance of his depredations,
that the Assembly of Virginia oflFered one hundred pounds reward
for his apprehension.
Lieutenant Maynard, taking with him two small coasters, sailed
from Hampton Roads on the 17th of November, 1718, in quest of
Teach. He found him at his usual place of rendezvous, near
Ocracoke. The action immediately commenced. Teach, with horrid
oaths, boasted that he neither asked nor gave quarters. At ond
broadside, nineteen of Maynard's men were killed; to save them
from such murderous fire, he ordered his men below, directing
himself his vessel. The pirates board his ship; at this moment
the lieutenant calls his men on deck; a fierce and deadly com-
bat, hand to handj ensues. The two commanders meet. They
rush to combat, and the pirate Teach falls covered with blood.
Eight of his fourteen men were killed, and the other six wounded,
80 that they could no longer fight. Maynard sailed up to the town
of Bath with the head of Teach himg to the bowsprit of his vessel.
Thus died, amid his vices and crimes, a man whose valor was
worthy of a better cause, and whose name is given to a place well
known to every shipper on our coast. To this day, superstition still
preserves his name with heaps of buried treasure. The character
of Governor Eden suffered much by a supposed intimacy with Teach.
Edward Mosely, who was a prominent man in the colony, declared*
that *^the Governor could raise an armed posse to arrest honest
men, though he could not raise a similar force to apprehend Teach,
a noted pirate;" and on Teach's dead body was found a letter of
his secretary, Tobias Knight, intimating proof of Knight's friend-
ship and Eden's respect.
Mosely was subsequently arrested for misdemeanorf himself, and
tried by the General Court, convicted, fined one hundred pounds,
silenced as an attorney, and declared incapable of holding any ofiSce
in the colony during three years. The Governor laid before the
Council, 1719, an account of his proceedings against Teach. The
Council expressed their approbation of his conduct.
In August, 1720, the Governor met the Legislature, assembled
at the Court House in Chowan. At this session, a town which had
been some time before established, was called, in honor to the
Goyemor, Edenton.
♦ Williamson, ii. 11. t Martin, i. 286.
40 HI8T0RT OF N^ORTH CAROLINA.
Governor Eden died 17th March, 1722, aged forty-ninfe.
On Salmon Creek, in Bertie County, the stone that marks his
grave has this inscription : —
" Here lyes y* body of
CHARLES EDEN, Esq.,
who governed this Province eight years to tbo great satisfaction of the Lords
Proprietors, and y* ease and happiness of y* people.
He brought the country into a flourishing condition, and died much
lamented, March y« 26, 17&, statis 49.
And near this place, lyes also y* body of
PENELOPE EDEN,
his virtuous consort, who died Jan. the 4th, 1716, aetatis 39.
. Vivit
post fiinera,
lUe
Quem virtus non mamor
in sdternum
sacrat.''
Thomas Pollock (March 30th, 1722) again succeeded as Presi-
d^it of the colony ; on 30th August following, he died. On 7th
September, William Reed was president ; during the period, unin-
terrupted peace prevailed.
On the 15th January, 1724, Georgb BuBBiNaTON, who had been
appointed to succeed Governor Eden, opened his commission as
governor.
In February, 1731, Governor Burrington thus officially to the
Duke of New Castle, gives us his opinion of the inhabitants of North
Carolina: —
" The people of North Carolina^are neither to be cajoled or out-
witted. Whenever a governor attempts to effect anything by this
means, he will lose his labor and show his ignorance."
'^The inhabitants of North Carolina are not industrious, but
subtle and crafty ; always behaved insolently to their governors ;
some they have imprisoned, others they have drove out oi the coun-
try, and at other times set up a governor of their own choice, sup-
ported by men under arms."*
Tranquillity prevailed in the colony. The associates in the
government were, Christopher Gale, Chief Justice; James Stan-
way, Attorney General; Edward Mosely, Surveyor general; Arthur
Qoffe, Receiver General; John Dunstan, Naval Officer; Henry
Clayton, Provost Marshal.
The character of Governor Burrington had little to recommend
him as a wise ruler, or sagacious statesman. He was appointed
from family influence, his father having rendered service in pro-
moting George I. to the English throne, and like all such appoint-
ments, when not based on merit, was unfortunate. Without any
great talent, he was deficient in ordinary prudence in matters of
state ; while his private life was disgraced by broils, and breaches
* MS. Documents on file in Offices of Board of Trade in London^ from
1M2 to 1769, procured throagh kindness of Honorable Geo. Bancroft.
HI6T0RT OF NORTH OAROLDTA. 41
of the peace. He had not been in the colony two years, when so
many complaints were made of his rash and injudicious conduct,
that he was removed, and in April, 1725, Sir Kichard Everhard
was appointed. He qualified at Edenton, on 17th July, 1725.
The legislature met at Edenton on 6th November following, and
the bouhdary line between North Carolina and Virginia was run
this year. The commissioners on the part of Virginia were William
Byrd, William Dandridge, and Richard Fitzwilliams ; those of our
State, were Christopher Gale, Edward Mosely, and Samuel Swann.
They commenced their labors 5th March, 1727.
The first of these (William Byrd) has left a record containing
" the History of the Dividing Line,** which has been published ; and
which is not very complimentair to North Carolina.* He states
^^ the borderers laid it to heart if their land was taken in Virginia^
they chose much rather to belong to Carolina, where they pay no
tribute to God or to Csesar."
The people pf South Carolina had already revolted from the
feudal sway of the Lords Proprietors, and Governor Johnston was
compelled to leave his government, and thi^ colony reverted to the
crown. Although this feeling did not extend to North Carolina,
yet the proprietors found that their possessions did not yield them
any permanent advantage. It was believed that the restless and
turbulent spirit manifested by the people against the deputy of their
fellow-subjects, would yield a loyal obedience to the direct repre-
sentative of the Sovereign.
Accordingly, the Lords Proprietors ^except Lord Granville) sur-
rendered the government of the provmce, and all the franchises
under the charter of Charles II., as well as their property in the
soil, to the English crown, for a valuable consideration. This was
ratified by an act of Parliament (2 Geo. II. ch. xxxiv., 1729). Each
of the proprietors received from the crown, the sum of two thousand
five hundred pounds sterling.
John, Lord Carteret, Baron of Hawnes, as heir of his father
^ho died in 1696), was in possession of the share of Sir George
Carteret. He was afterwards created Earl of Granville, and he
thought fit to retain his eighth part of the soil. This was laid off,
in 1743, for him, adjoining Virginia. Five commissioners were
appointed by the crown, and five by Lord Granville. His terri-
toryt was bounded on the north by the Virginia line, on the east
by the Atlantic, on the south by a line in latitude 36*^ 84'' from
the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, and on the west by the Pacific.
A princely domain !
Thus ended the proprietary government of North Carolina, en-
during sixty-six years after the charter from Charles II.
The population did not exceed ten thousand persons in North
Carolina. Its primary divisions was into three counties.
♦ Weetover MSS. Petersburg, 1841,
t Martin, rol. il. 43.
42 HISTORY OF NOBTH CABOLIKA«
1st. Albemarle ; which was subdivided into six precincts, Curri-
tuck, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Chowan, Bertie, and Tyrrell,
2d. Bath, into four precincts, Beaufort, Hyde, Uraven, and
Carteret.
3d. Clarendon, one precinct, New Hanover.
CHAPTER VI.
FBOM 1729 TO 1754.
North Carolina under the rojal goYomors — Oovemor Burrington, 1729 — ^His
character, conduct, life, and death, in 1734 — Nathaniel Rice, the Secretary,
fovemor in 1734 ; who was succeeded by Gabriel Johnston, as governor —
line between North and South Carolina — Computation of time altered bj
act of Parliament — First printing press in North Carolina, 1749 — Fort
Johnston built — Moravians purchase land in North Carolina — First revisal
of the laws of North Carolina — Governor Johnston, after being governor
for twenty years, dies (1752) — His life, character, and services — He is
succeeded, &r a time, by Nathaniel Rice ; and, on his death, in January
1753, by Matthew Rowan — Population of North Carolina in 1754 — Aid
sent to Virginia, against the French, by North Carolina.
George Burrington, who had been governor under the pro-
prietors, was appointed, in 1770, by the king (George L). He
arrived in February 1731, and qualified as governor, at Edenton,
on the 25th of that montL William Smith was Chief Justice ; Ed-
mund Porter, Judge of Admiralty; John Montgomery, Attorney-
G^eneral ; Nathaniel Rice, Secretary of the Province. The Council
of the Governor, named in his commission, were John Baptist Ashe,
Cornelius Harnet, Matthew Rowan, and four others.
Governor Burrington did not begin his administration under
such auspices as would tend to benefit the colony. His disposition
was not fitted for his station. He soon became involved in diffi-
culties with his council, the Assembly, and the judges. The records
of the colonial offices and board of trade present evidence from Mr.
Montgomery, the Attorney-General, Mr. Porter, one of the council,
Mosely, Ashe, and others, of the misbehavior of Governor Burring-
ton ; while the records of the General Court, sitting at Edenton
(March 1726\ show that he was indicted for slanderous and vicious
conduct; for oreaches of the peace on the house of Sir Richard Ever-
hard, on the persons of Robert Kenyon, Robert Rawle, the provost
marshal, and others. His eccentric conduct created such a storm,
that he found it impossible to resist its fury ; and, under pretence
• of visiting South Carolina, he left the colony, went to Charleston,
1734, and soon after sailed to England. His death occurred soon
after. Rioting, in his usual manner, all night, he was found mur-
dered, in the morning, in the Bird Cage Wwk, in the corner of St.
James' Park, in London.
HI8T0ET OF XOBTH CAROLIKA. 48
The goyemment devolved on the Secretary, Nathaniel Rice, who
was qualified as governor, at Edenton, on the 17th of April, 1734.
His administration was of a very short duration, for, during the
summer under the recommendation of Spence Gompton, Baron of
Wilmington, Gabriel Johnston was appointed governor. He
arrived m the River Cape Fear, in October 1734, and in November,
he took the oaths of office, in the town of Brunswick, at the Court
House in the precinct of New Hanover.
Governor Johnston was a Scotchman by birth, a man of letters
and of liberal views. He was by profession a physician, and held
the appointment of Professor of Oriental Languages in the Uni-
versity of Saint Andrews, where he had received his education.
He was an able poetical writer, and figured in 'Hhe Craftsman,'' a
periodical for which Lord Bolingbroke, Pulteney and others wrote.
He met the Legislature at Edenton. His addresses to them show
that he fuUy appreciated the lamentable condition of the colony,
by the imprudence and vicious conduct of his predecessor, and his
earnest desire to promote the welfare of the people.
At the next session (September 1736) he again addressed the
House, bewailing the deplorable condition of the colony; the loose
morals of the people; the want of provision for education; the dis-
regard of law; the violation of justice; the oppression of the poor;
and the contempt of all law by the rich; and concluded by observ-
ing, 'Hhat while he was obliged by his instructions to maintain the
rights of the crown, he would show a regard to the privileges, liber-
ties and happiness of the people.''
In March 1736, the Assembly having imprisoned his Majesty's
officers for distraining for quit rents, the governor dissolved them,
so as to put a stop to practices in them so derogatory to the crown
and subversive of order.*
Under his prudent administration the colony revived, and from
this period increased in population, wealth and resources.
This year (1738), commissioners ran the line between North and
South Carolina. The king had fixed its beginning at the north-east
of Long Bay, to run thence north-west to 35^ north latitude, thence
west to the South Sea. The commissioners on the part of North
Carolina were Robert Hohon, Matthew Rowan, and Edward Mosely.
The c(Hnmissioners began at a cedar stake on the s^a shore, by the
mouth of Little River, and having run a north-west line until they
arrived, as they conceived to 85°, they altered their course by
"mutual consent" and ran west to the Pee Dee. This stopped the
line for the present. Afterwards, it was extended twenty miles by
private persons. It was continued in 1764. This was taken for
the true line, according to Governor Tryon's proclamation (May
1765). Governor Martin, some years after (1771), informed the
Assembly that he was instructed to continue said line as far as the
Salisbury road, thence until it strikes the lands of the Catawba Li-
* Manascripts from offices of Board of Trade in London.
44 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROUNA.
dians, thence leaving those lands to the south, to the Catawba
Kiver, then due west. The ridiculous zigzag that our southern
line presents, was the eflFect of private intrigue.*
The primary division of the province into three counties, Albe-
marlc, Bath, and Clarendon, was in 1738 abolished; the precincts
were now called counties, and a sheriff appointed for each, chosen
by the governor, out of three persons recommended by the county
court for this purpose.
In February 1742, six northern counties refused to pay taxes,
owing to their dissatisfaction as to the representation of members
for the Assembly. Jurors refused to attend courts.f
France having declared war against England (1744), the defence-
less seaboard of North Carolina received the attention of the Legis-
lature. A fort was ordered to be built sufficient to mount twenty-
four pieces of cannon, on the south bank of Cape Fear, by the
Legislature which met at Newborn about 1745, and was called, in
honor of the governor. Fort Johnston.
In 1749, a printing press was imported into the province by
James Davis, from Virginia.^
The people known as Unitas FrcUrum, or United Brethren, ob-
tained an act of Parliament authorizing them to establish settle-
ments on the American Provinces. They purchased of Lord
Granville, one hundred thousand acres between Dan and Tadkin,
and named it Wachovia, after an estate of Count Zinzendorff in
Austria. This land was conveyed to James Button, who was Secre-
tary to the United Brethren, in trust for the brethren. During
our Revolution (1776) it was conveyed by Hutton to Marshal, and
by act of our General Assembly in 1782, secured to the proper
owners.
1749. Emigrants from west of Scotland flocked to the Cape Fear
about this period.
The boundary line between Virginia and North Carolina, which
had been nm from the sea shore to Peter's Creek, which falls into
Dan River, near the Sauratowns, was continued this year to the
Holstein River, opposite to a place called Steep Rock, The com-
missioners of Virginia were Joshua Fay and Peter Jefferson; those
of North Carolina, William Churton and Daniel Weldon.
The computation of time was this year (1750) altered by act of
Parliament. Hitherto, the year commenced in March. The day
following the 2d September 1752, was reckoned the 14th, omitting
eleven days.
The first revisal of the colonial laws was made this year (1762)
in a small folio volume; it received the nickname of "Yellow
Jacket,** from the yellow hue of its binding.
* Williamson, ii. 54.
t Manuscript documents from office of Board of Trade in London ; pro-
cured through Efon. George Bancrofl, late envoy at that court.
X Martin, ii. 54.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 45
Governor Johnston's official dispatch to the Duke of New Castle,
dated April, 1789, states 'Hhat having called a new Assembly, they
had passed many beneficial laws. One, granting the king a rent roll ;
one for the improvement of trade ; one for speedy administration of
justice. That, after five years* struggle, during which no means had
been left unattempted to induce him to depart from his instructions,
he had brought matters in this unhappy country to system, where
disorder had before reigned, and placed it on a firm foundation."*
Under the administration of Governor Johnston, the province
increased in population, wealth, and happiness. At the time of the
purchase by the crown, its population did not exceed thirteen thou-
sand ; it now was upwards of forty-five thousand.
Its exports were 61,528 barrels of tar ; 12,055 barrels of pitch ;
10,429 barrels of turpentine; 762,000 staves; 61,580 bushels of
com ; 100,000 hogsheads of tobacco, besides pork, beef, bacon, lard,
and other commodities.
Governor Johnston died this year, August, 1752, after presiding
over the province for nearly twenty years.
He deserves the gratitude of every citizen of the State as a
statesman, a scholar, and patriot. While these pages feebly present
his services to the State, his name is preserved in calling the patri-
otic and public spirited county of Johnston in honor to his memory.
On his death, the administration devolved on Nathaniel Rice, the
first councillor named in the king's commission, who dying in Janu-
ary following, was succeeded by Matthew Rowan, the next coun-
ciUor, who qualified at Wilmington oa the Ist of February, 1754,
and met the Legislature at Newbem, on the 23d of March following.
Nothing of exdting interest occurred during the administration
of President Rowan, save, the issuing of forty thousand pounds in
bills of credit ; the erection of a county in honor of his name, and
the liberal appropriation of many towards building churches and
purchasing glebe lands to support its ministers.
Rowan's official dispatch to the Duke of New Castle, states (1754)
that he had received a requisition from Virginia for military aid ;
that he had sent nine huncu'ed and fifty efiective men.
The colony then had a population, as stated by Rowan, of
militia, 15,400; exempts, 1,000; outposts, 1,500; slaves, 10,000.
Gk)vemor Dinwiddle, of Virginia, sent an express to President
Rowan of the alarming movements of the French on the Ohio, and
that Gborob Washington had been sent thither to examine and
report ; that he had ascertained the French had taken post on one
of the branches of that river, built a fort, and engaged the Indians
to join them. He desired the aid of men from North Carolina.
The President issued his proclamation for the Legislature to
assemble at Wilmington on the 19th of February, 1754, who met
* MS. documents from London relating to Carolina, from 1C62 to 1769,
procured bj kindness of Hon. George Bancroft, late envoy from United States
to England.
46 HISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
and appropriated one thousand pounds to the raising and paying
Bnch troops as misht be raised to send to the aid of Virginia.
Colonel James Innes, of New Hanover, marched at the head of
a detachment, and joined the troops raised by Virginia and Mary-
land. But no provision being made by Virginia for supplies or
conveniences, the expedition was countermanded, and Colonel Innes
returned with his men to North Carolina.
CHAPTER VII.
FROM 1754 TO 1765.
Arthur Dobbs, governor (1754) — His conduct — His officers — People seize
and imprison Lord Granville's agent — Courts of law held in each district,
1762--6n the death of Dobbs (1765) Tryon succeeds.
Arthur Dobbs was appointed Governor hy the crown in 1764,
and in the fall he arrived at Newbem. ,
Governor Dobbs was a native of Ireland, a man of letters and
liberal views. He had been a member of the Irish Parliament, and
distinguished for his attempts to discover, through the Hudson Bay
Company, a north-west passage to Japan, China, and India.
He brought, as an acceptable oblation, several pieces of cannon
and one thousand firelocks, a present from the king to the colony.
He brought to the colony a more powerful advocate for rights of
the people, than arms. Bice, a printer, is encouraged to carry on
his business.
In an official dispatch (December, 1757) Governor Dobbs gives
a wretched account of the state of quit-rents, misconduct of Ruther-
ford and Murray, who raised factions against the Governor, a}id a
curious record of "Mr. Starky, the treasurer, who governs many in
the Assembly by lending them money."*
Governor Dobbs was qualified at Newborn on 1st of November,
1754. He was accompanied by a number of his relations, who
had hopes of offices and preferments.
He adopted measures to conciliate the Indian tribes, now import-
ant by the advances of the French on the Ohio. He commissioned
Colonel Hugh Waddell, of Rowan County, to treat with the Catawbas
and Cherokees.
"A storm, or hurricane, happened in North Carolina, which
began on Monday, September 20, 1761, and continued till Friday
foUowing, but raged with most violence on the 23d.
" Many houses were thrown down, and all the vessels, except one,
^ MS. papers relative to Carolina (tempos Geo. II.) procured from offices
in London, through Hon. George Bancroft, late envoy to that court.
BISTORT OP NORTH CAROLINA. 47
in Cape Fear River, driven on shore. It forced open a new chan-
nel for that river, at a place called the Haul-Over, between the
Cedar House and the Bald Head. This new channel was found
on soundings to be eighteen feet deep at high water, and is near
half a mile wide."*
Governor Dobbs' administration of ten years was a continued
contest between himself and the Legislature on matters frivolous
and unimportant. A high-toned temper for royal prerogatives on
his part, and an indomitable resistance on the part of the colonists.
One incident will prove the spirit and conduct of both parties.
A bill had been introduced in the upper House for the appoint-
ment of a printer to the province, and rejected by the other. The
governor announced to the lower House that he had appointed An-
drew Steuart printer to the king, and required them to make pro-
vision for his salary. The House replied that they knew no such
ofiBce, and of no such duty.f
Superior courts of justice were established in the districts, of
Edenton, Newbem, Wilmington, Halifax, and Salisbury, to be
held semi-annually by the chief justice and one associate.
The people were much oppressed by Lord Ghranville's agents.
They seized Corbin, his agent, who lived below Edenton, and brought
liim to Enfield, where he was compelled to give bond and security,
to produce his books, and disgorge his illegal fees.
Governor Dobbs died at his seat on Town Creek, 28th March,
1765, in the 82d year of his age.
The persons who composed his council during his administration
were James Hassel, Mathew Rowan, James Murray, Francis Corbin,
John Dawson, Lewis H. DeRossett, John Rieusett, James Jones,
John Swann, John Rutherford, Richard Spaight, Edward B. Dobbs,
Charles Borry, John Sampson, Henry E. McGullock, Alexander
McCullock, William Day, Robert Palmer, and Benjamin Herron.
The judges were James Hassell, Peter Henly, Charles Berry,
George Nicholas, Joseph Anderson, and Charles Elliott. Thomas
Childs, Attorney-General.
* London Mag., Dec. 1761. t Martin, ii. 189,
48 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER VIII.
FROM 1765 TO 1771.
Tryon's administration from April, 17(>5 to July, 1771 ; his character — Early
resistance of the Mecklenburg people — John Ashe and the Stamp Act,
1765 — Paper seized — Conduct of the pjeople of New Hanover, 1760---Duel
between Captain Simpson, of his majesty's sloop-of-war the Viper, and
Lieutenant W hitechurst, a relative of Mrs. Tryon, in which Whitechurst
is killed — Suicide of Chief Justice Berry — Repeal of the Stamp Act —
Palace for the governor ; a description of its splendor — Regulation troubles
commence, 1766 — Herman Husbands; his character — Colonel Edmund
Fanning, of Orance ; his character — People of Anson County and Rowan
sympathize with the Regulators — Tryon's expedition to Mecklenburg and
Kowan — He raises a body of troops, and marches to Hillsboro' — Fanning
indicted and convicted — Husbands indicted and acquitted by the jury—
Judse Moore, in Rowan, cannot hold court — Sheriff of Orange resisted by
the Kegulators and beaten — Sheriff of Dobbs resisted, and one of his
deputies killed — Court at Hillsboro' broke up by the Regulators — Judge
Henderson retreats — Fanning and John Williams beaten by the Regulators
— Governor marches apiinst the Regulators in strong force — Battle of
Alamance, May 16, 1771 — Regulators defeated — First blood of the colonists
shed in these United States by royal troops — Tryon marches to join Wad-
del, as far as Jersey settlement, in Davidson — Tryon returns to Hillsboro',
where court is held, and six of the Re^lators are hanged — ^Tryon em-
barks, June 30, 1771, to New York, to which colony he had been appointed
governor.
The conduct of the mother country towards these colonies, in
the eloquent denunciations of Lord Chatham, was that of ^' an un-
just and cruel stepmother towards her helpless children;** disre-
garding their complaints, and adding injuries to insults.
Towards North Carolina, the course of England was more like
that of the father of the faithful, driving her, Hagar-like, into the
wilderness, there to pine and perish from neglect. It is not won-
derful then, that her sons, like Ishmael, should be ready to raise
their hands against bvery form of oppression. But the God of
Abraham protected the exiles, and blessed them with fair and fruit-
ful lands, refreshing shades, and gushing fountains; the promise
was also unto them "to make a great nation, because they too were
of the promised seed.**
The people of North Carolina had now become numerous,
and attracted attention. The government, to aid the administra-
tion of Governor Dobbs (never, in his palmiest day, favored with
any extraordinary powers of intellect or energy of character), now
infirm and passed eighty years of age, sent William Tryon to
North Carolina with a commission as lieutenant-governor. He
arrived 27th October, 1764.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 49
(Jovembr Dobbs was not in haste to resign the reins of power ;
but death, a mightier monarch than any earthly potentate, dis-
missed him.
In the town of Wilmington, on the 3d of April, 1765, William
Tryon qualified as Commander-in-chief, and Captain-General of
the Province of North Carolina.
Governor Tryon was a soldier by profession. Trained to arms,
he looked upon the sword as the true sceptre of government. Yet
with the character of the soldier, he mingled that of the politician.
He knew when to flatter and when to threaten. He knew when
"discretion was the better part of valor;*' and when to use such
force and cruelty as achieved for him, from the Cherokee Indians,
the bloody title of the " Great Wolf of North Carolina." He
could use courtesy towards the Assembly when he desired large
appropriations for his magnificent palace ; and knew how to bring
to bear the blandishments of the female society of his family, ana
all the appliances of generous hospitality. While his character
shows that on the banks of the Alamance, when " the blast of war
Wew in his ears,*' he could, by his ferocious and bloody conduct,
^^ imitate the action of the tiger." After passing the scenes which
we shall record, for six years, during which time he ruled the
State with the temper of a despot and the rod of a tyrant, he was
transferred as governor to the colony of New York.
That William Tryon was a man of some ability and military
talents is true. But his conduct in this State, and subsequently in
New York, proved him devoid of all principles of humanity. " I .
should," said he, in New York, in 1777, " had I more authority,
bum every committee-man's house within my reach; and, in order
to purge the country of them, I will give twenty-five silver dollars
for every, acting committee-man, who shall be delivered up to the
king's troops."* He was succeeded in New York, in 1780, by
General Robinson. Of his subsequent career, and time and place
of his death we are not advised.
One redeeming trait appears in his character, but this was not
owing to any virtue in the man, but was the eficct of his profession
as a soldier. He was free from all religious intolerance, as he was
destitute of any religious principles.
We have seen, that during the administration of Governor Daniel,
North Carolina had been oppressed by bigotry, under the cloak of
religion. In 1741 it was enacted that the freeholders of every
parish should, every Easter Monday, choose twelve vestrymen, who
should lay a tax of five shillings per poll for building churches,
buying glebes, and maintaining clergymen, whose salaries should
be fifty pounds sterling. This salary was increased by law to one
hundred and thirty-three pounds, six shillings, and eight pence.
The fee of a clergyman for marrying was ten shillings, by license ;
* Sab:ne*8 Ilistorj ot the LoyalistSi C53.
50 BISTORT OF KOBTH CAKOUNA.
this license to be issued by the governor through the clerks of the
superior courts. Each vestryman took an oath ^^not to oppose the
doctrine, discipline, and liturgy of the Church of England."*
Grovemor Tryon first met the Assembly in the town of Wilming-
ton, on the 3d of May, 1765. In his address he opposed all reli-
gious intolerance, although he recommended provision for the clergy
out of the public treasury ; yet advised the members of the Chuixh
of England of the folly of attempting to establish it by legal enact-
ments. Under such recommendations, a law was passed legaliadn^
the marriages (which before were denounced as illegal) performea
by Presbyterian ministers, and authorizins; them and other dissent-
i4 clergj^en to perform'that rite. ,
Governor Tryon entered upon his duties at a stormy period.
The cloud, which w^as then ''not larger than a man's hand,'' subse-
quently spread over the whole nation, and gathered such force in
its progress, that when it burst, it dissolved the colonies from all
allegiance to the British crown.
Governor Tryon had early some slight intimation of the charac-
ter of the people over whom he was to rule. Soon after his acces-
sion to oflBce, the people of the chivalric county of Mecklenburg, so
distinguished, as we shall soon see, during the administration of his
successor, for independence, opposed H^nry Eustace McCullock,
who was the agent of George A. Selwyn. Selwyn had obtained by
some means, large grants of land from the English crown. John
Frohawk was employed to locate these grants and survey thenu
The people of Mecklenburg, in arms, seized the surveyor and com-
pelled him to desist. t This was the first buzzing of that "Hornets*
If est" that afterwards so fatally stung the power of royalty.
The British Parliament had resolved to tax the paper and other
articles used in the colonies. This iniquitous enactment received
the Royal sanction 22d March, 1765. The patriotic and eloquent
remonstrances of William Pitt, afterwards Lord Chatham, were un-
availing. He declared on the floor of Parliament (January 1766),
that the stamp act should be repealed absoltUely, totally and imme-
diatelyj because it proceeded on an erroneous principle, that of
taking the money of the colonists without their consent.
This act produced a violent excitement throughout the whole
country, and in none more than in North Carolina.
The Legislature was then in session, and such was the excite-
ment this odious measure of Parliament created among the mem-
bers, that apprehending some violent expression of popular indig-
nation, Governor Tryon, on the 18th of May, prorogued that bo<fy
after a session of fifteen days.
The speaker of the House, John Ashe, Esq., informed Governor
Tryon that this law would be resisted to blood and death.
Governor Tryon knew that the storm raged; courageous as he
was, he dreaded its fui-y. He did not allow the Legislature to meet
* Williamson, ii. 117. t Martin, ii. 193.
HI6T0BT OF KO&TH CABOLIKA» 51
during the existence of this act. But faithfal to the goyernment, he
oondescended to use the arts of the demagogue, to avoid the odium
of its measures. He mingled freely with the people, displaying
E refuse hospitality, and prepared dinners and feasts. But unawed
y power, the people were not to be seduced by blandishments.
Early in the year 1765, the Diligence, a sloop-of-war, arrived in
die Cape Fear River with, stamp paper for the use of the colony.
Colonel John Ashe, of the county of New Hanover, and Colonel
Waddell, of the county of Brunswick, marched at the head of the
brave sons of these counties, to Brunswick, before which town the
Diligence was anchored, terrified the captain, so that no attempt
was made to land the paper; seized the sloop of war's boat, hoisted
it on a cart, fixed a mast in her, mounted a flag, and marched in
triumph to Wilmington. The whole town joined in a splendid
illumination at night, and the next day these patriotic citizens went
to the Governor's House, and ^'bearded the Douglas in his castle."
They demanded of Governor Tryon, to desist from all attempts to
execute the stamp act, and produce to them James Houston, who
was a member of the council, an inmate of the Governor's House,
and who had been appointed by Tryon, Stamp Master for North
Carolina. The Governor at first refused a demand so tumultuously
made. But the haughty spirit of the representative of even kingly
newer, yielded before the power of a virtuous and incensed people;
for the people prepared to burn up the palace, and with it the
Governor, the Stamp Master, and the menials of royal power.
The Governor then reluctantly produced Houston; who was
seized by the people, carried to the public market house, and there
forced to take a solemn oath not to attempt to execute his office as
stamp master. After this, he was released. He returned to the
palace, to comfort his dejected and discomfited master. The peo-
plegave three cheers and qiiietly dispersed.
Here is an act of North Carolinians " worthy of all Grecian or
Roman fame."
The famous Tea party of Boston, when a number of citizens dis-
guised as Indians, went on board of a ship in the harbor, and threw
overboard the tea imported in her, has been celebrated by every
writer of our National History, and
^' Pealed and chimed on every tongae of fame.''
Our children are taught to read it in their early lessons ; it adorns
the picture books of our nurseries, and is known in the remotest
borders of the republic.
Here is an act of the sons of the " old North State," not com-
mitted on the harmless carriers of the freight, or crew of a vessel ;
not done under any disguise or mask ; but on the representative of
royalty itself, occupying a palace, and in open day, by men
of well known person and reputation ; much more decidea in its
character, more daring in its action, more important in its results ;
and yet not one-half of her own sons have ever read of this ex?
52 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
ploit ; it is not even recorded anywhere in the pages of Williamson,
who is one of her historians, and who was one of the delegates from
North Carolina to the Convention, which formed the Constitution
of the United States ; and its story is confined to the limits of ^^ our
own pent up Utica.*'
Truly has a late writer, who has examined our ecclesiastical his-
tory with laudable care (and who is a resident and native of another
State), been compelled to say, that '^ Men will not be fully able to
understand North Carolina till they have opened the treasures of
history,* and become familiar with the doings of her sons, previous
to the Revolution ; during that painful struggle ; and the succeed-
ing years of prosperity." Then will North Carolina be respected
as she is known.
*' These are deeds which should not pass away,
And names that must not wither, tho' the earth
Forgets her empires with a just decay,
The enslavers and enslaved, their death and birth.''
The names of those who figured in these trying scenes are still
preserved in North Carolina by their descendants, who are distin-
guished, as were their ancestors, by their intellect and proprieties
of life. Should an opportunity occur, and the country call for
their services, influenced by these noble recollections, they too will
be ready to make the same exertions and sacrifices for the happi-
ness, welfare, and honor of North Carolina.
Governor Tryon, with unwearied perseverance, earnestly endea-
vored to propitiate the feelings of the leaders of the people. He
implored their forbearance, and supplicated their kind advice to
enable him to administer the government, while secretly he was
preparing for them the severest punishments from the government
at home. Failing in this, he resorted to the masses of the people,
and was the most conspicuous and obsequious at all public meetings.
But even here he was destined to disappointment, and to meet with
discomfiture and disgrace while the odious stamp act was in force.
At a general muster of the militia of New Hanover, February
1766, the governor had prepared a whole ox to be barbecueo,
and had several barrels of beer unheaded. After the muster,
he invited the people to partake. The people rushed in a body
to the tables, overthrew the barrels and spilled the liquor on the
ground, and threw the ox into the river untasted. The efiFect of
this was electrical. Tryon and his suite retired from the ground
deeply mortified and chagrined. This beWivior was not confined
to private citizens, but extended to even the oflScers of the govern-
ment, some of whom sympathized deeply with the people.
At this time a duel occurred between Alexander Simpson, master
of his Majesty's sloop-of-war, the Viper, and Thomas Whitechurst,
lieutenant of the same. The quarrel was connected with the poli-
* Sketches of North Carolina, by Rev. W. II. Foote, of Romney, Virginia.
New York, 1846, p. 83.
mSTO&T 07 HORTH CAEOUNA. 58
tics of the day — Captain Simpson sympathizing with the colonists ;
Whitechurst, a relative of Mrs, Tryon, advocating the conduct of
the Governor. The latter was kiHed in the affair. The Governor
caused the Captain to be apprehended.
He was tried before Judge Berry, and acquitted, after a fair and
impartial trial.* The imperious and despotic Tryon was here foiled
by those whom he thought he could influence. He insinuated that
the Judge connived in the case, and summoned him, while on the
Edenton circuit, to attend the Council Board.
The character of Judge Berry was above suspicion. He knew,
or believed, that Governor Tryon would attempt to inculpate him
with the government at home, in the unhappy and disordered state
of the colony. He obeyed the summons, and attended the Governor,
who received him very coldly. This confirmed his suspicions that
he was to be impeached and removed ; and, under the agony of such
a state of feeling, in the frenzy of the moment, he committed
suicide, by ripping open his bowels with his penknife. Tryon was
as much the murderer of this talented and amiable man as he was
afterwards of many others, equally innocent in the affair of Ala-
mance.
The courage of the Governor was not sufficient to allow him to
face the representatives of the people during the existence of the
stamp act. Writs had been issued, and the legislative body was
to meet in April. But, fearing some popular outbreak, the Governor,
in February, prorogued the General Assembly to meet on the 30th
October, 1765.
The indignation of the people became so great, and the excite-
ment so intense, that the British Parliament yielded. The stamp
act was repealed March, 1766. On the 25th of June, the Governor
issued his proclamation announcing the same.
This produced great joy among the people of North Carolina.
The Assembly which met in October, 176G, voted a liberal appro-
priation for building the Governor a house, which was suitable to a
prince of the blood royal, and erected a county from Mecklenburg,
called Tryon, in his honor. This county has since been divided
into Lincoln and Rutherford, and the odious name of Tryon ex-
punged.
The scheme of erecting a palace seemed to be a favorite object
with the Governor, and to it he devoted all the intrigue of the
politician and the boldness of the soldier. The Assembly had
already voted £5000, to which, the next year (1767), they voted
an ad(litional <£10,000 sterling.
To a people in an infant state of society, with but few resources
and less money, this determination of the Governor to gratify his
vanity was productive of disastrous consequences. The building
was located at Newborn, and was said to be superior to any-
* Martin, vol. ii. 212. Jones, in his defence (30), says that the sarvivor
Was condemned, but escaped, and fled to England.
54 HISTOBT OP NORTH CABOUNA.
thing of the kind in America. Judge Martin* says that he Yisited
this edifice in 1783, with General Miranda of South America,
who stated, that even in South America, a land of palaces, it
had no equal. It was dedicated to Sir William Draper, who
was said to be the author of the lines placed over the door of the
entrance: —
"Rege pioy dira inimica tjrannis
Vertuti has sedes libera terra dedit.
Sint domu8 et dominus ssoclis ezempla fotaris
Hip artes, mores, jara legesque oolaiit."t
But its princely halls afforded but little repose to its ambitious
occupant.
Heavy expenses had been also incurred by the Governor in run-
ning the boundary line between the Cherokee Indians and the
State.
Taxes were necessarily increased upon a people already impatient
of oppression, and the extortion of the officers in shape of illegal
fees, roused the free spirits of Orange, Granville, and other coun-
ties to require redress and reform.
The conduct of the crown officers, from the Governor down to the
lowest bailiff of the court, was a system of oppression, extortion,
and fraud.
In Governor Dobbs's time, these grievances were complained of;
and these complaints had reached the throne. The Governor was
ordered to have a list, or table of fees set up in every public office.
But, while this " promise was kept to the ear, it was broken to the
hope."
At the August session of Orange County (1766), a paper was
presented to the court by a number of persons, which was read by
the clerk. It stated " that while the sons of liberty had withstood
the lords of Parliament in behalf of true liberty, the officers under
them ought not to carry on an unjust oppression in the province ;
that in order thereto, as there were many evils complained of in
the County of Orange, they ought to be redressed. If there were
none, jealousy ought to be removed from the minds of the people."
The paper proposed that there should be a meeting of the people
in each captain's district, appointing one or more to attend a general
meeting, on the Monday before the next court, at some suitable
place {where there should be no liquor), "to inquire whether the
freemen of the county labored under any abuse of power, and mea-
sures taken for amendment, if so.**
This was so reasonable a proposal that it was agreed to, and
Maddock*s Mill was selected and the time fixed (October 10, 1766).
The convention met at the time and place appointed, and re-
♦ Martin, ii. 265.
t Translated thus: "A free and happy people, opposed to cruel tjrant8»
has given this edifice to virtue. May the house and its inmate, as an exam-
ple for future ages, here cultivate the arts, order, justice, and the lawB.,''
How complete a burlesque upon its origin, object, and tendency !
HI8T0BY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 55
aolved, " that it was necessary such meetings should occur yearly,
or oftener if necessary, for free and public discussion; that the
representatives of the people should attend, and give an account
of the amount of taxes and manner of appropriation," ^, ,
In April 1768, they again assembled and formed themselves -",
into an association for regulating public grievances and abuse of y
power. Hence the name given to them of Itegulators. They
resolved " to pay only such taxes as were agreeable to law, and ap-
plied to the purpose therein named, to pay no officer more than his
legal fees." These men herein breathed the true spirit of liberty;
yet, by the early historians of the State, are stamped as insurgents
and factionists. Jones even denounces the head of the Regulators,
Herman Husbands, as a "turbulent and seditious character."* If
he was, then John Ashe was, for opposing the stamp law, equally
turbulent and equally seditious. Doubtless, to minions of royalty,
his character was seditious ; but time, that unerring test of prin-
ciples and truth, has proved that the spirit of liberty which animated
Husbands, was the true spirit which subsequently freed our nation
from foreign oppression. He lived on Sandy Creek, now in Randolph
County, and was an extensive landholder. He was from Pennsyl-
vania, and was raised a Quaker, and a relation of Dr. Benjamin
Franklin. I have examined carefully liis correspondence and his
book, giving " an impartial account of the troubles of the regulation."
They prove that he was, although deficient in education, a man who
felt strongly, and expressed himself forcibly. Many of his neigh-
bors speak of him as a man of strict integrity, a firm advocate of
popular rights, and a determined foe to oppression and extortion.
Undeserved wrong and official oppression may have driven him to
imprudences, but the purity of his character was above suspicion.
From his pen proceeded the paper read to the court in Orange, the
resolutions of the Maddock's Mill Convention were his ; he was the
favorite of the people — for he was their representative to the
General Assembly — and when he was arrested and carried to Hills-
boro', the whole people rose to his rescue.
Had his ultimate career been successful, or the Regulators
triumphed over Tryon at the battle of Alamance, his name would
have come down to us with the Ashes and Waddells of that day, or
the Harapdens, Sidneys, and others of a former age.
All violent diseases, in the body politic, like in the natural body,
require violent remedies. The taxes to build palaces to gratify the
vanity of an officer who possessed neither the affection of the people
or any sympathy for their sufferings, the extortion of the clerks,
sheriffs, and others were outrageous. Edmund Fanning, who was
from the north, was the minion of Tryon. He was the clerk of the
Court of Orange, Colonel of the county, an Attorney at law, and
the Representative in the General Assembly : under the powerful
patronage, and the countenance of the Governor, he defied the
* Jones' Defence, 36.
56 HIBTORT OF NORTH CAROLOTA.
{lopular will. From a condition of poverty, he became wealthy,
lis manners towards the people were haughty and supercilious, and
his conduct as an officer was overbearing and extortionary. He
demanded and received fifteen dollars for a marriage license, and
charged one dollar for proving a deed.
The scarcity of money and the extreme poverty of the people,
rendered their grievances intolerable ; the exactions of the other
officers caused even these enormous fees to be larger.
At the meeting in April, the Regulators had selected two persons
to call upon the sheriff and vestrymen to meet twelve deputies from
them on Tuesday, after next County Court, to show their, accounts.
Before these two men could attend to this service, the sherifiF
being unwilling to submit to this tribunal, or to exasperate and defy
its power, took, by way of distress, a marc, saddle, and bridle, and
carried them to Hillsboro'. He was followed by a party of sixty
or seventy men, who rescued the mare, then marching to Fanning's
house, fired at the roof of it, giving him positive and striking proof
that they deemed him the chief author of these troubles.
The Sheriff then took with him a party of horse, and riding about
fifty miles, seized Herman Husbands and William Hunter, and
lodged them in Hillsboro' jail.
The Regulators assembled May, 17G8, in large force, to rescue
them, but they had been released on bail.
On May 21st, the Regulators held another general meeting, and
James Hunter and Rednap Howell were appointed to wait on the
Governor with the address of the meeting. They attended, at
Newbem, in June ; the Governor hiid the pa])ers before the Council,
who decided that " the grievances of which they complained
did not warrant the measures they had adopted ; that, if carried
further, would amount to high treason ; that the decent behaviour
of Colonel Fanning met entire approbation, and* advised them to
desist from further meetings; that the Governor would readily
remove any hardships, and direct the Attorney-General to prose-
cute every officer guilty of extortion or malpractice ; and that next
month, the Governor would be at Ilillsboro', and issue a procla-
mation forbidding such dishonorable practices."
The Governor attended at Hillsboro', summoned his council, and
issued tlie promised proclamation.
But matters became worse. An association was formed in Anson,
similar to that in Orange, and offered its aid.
They continued to meet, enlisting their men, training them to the
use of arms, believing that a conflict must sooner or later occur.
On the 11th of July, a large body of Regulators assembled. The
Governor goes to Mecklenburg, and in that and the adjacent coun-
ties, raises a large body of troops, and marches from Salisbury to
Hillsboro*. His journal is recorded in volume ii. chapter 1, Ala-
mance. No bloodshed occurred at this time.
He swore the people to maintain and defend the king's govern-
ment '' with hands and hearts, life and goods, against all persons who
HI6T0AT OF NO&TH CABOUKA. 67
should attempt to obstruct the administration of the laws." He
required that the Regulators should disperse, and that twelve of the
wealthiest of them should wait on him at Salisbury, and give bond
that no rescue should be attempted of William Butler and Herman
Husbands at the next court in Hillsboro', to which they had been
bound. This they declined, but assured the Governor that no de-
sign was entertained of releasing the persons bound ; they desired
hiim to dissolve the present Assembly, and call a new one ; and, if
he would permit them to come peaceably and complain of their
grievances of the officers, and pardon the past, they would disperse,
and pay their taxes.
This occurred at September term of Hillsboro* Superior Court, at
which a bill was found against Husbands for a riot, of which he
was acquitted by the jury. Hunter and others were found guilty
and imprisoned.
Fanning was indicted at this term for extortion in six several
instances, but protected by the presence and power of Tryon, he
plead guilty, and was fined six pence. Such a mockery of justice
was little calculated to allay the feelings of the people, redress their
grievances, or prevent a repetition of their wrongs.
The Governor pardoned all persons engaged in this affair, except
Herman Husbands and twelve others, and returned to his palace
at jNewbem. '
The next year passed without any commotion in the State ; but
in the beginning of the new year, 1770, the oppressions and extor-
tions of the officers greatly increased the popular excitement.
Maurice Moore, Judge of the Superior Court, found in March, the
spirit of the people of Rowan County so roused in consequence of
these exactions, that '' no civil process could be executed among the
people in that county."
John Lea, Sheriff of Orange, in attempting to serve a warrant
on Hanson Hamilton, was attacked by John Pugh and other Regu-
lators, and beaten severely.
Simon Bryant, Sheriff of Dobbs County (since divided into Greene
and Lenoir), in endeavoring to take Thomas Blake and John Coulie,
two of the Regulators, was attacked by them, and the sheriff was
compelled to desist ; one of his assistants was killed in the skirmish.
The Superior Court of Hillsboro' in September, was interrupted
by the Regulators, and broken up.
The record now in the office at Ilillsboro*, has the following entry.
Monday, 24th September, 1770. " Several persons styling them-
selves Regulators, assembled together in the court yard under the
conduct of Herman Husbands, James Hunter, Rednap Howell, Wil-
liam Butler, Samuel Divinny, and many others, insulted some of
the gentlemen of the bar, and in a riotous manner went into the
court house and forcibly carried out some of the attorneys, and in
a Cruel manner beat them."
The Judge (Henderson) finding it impossible to hold court, left
Hillsboro' in the night.
58 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
The same records present the following entry, at the next term
of the court in March, 1771.
" The persons styling themselves Regulators under the conduct
of Herman Husbands, James Hunter, Bednap Howell, William But-
ler, and Samuel Divinny, still continue their riotous meetings, and
severally threatening the judges, lawyers and other officers of the
court, prevented any of the judges or lawyers attending. Therefore
the court continues adjourned till next September term."
The Superior Court at Salisbury was also impeded.
To these open and public acts of violence, were added acts of
personal outrage. John Williams, one of the lawyers, was seized
and severely beaten in the streets ; Edmund Fanning was dragged
out of the court house, and severely beaten. His house (where
the present Masonic Hall in Hillsboro' is located) was torn down
and his furniture destroyed.
The General Assembly met at Newborn on the 5th December,
1770, and the Governor received them in his magnificent palace,
then just finished. Among other matters, the Governor urged the
raising of a body of men, under the rules and discipline of war, to
march into the settlements of the insurgents, to aid and protect the
civil officers.
Herman Husbands was a member from Orange. An article in
the Gazette^ addressed to Judge Moore, was attributed to him, and
in consequence, he was expelled from the house.
This Legislature passed an act prohibiting any number of per-
sons above ten, assembling, for the disturbance of the peace ; and
in order to weaken the power of the Begulators, Orange County
was divided, and three new counties erected,* one, of parts of Orange,
Cumberland, and Johnston, called Wake, in honor of the wife of
Governor Tryon ; another of Orange and Bowan, called Guildford,
and the southern part was cut off and called Chatham.
To prevent the Begulators from being supplied with ammunition,
the Governor, in February, issued a proclamation (1771), prohibit-
ing all merchants and others from supplying any person with pow-
der, shot or lead, until further notice.
In March, the Council determined to raise a force of several
regiments of militia, and the Governor was advised to march at
their head into the settlements of the Begulators, and reduce them
by force.
In April, Governor Tryon left Newbern, with about three hun-
dred men, and some artillery.
In May he was joined by a detachment of men from New Hano-
ver, under Colonel John Ashe, also from Craven, under Colonel
Joseph Leach ; from Dobbs county, under Colonel Bichard Caswell ;
from Onslow, under Colonel Craig ; from Carteret, under Colonel
Wm. Thompson ; from Johnston, under Colonel Needham Bryan ; a
company of artillery, under Captain Moore ; a company of rangers,
♦ Martin, ii. 271.
mSTOBT OF NORTH CABOLHTA. 59
under Captain Neale; a detachment from Wake, under Colonel
John Hinton ; a company of cavalry, under Captain Bullock.
€K)vernor Tryon and these troops crossed Haw River on the
13th, and on the 14th, encamped on the banks of the Alamance.
The next day, on the banks of the same stream, the royal army
encamped near the Regulators, who had assembled in great force.
On the 15th, a petition was brought to the Governor, from the
Regulators, praying a redress of grievances, as the only means to
prevent bloodshed. He replied that he would answer next day by
noon.
This petition and Tryon's reply, as well as many other original
documents procured from the offices in London, never before
published, the reader will find under the chapter (I) on Alamance
County.
By dawn the next day the royal forces left the camp, and within
half a mile of the Regulators, formed the line of battle, 16th May,
1771,
The Governor in reply to the petition, informed them by a mes-
senger, that he had pursued every measure to redress their griev-
ances without success. Nothing now was left but an immediate
submission ; a promise to pay taxes ; a return to their homes ; and
a solemn assurance that they would no longer protect those indicted
from a fair trial. He allowed them one hour to consider this reply.
The royal forces, according to Governor Tryon's own report (now
for the first time published, in the following pages, see Alamance),
amounted to upwards of eleven hundred; the Regulators under
Husbands, Hunter, and Butler, to two thousand.
The Regulators told the messenger of the Governor to return and
Bay that " they defied him, and battle was all they wanted."
The Governor then sent a magistrate and oflBcer with a proclama-
tion, commanding them to disperse within one hour.
The Regulators refused to listen to him, and cried out for battle,
and advanced on the royal forces.
The Governor then sent his aid, Philemon Hawkins, to inform the
Regulators that unless they delivered up Husbands, Hunter, Howell
and some others, and disperse, he would fire upon them.
The regulators replied, " Fire and be d d.*'
The Governor then ordered his troops to fire, which was not im-
mediately obeyed. Rising in his stirrups, inflamed with anger, he
again orders " Fire— Fire on them or fire on me."
The action became general, and for a few moments was wamu
After a conflict of two hours, the Regulators fled, leaving twenty
dead and several wounded. The loss of the royal forces in killed,
wounded, and missing, was sixty-one men. One officer was killed,
and one dangerously wounded.
Thus ended the battle of Alamance. Thus, and here, was the
first blood spilled in these United States, in resistance to exactions
of English rulers, and oppressions by the English government.
" The Great Wolf of North Carolina" showed his blood-thirsty
60 HIBTOBT 0? NORTH CABOLDTA.
temper, by acts of revenge, cruelty, and barbarity. He htmg Cmp-
tain Few the next day, without a trial, on a tree.
Tryon marched on the 2l8t to Sandy Creek, where he encamped for
a week- Crossing Deep River and Flat Swamp, the army marched
to Reedy Creek. Here being joined by General Waddell, Governor
Tryon returned on 9th June by Black Jack, Buffalo, Big Trouble-
some, in Rockingham County, and Back Creek to Hillsboro',
which he reached on the 14th.
At a special court held for trial of the prisoners for high
treason, taken in the battle of Alamance, they were convicted
and sentenced to death. The execution of six of them was de-
layed until the king's pleasure was known. On the 19th the others
were executed.
After this, Tryon dismissed his army and returned to Newbem
on the 24th, and on the 80th took shipping for New York, to which
colony he had been appointed Governor.
Herman Husbands, although a reward was offered for him by
Tryon, escaped. He settled in Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. H^
returned to North Carolina after the Revolutionary War, on busi-
ness, but remained only a short time. His two sons settled on a
large tract of land on Deep River, near the Buffalo Ford. His
daughter married a man by the name of Wright.
He is stated to have been concerned in the Whisky Insurrection
of Pennsylvania, in 1794, and associated with Gallatin, Bracken-
ridge and Bradford, on a Committee of Safety. For this he was
apprehended. From the influence of his friends, among whom was
the Rev. David Caldwell, of Guilford county (who happened at this
time to be at Philadelphia), Dr. Benjamin Rush, and others, Hus-
bands was released. On his way home, he died at a tavern near
Philadelphia.
Under the head of Alamance County, in this work, many rare,
valuable and interesting documents will be found, never before pub-
lished, which place the objects, end, and intents of the Regulatbrs
in a true color. The curious will examine carefully these records,
as they throw a flood of light upon the history of our State, which
has been obscured by misrepresentation and neglect.
They were copied under the eye of the Hon. George Bancroft,
from originals on file in London, in the Office of the Board of Trade
and Plantations. By his kindness they are here presented to the
people of the State. I feel the deep obligations that I am under
to Sir. Bancroft, and the State of North Carolina deeply feels her
obligations to him as the only historian who has done her justice.
HISTOHT OF KOBTH CABOLIHA. 61
CHAPTER IX.
PROM 1771 TO JULY 4, 1776.
Administration of Josiah Martin, November 1771 to 1775 — Last of the rojal
goTemors in North Carolina — His life and character — Parliamentary usages
of " the olden times" — The powers of the governor — " A king, aye, every
inch a king" — Difficulties arise between the governor and the Assembly, as
to the attachment laws and appointment of judges — Courts of law closed—*
First popular Assembly meets at Newbern, on the 25th of August, 1774—
John Harvey, Moderator — Names of the members — Its resolves — It adjourns
and another is called in April, 1775 — Qovernor Martin fulminates a procla-
mation against ''such disorder and anarchy," March 1, 1775 — The Colonial
and the Popular Assemblies meet at the same time and place—'* Passage of
arms" between the Governor and the Assembly — The Governor, in his
speech to the Colonial Assembly, denounces these meetings of the people
and particularly the unwarrantable appointment of delegates to attena a
Contmental Conj^ess, at Philadelphia, then in a^tation, as highly inju-
rious and " particularly offensive to the King" — The Assembly reply that
" the right oi the people to assemble and remonstrate is not to be doubted/'
and pass resolutions "approving of the General Congress at Philadelphia,
to assemble September 4, 1774" — ^Whereupon, Governor Martin dissolves
the Assembly — ^Tbe last which ever sat under the royal government in
North Carolina — Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, May 1775—
Governor Martin retreats on board of his Majesty's ship-of-war Cruiser, iu
the Cape Fear River ; and the royal government terminates forever in North
Carolina — Provincial Congress meets at Hillsboro', August, 1775 — Troops
nused for military operations — Civil government exercised b^ a Provincial
Council-^District Committees of Safety ; and County Committees — Names
of the committee-men in each district — Battle of Moore's Creek, in New
Hanover County, February 27, 1776 — Tories defeated under Gen. McDonald
— Provincial Congress meets at Halifax, April 4th, 1776 — Names of mem-
bers— Names of general, field, battalion, and county officers — ^This body
instruct their delegates in the Continental Congress, m April, 1776, to vote
for Independence — Committees of Safety appointed — Adjourned on the 14th
of May, 1776^Provincial Council of Safety meets at Wilmington, on the 6th
of June, 1776 — General Rutherford, of Rowan, marches with one thousand
nine hundred men, against the Overhill Cherokees (now Tennessee), reduces
them, bums their towns, and destroys their crops — Provincial Council of
Safety meets in July, at Halifax — The national Declaration of Independ-
ence reaches them while in session — Their proceedings, and some account
of the first celebration, in North Carolina, of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence.
Jambs Habel, being the first named of the Council, on the de-
parture of Governor Tryon, qualified as Governor in July, 1771.
He soon resigned the reins of government to Josiah Martin, who
had been commissioned by the crown, and who arrived in North
Carolina, at Newborn, on the 11th August.
Like his predecessor. Governor Martin was by profession a sol-
dier. He had risen, in the British Army, to the rank of Major;
62 HISTORY OF KORTH CAROLINA.
and was an Englishman by birth. He was brother to Samuel
Martin^ a member of the British Parliament, who was distinguished
by a duel, in 1763, with the celebrated John Wilkes. His cha-
racter was not deficient either in firmness or talent.
In his administration of the colony, he seems to have found him-
self too strictly fettered by his instructions from the crown to be
of service to the country. In endeavoring to carry out the one, he
lost the favor of the other. He misconceived, when the storm of
popular feeling was raised, both the means of calming its anger and
averting its fury.
Had he lived in less troublesome times, his administration might
bave been peaceful and prosperous. But Providence had decreed
that this country should be free from all foreign dominion, and
that Martin should be the last of the royal governors in and over
North Carolina.
Governor Martin met the legislature, for the first time, in the
town of Newbem, in Nov., 1771.
To this age, the forms of electing and assembUng the legislative
body, the homage paid to the Governor, as the representative of
the Sovereign, and the power and influence of the governor are
carious, and useful to show the improvements that our free institu-
tions have suggested and carried out.
The Governor had the power with advice of his council, to con-
vene the legislature, at pleasure, the upper branch of which was
called the council, appointed by the crown; the speaker, or president
of which was the first named in the list, and was, in the absence of
the Governor, the executive of the colony. The council was the mere
echo of the Governor, since they were both appointed by the same
authority; their records show few instances where they ever differed
from the Governor on any question of policy. The Governor had the
power to prorogue, or dissolve the Assembly, and had an unquali-
fied veto on all their acts. The Governor had also the appointment of
the associate judges of the superior courts, the sheriffs of the courts,
and the clerks of the superior courts. He was indeed a sovereim,
** aye, every inch a king.** By his order, writs were issued by tne
clerk of the crown, to the sheriffs of the several counties, directing
them to hold elections in each county, and the number to be elected;
and the place of assembling; which writs were duly executed, and
returns made of the persons elected, to the clerk of the crown. At
the time and place appointed, the members assembled, their cre-
dentials were read, and qualification took place, which was done in
the presence of two of the council, appointed for this purpose by
the Governor. Two of the members then waited on his Excellency,
to say that the house was organized, and awaited his commands.
The Governor then summoned the members to the palace ; then, he
directs them to return and elect a Speaker. This being done, two
members then wait on his Excellency, to know when he would
receive them, to present their Speaker. The house is summoned
by the private secretary of the Governor, to make their immediate
HISTORY OF KOBTH CAROLOTA. 68
attendance at the palace. They obey, and formally present their
Speaker, in person and by name, ^^ whom his Excellency is pleased
to approve/' Then he proceeded, after pledging "in form to sup-
port the hoase in all their just rights and privueges,'' to address
them on such matters as suggest themselves deserving the consi-
deration of the representatives of the people. To which address
there was a formal reply in writing, by a committee of the House,
and then the House was ready to proceed to business.
Compare this fanfaronade of ceremony and homage to power and
place, with our simple organization of the present day ; and it
will be no longer wondered why our forefathers in 177o, stripped
the Governor of all the paraphernalia of privilege and power in the
constitution, and so reduced the executive authority as hardly to
leave any semblance of its former grandeur, or even the power of
an ordinary justice of the peace. Thus vibrating from one extreme
to the other.
The House addressed Governor Martin to pardon (Herman Hus-
bands, Rednap Howell, and William Butler excepted) all persons
concerned in the late insurrection. He replied that he already
anticipated their wishes as far as his power extended. The six
Begulators under sentence of death received the king's absolute
pardon.
An angry and protracted conflict between the Governor and
the legislative boay occurred on the subject of the attachment
laws, and the appointment of judges ; so serious, that for a long
time the colony was without laws or judges. The commissions of
the judges expired with the session of the legislature (Martin
Howard, chief justice, Maurice Moore and fiichard Henderson,
associates), and the bill organizing the courts failing to meet with
the approbation of the Governor, he first prorogued for three days
the Assembly, and finally dissolved it.
*^ There were at this time no courts at all in being," was the re*
mark of Mr. Quincy, at this time traveling through North Caro-
lina.
The whole colony was in a state of anarchy and confusion.
The courts were closed ; public crime and private injustice had no
check. To the minds of the people, their wrongs were caused by
the obstinacy of the Governor, and produced a feeling of deep
resentment against the government.
These grievances were not confined to North Carolina.
The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Harvey, laid be-
fore the house resolutions of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
(1773), resolutions of the 12th March last, also letters from
the speakers of the lower houses of several other provinces, re- '
questing that a committee be appointed to inquire into the en-
croachments of England upon the rights and liberties of America.
The House came to a resolution that ^^ such example was worthy
of imitation, by which means communication and concert would
64 HISTORY OF KORTH CAROLINA.
be established amons the colonies ; and that they will at all times
be ready to exert their efforts to preserve and defend their rights;'**
John Harvey (Speaker), Robert Howe, Cornelius Harnett, Wil-
liam Hooper, Kichard Caswell, Edward Vail, John Ashe, Joseph
Hewes, and Samnel Johnson were appointed this committee.
This is the first record of a legislative character which led to
the Revolution. The names of the committee show its import-
ance ; the part they afterwards took, as will be seen, proves the
sincerity and fidelity with which they discharged their important
trusts.
The next year (August, 1774), the Governor issued his procla-
mation, complaining that the meetings of the people were held
without legal authority — ^that resolutions had been entered into,
and plans concerted, derogatory to the authority of the King and
Parliament, tending to excite discontent among the people, and
requiring the people to forbear attending any such meetings, and
ordering the king's o£Scers to oppose such meetings to the utmost
of their power.
But the people would meet. The first assemblage independent
of royal authority, of their representatives in North Carolina, oc-
curred at Newbem on 25th August, 1774.
Excited at this state of affairs, Governor Martin summoned his
ever faithful and obsequious council, and consulted on the steps
proper to be taken. They advise him that ^^ nothing could' be
done.**
This Assembly or Congress as it was called, is an epoch in our
history. It was not a conflict of arms or force, but it was the
first act of that great drama, in which battles and blood formed
only subordinate parts.
Provincial Congress
of North Carolina, which met at Newborn, 25th August, 1774*
CoantieB. Members.
HA ( Sam*l Spencer,
1. Aman . . . | ^y^ j,^^^^
2.BeaufoH . . { ^J^Sisf
o T>7 T ( William Salter,
o. If laden . . • { \ir ^i. n-\
} Walter Gibson.
4 Butef J Wm. Person,
5. Brunswick . • Bobt. Howe.
6. Bertie . • , John Campbell.
(James Cook,
Lemuel Uatch,
Joseph Leech,
Bich'd CogdeU.
* See Journals of 1773. Martin, toI. ii. 305.
t divided in 1799 into Franklin and Warren.
HISTOBT OF NORTH OABOLIirA.
65
Counties.
8. Carteret .
9. Currituck •
10. Chowan •
11. Cumberland
12. DoWt*
18. Duplin
14. Granville
15. JEfyde
16. ffalifax .
17. JolvMton .
18. Mecklenburg
19. Martin
20. JV^ttT Hanover
21. JVbrfAampfon
22. Orange
23. On«fet£^ .
24. Perquimani
25. Pasquotank
26. Pitt
Members.
Wm, Thompson,
SoL Perkins.
Nathan Joyce,
Sam'l Jarvis.
Samuel Johnston,
Thomas Oldham,
' Thomas Benburj,
Thomas Jones,
(^ Thomas Hunter.
Farquard Campbell,
T. Rutherford.
Richard Caswell,
Wm. McKennie,
Geo. Miller,
Simon Bright.
Thos. Gray,
Thos. Hicks,
James Kenan,
Wm. Dickson.
Thos. Person,
Memucan Hunt.
Rothias Latham,
Samuel Smith.
Nicholas Long
Willie Jones.
Needham Bryan,
Beig. Williams.
Benj. Patton.
E. Smithwick.
John Ashe,
Wm. Hooper.
Allen Jones.
Thos. Hart.
Wm. Gray.
John Harvey,
Benj. HArvey,
Thos. Harvey,
Andrew Knox,
J. Whidbee, Jr.
I Jos. Jones,
< Edw'd Everigin,
( Joseph Reading.
John Simpson,
Edw'd Salter.
{
{
* Divided in 1791 into Lenoir and Glasgow, which latter in 1799 was
changed to Greene.
6
66 HISTOBY OP KOBTH CABOLINA.
Counties. Members. .
{Will. Kennon,
Moses Winslow,
Sam'l Young.
28 Trvon"^ I 1^^^^^ Jenkins,
^ * ' 1 Robert Alexander.
29. TyrreU . . . i ^- Sp™i".
^ I Jeremiah Fraaer.
Towns.
80. Neu,bem . . . i ^^''^J/'K
\ Isaac Jbidwards.
81. Pelentan • • • Jos. Hewes.
82. Wilmington . . Francis Clayton.
33. Bath . . . Wm. Brown.
34. Salifax • • • John Geddy.
Of this body, John Habv^t of Perquimans was chosen Speak-
er, or Moderator.
An examination of the acts of this Assembly, evinces the utmost
loyalty to their plighted vows of allegiance so often expressed, and
yet the most clear conception of the rights of freemen; the jealousy
with which these rights were regarded, and fixed purpose by which
they would be maintained.
Their journal is still preserved. The preamble to their resolu-
tions declares their regard to the British constitution, and their
allegiance to the House of Hanover ; but that allegiance from them
should meet with protection from the government ; that no person
should be taxed without his consent freely given in person, or by
his representative ; that the tax on tea and other articles by the
British Parliament, was illegal and oppressive. The Boston port
act, the act sending persons to England for trial for offences com-
mitted here, were denounced as unconstitutional ; and they so-
lemnly bound themselves after 1st January next, not to purchase
any goods from England or send any produce there for sale.
The Assembly approved of the plan of a General Congress in
Philadelphia in September, and elected as members, William
Hooper, of Orange County ; Joseph Hewes, of Edenton; Richabu
Caswell, of Dobbs County ; who were instructed to express the firm
determination of the people against all unconstitutional oppression.
They then adjourned, empowering the Moderator to convene the
deputies as occasion might require.
Such was the first Assembly of the people of North Carolina, in
a representative character in opposition to the Royal Government.
These men have long since gone to their final account; but
their names, characters, and services, should be held ever in grate-
ful remembrance by their countrymen. North Carolina is proud
of their names, for with them is associated the most unsullied
patriotism, uncalculating resistance to oppression, and chivalric
* DiTided into Lincoln and Rutherford in 1791.
HIBTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA. 67
daring. A short sketch of the life of many will appear in anothea^
portion of this work; an extended narrative of their services,
will afford ample material to the future historian and biographer.
Governor Martin visited New York in September, 1774, and on
his return the following February, he issued a proclamation against
the purchase by Jttdge Henderson from the Cherokee Indians of
certain lands, as being in violation of law.
The Colonial Assembly was called in April, 1775, at Newborn;
and John Harvey, moderator of the late convention of deputies,
issued in February, a notice to the people to elect delegates, to
represent each town and county in convention, to be held at the
same time and place, by virtue of authority vested in him by the
late Congress or Convention.
This roused the indignation of Governor Martin, and he issued
his proclamation on 1st March, 1775, denouncing the meeting as
^* tending to introduce disorder and anarchy to the destruction of
the real interests of the people.'' •
Notwithstanding these denunciations of the Governor, the people
quietly elected members to the convention, many of whom were
members of the Assembly. These bodies both met at the same
place, at the same time (4th April, 1775). Col. John Harvey
was re-elected president of the Colonial Assembly.
Governor Martin, in his speech to the Assembly, expressed ^^ his
concern at this extraordinary state of affairs. He reminded the
members of their oath of allegiance, and denounced the meeting
of delegates chosen by the people, as illegal, and one that he
should resist by every means in his powqr." Particularly did he
inform them that ^^ the unwarrantably manner of appointing dele*
sates- to attend a Congress at Philadelphia, then in agitation, would
be highly offensive to the King.''
In the dignified reply of the House, the Governor was informed
that the right of the people to assemble and remonstrate against
grievances was undoubted. They passed resolutions approving of
the proceedings of the Continental Congress at Philadelphia (4th
Sept., 1774), and declared their determination to use what in-
fluence thev had to carry out the views of that body. Where-
upon, the Governor, by advice of his council, dissolved the Assem-
bly, by proclamation, after a session of four days.
Thus was dissolved all legislative intercourse between the Go-
vernor and the legislature, and here terminated the royal rule of
England ; for a short time afterwards Gov. Martin took refuge,
first in Fort Johnston, and afterwards on board of a ship of war in
the Cape Fear River, the Cruiser. For his official dispatches,
dated June, 1775, procured from London, see Mecklenburg County.
(Chapter li., vol. ii.)
Governor Martin, after the battle of Moore's Creek (Feb. 1776),
in which the Loyalists, under General MacDonald, were defeated
by CasweU, embarked with Sir Peter Parker, and arrived at
Charleston. He was present at the battle of Guilford with Lord
68 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Cornwallis, in March, 1781. He' went to England soon after this
battle. Subsequently he returned to New York, and died at
Rockaway.*
The Provincial Congress met at the same place, and elected
John Harvey again as Moderator. This convention or congress
approved of the measures of the Continental Congress, and reap^
pointed the same delegates to attend.
This was the second time of meeting of the representatives of the
people, in opposition to the Royal Power in North Carolina.
About this time (May, 1775), the people of Mecklenburg moved,
in their sovereign capacity, the question of independence, and took
a much bolder and more decided stand than either the Colonial or
Continental Congress had as yet attempted ; and while this step
evinces the spirit of that chivalric county, it is one of the boasted
recollections of the State of North Carolina, ever to be cherished,
never to be forgotten.
« It has been seen that it was on her shores that (in 1584) the
first Anglo-Saxon anchor rested in these United State8.t Her
whole history since has been shown to be one continued and deter-
mined resistance to oppression. It is now proved that she was the
first openly to cast off the English yoke, and, relying on the truth
and justice of her cause, and on the God of David, she threw the
gauntlet of defiance in the teeth of the Goliah power of England.
That at this time throughout the whole length and breadth of
these colonies the spirit of liberty was abroad, is not to be doubt-
ed. Urged by wrongs^ and oppression, with '*• war in each heart
and freedom on each brow,'' the colonists were ripe and ready for
the conflict; but that the people of Mecklenburg should at this
period of darkness, doubt, and danger, in a remote portion of
country, unmolested by the presence of their oppressors, or actual
perpetration of injury ; without concert with other States, with-
out assurances of support from any quarter, and then and there
^^ dissolve the political bands which connected them with the
mother country,'' aAd then declare themselves ^^ a free and inde-
pendent people, and of right ought to be sovereign and self-govern-
ing," is a subject full of moral sublimity and heroic daring. It is
justly a source of elevating pride to the State of North Carolina.
Tiie public mind had been much excited at the attempts of Gov.
Martin to prevent the meeting of the Provincial Congress, or Con-
vention, at Newbern, and his arbitrary and oppressive conduct in
dissolving the Assembly when only in session four days, leaving
them unprotected by courts of law, and all other important busi-
ness undone. The people began to think that since the authorities
constituted by law failed in their legitimate duty, that it was time
to provide safeguards for themselves, and to throw off all allegi-
ance to powers that ceased to protect their liberties or property.
To this omission of duty was added the actual commission of
* Sabine, History of the Lojalista. f See page 24.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 69
mrong- The haughty assumption of power on the part of the
Government to inflict taxation on the people without representa-
tion or their consent. Boston harbor was blockaded by British
troops, and others awed by the presence of men and arms. The
people of North Carolina felt deeply the crisis of our Government.
None more keenly than the citizens of Mecklenburg.
On the 20th May, a convention, composed of delegates from
different portions of the county, met at Charlotte. Abraham
Alexander was called to the chair, and John McKnitt Alex-
ander appointed secretary.
The Rev. Hezekiah James Balch, a Presbyterian clergyman,
Dr. Ephm. Brevard, and William Kennon, Esq., an attorney-at-
law, addressed the convention.
The news of the battle of Lexington arrived at this time, which
had occurred just one month and a day previous ; and the wanton
sacrifice of American blood by English troops added fresh fuel to the
flame of virtuous indignation that now swelled their patriotic bosoms.
The resolutions, from the pen of Dr. Ephraim Brevard, are as
follows : —
THE MECKLENBURG DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, DECLARED AT
CHARLOTTE, 20th OF MAY, 1775.
1. Resolved: That whosoever directly or indirectly abets, or in
any way, form, or manner countenances the unchartered and da^
gerous invasion of our rights, as claimed by Great Britain, is an
enemy to this country — to America — and to the inherent and un-
alienable rights of man.
2. Resolved: That we do hereby declare ourselves a free and
independent people ; are, and of right ought to be a sovereign and
self-governing association, under the control of no power, other
than that of our God and the general government of the Congress :
To the maintenance of which independence we solemnly pledge to
each other our mutUal co-operation, our lives, our fortunes,
and OUR most sacred honor.
3. Resolved: That as we acknowledge the existence and control
of no law or legal officer, civil or military, within this county, we do
hereby ordain and adopt as a rule of life, all, each, and every one
of our former laws, wherein, nevertheless, the crown of Great
Britain never can be considered as holding rights, privileges, or
authorities therein.
4. Resolved: That all, each, and every military officer in this
county is hereby reinstated in his former command and authority,
he acting conformably to their regulations. And that every mem-
ber present of this delegation, shall henceforth be a civil officer,
viz : a justice of the peace, in the character of a committee man,
to issue process, hear, and determine all matters of controversy,
according to said adopted laws, and to preserve peace, union, and
harmcmy in said county, to use every exertion to spread the love
70 HISTORY OF irOBTH GABOLINA.
of conntrj and fire of freedom througfaont America, until a more
general and organized government be established in this provinoe^
ABRAHAM ALEXANDER, Chairman.
John McKuitt Alexander, Secretary.
Ephraim Brevard, Gharlea Alexander,
Hezekiafi J. Balch, Zaccheus Wilson,
John Phifer, Waightstill Avery,
James Harris, Benjamin Fatten,
William Kennon, Matthew McClure,
John Ford, .Neil Morrison,
Richard Barry, Robert Irvin,
Henry Downe, John Flennegin,
Ezra Alexander, David Reese,
William Graham, John Davidson,
John Queary, Richard Harris,
Hezekiah Alexander, Thomas Polk, sen'r.
Adam Alexander,
It was forwarded to the Continental Congress, at Philadelphia,
by Capt. James Jack, and a copy also to Samuel Johnston, mode-
rator of the Provincial Congress, at Hillsboro', and was laid before
that body by him, on the 25th Aug. 1775.
Gov. Martin issued his proclamation on the 8th of Au^st, 1775,
on board of his Majesty'a ship of war the Cruiser, denouncing
the Mecklenburg declaration of independence.
These papers are extracted from the document published in
1829, by the General Assembly of North Carolina. More import-
ant and documentary eyidence will be found under the head of
Mecklenburg County, from records procured from London. These
names and these characters deserve a perpetual remembrance in our
State and nation. Efforts are being made to procure the biogra-
phy of each, and have in part been successful. Men must obey
the fiat of nature, and die ; but such elevated actions, and devoted
patriotism can never diei Our State to all time will delight to
cherish their memories as a proud record of the past, and a glowing
incentive to the future. It is to be hoped that some son of Meck-
lenburg will undertake this pious and patriotic duty, and rescue
from oblivion the memories of the signers of the Mecklenburg De-
claration of Independence.
This important paper is dear to every North Carolinian. The
20th of May is a sacred festival within her borders, and efforts are
being made to erect in the place where this event occurred, a
monulnent to perpetuate its memory."^
North Carolina was now without any government, except that
of its own choice. The utmost exertion was necessary to sustain
this position.
* A memorial, in vol. ii. chapter li. Mecklenburg Countj^ from the citizens
of this section of the State to the General Assembl j.
BIBTOET OF VOBTH. OA&OUKA* 71
Samuel Johnston, of Chowan Conntj (the late moderator, John
Harvey having died), summoned a meeting of the delegates at
Hillsboro', on 2l8t August, 1775.
Delegates were chosen in every county and town, accordingly,
by the people, and they met at the time and place appointed.
One hundred and eighty-four members took their seats. This was
the third meeting of an assembly of the people in North Carolina,
opposed to the Royal Government.
On motion of Kichard Caswell, Samubl Johnston was elected
President, Andrew Knox, Secretary, James Glasgow, Assistant.
On the 24th, the Congress declared that the people of North
Carolina would pay their due proportion of expense in training a
Continental Army, and appointed a committee to prepare a system
of government for the province.
This was a most important point of the history of North Caro-
lina. The Governor had abandoned the reins of power. In a
proclamation dated 8th Aug. 1775, secure on board of his floating
palace, he had denounced by his proclamation this very assembly,
as ^^ one of the black artifices of falsehood and sedition,'* and the
assembly returned this courteous message by resolving that ^' the
proclamation was a false, scurrilous, malicioiis and seditious libel,"
and directed it to be burnt by the common hangman.
Thus all hopes of reconciliation had now ended. The sword
was drawn and the scabbard cast away.
Two regiments of five hundred men were raised by order of the
Congress. ,
The following officers were appointed : —
FOR THE FIRST REGIMENT.
James Moore, Col. ; Thomas Clark, Major ; Francis Nash, Lt.
Col. ; Wm. Williams, Adjutant.
Captains — ^WilKam Davis, William Picket, Henry Dickson,
Thomas Allen, Robert Rowan, Georse Davidson, Alfred Moore,
John Walker, Wm. Green, Caleb Gramger.
Lieutenants — John Lillington, William Berryhill, Hezekiah
Rice, Joshua Bowman, Hector McNeil, Wm. Brandon, Lawrence
Thompson, Abraham Tatum, Wm. Hill, Thomas Hogg.
Ensigns — Neil McAllister, James Childs, George Graham,
Maurice Moore, Jr., Heniy Neill, Robert Ralston, John Taylor,
Berryman Turner, Henry rope, Howell Tatum.
OFFICERS OF THE SECOND REGIMENT.
Robert Howe, Col. ; John Patton, Major ; Alex. Martin, Lt.
Col. ; Dr. John White, Capt. and Adjutant.
Captains — James Blount, John Armstrong, Chas. Crawford,
Hardy Murfree, Henry Irwin Toole, Nathan Keais, Simon Bright,
Michael Payne, John Walker.
LteutenanU-^ohn. Grainger, Robert Smith, John Herritage,
72 HI8T0BT OF NOBTH GABOLINA.
Clement Hall, Edw'd Vail, Jr., Jos. Tate, William Fenner, John
Williams, James Gee, Benj. Williams.
Ensigns — Henry Vipon, Whitmel Pugh, John Oliver, Philip
Lowe, William Gardner, Benj. Gleaveland, Jas. Cook, William Cas-
well, Jos. Clinch, John Woodhouse.
Dr. Isaac Goion, Chirurgeon to the Ist Beg.
' Dr. Wm. Parton, do. to 2d Reg.
The names of these officers are particularly noticed, as these
were called into active service out of the State in the Continental
Line.
In each district ten companies of fifty men, called a battalion,
were raised, called Minute men.
Field officers and Minute men appointed by the State Congress
(1775) for each district.
Udenton District. — Edward Vail, Col. ; Andrew Knox, Lt.
Col. ; Caleb Nash, Major.
Newbem District. — Richard Caswell, Col. ; William Bryan,
Lieut. Col. ; James Gorham, Major.
Wilmington District. — ^Alex. Lillington, Col. ; Robt. Ellis, Lt.
Col.; Samuel Swann, Major.
Halifax District. — Nicholas Long, Col. ; Henry Irwin, Lt.
Col. ; Jethro Sumner, Major.
Hillsboro* District. — James Thackston, Col. ; John Williams, Lt.
Col. ; James Moore, Major.
Salisbury District. — Thomas Wade, Col. ; Adlai Osborne, Lt.
Col. ; Joseph Harbin, Major. ^
Edward Vail, of Chowan, was appointed to the command of the
battalion of the Edenton District.
Richard Caswell, of Dobbs, Newbem District.
Alex. Lillington, of New Hanover, Wilmington District.
Thomas Wade, of Anson, Salisbury District.
James Thackston, of Cumberland, Hillsboro' District.
Nicholas Long, of Halifax, the Halifax District.
Such was the military organization of the State.
The Civil Government was vested in : —
I. A PROViNCiAXi Council for the whole State.
II. A District Committeb of Safety for each district.
ni. County and Town Committees, for each county and town.
I. The Provincial Council was composed of one chosen by the
whole Congress, who was, de factOy governor; and two persons
from each district, chosen by the delegates thereof.
They were to meet quarterly, had power to call out the militia,
to reject or suspend oflScers, fill vacancies, draw on the treasury
for all moneys necessary for the service ; and, in fact, to do all such
thinp as were necessary to secure, protect, and defend the colony.
l?he court house, in Johnston County, was the first place of
their assembling, and they had power to fix other times and places.
HI8T0BT OF NORTH CABOLIKA. 78
The members of ibis conncil were Samuel Johkstof, chamnaD,
(eboeen by tbe- Oongress.^
Cornelius Harnett, ana Samuel Ashe, Wilmington Digiriet.
Abner Nash, and James Coor, Newbem District.
Thomas Jones, and Whitmel Hill, JEdenton District.
William Jones, and Thomas Jones, Halifax District.
Thomas Person, and John Kinchen, HUhboro' District.
Samuel Spencer, and Waightstill Avery, Salisbury District.
II. The Committee of Safety was composed of a president and
twelve members in each district, chosen by the delegates from each
district.
This committee was to meet quarterly in the principal towns of
the district, and were authorized to receive information, censure,
and punish delinquents ; and, with the Provincial Council, had
co-ordinate power to compel debtors about to remove to give security
to their creditors, and had a superintending power over
III. The County and Town Committees, appointed by the
freeholders of each county, twenty-one members for the county, and
fifteen for each of the tovms of Edenton, Newbem and Wilmington,
and seven for each of the other towns, to be elected by the freehold-
ers. These committees were to appoint by ballot out of their mem-
bers, seven persons to act as a committee of secrecy, intelligence
and correspondence, who were to correspond with the Provincial
Council, the Committee of Safety, and others, to take up aAd ex-
amine all suspected persons, and to exercise a general and particular
care over the ii^rests of the people, that they received no detriment.
With the latter (committees of the counties), the real executive
power of the State rested in these troublesome times; promptly
and summarily did they exercise their powers. They held a strict
police and rigid censorship over their respective counties, and did
not hesitate to put in jail, or to the whipping-post, all persons con-
victed of disrespectfid language towards tne cause of American
Kberty. They issued orders to ravage the estates of violent Tories,
and appropriate the proceeds to the common treasury.
They executed all orders of the Continental Congress, the Pro-
vincial Council, and the District Committees of Safety. They had
a test oath to which all persons had to subscribe, which was para-
mount to the oath of allegiance to the English crown.
The delegates for each district appointed the following pe):sons
as District Committees of Safety : —
Edenton District. — Luke Sumner, Wm. Gray, John Johnston,
Thomas Benbury, Gideon Lamb, Joseph Jones, Miles Harvey, Law-
rence Baker, Kenneth McKenzie, Stevens Lee, Charles Blount,
Isaac Gregory, and Day Ridly.
Newbern District. — ^Alexander Gaston, Bichard Cogdell, John
Easton, Major Croom, Roger Ormond, Edward Salter, George
Barrow, William Thompson, William Tisdale, Benjamin Williams,
Richard Ellis, William Brown, James Glasgow.
Wilmington District. — Frederick Jones, Sampson Mosely,
74 HISTORY OF NOBTH CAROLINA.
Archibald McLaine, Richard Qaince, Thomas Davis, William
Gray, Henry Rhodes, Thomas Rutledge, James Kenan, Alexander
McAllister, George Mylne, John Smith, Benjamin Stone.
Halifax District. — Allen Jones, Rev. Henry Patillo, James
Leslie, John Bradford, David Sumner, William Eaton, Dnirj Lee,
John Norwood, James Mills, William Haywood, Duncan Lamon,
William Bellamy, John Webb.
nUlBboro' District, — William Taylor, Joseph Taylor, Samuel
Smith, John Atkinson, John Butler, William Johnston, John
Hinton, Joel Lane, Michael Rodgers, Ambrose Ramsey, Mial
Scurlock, John Thompson, John Lark.
Salisbury District. — GriflSth Rutherford, John Brevard, John
Crawford, Hestekiah Alexander, James Auld, Benjamin Patton^
William Hill, John Hamilton, Charles Galloway, William Dent,
Robert Ewert, Maxwell Chambers.
The thanks of the Convention to the delegates in the Continental
Congress (Caswell, Hooper, and Hewes) were formally presented
by the President for their honorable and patriotic conduct, on 2d
Sept., 1775.
On being appointed one of the Treasurers of the State, Richard
Caswell resigned his appointment as delegate to the Continental
Congress, and John Penn, of Granville County, was appointed his
successor.
Thfl public finances were in much disorder. The Convention
ordered, on the 7th Sept., 8125,000 in bills of credit. Richard
Caswell, Samuel Johnston, Andrew Knox, and R^hard Cogdell
were to superintend the printing and sign the bills, and deliver
them over to the two treasurers. Samuel Johnston for the North-
ern division and Richard Caswell for the Southern.
An address was adopted unanimously by this Convention, on
the 8th September, to the people of the British empire, declaring
the views of this body as to the existing state of affairs. It was
extensively circulated and did much good. It; was the production
of Wm. Hooper, who reported it as chairman of a committee com-
posed of Maurice Moore, Robert Howe, Richard Caswell, and
Joseph Hewes.
Premiums were voted for manufacture of saltpetre, gunpowder,
and other articles. The people of North Carolina had determined
to thf ow off the foreign yoke and be free in every respect.
After a session of a month, this Congress acyoumed on the 19th
Sept.
The first meeting of the Provincial Council was organized at
the court house, in Johnston County, on the 18th Oct., 1775,
by the appointment of Cornelius Harnett, of Wilmington, as
President, and James Green as Clerk.
Their proceedings were entirely of a warlike nature. Applica-
tions for appointments, demands for ammunition and arms, and the
raising of troops, occupied their attention and fills their journal. '
Intelligence was received by the Council that the people of New
HI8T0BT OF NORTH CAROLDTA. 75
HanoTer had assembled in a large body and protested against the
proceedings of the late Provincial Congress, as revolutionary and
rebellions. The Council instructed the President (Mr. Hariliett))
John Ashe, and Samuel Ashe, to explain the acts of the Congress,
and endeavor to maintain concert and harmony. These zealous
friends of liberty faithfully performed their mission ; the discon-
tented were satisfied, and returned to the support of the cause of
liberty.
A second meeting of the Provincial Council was held at the court
IiouBe, in Johnston County, on 18th December, 1775, and Corne-
lius Harnett, presided.
The Sheriff of Halifax, Mr. Branch,* brought before the council
Salter Lamb and George Massenbird, as enemies to the country,
and prayed punishment upon them as Tories. The council ordered
I^amb to be committed for trial before the committee of safety for
Halifax ; and the other, being penitent, took the test oath and was
dischai^ed.
The efforts of Governor Martin, still in the Cape Fear River on
1>oard the ship of war Cruiser, excited the vigilance of the council.
At their previous' meeting in October, they had recommended the
committee of safety for the district, to use their endeavors to cut
off all communications between the governor and the people.
The committee of safety for districts Wilmington Newborn,
and EdenitOn, were directed to procure immediately an armed ves-
sel each.
The Scotch on the banks of the Cape Fear (and its tributaries
the Deep and Haw Rivers) were approached by the emissaries of
Grovemor Martin. He represented to them that the colony would
be subdued; that Sir Henry Clinton was to come south, reinforced
by heavy armaments from England, under Sir Peter Parker and
Lord Comwallis. He issued a commission of General to one of
their chiefs (Donald McDonald).
The Council recommended, 1775, that ^^ all communications from
or to Governor Martin, or the ship of war, should be opened by
the Committee of Safety."
It appointed, on 21st December, committees in each district to
attend to the state of arms, with authority to purchase more, if
needed.
It raised two more battalions of minute men, in the district of
Salisbury, and appointed
Grifiith Rutherford, Colonel ; John Phifer, Lieutenant-Colonel ;.
John Paisly, Major — 1st battalion,
Thomas Polk, Colonel ; Adam Alexander, Lieutenant-Colonel ;
Charles McLean, Major — 2d battalion.
The proceedings of this session of the council are marked with
great energy and patriotism.
The next session of the Provincial Council was at Newborn, on
the 28th February, 1776, which was called to devise measures of
* The father of Gk)v. John Branchy now of Enfield.
76 BISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
concert and union between the southern colonies. Abner Nash
and John Kinchen, were sent to Charleston ; Thomas Jones, Sa-
muel Johnston, and Thomas Person, appointed to confer with the
Committee of Safety for Virginia.
At this time, Donald McDonald, a Scottish Highlander, who had
received the commission of general from Governor Martin, erected
the royal standard at Cross Creek, now Fayetteville, and soon
rallied about fifteen hundred men.
Colonel James Moore, at the head of the first continental regi-
ment, and some militia of Cumberland, took the field against
McDonald. Moore was posted near the bridge on Rocky River,
about twelve miles from Cross Creek, and fortified it ; determining
to prevent any junction of McDonald with Governor Martin, or
the expected reinforcements from abroad.
Colonels Caswell and Lillington at this time commanded the
minute men of the districts of Newbern and Wilmington, and
joined by some volunteers, marched to Moore's Creek, near where
it joins South River, in New Hanover County.
McDonald advanced towards Colonel Moore's camp, and sent
him a communication, with the governor's proclamation, to lay
down his arms, and take the oath of allegiance ; Colonel Moore
(after delaying to allow the militia time to assemble) declined his
proposal, and replied, '^ that as he was engaged in a noble and
glorious cause, the defence of the rights of man; he invited
General McDonald to join him, and enclosed a copy of the test."
The forces of Caswell and Lillington now increasing, McDonald
endeavored by rapid marches to unite with Sir Henry Clinton,
who had just arrived in the Cape Fear River, with Lord William
Campbell, the royal governor of South Carolina, and strong re-
inforcements.
He crossed South River, on the banks of which Caswell and
Lillington were encamped with about one thousand men, consisting
of the Newbern battalion of minute men, the militia from Craven,
Johnston, Dobbs (now Green and Lenoir), and Wake, and a de-
tachment of the Wilmington battalion of minute men. Here he
encamped for the night, and determined to attack them in the
morning. Lillington and Caswell were equally ready and eager
for the conflict.
This night the small stream of South River only separated the
belligerent camps ; the watch-fires of both were plainly visible to
each. Like on the famed and bloody field of Agincourt : —
** From camp to camp, through the foul womb of night,
The hum of either army stilly sounds ;
That the fixed sentinels almost receive
The secret whispers of each other's watch.
Fire answers fire —
Give dreadful note of preparation."*
Uy the dawn of day, 27th February, 1776, the royal forces were
♦ Henry V., Act L
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 77
in motion ; the shrill notes of their pibroch were heard SHmmoning
dieir belted chiefs with their clans to battle.
Our troops had removed the planks from the bridge, had been
mider arms all night, and were ready to receive them.
An active and brisk fire commenced on both sides of the stream,
which for a moment was severe and fatal, when the Scottish leader,
Colonel McLeod, in attempting a gallant charge across the bridge,
was killed. His troops were confused bj the loss of their leader,
and the unexpected absence of the planks on the bridge. Availing
themselves of these advantages, our troops charged in turn, with
great animation across the stream, and engaged the whole force of
the enemy. After a gallant resistance, the royal troops were
routed, and their general, McDonald, taken prisoner.
A number of prisoners were taken, a large amount of ammunition
atid arms of various kinds, and thirteen wagons with horses, and a
box of guineas, containing £15,000 sterling.
Colonel Moore arrived on the field soon after the battle with his
troops.
The Provincial Congriess, which met soon after (4th April,
1776), at Halifax, upon the call of the President, Samuel Johnston,
granted parole to General MacDonald. The laurels gained by this
early passage of arms, were made more bright by the generous
conduct of the victors.
This battle was most important in its effects. Had the Tories
effected a union with Clinton, the whole country would have been
at their mercy; Gen. Clinton issued a proclamation on board of the
Pallas transport, in Cape Fear River, on 5th May, 1776, declaring
that a most wicked and unprovoked rebellion existed in his Ma-
jesty's province of North Carolina, to the total subversion of all
lawful authority," requiring all congresses and committees to be dis-
solved, and offering pardon to all persons who should obey, and lay
down their arms, " except Comeliud Harnett and Robert Howe.**
This had no effect. He landed on General Howe's plantation,
in Brunswick County, on the 12th, with nine hundred men under
Lord Comwallis, afterwards so famed in the Revolutionary War,
in the South — ravaged and plundered the same, and treated with
great brutality some women, who were left in the house. After
burning some mills in the neighborhood, they again embarked,
and despairing of all success in North Carolina, with thirty ships,
he left the coast on the 29th, and sailed for Charleston, having on
board Governor Maitin, the last of the royal governors*
The Provincial Congress met at Halifax, 4th April, 1776
(the fourth meeting of the people in a representative capacity op-
posed to the Royal Government in North Carolina).
The following persons were elected and appeared, viss : —
Counties. Members.
. . I Samuel Spencer, Daniel Lore, John Crawfbrd, James
2. Beaufort • Roger Ormond, Thomas Kespise, Jr., and John Cooper.
78
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Counties.
3. Bladen
4. Bertie
5. Brunswick
6. Bute*
7. Craven
8. Carierd
9. Currituck
10. Chowan
11. C^m&er2an(2
12« Chatham
13. 2>ti;>Zm
14. DoWwt
15. Edgecombe
16. Granville
17. GutT/brd
18. ITyde
19. Hertford
20. iTa^t/ax
21. Johnston
22. Mecklenburg
23. ifarftn
Members.
{Nathaniel Richardson, Thomas Rohert8on« James
Council, Maturan Colvill and Thomas Amis.
John Campbell, John Johnston, Charles Jacocks.
I Qreen Hill, William Alston, William Person, Thomas
Sherrod, and Philemon Hawkins.
James Coor, Lemuel Hatch, John Bryan, William
Bryan, and Jacob Blount.
' William Thompson, Solomon Shepard, and John Back-
house.
Samuel Jarvis, James White, James Ryan, Gideon
Lamb, and Solomon Perkins.
Samuel Johnston, Thomas Benbury, Thomas Jones,
John B. Beasly, and Thomas Hunter.
Dayid Smith, Alexander McAllister, Farqoard Camp-
bell, Thomas Rutherford, and Alexander McCoy.
Ambrose Ramsay, John Thompson, Joshua Rosser,
Jeduthan Harper, and Elisha Cain.
Thomas Gray, and William Dickson.
(Richard Caswell, Abraham Shepard, George Miller,
Simon Bright, and William McKinnie.
'William Haywood, Duncan Lemond, Elisha Battle,^
Henry Irwin, and Nathan Boddie.
' Thomas Person, John Penn, Memucan Hunt, John
1 Taylor, and Charles A. Eaton.
' Ransome Southerland, William Dent, and Ralph Gor-
rell.
' Rotheas Latham, Joseph Hancock, John Jordan, and
Benjamin Parmelly.
. Robert Sumner, Matthias Brickie, Lawrence Baker.
{John Bradford, James Hocan, David Sumner, Joseph
John Williams, and Willis Alston.
Samuel Smith, Jr., Needham Bryan, Jr., Henry Rains.
John Phifer, Robert Irwin, John McKnitt Alexander.
(William Williams, Whitmel Hill, Kenneth McKensie,
1 Thomas Wiegins, Edward Smithwick.
24. New Hanover T^J? ^'^^' /?*'? ^^T*'' Samuel Ashe, Sampson
^rx. XTI.W xxufK/c^ I Mosely, and John Hollingsworth.
o«; xr.u^% 4^ J Allen Jones, Jeptha Atherton, Eaton Haynes, Drury
25. Northampton j ^^^^ g^^^j tockhort, Howel Edmunds. ^
'George Mitchell, Benjamin Doty, John Spicer, John
King, and John Norman.
John Kinchen, James Saunders, John Butfer, Na-
thaniel Rochester, Thomas Burke.
Miles Harvey, William Skinner, Thomas Harvey, Chas.
i Blount, and Charles Moore.
Thomas Bovd, Joseph Jones, William Camming,
Dempsey Burges, and Henry Abbot.
John Simpson, Edward Salter, William Roheson.
GrifSth Rutherford, Matthew Locke.
26. Onslow
27. Orange
28. Perquimans
29. Pasquotank
30. put
31. Rowan
32. Surry
33. Tyrrell
34. Tryonl
35. Wake
Archibald Corry.
{Joel Lane, John Hinton, John Rand, William Hooper,
and Tignal Jones.
* Bute was divided in 1779, into Warren and Franklin,
t Dobbs was divided in 1791, into Glasgow and Lenoir. Glasgow was
changed in 1799, to Greene.
t Father of Hon. Wm. H. Battle.
2 Try on was divided in 179 1, into Lincoln and Rutherford.
HISTOBY OF NORTH CAEOLINA. 79
Ihwns4 — ^Baih, William Brown ; Edenton, Joseph Hewes ; Newbem, Ab-
ner Nash ;* Wilmineton, Cornelius Ilamet ; Halifax, Wilie Jones ; Hillsboro',
William Johnston ; Salisbury, David Nesbit ; Campbelton, Arthur Counoil.
Allen Jones proposed Samuel Johnston for President, who
was unanimously chosen.
James Green was appointed Secretary, John Hunt, assistant,
md Francis Ljnaugh 'and Evan Swann, Door Keepers.
Six Br^adier Generals were created at this session, viz. : on the
22d of April.
John Ashe, for the District of Wilmington*
Edward Vail, " " Edenton.
Richard Caswell, " " Newbem.
Allen Jones, " " Halifax.
Thomas Person, " f* Hillsboro'.
Griffith Rutherford, " " Salisbury.
Four regiments in addition to the two already raised were
created, and as the colonels of these, James Moore and Robert
Howe, had been promoted to the rank of Brigadier Generals in the
CTontinental Army, the following appointments were then made : —
RegimenU. Colonels. Lieut. Colonels. Majors.
1st. Francis Nash^f Thomas Clarke, William Dayis.
2d. Alexander Martin, John Patton, John White.
3d. Jethro Sumner, William Alston, Samuel Lookhart.
4th. Thomas Polk, James Thackston, William DavidBon.
5th. Edward Buncombe, Henry Irwin, Levi Dawson.
6th. Alez'r Lillington, William Taylor, Gideon Lamb.
The other officers of the 1st and 2d Regiments, have already
l>een recorded. The following were appointed captains in the re-
maining regiments : —
3d Reg't. Ist. William Brinkley. 2d. Pinkitban Eaton.
3d. John Gray. 4th. William Barrot
5th. Jacob Turner. 6th. George Grandbory.
7th. Jaknes Cook. 8th. James Ennet.
4Ui. Reg't. 1st. Roger Moore. 2d. John Ashe.
3d. Jerome McLean. 4th. Robert Smith.
5th. William Temple Cole. 6th. Thomas Harris.
7th. Joseph Phillips. 8th. John Nelson.
Dr. Robert Hall, Chirurgeon of 3d Regiment ; Dr. Hush Boyd,
4th Regiment ; Dr. Samuel Cooley, 5th Regiment ; Dr. W m. Mc
Clure, 6th Regiment.
Paymasters. — James Hogan, of 3d Regiment, also of the three
companies of Light Horse ; Samuel Ashe, Ist Regiment ; Jacob
Blount, 2d Regiment ; Hezekiah Alexander, 4th Regiment ; Thomas
Benbury, 5th Regiment; Nathaniel Rochester, 6th Regiment.
Commissaries. — William Kennon, 1st Regiment ; Robert Salter,
2d Regiment ; John Webb, 3d Regiment ; Ransom Southerland, 4th
Regiment; Peter Mallet, 5th Regiment; Thomas Hart, 6th Regi-
ment.
* Father of Hon. Frederick Nash. f Uncle of the same.
80 HISTOBT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Officers of the Battalions ordered to be raised, appointed by the
House : —
EdenOm Dtstriet. — Peter Simon and John Pugh Williams, Captains ; An-
drew Duke and Thomas Witmei Pugh, Ist Lieutenants ; Nehemiah Long and
Joseph Clayton, 2d Lieutenants ; Benjamin Bailej and .filisha Rhodes, En^
signs ; Jerome McLaine, Thomas Grandbury, and Kedar Ballard, Captains ;
Jacob Pollock and John Grandbury, Ist Lieutenants ; Whitmel Blount and
Zephaniah Burgess, 2d Lieutenants ; Wm. Knoti, Ensign ; Rod^r Moore,
Captain ; William Goodman, Ist Lieutenant; Beniiyah Turner, 2d Lieutenant;
Abel Mosslander, Ensign, ,
Halifax District — William Brinkly and Pinkithan Eaton, Captains;
Isaac Privat and James Bradly, 1st Lieutenants ; Christopher Lucky and
Robert Washington, 2d Lieutenants ; William Etberidge and Joseph Mont-
fort, Ensigns ; John Gray and Jacob Turner, Captains ; Joseph Clinch and
Daniel Jones, Ist Lieutenants ; Matthew Wood and Alsop High, 2d Lieute-
nants; William Linton and Benjamin Morgan, Ensigns.
HiUsboro* District. — Philip Taylor and Archibald Lytle, Captains; John
Kennon and Thomas Donoho, Ist Lieutenants ; Dempse^ Moore and William
Thompson, 2d Lieutenants ; Solomon Walker and William Lyttle, Ensigns ;
James Emmett, Captain ; William Clements, let Lieutenant.
Wilmington District, — John Ashe, Jr. and John James, Captains ; Charles
HoUinesworth and Daniel Williams, 1st Lieutenants ; Mark McLainy and
John McCan, 2d Lieutenants; David Jones and Edward Outlaw, Ensigns;
Griffith John McKee, Captain ; Francis Child, 1st Lieutenant.
Netobem District. — Simon Alderson and John Enloe, Captains ; William
Groves and George Suggs, Ist Lieutenants ; John Custin and Henry Cannon,
2d Lieutenants ; James McKenny and Shadrack Wooten, Ensigns ; William
Cassel and Reading Blount, Captains ; Henry Darnell and Benjamin Cole-
man, 1st Lieutenants ; John Sitgreaves and John Allen, 2d Lieutenants ;
John Bush and Thomas Blount, Ensigns ; Benjamin Stedman, Captain ; Robert
Turner, 1st Lieutenant; John Eborn, 2d Lieutenant ; Charles Stewart, Ensign.
Salisbury District. — Robert Smith and William Temple Cole, Captains ;
William Brownfield and James Carr, Ist Lieutenants ; William Caldwell and
David Craig,* 2d Lieutenants ; Thomas McClure and Joseph Patton, Ensigns ;
Thomas Haines and Jesse Saunders, Captains ; Thomas Picket and WilTiam
Clover, 1st Lieutenants ; John Madaris and Pleasant Henderson,! 2d Lieute-
nants; John Morpis and Thomas Grant, Ensigns; William Ward,. Captain;
Christopher Gooding, 2d Lieutenant; John Whitley, 1st Lieutenant; Richard
Singletary, Ensign; Willis Pope, 2d Lieutenant; John Hopson, Ensign;
George Mitchell and Austin Council, Captains; Amos Love and Thomas
White, 1st Lieutenants ; Benjamin Pike and Thomas Armstrong, 2d Lieute-
nants ; Reuben Grant and Denny Porterfield, Ensigns; James Farr, 2d Lieu-
tenant; Jamas Coots, Ensign ; Joseph Phillips and John Nelson, Captains;
James Sheppard and WilTiam Dent, Jr., 1st Lieutenants ; Mioajah Lewis
and James btarrat, 2d Lieutenants ; William Meredith and Alex. Nelson,
Ensigns ; John Baptiste Ashe, Captain ; Georee Dougherty, 1st Lieutenant ;
Andrew Armstrong, 2d Lieutenant ; Joshua Iladley, Ensign ; James Cook,
Captain ; Adam Hampton, 1st Lieutenant; John Walker, Jr., 2d Lieutenant;
Aduvm McFadden, Ensign.
LIGHT H0R8B.
\st Company. — John Dickerson, Captain ; Samuel Ashe, Jr., Lieutenant ;
Abraham Childers, Cornet.
2(2 Company. — Martin Pfifer, Captain ; James Sumner, Lieutenant ; Valen-
tine Beard, Cornet.
Zd Company. — James Jones, Captain ; CosimoMadaoy, Lieutenant; James
Armstrong, Comet.
* Father of Burton Craig, Esq., of Salisbury.
t Father of Dr. Pleasant Henderson, of Salisbury, and of Mrs. H. C. Jones*
HISTO&T OF NORTH CAROLINA.
81
FIELD OFFICERS APPOINTED FOR EACH CO0NTY.
Comities.
Anson
Beamfort
Bute
Colonels.
Charles Medlock,
Thomas Eaton,
John Bryan,
Lieut. Colonels.
David Love,
Wm. Alston,
Lemuel Hatch,
Ist and 2d Majors.
f Wm. Picket,
i Geo. Davidson,
j Wm, Brown,
Henry Bonner.
' Thos. Sherwood,
Green Hill.
' John Bryan, Jr.
John Tilman.
Otwftn
Currituck Hollowell Williams, Solo. Perkins, Asahel Simmonds.
Citmberkmd Alex'r McAllister Eheneier Folsome, IphiHp^stoi
Matthew Jones.
CkatkoM
Ihqdim
Dobb9
Thos. Routledge,
JEdgecombe Exam Lewis,
CfmnvUU
QuUford Jas. Martin,
Mali/ax Willis Alston,
JokmitMii Wm. Bryan,
Moddenlmrg Adam Alexander,
New Hanover Anthony Ward,
Nortkampion'Wm, Eaton,
Orange
(So. ieg't)
Same
(No. Reg't)
- John Butler,
• Jas. Saunders,
Buquoiank Thos. Boyd,
(2d Sg't) 1 1«^ <''««p*'y'
Sowan Francis Locke,
(2d Reg't) } ^- ^«*^°^*^
Surrey
TgrreH Clement Crook,
Tryon Thos. Beatty,
Martin Caswell,
Simon Gray,
John Pusley,
David Sumner,
John Smith,
John Phifer,
Jephtha Atherton,
N. Rochester,
Wm. Moore,
Spencer Ripley,
Dempsy Burgess,
Alex'r Dobbins,
Chas. McDowell,
I Philip Alston.
"itthc
Jas. Moore,
Robt Dickson.
' Wm. McKennie,
Jas. Glasffow.
Jonas Johnston,
( Thos. Hunter.
Thornton Yancy.
Thos. Owen,
Thos. Blair.
' Jas. Hogan,
Sam'lWeldon.
Sam'l Smith,
John Stevens.
John Davidson,
Geo. A. Alexander.
Henry Young,
Thos. Blood worth.
Howell Edmunds,
Drury Gee.
Robt. Abercrombie,
Hugh Tennen.
John Paine,
Thos. Harrison.
Othneil Lascelles,
John Casey.
' Joshua Campbell,
' Peter Daugh.
Jas. Brannon,
Jas. Smith.
Hugh Brevard,
' Geo. Wilfong.
Jos. Winston,
' Jesse Walton.
fJos. Spruill,
Andrew Long.
Jacob Costner.
Jas. Long,
A. Hampton,
This finished the military or^nization of the State. The names
of these men are preserved, tnat thej be known, as men who, in
'^ times that tried men's souls/' stood up for their country and our
liberties.
This body passed April 12th, 1776, the following resolution
imanimouslj : —
6 ^
82 HISTORt OF KORTH CAROLDTA.
^' Resolved^ That the Delegates from this Colony in the Con-
tinental Congress be impowered to concur with the oelegates from
the other colonies, in declaring Independence and forming foreign
alliances; reserving to this colony the sole and exclusive right of
forming a constitution and laws for this colony."
This showed the spirit of North Carolina, and proves that more
than two months before the event was declared in Congress, that
she was ready as a State to dissolve the bands that bound her to
the mother country.
, On the 1st of May, William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and
Jonx Penn, were appointed delegates to the Continental Congress.
And these names are signed to the Declaration of Independence,
4th of July, 1776. It is not very flattering to our State pride
that not one of these were natives of the State.
William Hooper, from Wilmington, was born in Boston, June
17th, 1742, a lawyer by profession, and an able writer. He died
in October 1790.
Joseph Hewes, from Edenton, born in New Jersey, in 1735, a
merchant. Died November 10th, 1779.
John Penn, from Granville, bom in Caroline County, Virginia,
May 17th, 1741,' a lawyer. He died in September, 1788.
Every member from Virginia, and every member from South
Carolina, who signed the Declaration, were natives of their re-
spective States.
The House, on the 11th, made choice of one, and the members
from the districts of twelve persons to serve as
A COUNCIL or safety for the state.
Wilie Jones, Chairman,
,r , (James Coor,
heichem \ ^^^^ Simpson.
VI T , \ Thomas Jones,
EdenUm | whitmel Hill.
TT Tr I Thomas Eaton,
Joseph John Williams.
wn^;v.r,ir^ f Comelios Harnett,
Wilmington ] Samuol Ashe.
] John Rand.
c«7,-»iv.t,.« J Hezekiah Alexander,
The formation of a Constitution engaged the attention of this
Assembly.
On the 28th of April, the House had under consideration certain
resolutions as a foundation for a civil government. But the more
urgent business of preparing the State for defence from the enemy,
so engrossed the attention of the Assembly that the matter was post-
poned until the next meeting of the delegates.
On the 14th of May, 1776, this body adjourned.
The Council of Safety met at Wihrnington, on the 5th of
June, 1776. Cornelius Harnett was again chosen President, and
James Glasgow, and James Green, Jr., Secretaries. Measures to
put dotm the Tories chiefly occupied their attention.
Early in July, Gen. Rutherford, at the head of nineteen hundred
men, crossed the Mountains against the Cherokees. He was accom*
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 83
panied by Benjamin Cleaveland, of Wilkes, as one of his Captains,
and William Lenoir,* of the same county. He was harassed on
his march by the savages lying in ambush ; no general action en-
sued. He succeeded in vanquishing them without serious loss,
destroyed their crops and provisions, laid waste their farms, and
compelled them to sue for peace, f
The Council of Safety met in July, 1776, at Halifax.
On the 22d of July, the Declaration of Independence reached
them. The council unanimously resolved ^^ that the committee of the
respective counties and towns in this State, on receiving the Decla-
ration of Independence^ do cause the same to be proclaimed in the
most public manner."
The Council set apart the first day of August, as a day for pro-
claiming the Declaration at the Court House in Halifax.
It was a proud day for the ancient borough.
And Belgiom's capital had gathered then
Her beauty and her chlvalrj."
Bright shone the glorious sun, as if nature rejoiced at the birth
of a mighty nation ; at noon, Cornelius Harnett ascended a stage
in front of the court house, and read the words of that instrument,
that 80 many millions have siQce heard, which gave- life to our own
nation, and has proved a beacon of liberty to others.
When he had finished, the people gave one long united shout of
joy, the loud cannon responded, and the glorious tidings was pro-
claimed, that ^^ these Colonies were, and ought to be, sovereign,
free, and Independent States."
And here ends the first series of these sketches.
* Soe the Bioerapb j of Gen. Lenoir, Wilkes, vol. ii. chap. Ixxx.
t See Biograpnj of Gen. Rutherford, Rowan, vol. ii. ohap. Ixvii.
SERIES II.
HISTORY OP NORTH CAROLINA FROM 1776 TO 1861.
CHAPTER I.
The Constitution, by whom, when, and where formed — Congress of the State
meets at Halifax, on the 12th of November, 1776— Names of the members
— ^Richard Caswell, President — Committee appointed to form a Constita-
tion — Names of committee—RiCHARD Caswell elected Governor, and tiie
names of the Council of State.
North Gaeolina early took steps to organize a civil fonn of
govemment.
Before the Declaration of Independence bj Congress at Phila-
delphia, the Provincial Congress of North Carolina, then assembled
at Halifax (on the 18th of April, 1776), appointed a committee of
its ablest men to prepare a civil constitution. This was no easy
duty. To take up arms, and to contend against tyranny and op-
pression, was not difficult ; but to create a new govemment, based
upon principles distinct and different from all the forms to which
the people had been accustomed ; to give to the hand of power that
strength which was necessary for the full execution of the law, and
at the same time prevent oppression ; to reserve to the people all
their proper rights, and yet check anarchy and confusion ; demanded
great sagacity.
The committee, consisting of such men as Samuel Johnston, Cor-
nelius Uarnett, Samuel Ashe, William Hooper and others, could not
agree upon any form of a constitution ; and after much debate and
frequent postponements, in thi^ body, the question was adjourned
by the appointment of Thomas Burke, Bichard Caswell, and others
as a committee to propose a temporary form of govemment until
the next session."
The system of the Council of Safety was adopted, and the Coun-
cil recommended to the people to elect, on the 15th of October,
delegates to a Congress appointed to assemble at Halifax, on the
12th of November following, which was "not only to make laws,
but also to form a Constitution which was to be the corner-stone
of all law; and, as it was well or ill ordered, would tend to the
happiness or misery of the State."
HISTOBT OF KOBTH OABOUKA.
85
This body met at the time and place recommended.
The following delegates appeared: —
Counties.
1. Anson
2. Beaufort
3. Bladen
4. Bertie
5. Brvnsmek
6. Bute
7. Craven
8. Carteret
9. Currituck
10. Chowan
11. Cumberland
12. Chatham
13. Dot>b9
14. Duplin
15. Edgecombe
16. Granville
17. Guilford
18. i2^<2e
19. Hertford
20. jETaZi/ax
21. Johnston
22. Mecklenburg
23. iTarfin
24. iVbr JETanooer
25. j\4»r/Aamp^(m
26. Oiw7oiD
27. Orange
Members.
(Thomas Wade, Dayid Love, William Picket, George
Dayidson, Charles Robertson.
' John Barrow, Thomas Respiss, Thomas Respiss, Jr.,
Francis Jones, Robert Tnpp.
/Thomas Pugh, John Johnston, William Gray, Noah
Hinton, Zedekiah Stone.
Maurice Moore, Cornelius Harnett, Archibald McLean,
Lewis Dupree, William Lord.
James Denton^ Thomas Eaton, Philemon Hawkins,
Benjamin Sewall, Benjamin Ward.
James Coor, William Bryan, John Bryan, Christopher
Neale, John Tilghman.
Solomon Shepard, Brice Williams, William Borden,
John Easton, Thomas Chadwick.
Samuel Jarvis, James White, Kedar Merchant, Hol-
lowell Williams, Thomas Williams.
James Blount, Thomas Benbury, Thomas Jones, Luke
\ Sumner, Jacob Hunter.
{Ambrose Ramsey, John Birdsong, Mial Scnrlock,
Isaiah Hogan, Jeduthan Harper.
, Richard Caswell, Simon Bright, Abraham Sheppard,
Benjamin Exum, Andrew Bass.
James Kenan, Thomas Gray, William Dickson, Wil-
liam Taylor, James Gillaspie.
Hayw(
Sessums, William Horn.
' William Haywood, Elisba Battle, Jonas Johnston, Isaac
Thomas Person, Robert Lewis, Memucan Hunt, Thorn-
ton Yancey, John Oliver. *
' David Caldwell, Joseph Hinds, Ralph Gorrell, Charles
Bruce, Isham Browder.
Joseph Hancock, John Jordan, Bei^amin Parmerle,
William Russel, Abraham Jones.
Lawrence Baker, William Mnrfree, Robert Sumner,
Day Ridley, James Wright.
' John Bradford, James Hogan, Willis Alston, Samuel
Weldon, Benjamin McCulloch.
Needham. Bryan, Jr., Samuel Smith, Jr., John Stevens,
HeniT Rains, Alexander Averyt.
John Pfifer, Robert Irwin, Zaccheus Wilson, Hezekiah
Alexander, Waightstiil Avery.
William Williams, Whitmell Hill, Thomas Hunter,
John Hardison, Samuel Smithwick.
John Ashe, Samuel Ashe, John Devane, Sampson
Mosely, John Hollingsworth.
Allen Jones, Jephtha Atherton, James Ingram, How-
ell Edmunds, Robert Peaples.
' John Spicer, Thomas Johnston, Benejah Doty, Edward
Starkey, Henry Rhodes.
James Saunders, William Moore, John McCabe, John
Atkinson, John Paine.*
* These seats were vacated, and on the 16th of December, 1776, Thomas
Burke, Nathaniel Rochester, Alexander Mebane, John Butler, and John
McCabe, took their seats from Orange.
86 HISTOBT or NOBTH OABOLDTA.
Counties. Members.
OQ x>.^^..«,^«. f Benjamin Ilarvey, Miles IlarveT, Thomas Harrey,
2f^. Perquimans j ^nHam Hooper, William Skinner.
29 Pasnuoiank \ Henry Abbot, Devotion Davis, Isaac Gregory, Demsey
^j. -rcMTtpwu/ww -s BuygQgg^ Lemuel Sawyer.
A/v p... (Benjamin May, William Robson, James Gorham,
du. i-ui < George Evans, Edward Salter.
Griffith Rutherford, Matthew Lock, William Sharpe,
( James Smith, John Brevard.
31. Powan
32. Surry
33. Ih/rrOl
Peter Wynn, Jeremiah Frazier, Isham Webb, Stephens
Lee, Benjamin Blount.
9 4 m^ ] Joseph Harden, Robert Abemathy, William Graham,
35. Wake
William Alston, John Barber.
Tignal Jones, James Jones, Michal Rogers, Jolm Rice,
Britain Fuller, William Brown.
Towns. — Bath, Parker Quince; Brunswick, Thomas Hadley ; Campbelton,
Joseph Hewes ; Edenton, Willie Jones ; Halifax, William Johnston ; Hills-
boro, Abner Nash; Newbem, David Nisbet; Salisbury, William Hooper;
Wilmington.
On motion of Allen Jones, Richard Caswell was elected president
of the body.
On the 13th, a committee was appointed consisting of Mr. Caswell, Thomas
Person, Allen Jones, John Ashe, Abner Nash, Willie Jones, Thomas Jones,
Mr. Bright, Mr. Neale, Samuel Ashe, Mr. Haywood, Gen. Rutherford, Mr.
Abbot, Luke Sumner, Thomas Respiss, Jr., 5lr. McLean, Mr. Hogan, and
Mr. Alexander, to form a bill of rights, and constitution for the State.
Mr. Hewes, Mr. Harnett, Mr. Sharpc, Mr. Spear, Mr. Avery, Mr. £aton»
Birdsong, Irwin, Hill, and Coor, were added afterwards.
On the 6th of December, Thomas Jones reported that the form
of the constitution was ready.
On the 18th, the Constitution w^ith the Bill of Rights was adopted ;
it was believed to be the production of Thomas Jones, Thomas Burke^
and Richard Caswell.
By an ordinance of this body the following ofBcers were elected : —
Richard Caswell, Governor of the State.
Jamks Glasgow, Secretary of State,
Cornelius Harnett, Edward Starkey,
Thomas Person, Joseph Leech,
William Day, Thomas Eaton,
William Haywood, Counsellors of State,
Thus was the good old ship fairly launched upon the ocean of
existence, under the auspices of patriotism. The debates that
occurred, the diflSculties encountered, the trials and conflicts of dif-
ferent views, are not recorded here. Our book is intended to be
one of facts, carefully examined and correctly stated.
But at this point of our labors, wo cannot but pause, and admire
the form of that constitution, that introduced system in ''an un-
tried state of being"— order, where before chaos existed. That it
was not perfect, is certainly true, for it was amended by the people
since (1835), and will be again. But the great principles it incul-
cates, the spirit of liberty it breathes, the trials of those who aided
HISTOBT OF NORTH CABOLIN^. 87
ito establishment, command alike our respect, gratitude and ad-
miration.
" Thou too, sail on, 0 ship of State,
Sail on, 0 Union I strong and great;
Humanity, with all its fears,
With atl the hope of future years,
Is hanging breathless on thy fate !
We know what masters laid thy keel,
What woiicmen wrought thy ribs of steel.
Who made each mast, and sail, and rope,
What anvils rang, what hammers beat,
In what a forge, in what a heat
Were shaped the anchors of thy hope."
CHAPTER II.
Life, character, services, and death of Richard Caswell, first (Governor of
North Carolina under the Constitution.
Richard Caswell was born in Maryland on the 3d of August,
1729.
From the pecuniary mishaps of his father, who was a respecta-
ble merchant, he was early thrown upon his own resources. By
nature bold, ardent and ambitious, such difficulties, instead of
embarrassing, only adde<l energy to his character.
At the age of seventeen, in 1746, he left his home to seek his
fortunes in the then colony of North Carolina. Bearing letters to
Gov. Johnston, the royal governor, from the Governor of Maryland,
he was fortunate to receive aid from him by employment in one of
the public offices.
Subsequently, he was appointed deputy surveyor of the colony,
and clerk of Orange County Coui*t.* By his enterprise, industry,
and prudence, he soon acquired fame, friends, and fortune.
He located in Lenoir County (then Dobbs County), and united
himself in marriage with Mary Mcllweane. She died, leaving one
son, William.
lie afterwards married Sarah, the daughter of Wm. Herritage,
an eminent attorney, under whom he had studied law. He had
.obtained a license and practiced the profession with great success.
His first appearance on tlie political stage was as member of the
Colonial Assembly, from Johnston County, in 1754.
So acceptable were his services that he continued to represent
the county until 1771.
♦ Extract from records of Orange County, 12th June, 1753.
''Richard Caswell, gentleman, brings into court a commission from the Hon.
James Hurrah, Esq., Secretary and Clerk of the Crown of said ProvincCi ap-
pointing him Clerk of the said County, and Clerk of the Peace, whicht being
Allowed, he took the several oaths, and subscribed the test"
88 HISTOBT OF KOBTH OABOLHTA.
In 1770 and 1771 he was cfaoBen speaker of the House of Oom-
mons.
He was also colonel of the militia of his connty, and as such
commanded the right wing of Gov. Tryon's forces in the battle of
Alamance fl6th May, 1771), which was the first time that he ex-
perienced tne conflict of arms, which was so congenial to his tem-
per, and in which he became so distinguished.
When the attempts of England to subjugate the colony became
no longer doubtful, Caswell did not hesitate to choose between
the rights of the people and the oppressions of sovereignty. In
1774 he was appointed one of the delegates to Congress, with Wm.
Hooper and John Hewes. He attended as delegate to the Conti-
nental Congress, at Philadelphia, in 1774-5-6, and received the
thanks of the Provincial Congress for his fidelity. On being
appointed, with Samuel Johnston (in Sept., 1775), one of the
treasurers of the State, the disordered finances of wnich demanded
his care, he resigned his seat in the Continental Congress.
But his military spirit was not inactive. In conjunction with
Colonel Lillington, he assembled the minute men of Dobbs (of
which he was Colonel) and the adjacent counties, to prevent tne
junction of the Tories under Gen. McDonald with Gen. Clinton,
in the Cape Fear, and in the battle at Moore's Creek, in New
Hanover, on the 27th of February, 1776, he overcame and routed
them, took their general prisoner, and completely subdued them.
In April, 1776, he was appointed, by the Provincial Congress,
Brigadier General of the Newbem District, and in November
following, took his seat as a member of the Provincial Congress at
Halifax. He was elected President of that body, unanimously,
which assembly formed our present State Constitution.
He received the thanks of the Congress for his gallantry at
Moore's Creek. By an ordinance of the same, was elected Gover-
nor of the State, which he held during the stormy and perilous pe-
riods of 1776, 1777, and 1778. He refused any compensation for
his services.
He conducted, with singular fidelity, the State through his term
as Chief Magistrate. After his term as Governor had expired, his
active spirit brooked no repose, for we find him seconding the friends
of liberty on the field of battle, and was with the North CaroUna
troops at Camden (16th August, 1780), which had not terminated
so disastrously to America, and the fame of General Gates, had
the councils of Caswell and De Ealb (who fell in that ill-fated con-
flict) been heeded.
In 1782, he was called again to the financial department of the
State, and was elected Comptroller-General, at the session of which
he was Speaker of the Senate.
He continued the discharge of both duties, until 1785, when he
was again elected Governor of the State ; a circumstance which
proves the unbounded popularity of Caswell, and the grateful esti-
mate of his patriotic services by the State.
HISTOBT 0? NOBTH 04B0LINA. 89
The General Assembly of 1787 elected him a delegate to the con-
vention which was to meet at Philadelphia in May, that year, to
form the Federal Constitution ; and conferred on lum the extraor-
dinary power, in case of his inability to attend, to select his succes-
sor. This important trust was not accepted by him ; but he dele-
gated Wm. Blount, whose name is appended to that instrument.
In 1789, he was elected Senator from the County of Dobbs (now
Lenoir and Grreene) to the General Assembly, and also a member
of the State Convention, which assembled in Fayetteville on the
third Monday in November, 1789, which ratified the Federal Con-
stitution (it havinff been rejected by a Convention which met at
Hillsboro' on the 21st of July, 1788).
He attended the meeting of the General Assembly at Fayetteville
in NoYember, and was elected Speaker of the Senate. But his
course was run. His exalted services and patriotic exertions did not
exempt him from calamity and misfortune. His youngest son was
lost at sea, on his passage from Charleston to Newborn. This
calamity was heightened by the opinion that he was captured by
pirates and murdered. This, and other events, threw a cloud over
his mind, from which he seemed never to have recovered. While
presiding in the Senate on the 5th of November, 1789, he was struck
with paralysis; and after lingering speechless, until the 10th, he
expired, in the sixtieth year of his age.
Messrs. Blount, Skinner, ^nd Bloodworth, of the Senate, and
Messrs. Davie, Stokes, Blount, Locke, Hawkins, and Person, of the
House, were appointed a Committee of Arrangements to superin-
tend his funeral ; an eulogium was pronounced over his remains,
and his body was conveyed to his family burial-place in Lenoir,
and there interred.
These facts, with an examination of his acts and services, will
afford some future pen an opportunity of writing the biography
of the first Governor of North Carolina under our constitution,
and the Annals of our State, commencing from his military career
in 1771, at Alamance, to the close of the Kevolutionary war.
His character does not claim the meed of distinguished literary
renown, or brilliant eloquence; but his acquirements were extensive,
and his knowledge deep and accurate. Nathaniel Macon, who had
been in Congress during the days of Washington, Adams, Jeffer-
son, Madison, and Monroe, to the time of Jackson, declared in
the convention of 1835, that " Governor Caswell, of Lenoir, was one
of the most powerful men that ever lived in this or any other coun-
try."* It is recorded of him that he committed to memory the
wnole four books of Blackstone, so as to be able to recite accurate-
ly any portion of the text from memory, verbatim.
As a statesman, his patriotism was unquestioned, his discern-
ment was quick, and his judgment sound; as a soldier, his courage
was undaunted, his vigilance untiring, his success triumphant.
* CottoQ, Life of Maoou, 178.
90 HISTOBT OF NOBTH CABOLDTA.
His character and his career, more than any of our reyolntion-
ary worthies, resembles that of the Father of nis country.
Like Washington, his early education was rather solid than showy ;
for both in early life were employed as surveyors.
Like Washington, when loyalty was a duty consistent with liberty,
he fought for the authorities of the country, for both were in the
field under the royal banners, and both as colonels of regiments:
the one under Braddock, the other under Tryon at Alamance.
Both refused from the State any compensation for their services.
Both were always equal to every position in which they were placed,
and faithfully discharged every trust committed to their charge.
Providence assigned to one a higher and more conspicuous posi-
tion. If Virginia is proud of Washington, North Carolina may
justly be proud of her Caswell.
" How sleep the brave, who sink to rest
With all their country's honors blest !
When Spring, with dewy fingers cold.
Returns to deck their hallowed mould,
She there shall dress a sweeter sod
Than Fancy's feet have ever trod.
By fairy hands their knell is rung,
Bv forms unseen their dirge b sung ;
There Honor comes, a pilgrim gray,
To bless the turf that wraps their clay ;
And Freedom shall awhile repair.
And dwell a weeping hermit there."
During the administration of Governor Caswell, the western dis-
trict of North Carolina revolted and formed a separate govern-
ment, independent of the State. As this event has escaped the
notice of every author of her history, and is full of incident
deeply interestmg, we give it a separate chapter.
CHAPTER III.
State of Fbankland, its rise, progress, and fall.
It may strike the reader of the present day with some surprise
that there was once a State called Frankland^ in honor of Benjamin
Franklin, the philosopher and patriot. Of its history, much is re-
corded, but, perhaps, little is kno>>Ti in the present day. It may
be curious as well as instructive, to trace the origin, rise, and down-
fall of this ancient sovereignty.
By the charter of Charles 11., granted to the Earl of Clarendon,
Duke of Albemarle, Lord Craven, and others, in 1663, all the ter-
ritory from the Virginia line on the north, to the south as far as
the Kiver Matthias, in Florida; from the Atlantic on the east, ^Ho
HI8T0BT or NORTH CAROLINA. 91
the westy as far as the South Seas, was given and granted to have^
use, and enjoy, and in as ample manner as any Bishop of Durham,
in our kingdom of England, ever heretofore have held, used, or
enjoyed, to them, the said Earl of Clarendon and others, and their
heirs forever,"
Without any examination into the title of "the right merrie
monarch,'' Charles II., to grant this munificent domain, as perhaps
it might appear as defective as the title of another royal character
in Sacred History,* who took our Saviour up into an exceeding
high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, ana
the glory of them, and said unto him, "All these things will I give
thee," when his majesty had not a single foot for himself; yet we
cannot but remark, on examination of the map, that the present
territoy^ of the United States, in her recent acquisitions by treaty,
from Mexico, just comprehend the chartered limits of ancient Caro-
lina in 1663.
As once this lovely domain belonged to our country, it is but
natural that it should seek its original position. It is stated by
some writer, when analyzing the affections of our natures, that the
love we bear to the softer sex is only a just effort of man's nature
to reunite to himself that portion of him, which, during sleep, was
taken from him; and again "thoy twain shall be one flesh."
May not fancy carry out the analogy to nations as well as
natures ?
For a long time, under the rule of the Lords Proprietors, the
dominion only extended over Albemarle County. In 1664, the
county extended from the Virginia line north to Cape Fear River
on the south, and skirting along the sea coast, extended only a
short distance west.
In 1729, when the Lords Proprietors surrendered to the crown
(except Lord Granville) all their franchises and rights, under
charter of Charles II., the precincts of North Carolina were Curri-
tuck, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Chowan, Craven, Beaufort, Bertie,
Hyde, and Carteret.*
Their territory was then nearly as it now exists. This is stated
on the authority of Williamson, f A more accurate author, as to
the dates and facts, makes a primary division of the State into
three Precincts.J
I. Albemarle, including Currituck, Pasquotank, Chowan, Ber-
tie, and Tyrrell.
II. Bath, including Beaufort, Hyde, Craven, and Carteret.
III. Clarendon, in which was New Hanover, comprehended the
whole western part of North Carolina and Tennessee, then, an un-
known land, inhabited only by savages and beasts of prey.
Whatever may have been the chartered rights of North Carolina^
♦ Matthew, iv. 8.
t Williamson's Historj of North Carolina, vol. ii. 246.
X Martin, i. 303.
92 HISTOBT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
in 1776, she only claimed jurisdiction as far west as the Iffississippi
River.
Even this claim, from the great distance of the seat of gOTem-
ment, the natural barrier of almost impenetrabll^ mountains, rapid
and deep rivers, and the savage natives, was never fully exercised,
and was destined to be surrendered by her.
The close of the Revolutionary War found the United States
involved in heavy responsibilities. Harassed by debt, importuned
by creditors, and conscious of the justice of these claims. Congress
devised many plans ; one was to solicit the States, owning vacant
lands, to throw them into common stock to pay off this conmion
debt of justice, honor, and gratitude.
This appeal did not fall idly on the State of North Carolina,
alive as she always has been to the calls of justice; and indignant
at the least suspicion of repudiation or perfiay.
In 1784, the General Assembly in April, at Hillsboro', among
other acts for the relief of the general government, ceded her west-
cm lands, and authorized her delegation in Congress to execute a
deed ; provided. Congress would accept this offer within two years.
This act, patriotic and self-sacrificing, was worthy of the State ;
and although not then accepted by Congress, was the real source
of the civil commotion which we are about to record.
The fearless pioneers of the west, who had gone to the wilder-
noHH, had suffered incredible hardships. Many were murdered by
the savages ; some had their wives and children massacred ; and aU
had Htiffcred in privation and property.
Tlioy viewed with much suspicion the act of 1784 ; and on the 23d
August, 1784, a convention met at Jonesboro', of which John
Skvjkr was chosen president, and Langdon Carter, clerk. They
resolved that a person be dispatched to Congress to press the ac-
ceptance of the offer of North Carolina, and adjourned to meet
again at the court house, in Washington County, on the 16th Sep-
tember, 1784.
The (Jenoral Assembly of North Carolina met at Newbem on
the 22d October, 1784, and repealed the act of the former session,
in consequence of which the convention at Jonesboro* broke up in
confusion.
On the 14th of December, 1784, when the people were assembled
at Jonesboro', John Sevier mounted the steps, and read a letter
from Joseph Martin, who had just returned from the General As-
sembly of North Carolina, which informed them that the Legisla-
ture had granted to the people of western North Carolina a general
ct>urt^ formed their militia into a bri^xj^de, appointed him a brigadier
general, and repealed the cession act of last session, '' Our griev-
ances/* said he, **are nnlressed, and we have nothing more to com-
plain of; my advice is to oonse all efforts to- separate from North
Cari>lina, but remain firm nud faithful to her laws."
This history forms but another example in our career, that " re-
rolntion^ takr no harkwani ftrjK' Feeble hands or feebler heads
HISTOBT OF NORTH OABOLINA. 98
may set a ball in motion, which will prostrate all who oppose its
career, and if it, as in Sevier's case, gives a momentary elevation,
ends in the final overthrow and disgrace of its projectors.
The spirit of the people was roused. In December 14th, 1784,
a conyention of five delegates from each county met at Jonesboro'.
John Sevibr was made president of this convention. They formed
a constitution for the State of Fbankland, which was to be re-
jected or received by another body, "fresh from the people," to
meet at Greenville in November, 1785. This body met at the
time and place appointed : the constitution was ratified ; Langdon
Carter was Speaker of the Senate ; William Cage Speaker of the
House of Commons. John Sevier was chosen Governor ; David
Campbell, Joshua Gist, and John Henderson, Judges of the Supe-
rior Court. Other officers, civil and military, were appointed.
The General Assembly of the State of Frankland, by a commu-
nication signed by both speakers, informed Richard Caswell, Esq.,
GoYemor of North Carolina, that the people of the counties of
Washington, Sullivan, and Greene, had declared themselves sove-
reign, and independent of the State of North Carolina.
Governor Caswell was a soldier and a statesman. He was not
of a temper to brook such high-handed measures. He issued, on
the 25th of April, 1785, his proclamation '^ against this lawless
thirst for power."
In this paper, written with great force and perspicuity, he states
that the act of cession had been repealed ; its repeal voted for by
those now engaged in the present revolt; that the authority of North
Carolina, executive, judicial, and legislative, had exercised a tender
regard for the people of the west ; and had granted them judges to
decide on their property and rights, and mihtary officers to protect
them. He denounced the revolt as a rank usurpation, the general
government deriving no benefit (the object of the cession act of
1784); the revenues of North Carolina had been seized, and the
authority of law defied. These measures would bring down ruin to
themselves and dishonor to the country. He warned all persons
concerned in this revolt to return to their duty and allegiance to
the State, and pay no obedience to the self-created authority of
Frankland, unknown to the constitution and imsanctioned by law.
He closed by informing them that the General Assembly of North
Carolina would soon be in session, before which al| these unlawful
acts would be laid ; advising them to bring forward their grievances
then, let their terms of separation be Imown, their proportion of
the public debt acknowledged, and such plans as were consistent
"With the honor of the State would generally be granted. But, if
this advice was not heeded, ^Hhey might be assured that the spirit
of North Carolina was not so damped, or her resources so exhausted,
that means, even to blood, would be resorted to to reclaim her re-
fractory citizens, and preserve her dignity and honor."
But the state of Frankland did not need this warning, so properly
expressed, and so dignified in its character and tone. It proceeded
94 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
to erect new counties, levy taxes, appropriate money, form treaties
with the Indians, and exercise all the powers and prerogatives of a
Sovereign State.
Mr. Cage was elected treasurer, and Stokely Doneldson, sur-
veyor; Daniel Kennedy and William Cocke, generals, and the lat-
ter (William Cocke), to represent their case to the Congress of the
United States. The imposing parade of oflSce, the host of new offi-
cers, and their dignities and powers, were formidable obstacles to
the restoration of the rule of North Carolina.*
The scarcity of money was severely felt. The salary of the
governor was £200, annually ; a judge, £150 ; the treasurer, £40 ;
to be paid from the treasury. The taxes were to be paid into
the treasury, in the circulating medium of Frankland, such as they
had, viz. : — " Good flax linen ten hundred, at three shillings and
six pence per yard ; good clean beaver skins, six shillings each ;
raccoon and fox skins, at one shilling and three pence ; deer skins,
six shillings ; bacon at six pence per lb. ; tallow at six pence ; good
whiskey, at two shillings and sixpence a gallon."
This has given rise to some humor at the expense of the State
of Frankland. It was referred to, in debate in our House of Com-
mons, 1827, by H. C. Jones, and in Congress some years ago by
the Honorable Daniel Webster ; which was replied to by Honorable
Hugh L. W^hite. It was pleasantly stated that the salaries of the
governor and judges were paid in fox skins, and the fees of the
sheriff and constables, in mink skins, and that the governor, the
sheriffs and constables were compelled to receive the skins at the
established price.
Even thw primitive currency was, by the ingenuity of man,
extensively counterfeited, by sewing raccoon tails to opossum skins ;
opossum skins being worthless, and abundant, and raccoon skins
were valued by law, at one shilling and three pence.
As a necessary consequence, public opinion was divided between
the advocates of the new State, and the adherents to the State of
North Carolina.
The General Assembly of North Carolina, assembled at Newbem,
in November, 1786, passed an act, to bury into oblivion the conduct
of Frankland, provided they returned to their allegiance, and ap-
pointed elections to be held in the different counties for members to
the General Assembly of North Carolina, and also appointed civil
and military officers to support those already appointed. The next
year, 1786, presented a strange state of affairs ; two empires ex-
tended at the same time over the same territory, and over the same
people.
Courts were held by both governments, military officers appoint-
ed by both, to exercise the same powers. John Tipton headed
the party for North Carolina, and John Sevier, the Frankland
party.
♦ History of Tonneftsee by Haywood, 150.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 95
Provocation on one side, was followed by outrage on the other,
which was repelled with greater violences. Court was held at Buf-
falo under authority of North Carolina, and at Jonesboro' (only ten
miles distant) under authority of Frankland.
While court was sitting at Jonesboro' this year, for Washington
County, Colonel Tipton, with a party, entered the court house,
seized the papers, and turned the justices out of the house. Colonel
Sevier's party retaliated and turned Thomas Gurly, the clerk, out
of court, sitting for North Carolina, in the same county. In 1786
in Greene County, Tipton broke up a court held under authority of
Trankland.
Tipton and Sevier met at Greensboro*, when an altercation arose,
and Sevier struck Tipton with a cane ; they instantly clinched, and,
after several blows, were separated without much damage to either,
or victory on either side. We are quaintly informed that had they
been uninterrupted, the laurels acquired by Sevier on King's Mount-
ain would have been dimmed by the stalwart arm of Tipton. This
Uliutrious example was followed by their adherents, and ^' feats of
broils and battle" were no uncommon occurrence.
Tlie next year taxes were imposed by both administrations, but
the people most innocently pretended that they did not know to
whom to pay ; so paid to neither. Thus deprived of one of the
chief means of government, the affairs of Frankland was approach-
ing to its end. Tipton and Sevier were both residents of Wash-
ington County. Sevier was a brave soldier; he had proved his
valor on King's Mountain ; but he was seduced by the allurements
of office and ambition —
•* The sin whereby the angels fell.'*
He applied to Dr. Franklin for advice and support ; to the Governor
(Matthews) of Georgia, and to Virginia ; from none did he receive
any aid or advantage. He realized, with fearful truth, the fable
of Gray —
'* The child who many fathers share,
Hath rarely known a father's care ;
And he who on many doth depend,
Will rarely ever find a friend.
In Sept. 1787, the Legislature of Frankland met for the last time at
Greenville. John Menifee was Speaker of the Senate, and Charles
Itobinson, Speaker of the House. They authorized the election of
two representatives to attend the Legislature of North Carolina ;
and one of the judges of Frankland was elected (David Campbell),
and her treasurer (Landon Carter), the other.
The people also, in this year, elected m^nbers. Davidson,
Greene, Washington, Hawkins, and Sullivan, sent members to
the General Assembly of North Carolina, which met at Tarboro'
on the 18th of November of that year. Thus acknowledging the
authority of North Carolina.
Had this been done earlier, how much labor would have been
96 HISTORY OF NOBTH CAROLINA.
saved, trouble, strife, and quarrels. Truly is the Divine injunction
worthy of all acceptance :* " Agree with thine adversary quickly,
while thou art in the way with hun ; lest at any time the adversary
deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer,
and thou be cast into prison."
Had the party of Sevier accepted the liberal, fair, and just pro-
position of Governor Caswell, in 1785, as stated previously, how much
pain and trouble would have been spared to this country, and how
much personal suffering to himself. With all his virtues, honesty,
and former public service, he was, at this time, a doomed man.
On the return of the members from the Assembly at Tarboro',
in February, 1788, it was soon understood that Ftankland was no
more.
An execution against the estate of General Sevier had been
placed in the hands of the sheriff, and levied on his negroes on
Nolichucky River. These were removed, for safe keeping, to the
house of Colonel Tipton.
Brave in his character, obstinate and headstrong, Sevier raised
one hundred and fifty men, and marched to Tipton's House,
on Watauga River, eight miles east of Jonesboro'. Tipton had
information of Sevier's design only time enough to obtain the aid
of some fifteen friends, who were with him on Sevier's arrival.
Sevier, with his troops and a small cannon, demanded the uncon-
ditional surrender of Tipton and all in the house. Tipton had bar-
ricaded the house, and in reply to the unceremonious demand, sent
him word "to fire and be d d." He then sent a written siun-
mons to surrender ; this letter Tipton forwarded forthwith to the
Colonel of the County for aid ; this aid, through Robert and Thomas
Love, was promptly afforded. The house was watched closely. A
man by the name of Webb was killed, a woman wounded in the
shoulder, and a Mr. Vann. While, from extreme cold, Sevier's
guards were at the fire, a large reinforcement from Sullivan County,
under Maxwell and Pemberton, passed the guard and joined the
beleaguered household. The moment the junction was formed, they
salliea out with shouts ; a tremor seized the troops of Sevier, who
fled in all directions at the first fire of Tipton. Pugh, the High
Sheriff of Washington, was mortally wounded and many taken
prisoners. Sevier himself escaped ; his two sons, James and John,
were prisoners.
The blood of Tipton was roused to such a heat that he was deter-
mined forthwith to hang these young men. Nothing but the
earnest supplications of Ins own men prevented the execution of
this rash design. Had he at this time taken Sevier, no power of
earth could have saved him.
Judge Spencer, one of the judges of the State of North Carolina,
holding court at Jonesborough, issued a bench warrant against
Governor Sevier for high treason (1788).
* Haywood's History of TeiiQesBee, 177.
HISTORY OP NORTH CAROLINA. 97
In October, Colonels Tipton, Love, and others apprehended oie-
^ier at the house of Mrs. Brown, near Jonesborough. Tipton was
sbrmed, and swore that he would kill Sevier ; and Sevier really
"thought he would do so. Tipton was, however, with much exertion,
3)acified. Handcufi^ were placed upon Governor Sevier, and he
"was carried to Jonesborough. From thence he was carried, under
strong guard, to Morganton, in Burke County, North Carolina, and
delivered to William Morrison, the sheriff of Burke.
As he passed through Burke, Gen. Charles McDowell and Gen.
Jos. McDowell (the latter who was with him in the battle at King's
Mountain, and fought by his side) became his securities for a few
days, until he could see some friends. He returned punctually,
and upon his own responsibility the sheriff allowed him time to
procure bail. His two sons, with friends, came to Morganton pri-
vately, and under their escort he escaped.
Thus the career of the first and la%t Governor of Frankland ter-
minated. But with all his defects, John Sevier had many virtues.
He was fearless to a fault; kind to his friends, Bxid hospitable to all.
This gave him great weight among the people, and although in the
General Assembly of North Carolina (Fayetteville), in 1788, gen-
eral oblivion and pardon were extended to all concerned in the late
revolt, John Sevier was specially excepted in the act, and debarred
from all offices of trust, honor, or profit.
The next year (1789), so great a favorite with the people was
Sevier, that he was elected from Greene, to represent that county
in the Senate of the General Assembly of North Carolina. H^
appeared at Fayetteville at the time appointed for the meeting
of the Legislature (2d Monday of November).
Such was the sense of his worth, or his contrition for the past,
that the Legislature passed early an act repealing the section dis-
qualifying mm from any office ; and on his taking the oath of alle-
giance, he was allowed his seat. Thus were the oifficulties settled.
North Carolina had ever been willing to allow her daughter to
set up for herself when of lawful age and under proper restrictions.
Cherishing this feeling, she was never unjust towards her fair and
lovely offspring.
On the 25th of February, 1790, as authorized bv a previous act
of the General Assembly, passed in the year 1785, Samuel John-
ston and Benjamin Hawkins, Senators in Congress, executed a deed
to the United States in the words of the cession act ; and on the
2d of April of that year, Congress accepted the deed, and Ten-
nessee was bom.
By proclamation, dated September 1, 1790, Governor Martin
announced that the Secretary of State for the United States, had
transmitted to him a copy of the act of Congress, accepting thq
cession of North Carolina for this district of the western territory,
and the inhabitants of said district "would take due notice thereof,
and govern themselves accordingly."
The parting of the mother ana daughtei", like that of all indulged
98 HISTOBT OF NORTH CAROLINA*
and unmly daughters from a yenerable mother, was joyfiil to both
parties. !Both were happier in the separation, and may both be
equally prosperous !
CHAPTER IV.
GoTemon of North Carolina, from Richard Oaswill, 1776,
to David S. Rbid, 1851.
1779. Abner Nash, of the County of Craven, succeeded Rich-
ard Caswell as Governor of North Carolina, in December, 1779.
Under the head of the county of each, the reader will find some
sketch of the life, character and services of each, as far as the
author has been enabled to procure information.
1781. Thomas Burke, of Orange County, was elected in July,
1781.
1782. Alexander Martin, of Guilford County.
1784. Richard Caswell, of Lenoir, again.
1787. Samuel Johnston, of Chowan County.
1789. Alexander Martin, of Guilford, again.
1792. Richard Dobbs Spaight, of Craven.
1795. Samuel Ashe, of New Hanover.
1798. William R. Davie, of Halifax.
1799. Benjamin Williams, of Moore.
1802. James Turner, of Warren.
1805. Nathaniel Alexander, of Mecklenburg.
1807. Benjamin Williams, of Moore, again.
1808. David Stone, of Bertie.
1810. Benjamin Smith, of Brunswick.
1811. William Hawkins, of Warren.
1814. William Miller, of Warren.
1817. John Branch, of Halifax.
1820. Jesse Franklin, of Surry.
1821. Gabriel Holmes, of Sampson.
1824. Hutchings G. Burton, of Halifax.
1827. James Iredell, of Chowan.
1828. John Owen, of Bladen.
1830. Montfort Stokes, of Wilkes.
1882. David L. Swain, of Buncombe.
1835. Richard Dobbs Spaight, of Craven.
These were elected by the General Assembly. The convention
of 1835, bavins amended the con3titution, the election of the Gover-
nor was transferred to the people, and, in August, 1836, the first
election was held, and Edward B. Dudley, of New Hanover, was
elected. He was inaugurated on the 1st of January, 1837.
HISTORY OF KORTH CAROLINA. 99
1841. John M. Morehead, of Guilford.
1845. Wm. a. Graham, of Orange.
1849. Charles Manly, of Wake.
1861. David S. Reid, of Rockingham.
CHAPTER V.
Judiciary ,x)f North Carolina — Its history — Lives and characters of Martin
Howard, Chief Justice ; Maurice Moore ; and Richard Henderson, Associate
Judges, under the royal government — The Judges of North Carolina, from
177o to 1861 — The Attorney-Generals, the Secretaries of State, the Trea-
surers of State, and the Comptrollers, from 1776 to 1851 — These statistics
are relieved by a specimen or legal wit worthy of preservation.
No less important than military affairs is the judicial history of
any country. Valor may vindicate rights and redress wrongs ; but
unless these are guarded by faithful and competent civil officers,
the welfare of the community suffers.
A history of the bench and bar of North Carolina, the charac-
ter and services of the profession, would be most interesting. Of
itself, it would fill volumes. No class of our commimity, during
ovur revolutionary struggles, entered into the dubious and danger-
ous contest more fearlessly than did the lawyers of that day. The
declaration of our independence was written by a lawyer ; our ap-
peals to the justice of the English nation were written by members
of this profession ; a majority of the first Congress were the same ;
twenty one of the fifty-six signers to the Declaration of Independ-
ence were lawyers ; the whole committee to whom the subject of
indcpendeBce^iu. r'efcrred were lawyerB, except one. In oL own
State, the early and angry discussions between the Colonial Judges
and Governor Tryon, the exertions of Hooper and others in coun-
cil, and Caswell, Davie, and others, in the field, prove the devo-
tion, sincerity, and patriotism of the profession of the law.
The colonial history of the judiciary under the proprietary and
regal governors of North Carolina did not allow the profession that
weight in the community that its importance merited. With des-
potic governors, and among a vagarious and restless population,
rules of action declaring rights and prohibiting wrongs, were but
little regarded.
By the fundamental Constitutions of Carolina (1669), drawn
up by John Locke, it was declared " to be a base and vile thing to
plead for money or reward" in any of the courts of law.
One of the complaints of the Assembly against Gov. Dobbs, in
1760, was that he had ^^for the fee of four pistoles, granted
licenses to plead law, to ignorant persons."
Williamson informs us that to 1708, there had been but two exe-
100 BISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
cutions for capital offences in the State, and not until 1722 were
there any court-houses in North Carolina.
Such was the state of anarchy just before our Revolution (1778),
that Mr. Quincy, of Boston, who was traveling through the State,
says " that there were no courts in being. No one can recover a
debt except before a magistrate."*
This was owing to the conflict of opinion between Martin and
the Assembly, as regards the power of the Governor to appoint
judges, and the rights of the people under the attachment laws.
Our previous pages have shown that under the proprietary go-
vernment, in 1716, the judicial power was vested in
I. Precinct Courts;
II. General Courts;
III. Courts of Chancery.
The first was held in each precinct by four justices, appointed
and commissioned by the Governor ; the second, by the Chief
Justice and seven assistants ; and the third, by the Governor and
the deputies of the Lords Proprietors.
In 1746, under the royal government, the judiciary was remodeled,
and " the General Court" was held twice a year by the Chief Jua-^
tice and three associates, at Newborn.
The Chief Justice was appointed and commissioned by the Crown,
and the Associate Judges by the Governor and Council.
In 1767, the Province was divided into six Judicial Districts :
Wilmington, Newbern, Edenton, Halifax, Hillsboro, and Salisbury ;
Courts were held twice a year in each place by the Chief Justice and
two Associate Justices.
County Courts were established in each and every county at the
same time.
The first edition of the laws was by Swann, published in 1762,
called "yellow jacket;*' the second, by Davis, in 1765; the third,
by same, in 1773 ; the fourth, by Judge Iredell, in 1790 ; the fifth,
by Martin, in 1803 ; the sixth, by Potter, Taylor and Yancy, in
1821 ; the seventh, by Battle, Iredell and Nash, in 1836 ; the eighth,
now being done imder care of Hon. R. M. Saunders, Hon. Asa Biggs
and B. F. Moore, Esq. (late Attorney-General of the State), 1851.
Martin Howard was appointed by the crown to succeed George
Berry, whose melancholy fate we have recorded during the admin-
istration of Governor Tryon, as Chief Justice, and Maurice Moore
and Richard Henderson, Associate Justices, under the act of 1767 ;
these held their offices imtil 1773, when the law expired. From
the altercations between the Governor and Assembly, and the troubled
times in political matters, the courts were closed.
'* Inter anna leges 6ilent.''t
The character of Martin Howard, as it appears on the record,
is that of a tyrant. Forced by popular indignation to fly from Rhode
* Memoirs of Josiah Quinoj, Jr., p. 123.
t Among arms, laws are silent.
BISTORT OF KOBTH CABOLDTA. 101
Island, where he was one of the royal judges, he sought quiet in the
retirement of North Carolina.
Here he was appointed one of Governor Tryon's counsellors, and
on the death of Judge Berry, Chief Justice of the colony, by the
recommendation of Tryon. He was the willing tool to " The Bloody
Wolf of Carolina." His oppressive conduct in the trial of the
Regulators at Hillsboro', and ferocious temper, associate him in
history with Jeflfreys, and other Judicial despots.
From Sabine's "American Loyalists,"* I learn that, in 1774,
" Howard's judicial functions ceased, in consequence of the tumults
of the times. The suspension from office of one who was notoriously
destitute of not only the virtues of humanity, but of all sympathy
with the community in which he lived, was a matter of much joy.
In 1775 he was present in council, and expressed the highest detest-
ation of unlawful meetings, and advised Governor Martin to forbid
the assembling of the convention in Newbern."
In July 1777 he left North Carolina for the north. He died
in exile during the Revolution.
Mauricb Moore's character presented a favorable contrast.
Deeply imbued with the true spirit of liberty, although his duty
might cause him to sit in judgment upon the Regulators, yet
his feelings deeply sympathized with their oppressed condition.
The following letter (extracted from Herman Husband's book) will
show that he was strongly suspected of countenancing the condition
of the Regulators. Of one thing we are assured, that the Judge
and the Governor entertained the most bitter animosity towards
each other. *
SpBiNOFiSLDy August 12ihf 1768.
To Colonel Edmund Fanning :
Dear Sir — As much as I hate writing, I am determined to
scratch this side down with a bad pen and worse ink, on the subject
of the insurrection in your county, which I am sorry to hear has
grown formidable ; and much more so, that it is ascribed to me as
its author and encourager.
I have been caluminated before, but never so capitally as in this
case.
I assure you it gives me much concern, in spite of the consola-
tion which a clear conscience affiards me. I never knew, or even,
as I know of, ever saw any man or men engaged in this imlucky
affair, except Himter and Howell, and I made you fully acquainted
with the advice I gave them ; but I shall say no more on this head.
I have blackened my page, and must conclude my letter with assur-
ing you I esteem you, and am your most obedient, &c.,
M. MOORE.
Judge Moore addressed to Governor Tryon a letter of great
length, signed Atticus,t which, while it shows the true character of
* Lorenzo Sabine's American Loyalist?, 369. Boston, Little & Brown, 1847.
t See Jones's Defence of North Carolina, p. 57.
102 HISTO&T OF NOBTH CAROLINA.
Tryon, in its real and odious colors, proves that he wielded the pen
of a Junius in invective and severe sarcasm.
Judge Moore was a true friend to his country. He was, after
Independence was declared, in the General Assembly, and -asso-
ciated on important committees. He was a member of the Pro-
vincial Congress which met at Hillsboro*, in August 1775* He,
with William Hooper, Richard Caswell, Robert Howe, and Joseph
Hewes, were a committee to address the citizens of the BritiiBh
empire on the wrongs of America and the oppressions of England.
The importance of the subject, the illustrious names associated
with Judge Moore, proves the high appreciation of his talents,
patriotism, and virtues by his associates. He was the father of
the late Judge, Alfred Moore, who was distinguished as a soldier
and a statesman, and for whose biography the reader is referred to
Brunswick County. He died in 1777 ; at the same time his brot&er,
Colonel James Moore, died, on his way to join the army of the
north, under General Washington. (See Brunswick County, vol. xi.
chap, viii.)
Richard Henderson, the remaining Colonial Judge, was the
son of Samuel Henderson. He was born in Hanover County, Vir-
ginia, on the 20th of April, 1735. His ancestors by his father's side
were from Scotland, arid his mother's side (Williams) from Wales.
His father came to Granville County about 1745 ; and subse-
quently was appointed the sheriflF of that countv. The duties in
which his son was employed aflForded that practical knowledge of
men and things, for which Judge Henderson was distinguished in
after life. His early education was as good as the state of the
country afforded.
He read law with his cousin, the late Judge Williams, for twelve
months. When he applied for license to the Chief Justice of the
colony, whose duty it was to examine applicants, and on his cer-
tificate a license to practice was issued by the Governor, he was
asked how long he had read, and what books ? When the limited
time was stated, and the number of books that he had read, the
Judge remarked that it was useless to go into any examination, as
no living man could have read and digested the works he had
named, in so short a time. With great promptness and firmness,
young Henderson replied, that it was his priWlege to apply for a
license, and the Judge's duty to examine him ; and, if he was not
Jualified, to reject him; if qualified, to grant the certificate. The
udge, struck with his sensible and spirited reply, proceeded to a
most scorching examination. So well did the young man sustain
himself, that the certificate was granted, with encomiums upon his
industry, acquirements, and talents.
He soon rose to the highest ranks of his profession ; and honors
and wealth followed.
A vacancy occurring on the bench, he was appointed by the
Governor a Judge of the Superior Court. He sustained this digni-
fied position with fidelity and credit, during an excited and interest-
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 108
ing period. He was forced on one occasion to leave Hillsboro' by
the disturbances of the Regulators.'*'
The troubled times shut up the courts of justice.
In* 1774 the Cherokee Indians offered for sale their lands. He
formed a company with John Williams and Leonard Hendly Bullock,
of Granville; William Johnston, James Hogg, Thomas Uart, John
Lutterell, Nathaniel Hart and David Hart, of Orange County, and
made a treaty on the banks of the Watauga River. He purchased
from the Indians, for a fair consideration, all their lands south of
the K^itucky River, beginning at the mouth or junction of said
river with the Ohio to its source, thence south into Tennessee, until
a westwardly line should cross the Cumberland Mountain so as to
strike the ridge which dirides the waters of the Tennessee River from
those of the Cumberland, and with that ridge to the Ohio River, and
with that river to the mouth of the Kentucky River aforesaid; in-
cluding a large portion of the States of Tennessee and Kentucky.
The company took possession of the lands on the 20th of April,
1775 ; the Indians appointing an agent, John Farrar, to make a
delivery according to law.
The Governor of North Carolina, Martin, issued his proclama-
tion in 1775 declaring this purchase illegal. The State subse-
quently granted 200,000 acres to the company in lieu of this.
The State of Virginia declared the same, but granted the com-
pany a remuneration of two hundred thousand acres, bounded by
the Ohio and Green Rivers.
The State of Tennessee claimed the lands, but made a similar
grant to the eompany in Powell*s Valley.
In 1779 Judge Henderson was appointed a commissioner to extend
the line between Virginia and North Carolina into Poweirs Valley.
His associates on this commission, were Oroondates Davis, John
Williams of Caswell, James Kerr, and William Bailey Smith. A
difficulty arose as to the true latitude of 86^ 30^', and the commis-
eioR was closed.
This same year. Judge Henderson opened a land office, at the
French Lick^ now Nashville, Tennessee, for the sale of the com-
pany's lands.
In the summer following he returned home, where in the bosom
of his friends and family, he enjoyed the evening of life in peace
and plenty. On the 30th of January, 1785, he died at his seat in
Granville, loved and esteemed by all who knew him.
He left (by his marriage with Elizabeth Keeling, a stepdaughter
of the late Judge Williams) six children, Fanny, born 1764, who
married Judge McCay, of Salisbury; Richard, born July 1766;
Archibald, born August 1768; Elizabeth, who married Alexander,
bom 1770 ; Leonard, bom 1772 ; and John Lawson Henderson,
born 1778.
* See deposition of Ralph McNair, and letter of Judge Henderson, and de-
position of Waigbstill Avery (procured from State Paper Offices in London),
now for the first time printed. (Ohap. on Alamance, vol. iL chap. L)
104 HISTORY OF NOBTH CAROLINA.
All four sons studied the same profession for whicli their father
had been so distinguished ; and their reputation did not disgrace
their ancestor. Richard died at the early age of 30, but gave every
promise of distinction, had his life been spared ;* Archibald was the
head of his profession, in Western Carolina, a distinguished member
of Congress, and the legislature (see Rowan County). f Leonard
was one of the first lawyers of his day, and attained the eminence
of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina ; and
John, the youngest son, was blessed with a clear mind, and was
distinguished for his learning ; but, from a diffidence of manner,
never exerted himself to use those means to attain the eminence of
his illustrious brothers. He was a member of the legislature from
Salisbury, Comptroller of the State in 1825, and died at Raleigh in
1843, while attending to his duties as Clerk of the Supremo Court.
The Judiciary early received from the State Congress that atten-
tion its importance deserved.
The first General Assembly that met under the State Oonstitu-
tion, at Newbern, in April, 1777, revised the whole statute law;
and superior courts were held semi-annually at Wilmington, New-
bern, Edenton, Halifax, Hillsboro*, and Salisbury. Three Judges
were elected (John Williams, of Granville, Samuel Ashe, of New
Hanover, and Samuel Spencer, of Anson).
Morganton was established as a Judicial District, in 1782 ; and
Fayetteviile, in 1787.
Equity jurisdiction was given by act of 1782.
In 1790 a fourth Judge was added ; the State divided into two
ridings, and a Solicitor-General was appointed.
In 1806, Superior Courts were established in each county, and
two additional Judges and four Solicitors were appointed; another
Judge has been added since, and this system continues to this
day. One of the Judges of the Superior Court semi-annually
holds a court in each county in the State, and a Solicitor to prose-
cute in behalf of the State. The Judges cannot twice ride the
same circuit in succession. They are elected by the legislature
during good behavior ; and each receives a salary of one thousand
nine hundred and fifty dollars a year, which cannot be diminished
during their continuance in office.
When the business demands, the Judge may appoint a special
term to hear and end the suits in any county. The Governor spe-
cially appoints some Judge for this purpose, for which he receives
ninety dollars. The appeal lies from these decisions to the
SUPREME COURT.
This tribunal was created in 1818, as it exists at present. Pre-
vious to this, the Judges of the Superior Courts were directed (act of
1799) to meet to settle questions of law and equity at Raleigh twice
♦ The father of Archil>ald Henderson, of Salisbury, and Mrs. N. Bojden.
t See Sketch of his Life. (Chapter, Granville.)
HISTORT 07 NORTH CAROLINA. 105
a year, and was called the Court of Conference. By act of 1805,
it was styled the Supreme Court. By the act of 1818, the Judges
of the Superior Courts were excused from this duty and confined to
circuits, and three Judges were elected by the Legislature, who hold
their offices during good behavior, who meet twice a year in the city
of Raleigh, and once a year at Morganton, to determine questions
of law and equity.
JUDGES OP THE SUPREME COURT.
John Louis Taylor^ of Cumberland, elected 1818, died Jan. 1829.
Leonard Hendersony of Granville coimty, elected 1818, died Aug.
1833.
John ffally of Warren, elected 1818, resigned Dec. 1832.
John JD, ToomeVj Cumberland county, appointed June, 1829, re-
signed 1829.
Thomas Ruffin, of Orange county, elected 1829.
Joseph J, JDanielj of Halifax county, elected 1832, died Feb.
1848.
William Gaston^ of Craven county, elected 1833, died 1S44.
Frederick Nash, of Orange county, appointed 1844.
William S. Battle^ of Orange county, elected 1848, resigned
Dec. 1848.
Richmond M. Pearson, of Davie county, elected 1848.
At present Thomas Ruffin, Frederick Nash and Richmond Pear-
soHy are the Judges of the Supreme Court of North Carolina.
For sketches of the lives and characters of the judges, the reader
is referred to the respective counties from which they are appointed.
JUDGES OF THE SUPERIOR COURTS OP NORTH CAROLINA, FROM 1777
TO 1851.
1777 to 1790. John Williams, of Granville County, died Octo-
ber, 1799. Samuel Ashe, of New Hanover, elected Governor
in 1796. Samuel Spencer, of Anson, died 1794.
1790. Spruce McCay, of Rowan, died 1808.
John Haywood, of Halifax, elected 1794 ; resigned in 1800.
Alfred Moore, of Brunswick, elected in 1798 ; appointed Asso-
ciate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, December
10th, 1799.
John Louis Taylor, of Cumberland, elected in 1798 ; appointed
Judge of the Supreme Court of North Carolina in 1818; died
February, 1829.
Samuel Johnston, of Chowan, appointed February 10th, 1800 ;
resigned November 18th, 1803.
John Hall, of Warren, elected in 1800; appointed Judge of
Supreme Court in 1818 ; resigned December, 1832 ; died 1833.
Francis Locke, of Rowan, elected in 1803 ; resigned February
7th, 1814.
David Stone, of Bertie, elected in 1795, resigned in 1798,
and elected in 1806 ; elected Governor in 1808.
106 BISTOEY Olf NOETH €AEOLIKA«
Samuel Lowrky of Mecklenburg, elected in 1806 ; died Decem-
ber, 1818.
Blake Baher^ of Warren, appointed in 1808 ; commission expired
December, 1808 ; appointed August 11, 1818 ; died in 1818.
Leonard Henderaon^ of Granville, elected in 1808 ; resigned in
1816 ; elected Judge of the Supreme Court in 1818 ; died August,
1833.
Joshua Crranger Wright^ of New Hanover, elected in 1808 ; died
in 1811.
Senry Seawelly of Wake, appointed July 5th, 1811 ; commission
expired in 1811 ; appointed in 1813 ; resigned in 1819 ; elected in
1832 ; died in 1835.
Edward Harris^ of Craven, elected in 1811 ; died 1813.
Duncan Cameron^ of Orange, appointed February, 1814; re-
signed November, 1816.
Thomas Ruffin^ of Orange, elected 1816 ; resigned December,
1818 ; appointed July 15, 1825 ; resigned in 1828 ; elected Judge
of the Supreme Court in 1829.
Joseph J. Daniel^ of Halifax, appointed March, 1816 ; elected
Judge of the Supreme Court in 1832 ; died February, 1848.
Robert S, Burton^ of Lincoln, appointed March, 1818 ; resigned
in 1818.
John Paxtonj of Rutherford, elected in 1818 ; died in 1826.
John D. Toomery of Cumberland, elected in 1818 ; resigned in
1819 ; appointed Judge of the Supreme Court in 1829 ; commission
expired December, 1829 ; elected in 1836 ; resigned in 1840.
Frederick Nash^ of Orange, elected in 1818 ; resigned in July,
1826 ; elected in 1836 ; transferred to the Supreme Court in 1844.
Archibald i>. Murphy ^ of Orange, elected in 1818 ; resigned in
1820.
James Iredell^ of Chowan, appointed March, 1819; resigned
May, 1819.
John R, Donnely of Craven, appointed in 1819 ; resigned in
1836.
Willie P. Mangum^ of Orange, elected in 1819, resigned in 1823;
appointed May 18, 1826 ; commission expired in 1826 ; elected in
1828 ; elected Senator to Congress in 1830.
William Norwood^ of Orange, appointed Aug. 17, 1820; re-
signed in 1836.
Cfeorge JE, Badger, of Wake, elected in 1820 ; resigned in 1825.
Robert Strange, of Cumberland, elected in 1826 ; elected Senator
to Congress in 1836.
James Martin, of Rowan, elected in 1826 ; resigned in 1835.
David L, Swain, of Buncombe, elected in 18B0 ; elected Go-
vernor in 1832.
* Thomas Settle^ of Rockingham, elected in 1832.
* Those marked *, constifcate the present Judges of the Superior Courts of
Law and Equity for North Carolina.
BISTORT OW NORTH OABOLDTA. 107
Itamultts M. Sawidergy elected in 1835 ; resigned in 1840.
Edward Hally of Warren, appointed February, 1840 ; commis*
Bion expired January, 1841.
*John M, Dick, of Guilford, elected in 1835.
*John L. Bath, of Pasquotank, elected in 1836.
Richmond M, Pearatm, of Davie, elected in 1836 ; transferred to
the Supreme Court in 1848.
* David F, Caldwell^ of Rowan, appointed in 1844.
^Matthias U. Manly, of Craven, elected December, 1840.
Augustits Moore, of Chowan, appointed in 1848; resigned the
same year.
* Wm, H. Battle, of Edgecombe, appointed in 1840 ; appointed to
the Supreme Court in 1848 ; resigned in December, 1848 ; elected
to the Superior Court in ^January, 1849.
*John W. Ellii, of Rowan, elected in 1848.
ATTORNEY-GENERALS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Waightstill Avery, of Burke County, elected in 1777 ; resigned
in 1779.
Blake Baker, of Edgecombe, elected in 1794 ; resigned in 1803.
ffutchina G, Burton, of Halifax, elected in 1810 ; resigned in
November, 1816,
William Drew, of Halifax, elected in 1816 ; resigned in Novem-
ber, 1825.
John R. J. Daniel, of Halifax, elected in 1834.
* William Eaton, Jr., of Warren, in 1851.
Oliver Fitta, of Warren, in 1808.
John Haywood, of Halifax, in 1791.
James Iredell, of Chowan, in 1779.
Robert H. Jone%, of Warren, in 1828.
Alfred Moore, of Brunswick, in 1790.
William Miller, of Warren, in 1810.
Httgh McQueen, of Chatham, in 1840.
Bartholomew F, Moore, of Halifax, in 1848.
Romulus M. Saunders, of Caswell, in 1828.
Edward Stanly,, of Beaufort, in 1847.
Henry Seawell, of Wake, in 1803.
John L. Taylor, of Cumberland, in 1808.
James F. Taylor, of Wake, in 1825 ; died in June, 1828.
Spier Whitaker, of Halifax, elected in December, 1842.
SECRETARIES OF STATE.
James Glasgow, of Dobbs County, in 1777.
William White, of Lenoir, in 1778 to 1810.
* William Hill, of Rockingham, from 1811 to present date.
TREASURERS OF THE STATE.
Richard Caswell, for the northern part ; Samuel Johnson for the
southern part, 1776.
* At present in oonunisaion.
108 BISTOBY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Memucan Eunty of Granville, 1777.
John Haywood^ of Edgecombe, 1787.
John S. Haywood^ of Wake, 1827.
William S. Bobards, of Granville, 1827.
Robert S. Burton^ of Lincoln, 1830.
William S. Mhoon^ of Bertie, December, 1830.
Samuel F. Patterson, of Wilkes, 1835.
Daniel W. Courts, of Surry, Jan. 1837.
Charles L. Hinton, of Wake, April, 1839.
John H. Wheeler, of Lincoln, 1843.
Charles L. Hinton, 1845.
* Daniet W. Courts, 1851. *
COMPTROLLERS.
Comptroller's department established in 1782.
John Craven, of Halifax, 1783.
Samuel Goodunn, of Cumberland, December, 1808.
Joseph Hawkins, of Warren, December, 1825.
John L. Henderson, of Rowan, 1827.
James Grant, of Halifax, November, 1827.
Nathan Stedman, of Chatham, November, 1834.
William F, Collins, of Nash, December, 1836.
* William J. Clarke, of Wake, 1851.
A History of the Bench and Bar of North Carolina vnll, we
trust, at some period be published. Its members have been, at all
periods, the firm friends of popular rights, and ready defenders of
the privileges of the many against the encroachments of the few.
They, as a body, are remarkable for their assiduity, fidelity, and
poverty. The following is preserved as a specimen of " the genuine
^ttic,'* copied from the Greensboro' Patriot many years since. The
pames are familiar to western North Carolina.
^ ^ In one of our western courts, while Mr. James R. Dodge (now
tJlerk of the Supreme Court), a relative of the Hon. Washington
Irving, was making a speech, a triumvirate (Messrs. Swain, Hill-
man, and Dews) perpetrated, "with malice aforethought," this jeu
d'esprit, which Mr. Dodge found lying on his table before him
when he had finished his speech.
EPITAPH ON JAMES R. DODGE, ESQ., ATTORNEY AT LAW.
" Here lies a Dodge, who dodged all good,
And dodged a deal of evil,
Who, after dodging all he could,
He could not dodge the Devil."
He read the paper, and impromptu replied —
ANOTHER EPITAPH ON THREE ATTORNEYS.
" Here lies a Hillman and a Swain,
Whose lot let no man choose ;
They liv'd in sm, and died in pain,
And the Devil got his Dews'' (dues).
* At present in Gommissioiu
EISTOKT OF KOKIH CABOLIKA.
109
CHAPTER VI.
A list of the members of the Continental Congress frotn North Carolina,
before the adoption of the Constitution (formed at Philadelphia, in May
1787) ; and a Hst of the Senators and KepresentatiTes in Congress, from
this State, from 1789 to 1851 ; with the ratio of representation for each
decade, and the number of members in the House — Present Congressional
districts by act of 1846, and the members of each.
The Continental Congress first met at Philadelphia, Septem-
ber 5th, 1774. In January, 1786, it met at New York, which con-
tinued to be the place of meeting until the adoption of the con-
stitution. General Washington was inaugurated President at this
place, on 30th April, 1789.
MEMBERS FROM NORTH CAROLINA TO THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS
BEFORE THE ADOPTION OF THE CONSTITUTION.
From To
Ashe^ John B.
Bloodworth, Timothy
Bloant, William
Burke, Thomas
Burton, Robert
Caswell, Richard
Camming, William
Harnett, Cornelius
Hawkins, Benjamin
Hews, Joseph
HiU, Whitmill
Hooper, WiUiam
1787
1786
(1782
11786
1777
1787
1774
1784
1777
1781
1786
fl774
1779
1778
1774
1788
1787
1783
1787
1781
1788
1776
1784
1780
1784
1787
1777
1780
1781
1777
From To
Johnston, Samuel
Jones, Allen
Jones, Willie
Nash, Abner
Penn, John
Sitgreaves, John
Sharpe, William
Spaight, Richard D.
Swan, John
Williams, John
Williamson, Hugh
White, Alexander
1780
1779
1780
(1782
' 1785
1775
■ 1777
1784
1779
1783
1787
1778
(1782
11787
1786
1782
1780
1781
1784
1786
1776
1780
1785
1782
1785
1788
1779
1785
1788
1788
8BNATE.
Those marked * are at present in Congress, 1851.
♦Badeer, (George E.
Bloodsworth, Timothy
Branch, John
Brown, Bedford
Franklin, Jesse
Graham, William A.
Hawkins, Benjamin
Haywood, William H.
Iredell, James
Johnston, Samuel
In.
1846
1795
1823
1829
(1799
11807
1841
1789
1843
1828
1789
Out.
1855
1801
1829
1841
1805
1813
1843
1795
1846
1831
1793
Locke, Francis
Macon, Nathaniel '
♦Mangum, W. P.
Martin, Alexander
Stokes, Montfort
Stone, David
Strange, Robert'
Turner, James
In.
1814
1815
(1831
i 1841
(1848
1793
1816
1801
1813
1837
1805
1
Out.
1815
1828
1837
1847
1853
1799
1823
1807
1814
1841
1816
HISTOKT OF NOBTH CAROLHTA.
BODSI or Rt PRESENT ATITBS.
Aleiander, EvEn
1805
1809
Fomey, Peter
Franklin, Jesse
1813
1815
AlexRDder, Nathaniel
1803
1805
1795
1797
AUton, Willis
1799
1803
Franklin, Meshack
1807
1815
Alston, WilUs, Jr.,
1803
1815
Qaston, William
1813
1817
1826
1831
Gfttlin, Alfred M.
1823
1825
ArringMn, A. U.
Aaiie, J(.hD Ji.
1841
1790
1845
1793
Gillespie, James
1793
1803
1799
1805
•AbIip, William S.
1849
1853
Graham, James
1833
1843
BiggB. Asa
1845
1847
1845
1847
Bnrrirgcr, Daniel L.
1826
1835
Oroi-o, William B.
1791
1803
Bamnirer, Daniel M.
Betbune, Laughlb
1843
1831
1849
1833
Hall, Thomas H.
fl817
11827
1825
1835
1803
1809
Hn-vvkins, M. T.
1831
1841
Blackledge, William S.
1811
1813
Henderson, Archibald
1799
1803
1821
1823
Hill, John
1839
1841
Bkiodwortb, runotliT
1790
1791
Hill, WillUm H.
1799
1803
1703
1799
Uinea, ilichard
J 825
1821
Blonnt, Thomu
1805
1811
1809
1812
Holland, James
11795
11801
1797
1811
Bnnoh, John
1831
1833
Holmes, Gabriel
1825
1829
Brjan, Nathan
Bryan. John II.
1795
1825
1798
1829
Hooks, Charles
(1816
11819
1817
1825
Brjaa, Joseph H.
1815
1819
Johnson, Charles
'l801
1802
Burgess, Dempaj
1795
1798
Kenan, Tiiumas
1805
1811
BurUin, HiitehinsO.
1819
1824
1803
1805
BTDum, Jesse A.
1833
1841
Kennedy, WUiiam
1809
1811
Boyden, Nathaniel
Caldfrell. Green W.
1847
1849
1812
1815
1841
1843
King, William R.
Loci, Matthew
1811
181ft
•Caldwell, Joseph P.
1840
1851
1793
1799
Carson, Samuel P.
1825
1933
Long, John
1821
1829
Clark, James W.
1815
1817
Love, William C.
1815
1817
Clark, Henry S.
1845
1847
Macon, Nathaniel
1791
1805
Cucamn, James
1800
1813
Mangum, W. P.
1823
1820
Conner, H. W.
1821
1841
McBride, Archibald
1809
1813
Crudup, Joiiuh
1821
1807
1823
1809
McDowel, James
fl793
11797
1795
1799
Cnlpeppar, John
1813
1817
McFarland, Duncan
1805
1807
1819
1821
McKay, James J.
1831
1849
*CliBginaa, Thomas Xj,
1823
1843
1847
1825
1845
1853
McNeil, Archibald
Mebane, Alexander
(1821
11825
1793
182t
1827
1794
•Daniel, J. R. J.
1841
1853
Mitchell, Anderson
1842
1843
DaridsoD, William
1818
1821
1835
1841
DaWBon, William G.
1793
1795
Monlford, (Jcorge
1817
1819
Dobbin, James C.
1845
1847
■■Morehead, James T.
1851
1853
1829
1831
Murfree. William H.
1813
1817
Deberry. Edmund
1833
1845
OulUw, OeorcB
1824
1828
1849
1851
•Outlaw. David
1847
1853
"Dockerj, Alfred
1845
1851
1847
1853
Ovren, Jag.
Pettigrow, E.
1817
1835
181S
1837
Dickens, Samuel
1810
1817
Pearson, Joseph
Pickens, Israel
1809
1815
Donnell, R. S.
1847
1849
1811
1817
Dixon, Joseph
1799
1801
Potter, Robert
1829
1831
Dudly, Edward B.
1829
1831
Purviance, Samuel D.
1803
1805
Edwards, Weidon N.
1816
1827
Rayner, Kenneth
1839
1845
Fisher, Charles
1819
1839
1821
1841
Renoher, Abraham
(1829
(1841
1839
1843
Forney, Daniel U.
1S15
1818
Raid, DaridS.
1843
1847
BISTORT 01* KORTH CAROLINA.
HI
HOUSE OF RBPRisENTATiYES — Continued.
la. OuL
Sanndera, R. M.
Sawyer, Lemuel
Sa;wTer, S. T.
Settle, Thomas
SeTier, John
Shadwick, William
Sheppard, Charles B.
Sheppard, William B.
Shepperd, A. H.
Smith, James S.
Slocamb, Jesse
Speight, Jesse
Spaight, R. D.
Spaight, R. D. Jr.,
Stanford, Richard
Stanly, John
(1821 1827
' 1841 1845
1807 1813
1817 1823
1825 1829
1837 1839
1817 1821
1790 1791
1796 1797
1837 1841
1827 1837
(1829 1839
^1841 1843
(1847 1851
1817 1821
1817 1821
1827 1837
1798 1801
1823 1825
1797 1816
(1801 1803
11809 1811
*Stanly, Edward
Steele, John
Stuart, James
Stone, David
Tatum, Abs.
Turner, Daniel
Vance, Robert B.
*yenable, Abraham W. 1847 1853
In. Out.
(1837 1843
1l849 1853
1790 1793
1818 1819
1799 1801
1795 1796
1827 1829
1823 1825
Walker, Felix
Washington, Wm. H.
Williams, Benjamin
Williams, Lewis
Williams, Marmaduke
Williams, Robert
Williamson, Hugh
Winston, Joseph
Wynns, Thomas
Yancy, Bartlett
1817 1823
1841 1843
1793 1795
1815 1842
1803 1809
1797 1803
1790 1793
(1793 1795
1l803 1807
1802 1807
1813 1817
RATIO OF REPRKSXNTATION FROM 1789 TO 1853.
1789
1793
1803
1813
1823
1833
1843
1853
33,000
33,000
35,000
40,000
47,700
70,680
93,702
House of Representatives composed of 65 members.
105
«
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<<
«
<<
«
«
«
141
181
212
243
223
233
4(
<<
«
«
tt
2d.
PRESEKT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS, BT ACT OF 1846, AND XEMBXRS
TO 4tH MARCH, 1853.
DiBtrict* Counties.
( 1, Cherokee ; 2, Macon ; 3, Haywood ; 4, Buncombe ;
Ist. •< 5, Henderson ; 6, Rutherford ; f , Burke ; 8, Mc'Dowell;
I 9, YancY ; 10, Cleaveland; 11, Caldwell.
1, Ashe: 2, Wilkes; 3, Surry; 4, Davie; 5, Rowan;
6, Iredell ; 7, Catawba.
1, Lincoln; 2, Gaston; 3, Mecklenbure; 4, Union; 5,
3d. ' Anson ; 6, Stanly ; 7, Cabarrus ; 8, Montgomery ; 9,
Richmond ; 10, Moore.
A^x. \ h Stokes; 2, Rockingham ; 3, Guilford; 4, Randolph;
*^**- 1 5, Davidson. (
1, Granville ; 2, Caswell ; 3, Person : 4, Orange : 5, ) Abraham W.
Chatham. ) Tenable.
1, Wake; 2, Franklin; 3, Warren; 4, Halifax; 5,) J.R.J.
Edgecombe; 6, Nash: 7, Johnston. i Daniel.
1, Cumberland ; 2, Robeson ; 3, Columbus ; 4, Bladen ; |
5, Brunswick; 6, New Hanover; 7, Sampson; 8, )- Wm. S. Ashe.
Duplin ; 9, Onslow.
Members.
Thomas L.
Clingman.
Joseph P.
Caldwell.
Alfred
Dockery.
James T.
Morehead.
8th
9th.
i 1, Wayne ; 2, Greene ; 3, Lenoir ; 4, Jones ; 5, Craven ;
. \ 6, Carteret; 7, Beaui
Beaufort ; 8, Pitt ; 9, Washington ;
10, Tyrrell; 11, Hyde.
1, Martin ; 2, Bertie ; 3, Hertford ; 4, Northampton ;
5, Gates: 6, Chowan; 7, Perquimans; 8, Pasquo-
tank ; 9, Currituck ; 10, Camden.
J
Edward
Stanley.
David
Outlaw.
112 HISTORY OF KOBTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER VII.
Press of North Carolina, Arom 1749 to 1851 — Account of some of the editors,
and list of the papers now published in North Carolina (1851).
" Beneath the rule of men
Entirely great, the pen is greater than the sword.
Behold the arch enchanters wand I Itself is nothing I
But catching sorcery from a master hand.
And aided bj the gigantic power of the press.
It paralyzes the thrones of monarcbs,
Gives liberty and life to oppressed millions,
And strikes the broad earth breathless.
Take away the sword I
States can be saved without it." — ^Bulwer.
The colonial history of our State did not present a favorable
field for the press.
The Proprietary rulers first, and Royal Governors afterwards,
regarded the press as dangerous to their powers and prerogatives.
The instructions of Lord Effingham, as Governor of V irginia, were
** not to suffer in the colony, under any pretence whatever, the use
of a printing press.*** And Sir William Berkley, one of the pro-
prietors of North Carolina, returned thanks to Heaven " that there
•was not a printing office in any of the southern provinces."
Under different auspices and a more progressive age, how differ-
ent do the descendants of this very people conduct the early settle-
ments of a country. Scarcely does the American set his foot down
on any soil, when a press is set up, and a newspaper is established,
informing every portion of the nation of the character, condition,
and prospects of the country. "The United States in 1834,"
Bays Tymperly, "with a population of (then) 13,000,000, had
more newspapers than all Europe together, with a population of
100,000,000."t
Printing! was introduced into North Carolina in 1749, by James
Davis, who set up a press at Newbern. His first paper was called
The North Carolina Gazette^ "with freshest advices foreign and
domestic." It was weekly, on a sheet of post sized folio.
The first book ever printed in North Carolina was by him, in
1752, a revisal of the acts of the General Assembly, a small folio.
From the hue of the leather in which it was bound, it received the
name of " Yellow Jacket."
♦ William ROD, vol. i. 1G5.
t Tyniperl^'s Encyclopaedia of Literary and Typographical Anecdote.
X Martin, li. p. 54.
HI&XORT OF NOBTH CAROLINA. 118
The G(ut€tU continued about six years. On the 27th of May,
1768) it again appeared, and Continued until the BeYolution.
Dayis was a Virginian by birth; and postmaster at Newbem. He
held a oommission as a magistrate unaer Qoyernor Tryon.
The second press set up in North Carolina was at Wilmington,
iR 1763, by Andrew Stewart, called the Cape Fear Gazette and
Wilmington Advertiser. The paper was discontinued in 1767.
Stewart was an Irishman by birth, liyed seyeral years in Philadelphia,
and was accidentally drowned in 17G9, while bathing in the Cape
Fear Riyer.
This paper was succeeded by the Cape Fear Mercury, published
October 1767, by Adam Boyd, and continued to the Revolution.
Boyd was an Englishpian, and a true friend to liberty. He was much
respected, and one of the Committee of Safety in nilmington, 1775.
His name appears in their proceedings as a leading member of the
committee oi correspondence. In 1776 he exchanged the press for
the pulpit.
In 1776 newspapers were printed at Newbern, Wilmington,
Halifax, Edenton, and Hillsboro*. Had copies of these papers
been preserved, as is the case now in some States, in the archives
of the State Library, the history of that period would have been
better known.
In 1812 newspapers were pi^inted at Raleigh, Newbern, Wil-
mington, Edenton, Tarboro*, Murfreesl)oro*, Fayetteville, and War-
renton. Not a single paper west of Raleigh.
The following is the list of newspapers printed in North Caro-
lina at this date, January 1st, 1851 : —
1. Albemarm Sentinel, Edenton, edited by
Thomas G. Manning.
Bom in Edenton, aged 25, by profession a lawyer ; Whig in politics.
2. AsHviLLE Messenger, Ashville, J. M. Edney.
Bom in Henderson County, aged 36, by profession music teacher,
hoase and sign painter, auctioneer, to the ancient town of Ash-
ville ; Whig in politics.
3. Ashville News, Ashville, T. W. Atkin.
Native of Tennessee, aged 29, practical printer.
4. Carolina Watchman, Salisbury,
J. J. Bruner and S. W. James.
J. J. Bmner, native of Rowan, bom in 1817, printer by profession.
Samuel W. James, born in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1819, and it
printer by profession. Whigs.
5. Carolina Republican, Lincolnton, J. M. Newsom.
Native of Maryland, 44 years old, teacher by profession ; Democrat.
6. Christian Sun, Pittsboro*, ( ■) Committee.
7. Charlotte Journal, Charlotte, T. J. Holton.
Native of Richmond, Ya., 47 years of age, a printer by profession ;
Whig in politics.
8
114 HISTOBT,OF NOBTH CAKOLHTA.
8. Communicator, Fayetteville, Willuun Potter.
Mr. Potter is a native of Raleigh, aged 43 ; profeBtioiiy preacher and
printer. Temperanoe paper.
9. Deap Mute, Raleigh, W. D. Cooke.
10. Fayetteville Observer, E. J. Hale and Son.
Mr. Hale is a native of Randolph Conntj, born in 1802, printer by
profession ; Whig in politics.
11. GrOLDSBORO' PATRIOT, W. RobinSOn.
Mr. Robinson is a native of Ireland, aged 36 jears, bj profession a
teacher.
12. GrOLDSBORO' TELEGRAPH, W. P. S. AlstOn.
Weslej Fletcher Skidmore Alston is a native of Wake, bom in 1822,
by profession a planter.
13. Granville Whig, Oxford, George Wortham.
14. Greensboro' Patriot, Swaim and Sherwood.
Lyndon Swaim, 38 years old, farmer by profession until 21, when
he went to profession of printer.
Michael S. Sherwood is about 32 years old, printer by profeseion ;
Whigs in politics.
15. Halifax Republican, C. N. Webb.
Mr. Webb, bom in Brunswick County, Ya., aged 38 years, practical
printer.
16. Hillsboro' Recorder, D. Heartt.
Mr. Heartt is a native of Connecticut, born November 1783, printer
by profession ; commenced the Recorder in 1820. He is now poet-
master at Hilltboro'. Whig in politics.
17. Hornets' Nest, Charlotte, L. S. Badger.
Mr. Badger is a native of Virginia, about 28 years old.
18. Journal op Temperance, Elizabeth City.
19. Lincoln Courier, Thomas J. Eccles.
Mr. Eccles, bom in Ireland in 1823, practical printer; came to
Charleston at one year of age ; Democrat.
20. Methodist Pulpit, Greensboro', Charles F. Deems.
21. Milton Chronicle, C. N. B. Webb.
Mr. Webb is a native of Virginia, aged 37, his " profession is printer,
publisher, and postmaster.''
22. Mountain Banner, Rutherfordton, T. A. Hayden.
Mr. Hayden is a native of Florida, aged 42. Mr. Wilson, who has
succeeded him, is a native of Caswell, about 30 years old, and f^
lawyer by profession.
23. North Carolina Standard, Raleigh, W. W. Holden.
W. W. Holdenr is a native of Orange Countjr, now abovt 32, prac-
tical printer ; studied law and obtained hcense, but left the bar
for the press ; a Democrat.
24. North Carolinian, Fayetteville, William H. Bayne.
Mr. Bayne was a native of Georgetown, D. C, aged 3G, a practical
printer, and a Democrat. He died August 1851.
HISTO&T OF NORTH CAROLINA. 115
25- North Carolina Herald, Ashboro', R. H. Brown.
Native of Randolph, ** yoang and aspiring/' no profession.
26. Newbernian, Newbern, William D. Mayhew.
Native of Massachusetts, aged about 40 years, educated at Wash-
ington College, Lexington, Rockbridge, Y a. Removed to Wash-
ington, N. C, in 1831, and took charge of the Academy in that
nlace. Studied law under John S. Hawks, Esq., and obtained
license to practice in 1836. Married in Newbern, and removed
to that place in 1837. In 1844 bought out the Newbernian (a
continuation of the Spectator) ; Whig m politics.
27. North State Whig, Washington, H. Dimmock.
Native of Maine, lawyer, and Whig.
28, Old North State, Elixabeth City, S. D. Poole.
29, Primitive Baptist, Raleigh, Burwell Temple.
30» Plymouth Times, William Eborn.
Native of Beaufort, 25 years old, Whig.
31. People's Press, Salem, Blum & Sons.
32. Patriot and Republican, Goldsboro', W. B. Gulick.
William B. Gulick was born in New Jersey, aged 36, graduated at
Princeton in 1844 ; no profession but that of editor ; a Democrat.
33. Raleigh Register, Seaton Gales.
Mr. Gales is a native of Wake, aged about 25, by profession an
editor, a Whig. This paper was established in October 1799,
by Joseph Gues, his grandfather. He is the publisher of the
first daily paper ever attempted in North Carolina.
34. Raleigh Star, T. J. Lemay.
Native of Granville, about 49 years old, a practical printer and
preacher ; Whig in politics.
35. Southern Democrat, Graham, J. W. Lancaster.
Mr. Lancaster is a native of Edgecombe, educated at the University,
graduated in 1843, lawyer by profession, and a Democrat.
36. Spirit op the Age, , A. M. Gonnan.
Native of Raleigh, aged 37, printer by profession. Devoted to tem-
perance.
37. Tarboro* Free Press, George Howard, Jr.
38. Villager, Plymouth, W. Eborn, editor.
39. Wilmington Herald, Talcott Burr.
Native of Rhode Island, bom 1802, practical printer.
40. Wilmington Journal, Fulton and Price.
James Fulton is a native of Ireland, 26 years of age, profession
editor; Democrat.
A. L. Price is a native of North Carolina, 36 years of age, profession
printer, and a Democrat.
41. Wilmington Commercial, T. Loring.
Thomas Loring is a native of Massachasetts, aged 62, practical
printer and editor. t
42. Wadesboro' Argus^ Samuel Fulton.
116 HISTOBT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
43. Weldon Patriot, R. B. Parker.
[This list may be imperfect, although efforts have been made to per-
fect it. Any correction will be thankfuUj received and noticed,
should another edition be called for.}
Of these, 1 is tri-weekly, 4 semi-weekly, the balance weekly or
monthly.
CHAPTER VII.
Literary institutions of North Carolina — Their history, progress, and pre-
sent condition — Queen's Museum, at Charlotte, 17^0 — University, incor-
g orated in 1789, and located at Chapel Hill, 1792-7-Comer-stone laid in
ictober 1793 — Commenced tuition, 1795 — Life and character of Dr. Joseph
Caldwell ; and a list of its graduates from 1798 to 1851 — Davidson College,
in Mecklenburg County, commenced in 1838 ; its present faculty and
alumni, from 1840 — Wake Forest College, in Wake County; its trustees
and faculty — Female institutions^ common schools, and Literary Fund of
the State.
The early history of the State presents but few institutions, where
the benefits of a liberal education could be obtained.
In 1736, the Governor (Johnston), in his address to the Legisla-
ture bewailed the deplorable condition of the province in which no
provision had been made, " or care taken to inspire the youth with
generous sentiments, worthy principles, or the least tincture of lite-
rature.*'
In 1754, an act was passed to establish a public seminary, but it
proved abortive.
In 17G4, an act was passed to erect a school-house in Newbem^
and in 1767 Trustees were incorporated.
At the end of the Royal Government (1775), Martin says that
" Literature was hardly known. There were in the whole province
but two schools, those of Ncwbern and Edenton, In the first a
wooden building, in which the meetings of the Lower House of the
Legislature were occasionally held.**
When reading the resolves of the Provincial Congress, the Pro-
vincial Councils, the District Committees of Safety, and the addresses
which they published to the country, the purity of the language, the
simplicity and beauty of style, the cogency of argument are so re-
markable that they cannot be surpassed by the most polished pro-
ductions of the present age.
Even the handwriting of the men of '75, as exhibited in the
Journals, will bear a fair comparison with those of this day, and per-
haps surpass them in case and plainness.
This proves that our forefathers had not been inattentive to the
objects of practical education.
In 1770, a charter was obtained from the Provincial Assembly
to ino(N:porai;e the Queens Museum at Charlotte.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 117
The charter not receiving the royal sanction was amended ; and
again passed in 1771; it was repealed by the King. But it
flourished without a charter ; and in 1777 it was incorporated by the
General Assembly of the State by the name of Liberty Hall.
The Trustees were Isaac Alexander, M. D., President; Thomas
Polk, Thomas Neal, Abraham Alexander, Waigfttetill Avery,
Ephraim Brevard, M. D., John Simpson, Adlai Osborne, John Mc
Knitt Alexander, Rev. David Caldwell, James Edmonds, Thomas
Reese, Samuel E. McGorkle, Thomas Harris McGaule, and James
Hall.
The latter were Presbyterian Ministers, and the school was under
the supervision of this highly respectable denomination.
The first meeting of the Trustees was held at Charlotte, January
3d, 1778. Lots were purchased in the town of Charlotte belonging
to Col. Thomas Polk. The revolutionary war closed the school, and
the troops of Comwallis occupied its halls:
Rev. David Caldwell, about the year 1767, opened a school in
Guilford county. He was a native of Pennsylvania, graduated at
Princeton, in 1761, and a Presbyterian Minister. (.(See Guilford
county.) This Bchool was conducted with gred-t success. " His log
cabin served for many years to North Carolina, as an Academy, a
College, and a Theolqgical Seminary." Many who were here edu-
cated have become distinguished as statesmen, lawyers, physicians
and divines.
The Constitution adopted at Halifax, 18th Dec, 1776, declared
(in Section XLI.) that a school or schools shall be established, and
" all useful learning sliall be duly encouraged and promoted in one
or more universities." Accordingly, in 1789, the University of
North Carolina was established by incorporating Samuel Johnston
and others Trustees, and in Nov. 1792, these Trustees located this
Institution at Chapel JffiU, in Orange county. Eleven hundred and
eighty acres of land were conveyed to the Trustees by the citizens
of this neighborhood^ In Oct. 1793, the first lots of the village
were sold, and the comer-stone of the College laid. The ceremonies
were conducted with masonic honors, by Wm. R. Davie, Grand
Master of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, at the time, and
afterwards, Governor of the State. The Rev. Dr. McCorkle, one
of the Trustees, made an address.
The buildings being sufficiently prepared in 1795, the Trustees
selected Rev. David Kerr as Professor, and Samuel A. Holmes as
Tutor.
Mr. Hinton James was the first student ; who arrived from Wil-
mington, Feb. 12th, 1795.
Public instruction commenced on the 13th.
Mr. Kerr was a foreigner by birth, a graduate of Trinity College,
Dublin, a man of piety and learning. He emigrated to this country
in 1791, and preached in Fayetteville, in the Presbyterian Church,
and taught school there for three years. He remained but a short
time at the University, removing to Lumberton, and commenced the
118 HISTOBY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Study of law. He removed afterwards to Mississippi, where he
acquired wealth and honors (he was United States Marshal and
Judge). He died in 1810.
He was succeeded in the Presidency of the University of North
Carolina, by Charles W. Harris, of Cabarrus county, who was ap-
pointed Professor of Mathematics, and Mr. Holmes, Professor of
Languages.
Air. Harris remained only a year at the university, preferring,
like his predecessor, the pursuit of his profession, and in which he
would have attained great eminence had not death suddenly closed
his career. He was succeeded by Mr. Joseph Caldwell, at this
time a tutor in Nassau Hall, New Jersey, who was appointed Pro-
fessor of Mathematics in the fall of 17§6.
For forty years the destinies of the institution were directed by
Dr. Caldwell. His history is its record.
He was born in Lamington, New Jersey, on the 21st of April,
1773, the day after the burial of his father, who was a physician,
and of Irish descent. He was educated at Princeton, where he
graduated in August, 1791.
He was employed in teaching and studying divinity until April,
1795, when he was appointed tutor in his almu mater. His asso-
ciate in this duty was Mr. Hobart, afterwards Bishop of New York ;
here he remained until 1796, when he was appointed Professor of
Mathematics in the University of North Carolina.
In 1806 he was appointed President of the University.
In 1811 he made an excursion throughout tho State, to collect
funds for the aid of the college, and received $12,000.
In 1816 he received the honorary degree of D. D. from Nassau
Hall, and also from the University of North Carolina.
In 1824 he was sent to Europe to direct the construction of the
philosophical apparatus and procure books for the library.
He remained connected with it until his death, which occurred
on the 27th of January, 1835.
The life, character, and services of Dr. Caldwell afford inviting
material to the biographer and historian. Connected as he was
with the University, which he raised, by his energy, talents, and
piety, from an obscure institution to the front ranks of science ;
embalmed as is his memory in the hearts of many now scattered
over our whole Union, who witnessed his services and enjoyed the
benefits of his labors, it is to be hoped that some one of these will
enter upon this pious duty. His character was one worthy of study
and imitation. In his person, he was small and delicate. H^
expansive forehead, bushy eyebrows, his keen glance, and regular
features evidenced strong powers of reason, great determination
of character, invincible firmness and self-possession.
His usefulness was not confined to the advancement of the Uni-
versity alone. In 1827, he delivered at Raleigh a lecture on Rail-
roads, then a new subject to the members of the Legislature.
He wrote numerous essays on Common Schools, the Deaf and
HI6T0&T 07 NORTH CAKOUNA. 119
Dnmb, and the condition of the State as to internal improvement;
which were extensively circulated, attentively read, and were instru-
mental in directing public attention in ^orth Carolina towards
these important subjects.
It was not his fortune
^ Tbe applause of listeuing Senates to command ;''
nor did he direct in fields of battle or of victory. But he
discharged the important part of training those whose eloquence
now often charms our Congress, whose talents preside in our
courts, and whose piety enlivens our faith.
4<
-The warrior's name,
Tho' pealed and chimed by every tongue of fame.
Sounds less harmonious to the grateful mind
Than he who fashions and improves mankind.'^
He was succeeded by Hon. David L. Swain, for whose biography
the reader is referred to another chapter. (See Buncombe.)
\atqf the Fcumlty at thU time^ and Graduates of the Inititutian
from 1798 to 1850,
Hon. David L. Swaik, LL. D., President
Rev. Elisha Mitchkll, Professor of Chemistry,
Rev. James Phillips, D. D., Professor of Mathematics, Mensu-
ration, and Geology.
Bev. Fordyce M. Hdbbard, Professor of Latin, and Natural
Philosophy.
Hon. Wm. H. J8attlb, Professor of Law.
Manuel Fetter, A.M., Professor of Greek.
Rev. John Thobias Wheat, D. D., Professor of Logic
Rev. Albert M. Shipp, Professor of History and FreneL
Charles Phillips, Tutor of Mathematics.
Ashbel p. Brown, Tutor of Languages.
Kemp P. Battle, Tutor of Mathematics.
Wm. H. Johnson, Tutor of Languages.
GRADUATES.
1798. Wm. S. WebH,
William Hinton, George W. Long«
Samael Hinton, Samuel A Holmes.
Hinton James,
Robert Locke, 1800.
Alexander Osbonte, William Cherry,
Edwin Jay Oebome, John Lawsoh Headerson,
Adam Springs. Thomas Hunt
1799. I80i.
Francis Nash Williams Burton, Thomas Gale Amis,
William D. Crawford, Thomas Davis Bennehan,
Andrew Flinn, John Braneh,
Archibald Debrow Murphy, Wm. McKenzie Clarke,
John Phifer, Francis Little Dancy,
Wm. Moi^gaa Snee^ John Dayis
ISO
HI8T0BY 07 NORTH CABOUNA.
Tfaoma8 D. King^
Archibald Ljtle,
Wm. H. Murfee.
1802.
Adlai L. Osborne,
Geor^W. Thornton^
Gary Whitaker.
1803.
Chesly Daniel,
WUliam P. Hall,
Matthew Troy.
1804.
Richard Armstead,
Thomas Brown,
Willie W. Jones*
Atlas Jones,
James Sneed,
Richard Henderson.
1805.
Jos. Warren Hawkins,
Benjamin Franklin Hawkins,
Spruce M. Osborne.
1806.
John Adams Cameron,
James Henderson,
Durant Hatch,
James Martin.
1807.
Duncan J. Campbell,
Stephen Davis,
John Robert Donnell,
Gayin Hoeg,
John C. Montgomery,
John Louis Taylor.
1808.
John Bright Brown,
Robert Campbell,
John Coleman,
Wm. James Cowan,
Wm. Push Ferrand,
Alfred M. Gatlin,
John Giles,
William Green,
James A. Harrington,
William Henderson,
Benjamin D. Rounsaville,
Lewis Williams,
Thomas L. Williams.
1809.
John Bobbitt,
Maxwell Chambers,
John Gilchrist,
Philemon Hawkins,
William Hooper,
John Briggs Mebane,
Thomas OTPolk,
John R. Stokes,
John C. Williams,
Abner W. Clopton. *
1810.
Thomas W. Jones,
James F. Taylor,
John Witherspoon.
1811.
John A. Ramsey.
1812.
Daniel Graham,
James Hogg,
Thomas CLiurke Hooper,
William Johnson,
Murdoch McLean,
Archibald McQueen,
Johnson Pinkston,
Joseph B. J. Roulhac,
Wm. E. Webb,
Charles J. Wright
1813.
Wm. Edward Bailey,
Wm. Spaight Blackledge,
Thomas Wharton Blackledge,
Archibald Fairley,
Thomas Faddis,
Robert Gordon,
John H. Hinton,
Francis Hawkins,
George W. Hawkins,
Duncan McKinnie,
Wm. L. Polk,
John G. Roulhac,
Abner Stith,
Lewis Taylor.
1814.
Wm. Augustus Boon,
Aaron V. Browne,
James Farrier,
James Graham,
John W. Graves,
John L. Graves,
Robert Hall,
Tippo S. Henderson,
John Hill,
Charles L. Hinton,
Charles Manly,
James Morrison,
Samuel Pickens,
Thomas B. Scott,
Try on M. Yancey,
Ecunund Wilkins.
HISTOBY OP KOBTH CABOLIKA.
121
1815.
John H. Bryan,
Isaac Croom,
George F. Graham,
Edward Hall,
Lemael Hatch,
Francis L. Hawks,
Robert Hinton,
James Hooper,
Robert R. King,
Mathew McOlung,
Willie P. Mangum,
Stocklej D. Mitchell,
Mathew R. Moore,
Priestly H. Mangam,
Henry L. Plummer,
Stephen R. Sneed,
Richard D. Spaight,
Hugh M. Stokes.
1816.
Wm. J. Alexander,
Lawson H. Alexander,
James A. Craig,
Moses J. DeRosset,
Nathaniel Daniel,
John E. Graham,
Mark Henderson,
Charles A Hill,
Joseph R. Loyd,
John Y. Mason,
James McClung,
Jnnins A. Moore,
John Patterson,
James Sampson,
Wm. B. A. WaUis.
1817.
Richard H. Alexander,
Hardy B. Croom,
Gooderum Davis,
Samuel T. Hauser,
John H. Hawkins,
John M. Morehead,
James Simeson,
Hardy L. Holmes,
Wm. R. Holt,
James Murdock.
1818.
Robert Donaldson,
Thomas J. Green,
*Wm. M. Green,
Arthur J. HUl,
Hamilton C. Jones,
Henry Jones,
Pleasant H. May,
Edward J. Mallett,
Elam J. Morrison,
*■ Bi»hop of Mi5»iMinpi.
X Late Pre»idttDt of tlie United Sutes.
Robert H. Morrison,
tWm. D. Mosely,
Peter 0. Picot,
tJames K. Polk,
Hugh Waddell.
1819.
Walker Anderson,
J. L. Brooks,
David T. Caldwell,
Wm. H. Haywood,
Owen H(^es,
Simon P. Jordan,
James Mann,
James T. Morehead,
John Q. McNeil,
Clemens C. Read,
James H. Ruffin.
1820.
Cyrus Adams Alexander,
Richard Allison,
Wm. H. Battle,
Archibald G. Carter,
Charles G. Donoho,
Wm. H. Hardin,
Jno. S. Haywood,
Wm. M. Lee,
James F. Martin,
Bartholomew F. Moore,
James H. Otey,
Mathias B. D. Palmer,,
Malcolm G. Purcell,
Thomas £. Read,
Charles G. Rose,
Wm. Royall,
Thomas B. Skde,
Richard J. Smith,
Charles G. Spaight,
John M. Stark,
David W. Stone,
John C. Taylor,
Phillip H. thomas,
Henry C. Williams,
Thomas H. Wright.
1821.
Nath. W. Alexander,
Samuel J. Alves,
Beiy. F. Blackledge,
Robert H. Cowan,
Bryan Croom,
Frederick J. Cutler,
John R. J. Daniel,
Nicholas J. Drake,
Robert Galloway,
Henry T. Garnett,
Nath. Harriss,
Wm. R. Haywood,
t Late Governor of Florida.
122
HISIOBT OV HOBTH OABOUSA.
Geo. W. Haywood,
Sam'l neaden.
Pleasant Henderson,
Thompson M. Johnson,
Thos. J. Lacey,
Willis M. Lee,
Wm. R. Mobane,
Anderson Mitchell,
Wm. S. Mhoon,
Wm. D. Murphj,
Spencer O'Bnen,
Edward G. Pasteur,
Jos. H. Saunders,
Wm. A. Shaw,
Sam'l H. Smith,
Jas. Stafford,
Jas. H. Tajlor,
C. L. Torrenoe.
1822.
Jas. Bowman,
Chas. L. Danes,
Wm. B. Davies,
Thos. F. Davis,
Jno. Elliot,
Wm. A. Hall,
Jas. T. Hall,
Wm. Hardiman,
Benj. F. Haywood,
Fabius J. Haywood,
Thos. Hill,
Jno. A. Hogan,
Joel HoUeman,
Wm. D. Jones,
Sam'l Kerr,
Pleasant W. Kittrell,
Robt. G. Martin,
Kobt. H. Mason,
Washington Morrison,
Robt. N. Ogden,
Wm. D. Pickett,
Lucius J. Polk,
Abraham Rencher,
Marion Saunders,
Jas. B. Slade,
Beiy. Sumner,
Geo. Terry,
Alex. E. Wilson.
1823.
Sam'l S. Bell,
Geo. T. Bettner,
Alex. M. Boylan,
Daniel W. Courts,
Wm. S. Chapman,
Geo. F. Davidson,
Jas. II. Dickson,
John C. Ellerbe,
Robt. B. Gilliam,
Thos. G. Graham,
Isaac Hall,
Thos. B. Haywood,
Jas. K. Leitch,
Edmond L. Martin,
Hu^h Martin,
Benj. T. Moore,
Victor M. Murphy,
Richmond M. Pearson,
Jno. Rains,
Benj. S. Ricks,
Mathias £. Sawyer,
Alfred M. Scales,
Sam'l Stewart,
Thos. Sumner,
Jas. A. Washington,
Geo. Whitfield,
Robt P. WUliamson,
Wm. L. WUla.
1824.
John Allison,
Benj. H. Alston,
WiUis W. Alston,
Dan. B. Baker,
Beig. B. Blume,
Thomas Bond,
Robt. W. Booth,
John Bragg,
Jas. W. Bryan,
Henry E. Coleman,
Armand J. DeRosset,
Thos. Dews,
Richard Evans,
Richard Feam,
Ervin J. Frierson,
Wm. N. Gibson,
Wm. A. Graham,
Robert Hall,
Hardy Holmes,
Wm. F. Lytle,
Mathias E. Manly,
Augustus Moore,
James II. Norwood,
John W. Norwood,
David Outlaw,
Broomfield L. Ridley,
David N. Sanders,
Edw. D. Sims,
Wm. R. Smith,
Sam'l F. Sneed,
Wm. A. Taylor,
Wm. II. Thompson,
William J. Twitty,
John L. Wright.
1825.
Charles £. Alexander,
Elam Alexander,
Albert V. Allen,
Walter Alvos,
William E. Anderson,
Isaac Baker,
Allen J. Barbee,
Wm. J. Bingham,
HI8I0B7 OVJrOSTH OABOUNA.
128
Wm. p. Boylan,
James 0. Bruce,
Jesse Carter,
John D. Clancy,
Kichard S. Clinton,
Washington Donnelly
John M. Gee,
Milo A« Qiles,
Ralph Gk>rrell,
LiTineston Harris,
Fred. W. Harrison,
Jonathan H. Haughton,
Samuel S. Hinton,
William H. Hodge,
Samuel L. Holt,
Bei^jamin S. Long,
James Martin,
James Moore,
Columbus Morrison,
James £. Morrison,
Thomas H. Pipkin,
Marshal T. Polk,
Samuel W. Popleston,
Thomas Riddle,
William Seawell,
William D. Sims,
John W. Walters,
Burrell B. Wilkes,
William A. Wright,
J. J. Wyche,
William B. Wright
1826.
Silas M. Andrews,
Daniel M. Barringer,
Henry T. Clark,
Richard S. Croom,
William B. Dunn,
Henry B. Elliott,
William H. Gray,
Thomas S. HosKins,
Archibald Gilchrist,
Samuel I. Johnston,
Jacob A. King,
Erasmus D. North,
William Norwood,
Ferdinand W. Risque,
John Smith,
Oliver D. Tredwell,
Leander A. Watts,
Thomas W. Watts,
James M. Wright.
1827.
Charles W. H. Alexander,
Robert J. Allison,
James W. Armstrong,
Absalom K. Barr,
Thomas W. Belt,
Thompson Byrd,
William D. Cfrawfotd,
John L. Fairley,
Thomas P. Hall,
Lawson F. Henderson,
John W. Huske,
John R. Jordan,
Edwin A. Keeble,
Lorenzo Lee,
Richard H. Lewis,
Jesse H. Lindsay,
Alexander Macky,
George Miller,
Alfred 0. P. Nicholson,
Thomas M. C. Prince,
Robert A. T. Ridley,
Reuben T. Saunders,
Charles B. Shepard,
Lewis G. Slaugnter,
James V. Thompson,
Lewis Thompson,
Whitmel B. Tunstall,
John R. Williamson,
John Winston,
Warren Winslow,
WiUiam H. Wooding,
Henry Yarborough.
1828.
Richard H. Battle,
Edwin G. Booth,
Henry S. Clarke,
John P. Gause,
Edwin R. Harris,
James D. Hall,
Thomas P. Johnston,
James K. Nesbitt,
Thomas J. Oakes,
John L. Taylor,
Henry I. Toole.
1829.
PhUip W. Alston,
John P. Brown,
Burton Craige,
Thomas W. Dulany,
William Eaton,
James A. Johnston,
Sidney X. Johnston,
James E. Kerr,
Osborne F. Long,
David M. Lee,
Richard M. Shepherd,
Franklin L. Smith,
Richard R. Wall,
Rufus A. Yancey.
1830.
John A. Backhouse,
John H. Edwards,
Rawley Galloway,
Cicero S. Hawks,
Richard K. Hill,
William W. Kennedy,
124
HI8T0BY OF ITOBTH CAROUNA.
Georgo G. Lea,
Nathaniel McCain,
James W. Osborne,
William K. Ruffin,
Aaron J. Spivey,
Elisha Stedman,
John M. Stedman,
Benjamin F. Terry.
1831.
Henry J. Gannon,
James Grant,
J. D. B. Hooper,
Allen C. Jones,
Calvin Jones,
Alexander Mebane,
Thomas R. Owen,
Thomas J. Pitchford,
Samuel B. Powell,
Archibald A. I. Smith,
William W. Spear,
Jacob Thompson,
Jesse A. Waugh,
James Monroe Williamson.
1832.
Thomas L. Armstrong,
Thomas S. Ashe,
Samael S. Biddle,
Thomas L. Clingman,
Daniel G. Doak,
James C. Dobbin,
George Hairston,
John L. Hargrave,
Thomas W. Harris,
John H. Haughton,
Thomas B. Hill,
Michael B. Holt,
Cadwallader Jones,
Thomas J. Jones,
John U. Parker,
Rufus M. Roseborongh,
Richard H. Smith,
Stephen S. Sorsby,
James 0. Stedman,
Samuel B. Stephens,
Thomas £. Taylor,
Samuel A. Williams,
Charles C. Wilson.
1833.
John G. Bynum,
William M. Crenshaw,
P. £. A. Jones,
Edmund W. Jones,
Warren E. Kennedy,
Junius B. Ring,
Solomon Lea,
William N. Mebane,
William H. Owen,
Julian £. Sawyer,
Josiah Stallings,
Addi £. D. Thorm,
Henry J. McLin.
1834.
Albert G. Anderson,
Samuel R. Blake,
William P. Bond,
William B. Carter,
Harrison W. Covington,
William P. Gunn,
Thomas G. Haughton,
David McAllister,
Henry W. Miller,
Abraham F. Morehead,
James B. Shepard,
Samuel Williams,
Thomas J. Williams.
1835.
C. C. Battle,
Rich'd B. Creecy,
Charles R. Dobson,
Augustus J. Foster,
Henry L. Graves,
Haywood W. Guion,
Robert W. Henry,
James H. Hutohins,
John Paisley,
Horace L. Robards,
William A. Rose,
Samuel Ruffin,
James C. Smith,
John G. Thompson,
William G. Welsh.
1836.
James A. Chrichton,
John A. Downey,
Ralph H. Graves,
Thomas Gholson,
Joseph £. Hamlet,
William W. Hooper,
Benjamin J. Howze,
Thomas S. Jacobs,
Thomas Jones,
Robert G. McCutchin,
Frederick N. M. Williams,
Henry K. Nash,
Charles L. Pettigrew,
William B. Rodman,
James Saunders,
Lawrence W. Scott,
Thomas Stamps,
William L. Stamps,
John G. Tull.
1837.
William W. Avery,
Augustus Benners,
Perrin Busbee,
HI8T0BT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
125
Peter W. Hairston,
George S. Holley,
Samuel B. Massej,
Leonard li. Taylor,
James G. Womack,
Pride Jones.
1838.
Kemp P. Alston,
H. W. Barrvfin,
Charles J. G. Craddock,
Green M. Oathbert,
George Davis,
Joseph W. Evans,
Neeaham W. Herring,
Benjamin M. Hobson,
Albert G. Hubbard,
J. J. Jackson,
K. H. Lewis,
William J. Long,
Charles M. McCaulej,
John J. Roberts,
Colin Shaw,
James Summenrille,
William R. Walker,
Wilson W. Whitaker,
Gaston H. Wilder.
1839.
Clarke M. Avery,
John N. Barksaale,
William F. Browne,
Jarvis Buxton,
Richard T. Donnell,
Dennis D. Fcrebee,
John L. Hadley,
Jos. H. Headen,
Walter A. Huske,
Alphcus Jones,
Augus. C. McNeil,
Thomas D. Meares,
Isaac N. Tillet.
1840.
David A. Barnes,
Tod R. Caldwell,
Jno. W. Cameron,
Richard H. Claibomo,
Ralph A. Clement,
Jno. W. Cunningham,
Daniel B. Currie,
Isaac Shelby Currie,
Wm. H. H. Dudley,
Charles C. Graham,
Wm. S. Green,
Francis H. Hawks,
William H. Henderson,
Lucius J. Johnston,
Wm. Johnston,
Daniel L. Kcnan»
Jno. A. Lillington,
Wm. Logan,
Willis H. McLeod,
Andrew McMillan,
Walter W. Pharr,
Oliver H. Prince,
Samuel J. Proctor,
Archibald Parcel),
Duncan Sellares,
Jno. P. Shar^,
Albert M. Shipp,
Wm. M. Shipp,
Thomas H. Spraill,
Wm. Thompson,
Calvin H. WUey.
1841.
Benj. F. Atkins,
Thos. L. Avery,
Robert F. Bridges,
John W. Brodanaz,
Robert Burton,
Archibald H. OaldweU,
Wm. J. Clark,
Wm. F. Dancy,
Jno. S. Dancy,
Leonidas L. Dancy,
Jas. A. Delk,
Robt. D. Dickson,
John W. Ellis,
John S. Erwin,
Chauncey W. Graham,
Stephen Graham,
Wm. W. Green,
Atlas 0. Harrison,
Jno. D. Hawkins,
Richard B. Haywood,
Jno. F. Hoke,
Angus R. Kelly,
Jas. A. Long,
Hector McAilstor,
Vardry A. McBee,
Montfort McGehee,
Andrew F. McRee,
Saml. B. McPheeters,
Stephen A. Norflet,
Francis L. Pearson,
Richmond N. Pearson,
Charles Phillips,
Samuel F. Phillips,
Horatio M. Polk,
Thomas Ruffin,
Jesse G. Shepherd,
Robert Strange, Jr.
James F. Taylor,
James H. Viser,
Samuel H. Walkup,
Thos. B. Wetmore,
James H. Williams,
Jno. C. Williams.
128
BISTORT 07 2rOBTH GABOLINA.
1842.
Richard J. Aehe,
Rufas Barringer,
Wm. A. BelU
Francia T. Bryan,
James A. Caldwell*
James W. Campbell,
Robert M. Campbell,
David Coleman,
James L. Dusenbery,
Stephen S. Green,
Wm. H. Haigh,
Wm. W. Harris,
Chas. P. Hartwell,
Wm. I. Hajes,
Peter J. Holmes,
John F. Jack,
Wm. F. Lewis,
Wm. F. Martin,
Wm. P. McBee,
Thos. P. Morrisy,
Wm. S. Mullins,
Israel L. Pickens,
Nath. H. Quince,
Geo. W. Ruffin,
Jno. B. Smith,
Ashley W. Spaight.
1842.
Jos. J. Sommerell,
Ruffin W. Tomlinson,
Richd. D. Wilson.
1843.
Chesley P. P. Barber,
James M. Boyd,
Jno. L. Bridges,
Ashbell G. Brown,
Henry L. Clement,
Thos. A. Covington,
Wm. D. Cowan,
Robt P. Dick,
Jas. W. Downing,
Philo P. Henderson,
Richard B. Hill,
Jos. C. Hnske,
Jas. P. Erwin,
Thos. L. Johnston,
Richard T. Jones,
Rnfos II. Jones,
Michael A. Ring,
J. W. Lancaster,
Jas. A. Leak,
Walter W. Lenoir,
Frederick J. Lord,
Jos. McCleese,
Thomas L. D. McDowell,
Bartlet Y. McNoiry,
John L. Mears,
Jno. G. B. Myers,
Saml. J. Person,
Jno. J. Reese,
Willis H. Saanders,
Thos. D. Walker,
Jno. T. Watson,
Jno. L. Williamson,
Clement G. Wright,
1844.
Jno. Ballanfant,
Wm. F. Barbee,
Wm. S. Battle,
Wm. A. Blount,
Jno. B. Borden,
Jno. H. Bryan,
Jno. H. M. Clinch,
Edmond D. Covington,
Jno. Cowan,
Robert Cowan,
Pleasant H. Dalton^
Chas. F. Dewey,
Leonidas C. Edwards,
Alfred G. Foster,
Robt T. Fuller,
Henry G. Graham,
Jos. M. Graham,
Ebenezer C. Grier,
Robert T. Hall,
Philemon B. Hawkins,
Wm. Hill,
Wm. H. Hinton,
Jas. Homer,
Jas. S. Johnston,
Gustavus A. Jones,
Edward B. Lewis,
Robin H. C. Jones,
Jno. W. Lon^,
Jos. McLaunn,
Peter K. Ronnsaville,
Thos. Ruffin,
Robt A. Sanders,
James G. Scott,
Benjamin M. Smith,
Stephen A. Stanfield,
Walter L. Steele,
Thomas H. C. Turner,
George B. Wetmore,
Ezom L. Whitaker,
James A. Wimbish,
Edward C. YeUowby.
1845.
William E. Bamett,
Jos. J. B. Batchelor,
Charles Bruce,
Peter G. Burton,
Ralph P. Burton,
Samuel P. Calvert,
Samuel G. Cockrell,
Thomas T. Davis,
Edward Drumgoole,
Edwin A. Dusenbery,
diSTOBT or NOBTH CAROLINA.
127
Alexander B. Hawkins^
James P. Herrin,
Eugene J. Ilinton,
Owen D. Holmes,
Pleasant A. Holt,
H. O. W. Hooker,
Virffinias H, Ivej,
Frederick D. Lent,
Langdon C. Manly,
Richard H. Mason,
Thomas C. Mcllhennj,
WUliam T. MeUne,
Alexander D. Moore,
Lucias H. Saunders,
Keuben C. Shorter,
Thomas T. Slade,
Jesse P. Smith,
De Witt C. Stone,
George V. Strong,
Thomas I. Sumner,
Leonidas Taylor,
Samuel D. Wharton,
Thomas £. Whjte.
1846.
James S. Amis,
Turner W. Battle,
WiUiam K. Blake,
Alexander F. Bre?ard,
William S. Brjan,
WiUiam F. Garter,
John N. Daniel,
William A. Daniel,
William P. Duke,
Solomon J. Faison,
William A. Faison,
Richard N. Forbes,
Edward H. Hicks,
R. G. T. S. Hilliard,
John L. Holmes,
David S. Johnston,
William B. Mears,
Thomas M. Newbj,
Stephen F. Pool,
Sion H. Rogers,
James S. Ruffin,
Frederic A. Shepherd,
John Vicar Sherard,
David T. Taylor,
James R. ^Vard,
Richard T. Weaver,
Benjamin F. Whitaker,
Owen H. Whitfield,
Hillory M. Wilder.
1847.
Alfred Alston,
Joel D. Battle,
Joseph Benjamin,
George W, Berry,
Alexander J. Oansler,
Duncan L. Clinch,
John 0. Coleman,
Thomas W. Dewey,
Samuel J. Erwin,
John 0. Guion,
Eli W. Hall.
Thomas C. Hall,
James W. Hicks,
Elias C. Hines,
David Hi n ton,
William M. Howerton,
John J. Kindred,
M. Lan^ord,
Lionel Lincoln Levy,
William Lucas,
William H. Manly,
Benjamin F. Mebfuie,
James L. Moseley,
John D. Alyrick,
Edmond H^ Norcom,
James J. Pettigrew,
John Pool,
Matthew W. Ransom,
Charles £. Shober,
Thomas £. Skinner,
Robert Hunter Tate,
William S. Trigg,
Joseph J. W. Tucker,
Thomas Webb,
John H. Whitaker,
Robert H. Winbome.
1848.
Victor ClayBarringer,
Geo. T. Baskeryille,
John B. Bynum,
Richard A. Caldwell,
John W. Cameron,
John Xavier Campbell,
Belfield William Cave,
Oliver H. Dockery,
Seaton Gales,
Bryan Grimes, Jr.,
Benjamin S. Guion,
Thomas H. Holmes,
Erasmus A. Roscoe Hooker,
James J. Iredell,
William A. Jenkins,
Peter H. McEaohin,
Willie P. Mangum, Jr.,
Oliver P. Meares,
James N. Montgomery,
Hardy Murfree,
HaxeU Norwood,
Lorenzo Dow Pender,
Thomas P. Person,
Nathan A. Ramsey,
John K. Strange,
Rufus 8. Tucker,
George Washington,
John Wilson,
128
mSTOBT OF NOBTH CAROLINA.
Robert W. Wilson.
1849.
Thomas M. Arrington,
John Troup Banks,
Kemp P. !Battle,
Benjamin Yancey Beene,
Ephraim Joseph Brevard,
James Pettierew Bryan,
John U. Gorbett,
Alexander Cunningham,
Johnson M. De Bemiere,
William A. Dick,
William B. Dortch,
Henry M. Dusenbery,
Foumey Geor^,
Thomas D. Ilaigh,
Peter M. Hale,
WiUiam E. Hill,
Peter £. Hines,
Samuel T. Iredell,
James M. Johnson,
John M. Johnson,
William H. Jones,
Charles £. Lowther,
Nathaniel McClaire,
John C. McNair,
Malcom McNair,
Edward Mallet,
William G. Pool,
Thomas J. Robinson,
Isaac B. Sanders,
James P. Scales,
Charles R. Thomas,
Daniel T; Towles,
Bryan W. Whitfield,
John A. Whitfield,
Needham B. Whitfield,
George V. Young.
1850.
Joel C. Blake,
James F. Cane,
Julius N. Caldwell,
Alfred II. Carrigan,
Edward C. Chambers,
Julius L. Gorrcl,
Robert A. Hairston,
Henry Hardie,
Madison Hawkins,
John HUl,
Richard Hines,
Benjamin R. Huske,
William H. Johnston,
Washington C. Kerr,
John Manning,
James R. Mendenhall,
Robert U. Langford,
Thomas Settle, Jr.,
Joseph W. Small,
Robert L. Smith,
Samuel £. Whitfield,
Richard H. Whitfield,
Wm. J. White.
1851.
Charles E. Bellamy,
Joseph Bonner Bryan,
David Miller Carter,
Watkins Leigh Claiborne,
Thos. Addis Emmett Evans,
Bartholomew Fuller,
Thos. Miles Garrett,
Richard Swepson Grant,
Julius Guion,
Benj. Sherwood Hedrick,
Samuel Ashe Holmes,
iEgidius Leitch,
Jesse Harper Lindsay,
Malcome McDuffie,
Neill McKay, Jr.,
Thos. T. Norcom,
Rufus Lenoir Patterson,
Jas. Alfred Patton,
Wm. Marshall Richardson,
Etheldrcd Ruffin,
Claudius Brock Sanders,
Joseph James Seawell,
Francis E. Shober,
Peter Evans Smith,
Charles Cornelius Terry,
Frederick Armand Toomer,
Lowndes Treadwell,
John Waddill, Jr.,
James Augustus Washington.
George Washington Watson,
John Thomas Wheat, Jr.,
Wilson Cary Whitaker,
Edmund Webb WUkins,
John Lewis Wooster.
ORDER OP EXERCISES AT THE COMMENCEMENT, JUNE, 1851.
1. Salutatory Oration in Latin.
Claudius B. Sanders,
Johnston.
2. Oration. " Early History of North Carolina."
Bartholomew Fuller,
FayetteviUe,
3. Oration. " Party Spirit.*'
Tnos. Addis Ekicitt Eyans,
Cumhtrland.
mSTOBT OF NORTH CAROLINA, 129
4. Oration. " The Infirmities of Men of Genius."
Julius Guiok,
Baieigh,
5. Oration. ** A Graduate's Aspirations.''
William Marshall Richardson,
Anson.
6. Oration. "Virtue alone makes Men Free."
Thos. Milis Garrett,
Colerain,
7. Oration. "Religious Tests of Office, unjust and impolitic in a Repub-
Dayid Miller Carter,
Ill/de.
8. Oration. "Excelsior."
Lowndes Treadwell,
Lamaty Miss.
9. Oration. "Socialism." #
Jesse Harper Lindsay,
Greensbofxmgh,
AFTERNOON.
1. Oration. " Influence of Public Opinion."
Leigh Claiborne,
Tipton, Ttnn,
2. Oration. " The late Crisis in our National Affairs."
Frederick Armand Toomer,
Pittahorough,
3. Oration. " The noblest motive is the Public Good."
Charles Cornelius Terry,
Richmond,
4. Oration. " Flora Macdonald."
Malcolm Javes McDuffie,
Cumberland,
5. Annual Report.
6. A Valedictory Oration.
James Alfred Patton,
AsheDiUe*
Davidson College is located in Mecklenburg County, and so
called in honor of General William Davidson, who fell in the battles
of his country, on the banks of the Catawba, on the 1st of Feb-
ruary, 1781. It was opened in March, 1837, Rev. R. H. Mor-
rison, D. D., as President, and P. S. Sparrow, as Professor of
Languages. It first operated as a Manual Labor Institution, but
after four years' trial this system was abandoned.
In 1838 it was chartered by the Legislature.
By its constitution, no one is eligible as trustee, professor, or
teacher, but members of the Presbyterian church.
Dr. Morrison, from ill health, was compelled to resign his trust,
and was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Williamson. He is now pastor
of Unity and Machpelah churches, in Lincoln County. As a man,
and as a divine, he has few equals, but no superiors.
9
180
HI8T0ET OF NOBTH OAKOUHA.
Mr. Sparrow was for a period afterwards President of Hampden
Sidney College, in Virginia, and now resides in Alabama, and is
distinguished for his learning, piety, and eloquence.
Its present faculty are.
Rev. Samuel Williamson, D. D., President, and Professor of
Chemistry, Mental and Moral Philosophy, and Rhetoric.
Rev. Samuel B. 0. Wilson, Professor of Languages.
Mortimer M. Johnson, A. M., Professor of Mathematics, and
Natural Philosophy.
Rev. E. F. Rockwell, Professor of Philosophy.
THE SOCIETIES, LIBRARIES, ETC.
The Literaiy Societies of the students are known to be under
good regulations and highly favorable to the promotion of intellect-
ual improvement.
The Libraries number over a thousand volumes each, and receive
additions every session, which, in connection with the College Li-
brary, afford to the Students an opportunity of extensive reading.
alumni.
GRADUATED IN 1840.
James R. Baird,
Wm. S. M. Davidson,
£. C. Davidson,
R. N. Davis,
Wm. Flinn,
Thos. D. Houston,
Wm. H. Johnston,
James Knox,
n. H. Kimmons,
0. D. McNecly,
Arched Neely.
GRADUATED IN 1841.
Sam'l L. Adams,
Cyrus K. Caldwell,
W. P. Caldwell,
T. E. Davis,
R. W. Martin,
Wm. n. Moore,
James S. C. Moore,
M. C. McNaip,
Samuel C. Pharr,
James G. Kamsey,
R. E. Sherrill,
Daniel B. Wood.
GRADUATED IN 1842.
H. C. Alexander,
H. W. Black,
Wm. P. Bynum,
T. C. Crawford,
W. L. Davidson,
H. B. Johnson,
T. A. Krider,
H. R. McLean.
GRADUATED XIT 1843.
J. F. Allison,
A. M. Bogle,
Wilkes T. Caston,
R. F. Johnston,
Thos. F. King,
Thos. M. Kirkpatrick,
M. L. McCorkle,
John M. Sample,
Wm. T. Savage,
J. Robinson Shive,
R. 0. P. Stewart,
W. L. Torrence.
GRADUATED IN 1844.
W. L. Anderson,
J. M. Baker,
A. L. Crawford,
S. C. Caldwell,
J. M. Doby,
W. A. Moore,
J. L. Porter,
R. B. Price,
J. P. Rosseau,
J. A. Stewart,
J. II. Stewart.
GRADUATED IN 1845.
J. J. Bossard,
A. E. Chandler,
J. M. Davidson,
J. G. A. Dick,
J. A. Fox,
J. M. Gill,
J. II. Uonston,
S. N. Ilutohison,
E. N. Ilutohison,
M. Lingle,
J. B. McCallumy
J. N. McNeelj,
H. McNeil,
HI8T0BT OF NORTH GABOLINA. 181
W. M. Peacock, J. M. Walker,
J. U. White. A. White,
H. H. Wilson.
ORADUATKD IN 1846.
E. C. Alexander, graduated in 1848.
W. J. Cooper, S. C. Alexander,
J. L. Gaitner, R. R. Barr,
W. B. Ilenderson, S. W. Davis,
A. I. McKnieht, J. R. Gillespie,
Wm. McNeill, J. M, Henderson,
J. W. McRae, J. F. Houston,
P. T. Penick, A. A. James,
W. H. Singletary, B. F. Little,
J. A. WilliamsoD, J. L. Miller,
S. Z. Williamson. G. D. Parks,
B. C. Powell,
GRADUATED IN 1847. A. M. Watson.
J. S. Barr,
W. C. Barr, graduated in 1849.
J. T. K. Belk, J. N. Dinkins,
W. Black, James Douglass,
T. F. Chambers, A. M. Erwin,
A. Enloe, T. W. Erwin,
R. R. King, R. H. Johnston,
P. B. Mcmurin, S. M. McDowell,
E. R. Mills, W. S. Moore,
S. K. Pharr, S. R. Spann.
E. C. Stewart,
Its location is salubrious, removed from the allurements of vice,
and amid a population imbued with the tenets of the church under
whose auspices it is established, and in a fertile region, its useful-
ness and influence will doubtless be most happy in our State.
WAKE FOREST COLLEGE.
MEMBERS OF THE FACULTY.
Rev. Jonx B. White, President, and Professor of Mathematics
and Natural Philosophy.
William H. Owen, A.M., Professor of Greek, Latin, and
French.
Rev. William T. Brookes, A. M., Adjunct Professor of Lan-
guages, and Teacher in the Academical Department.
William T. Walters, A. B., Tutor in Mathematics.
Benjamin W. Justice, A.B., Tutor in Natural Science.
Rev. James S. Purify, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, and
General Agent.
board of trustees.
Rev. Samuel Wait, D. D., iVwt- G. C. Moore, M. D.
dent ofifie Board, Samuel J. Wheeler, M. D.
Hon. Alfred Dookery. George W. ThompsoD, £aq.
Rev. John Purify. Wilham M. Crenshaw, M. D.
Charles W. Skinner, Esq. Hon. Thomas Settle.
ReT. David S. Williams. Nathaniel J. Palmer, Esq.
Rev. George M. Thompsoii. Rev. George W. Pvrify.
Dayid Justice, Esq. George W. Jones, Esq.
132 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
John Kcrp, Esq. R. "W. Lawson, Esq*
Rev. J. J. James. Sidney S. Lea, Esq.
Rey. James McDaniel. 11. Hester, Esq.
Hon. Calvin Graves. Hon. William A. Graham.
Rev. William Jones. Rhodes N. Herndon, Esq.
George R. French, Esq. Henry F. Bond, Esq.
J. J. Biggs, Esa. Council Wooten, Esq. "
Rev. James S. rurify. John Berry, Esq.
Samuel 8. Biddle, Esq. Rev. Elias Dodson.
Rev. William Hooper, LL. D. A. Armstrong, Esq.
William Russell, Esq.
We have been furnished with but little information respecting
this institution. It was founded by the Baptist denomination in
1834, as an Institute or Classical Seminary, and such was its pros-
perity that it was deemed expedient to obtain a college charter in
1888. The number of students have varied annually from 75 to
150. It has had a most happy influence upon the denomination
that founded it, and has also contributed much to diffuse a lively
interest in the cause of education throughout the State.
The father and founder of this institution is undoubtedly the
Rev. Samuel Wait, D.D., who was its first President, and continued
so up to June, 1846. The Rev. William Hooper, LL. D., was his
successor, and resigned in 1848, at which time the Rev. John B.
White, A. M., who had for twelve years occupied the Professorship
of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, was elected President.
The institution has gradually been gaining in public favor, is free
from debt, and has the prospect of a speedy endowment.
There are two literary societies connected with the institution,
with beautiful halls and excellent libraries. There is also a choice
cabinet of minerals, and apparatus for illustrating the natural
sciences.
The location is a very fortunate one. It is in Wake County,
sixteen miles north of Raleigh, and immediately upon the Raleigh
and Gaston Railroad. Its distance from the distracting influence
of towns and \'illages, the healthiness of the surrounding country,
the beauty of the scenery, and the elevated character of the in-
habitants for intelligence and morality, make it a fortunate location
for a great literary institution.
There are many other institutions in the State devoted to education.
The Edgeworth Institute, and Methodist Female Institute at Greens-
boro* ; the Female School at Salem, under the Moravians ; Saint
Mary's School, at Raleigh, under the care of Rev. A. Smedes ; the
Chowan Collegiate Institute at Murfreesboro*, in Hertford County,
under charge of Rev. M. R. Forey (Doctor Godwin C. Moore is
Chairman of the Board of Trustees) ; and two schools at Warren-
ton, one under care of Honorable Daniel Turner, and the other
under Rev. Mr. Graves, are for the education of females and have
done great service to the country.
We regret that oui* limits do not allow a minute account or ex-
tended statement of their establishment or their value.
HISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
188
The great substratum of our education in North Carolina, is the
COMMON SCHOOLS.
Judge Reeves, in his work on Domestic Relations (published
1816), states that during an extensive practice of the law in Con-
necticut for twenty years, he had met only two persons who could
not read and write.
Can any lawyer of our State say the same ?
The table here given presents an answer.
Education in the United States. — The following table, col-
lated by the Richmond Compiler^ presents in a distinct form, a very
interesting feature of the various information, obtained by means of
the late census of the United States. It exhibits a comparative
view of the number of white persons over twenty years of age, in
the different States, who cannot read or write.
Connecticut,
Vermont,
New Hampshire,
Massachusetts,
Maine,
Michigan,
Rhode Island,
New Jersey,
New York,
Pennsylvania,
Ohio,
Louisiana,
Maryland,
The humiliating fact is here presented, that in point of education
our State is behind all the Union, and one in every seven white
persons over twenty years of age, cannot read or write !
This fact is not recorded with any satisfaction. " More in sor-
row than in anger," is it alluded to. Like the filial piety of the
sons of Noah, would we rather cover the mantle of oblivion over
her degraded position. It should rouse our statesmen and our peo-
ple to remove the opprobrium, and stand in education, science, and
literature, as prominent as her early history is bright and glorious.
With this laudable motive, the attention of the citizens of the State
is called to this subject.
It is not to be denied that the plan, as it now exists, can hardly be
worthy of the name of a system — ^without a head, and without uni-
formity of action, it fails to produce the effects beneficial to the
rising generation.
In January, 1839, the General Assembly passed an act dividing
each county into districts not more than six miles square, for the
purpose of establishing common schools.
At the next session, the net annual income of the literary fund
(exclusive of moneys arising from the swamp lands) was appropriated
to be distributed according to federal population. The literary
f and of the State consists of — 1. ■ The dividends from the bank stock ;
in
568
<<
473
It
310
u
166
it
108
<(
97
<(
67
«
58
4<
56
((
50
(4
43
H
38}
ti
27
Mississippi,
Delaware,
in
<<
20
18
Indiana,
<i
18
South Carolina,
ti
17
Illinois,
tt
17
Missouri,
tt
16
Alabama,
tt
15
Kentucky,
Georgia,
Virginia,
Arkansas,
*t
tt
tt
tt
13}
13
12}
11}
Tennessee, .
tt
11
North Carolina,
<i
184 HI8T0BT OP NORTH CAROLINA.
2. Cape Fear Navigation Company ; 3. The Roanoke Navigation
Company ; 4. The tax on retailers of spiritous liquors, tavern tax,
and auctioneers ; 5. Vacant lands ; 6. All sales of swamp lands.
The county coui'ts appoint ten superintendents for each county,
who select for each district the school committee men, who contract
for a teacher, visit the schools, and ^^ perform all such duties as
may be necessary to the successful operation of said schools." The
teachers of said schools to be exempt from working roads, military
duties, or serving on juries while engaged in said schools.
By act of 1849, the board of superintendents appoint the three
school committee men ; and the court authorized to appoint on re-
commendation of the board of superintendents ^^ some suitable and
competent person to visit once a year each and every school district,
to examine the condition of the schools and report the same.
About one hundred thousand dollars a year is appropriated by the
Literary Board, wliich is distributed to each county, to the Chair-
man of the Board, and by him paid to each teacher.
That this plan contains the germ of immense usefulness, is true.
The defects to be remedied, and the system perfected, have engaged
the attention of the General Assembly. The patriotic efforts of
the Hon. Wm. B. Shepard; Mr. Wiley, of Gmlford; Samuel J.
Person, of Moore ; Mr. Barnes, of Northampton ; and others in the
last legislatui-e, will, "we trust, be appreciated and crowned with
success.
Present Literary Board — ^Wesley Jones, Wake County ; W. W.
HoLDEN, Raleigh ; H. G. Spruill, Washington County.
CHAPTER IX.
Banks of North Carolina — Railroads — Canals — ^Turnpike and plank roads —
Institution for Deaf and Dumb — State Hospital for Insane.
1. Bank of Cape Fear was incorporated in 1804, with a capital of two
hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The Mother Bank is located at Wil-
mington. Charter was continued, and capital increased by various enact-
ments to one million and a half. The act ot 1850 further increased its capital
five thousand shares. Charter expires Jan. 1, 18C0. The State owns 5,322
shares of stock.
OFFICERS, BRANCHES, AND AGENCIES.
JMndpal Bank at Wilmington, — Thomas II. Wright, President ; HeniT R.
Sayaec, Cashier ; J. D. Gardner, Teller ; McLaurin, Ass't Teller ; J. A.
Bradley, Book-keeper ; T. II. Hardin, Clerk.
Branch at Washington. — John Myers, President; Benj. Runyon, Cashier;
T. H. Hardonborgh, Teller.
Branch at Salisbury. — D. A. Davis, Cashier.
Branch at Salem.--J. G. Lash, Cashier.
Branch at Fayetteville. — Charles T. Ilaigh, President ; John W. Wrieht^
Cashier; W. J. Anderson, ToUer; Joshua Carman, Clerk; Alexander Me-
Lean, Clerk.
HISTOET OF NOBTH CAROUKA. 185
Branch at RdUigk. — ^W. H. Jones, Cashier ; F. C. Hill, Clerk.
Branch at AsheviUe. — J. F. E. Hardj, Cashier.
Branch at Greensboro^ — Jesse 11. Lindsay, Cashier.
2. Bank of the Statk of North Carolina, incorporated in 1833. Raleigh.
Oapital, one million five hundred thousand dollars, of which the State owns
fire thousand shares.
OFFICERS, BRANCHES, AND AGENCIES.
Principal Bank at Raleigh. — George "W. Mordecai, President ; C. Dewey,
Cashier ; S. W. Whiting, Teller ; D. Du Pr6, Book-keeper ; T. W. Dewey,
Clerk.
J'ayettetine Branch, — C. P. Mallett, President; I. Wetmore, Cashier; W,
"Warden, Teller ; W. Huske, Clerk.
Wilmington Branch, — £. P. Hall, President; W. E. Anderson, Cashier;
"WilUam Reston, Teller ; J. J. Lippitt, Clerk.
Newbem Branch, — Qeorgo S. Attmore, President; J. M. Roberts, Cashier;
H. C. Lucas, Teller.
Tarhorough Branch, — James "Weddell, President; P. P. Lawrence, Cashier;
R. Chapman, Teller.
Elixabeth City Branch, — "W, B. Shepard, President; J. C. Ehringhaus,
Cashier ; W. C. Butler, Teller.
Branch at Cfiarlotte, — John Irvin, President ; W. A. Lucas, Cashier ; W.
A. Williams, Clerk.
Morganton Branch, — ^Robert C. Pearson, President ; Isaac T. Aver^, Cashier.
MHUm Branch, — Samuel Watkins, President ; W. R. Hill, Cashier.
3. Merchants' Bank of Newbern, incorporated in 1834, with a capital of
three hundred thousand dollars.
Charles Slover, President ; W. W. Clark, Cashier ; Joseph Fulford, Teller.
4. Commercial Bank at Wilmington, incorporated in 1847, with a oapital
of three hundred liiousand dollars. Increased in 1850, fifty thousand dollars.
0. G. Parsley, President; Timothy Savage, Jr., Cashier; John McRae,
Teller.
5. Bank of Fatetteyille, incorporated January, 1849, with a capital of
eight hundred thousand dollars.
John D. Starr, President; W. J. Broadfoot, Cashier; Harvey Leite, Teller.
6. Bank of Washington, Beaufort County, incorporated in 1850, with a
capital of four hundred thousand dollars. Charter expires in 1877.
James £. Iloyt, President ; Martin Stevenson, Cashier.
7. Bank of Wadesboro', Anson County, incorporated in 1850, with a capi-
tal of two hundred thousand dollars. Charter expires in 1880.
W. R. Leak, President ; H. B. Hammond, Cashier.
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
In 1825, a Board of Internal Improvements was established, and
the funds arising from the sales of Cherokee lands and dividends
from stock owned by the State in the Bank of Cape Fear, set apart
as the fund. (See Kovised Statutes, p. 347.)
Present Internal Improvement Board — Calvin Graves, of Cas-
well ; Thomas IBragg, of Northampton.
1- The Dismal Swamp Canal, uniting the waters of Pasquotank
and Elizabeth Rivers in Virginia, was incorporated in 1790.
2. Cape Fear Navigation Company, incorporated in 1796, to im-
prove the navigation of the Cape Fear River, from Averysborough to
the confluence of the Deep and Haw Rivers, the sum of $100,000,
186 HI8T0RY OF NOBTH CAROLINA.
to be subscribed in shares of one hundred dollars each ; the State
subscribed six hundred and fifty shares of stock.
3. Roanoake Navigation Company, incorporated in 1812, improv-
ing the na\dgation from Halifax to the Virginia line. The State
owns $50,000 in the stock of this Company.
4. The Clubfoot and Harlow Creek Canal was incorporated in
1826 ; in which the State holds thirty shares.
5. The Cape Fear and Deep River Na\igation Company was in-
corporated in 1849, in which the State subscribed $40,000.
6. Ncuse River Navigation Company, incorporated in 1850.
State subscribes $40,000.
1. The Raleigh and Gaston Railroad, from Raleigh to Gaston, on
Roanoke River, was incorporated in 1835. This road was finished
July 4th, 1839, at a cost of about $1,600,000. The State endorsed
the bonds of this road in 1838, to the amount of $500,000 ; and in
1840, $300,000 ; for which she is liable, and has already in part
paid ; the road being mortgaged to save the State harmless, has been
sold under the mortgage, and has been purchased by the State.
George W. Mordecai, President.
2. The Raleigh and Wilmington Railroad, from the Roanoke
River to Wilmington, was incorporated in 1833. The Company was
organized in March, 1836. This work was commenced in Oct.,
1836, and finished in March, 1840, at a cost of $1,500,000. Six
hundred thousand were subscribed in the stock by the State ; and by
act of 1840, the State endorsed the bonds of this Company for
$300,000, a part of which she has paid. The repairs of the road
in 1850, increased the cost to another million. Gen. McRae, Pre-
sident.
3. The North Carolina Railroad, from the Wilmington and Ra-
leigh Railroad in Wayne County, to Charlotte, was incorporated in
1848, in which, on $1,000,000 being subscribed by individual sub-
scribers, $2,000,000 is to be subscribed by the State. This road
is now in progress, lion. J. M. Morehead, President.
1. Buncombe Turnpike, from the Saluda Gap by way of Asheville
to the Tennessee line, w^as incorporated in 1824 ; capital stock to
be $30,000 in shares of fifty dollars each ; the State owns one him-
dred shares. The Company was organized in 1826 ; the first toll-
gate was erected in Oct., 1827.
2. The Fayetteville and Western Plank Road, from Fayetteville to
Salisbury, was incorporated in 1848. Stock, $200,000, in shares
of fifty dollars each. State subscribes one-fifth.
3. The Turnpike Road, from Salisbury west to the Georgia line,
was incorporated in 1848, and the lands in the State, in Cherokee,
Macon, and Haywood, as well as the Cherokee bonds, are pledged
to make the same.
Institution for the Deaf and Dumb was created, by act of 1847,
in the City of Raleigh, and the sum of $30,000 was appropriated.
It is a beautiful building, and under the care of William D. Cooke,
a8 Principal, and a Board of Directors consisting of Pcrrin Busbee,
HISTOBT OF NORTH CAEOLIKA. 187
Linn B. Sanders, John H. Bryan, Thomas J. Lemay, W. W.
Holdcn, James F. Jordan, and Dr. Charles E. Johnson. It has
twenty-seven pupils, who are employed in acquiring knowledge and
the mechanic arts. They have a printing press, and publish weekly
a newspaper, called the Deaf Mute, The annual expense of each
Eupil is about one hundred and eighty-three dollars. The Principal
as a salary of twelve hundred dollars.
A Committee of the last Legislature reported (through its chair-
man, J. H. llaughton) that " after a very strict and careful inves-
tigation of the affairs of the institution, they are fully impressed
with the belief, that it has been managed with economy, judgment,
and fidelity, by the Board of Directors, and they have every reason
to believe that under their administration, judging from the past,
the institution will flourish, and will be the means of untold bless-
ings to that unfortunate class of our population for whose benefit it
was established; and they hope that the institution may long re-
main as a monument of the wisdom and munificence of the Legis-
lature of North Carolina."
State Hospital for the Insane was incorporated in 1849, and
John M. Morehead, Calvin Graves, George W. Mordecai, Charles
L. Hinton, and Josiah 0. Watson, appointed commissioner to pur-
chase and select a site for the same. The commissioners have
selected " Dix*s Hill,*' near Raleigh, and a tax of one and three-
fourths of a cent is levied on every hundred dollars worth of land,
and five and one-quarter of a cent on every poll, to sustain said
Institute.
CHAPTER X.
Resources of the State, her liabilities, and her expenses.
The Public Treasury of North Carolina is divided into —
I. PubUc Fund.
n. Literary Fund.
The public fund is supplied —
I. From taxes collected by the sheriffs annually from the
people, and paid into the treasury, which is levied on land and town
property, poll (white and black), money at interest, dividends and
profits, stores, carriages, watches, and other property, bank tax,
attorneys, licenses, dividends of Buncombe Turnpike Company, and
some other sources, which amounted last year to $179,768.
The literary fund is supplied —
II. By the sales of vacant and swamp lands in the State, taxes
on taverns, dividends on stock held by the State in the Bank of the
State and Bank of Cape Fear, dividends on the stock held by the
138 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
State in the Roanoake Navigation Company, and in the Cape
Fear Navigation Company, tax on auctioneers, interest on bonds
held by the board ; which amounted last year to $112,316.
THE ANNUAL EXPENSES OF THE STATE.
From the public fund for judiciary about . . . $30,000 00
Legislatm-e 45,000 00
Executive 10,000 00
Principal and interest on bonds of Raleigh and Graston
Raibroad endorsed by the State .... 70,000 00
And other demands which amounted last year (1850) to 228,178 00
The expenses paid from literary fund are, for common
schools 107,339 00
LIABILITIES OF THE STATE.
For Raleigh and Gaston Railroad . . . 0500,000 00
For do do do ... 106,000 00
State Bonds 200,000 00
State Bonds for Fayetteville and Western Turn-
pike Company 120,000 00
State Bonds for Neuse and Tar Rivers . . 65,000 00
State Bonds for Capo Fear and Deep Rivers . 80,000 00
State Bonds for North Carolina Raibroad . . 2,000,000 00
83,071,000 00
Here end the Second Series of these Sketches, and the first
volume.
END OF VOL. I.
MAP
Lucation, Origin, and Date
"" EchonofeveiT Counlj
iltortli Canilina.
or Skl!lchesofN^/ClL
bvJ.HWl,|.(!le^. 1851
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
OF
NOKTH CAKOLINA,
From 1584 to 1851.
COMPILED FROM ORIOINAL RECORDS, OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS,
AND TRADITIONAL STATEMENTS.
WITH
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF HER DISTINGUISHED
STATESMEN, JURISTS, LAWYERS, SOLDIERS,
DIVINES, ETC.
BY
JOHN H. WHEELER,
LATE TREASITRXB 07 THE STATE.
K^i>^>,'^K^-^*^ '^^•^
"Truth is stranger than Fiction."
^W''^*'^* W^^i.-*
ILLUSTRATED WITH ENGRAVINGS,
4
VOL. IL
PHILADELPHIA:
LIPPINCOTT, GRAM BO AND CO.
SUCCESSORS TO QRIOa, ELLIOT AND CO.
1851.
EXPLANATION OF THE MAP.
On the dissolution of the Proprietary Government in 1729, the Province of
North Carolina was divided into three Counties : —
1. Albemarle.
2. Bath.
3. Clarendon.
From these three branches spring all the Counties of the State. See
Sketches, vol. i. 42.
All of these (Albemarle, Bath and Clarendon) exist only by name, the
territory having been divided, and are only used, as are also Bute, Dobbs,
Tryon and Glasgow (marked thus *) to show the branches from whence
other counties have sprung.
To find a County, its formation and derivation, is not difficult. Wake, for
instance, is a centre County, formed in 1770 from Cumberland, Orange and
Johnston. Rccised Statutes, vol. ii. 165.
Lincoln County, formed in 1779 from Tryon (see Revised Statutes), which
in that year was divided into Lincoln and Rutherford ; Tryon erected in
1768 from Mecklenburg ; Mecklenburg in 1762 from Anson ; Anson in 1749
from Bladen ; Bladen in 1734 from New Ilanover ; New Hanover in 1729
from Clarendon. All of which is plainly visible in the delineation.
Guilford County was formed in 1770, from Orange and Rowan ; but as
Orange was from a different stock than Rowan, it could not be delineated on
the plan of the tree. This must be borne in mind.
The engraver has omitted in some of the engravings to letter the branch
Caswell, springing from Orange and Person, which springs from Caswell,
which the reader will supply.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
The Bbore is the Coat of Arms of North CnroliDO, as eshibitod on the
Great Saal of State.
In December, 17T6, William Hooper, Joecph Ilewes, and Thomaa Burke,
irere appolDted to prepare "a suitable device for the Great Seal of the State
of North Carolina."
It ia omblomatic, and reprcsenta Libestt and Plk.ntt.
Liberty holds in her left hand the Constitution, and in her right a staff
>Drniount«d b; the cap of Ltbcrtj, indicating that bei liberties ore safe and
wcared bj tho Constitntion.
Plentj holds in hei right hand an cor of griun, and at hor left the comu-
eopiee is seen, from which pour forth the rich fruits of the earth ; both indi-
cating that North Carolina is a land of liberty guided by law, and abundant
in products to sustain life.
COUNTIES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Iq 1728, the preoinots of North Carolina were Currituok, Pasquotank, Per-
qnimans, Chowan, Craven, Beaufort, Bertie, Hyde, and Carteret.*
In 1729, Tyrrel and New Hanover.
In 1731, Onslow and Bladen.
In 1738, the precincts were denominated coanties.f
Chapter I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
XV.
XVI.
XVII.
XVIII.
XIX.
XX.
XXI.
XXII.
XXIII.
XXIV.
XXV.
XXVI.
XXVII.
XXVIII.
XXIX.
XXX.
XXXI.
XXXII.
XXXIII.
XXXIV.
XXXV.
XXXVI.
XXXVII.
XXXVIII.
XXXVIX.
XL.
XLI.
PAG*
FAOB
Alamance -
10
Chap. XLII. Jackson
218
Alexander
20
XLIII. Johnston
219
Anson
21
XLIV. Jones
221
Ashe
26
XLV. Lenoir -
223
Beaufort -
28
XLVI. Lincoln -
225
Bertie
30
XLVII. MacDowell -
249
Bladen
35
XLVIIL Macon -
250
Brunswick
45
XTJX. Madison
251
Buncombe
51
L. Martin -
251
Burke
55
LI. Mecklenburg -
254
Cabarrus -
63
LII. Montgomery -
270
Caldwell -
69
LIII. Moore -
272
Camden
70
LIV. Nash - -
274
Carteret
72
LV. New Hanover
276
Caswell
77
LVI. Northampton
295
Catawba -
82
LVII. Onslow - -
298
Chatham -
83
LVIII. Orange -
300
Cherokee -
87
LIX. Pasquotank -
339
Chowan
88
LX. Perquimans •
341
Cleaveland
97
LXI. Person -
343
Columbus -
108
LXII. Pitt
345
Craven
109
LXIII. Randolph
348
Cumberland
124
LXIV. Richmond -
350
Currituck -
132
LXV. Robeson
352
Davidson -
136
LXVI. Rockingham -
354
Davie
137
LXVII. Rowan
356
Duplin
138
LXVIII. Rutherford -
399
Edgecombe
141
LXIX. Sampson
LXX. Stanly -
401
Forsythe -
147
403
Franklin -
149
LXXI. Stokes -
403
Gaston
151
LXXII. Surry -
408
Gates
159
LXXIII. Tyrrell -
411
Granville -
161
LXXIV. Union -
414
Greene
167
LXXV. Wake -
414
Guilford -
169
LXXVI. Warren
423
Halifax
184
LXXVII. Washington -
442
Haywood -
204
LX XVIII. Watauga
444
Henderson
207
LXXIX. Wayne
LXXX. Wilkes
454
Hertford
207
461
Hyde
212
LXXXI. Yadkin
467
Iredell
214
LXXXII. Yancey
467
amson, vol. il. page 246
•
t Martin, ii. 27.
SERIES III.
The State of North Carolina is situated between 33® 53', and
36° 33" north latitude, and 1° 28' east, and 6° 60' west longitude.
It is so called in honor of Charles II., who granted the charter
to the Duke of Albemarle and others.
It is bounded on the north by the State of Virginia, east by the
Atlantic, south by South Carolina, and west by Tennessee. Its
mean length is about 362 miles. Its mean breadth is 121 miles.
Its area is 48,800 square miles, or 28,032,000 acres.
It was the first State in which the English landed (1584), and
the first State whose citizens threw ofi* the English yoke (1775).
Its shape is irregular. Its northern line (36°33') is straight
from east to west. Its eastern boundary irregular bv the indent-
ures and curvatures of the Atlantic. !Us southern Ime still more
irregular, as is also its western line, by the course of the Blue
Ri^e.
Tne State is divided into eighty-two counties, the names of
which are exhibited in the following table, with the sections of the
State in which they are situated, the date of their formation, the
capital or county town, distance from Raleigh (the seat of govern-
ment), and the population of each in federal numbers, according to
the last census.
The popalation of the State is 553,290 white ; 27,196 free colored ;.288,412
slaves ; 7o3,505 federal population ; 841 Indians.
Its products, according to the census of 1840, are
1,960,855 bushels of wheat. 506,766 dollars annual amount of
3,574 " barley. lumber sold.
3,193,941 " oats. 73,350 barrels of fish.
213,971 " rye. 693,451 barrels of tar, pitch, turpen-
23,893,763 " corn. tine, and rosin.
2,609,239 " potatoes. 995,300 dollars invested in cotton
625,044 pounds of wool. factories.
16,772,359 ** tobacco. 2,802 distilleries, which produce
2,820,388 " rice. 1,051,979 gallons.
51,926,190 " cotton. 10,000 dollars worth of lead.
17,163 " sugar. 255,618 " gold.
5,082,835 dollars invested in merohan- 968 tons of iron,
dise.
6
HISTORY OF KORTH CAROLINA.
TABLE I.
Chapter.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Counties.
Alamance
Alexander
Anson
Ashe
Beaufort
Bertie
Bladen
Brunswick
Buncombe
Burke
Cabarrus
Caldwell
Camden
Carteret
Caswell
Catawba
Chatham
Cherokee
Chowan
Cleaveland
Columbus
Craven
Cumberland
Currituck
Davidson
Davie
Duplin
Edgecombe
Forsytho
Franklin
Gaston
Gates
Granville
Greene
Guilford
Halifax
Haywood
Henderson
Hertford
Hyde
Iredell
Jackson
Johnston
Jones
Lenoir
Lincoln
MacDowell
Macon
Madison
Martin
Namci of
Capital Towns.
51 Mecklenburg
Graham
Taylorsville
Wadesboro'
Jefferson
Washington
Windsor
Elizabethtown
Smithville
Ashevillo
Morganton
Concord
Lenoir
Court House
Beaufort
Yanceyville
Newton
Pittsboro'
Murphy
Edenton
Shelby
Whitesvillo
Newbern
Fayetteville
Court House
Lexington
Mocks ville
Kenansville
Tarboro'
Winston
Louisburg
Dallas
Gatcsville
Oxford
Snowhill
Greensboro'
Halifax
Waynesville
Hendersonville
Winton
Swan Quarter
Statesville
Smithfield
Trenton
Kingston
Lincolnton
Marion
Franklin
Marshall
Williamston
Charlotte
Date of
Forma-
tion.
1848
1846
1749
1799
1738
1722
1734
1764
1791
1777
1792
1841
1777
1729
1777
1842
1770
1839
1729
1841
1808
1729
1754
1729
1822
1836
1749
1733
1848
1779
1846
1779
1746
1799
1770
1758
1808
1838
1759
1729
1788
1850
1746
1779
1791
1779
1842
1828
1850
1774
1762
Course and Distance
from Raleigh.
1850.
Federal
Population.
Miles
North-west
54
10.165
North-west
150
5,602
South-west
143
10,756
Extreme N.W. 202
8,539
East
127
11,716
East
157
9,973
South-east
99
8,023
South-east
173
5,951
West
256
12,738
West
197
6,919
South-west
139
8,673
North-west
200
5,835
North-east
219
5,174
South-eaAt
168
6,208
North
66
12,161
West
175
8,234
West
34
16.055
Extreme S.W. 367
6,703
East
182
5,251
South-west
190
9,697
South-east
125
5,307
East
120
12,328
South
60
17,723
Extreme N.E. 242
6,257
West
117
14,123
West
120
6,997
East
89
11,111
East
76
13,770
North-west
110
10,626
East
36
9,610
West
175
7,228
East
167
6,877
North
45
17.303
East
89
5,321
West
82
18.479
East
87
13,007
West
294
6,906
West
250
6,483
East
155
6,655
East
203
6,585
West
145
13,062
West
South-east
27
11,860
East
129
3,935
East
80
6,181
West
172
6,924
West
200
5,741
West
331
6,169
Extreme west
East
140
1 0,060
South-west
158
11,724
HISTOBT OF NOBXH CABOLINA.
TABLE L—Continueil.
NameB of
Date of
1
Coarae and Distance
1850.
Chapter.
Coantiet.
Capital Towna.
Forma-
from Raleigh.
Federal
tion.
Population.
Miles
52
Montgomery
Troy
1779
South-west 115
6,162
53
Moore
Carthage
NashTille
1784
South-Mrest 79
8,551
54
Nosh
1777
East 44
9,034
55
New IlanoTer
Wilmington
1728
South 148
14,235
56
Northampton
Jackson
1741
East 108
10,730
57
Onslow
Court House
1734
South-east 145
7,039
58
Orange
Hillsboro'
1751
North-west 40
14,957
59
Pasquotank
Elizabeth City
1729
East 215
7,708
60
Perquimans
Hertford
1729
East 194
6,030
61
Person
Roxborough
1791
North 54
8,823
62
Pitt
Greenville
1760
East 102
10,743
63
Randolph
Ashboro^
1779
West 72
15,176
64
Richmond
Rockingham
1779
South 135
7,936
65
Robeson
Lumberton
1786
South 91
11,080
66
Rockingham
Wentworth
1785
North 116
12,368
67
Rowan
Salisbury
1753
West 118
12,328
68
Rutherford
Rutherfordton
1779
West 216
12,388
69
Sampson
Stanlj
Clinton
1784
South 94
12,311
70
Albemarle
1841
West 110
6.347
71
Stokes
Crawford
1789
North-west 110
8.492
72
Surry
Rockford
1770
North-west 145
17,643
73
TyrreU
Union *
Columbia
1728
East 200
4,448
74
Munro
1842
South-west 160
9,258
75
Wake
Raleigh
1770
Centre
21,123
76
Warren
Warrenton
1779
North-east 62
10,365
77
Washington
Plymouth
1799
East 162
4,780
78
Watauga
Boon
1849
North-west
3,348
79
Wayne
Waynes-
borough
1779
East 51
11,478
80
Wilkes
Wilkesborougfa
1777
West 172
11,642
«1
Tadkin
Wilson
1850
West
82
Yancey
BumviUe
1833
North-west 245
8,086
10
HISTOaY OF ITOKTH CAKOLIXA.
TABLE n.
Shoiring the amount piud by each countj in North CiiroIiDB ioto the tmir
eury as t&xee (1850). Tho amuant received by oftch county from the
treasury for tho support of commoD schools (distriliution of 1850), The
number of wbito porsona over twentj-one who cnnDot read or write, in
each county, the deaf aod dumb, insane and idiotic, and blind; (from the
last Ceuaus.)
Taie.
paid.
Annailanfa
Arhit«i 1^
Inaaoe
.H
Und.
Poll.
ToliL
fc™S!
t:^.
II
Idiotic
s
Doll an
Dollaii
l>oll>ii «[..
—
1. AUmancB
631
447
1436 00
See Orange
338
13
4
9. Ale»Dder
123
414 OO
See Iredell
390
6
9
■
3. Anion
663
3699 00
2024
3
7
4. Atha
389
308
824 00
1136
587
8
3
6. Be«uft.rt
416
301
2606 00
1630
1317
It
6. Bertie
748
758
3926 00
1481
1U32
9
3
1. Bladen
354
467
1326 00
1041
693
15
S
346
367
990 00
693
397
6
4S8
369
1426 00
1600
1533
14
S4
ID
10. Burke
ISl
2S6
1146 00
966
1091
19
3
ll.Cabirm*
45S
416
1910 00
1310
751
19
6
IS. C.1dir«ll
265
185
786 00
■782
1139
10
e
13. Cmdan
313
247
1319 00
782
a
14. Carteret
134
214
838 00
944
739
18
10
111. Caioell
637
811
2731 00
1865
980
13
9
le. Cauwb.
44S
390
1178 00
1591
B63
IB
7
IT, Chatham
663
3404 00
3306
695
10
30
B
16
111
310 00
631
447
7
3
19. Chowan
413
381
3260 00
817
446
6
6
SO. Cleaieland
3:il
1075 00
1035
1115
38
39
11
ai. Colunibui
165
212
634 OO
549
668
6
32. CriveR
315
672
4480 00
1743
13S5
2S
10
S3. CambarliDd
630
846
4480 00
2050
1614
26
14
34. CiirritDCk
3U3
293
898 00
916
901
IS
3
6!9
622
1964 00
3132
1412
31
7
S6. Di'lfl
300
307
1109 OO
1065
8.59
37. Duplin
48S
698
3038 00
1465
1123
13
7
as. Edgecombe
1062
1006
4778 00
1988
IB23
13
10
6
S9. Fonythe
386
387
1996 OO
944
31
4
30. FriDkllQ
464
691
3912 00
1354
894
7
6
31. GaitDD
see
391
1151 00
Included
in Lincoln
6
3
1
32. Galei
314
431
1460 00
1010
S42
8
3
33. GnnTille
819
1113
4300 00
3394
1962
30
a
34. Gfeeae
326
365
1328 00
845
305
10
2
3S. Guiirord
U)5
626
3237 00
1637
32
4)
6
36. Halifai
BS5
920
3664 on
2046
I
37. Hsjwood
167
13.1
668 00
760
1162
10
340
I9S
891 00
864
2
39. Hertford
352
410
1990 63
964
533
10
3
4D. Uvde
362
304
1256 00
IS
41. Iredell
607
513
1970 00
3217
447
4S. Jackaon
Forme
43. Jnhnaon
44. Jniiei
459
3i6
553
1R40 00
1115 no
1417
5H7
1420
2si
U
5
7
3
4i. Len..ir
361
453
1717 UO
( 1591 )
600
6
S
48. Lincoln
345
386
1404 00
I'^S
166
e
■
47. HacDowolI
S85
189
861 00
684
3
6
3
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
9
TABLE n.— Continued
Taxea paid.
Annaal ami's
Whites
•a
received for
Common
over 21
who can-
a
Insane
' and
Coantieg.
•6
Land.
Poll.
Total.
Schools.
not read
or write.
Idiotic.
a
n
Dollarg
Dollarg
Dollarg cti.
Dollnrs.
48. Macon
145
141
508 00
739
965
1
6
4
49. Maditon
Forme
d lagt
geggion
fiO. Martin
341
384
1941 00
1017
163
5
3
61. Mecklenburg
570
656
3394 00
2458
117
8
18
5
62. Montgomerj
214
219
769 00
793
536
5
28
2
53. Moore
239
333
950 00
1156
977
8
18
7
54.Nagh
344
509
1808 00
1182
1357
4
14
2
56. New HanoTer
607
836
5285 00
1681
473
7
14
6
56. Northampton
745
727
2582 00
1666
1390
3
18
7
67. Onaloir
301
349
1206 00
1005
9b9
1
14
3
68. Orange
647
650
2647 00
3367
1176
7
17
9
69. Pagqnotank
508
392
2185 00
1057
210
1
1
1
60. Perquimana
486
387
1640 00
965
660
9
2
61. Pergon
393
539
1787 00
1259
610
3
12
4
63. Pitt
608
734
2763 00
1491
1160
3
5
2
63. Randolph
647
409
1866 00
2019
1929
5
26
7
64. Richmond
405
500
1675 00
1140
645
4
20
6
66. Robeton
394
505
1466 00
1440
639
3
15
3
66. Rockingham
539
640
2513 00
1815
1025
18
16
3
67. Rowan
513
546
2288 00
1681
1229
6
18
2
68. Rotherford
570
441
1841 00
1984
1324
9
25
6
69. Rampaon
70. SUnly
506
648
1922 00
1623
1486
2
16
7
IST
227
700 00
736
964
6
11
71. Stokei
251
262
1040 00
2372
1674
10
7
9
72. Sorry
557
393
1559 00
2244
3152
8
20
14
73. TyrreU
191
187
568 00
641
( With )
594
3
1
1
74. Union
341
303
1170 00
i Meek- S
( lenbarg )
2798
999
9
11
7
75. Wake
923
1092
5828 00
2370
46
26
12
76. Warren
616
872
3500 00
1505
445
3
10
5
77. Waghiogton
247
348
1344 00
601
201
1
4
1
78. Watanga
136
72
325 00
479
2
6
1
79. Wajne
80. Wilkes
705
582
2526 00
1472
1458
9
12
3
280
222
828 00
1723
983
13
17
6
81. Tadkin
Forme
d lagt
geggion
82. Yancey
158
139
504 00
915
1003
12
505
13
7
Tbtal
32,708
34,793
145,150 00
124,300
71,150
1080
376
10 HISTOBT OF KOBTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER I.
ALAMANCE COUNTY.
Date of erection — Origin of its name, situation, and boundaries — County town
-Colonial and lievolutionary history — History of the battle of Alamance,
between Governor Tryon and the Regulators, June, 1771, in which the first
blood of the colonists was spilled by the Royal Troops of England-^Joumal
of Governor Tryo'n in the first expedition against the Regulators, 1768 — List
of his officers— Petition of John Low, James Hunter, Rednap Howell, and
other Regulators, detailing the causes of the disaffection of the people, and
oppressive conduct of £amund Fanning and others — Governor Tryon's
reply, dated June, 1768 — Petition of Francis Dorset, William Paine, and
otners, to the Governor — Deposition of Ralph McNair, Oct 9th, 1770, at to
the outrages of the Regulators ; Herman Husbands and others, when they
broke up the Court at Hillsboro' ; run the Judge off; whipped John Williams
and Eamund Fanning — Judge Henderson's statement — Deposition of
Waightstill Avery, March 8th, 1771, who was taken at Yadkin Ferry, by
the Regulators — Petition of Regulators, May 15th, 1771, on the field of battle
— Governor Tryon's detailed report of the battle. May 18th, 1771 — Same, re-
pjorting his movements after the battle, report of killed, wounded, and mis*
sing— <)ath of Regulators — Governor Martin's report to Lord Dartmouth, of
the oppressive conduct of the Sheriffs, Clerks, and other subordinate officers
of Government (Nov., 1772) — Population of Alamance — Biographical
Sketch of Hon. Thomas Ruffin, Chief Justice of Supreme Court of North
Carolina.
Alamance County was erected in 1848, out of Orange County.
It is bounded on the north by Caswell, east by Orange, south by
Chatham, and west by Guilford. It derives its name from Ala-
mance Creek, famous in early history for a battle fought on its
banks, between the Royal Governor of the colony, William Tryon,
and the people under Herman Husbands, Rednap Howell, and others.
Its climate is salubrious and very uniform.
Its capital is Graham, named in compliment to Hon. William A.
Graham, the present Secretary of the Navy, for a sketch of whose
birth, life, education, and public services, see Orange County,
(Chapter LVIII.)
The town of Graham has a beautiful location. Its distance from
Raleigh is fifty-nine miles. Its court-house and public buildings are
in good taste and well adapted to the purposes for which they were
erected.
It has several handsome dwellings, and a printing office. The
Southern Democrat is here printed. Its editor, J. W. Lancaster,
Esq., is a Member of the Bar, an educated and skillful writer.
Its colonial and revolutionary history is connected with that of
ALAMANCE COUNTY. 11
Orange County. The causes of the battle of the Regulators, and its
disastrous termination, have been recorded. (See vol. i. p. 59.)
The conduct of the officers of the government, from the Governor
down to the lowest bailiflF, towards the people was oppressive, extor-
tionary and unjust.
In 1768, Governor Tryon marched with a body of troops procured
from Rowan and Mecklenburg into this county. I extract from his
Journal, procured from State Paper Office, in London, by aid of Hon.
George Bancroft, late our Envoy at that court, never before printed.
Journal of Governor Tryon.
On the sixth of Jalj 1768, ia coDsequence of the troubles of the Regolators,
Governor Tyron arriyed at Hillsboro'.
On the 1/th of August, the Governor left Hillsboro', and on the 18th,
arrived at Salisbury.
On the 19th, at Major Fifer's, in Mecklenburg.
On the 20th, Saturday. Remained at Major Fifer's.
Slst, Sunday, Heard Mr. Luther, a Dutch minister, preach.
22d, Monday. Left Major Fifer's and lay at Captain Folk's.
23d, Tuesday, Reviewed the Regiment — about nine hundred men.
24th. Governor left Captain Polk's, and took up his quarters at Major Fifer's.
25th. Governor returned to Salisbury ; Colonel Osborne called on the Go-
vernor to receive his orders for conducting the review.
26th, Friday. Eleven Companies marched. Governor ordered all the Cap-
tains and field officers to repair to Mr. Montgomery's, where he communicated
with them as to the transactions between him and the Regulators. Colonel
Osborne spoke warmly in support of the government, and read a letter from
four dissenting ministers (Hugh McCaddon, Henry Pattillo, James Creswell,
and David Caldwell) to their brethren, wherein the conduct of the Regulators
was touched upon, from Hawfields.
The Governor then marched into the field ; the first company that joined
was Captain Dobbin's ; all joined the Governor but Captain Knox and his com-
panj.
2i th, Saturday, Left Salisbury for Martin Fifer's.
30th, Tuesday. The Governor, accompanied by Colonel Palmer and Mr.
Fifer, went to see where the Commissioners left ofi' the line that they run in
1746, between his Majesty and Earl Granville. They found four trees stand-
ing in a square marked with notches and blazes ; on one of them, G. R. (Georee
I^x, King George), about five or six hundred yards east of Cold Water Creek.
On a large gum they found W. C. (William Churton, 1746), the name of the
surveyor.
31st, Wednesday. Governor called on Captain Barringer, and in the evening
went to Colonel Moses Alexander's, who agreed to furnish provisions and
wagons for the Mecklenburg volunteers.
S^pt. 4th, Sunday, Governor went to Salisbury.
12th, Monday. After reviewing the Mecklenburg battalion, left Salisbury
with troops for Hillsboro' where he arrived on the twenty-first.
24th. Governor so ill that he gave the command to Lieutenant-General
Untherford.
Major- Generals app'd. — John Ashb and Thomas Llotd.
Lieutenant- Generals. — John Rutherford, Lewis Henry De Rosset, John
Sampson, Robert Palmer, Benjamin Heron and Samuel Strudwick.
Majors of Brigade. — Abner Nash and Robert Howe. \
Colonels. — Alexander Osborne, Edmund Fanning, Robert Harris, Jaiqs
Sampson, Samuel Spencer, James Moore and Maurice Moore.
Lieutenant- Colonels. — John Frohock, Moses Alexander, Alexander Lil-
ungton, John Grat, Samuel Benton and Robert Schaw.
Majors. — William Bullock, Walter Lindsay, Thomas Lloyd, Martin
Fifer and John Hinton.
12 HISTORY 07 KOBTH CABOLINA.
On the 2d October, 17G8, the troops returned to Salisbury, and Gk)YXBHOS
Tbyon to Newbem.
«
«
From State Paper Office, London.
Am. and W. Ind., 198.
Petition from Regulators to Gov, Try on and Council,
May it please your Excellency, and your Honors: —
At a Committee of the Regulators, held May 21, 1768, it was ordered to
implore pardon for what was done amiss, and present a plain, simple narra-
tive of facts accompanied and supported by authentic papers. ♦ ♦ ♦
" We assure you that neither disloyalty to the best oi kings, nor disaffection
to the wholesomest constitution, nor yet dissatisfaction to the Legislature,
gave rise to these commotions which now make so much noise throughout
the province. After you have perused this paper and the concomitant proofs,
you will easily perceive that those disturbances had their source in the cor-
rupt and arbitrary practices of nefarious and designing men, who, being put
into offices of profit and credit among us, and not being satisfied with the
loyal benefits which arose from the execution of their offices, have been using
every artifice, practicing every fraud, and, where these failed, threats and
menaces were not spared, whereby to squeeze and extort from the wretched
poor, who, as Col. Fanning observes in his petition (if 'tis his), with their
utmost efforts, can scarcely gain a wretched subsistence for themselves and
families. How grievous, ludge you, dear sirs, must it be for such wretches
to have their substance taken from them by those monsters of equity, whose
study it is to plunder and oppress them.
" In the vear J766 there was general discontent in the countenances of the
people, ana grievous murmurings ensuing. The popular voice gave out that
the demands of the court officers for fees of every kind were exorbitant,
oppressive, and extra legal,
" In order to prevent such frands, if real, or to ^ve our officers an oppor-
tunity to still those clamors by disproving them entirely, we drew up paper
No. 1. (This was the paper rcaa in court, Auj^ust, 1766.) Mr. Loyd, the
member of the General Assembly, promised to give a hearing, and approved
of the course.
" In expectation of a meeting and of a satisfactory settlement, a meeting
was held at Mr. Maddock's mill, on Enoe River.
" Col. Fanning was invited to attend, but refused, sending them word that
he objected to the term 'judiciously,' in their resolves, as implying that
they had a jurisdiction over him ; and that 'he could not brook the mean-
ness of being summoned to a mill.' To both of which frivolous objections
we replied * that as to the term in question, we were no critics on words,
but we meant no more by it than wisefully, carefully, and soberly to exa-
mine the matter in hand ; that with respect to the court-house, we had no
right to appoint a convention there, but to the mill we had, having first
obtained the owner's leave to that purpose.' The petition proceeds — * The
sheriffs now grew very arbitrary, insulting the populace, making such dis-
tresses as seldom ever known, double, trelne, nay, even quadruple the value
of the tax was frequently distrained, and such seizures humed away to
Hillsborough.' One of the Regulators going to Hillsborough on some pri-
vate business had his mare seized for his levy. This mare was rescued by
the Regulators, and after expressing their regrets and apologies, the petition
proceeds : that * Monday morning, 2d May, we were alarmed at the astonish-
ing news that Col. Fanning, at the head of twenty-seven armed men, consist-
ing of sheriffs, bombs, tavern-keepers, and officers, after travelling all night,
arrived at break of day at Sandy Creek, and made prisoners of Mr. Herman
Husbands and Mr. William Butler, the former a gentleman that had never
joined the Regulators, and was never concerned in any tumult.'* This con-
duct of Col. Fanning alarmed the whole country. None now were safe,
whether active, passive, or neutral.
ALAMAKCB COUNTT. 18
"The very day Col. Fanning set off for Sandy Creek, he directed letters to
three of the Re^Qlators, invitiDfi; them to Hillsborough, and promising all
ima^ary satisfaction, one of which he directed to Jacob Fudge.
"We have now stated, without reserve or disguise, our whole proceedings
in this affair, having concealed nothing, whether for us or against us ; and,
as you are chosen by the contending parties to arbitrate the difference, and
we on our parts are fully determined to abide by your decision, we humbly
hope naked truth and native ignorance will poise the superexcellent Jlourishia
ana consummcUe declamation of our powerful adversary ; and, relying on your
benignity and justice, we humbly beg leave to subscribe ourselves your poor
oppressed suppliants, and very humble servants.
John Low, John Marshall,
James Hunter, William Cox,
Rcdnap Howell, William Moffitt,
Harmon Cox, George Hendry.
"To His Excellency, Wm. Tryon, Esq., our Governor, and to the lion, the
•members of His Majesty's Council for tne Province of North Carolina.''
The Governor's Answer,
« 2lst June, 1768.
The Governor's answer to the address of the inhabitants on the south side .of
Haw River, in Orange County.
" Gentlemen — I have received, by the hands of Messrs. Hunter and Powell,
a petition and other papers, subscribed by several of the inhabitants on the
south side of Haw River, in the County of Orange, under the borrowed title
of Regulators, assuming to themselves powers and authorities unknown to
the constitution, of calling public officers to a settlement, and a detail of the
grievances and complaints against the Clerk of the Court, Register, and
other public officers, whose exactions and oppressions, it is pretended, are
the cause of the late insurrections which have disturbed the peace of that
part of the country. These papers, agreeably to your desire, I have com-
municated to the members of Hia Majesty's Council, who, having taken the
same into their deliberate consideration, unanimously concur with me in
opinion that the grievances complained of by no means warrant the extraor-
dinary steps you have taken in assembling yourselves together in arms, to
the obstruction of the courts of justice, to the insult of the public officers of
the government in the execution of their offices, and to the injury of private
property." ♦♦♦***♦
" The discreet and steady behavior of Col. Fanning, and the officers and
men under his command, meet not only with the entire approbation of my-
self, and His Majesty's Council, but will be acknowledged with gratitude by
every unprejudiced well-wisher to this province.
"in consideration of a determination to abide my decision in council, it is
my direction by advice of the Board, that you do, from henceforward, desist
from any further meetings, either by verbal appointment or advertisement ;
that all titles of Regulators or Associations cease among you ; that the sheriffs
and other officers are permitted to execute the duties of their respective
offices."
Regulators to Governor Tryon,
** August, 1768.
*' May it please your Excellency : —
" In your 'Excellency's gracious answer to our petition, &c., by Messrs.
Hunter and Howell, you were pleased to inform us that you had laid our
papers before the Hon. the members of His Majesty's Council, for which we
return you our sincere and hearty^ thanks." * * ♦ ♦
** Your gracious promise of settling, on your arrival at Hillsborough, a pro-
clamation forbidding all officers the taking or even demanding exorbitant
fees, on pain of your severe displeasure, gave us some encouragement and
hopes of redress. But when we were assured the Register had, in open vio*
14 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
lence thereof taken nine shinings and four pence, expressly contrary to law,
for recording deeds, our hopes vanished. Fearing that your orders to the
Attorney-General may be as little regarded, and that a poor man will get no
real redress, for your excellency may easily perceive how little regard these
men pay to your injunctions, how little they dread your displeasure. Par-
don us, therefore, great sir, when we tell you, in the anguish of our souls, we
cannot, dare not, go to law, as we are sure that step, whenever taken, will
terminate to the ruin of ourselves and families.
" Seeing, therefore, that the Sons of Z^ruiah are like to prove too hard for
your excellency, as well as for us, we have come to the resolution to petition
the Lower House, as the other branch of the Legislature, in order to strengthen
your excellency's hands, that by the concurrence and timely aid of that re-
spectable body, you maybe enabled to curb the insolence and avarice of these
overgrown members of the commonwealth. * *
** xour excellency is pleased to observe that, hope again to be made happy
on seeing a spirit of industry prevailing among us over faction and discon-
tent Great sir 1 all that know us, can bear witness for us, that, while we had
anything we could call our own, few people on earth were more industrious ;
but, alas, since the iron hand of tyranny has displayed its baneful influences
over us with impunity, how has dejection, indifference, and melancholy, and
chagrin diffusively spread themselves far and wide among us ; and, unless
some propitious being inform either of your excellency's, our assembly, or
both, graciously condescend to use your united efforts to extricate us out of
our present misery, and secure us our rights and property, the suUenness and
gloom with which we are already seized, will sinK deep upon our intellects,
and general disregard to everything below ensue as a consequence thereof;
nor shall we strive any more than barely to keep then, our tottering frames
from failing to pieces, until death, in compassion of our sufferings, and in
commiseration of our wrongs, shall kindly appear in shape of a halter,
bullet, sword, or perhaps in his natural shape, and remove us from this spot
of dirt, about wnich, and its products, there is so much contention and
animosity. Till when, and at all times hereafter, may your excellency's por-
tion be as the dew of Heaven and the fat things of earth, ardently wish,
sincerely pray, your excellency's devoted humble servants.
" Signed, Francis Dorset, Richard Cheek,
Wra. Paine, (a Dutchman,)
Peter Craven, Charles Saxon,
Jacob Fudge, Ninian Bell Ilamilton."
Papers relating to Carolina, vol. i., 189.*
REGULATORS.
Deposition of Ralph McNair,
" ^ih Oct., 1770.
** That, on the 24th of April, 1770, he saw among the Regulators in Ilills-
boro', Herman Husbands, James Hunter, Wm. Butler, Ninian Bell Hamilton,
Jeremiah Fields, Matthew Hamilton, Elv Branson, Peter Craven, Jno. Truit,
Abraham Teague, and Samuel Parks. That the Regulators were armed with
cudgels and cowskin whips, wherewith they struck John Williams, Esq., an
attorney, and attempted to strike Judge Henderson, while in the act of mode-
rating their fury.
" That he saw them beating and pursuing Colonel Fanning till he took re-
fuge in a store, which they assaulted with stones and brickbats ; that Judge
Henderson made his escape tlie same night, though the court was only
adjourned till next day ; that, being exasperated thereat, they, on the 25th,
destroyed the house of Colonel Fanning."
" Robert Lytle swore that he heard the Regulators, on the 25th of Septem-
ber, 1770, drink damnation to King George, and success to the Pretender."
Judge Henderson wrote to Governor Tryon on the 29th of September, 1770
* From Archives of Board of Trade, in London.
ALAMANCE COUNTT. 15
■
" that, iiponH>peniDg<st>iirt on tiie 25th of September, the Regulators filled the
boose ; they saic)^' they had come to have justice done ; they demanded that
their cases be'tridd ; that, at a former court, injustice had been done in choos-
ing jurors. T!hef insisted thi^ the court should proceed to do business, but
that no lawyer, sip^e the king's attorney, should be admitted. This being re-
fused, they eolidi^ted. the judge home with great parade. But, in tho even-
ing, he made hia!. escape. A party of them fell upon lawyer Williams and
Fanning, in a naoNst furious manner. About one hundred and fifty began the
riot ; they a$«rw^u:ds increased. They left HiUsboro' on Wednesday night."
Deposition of WaigTUatHU Avery,
: . ■ " 8<* IfarcA, 1771.
" Deposetjb Iha't he fell in with the Regulators at the Yadkin Ferry, and was
carried to theur damp in the woods. That he had heard them uttering many
opprobrious speeches against the Governor, Assembly, judges, and others in
office. HamiHof said to the listening crowd —
'* What busineis has Maurice Moore to be ajudge ? He was no judge ; he
was not appointed by the king. He, nor Henderson neither. That the
Assembly nad gone and made a riotous act, that enragied the people more
than ever. It w{m the best thing that could be done for the country, for now
we shall be {forced to kill all the clerks and lawyers. And I'll be damned, if
they are not ail |»ut to death 1 If they had not made that act, we might have
suffered sonie to live. A riotous act ! There never was such an act in tho laws
of England,: ojr i^ any other country but France I and they^ll bring the Inqui-
sition next.
•* Many of thoih said that the Governor was a friend to the lawyers. The
lawyers carry. on,*pveigrthing. There should be no lawyers in the province.
*' When (mptai;)n. Rutherford was parading his company in Salisbury, some
of them proposed- to march in and fight them, saying, we will kill them. The
insurgents said that the Assembly had imprisoned Husbands to prevent him
from seeing'their-roguish tricks.'^
1-
Pditusn of'QtJt InhabUanls of Orange County, to Governor Tryon.*
** 15th May, nil.f
" To His Excellency, William Tryon, Esq., His Majesty's Governor, in Chief
in and pver ihe Province of North Carolina.
" The petition pf us, the inhabitants of Orange County, humbly showeth : —
" First — That ve have often been informed of late, that your excellency is
determined not t9 lend a kind ear to the just complaints of the people in re-
gard to havtng r<]feuish officers discarded, and others more honest propagated
in their stc^, aim sheriffs and other officers in power, who have abused the
trust reposed in &iem, to be brought to a clear, candid, and impartial account
of their past conduct, and other grievances of the like nature, we have long
labored under wkhout any apparent hope of redress.
" Secondly-*-That your Excellency is aetormined on taking the lives of many
of the inhabitants of this county, and others adjacent to it, which persons,
being nominatcd^m the advertisement, we know them to be men of the most
remarkable faone^ characters of any in our country. These aspersions, though
daily confirmed to us, yet scarcely gains credit with the more polite amongst
us ; still, being S9 often confirmed, we cannot help having some small jealous-
ies aboundijng ainong us. In order, therefore, to remove them, we would
heartily implore jyour Excellency, that of your clemency, you would so far
indulge us, as talet us know by a kind answer to this petition, whether your
Excellency will lend an impartial ear to our petition, or no, which if we can
be assured if, we will with joy embrace so mvorablo an opportunity of lay-
ing before your Excellency a lull detail of all our grievances, and remain in
4 Frotfk State Paper Office, London. Am. and W. I., vol. 200.
t Nejfit before the battle.
16 HISTOBY OF KOBTH CABOLINA.
full hopes and confidence of being redressed by your Excellency, in eftch and
eyery one of them, as far as lies m your power ; which happy change would
yield such alacrity, and promulgate such narmony in poor pensive North Caro-
linaf that the presaged tragedy of the warlike troops, marching with ardor to
meet each other, may by the happy conduct of our leaders on each side be pre-
yented. The interest of a whole province, and the lives of his Majesty's sub-
jects are not toys or matters to be trifled with. Many of our common people
are mightily infatuated with the horrid alarms we have heard; but we still
hope they have been wrong represented.
*' The chief purport of the small petition being to know whether yonr excel-
lency will hear our petition or no. We hope for a speedy and candid answer.
In the meantime your humble petitioners shall remain in full hopes and con-
fidence of having a kind answer.
"And as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
*' Signed, in behalf of the county, by John Williams, Joseph Scott,
Samuel Low, Samuel Clark.''
James Wilson,
. "Delivered to his Excellency at Alamance Camp, the 15th day of May, 1771,
at six o'clock in the evening.''
Qovemfyr Th/on's Reply,
"Great Alavance Cakp,
May 16rt, 1771.
" In reply to your petition, I am to acquaint yon, that I have ever been atten-
tive to the interest of this country; and to that of every individual residing
within it. I lament the fatal necessity to which you have now reduced me
by withdrawing yourselves from the mercy of the crown and the laws of your
country, to require you who are assembled as Regulators, to lay down your
arms, surrender up the outlawed ringleaders, and submit yourselves to the
laws of your country, and then rest on the lenity and mercy of the govern-
ment.
" By accepting these terms in one hour from the delivery of this dispatch you
will prevent an effusion of blood, as you are at this time in a state of war and
rebellion, against your king, your country, and your laws.
"WM. TRYON.
" To the people now assembled in arms, who style themselves Regulators."
Governor Tryon^s Official Report to his Government of the Battle of Alamance.
" Great Alamance Camp,
May 18M, 1771.
" My Lord : — I have the happiness to inform your Lordship, that it has
pleased God to bless his Majesty's arms in this province with signal victory
over the Regulators.
" The action began before twelve o'clock, on Thursday the ICth instant, five
miles to the westward of Great Alamance River, on the road leading from
Hillsborough to Salisbury.
" The loss of our army killed, wounded, and missing, amounted to about sixty
men.
" We had but one officer killed, and one dangerously wounded.
" The action was two hours. But after about half an hour the enemy took
to tree fighting, and much annoyed the men who stood at the guns, which
obliged me to cease the artillery for a short time, and advance the first line
to force the rebels from their covering. This succeeded, and we pursued them
a mile beyond their camp, and took many of their horses, and the little provi-
sion and ammunition they loft behind them.
" This success, J hope, will lead soon to a perfect restoration of peace in this
country. Though had they succeeded, nothing but desolation and ravage
ALAMANOK COUNTY. IT
ironld have spread itself over the coantr j ; the Regulators had determined to
eut off this army had they succeeded.
"The inclosea declarations of the troops will testify to his Majesty the obli-
gations I lay under to them for their steady, resolute, and spirited behavior.
" Some royal marlcs of favor, I trust, will be extended to the loyalty that has
been distinguished by his Majesty's faithful subjects within the province.
** The particular details of this expedition I shall transmit to lay before his
Majesty as soon as I have settled the country in peace ; hoping that the ad-
vantages now gained over a set of desperate and cruel enemies, may meet with
his Majesty's approbation, and finally terminate in giving a stability to this
constitution which has hitherto been a stranger to.
*• The army under my command amounted (officers included) to upward of
eleven hundred, that of the rebels to two thousand.
•* The two field-pieces from General Gage, were of infinite service to us.
"I am, &c.,
* WILLIAM TRYON.
" P. S. General Waddell, with two hundred and fifty men, was obliged, on
the 19th instant, about two miles eastward of the Yadkin, to retreat to Salis-
bury. The Regulators surrounded his forces and threatened to cut them in
pieces if they offered to join the army under my command.
" I shall march to-morrow to the westward, and in a week expect to join the
Gteneral."
Governor Tryon to Secretary of State,
" New York, Aug, 1, 1771.
"On the 19th of May, the army proceeded westward, in order to join Gene-
ral Waddell with his troops, then intrenched near Salisbury, and on the 4th
of June we effected the junction about eight miles to the eastward of the
Yadkin River, and marched the same day to the Moravian settlement, where,
on the 6th, we commemorated his majesty's birthday, and celebrated the
victory at Alamance. ,
** Intelligence having been brought that the counties of Tryon,* Mecklen-
burg, and the north-west part of Rowan,t westward of the Yadkin, were medi-
tating hostilities, it was judged proper by a Council of war that a strong de-
tachment from the army should march through those parts, and compel the
inhabitants to take the oath above mentioned, and to suppress any insurrec-
tion among them. Agreeable thereto, I appointed General Waddell for that
command, with the troops he brought with nim, amounting to three hundred
and forty men from the counties of Mecklenburg, Rowan, Tryon, and Anson,
reinforced with the four companies from Orange, the company of light infan-
ttj from Cumberland County, and the artillery company of sailors raised at
Wilmington, with one of the brass field pieces, and six half-swivel euns. The
General marched on the 8th day of June, with orders from me, after ne had per-
formed the service aforesaid, to disband his troops. Since his first day's
march I have had no intelligence of his measures or success, which will be
communicated to you by Governor Martin.
"On the 9th of June, I returned with the army through the northern part
of Orange County to Hillsboro^ where the judges were waiting at an especial
Court of Oyer and Terminer, to try the prisoners taken in battle. Twelve were
capitally convicted as traitors, ana two acquitted ; six of which twelve were
executed on the 19th of June, near the town of Hillsboro'. By the solicita-
tions of the officers of the army, I suspended the execution of the other six
till his majesty's pleasure should be known.
** On the 20th, the army marched to the southward, and as I had received,
on the 13th June, by one of the judges, your lordship's dispatch, requiring
me to take upon me, without loss of time, the government of New York, I
left the army on the 20th, arrived the 24th at Newbern, and on the 30th I
embarked for this country.
* Now LincolD County. f Now Iredell County,
18 HISTOBT 07 NORTH CABOLINA.
** Benjamin Merrill, a captain of militia, left it in charge of the officers to
solicit mo to grant his plantation and estate to his wife and eight children.
" One Few, an outlaw, taken in battle, was hanged the next daj in camp, and
the houses and plantations of the outlaws were laid waste and destroyed, and
the owners fled out of the province. WM. TRYON."
^' Return of the killed, wounded, and missing, of his majesty's forces on the
16th of May, 1771, at the battle of Alamance : — Killed, or died of their
wounds, 9 ; wounded, 61 ; missing, none/'
OATH OF REGULATORS.
I, A. B., do promise and swear, that if any officer or any other person do
make distress on any of the goods or other estate of any person sworn herein,
being a subscriber, for the non-payment of the said tax, that I will, with other
sufficient assistance, go and take if in my power from said officer and restore
it to the party from T<%om taken, and in case any one concerned herein should
be imprisoned, or under arrest, or otherwise confined, or his estate or any
part thereof, by reason or means of joining into this company of Regulators,
for the non-payment of taxes, that 1 will immediately do my best endeavors
to raise as many of the said subscribers, as will be of totce sufficient, and if in
my power, set the said person and his estate at liberty ; and I do further pro-
mise and swear, that if in this case, this our scheme snould be broke or otner-
wise give out our intention, any of our company should be put to any expense
or under any confinement that I will be an equal share with those in Doing
to pay and make up the sufferer.
^All these things I do promise and
swear, and subscribe my name.
»
Governor Martin to Lord Dartmouth,
Nov. 2Bih, 1772.
*' I can assure your Lordship, that notwithstanding evidences of the most
licentious, gross, and criminal violences on the part of this wretched people,
yet a residence among them last summer afforded me a full conviction of their
having been grievously oppressed by the Sherifis, Clerks, and other subordinate
officers of Government."
These papers, procured from the State Paper OflSce, in London,
bring before us those spirit-stirring events just in the light they
existed at the time. I have presented both sides fairly and impar-
tially. It is for the present and future ages to judge whether these
people deserved the cruel treatment they endured, and the oppro-
brium that has been cast upon them. From the official report
of Governor Martin, who succeeded Governor Tryon as the Royal
Governor of North Carolina, it is seen that he is forced " to the full
conviction that this people were grievously oppressed by the Slier iff s^
Clerks^ and other subordi?iate officers.*'
From their first Assembly at Maddock's Mill (Oct. 1766), to the
final catastrophe on the banks of Alamance (May, 1T71), the great
principle laid down was that they should pay no tax but what was
lawful, and imposed by their representatives in the Assembly.
This was the great germ of American liberty. If exasperated to
madness by the wrongs of their powerful oppressors, and under its
influences some outrages were committed, this is not to be imputed
to the cause in which they were engaged. The remarks of an able
ALAMAXCE COUNTT, 19
■writer on our hietoiy, appropriate to the case, are here presented.
^^ It is better that a people should occasionally experience incon-
venience from the warm bursting out of popular feeling than that
their liberties should be neglected bj sloth or inaction.
" Every human institution is imperfect. Yet the honest instincts
of the people are wiser and more laudable than the cold calculations
of a proud aristocracy. I love to behold the spirit of popular libefty
awake, bold and vigorous ; for sure I am, that propositions, whether
wild or wise, when submitted to the severe ordeal of public discus-
sion, and tried by the fire of conflicting minds, will not be adopted
unless public intelligence approve, public opinion give them vitality,
and public justice adopt them as rules of action. The whirlwind of
popular excitement is far less dangerous than the dry rot of luxury.
1 had rather lose the roof of my house in the temporary storm,
than the whole building by decay in its foundation.''
That the Regulators were guilty of excesses, none can deny. This
has been the case from all time when justice and liberty contend
against oppression and power. But the great principles that they con-
tended for ; the rights of the many against the exactions of the few ;
the right of the people to resist taxation, unless imposed by their re-
presentatives ; the refusal to pay more than what was legal; and a
right to know for what they were taxed, and how appropriated; if in
that day cost them their property, their blood, and their lives, they
were the principles which carried our nation through an eventful
struggle ; and are now recognized as the true principles of govern-
ment, self-evident, and incontrovertible. Had this battle terminated
differently (and five years afterwards this would have been the case),
the banks of Alamance would be venerated as another Bunker Hill ;
and Husbands, Merrill, and others, ranked with the Warrens and
patriots of another day.
The character of Husbands* has been already alluded to. The
reader on referring to the chapter on Orange County, will find the
character and life of Edmund Fanning, whose conduct was the chief
cause of the troubles of the Regulation.
The population of Alamance from the Census of 1851, officially reported is
7,924 whites, 324 free colored population ; 3,196 slayes, 10,165 federal popu-
lation ; 228 whites over twenty years old who cannot read or write.
Alamance pays as taxes annually into the public treasury the sum of $1420,
of which on land, $531, and on poll, $128.
Hon. Thomas RumN, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State, is a
resident of Alamance.
lie is a native of Virginia, and was born in 1786. He graduated at Prinee-
ton, in 1805 ; studied law with his kinsman. Judge Roane, at the same time,
in whose office was General Winfield Scott.
He removed to North Carolina, and in 1813, '15, and '16, represented Hills-
borough in the House of Commons.
It may be here remarked that to few counties in North Carolina is the State
more indebted for able representativea in her legislative halls than to Orange.
At tills time (1815J, Judge Ruffin from the borough, Judge Murphy in ue
Senate, and Judge Nash in the Commons.
• Vol. i. 60. See Randolpb, Chapter LXIIL
20 BISTORT OF NOBTH CAROLINA.
In 1816, Judge Raffin was elected Judge of the Superior Court, and resigned
in 1818.
In 1825 be was again elected Judge of the Superior Court, but resigned
in 1828, on being appointed President of the State Bank.
In 1829, he was elected Judge of the Supreme Court, which elevated posi-
tion he now holds. Although a native of another State, his fame belongs to
North Carolina. Hugh McQueen, Esq., in a sketch of Judge Ruffin before
me|, says, Napoleon was born in Corsica, but France, the scene of his glory,
always claimed him as her son.
It IS always difficult to speak of the living, no matter how elevated their
Sosition, and how assiduous and self-sacrificine their labors. With the most
istinguished there exists some shades of prejudice which honest zeal may
have created, or emulation may have engendered. Even a just appreciation
of merit by a cotemporary may be received as fulsome eulogium ; nence the
biographer of the living has a dangerous and difficult path. He can only
regard the stern advice of Cromwell to Sir Peter Lely, when sitting for his
portrait, ** Paint me as I am." Yet, like the Colossus of Rhodes, living cha-
racters are best viewed in the distance. We must not be too near the massy
statue to admire its symmetrical proportions. When death and time have
softened down by their mellow hand any shadow that may in life obscnre
our vision, and hallowed their services, talents, and virtues, then may their
biographies, with their epitaphs, be written.
Judge Ruffin married the daughter of William Kirkland, Esq. One of his
sons was in the last legislature (1850), from Rockingham, and bids fair to
emulate the example of his distinguished father.
For the names of the members who have represented Alamance^
the reader is referred to the County of Orange, with which Ala-
mance votes, until after the next session of our General Assembly.
CHAPTER II.
ALEXANDER COUNTY
Was erected in 1846, formed from Iredell, Caldwell, and Wilkes
Counties.
It is bounded on the north by Wilkes, on the east by Davie, on
the south by Iredell, and on the west by Caldwell County.
Its capital is Taylorsville.
The name of Alexander is familiar in North Carolina, and dis-
tinguished.
Nathaniel Aulxand^u, of Mecklenhurg, was Governor of the State in 1805.
Ahraham Alexander was chairman of the convention at Charlotte, in May,
1775, that declared independence.
Its capital preserves the name of John Louis Taylor, who was long a jod^
of our courts, distinguished for his learning, integrity, and kindness of dis-
position. Its distance from Kaleigh, 150 miles.
Its population, 4,653 white, 24 free negroes, 543 slaves, 5,002 federal
population ; 390 whites over 20 who cannot read or write.
The taxes paid annually into the public treasury, by Alexander, amountt
to four hundred and fourteen dollars.
ANSON COUNTY. 21
It is still connected with and votes with Iredell County, until
sfter our next General Assembly. Its early history belongs to
Jredell, to which the reader is referred.
CHAPTER III.
ANSON COUNTY.
Date of erection, oriein of name, situation and boundaries, population and
products — ^Colonial and Revolutionary history — Excesses or the people
nnder the oppressive and extortionary conduct of the Grown officers — Peti-
tion of the citizens in 1768 to Gov. Tryon against Anthony Ilutchins,
Samuel 3pencer, and Charles Medlock, with the names of petitioners —
Replj of the Governor to the same ; an original document, never before
Eubbshed — Members from Anson to the Provincial Congress of North Caro-
na in 1774, which met at Newbern — Members of same for same, which
met at IliUsborough in August, 1775 — Field officers in 1775 for Anson —
Character of Samuel Spencer, one of the earliest judges of the State, and
his singular death — Uer distinguished citizens ; and members of the
Assembly.
Anson County was erected as early as 1749, from Bladen
County, and comprehended all the western portion of the State,
from New Hanover and Bladen on the east, as far as the limits of
the State extended on the west, more than one half of the State.*
It derives its name from Admiral Anson, the celebrated Circum-
navigator, who at the time Q749) was in the zenith of his fame,
having only a short time previous obtained a victory ovelr the French
fleet oflF Cape Finisterre.
Wadesboro*, its capital town, derives its name from Thomas
Wade, who was Colonel of the minute men of Salisbury District, in
1776.
It is bounded on the north by Montgomery and Stanly, on the
east by Richmond, on the south by the State of South Carolina,
and west by Union County.
Population, 6,556 whites ; 101 free negroes ; 6,832 slaves ; 10 J05 federal
population ; 394 persons over 20 who cannot read or write.
JProducts^ 39,991 bushels of wheat; 416,102 bushels of com; 108,505
bushels of oats ; 32,244 bushels of potatoes ; 11,832 pounds of wool ; 21
distilleriee ; 1,489 gallons produced.
The amount paid annuallv as taxes by Anson to the treasury amounts to
two thousand seven hundred dollars, of which, for land, $638 ; polls $662.
The amount received by Anson for common schools, from the treasury, is
two thousand and twenty-four dollars (1850).
Its colonial history is full of interest. The oppressions of ofli-
cers of the crown were not confined to Orange. The opposition of
• Martin, vd. ii 657.
22 HISTOBT OF NOBTH CABOLINA.
the people extended to Anson- County. So heavy were the exae-
tions of the oflScers, that in 1768 the people rose in self-defence,
entered the Court House, and violently expelled thib officers of the
court. ^ •
Deep must have been the wrongs, and hopeless tl^ redress, when
a people could thus violently defend their rights ! '-■ • •
The following petition (never before publishesd), fi:(to| the State
Paper Office in London,* was procured through tto* ^ndness of
Hon. George Bancroft, our late Envoy at that cbtu't^ with the
names of the Regulators, presents the matter in their own lan-
guage, and the reply of Gov. Tryon to the same. .
At that early day the great principle was lai^ do^n^i " that taxa-
tion and representation should always be associated ; .that neither
Parliament, nor the Governor, or any other powfer, fcad the right to
tax the people without their consent, freely giv^h though their re-
presentatives in the General Assembly." ':
This petition proves that to Anson belongs iJie ofedit of having
firstadvocated the election of magistrates by ttie p^ple.
#■■
The People of Anson, to his Excellency Ghv^iwr fhfa^,
'' Excellent Sir: — AVe make no doubt but that jou wiH 'soon Ibear the dis-
agreeable news of the disorders of the unfortunate Gotintyvof i ^nson. 'We,
therefore, take this opportunity to inform Vou the caase ud manner of it ;
in which we blame ourselves {or not first baying addVes'scfl ybiiir excellency
on the occasion of our complaints, who could, no doiibt* have iremoved our
grievances, and have prevented the rumor of faction and disbrder. But^
being long under the growing weight of oppression, became rash and precipi-
tate, and thought to change the state of the country in .a difierenk manner, to
have suppressed the offenders, and make them wary of i^eit employments.
** For which purpose we formed ourselves, into whit;h the opposite party
called a mob» oi about five hundred men, resolving, should no happier event
interfere to our succor, to defend our cause in the (^sf^greeable manner of
force, and to have persisted unto blood.
** We looking at that time, much out of our powers, .t6 have kindness from
your excellency, as our leading men were best acquainted/ whose assertions
we feared would have greatest weight with your excellency ; Init whenever
considered that neither prince nor governor, who has the good of his people
at heart, would see them oppressed to gratify the errors and ambition of atiy
particular persons, who are Anthony Hutchins, Col. Sbitnuet Spencer, Charles
Medlock, and their assistants, the justices and sheriffd ehiefir rj^commended
to your excellency by Hutchins and Spencer, to answer their piartial views
and purposes. * * * » . »
'* Innocent persons are committed to Jul by the jliilor .hitnself, being a
magistrate, then put to considerable expense, and then discharge.
** Amongst other things, they tax the peopld in an uirusiial manner, which
is as follows : First, persons who commit capital offences are committed to
the county jail, and there retained five or six months ; a county tax is laid to
defray the exnenses, when it is notoriously known that it Is a province ex-
pense. But Medlock, the late sheriff, stopped not ;tbe¥^, bat proceeded
Dv Mr. Spencer, the clerk and member for the county, tb have the same
claim allowed by the Assembly, and were only prevented, as we are informed,
• State Paper Office, London. Am. and W. L, yd. cJ^cviii^
AUSON COUITTT.
23
by its being proTed to the Committee of Claims that the prisoners had made
satisfaction tnemselTes.
** These things were not unknown to Sir. Spencer when he laid Medlock's
claim before the Assembly.
"In the next 'place, they tax considerable snms of mone^ for particular
persons, who not naving a right thereto, the magistrates receive back a part,
if not all, to their own use. All these things can be made appear, and we
oonceiTe that no people have a right to be taxed but by consent of themselves or
their delegates,*
** The sheriffs who receive the tax, particularly Medlock and his associates,
have made a constant practice to exact two-eighths for distress money,
where no distress is made or necessary to be made ; and also have taxed
different sums from the people, according to their non-acquaintance with the
right, so that several different sums were received from the people in the
same year, surmounting the right tax.
'' Ajs to the clerk, his extortions are burdensome to all that fall in his
power, as he takes double and sometimes treble hia due. Though it is true
that he purchased his office from Colonel Frohock, and gave to the amount
of one hundred and fifty pounds for it, yet it is unreasonable we should bear
the expense by way of extortion.
********
** This, and much more, are the causes of the present disturbance, which we
humbly pray your excellency will please to reconcile, by discharging the
most of tne magistrates from their seats, and appointing better men, and also
the clerk of it, if it seems right to you ; and also to recommend by the voice of
the eountryj such persons as will judiciously discharge their several offices.
Upon such alteration the minds of the people will be at ease, and each one to
his former obedience ; and ready to discharge, according to their abilities,
every expense necessary for the support of me government, and we as peti-
tioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
Solo. Crofls,
Thomas Ussery,
Jno. Skinner,
H. Fortenberry,
Lewis Low,
Joseph Howel,
Jason Meadow,
James Allmond,
Job Cilleadon,
James Loury,
James McM^ot^
Daniel Short,
James Colbon,
Charles Walkinford,
James Round,
J. Tretenbury,
Delany Herring,
Jacob Collins,
Josh. Collins,
Js. Armstrong,
Jno. Swor, sen.,
Samuel Swearincer,
Reuben Woodard,
Luke Robinson,
Thomas Masen,
Wm. Betten,
Charles Booth,
Ab. Buskin,
Nat. Wood,
Mark Keerhen,
Wm. Hickman,
John Baile,
John Hornback,
Wm. Bosil,
Harklis Conkwrite,
Jno. Ben net,
Thos. Harper,
Jas. Adams,
Amos Pilgrim,
Thomas Adams,
Jno. Swor, jun.,
Van Sw^aringer,
Sam. Williams,
Solo. AVilliams,
Wm. Fielding,
Pat. Boggen,jun.,
Thos. Fanning,
John Jenkins,
Thos. Fanning, jun.,
Pat. Saunders,
JiiO. Caterham,
James Short,
Thos, Tree,
Jon. Helms,
Wm. Greers,
J. Touchberry,
Sam. Harper,
Thos. Swearinger,
Wm. Adams,
Jas. Barindine,
Wm. Barindine, sen.
Wm. Barindine, jun.
Sam. Bruton,
Jno. Mason,
Ralph Mason,
Thomas Mason,
Henry Forten bury,
Wm. Rogers,
Geo. Marohbanks,
Wm. Bueen,
Ant. Matthews,
Peter Brisly,
Den. Nelson, sen.,
Benj. Barrit,
Jon. Poston,
SaniL Thomas,
James Higgins,
Wm. Higgins,
* This proves, at that early day, the great principle of taxation and repre^ntatioa was
^U undentood by the simplest of our people ; aud to Aiison belongs tae honor of iirst
recommending the electioo of clerks and magistrates by the people.
11
24 HISTORT OF JXOBTE, OABOLINA.
Wm. Rogers, , Wm. Short, Frank Gordon,
Thos. Mima, John Ilenson, Jno. Higgins,
Charles Henson, Kobt. Thorn, Thomas Jordan,
Malachi Watts, Robt. Ashley, Ab. Harper,
Wm. Burns, Saml. Tonchberrj, Jo. Engnsh,
Jno. Carpenter, John Brus, Thos. Mems,
Jos. Burnam, John Web, Thos. Harper.'^
Gov. Tryon answered the petition on the 16th Aug. 1768, and
informed them that the matters of complaint in the above, required
the consultation of his Majesty's Council, and he enclosed a procla-
mation, dated 2l8t July, 1768, " requiring all public officers to
have a fair table of their fees affixed in each office, and for them
not to demand or receive other fees for public business transacted
in their offices, than what are establishea by law."
The members from Anson to the first Provincial Congress at
Newbern, August, 1774 (which was the first movement of the people
as a State, adverse and opposed to the royal government), were
Samuel Spencer and William Thomas.
This was an epoch in the history of our State. The movement
was well designed, concerted, and effectual. It led to the final over-
throw of the Colonial Government, and established independence.
Its journal has been preserved. The firmness and patriotism of it3
resolves, the eloquence, correctness, and spirit of language, com*
mand our respect and admiration of this body. John Harvey, of
Perquimans, was chosen Moderator ; William Hooper, of Orange,
Joseph Hcwes, of Edcnton, and Richard Caswell, of Dobbs, were
appointed delegates to the Continental Congress at Philadelphia.
On the 20th of August, 1775, the Provincial Congress of North Carolina
met again at Ilillshoro'.
The dcle^tes from Anson were Thomas Wade, Samuel SrENCER, William
Thomas, David Love, and William Picket.
This hod J placed the State in complete military organization.
William Picket, of Anson, was appointed Captain in the First Regiment,
commanded hy James Moore.
TuoMAS Wade, of Anson, was chosen Colonel of the Minute Men of Salia-
hury District ; firom his name Wadeshoro' deriyed its name.
For Field Officers for Anson County —
Samuel Spencer was appointed Colonel; Charles Medlock, Lieut.-Colonel ;
James Uuld, 1st Major; David Lote, 2d Maior.
Samuel Spencer was appointed with Waightstill Avery, from the Salishnrj
District, on the Provincial Council of Safety, which was the real executive of
the State during the interregnum hetween the abdication of Qovernor Martin
(the royal Governor) in 1775, and the accession of Richard Caswell, the
Governor under the constitution in 1776.
The character of Samuel Spencer belongs to Anson. The record shows
that his talents were appreciated by the country, for he was associated in
its defence in both a civu and military character. Under the Colonial Go-
vernment, he represented Anson in the Assembly, and was clerk of the court
for that county, an office of much profit. His conduct appears to have given
offence while in discharge of these duties, as will be seen by the petition from
Solomon Crofts and others, herein published.
lie was one of the three Judges of the Superior Courts first elected under
the constitution (1777). He was in the Convention assembled at UiUsboro' in
ANSOSr COUKTY.
25
July, 1788, to deliberate upon the Federal Constitution ; was its aetiye and
able opponent, and contributed greatly to its rejection in that body.
He died in 1794. His death was caused by a most singular circumstance.
He had been in ill health, and was sitting in his yard in the sun. A laree
turkey gobbler was attracted by some |)art of his cloth in e, which was red, £r
which color turkeys have a great antipathy. The turkey attacked Judse
Spencer most furiously, and before assistance could rescue him, so severeTy
was he wounded, that he died in a short time from the injuries.
From the journal of the Provincial Congress, at Ilillsboro,' 20th August,
1775, it appears that John Goulson, an individual of some considerable
influence in this county, was brought before Congress, and solemnly recanted
his political opinions, and promised to aid, support and defend, the just rights
of America.
By the journal, 28th August, 1776, James Colten, Samuel Williams, and
Jacob Williams, were charged with being Tories. They were arrested and
brought to the bar of the house by the Hillsboro' company, and set at liberty
after examination.
The following is a correct list of the Members from Anson
County, as from the archives in the State Department at Raleigh,
from the adoption of the Constitution to the last Session, 1850-51.
Years. Senate.
1777. JohnChilds,
1778. JohnChilds,
1779. JohnChilds,
1780. JohnChilds,
1782. Thomas Wade,
1783. Thomas Wade,
1784. Stephen Miller,
1785. Stephen Miller,
1785. Stephen Miller,
1786. Stephen Miller,
1787. Stephen Miller,
1788. JohnAuld,
1789. Lewis Lanier,
1791. Thomas Wade,
1792. James Marshall,
1793. James Marshall,
1794. James Pickett,
1795. James Pickett,
1796. Wm. May,
1797. James Marshall,
1798. John Auld,
1799. Thos. Wade,
1800. James Marshall,
1801. James Marshall,
1802. James Marshall,
1803. James Marshall,
1804. James Marshall,
1805. James Marshall,
1806. James Marshall,
1807. James Marshall,
1808. Thos. Threadgill,
1809. Thos. Threadgill,
1810. James Marshall,
1811. James Marshall,
1812. James Marshall,
House of Commons.
George Davidson, Wm. Pickett.
George Davidson, Stephen Miller.
Stephen Miller, Charles Medlock.
Stephen Miller, Richd. Farr.
Stephen Miller, John Jackson.
John Jackson, John Auld.
James Terry, John De^arnell.
James Terry, John Deiamell.
♦James Terry, Wm. Wood.
William Wood, Wm. Lanier.
Lewis Lanier, Pleasant May.
Lewis Lanier, Pleasant May.
Wm. Wood, Pleasant May.
Wm. Wood, James Pickett
Wm. Wood, Pleasant May.
Wm. Wood, Pleasant May.
Pleasant May, Danl. Young.
Pleasant May, Danl. Young.
Isaac Jackson, Danl. Young.
Isaac Jackson, Danl. Ross.
Lewis Lanier, Pleasant May.
Wm. Wood, Pleasant Majr.
Danl. Ross, Clement Lanier.
Clement Lanier, John Culpepper.
Wm. Lanier, Robert Troy.
Wm. Lanier, James Hough.
Adam Lockhart, William Lanier.
Joseph Pickett, Wm. Lanier.
William Lanier, Robt Troy.
Lawrence Moore, Wm. Johnston.
Wm. Johnston, Lawrence Moore.
Joseph Pickett, Lawrence Moore.
Wm. Johnston, David Cuthbertson.
D. Cuthbertson, Wm. R. Pickett
Wm. Johnston, Wm. R. Pickett
• Seat vacated, for having borne siraii sgainst the State.
26
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Tears. Senate.
1813. Wm. Johnson,
1814. Lawrence Moore,
1815. Lawrence Moore,
1816. Lawrence Moore,
1817. Joseph Pickett,
1818. Wm. Marshall,
1819. Wm. Marshall,
1820. Wm. Marshall,
1821. Wm. Marshall,
1822. Wm. Marshal],
1823. Wm. Marshall,
1824. Wm. Marshall,
1825. Joseph Pickett,
1826. Joseph Pickett,
1827. Joseph Pickett,
1828. Clement Marshall,
1829. Clement Marshall,
1830. Clement Marshall,
1831. Clement Marshall,
1832. Wm. A. Morris,
1833. Wm. A. Morris,
1834. Alex. Little,
1835. Alex. Little,
1836. Absalom Myers,
1838. A. Myers,
1840. Abs. Myers,
1842. Abs. Myers,
1844. P.G.Smith,
1846. D. D. Daniel,
1848. D. D. Daniel,
1850. Pardie Richardson,
House of CommoDi.
D. Cuthbertson, Joseph Pickett.
Joseph Pickett, Wm. Dismukes.
Wm. Dismnkes, Joseph Pickett
Wm. Dismukes, Joseph Pickett.
James Colman, Boggan Cash.
Jonathan Taylor, Boegan Cash.
B. Cash, Geo. Dismnkes.
Joseph White, Jeremiah Benton.
Joseph White, John Smith.
Joseph White, John Smith.
Joseph White, James Gordon.
Joseph White, James Gordon.
John Smith, Clement Marshall.
John Smith, Clement Marshall.
Alex. Little, Clement Marshall.
Wm. A. Morris, John Smith.
Wm. A. Morris, Jos. White.
W. A. Morris, Joseph White.
Wm. A. Morris, Alex. Little.
M. W. Cuthbertson, T. D. Parks.
P. W. Kittrell, A. W. Brandon.
Pleasant W. Kittrell, A. AV. Brandon.
John A. McRae, Jere. Benton.
John A. McRae, John Grady.
George Dun lap, P. H. Winston.
P. 11. Winston, John McColum.
Thomas S. Ashe, John McColum.
Jon. Trull, J. M. Waddill.
J. R. Hargrove, Jon. Trull.
J. R, Hargrove, Jon. Trull.
Atlas Jones Dargan, Benj. J. Dunlap.
CHAPTER IV.
ASHE COUNTY.
Date of erection, origin of name, situation and boundaries — Population and
Sroducts^ Jefferson, county town ; first settlement in 1755, and a general
escription — ^List of members from formation of the county to the last
Legislature.
Ashe County was formed in 1799 from " that portion of Wilkes
lying west of the extreme height of the Appalachian Mountains."
It is the extreme northwest corner of the State ; bounded on the
north by the Virginia line, east by the Appalachian Mountains,
which separate it from Wilkes and Surry, and south by Watauga,
Caldwell, and Wilkes Counties.
It was called in honor of Samuel Ashe, who was but a short time before
the erection of this county GoTornor of the State.
ASHS COUNTT. 27
The character of Governor Ashe is one of which North Carolina may be
well proud.
His father, John B. Ashe, was distinguished in the iinnals of the province
as early as 1727 ; he had emigrated to the colony of North Carolina from
England, under the auspioes of the Earl of Craven, one of the Lords Pro-
prietors, and settled in Wilmington, then called Newton ; he had two sons,
John Ashe and Samuel Ashe, both distinguished in the revolutionary history
of the State.
Samuel Ashe was bom in 1725. He was an educated man, and a lawyer
by profession. The proceedings of the Committee of Safety and the journals
of tne Provincial Confess from 1774 to 177G attest his firmness and patriotism.
He did not, like his distinguished brother John, figure in the field of arms,
but he was eminently conspicuous in the council and cabinet in conducting
the affairs of the State, to which arms and force are but necessary accesso-
ries. If John Ashe was the Achilles, Samuel Ashe was the Nestor of North
Carolina.
He was one of the three first judges in the State, 1777, and Qovemor in
1795. For further notice of Governor Ashe, the reader is referred to the
Chapter LV. on New Hanover County.
Its capital town preserves in North Carolina the name of Thomas Jeffsrson,
the thira President of the United States. Its distance from Raleigh 202 miles.
The amount of taxes paid by Ashe to the public treasury is eight hundred
and twenty-four dollars.
The amount received by Ashe from the public treasury for common schools
is one thousand one hundred and thirty-six.
Ashe County was settled about 1755. The face of the country
is mountainous, its valleys fertile, yielding wheat, oats, barley,
buckwheat, and potatoes in great abundance. It has extensive
ranges for pasture ; its air pure and water excellent ; the climate
favorable to longevity. It abounds in iron and saltpetre.
Produce, according to census returns of 1840 : —
10,836 bushels wheat. 57,982 bushels potatoes.
150,279 " corn. 97 distilleries.
10,970 " buckwheat 23,573 gallons produced.
17,805 " rye. 735 dollars worth of ginseng.
108,505 " oats. 10,193 pounds of sugar.
Population according to the census of 1850 : 8,090 whites ; 86 free negroes :
595 slaves ; 8,539 freed population ; 587 persons over 20 who cannot read
or write.
The following is a correct list of the Members of the Legislature,
from the erection of this county to the last session, 1850-61.
Years. > Senators. Members of the House of Commoos.
1800. George Koontz, John Calloway, Nathan Horton.
1801. George Koontz, Kichard Williams, William Ilorton.
1802. George Koontz, Nathan Horton, John Calloway.
1803. John Calloway, Richard Williams, Jonathan Bake.
1804. James M. Caleb, Richard Williams, Joseph Calloway.
1805. Nathan Horton, Richard Williams, John Koontz.
1806. Nathan Ilorton, Joseph Calloway, Richard Williams.
1807. John Calloway, Richard Williams, Thos. McGimpsey.
1808. J. Calloway, Richard AVilliams, Bedont Baird.
1809. J. Calloway, Thos. McGimpsey, Richard Williams.
1810. Richard Williams, Martin Gambill, David Miller.
1811. Richard Williams, David Miller, Martin Gambill.
1812. George Bower, David Edwards, Elijah Calloway.
1813. George Bower, £. Calloway, David Miller.
1814. George Bower, £. Calloway, William Horton.
28
HISTOBT Of KOBTH CABOLINA.
Tears. Seoatoni.
1815. George Bower,
1816. George Bower,
1817. George Bower,
1818. E. Galloway,
1819. E. Calloway,
1820. R. Gentry,
1821. E. Calloway,
1823. E. Calloway,
1824. E.Calloway,
1825. Abner Smith,
1826. A. B. M'Millan,
1827. A. B. M'Millan,
1828. John Harden,
1829. A. MitcheU,
1830. John Ray,
1831. John Ray,
1832. John Ray,
1833. G.Phillips,
1834. Noah Mast,
1835. John Gambill,
1836. Edmund Jones,
1838. Edmund Jones,
1840. A. Mitchell,
1842. Edmund W. Jones,
1844. A. B. McMillan,
1846. A. B. McMillan,
1848. George Bower,
1850. George Bower,
Members of the Hoofle of Commons.
E. Calloway, William Horton.
E. Calloway, William Horton.
E. Calloway, Joseph Doughton.
Francis Brjan, Mues Allen.
Bedent Baird, Richard Gentry.
John Harden, Alex. B. McMulan.
Alex. B. McMillan, Abner Smith.
Alex. B. McMillan, J. Weaver.
Joshua Weaver, Alex. B. McMillan.
William Herbert, Reuben Hartley.
J. Blevins, Zachariah Baker.
Zach. Baker, Anderson Mitchell.
A. Mitchell, James Calloway.
J. Calloway, Zachariah Baker.
James Horton, J. Calloway.
J. Calloway, Taliaferro Witcher.
T. Witcher, Jonathan Horton.
T. Witcher, Jonathan Horton.
J. Horton, Taliaferro Witcher.
T. Witcher, Jonathiua Horton.
James M. Nye.
James M. Nye.
Alex. B. McMillan.
George Bower.
Benjamin Calloway.
Benjamin Calloway.
Reuben Mast.
A. B. McMillan.
CHAPTER V.
BEAUFORT COUNTY.
Date of formation — Origin of name, situation and boundaries — Popnlation
and products — ^AVashington, county seat — Bath, ancient town — Delegates
to first Provincial Congress in North Carolina, in 1774, from Beaufort —
Delegates to second Provincial Congress in 1775 — Officers in 1776, of the
Beaufort Regiment — Delegates from Beaufort in 17 7&— Members of Gene-
ral Assembly.
Beaufort County was formed in 1741, from Bath County, now
abolished, and derives its name from Ilenry, Duke of Beaufort, in
whom was vested the proprietary rights of George, Duke of Albe-
marle, and who, with the other proprietors (except Lord Gran-
ville),* surrendered in 1729, their rights to the English Crown.
(George II.)
It is bounded on the north by the counties Martin and Washing-
ton, east by Hyde and Pamlico River and Sound, south by Craven
County, and west by Pitt County.
*■ See set of sorrenderi Beyiaed Statutes, ii. 466^
BEAUFOKT COUNTT. 29
Its population, from census of 1850, is 7,663 whites; 904 free negroes;
5,249 slaves; 11,716 federal population; 1,317 persons oyer twenty, who can-
not read or write.
Its products, from census of 1840, are 6,333 bushels of wheat ; 5,055 bushels
of oats; 153,522 bushels of corn ; 87,180 pounds of cotton; 106,987 barrels
of tar, pitch, rosin and turpentine ; 4,300 barrels of fish.
The Amount paid by Beaufort to the Public Treasury for taxes, is two
thousand, six hundred and six dollars.
The amount received by Beaufort from the Public Treasury for common
schools, is one thousand six hundred and thirty dollars. Bath, the ancient
seat of government on the north side of Pamlico River is in this county.
The inhabitants of Beaufort were distinguished for their early
devotion to the principles of liberty.
The delegates from Beaufort to the first Congress, wh?ch met at yewbern
in 1774, were Roger Ormond, Tqom as Respiss, and William Salter.
The delegates in 1775, which met at Hillsboro', were the same, with John
Pattov, and John Cowper.
This body appointed as officers to the regiment of this county, Jam^s
Bonner, Colonel ; Thomas Bonner, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Roger Ormond, 1st
Major ; Wm. Brown, 2d Major.
The delegates to the Congress of 1776, which met at Halifax, and formed
our Constitution, were John Barrow, Thomas Respiss, Francis Jones,
Thomas Respiss, Jr., Robert Tripp.
Hon. Wm. S. Blackledoe represented this district from 1803 to 1809, from
1811 to 1813, from 1821 to 1823.
Hon. Henry S. Clark represented this county in 1834, a lawyer by pro-
fession ; Solicitor in 1842, and a member of Congress in 1845-47.
Hon. Edward Stanlt represented this county in 1844, '46 and '48;
Speaker in 1848 ; son of Hon. John Stanly of Newbern. He was Attorney-
General in 1847, and in Congress from 1837 to 1843, and from 1849 to 1851,
and again re-elected to 1853. As Speaker of the House of Commons he was
able and impartial, and won for himself the approbation of all parties.
List of members of the General Assembly, from Beaufort, from
1776 to 1851 :—
Yeara. Senate. House of Commons.
1777. Thomas Respess, Nathan Keas, William Brown.
1778. Thomas Respess, Andrew Ellison, William Brown.
1779. Thomas Respess, Robert Trippe, John Kennedy.
1780. Thomas Respess, William Brown, Samuel AVillis.
1781. Wni. Brown, Charles Crawford, Thos. A. Grist.
1782. Wm. Brown, Richard N. Stevens, John G. Blount.
1783. Wm. Brown, Thos. Anderson, John O. Blount.
1784. John Smaw, Thos. Anderson, John G. Blount.
1785. John Smaw, Thos. Anderson, John G. Blount
1786. John Bonner, John G. Blount, Henry Smaw.
1787. John Bonner, Henry Smaw, John G. Blount
1788. William Brown, John G. Blount, H. Smaw.
1789. AVilliam Brown, John G. Blount, Richard Grice.
Richard Blackledge, John Lanier.
John Lanier, James Bonner.
Charles Crawford, Frederic Grist.
1795. R'd Blackledge, C. Crawford, F. Grist.
1796. John G. Blount, John Kennedy, jr., T. Ellbon.
1797. Hans Patton, F. Grist, Thomas Ellison.
1800. H'y S. Bonner, John Kennedy, Frederic Grist
1801. II. S. Bonner, F. Grist, J. Kennedy.
1802. H. S. Bonner, F. Grist, Thomas EUison.
1803. H. S. Bonner. F. Grist, T. Ellison.
1804. N.W.Bonner, F. Gristi T. Ellison.
80
HISTOBT OF NOBTH CABOLINA.
Yoar». Senate.
1805. Thomas Smaw,
1«06. T. Smaw,
1807. T. Smaw,
1808. Frederic Grist,
1809. F. Grist,
1810. F. Grist,
1811. F. Grist,
1812. Thomas Bowen,
1813. Stephen Owens,
1814. Reading Grist,
1815. R. Grist,
1816. R. Grist,
1817. R. Grist,
1818. R. Grist,
1819. Richard Uines,
1821. Jesse Robeson,
1822. J. 0. K. Williams,
1823. J. 0. K. Williams,
1824. J. 0. K. Williams,
1825. J. 0. K. Williams,
1826. J. 0. K. Williams,
1827. J. 0. K. Williams,
1828. J. 0. K. Williams,
1820. Jos. B. llinton,
1830. Jos. B. llinton,
1831. W.S.Rowland,
1832. Jos. B. Hinton,
1833. Wm. E. Smaw,
1834. J. McWilliams,
1835. J. 0. K. Williams,
1830. J. 0. K. Williams,
1838. J. 0. K. Williams,
1840. William Selby,
1842. W. B. Hodces,
1844. Joshua Taylor,
1846. David Carter,
1848. Thos. D. Smaw,
1850, A. Grist,
House of Commons.
Stephen Owens, F. Grbt.
F. Grist, S. Owens.
James AVilliams, F. Grist.
J. Williams, Jonathan Marsh.
J. Williams, Thomas Boyd.
J. AVilliams, T. Boyd.
James Latham, Everard Hall.
George Boyd, J. Latham.
William Worsley, Slade Pearce.
J. 0. K. Williams, George Boyd.
J. 0. K. AVilliams, Thos. Latham.
J. O. K. Williams, Wm. Vines.
Thomas Latham, Wm. Vines.
T. Latham, Jesse Robeson.
J. Robeson, John S. Smallwood.
Thos. W. Blackledge, J. Adams.
T. W. Blackledge, W. Ormond.
W. Ormond, T. W. Blackledge.
T. W. Blackledge, James Satchwell.
Thomas Ellison, Wm. A. Blount.
W. A. Blount, T. Ellison.
W. A. Blount, T. W. Blackledge.
T. Latham, T. W. Blackledge.
S. Smallwood, J. W. Williams.
S. Smallwood, J. W. Williams.
Richard H. Bonner, David 0. Freeman.
Richard Bonner, Henry S. Clark.
Wm. L. Kenned V, S. Smallwood.
Henry S. Clark, S. Smallwood.
H. S. Clark, S. Smallwood.
F. C. Satterthwaite, S. Smallwood.
W. A. Blount, Jno, McWilliams.
J. 0. K. Williams, Sh. P. Allen.
Sh. P. Allen, J. W. Williams.
Edward Stanlv, Frederic Grist.
Edward Stanly, Thomas D. Smaw.
Edward Stanly, W. W. Hayman.
Jesse Stubbs, Wm. H. Tripp.
CHAPTER VI.
BERTIE COUNTY.
Date of formation, origin of name, situation, and boundaries — Winds
county town — Population and products — Delegates in 1774 and 1775
Military officers in 1776 — Life, character, services and political career
David Stone, a native of Bertie — Other distinguished citizens — List
members of General Assembly.
Bertie was formed as early as 1722, from Albemarle Good
(now abolished), and derives its name from James and John Bert:
in whom the proprietary rights of the Earl of Clarendon vestc
BEBTIS COUNTT. 81
Their names appear in the deed of surrender in 1729 of their rights
to the crown.*
It is situated in the eastern part of the State, and bounded on
the north by the County of Hertford ; east by the Chowan River,
which separates it from Chowan County ; south by the Roanoake
River, which separates it from the County of Martin; and west by
a part of Northampton County and the Roanoake River, whicn
separates it from Halifax County.
Windsor is its capital town, beautifully situated on the Cashie
River, and navigable for vessels.
Its population, 5344 whites ; 313 free negroes ; 7194 slayes ; 9973 federal
populatioD ; 1032 persons who cannot road or write.
Its products, 28^9 bushels wheat; 545,282 bushels com; 2,121,449 pounds
cotton ; 12,352 pounds wool ; 25,885 barrels fish ; 22,439 barrels turpentine.
The amount paid by Bertie as taxes into the public treasury is two thousand
nine hundred and twenty-six dollars.
The amount received by Bertie for common schools from the treasury is
one thousand four hundred and eighty-one dollars.
The County of Bertie was early distinguished for its devotion to
liberty.
To the assemblage of patriots which met at Newborn, 25th August, 1774,
John Campbell was a delegate.
To the assembly which met in 1775, at Ilillsboro', the delegates were Wil-
liam Gray, Jonathan Jayoocks, Charles Jaycocks, William Brimmage,
William Bryan, Zederiah Stone, Thomas Ballard, Peter Clifton, David
Standly, John Campbell, John Johnston.
The oflBcers elected by this assembly for Bertie, were Thomas Whitmell,
Colonel, Thomas Pugh, Lieut.-Colonel, James Moore, Ist Major, Arthur
Brown, 2d Major.
The delegates from Bertie to the State Congress that assembled at Halifax
12th November, 1776, which formed our Constitution, were Thomas Pugh,
John Johnston, William Gray, Noah Hinton, Zedekiah Stone.
Captain Jacob Turner, of this county, went with General Nash in tl^e
anny of the Revolution, and fell with him, at the battle of Germantown, in
1777. Over his crave, a marble, erected by the patriotism of the citizens of
Germantown, aided by the generous efforts of Jonn F. Watson, Esq., author
of the *' Annals of Pennsylvania," reads thus : —
HONOR TO the BRAVB.
Hie jacet in pace.
Colonel Henry Irwin, ot North Carolina,
Captain Turner,
Adjutant Lucas and six soldiers.
Killed in the Battle of Germantown.
ONE cause, one grave*
The thanks of the State are due to Mr. Watson, for the act of generosity
thus rescuing the names and pointing out the spot where these martyrs to
"^^e cause of Liberty sleep.
-The Btraoger came, and found the soldier's grave;
On honor's paf^e he saw ilie glorious name,
And raised this fond memorial to his fame.
Zedekiah Stone, of this Countv, had early emigrated from England. He
^lis a merchant on the Cashie Kiver, and was the father of David Stone,
* See Deed of Surrender, Revised Statutes, ii. 466.
82 HISTORY OF KORTH CAROLINA.
who is so distinguished as « Judge, Goyemor, Senator in Congress, in the
History of North Carolina, that his life and services deserve our attention.
David Stone was born in Bertie County, on 17th February, 1770, at Hope,
about five miles from Windsor, on the Halifax road.
His elementary education was as good as the country afforded. Afler his
academic studies were finished he entered Princeton College, where by his
, assiduity and genius he became distinguished. He graduated at that re-
nowned institution in 1788 with the first honors of the colleee.
He studied law at Halifax under General Wm. R. Davie, wnose experience,
talents, and learning, were admirably adapted to prepare him for the conflicts
of the forum and the bar.
In 1790 he received a license to practice law, and from his assiduity in his
profession, his deep and varied acquirements, ho soon rose to the highest ranks
of the profession. From his suavity of manners he became a favorite with
the people.
He early embarked on the stormy sea of political life, and he was destined
to a distinguished career.
In 1791 he was elected to the General Assembly, a member of the House
of Commons, as also in 1792, '93 and ^94. He was Judge of the Supreme
Court from 1795 to 1798.
In 1799 he was elected a member of the House of Representatiyea in Con-
gress.
In 1801 he was elected by the Legislature a member of the Senate of the
United States. In this capacity he served until 1806, when he was elected a
Judge of the Supreme Court ; which he resigned in 1808, on being elected
Governor of the State.
In 1811 he appeared in the Legislature again as a member of the House of
Commons from JBertie. lie distinguished himself this session by advocacy
of a bill transferring the choice of electors for the Presidency from the
people to the Legislature, which was opposed by Duncan Cameron, John
Steele, and others.
The next session he introduced a resolution proposing to choose electors by
the general ticket system. This too was opposed by Duncan Cameron, John
Stanly, and others, and his proposition failed. He opposed the plan of John
Phifer, as to the district system, which was adopted at the time.
At this session he was elected again Senator in Congress, for six years,
from 4th March, 1813.
This was a most stormy period. The war which had been declared with
Great Britain, then raged with all its fury. Parties were violently excited.
The republicans were for sustaining the war with men, money, and every
means in their power. Being elected as a decided republican, it was ex-
pected that Gov. Stone would give Mr. Madison a cordial and unwavering
support, and advocate the war measures of the administration.
lie differed from his colleague. Gov. Turner, and the Republican party on
many leading questions : the bill authorizing a direct tax, the embargo re-
commended by the President (Mr. Madison), and other measures.
This called down the reproof of the Legislature of North Carolina.
In December 1814, Mr. Branch, in State Senate, from the committee on the
subject, reported that "the conduct of Mr. Stone had been in opposition to
his profession, and jeopardized the safety and interest of the country, and
incurred the disapprobation of the General Assembly.''
This was adopted by a vote of 40 to 18.
The names of the minority are : Bender ^ Bodenhamer, CalduxU, Fvller, Fop,
Hintony Johnson, McKinny, Mnri)hy, Parker, R, Smith, Speight, Slade, Stewart,
J, Smith, Wright, J. Williams, R, Williams,
This caused him to resign. He seems never to have reoovered his position
with his party or his influence in the State.
He was twice married ; by the first marriage he had several children (one
son only, who was Cashier of the Branch Bank of Cape Fear at Raleigh, now
dead) ; by the second marriage he left no children, lie died in Oct. 1818.
BHRTIB OQUNTT. 88
Equally ^fied, if less saocesQful in public life, in Bertie, was VfihUAU
Cherrt. He was educated at Chapel Hill, and graduated at that Institution
in 1800. He studied law, and became distinguished in his profession. In
1805, he was a member in the Commons from Bertie. Efforts are being
made to procure information as to life, career, and end of this brilliant genius,
which another edition of this work will present, j
Georgb Outlaw also lived and died in this county. He was a member of
the House of Commons, in 1796 ; and of the Senate in 1807 and '08, and
often afterwards; and a member of Congress, in 1824 and 182&; was dis-
tinguished for his amiable manners, unsullied character, and piety of life.
These have numerous connections now in Bertie, to whom their reputation
and serrices are dear, and whose virtues are left for their imitation and emu-
lation.
William W. Chbrrt was a native of Bertie, and as distinguished for his
benevolence in private, as for his ability in public life. He was raised as a
merchant, taught school, and at mature age studied law, and practiced with
great success. He was elected to the Senate in 1838, and to the House of
Uommons in 1844. In 1845, he was nominated as member of Congress, and
had not death terminated his life at Jackson, while attending Northampton
Superior Court (2d May, 1845), his career would have been useful and oril-
liant. He died in the 39th year of his a^e.
David Outlaw is a resident and native of Bertie. He was educated at
the University. He graduated in 1824, in a class composed of John Bragg,
late a judge in Mobile, and recently elected member of Congress from the
Mobile district, Alabama; William A. Graham, now Secretary of the Navy ;
Matthias £. Manly, now a judge of our Superior Courts ; Augustus Moore,
late of Edenton, late Judge of our Superior Court; Thomas Dews, and others.
In this galaxy of talent Mr. Outlaw was not obscure.
He read law at Newbern, with Judge Gaston ; admitted to the Bar in 1827 ;
Elected to the House of Commons in 1832, and again in 1833 and 1834 ;
Solicitor of Edenton Circuit in 1836, and member of Congress in 1848v for
which distinguished post he is again re-elected (August 1851).
Many other names might be named who have " done the State
8ome service/' and in another edition accurate sketches of them will
he presented.
Members of General Assembly from Bertie County, from 1777
to 1851.
Tears. Senators. Membecs of House of Commons.
1777. Zed. Stone, William Jordan, Simon Turner.
1778. Zed. Stone, William Jordan, James Campbell.
1779. Zed. Stone, John Pugh Williams, Jonathan Jacocks.
1780. Jon. Jacocks, William Horn, David Turner.
1781. Jon. Jacocks, William Horn, David Turner.
1782. Jon. Jacocks, William Horn, David Turner.
1783. Jon. Jacocks, William Horn, David Turner.
1784. Jon. Jacocks, Zed. Stone, Andrew Oliver.
1785. Jon. Jacocks, Thomas Collins, Andrew Oliver.
1786. Zed. Stone, Thomas Collins, Andrew Oliver.
1787. John Johnston, Andrew Oliver, William Horn.
1788. John Johnston, William Horn, Francis Pugh.
1789. John Johnston, William Horn, Francis Pugh.
1790. Francis Pugh, David Stone, David Turner.
1791. Jasper Charlton, David Stone, William J. Dawson.
1792. Jasper Charlton, David Stone, Tristani Lowther.
1793. Jasper Charlton, David Stone, John AVolfendon.
1794. John Wolfendon, Jonathan Jacocks, David Stone.
1795. John Wolfendon, Jonathan Jacocks, John Johnston.
1796. Timothy Walton, George Outlaw, John Johnston.
u
HISTORY OF NORTH OABOUKA.
Years. Senators.
1797. Francis Pugh,
1800. John Johnston,
1801. Jona. Jacocks,
1802. George Outlaw,
1803. Henry Peterson,
1804. Joseph Jordan,
1805. Joseph Jordan,
1806. George Outlaw,
1807. George Outlaw,
1808. George Outlaw,
1809. Joseph Jordan,
1810. George Outlaw,
1811. George Outlaw,
1812. George Outlaw,
1813. George Outlaw,
1814. George Outlaw,
1815. AVm. Sparkman,
1816. Wm. Sparkman,
1817. George Outlaw,
1818. Thos. L. West,
1819. Wm. Hinton,
1821. George Outlaw,
1822. George Outlaw,
1823. George B. Outlaw,
1824. George B. Outlaw,
1825. Jehu Nicholls,
1826. Wm. Gilliam,
1827. George 0. Askew,
1828. George 0. Askew,
1829. George 0. Askew,
1830. George 0. Askew,
1831. George 0. Askew,
1832. George 0. Askew,
1833. A. W. Mebane,
1834. A. W. Mebane,
1835. A. W. Mebane,
1836. A. W. Mebane,
1838. Wm. W.Cherry,
1840. Lewis Bond,
1842. Jas. S. Mitchell,
1844. Lewis Thompson,
1846. J.R.Gilliam,
1848. Lewis Thompson,
1850. Lewis Bond,
Members of the House of Commons.
George Outlaw, J. B. Jordan.
Joseph Jordan, Thomas Fitts.
Henry K. Peterson, Joseph Eason.
James W. Clark, Henry Peterson.
James W. Clark, James Tunstall.
William Cherry, Joseph H. Bryan.
William Cherry, Joseph H. Bryan.
Prentis Law, (Joseph Eason.
Joseph H. Bryan, Joseph Eason.
Joseph II. Bryan, J. Eason.
Joseph H. Bryan, Geo. L. Ryan.
George L. Ryan, Thomas Speller.
Dayid Stone, William Sparkman.
David Stone, William Sparkman.
Timothy Walton, Whit. H. Pugh.
William Sparkman, Whit. H. Pugh.
Wm. H. Pugh, Jonathan Jacocks.
Simon A. Bryan, J. H. Jacocks. .
Thos. L. West, J. H. Jacocks.
William Hinton, Joseph Jordan.
Geo. B. Outlaw, Simon A. Bryan.
Robert C. Watson, Thos. Brickell.
Thomas Brickell, Simon A. Bryan.
James G. Mhoon^ S. A. Bryan.
Wm. H. Rascoe, J. G. Mhoon.
William H. Rascoe, J. G. Mhoon.
J. G. Mhoon, Joseph D. White.
Thomas H. Speller. J. D. White.
Joseph Watford, AVm. S. Mhoon.
Wm. S. Mhoon, Alexander W. Mebane.
W. S. Mhoon, A. W. Mebane.
Lewis Thompson, David Outlaw.
David Outlaw, Thomas J. Pugh.
David Outlaw, Thomas J. Pugh.
David Outlaw, Thomas J. Pugh.
John F. Lee, Thomas H. Speller.
John F. Lee, Thomas H. Speller.
Lewis Bond, James R. Rayner.
Lewis Thompson, John R. Gilliam.
James R. Rayner, John F. Lee.
W. W. Cherry, Lewis Bond.
John N. Bond, Richard 0. Britton.
J. B. Cherry, K. Biggs.
J. B. Cherry, P. H. Winston.
SUlDSS COUIITT. 85
CHAPTER VII.
BLADEN COUNTY.
Date of its formation, ori^n of its name — Situation and boandaries — ^Eliza-
bethtown its Capital— Population and Products — Climate — Colonial and
Revolutionary History — Delegates to first Provincial Congress at Newbern,
in 1774 — Delegates to the second, in 1775 — ^Delegates to the Assembly, in
177G, which formed our Constitution — Documents relative to the battle
at Eiizabethtown, July, 1781, between the Whigs under Colonel Thomas
Brown, afterwards General, and the Tories, commanded by Cols. Slingsby
and Godden-;-Her distinguished citizens, and a list of her members in the
General Assembly, from 1774 to 1851.
Bladen County was formed as early as 1734, from New Hanover
County, and comprehended at the time the whole western portion
of the State as far as the limits of North Carolina extended.
It was so called in honor of Martin Bladen, one of the Lords
Commissioners of Trade and Plantations. "*"
It is situated in the south-eastern part of North Carolina, and
is boimded on the north by the county of Cumberland, and South
River, which separates it from Sampson County; on the east by the
same river, which separates it from New Hanover County ; on the
south by the counties of Brunswick, and Columbus ; and on the
west by the county of Robeson.
Elizabethtown, its capital, is situated on the Cape Fear River,
and distant from Raleigh 99 miles.
Population, 5,055 whites ; 354 free negroes; 4,358 slaves ; 8,023 rep. popu-
lation ; 593 persons who cannot read or write.
Products 1549 bushels of wheat; 4,954 bushels of oats ; 180,705 bushels of
com; 58,193 pounds cotton; 7,574 pounds wool ; 14,281 barrels turpentine ;
$44,868 of lumber.
Its climate is mild and salubrious. Its effect may be judged,
from the fact that in 1840, the oldest man on the census of that
decade, William Prigden, lived in this county. He was then 112
years of age, and died aged 122.
There is no portion of the State that was more determined or
devoted to the cause of Liberty, than was Bladen, in the early
periods of our history. In no portion was the advocacy of the
cause attended with greater peril, from the number of Tories, and
the vicinity of the enemy's forces.
To the first Assembly of Patriots (at Newbem) in 1774, the delegates from
Bladen were, Wiluah Saltbb, and Waltsr Gibson.
* Martin's History of North Carolina, ii. 15.
88 HISTOET OF NORTH GAEOLDTA.
The delegates in 1775 were (at Hillsboro'), Thomas Owen, TnovAS Robs-
son, Jr., and Nathaniel Richardson.
The delegates in 1776 (Halifax), which formed our Bill of Rights and Con-
stitution, were Thomas Robbson, Thomas Owen, Thomas Amis, and James
Council.
The ofiBcers appointed in 1775 for this connty, were Thomas Robeson, Jr.,
Colonel; Thomas Brown, Lieut-Colonel; Thomas Owen, 1st Major; James
Richardson, 2d Major.
This county was siffnalized by being the scene of a bloody battle
between the friends of Liberty and the Tories, at or near Elizabeth-
town.
It was fought in July 1781 ; the friends of liberty were led on by
Thomas Brown, and the Tories commanded by Col^. Slingsby and
Godden. The situation of the county was deplorable. The Tories
had overrun every portion ; their opponents had been driven out of
the county, their homes ravaged, and houses burned. About 60
had taken refuge in Duplin ; hungry, naked, and homeless, exaspe-
rated to madness, they resolved to drive the Tories from their posts
or die in the attempt. The Tories, to the number of about three
hundred, had taken position at Elizabethtown. Colonel Brown and
his brave men marched fifty miles through a wilderness, subsisting
on jerked beef and scanty bread. They forded the Cape Fear,
and at night (when the disparity of the force could not be perceived),
made a furious onset on the Tories, drove in their guards, and
after a bloody resistance, in which their commander Slingsby was
mortally wounded and Godden killed, the Tories commenced a re-
treat; a large number rushed wildly over every obstacle and leaped
into a deep gulley which has ever since borne the name of the
"ToiyHole.''
This brilliant affair ended the Tory power in Bladen.
It is to be hoped that some record more enduring may be pro-
cured that will present this battle in its true colors to posterity.
With every exertion there has been but little procured, but enough
to show the chivalric daring of its leaders, and the firmness of the
sons of Bladen.
The following extracts, from the papers of the present day, may
induce others to search some record made at the time, and hand to
the present age, as "a rich legacy," the glowing record of thia
brilliant achievement.
From the Wilmington Chronicle.
BATTLE OF ELIZABETHTOWN.
[Whigs of New Hanover ^ Bladen^ and Duplin — Col. Thomas Brown — Tories
cU Elizabethtown — Tlie Whigs, after a forced march, wade the Cape Fear and
rout the enemy in the night — The leaders of the Highland Scotchmen (Slin^
by and Oodden) slain — The Tory Hole — General Waddel, Owen, Morehead^
Robeson and Ervine.]
Bladkn Countt, February 21si, 1844.
A. A. Brown, Esq. :
Dear Sir — Yours of the 3d inst. was received, Boliciting such informadon
as I po08os8ed, or may be able to collect respeotiDg the battle fought at Elisa-
BLABBN COUNTT. 37
bethtowD, during oar reTolutionar^ sirugele, between the Whigs and T(Nne8.
I have often regretted that the actions and skirmishes which occurred in this
and New Hanover Coontj, shoald have been overlooked by historians. The
battle of Elizabethtown deserves a place in history, and ought to be recol-
lected by everv true-hearted North Cfarolinian with pride and pleasure. Here
sixty men, driven from their homes, their estates ravaged, and houses plun-
dered, who had taken refuge with the Whigs of Duplin, without funds, and
bare of clothing, resolved to return, fight, conquer, or die. After collecting
all the ammunition they could, they embodied and selected Col. Thomas
Brown to command. They marched fifty miles through almost a wilderness
country, before thev reached the river, subsisting on jerked beef and a scanty
supply of bread. The Tories had assembled, three hundred or more, at Eliza-
bethtown, and were commanded bj Slingsby and Godden ; the former was a
talented man, and well fitted for his station ; the latter, bold, daring and reck-
less, ready to risk everything to put down the Whigs. Every precautionary
measure was adopted to prevent surprise, and te render this the stronghold
of Toryism. Not a boat was suffered to remain on the east side of the river.
Quards and sentries were re^ularlv detached and posted. When the little
band of Whig heroes, after nightfall, reached the nver, not a boat was to be
found ; but it must be crossed, and that speedily ; its depth was ascertained
by some who were tall and expert swimmers ; they to a man cried out, " it is
furdable, we can, we will cross it.'' Not a murmur was heard, and withoujk
a moment's delay, they all undressed, tied their clothing and ammunition on
their heads (baggage they had none), each man grasping the barrel of his
enn, raised the breech so as to keep the lock above water, descended the
banks, and entered the river. The taller men found less difficulty ; those of
lower stature, were scarcely able to keep their mouths and noses above water;
but all safely reached the opposite shore, resumed their dress, fixed their
arms for action, made their wav through the low-srounds, then thicklv set
with cane, ascended the hills, which were high and precipitous, crossed the
King's road leading through the town, and took a position in its rear. Here
they formed, and in about two hours after crossing a mile below, commenced
a furious at-tack, driving in the Tory sentries and guards; they continued
rapidly to advance, keeping up a brisk and well-directed fire, and were soon in
the midst of the foe, mostly Highland Scotchmen, as brave, as loyal, and hieh-
minded, as any of his Majesty's subjects ; so sudden and violent an onset for
the moment produced disorder ; but they were rallied by their gallant leader,
and made for a while the most determined resistance. Slingsby fell mortally
wounded, and Qodden was killed, with most of the officers of inferior grade.
They retreated, some taking refuge in houses, others, the largest portion, leap-
ingpell-mell into a deep ravine, since called the Tory Hole. As the Tories had
nmimited sway from the river to Little Pee Dee, the Whigs repressed, taking
with them their wounded. Such was the general panic produced by this action,
the Tories became dispirited, and never after were so troublesome. The
Whigs soon returned to their homes in safety. In the death of Slingsby, the
Tories were deprived of an officer whose place it was difficult to fill ; but few
were equal to Godden in partisan warfare.
This battle was fought mostly by river planters, men who had sacrificed
much for their country. To judge of it correctly, it should not be forgotten
that the country from Little Pee Dee to the Catawba, was overrun by the
Tories ; Wilmington was in possession of the British, and Cross Creek of the
Tories. Thus situated, the attack made on them at Elizabethtown assumed
much of the character of a forlorn hope ; had the Whigs not succeeded, they
must have been cut off to a man. If they had fled to the South, thousands
would have arisen to destroy them ; if to the Eastward, the Tories in that
case, flushed with victory, would have intercepted their retreat, and they
would have sought in vain their former asylum. This action produced, in
this part of Norm Carolina, as sudden and as happy results as toe battles of
Trenton and Princeton, in New Jersey. The contest was unequal, but valor
supplied the place of numbers. It is due to Colonel Brown, who when
a youth, marched with General Waddel from Bladen, and fought under
38 HISTOET OF NORTH CAEOLINA.
Qoveroor Trjon at the battle of Alamance, and was afterwards wounded at
the Great Bridge, under General Howe, near Norfolk, Virginia, to say he
fully realized the expectations of his friends, and the wishes of those who
selected him to command ; and when the history of our State shall be writ-
ten, this action alone, a])art from his chivalric conduct at the Great Bridge,
will place him by the side of his compatriots, Horry, Marion, and Sumpter,
of the South. It must, it will form an interesting page in our history, on
which the young men of North Carolina will delight to dwell. It is an
achievement which bespeaks not only the most determined bravery, but
great military skill. The most of these men, like the Ten thousand Greeks,
were fitted to command. Owen had fought at Camden, Morehead commanded
the nine-months' men sent to the South ; Robeson and Ervine were the Percys
of the Whigs, and might justly be called the Hotspurs of Cape Fear.
The foregoing narrative was detailed to me by two of the respectable com-
batants, who now sleep with their fathers ; the substance of which I have
endeavored to preserve with ail the accuracy a memory not very retentive
will permit.
A respectable resident of Elizabethtown has recently informed me that
he was a small boy at the time of the battle, and lived with his mother in one
of the houses to which the Tories repaired for safety ; that he has a distinct
recollection of the fire of the Whigs, which appeared like one continued
stream. Documentary evidence I have none.
With great respect, &c., .
[From the Raleigh Independent.]
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY.
[Commentary on the preceding account of the Battle of Eltzahethtoton — MiliUary
skill of Col, Brown — WlUg stratagems — Owen^ Moreliead and Robeson — Rust
de guerre and Coup de main, subsequently explained by Gen. Broum — Best
mode of collecting materials for history — Reference to the late Gen, Davis, of
Fayettemlle,]
To the Editor of the Wilmington Chronicle : —
Sir — My attention was directed by a friend to an article in your paper of
the 5th inst., headed Battle of ElizabeiJUoum.
The distinguished sentleman who furnished you with an account of the
battle, I have no doubt, gave it to you as he received it ; but his informant
overlooked the particulars which characterized it ; and which establish its
claim to be rauKed with those actions of our revolutionary struggle that
exhibited military skill. According to the showing of your correspondent, it
was an attack of great daring, and executed with astonishing secrecy and
dispatch. But these, though among the elements of war, do not necessarily
imply military talents ; nor can they aspire to that glory which is the crown-
ing privilege of military enterprise. On the contrary, the actors might have
forfeited all the applause, which is due to their valor, by the want of pro-
spective measures. And the discriminating annalist might deem it his duty
to note this achievement as the lucky termination of a desperate adventure,
in which the passions had more to do than the intellect, and which deserved
consideration merely as the accidental, but efficient cause, of important con-
sequences to the country. Suppose that heroic band had attackea the strong-
hold of Toryism without any of those stratagems and expedients which an
experienced officer knows how to practice ; and that stronghold containing a
numerical force at least five-fold greater than their own, of equal intrepidity,
and under an officer whose abilities and well-tried courage, inspirea with
unanimity and zeal the whole of his garrison, how different would have been
the result ! how awful the consequences ! a forlorn hope, self-immolated, and
doomed to perish ! The band would have been cut ofi^in this wild expedition
of uncalculatine temerity ; and though their fate would have been deplored,
they would neither have deserved the gratitude of their country, nor merited
the panegyrics of history.
BLADEN COUNTY, 39
The sagacious commander, Col. Broum, did not act thus. He did not com-
mence an expedition without a plan ; and without looking to results, and
providing for contingencies. Every meditated movement was arranged and
settled with exact precision ; and the destruction of the superior officers of
the garrison determined on As an indispensable, though painful measure, to
insure the victory. £very individual was made perfectly acquainted with his
duty, in order that entire concert might be maintained during the conflict.
Your correspondent's narrative is, no doubt, correct as to the advance of
the Whigs, under cover of night, their forming in the rear of what was then
called the King's Road, driving in the outposts and sentries, and making the
onset on the garrison. Ilere, nis deficiency will be evident^ when it is com-
pared with the details which I am about to give.
After the first volley. Col. Brown, with six officers, who for the want of a
more appropriate word, may be termed his staff; and among whom were
those gallant spirits, Owen, Moreheccd, and Robeson, took a central position,
as .previously arranged; and the main body rushed to a point, at a specified
distance, on his right, and reloaded with almost inconceivable rapidity. The
-words of command were then heard in loud and distinct tones. On the right !
Col. Dodd*s company 1 Advance! (No such officer, and no such company
being present.] The main body advanced and fired, wheeling, rushed to a
point to the lett, and reloaded as before ; and the order was given in the same
audible voice. On the left I Col. Gillespie's company I Advance I (No such
officer, and no such company being present.) Ihe main body advanced and
fired. Again. On the right I Col. 2>tcArtn*on'« company ! Advance! (The
same fiction being repeated.) The main body advanced and fired, and wheel-
ing, rushed to the designated point. Again. On the left! Mryor WrighVs
company I Advance ! (The same fiction being repeated.) The main body
advanced and fired.
This rttse de guerre was carried on until the Whig band was multiplied into
ten or eleven companies. It succeeded in making an impression on the gar-
rison, that it was attacked by a body of one thousand strong, led on by expe-
rienced officers.
The self-possession and the energy with which the orders were given, and
the celerity and animation with which they were executed, under circum-
stances of recent fatigue and exposure, are almost unparalled in history.
During the time occupied in these evolutions, Col. Brown, with his staff, as I
have called them, was improving accidents and making occasions for taking
deadly aims.
There must have been a sublimity in the scene. The darkness of night,
broken by a sheet of flame, at every successive volley of the Whig band ; the
outcries and clamor ; the disorderly firing of the Tories, the gallant efforts of
Col. Slingsby to restore order, and to form his lines ; his fall, so sanguinely
desired, and yet so much regretted ; and the total rout of the garrison, would,
to a person not engaged in the conflict, if such a one could have been there,
have presented a spectacle of horror more easily imagined than described.
In this scene were exhibited all the brilliant features of the enterprise.
Here, on the field of battle, strategy and tactics were combined, and consti-
tuted the military skill of the commander of the Wliig force. He vanquished
the enemy by the exercise of such skill as could not have been surpassed ;
and by a bofaness and hardihood, a promptitude of obedience and rapidity
of movement on the part of those under his command, that would have shed
a lustre on the disciplined legions of modem Europe.
It is proper now to state how I came by my information. I first heard the
account in the way your correspondent received it, from persons whose names
I cannot recollect, and it left no impression on my mind but that of a despe-
rate attack in the night, on Colonel Slingshy*s post, and perhaps a panic in
the garrison.
Upwards of thirty years ago I heard Oeneral Brown himself recount the
particulars. It was on the deck of a packet boat, between Smithville and
JVUmington, A young irishman from Baltimore, a naturalized citizen of the
United states, was one of the passengers, lie was a furious zealot of rebellion
12
40 HISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA. .
against all government, and obtruded on the company his political opinions,
lie declaimed against our institutions, and inveighed in virulent language
against some of our most distinguished statesmen. Several gentlemen were
present, all natives, and I believe there was not one who was not roused bj
the insolence of this foreigner. One or two glanced at him, but he disregarded
their remarks, and continued to vapor with a provoking contempt for hie
fellow passengers. At length, General Brown^ who was the only one of us who
derived authority from ago and revolutionary services, and who had beea
kindled into indignation by his impertinence, commenced an oblique attack
on him, by marking the distinction between the legitimate patriotism of that
day which ** tried men*s smils" and the spurious love of liberty of the then
epoch which tendered its services uncalled fur and unrequired, and vaunted
itself in noisy strictures on the administration, and malevolent accusations
against the distinguished patriots who conduct it. He proceeded to relate
some anecdotes of his military life ; but none of them riveted my attention
80 entirely as the affair at £lizabethtown. When his narration reached the
battle ground, and he depicted the operations there, he grew very warm ;
we all became engrossed by the subject, and the Irishman was reduced to
silence and mortification.
It happens that the mode of collecting materials for a history of the State,
which 1 liave, for many years past, recommended, has been reduced to prac-
tice by you, and with immediate success, and without any privity between
us. lou have induced a talented gentleman of Bladen County to furnish a
sketch of the military expedition which terminated in a battle. lie has given
you the history of this expedition as he received it, and points to the result
and its important consequences, and I have conceived it my duty to supply
additional particulars. Here is an example set to those who desire tnal
materials for the history of our revolution should be accumulated. If there
is any public spirit in the country, the example will be followed.
I am, Sir, very respectfully.
Your ob't serv't, Y. Z.
P. S. One of the band referred to above, walked over the battle field with
the late General Thos. Davis, of Fayetteville, and pointed out to him the dif-
ferent positions occupied by the Whig force during the attack on Elizabeth-
town. Is it not probable that General Davis made memorandums of this
inspection which may yet be found among his papers, and may enable us to
form a more accurate idea of the plan and the details of the battle ?
From the Raleigh Roister.
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE RE VOLUTION.
[Reminiscences of a revolutionary matron with respect to events immediaidy sviJh
sequent to the Battle of Elizabethtown — Wilmington in the possession of the
British troops commanded by Major Craig — whig encampment above WU-
mington, under the orders of Colonel Leonard — Attempt by night to surprise
and massacre the Whigs — TJie Kent Bugle — A perfidious guide — Daring
adventure of Mansfield^ Manly, and the two young Smiths — Death of one of
the latter — References to Colonel (the father of Gocenwr) Oiven — The Wad-
dells f the Smiths, the Leonards — Captain Manly — The unfortunate SlingsbyJ]
Mr. Gales — The fugitive memoranda of our old people, and their fast
fading recollections of the scenes of the Revolution, and of events connected
with the early history of North Carolina, are rapidly passing away, and every
effort should be made to preserve and perpetuate them. Many a gallant deed
and noble instance of devoted patriotism has been already irrecoverably lost ;
deeds which would illustrate the character of our people — their penis and
sacrifices in the arduous struggle in which thev were engaged, and would now
fill with just exultation the hearts of many whose actions teem with the Uie-
blood of their heroic sires, and who were often whollv ignorant of their bold
and patriotic achievements. Every new anecdote and incident of the Kevoln-
BLADEN OOUNTT. 41
tion that we read, is full of interest; and althoagh many of them may not be
of sufficient public importance to be dignified with a place on the page of our
history, yet they should bo gathered and treasured up and printed, and thus
placed in the reach of our future historian.
These reflections were vividly enforced the other day, upon my reading to
an aged and respectable lady of the olden times, who was raised on the Gape
Fear, the account given in the Wilmington Chronicle, ''of the battle of Eliza-
bethtown, in Bladen county.'' **Ah,'' said she, when I had finished reading,
*'well do I remember the events of that day, and some of the men that
figured in them."
Among other anecdotes, she related substantially the following narrative : —
Upon the dispersion of the Tories in that successful sortie at Elizabeth-
town, above referred to, by the handful of Whigs under Captain (afterwards
General) Brown, man^ of the Tories fled for refuse to Wilmington, then in
possession of the British, under the command of Major Craig, while a portion
of that same Spartan Whig band, joined by a few other choice spirits of the
county of Brunswick, under the command of Colonel Leonard, formed an en-
campment above Wilmington, and not far from the river, for the purpose of
catting off supplies from being carried by the Tories to the enemy, and to
prevent their own and their neighbors' slaves from flocking down to the
British Camp, and for mutual protection generally.
This encampment was a source of great annoyance and vexation to the
British commander, and the object of especial hatred and revenge to his new
recruits who had just been so handsomely whipped at Elizabeth. It was re-
solved at Head Quarters that this encampment should be broken up, and a
large force was immediately detailed on this service. A portion uf them
was sent up the main road, and were to wait in ambush at a bridge on a
stream then known as Hood's Creek, not far below the camp, while other
companies, under the guide of one of these Tories who well knew the few
passways and situation of the country, were to be conducted and planted
above, so as effectually to surround the camp and cut off retreat. Orders
were given, in the hearing of the guide, to the chief officer of this expedition,
to shew no quarters, hut to put to instant death every Whig that should be found
with arms in their hands. After early nightfall, this band sat out on their
murderous errand.
Upon hearing these savage and bloodthirsty orders, their guide relented.
Many of the men who were in that camp, had been his near neighbors and
friends, had often done him acts of kindness, and his heart quailed at the
contemplation of the scene before him, and his inhuman instrumentality in
havins them cut up and butchered. Accordingly, after leaving the main
road, he feigned to be lost, and purposely avoiding the right track, he kept
them wandering in the woods from swamp to swamp, until, as he supposed,
sufficient time would elapse for the camp to have notice of the approach of
the direct force, and be enabled to make good their retreat.
The Whig force did not exceed thirty, and were chieflj^ mounted men;
planters and men of character and substance. They had finished their scanty
supper, had secured their horses for the night, and with their saddles for a
pillow, and their saddle-blankets for a bed, they had lain down to rest, un-
conscious of the peril and of the horrible destiny that had been prepared for
them.
The British force had in the mean time arrived at the bridge, and were
anxiously awaiting the signal for their onset. The night passed on, and yet
no sound was heard. They became impatient, and gave a blast from their
horn to apprise their comrades of their position and readiness, and to receive
their response. The sound was heard in the Whig camp. " What noise is
that V said a dreamy sentry, as he paced his lonely rounds. " Oh nothing,''
said another, " but the trumpet of some lubberly boatman." Another and
another blast, louder and louder is given. The camp is aroused. *' No boat-
man belonging to these waters," said one, " can make that noise ; they are the
notes of the iSint Bugle, and in the hands too of a practiced master," " They
proceed from down the road and from about the bridge," said the officer in
42 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
command. ** That place must be reconnoitered. We mast know what all
that means. Who will volunteer and go down ?" No one spoke. ** Come,
Manly/' said he, " you are always ready in a forlorn hope, and that fine
black charger of yours can outrun danger itself ; will you go ?" ** Aye, aye,
sir," said Manly ; '* who will go with me to bring back the news if I should
lose my nightcap V* " I, I, I," said Mansfield and two young Smiths. Their
horses were soon caparisoned and mounted, their holsters examined, and
away they galloped to the bridge. Upon their arrival, everything was as
auiet and silent as death. They could nether see nor hear any one, but
tneir horses exhibited alarm and refused to proceed.
" All right on this side," said Manly : *' let us see how it is on the other,"
and thrusting their spurs into their horses' sides, they dashed across the
bridge. As soon as they had cleared it, up rose the British and Tories from
their concealment on each side the road, tneir muskets and bayonets gleam-
ing in the moonlight ; and as these men checked and turned tneir horses to
retreat, the officer in command sung out, ** give it to them," and a platoon of
musketry fired upon them. The top of Manly's hat was shot away. One of
the Smiths was badly wounded, his horse shot down on the bridge, and in
fUling caught his rider under him : and the British as they passed, perforated
iJie body of the poor follow with their bayonets, and commenced a running
pursuit. The camp, in the mean time, had heard the firing, V^ guide was stul
lost in the swampSt and all but poor Smith made good their retreat. Thus this
gallant band of chivalrous and devoted spirits, through an almost miraculous
intervention of an overruling Providence, escaped the well-planned strata-
gem projected for their heartless and cold-blooded massacre, and were spared
to their families and country.
** I- knew many of those men," continued this good lady, " well. The
Waddells, the Smiths, the Owens and Leonards are names still well known
along the Cape Fear. Col. Thos. Owen (the father of the late Gov. Owen),
was a particular friend of my husband's to the day of his death. He often
spoke of him. * Tom Owen,' he would say, * was a warm-hearted friend,
generous to a foe, and as brave a soldier as ever wore a sword.' ' Morehead,'
said she, * was a tall, thin man, of mild and amiable temper. He lived near
Elizabeth, and died of consumption.
"Manly, who held a Captain's commission, and was an active partisan
officer in the militia during the war, removed to the back country, ana settled
in the county of Chatham, distinguished throughout a long life for the strictest
integrity and unflinching firmness.
**T?ooT Slingsby," said she (another name mentioned in the account of
the batUe of Elizabeth town), " who was killed by the Whigs at Elizabeth-
town, deserved a better fate. He was by birth an Englishman, had taken
tbo oath of allegiance to the British crown, and like many others, then and
now called Tories, acted under a conscientious sense of obligation to his
Sovereign. He was a man of fine talents, and left an amiable and helpless
family."
Thus, Sir, I sat for hours listening to these narratives ; but I fear I am
trespassing. They were to me exceedingly interesting ; but they may not be
80 to others. And while I ask you to publish this or not as you may see
fit, I will conclude as I began, with the sincere hope, that all who can, will
contribute such information as they may possess, relative to the early his-
tory of the State ; and especially the events and anecdotes of men of the Kevo-
laUon.
The character of Thomas Brown is one worthy of Bladen. He was early
in arms under Governor Tryon at Alamance, in 1771, and afterwards was
wounded at the battle of the Great Bridge, in Virginia, under General Howe.
The affair of Elizabethtown proves that the science of war was congenial
to his fearless temper. His life, character, and services will afford some
future biographer an opportunity to present his claims to the respect, lovOy
and admiration of his countrymen.
Thomas Owxn was, as described by the sketch jost qnoted, "warm-hearted to
BLADEN COUNTY. 48
a friend, generous to a foe, and as brave a soldier as ever drew a sword." He
was of Welch origin ; born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, 1735, and came
with his father when about five years old to North Carolina.
He was an early friend of liberty. He represented Bladen in 1775 and
1776, and was appointed second Major of Bladen regiment. lie was in the
battle of Camden ; commanded a regiment in the brigade of General Isaac
Gregory.
He represented Bladen in 1786 and 1787. He married Eleanor Porterfield,
the sister of Major Porterfield, who fell at Eutaw Springs. He died 1803,
leaving James, John, and Mary, who married Elisha Stedman, of Fayetteville,
the mother of Rev. James Owen Stedman, living in Wilmington, and pastor
of the Presbyterian Congregation in that place.
General James Owen was born December 1784, educated at Pittsboro' under
Mr. Bingham ; he is a planter by profession. Member of House of Commons in
1808, '09, '10, and '11, and in Cfongrcss in 1817 and 1818. General Owen
married the daughter of Robinson Mumford, of Fayetteville. Ho has been
President of the Wilmington and Raleigh Railroad, and now enjoys a " green
old age'' in retirement, enjoying the esteem of his associates and friends.
John Owen, late Governor of North Carolina, was born in Bladen County
August 1787, and educated at the University. He was a man of kind heart,
of liberal views, and accomplished manners.
He was a farmer of much science, and seemed rather to prefer the quiet joys
of home to the excitement of popular favor. He was, from his excellent
disposition, philanthropic views, and patriotic feelings, a favorite of the people.
In 1812 he represented Bladen County in the House of Commons, and in 1827
in the Senate.
He was in 1828 elected Governor of the State ; and in 1830 he was within
one vote of being elected to the Senate of the United States, when he was
defeated by Hon. Wilie P. Mangum. This contest produced a coolness be-
tween these gentlemen, which had terminated in a hostile meeting, but for
interference of friends.
He was President of the Convention at Harrisburg in 1840, which nomi-
nated General Harrison and Governor Tyler for President and Vice-President
of the United States.
This was his last public act. He was united in marriage to Miss Brown,
daughter of Gen. Thomas Brown, at an early age ; whose amiable and quiet
disposition tended to soften the pathway of life.
After enjoying the honors of his State and all the comforts of life, he died
at Pittsboro'. October 1841, loved and respected by all who knew him.
This county is also the residence of James J. McKat.
His career as a public man belongs to the country, and his public acts are
public property.
He is a native and resident of this county. He was born in 1793. His
course as a public man has been successful and brilliant. As a lawyer he was
ardent, firm and earnest in his duty. He was U. S. District Attorney for
several years. His first appearance on the public stage as a politician, was
in 1815, as a member of the Senate of the State Legis&ture. He continued
in this service, with some intermissions, until 1831, when he was elected
a member of the House of Representatives in Congress, where he served
until the session of 1849. Gen. McKay is a disciple of the Macon school
of politicians, " severe, strict, and stringent." His indomitable firmness, and
Spartan character, won for him position and influence. He was for some
years Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means, a position of great
responsibility, and second onl^ to the Speaker. In the National Democratic
Convention at Baltimore, which nominated General Cass, he received the
unanimous Vote of the North Carolina Delegation, as candidate for Vice-Presi-
dent of the United States.
44
HISTOKY OF KORTH OABOLINA.
The following are the members of Assembly from Bladen County,
from 1774 to 1851.
y"ear».
1774.
1775.
1778.
1783.
1784.
1785.
1786.
1787.
1788.
Senators.
Thomas Owen,
Thomas Owen,
Thomas Owen,
Thomas Brown,
Thomas Brown,
Thomas Owen,
Thomas Brown,
1791. Jos. R. Gautier,
1702. Duncan Stewart,
1793. D. Stewart,
1794. D. Stewart,
1795. D. Stewart,
1796. Josiah Lewis,
1797. J. Lewis,
1800. J. Lewis,
1801. T. AV. IlarToy.
1802. S. N. Richardson,
1803. S. N. Richardson,
1804. Richard Holmes,
1805. Richard Holmes,
1806. Richard Holmes,
1807. Richard Holmes,
1808. Samuel Andres,
1809. Samuel Andres,
1810. Samuel Andres,
1811. Isaac Wright,
1812. L Wright,
1813. L Wright,
1814. Richard Parish,
1815. James J. McKay,
1816. J. J. McKay,
1817. J.J. McKay,
1818. J. J. McKay,
1819. John Owen,
1821. Simon Green,
1822. James J. McKay,
1823. Daniel Shipman,
1824. Daniel Shipman,
1825. Robert Metvin,
1826. James J. McKay,
1827. John Owen,
1828. Mai. Mclnnis,
1829. Malcolm Mclnnis,
1830. James J. McKay,
1831. John T. Gilmore,
1832. Robert Melvin,
1834. J. J. McMillan,
1835. George Cromartie,
Members of House of Commons.
William Salter, Walter Gibson.
William Salter, James White.
Benjamin Clark.
Samuel Cain, Francis Lucas.
Peter Robeson, Samuel Cain.
James Richardson.
Peter Robertson, J. Richardson.
Samuel Cain, John Brown.
J. Brown, S. Cain.
Duncan Stewart, Josiah Lewis.
Josiah Lewis, John Hall.
Josiah Lewis, James Bradley.
James Bradley, Josiah Lewis.
James Bradley, Hugh Waddell.
II. AVaddell, J. Bradley.
James Morehead, J. Bradley.
Street Ashford, J. Bradley.
Samuel N. Richardson, Richard Holmes.
Richard Holmes, Amos Richardson.
Amos Richardson, Street Ashford.
A. Richardson, Michael Molton.
A. Richardson, M. Molton.
James B. AVhite, A. Richardson.
J. B. AVhite, David Gillaspie.
Thomas Brown, James Owen.
T. Brown, J. Owen.
T. Brown, J. Owen.
T. Brown, J. Owen.
David Gillaspie, John Owen.
D. Gillaspie, John Owen.
James J. Cummings, John Sellers.
John Sellers, James J. Cummings.
William J. Cowan, John Sellers.
William J. Cowan, John Sellers.
Thomas White, William G. Beatty.
T. White, Joseph Wilson.
Samuel B. Andres, William J. Cowan.
Robert Melvin, John J. McMillan.
R. Melvin, William Davis.
J. J. McMillan, John T. Gilmore.
Isaac Wright, John J. McMillan.
J. J. McMillan, John T. Gilmore.
J. J. McMillan, J. T. Gilmore.
J. J. McMillan, Robert Melvin.
Robert Melvin, J. J. McMillan.
John W. McMillan, Salter Loyd.
J. J. McMillan, Robert Lyon.
Robert Lyon, William Jones.
Robert Lyon, George Cromartie.
R. Lyon, B. Fitzrandolph.
The first Legislature under the new Constitution.
(The counties of Bladen, Brunswick and Columbus form one Senatorial Dis-
trict—the 19th.)
1836. James Bumey, Joseph M. Gillaspie.
1838. Robert Melvin, George T. Barksdalo.
1840. Robert Melvin, George W. Bannerman.
BRIINSWICE COUNTY, 45
Years. Senalon. Members of House of Commons.
1842. Robert Melvin, George W. Bannerman.
1844. Robert Melvin, II. H. Robinson.
1846. Richard Wooten, T. S. D. McDowell.
1848. Richard Wooten, T. S. D. McDowell.
1850. Richard Wooten, T. S. D. McDowell.
CHAPTER VIII.
BRUNSWICK COUNTY.
Date of formation — Origin of name, situation, and boundaries — Smithville,
its capital — Population and products — Delegates from Bladen in 1774, 1775,
and 1776— Oflficersof the Regiment, 1775 — Colonial and Revolutionary His-
tory— Character and services of Robert Howe, Alfred Moore, Sen., Mau-
rice Moore, Alfred Moore, Jr., James Moore, Benjamin Smith, and others —
List of members from Brunswick County, from 1774 to 1851.
Brunswick County was formed in 1764, from the counties of
Bladen and New Hanover.
It derives its names from the Prince of Brunswick, who married
this year (1764), the King's* eldest sister.
It is situated in the extreme south-eastern portion of North Caro-
lina, and is bounded on the north by the Cape Fear River, which
separates it from New Hanover and Bladen ; on the east, by the
Cape Fear River, which separates it from New Hanover; on the
south, by the Atlantic Ocean and the South Carolina line ; on the
west, by Waccamaw River, which separates it from Columbus
County.
Its capital is Smithville, distance from Raleigh one hundred
and seventy-three miles.
Its population is 3,651 whites; 319 free negroes ; 3,302 slaves; 5,951 federal
populiUiun ; and 397 persons who cannot read or write.
36,357 bushels of corn ; 7,868 pounds of cotton ; 2,739 pounds of wool ;
13,670 dollars worth of lumber ; ana 14,281 dollars worth of tar, pitch, and tur-
pentine.
The Colonial and Revolutionary History of Brunswick is full of
incidents of patriotism, valor, and devotion to liberty. It was in the
Cape Fear River, near this county, that on August 8th, 1775, Josiah
Martin, the last of the Royal Governors, on board of his Majesty's
ship-of-war, the Cruiser, fulminated his famous proclamation against
the cause of liberty ; and particularly "the infamous publication,"
the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence of the May previous,
which, as he states in his dispatch of June 30th, 1775, to the Secre-
tary of State (a copy of which is found under the head of Mecklen-
burg County), " surpasses all the horrid and treasonable publica-
* Martin's History of Nortii Carolina, voL ii. p. 184.
46 HISTOET OF NOETH CABOLINA.
tions that the inflammatory spirits of the continent have yet pro-
duced."
This was the last act of the royal rule in North Carolina.
Brunswick County sent Robert Howe as delegate to the first general meet-
ing of deputies of the province to Nowbern, August 25th, 17T4.
To the Assembly at Newborn, in April, 1775, John Kowan and Robert
UowE were delegates.
To the Assembly at Ilillsboro', August 21st, 1775, Robert IIows, Robert
Ellis, Parker Quince, Thomas Alton and Roger Moore.
To the State Congress which met at Halifax Nov. 12th, 1776, which formed
our Constitution, Maurice Moore, Cornelius Harnett, Archibald McLean,
Lewis Dupree and William Lord.
Of the military offioers appointed in 1775, James Moore was Colonel of the
Ist Continental Regiment ; Alfred Moore, a Captain in the same.
Robert Howe was appointed Colonel of the 2a Continental Regiment.
To no county in the State is the cause of liberty more indebted
for fearless and devoted sons, than to Brunswick.
Like the mother of the Gracchi, they were her proudest jewels,
and like the same Gracchi, they were ready to oflFer upon the altar of
their country " their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor."
Robert Howe, of Brunswick County, was a soldier by nature. He boldly
entered, without hesitation, in that perilous contest between submission or
the sword ; and with an energy that never relaxed, and a courage that never
quailed, he battled for liberty and America. His first command was import-
ant, and showed the confidence of his country. As Colonel of the Ist Regi-
ment, ho marched with a part of his troops to relieve Norfolk, Va., then in-
vested by Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor. In Dec. 1775, Howe was
joined by Colonel Woodford, with some Virginia troops. Lord Dunmore
detached Captain Fordyco, with a strong force, to dispute their advance. At
the Great Bridge, on the Elizabeth River, on the 9th December, 1775, the
British troops, between daybreak and sunrise, made a furious charge with
fixed bayonets.
The Americans received the attack with intrepidity and firmness ; and
poured on the enemy a heavy and galling fire. They were slaughtered nearly
to a man ; the Americans advanced and took possession of Norfolk, compel-
ling Lord Dunmore to seek his own safetv on board of a ship-of-war, as his
coadjutor of North Carolina had previously done.
Howe vigilantly watched the movements of his Lordship. But on the Ist
Jan., 1776, the British landed a detachment of troops, and under cover of the
cannon of the fleet set fire to the town near the wharf.
The Provincial troops repelled the invaders, and they retreated on board of
their ships.* From the inaaequacy of means for subduing the fire, and a belief
that the town would afford the Royal Governor comforUvble quarters, it was
not stopped, but raged for several weeks, and laid the whole town in ashes,
as the Russians destroyed Moscow, to prevent the French from winter quarter-
ing in its houses.
There being no further use for his services or his troops, at this point, Howe
returned to the Cape Fear.
For his gallantry in this campaign, and good conduct in battle, the Conti-
nental Congress promoted him to be a Brigadier-General.
By order of the State Provincial Congress, on the 2d May, 1776, the President
of Congress addressed General Howe, and returned to him their thanks for
his ** manly, generous, and warlike conduct in these unhappy times, and more
especially for the reputation our troops acquired under his command."t
Such was the devotion of General Howe to the cause of liberty, that ii
in an
♦ Marshall's Life of Washington, vol. i. p. 69.
t Jones' Defence of North Carolina, p. 242.
BRUNSWICK COUNTY. 47
offer of General H. Clinton, ofpardon to the inhabitants of North Carolina,
Cornelius Hanteti and Robert Uowe are excepted from the benefits. This pro-
clamation is dated on board the Pallas transport^ in Cape Fear River, 5th
May, 1776.
On 12th May, 1776, General Clinton ordered a detachment of 900 men,
under Lord Cornwallis, to land on the plantation of General llowc, which
they first ravaged and then burnt.
In 1778, General Howe commanded the troops in South Carolina and
Georgia until December. Our troops suffered from the climate and the want
of the necessaries of life ; and were finally driven out of Georgia by Colonel
Campbell. Howe was censured for neglect, and by Christopher Gadsden,
afterwards Governor of South Carolina, among others. Howe required him
to retract or deny. Gadsden would do neither. A duel ensued on 13th
May, 1778, near Cannonsburg. Thoy met, Howe's ball grazed the ear of Gads-
den, and Gadsden fired in a different direction.*
It is regretted that of the former life as well as future course of General
Howe, as well as his private history, so little has been known. The material
doubtless exists, and justice will yet be done to the gallantry, patriotism and
character of Robert Howe, of Brunswick County.
Maubics Moore, whose character is worthy of our esteem, was also from
Brunswick.
Jud^e Moore was descended from an ancient Irish family of which the
Marquis Drogheda is the present head.f His grandfather. Sir Nathaniel
Moore, was Governor of Carolina (then including North and South Carolina)
in 1705, and is referred to in the former part of this work.J
James ^looro married a daughter of oir John Yeamans, who established
the city of Charleston, and was Governor of the two Carolinas in 1670.
MooreJ was Governor of the Carolinas in 1700 and in 1719. By Miss Yea-
mans he had ten children, from the second of whom, Maurice, the subject of
this sketch is lineally descended.
He was a lawyer of eminence and a jud^o of the superior courts in the
Stato under the royal rule. His character is alluded to on a former page. 11
He, with Martin Howard and Richard Henderson, constituted the Judicial
Bench of North Carolina when the Revolution shut up the, courts. In the
troubles of the Regulators in 1771, although he could not approve their out-
rages, he sympathized with their distresses. He openly denounced Governor
Tryon as a tyrant, and in a letter addressed to him signed ** Atticus,'' he shows
Tryon's character in despicable and odious colors, by severe and powerful
invective.
He was a member of the Provincial Congress, which mot at Hillsboro' in
1775 ; and also a mem})er of the same in 1776, which met at Halifax, and
aided materially in forming our State Constitution.
He died in the year 1777, and at the same time (by a most remarkable co-
incidence), in the same house, his distinguished brother, James Moore, also
died. Colonel of the first Continental Regiment, while on his way to join Gene*
ral Washington. Both active, enterprising, and devoted to the cau^e of their
country ; their lives, character and services invite the attention of the histo-
rian and biographer.
Alfred Moore, Sen., of Brunswick, was a son of Judge Maurice Moore.
He was born on 21st May, 1755.
He was sent to Boston to acquire his education, and while there he was
offered a Commission in the Royal Army, 1768 ; this was declined, but the pre-
sence of a largo garrison, the nricndship of one of its officers, added to a tasto
for a military profession, led him to acquire accurate knowledge of military
*■ Traditionf* of the Revolution in the South, by Joseph Johnson, 204.
t Martin, vol. ii. p. 3(^0. June:*, p. 361.
I Vd. i. :«. II Vol. i. p. 101.
\ Hewatt's History of Carolinas, pp. 143, 275, and 53.
48 HISTOBY OF NOETH CABOLINA.
tactics, which soon was ^lestincd to be called into the active service of his
Qoantry and usefulness to her cause.
In 1775, he was appointed a captain in the 1st Regiment of North Carolina
Continental troops, which was commanded by his uncle Colonel James Moore.
He marched with his company to Charleston, and was on duty there at the
memorable attack on Fort Moultrie. Here he evinced that ardor of patriot-
ism and thirst for military glory, patience in fatigue, and boldness in action,
which would have distinguished him as one of the captains of the age. But
misfortunes crowded so thick upon him that he was forced to resign. His
father, Jud^e Maurice Moore, and uncle. Colonel James Moore, both died at
the same time. His brother (Maurice) was killed at Brunswick, General
Francis Nash, his brother-in-law, was killed at Germantown. A helpless
family was left without any other protector.
Although he left the regular army, his martial spirit was not inactive.
When the British landed and took possession of Wilmington, he left his
familv (wife and two small children) and raised a troop of volunteers and
greatly annoyed the enemy. He became the peculiar object of hatred to the
Sritish commander, Major Craig, (afterwards Sir James Craig, Governor-
General of Canada). He sent a troop to Captain Moore's house, plundered
it of everything valuable, and destroyed the remainder.
After the battle of Guilford Court House, Captain Moore was with other
officers detached to obstruct Lord Cornwallis's march. While the English
were in the possession of Wilmington, Captain Moore's condition was deplo-
rable. Without money, without decent clothes, exiled from his family, his
property all destroyed : not a murmur of regret from him was heard. Dear
as tnese things were, the liberty of his country was still dearer; for this
he sacrificed everything.
When peace came his family was restored, but the means of subsistence
were gone. His country was m the same deplorable situation ; the General
Assembly elected him in 1790 Attorney-General, to alleviate, in a delicate
manner, his immediate wants, without his ever having read a law book. But
blessed with an active discriminating mind, studious habits and retentive
memory, his zeal for his profession being quickened by the stern necessity of
circumstances, he soon mastered its intricacies, and became one of its most
distinguished ornaments. A clear perspicuity of mind, methodical accuracy
of argument, and pleasing and natural eloquence, were the distinguishing
traits of his character. Nature had ])eeu kind in giving him a fine toned
Voice, distinct articulation, and a small but graceful person.
In 1798 he was called to the bench.
His character as Attorney-general and Judge has been recorded in the deci-
sions of our Supreme Court.
** The very question, however, before us, has been decided in the case of the
* State vs. liall,' in 1799, by a judge whose opinions on every subject, but
particularlv on this, merit the highest respect. Judge Moore was appointed
Attorney-Cifcneral a very short time after this act of Assembly was passed,
and discharged for a series of years the arduous duties of that office, in a
manner which commanded the admiration and gratitude of his cotemporaries.
His profound knowledge of the criminal law was kept in continual exercise
by a most varied and extensive practice, at a period when the passions of
men had not yet subsided from the ferment of civil war, and every grade of
crime incident to an unsettled society, made continual demands upon his
acuteness. No one ever doubted his learning and penetration; or that while
he enforced the law with an enlightened vigilance and untiring zeal, his
energy was seasoned with humanitv, leaving the innocent nothing to fear,
and the guilty but little to hope. I'he opinion of such a man, delivered on
an occasion the most solemn on which the judge could act, when doubt in
him would have been life to the prisoner, assumes the authority of a cotem-
porary exposition of the statute, and cannot but confirm me in the sentiments
I have expressed."
In 1799 he was appointed by the President of the United States an Asso-
ciate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States : he continued in
BBTTNSWICK COVNTT.
49
this important and responsiblo position for six years; when his health failing,
and finding that he could not longer discharge its duties with satisfaction to
himself or advantage to his country, he resigned. His health gradually
wasted away, when, with a consciousness of a well spent and useful life, and
in the hope of a joyful immortality, he died on 15th October, 1810, at the
house of Alajor Waddell, in Bladen County, in the arms of his afflicted
family.
Of such a man may our State well be proud. She has preserved his name
in one of the most enterprising counties (erected in 17o4). His life and
services consecrated to tne cause of liberty, and the best welfare of his
country, will ever render dear to every North Carolinian the name of Moore,
His son, Alfred Moore, was born in this county, a distinguished lawyer,
remarkable for his ability, eloquence, and spotless integrity in public life,
and in private for his amiability and purity. For many years he was a
member of the House of Commons and Speaker of the same. He died in
Orange County 28th July, 1837 ; leaving several children. One of them mar-
ried Haywood W. Guion, Esq., and now resides at Lincolnton.
Benjamix Smith was, too, a resident of Belvidero, Brunswick County. He
was intelligent and enterprising, and a favorite before the people, lie was
a member of the Senate in the State Legislature in 1792, from Brunswick; a
General of militia, and was elected Governor of the State in 1810. From
him or his family the capital of Brunswick derives its name. By nature ar-
dent,
" Sudden and quick in quarrel,*'
his life was checkered by difficulties. He had several duels, in all of which
he conducted himself with great firmness and magnanimity.
His generosity in giving 20,000 acres of land to the University, December,
1789, would overshauow many greater defects.
More of his life, services, and character will bo procured and presented to
the St4itc.
Other names might be presented from Brunswick. But the lim-
its of our labors require condensation. Enough has been proved
to show that the remark made in the early part of this sketch was
not incorrect, "that to no county in the State is the cause of
liberty more indebted for fearless and devoted sons than to Bruns-
wick County.'*
The following are the members of the General Assembly from
Brunswick County, from 1774 to 1851 : —
Years.
1774.
1775.
1776.
1777.
1778.
1782.
1783.
1784.
1785.
1787.
1788.
1701.
1792.
1793.
1794.
1795.
Senators.
Archibald McClaine,
Archibald McClaine,
Archibald McClaine,
Benjamin Smith,
AV'illiam Watters,
William Watters,
A. M. Forster,
Lewis Dupre,
Lewis Dupre,
Benjamin Smith,
.B. iSmith,
B. Smith,
B. Smith,
Members of House of Commons.
Robert Ilowe.
John Rowan, Robert Howe.
Cornelius Ilamett, A. McClaine.
Wui. Lord, Richard Quince, Jr.
Lewis Dupre, AVilliam GauHe.
Wni. AVaters, Dennis Hawkins.
Wm. Waters, Dennis Hawkins.
Jacob Leonard, David Flowers.
Jacob Leonard, Robert Howe.
Lewis Dupre, Jacob Leonard.
Jacob Leonard, John Cains.
Beivjamin Smith, Wm. E. Lord.
Alfred Moore, Wm. E. Lord.
Wm. AVingate, AVm. E. Lord.
Wm. Wingate, Abraham Bissant.
Wm. Wingate, Ab. Bissant.
50
HISTOBT OF NORTH CABOLINA.
Years. Senators.
1796. B. Smith,
1797. B. Smith,
1800. B. Smith,
1801. Wm. Wingate,
1802. Wm. Wingato,
1803. Wm. Wingate,
1804. Benjamin Smith,
1805. B.Smith,
1800. B. Smith,
1807. B. Smith,
1808. B. Smith,
1809. B. Smith,
1810. B. Smith,
1811. Thos. Leonard,
1812. Wm. Wingate,
1813. Wm. Wingate,
1814. Jacob Leonard,
1815. J. W. Leonard,
1816. Benjamin Smith,
1817. Jacob Leonard,
1818. Jacob Leonard,
1819. John C. Baker,
1821. J. W. Leonard,
1822. John C. Baker,
1823. John C.Baker,
1824. John C.Baker,
1825. John C.Baker,
1826. Bonj. R. Locke,
1827. B. 11. Locke,
1828. Jacob Leonard,
1829. J. Leonard,
1830. Wm. R. Hall,
1831. Wm. R. Hall.
1832. Wm. R. Hall,
1833. Wm. R. Hall,
1834. Maurice Moore,
1835. Frederic J. Hill,
1836. James Burnej,
1838. Robert Melvin,
1840. R. Melvin,
1842. R. Melvin,
1844. R. Melvin,
1846. R. Wooten,
1848. Richard Wooten,
1850. Richard Wooten,
Membens of Houte of Commons.
Wm. E. Lord, Absalom Bissant.
A. Bissant, George Davis.
Benjamin Mills, A. Bissant.
John G. Scull, Benj. Mills.
John. G. Scull, Benj. Mills.
John G. Scull, Thomas Leonard.
Thomas Leonard, Maurice Moore.
Thomas Leonard, Richard Parrish.
Richard Parrish, Thomas Leonard.
Thomas Leonard, Thomas Russ.
Thomas Leonard, Thomas Russ.
Thomas Leonard, George Davis.
Thomas Leonard, Thomas Russ.
Jacob W. Leonard, Maurice Moore.
Maurice Moore, Robert Potter.
Maurice Moore, Thomas Russ.
Alfred Moore, Thomas Russ.
Uriah Sullivan, John C. Baker.
Edward Mills, Wm. Simmons.
Alfred Moore, John C. Baker.
J. C. Baker, Alfred Moore.
Alfred Moore, John Neele.
Francis N. Waddell, A. Moore.
Samuel Frink, Alfred Moore.
Alfred Moore, J. W. Leonard.
Alfred Moore, Jacob W. Leonard.
John J. Gause, Alfred Moore.
Alfred Moore, Jacob Leonard, Jr.
A. Moore, Jacob Leonard, Jr.
Thomas B. Smith, Wm. L. Hall.
John J. GauHc, Marsden Campbell.
Benj. S. Leonard, John P. Gause.
J. P. Gause, Samuel Laspeyre.
S. A. Laspeyre, John Waddell.
S. A. Laspeyre, Benj. S. Leonard.
Rt. C. McCracken, Abram Baker,
Wm. R. Hall, Abram Baker.
Frederic J. Hill.
F. J. Hill.
F. J. Hill.
Armeline Bryan.
H. H. Waters.
H. II. Waters.
II. H. Waters.
John H. Hill.
BTTNCOUBE COUNTT. 61
CHAPTER IX.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY.
Bate of formation — Orijgin of name, situation, and boundaries — Popula-
tion and products — Asnefille, its capital — Climate — Warm springs — Its dis-
tinguished citizens and members of the General Assembly from the date
of erection to the last session.
Buncombe County was formed, in 1791, from Burke and Ruther-
ford counties, and derives its name from Col. Edward Buncombe, of
that part of Tyrrell which is now Washington County ; he was Colo-
nel of the 5th regiment raised by North Carolina for the Continen-
tal army.
Colonel Bitncombe was a native of St. Kitts, one of the West India islands.
He inherited land in Tyrrel County and built a house, now in the possession
of his descendants.
With his regiment, he joined the army of the north, under Washington;
was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Germantown, in 1777. He
died of wounds received in this battle, at Philadelphia, while on parole. He
left one son, who died without issue, and two daughters ; one, who married
John Qoelet, Esq., of Washington, and the other Mr. Clark, of Bertie, a
daughter of whom is now the wife of John Cox, Esq., of Edenton.
Edward Buncombe was distinguished for his manly appearance, indomi-
table bravery, unsullied patriotism, and open-hearted hospitality. Over hia
door was this distich —
" TO BUNCOMBE HALL,
WELCOME ALL."
Buncombe County is situated in the extreme western portion of
the State ; bounded on the north and west by the Appalachian Moun-
tains and the new county of Madison, east by Rutherford and
McDowell counties, south by Henderson County, and west by Hay-
wood County and the Tennessee line.
Its capital is Asheyille, named in compliment to Governor Samuel
Ashe, of New Hanover County. It was originally called Morris-
town, and is a most flourishing village, not far from the French
Broad River. Asheville, as ascertained by Professor Mitchell, is
2,200 feet above the level of the sea, and contains a Branch of the
Bank of Cape Fear, an excellent academy, several stores, churches,
two printing presses, and one of the best Hotels in North Carolina.
Perhaps there is no portion of our State less really known, and yet
oftener talked of, than Buncombe. It has become as familiar as
'' household words" throughout the Union, in Congress, and else-
where. A recent popular production, by Judge Halliburton, a
Colonial Judge of Nova Scotia, has devoted a whole chapter of his
52 BISTORT OF NOBTH CABOLINA.
work (the AttachS in England) to Bun^ombe^ without, perhaps,
knowing where tliis county is situated, or its various resources or
advanta^^es. The term had this origin.
Several years ago, in Congress, the member from this immediate
district arose to address the house, without any extraordinary powers
either in manner or matter to interest liis audience. Many mem-
bers left the hall. Very naively^ he told those who were so kind as
to remain that they might go too ; he should speak for some time,
but "he was only talking for Buncombe."
Hence the term, when an address is made for a local or particular
object.
In 179G, Governor Ashe issued a proclamation announcing "that
in pursuance of an Act to provide for the public safety by granting
encouragement to certain manufactiurers, that Jacob Byler, of the
county of Buncombe, had exhibited to him a sample of gunpow-
der, manufactured by him in the year 1795, and also a certificate
proving that he had made six hundred and sixty three pounds of
good, merchantable, rifle gunpowder; and, therefore, he was en-
titled to the bounty imder that Act."
James M. Smith, Esq., now of Asheville, was the first white
child born west of the Blue Ridge in the State of North Carolina.
Population, 11,007 whites ; 107 free negroes ; 1,717 slaves ; 12,738 federal
population ; 1,533 persons who cannot read or write.
Products, 22,903 bushels of wheat ; 304,271 bushels of corn ; 8,619 pounds
of tobacco: 68,544 bushels of oats; 9,251 bushels of rye ; 13,331 pounds of
wool; 18,127 dollars worth of ginseng.
Of its colonial or revolutionary history we will not speak, since
it was formed since that period. But the valor displayed by " the
brave mountain boys'* in October, 1780, under Shelby, Cleaveland,
and others, on King's Mountain, was contributed by the ancestry
of Buncombe, then Rutherford and Burke.
In this county are the Warm Springs, which present the aston-
ishing phenomenon of water heated by nature ; and is considered a
sovereign cure for invalids afliicted with rheumatic aficctions.
The climate is lovely beyond description, and extremely favora-
ble to health.
The scenery excels even its climate. The beautiful turnpike
road from Asheville to the Warm Springs, with the towering moun-
tains on one side, and the limpid waters of the French Broad River
on the other, presents a scenery unrivaled, either by the fancied
enchantments of the Rhine, or the famed palisades of the Hudson.
The Mineral Springs (Deaver's) near Asheville, are also much
resorted to in the summer.
The first wagon passed from North Carolina to Tennessee, by
the Warm Springs, in 1795. The Territorial Assembly of Ten-
nessee, in June, 1795, appointed commissioners to confer with those
of South Carolina, upon the practicability of a road from Buncombe
County to Tennessee, and upon the means to open said road.*
* Haywood, History of Ttsnntuee, 470.
BUNCOMBE county:. 63
Tlie Buncombe turnpike now has made this one of the best passes
of the mountains. It was organized in February, 1826. The first
toll-gate was erected in October, 1827.
This county is the birthplace of the ITon. David Lowrey Swain, who,
without the advantages of birth or fortune, has arisen to positions of power
and usefulness in North Carolina, and has always been equal to the respon-
sibilities of his duty. lie was born in Buncombe, January 4, 1801, educated
at Xewton Academy, in Asheville, and at Chapel Hill. He studied law with
Judge Taylor in Raleigh, who predicted, from the industry of his pupil, his
indomitable perseverance and searching mind, the eminence he has since
attained. lie was admitted to the bar in 1823. lie was elected to the
Legislature in 1824, '25 and '2G, and Solicitor of the Edenton District in
18^7, which he resigned afler riding one circuit.
lie was again elected to the Legislature in 1828 and 1829. He was elected
a member of the Board of Internal Improvements in 1830.
In 1830, he was elected Judge of the Superior Courts, which he resigned
in 1832, on being elected Governor of the ^tate. While Governor (1835) he
was elected a Member of the Convention to revise the Constitution ; and, in
the same year, elected President of the University of North Carolina, which
important and responsible position he now occupies.
lie married, in 1826, Eleanor II., fourth daughter of William White, late
Secretary of State of North Carolina, and grand-daughter of Governor Cas-
well.
It does not become us to speak here of those now on the stage
of action, further than to state facts and dates, leaving to other
kands and other times to do justice to public service and acknow-
ledged merit.
The ancient Greeks had a maxim, " call no man happy till he is
dead;" then may history speak of its subjects as their merits
deserve.
The residence of Hon. Thovas L. Clinoxan is in this county. lie is a
native of Surry. lie graduated at the University, in 1832, with distinguished
honor, and studied law. lie was elected a member in the House of Commons
from Surry, in 1835 ; senator from Buncombe, in 1840, and a member of Con-
gress in 1843, and a^ain 1847. Ue was again re-elected (August, 1851), by
a triumphant majority, over Col. B. S. Gaither.
I have met with a printed record of a citizen of Buncombe, of
much interest.
James Patton was bom in Ireland, County of Derry, on the 13th February,
1756, of poor but respectable parents. He emigrated to this country in 1783,
a weaver by trade. JJy industry, economy, and integrity, he was the founder
of his own fortunes, and raised a large and respectable family. Ho died at
an advanced age, loved and respected by all who knew him.
By the Constitution of 1835, until 1841, Buncombe, Haywood, and Macon,
composed the 49th Senatorial District. By act of 1842, Buncombe, Yancey, and
Henderson, form the 50th Senatorial District.
List of members from Buncombe County to the General Assembly from its
formation to last session.
Yean*. Senators. Members of the House of Commons.
1792. Wm. Davidson, Gabriel Ragsdale, "VVm. Brittain.
1793. Robert Love, William Brittain, Gabriel Kagsdale.
1794. Robert Love, Wm. Brittain, Gabriel Ragsdale.
1795. Robert Love, Wm. Brittain, Gabriel Ragsdale.
179G. James Brittain, Wm. Brittain, Philip Hoodenpyo.
54
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years. Senators.
1797. James Brittain,
1800. Josh. Williams.
1801. Josh. Williams,
1802. James Brittain,
1803. Josh. Williams,
1804. James Brittain,
1805. James Brittain,
1806. Zebulon Beard,
1807. James Brittain,
1808. Jno. McFarland,
1809. Zebulon Beard,
1810. Rt. Williamson,
1811. lU. Williamson,
1812. John Lon^mire,
1813. J. Longmire,
1814. J. Longmire,
1815. £p. Ilightower,
1816. John Longmire,
1817. Thomas Foster,
1818. Zebulon Beard,
1819. Thomas Foster,
1821. Zebulon Beard,
1822. Z. Beard,
1823. Philip Brittain,
1824. P. Brittain,
1825. A. A. McDowell,
1826. A. A. McDowell,
1827. A. A. McDowell,
1828. A. A. McDowell,
1829. James Allen,
1830. James Gudger,
1831. James Allen,
1832. James Allen,
1833. John Clayton,
1834. James Lowry,
1835. Hodge Rabun,
1836. James Gudger,
1838. Hodge Rabun,
1840. T. L. Clingman,
1842. J. Cathey,
1844. N. W. Woodfin,
1846. N. W. Woodfin,
1848. N. W. Woodfin,
1850. N. W. Woodfin,
Members of the House of Commons.
Wm. Brittain, Thomas Love,
Thomas Love, Zebulon Beard.
Thomas Love, Zebulon Beard.
Thomas Love, Zebulon Beard.
Thomas Love, Zebulon Beard.
Thomas Love, Jacob Boyler.
Thomas Love, Jacob Boyler.
Thomas Love, Joseph Pickens.
Thomas Love, Joseph Pickens.
Thomas Love, Blalcolm Henry.
Thomas Foster, Joseph Pickens.
Philip Brittain, Zephaniah Horton.
Philip Brittain, Samuel Davidson.
Zephaniah Horton, Thomas Foster.
Hamilton Hyde, Thomas Foster.
Hamilton Hyde, Thomas Foster.
Zeph. Horton, James Lowrie.
Philip Brittain, James Lowrie.
Philip Brittain, Charles Moore.
Charles Moore, James Whitakor.
James Whitaker, J. M. Cathey.
Wm. D. Smith, Wm. Brittain, Sr.
Wm. D. Smith, John Anderson.
James Lowrie, James Whitaker.
David L. Swain, Benoni Sams.
David L. Swain, James Weaver.
John Clayton, James Allen.
John Clayton, James Allen.
John Clayton, David L. Swain.
David L. Swain, Wm. Orr.
James Weaver, Wm. Orr.
James Brevard, John Clayton.
James Weaver, John Clayton.
James Weaver, Joseph Henry.
Joseph Henry, James Weaver.
Nath4 Harrison, Joseph Pickett.
Montreville Patton, John Clayton.
M. Patton, Philip Brittain.
M. Patton, Thomas Morris.
John Burgin, Geo. W. Candler.
John A. Fagg, John Thrash.
John A. Fagg, A. B. Chunn.
Newton Coleman, T. W. Atkin.
Marcus Erwin, James Sharpo.
BUBKB COUNTY. 55
CHAPTER X.
BURKE COUNTY.
Date of formation — Origin of name — Sitaation %nd boundaries^Popalation
and products — Morganton its capital-*-Glimate— Ear] j history — Character,
life, and serrices of Charles McDowell, Joseph McDowell, Waightstill
Avery, Samuel P. Carson, and others — Israel Pickens, and others — List of
Members of the General Assembly from Burke from date of erection to
the last session.
Burke County was formed in 1777, from Rowan County, and
named in compliment to the celebrated English Statesman and
Orator, Edmund Burke.
t^ It is located in the north-western portion of the State, and bound-
ed on the north by the counties of Yancey and Caldwell, on the
east by Catawba, on the south by Cleayeland and Butherford, and
on the west by McDowell.
Morganton, the capital of Burke County, is called in compliment of General
Daniel Morgan. General Morgan was bom in Bucks County, Pennsylvania,
and emigrated to Virginia in 1755, where he engaged as overseer for Nathaniel
Barrell, Esq., then in Shenandoah, now Clarke County, Virginia. He was a
fearless and chivalrio officer. He was with General Montgomery at Quebec,
and with General Gates at Saratoga. He was promoted to be a Brigadier-
Cteneral, and joined the army in the south. After the battle of Camden, when
Green took command, Morgan was detached to raise troops in the western
part of .the State, and SouSi Carolina^ Tarleton met him at the Cowpens
(Jan. 17th, 1781), where Morgan gained a splendid victoxr. For this. Con-
gress gave him a gold medal. After this he was joined by Gleneral Green, on
the east bank of the Catawba. A controversy ensued between Green and
Morgan, as to the route the latter should pursue in his retreat from the ad-
vancing force of Cornwallis. Morgan was greatly dissatisfied, and when the
two divisions united, at Guilford Court House, he returned from the arihy to
his &rm in Virginia, where he remained until the war was over.
During the whisky troubles (1794) in Pennsylvania, he was appointed by
Washington to put the insurgents down b^ the bayonet. He remained arnon^
them until the spring, when the difficulties were settled, and he was ordered
to withdraw his troops. He returned to his farm, and became ambitious
for political honors. In his first attempt he was defeated for Congress, but
elected on a second trial, and served in Congress, in 1797 to 1799. His
hc^Edth failing, he declined a re-election. He died at Winchester, Virginia, on
July 6th, 1802.
The foUowmg is a copy of his tombstone from his grave in the
Baptist Churchyard, in Winchester, Virginia : —
13
56 HISTOBT OF NORTH CABOLINA.
Major-General Daniel Morgan,
Departed this life
On July the 6th, 1802,
In the 07 th year of his age.
Patriotivm and yalor were the prominent
Features of his character,
And
The honorable services he rendered
to his Country
During the Revolutionary War,
Crowned him with glory, and will remain
In the hearts of his
Countrymen,
A perpetual monument
to his
Memory,
Morganton is a beautiful, healthful, and flourishing nllagc, con-
taining several churches, a handsome court house, and other publio
buildings ; a branch of the Bank of the State of North Carolina^
several stores, public houses, and handsome private residences.
The Supreme Court holds its summer session here in August.
Its distance from Raleigh is one hundred and eighty-seven miles.
Its Population is 5,477 whites ; 163 free negroes ; 2,132 slaves ; 6,919 fede*
ral population ; 1,091 persons who cannot read.
Products, 45,976 bushels wheat ; 37,809 bushels potatoes ; 620,996 bush-
els corn ; 43,644 pounds cotton ; 21,137 pounds wool; 17,718 pounds tobacco;
38,122 dollars worth of gold.
Iler early history, formed as she was during the Revolutionary war, is con-
nected with Rowan.
The life and character of Waightstill Avert, who was a resident and died
in this county, is worthy of the State, and his exalted publio services should
be held in grateful remembrance.
He was bom in Norwich, Connecticut, and was educated at Princeton, at
which renowned institution he graduated in 1766. He was a tutor in that
college for a year, when he removed to Maryland, and studied law under
Littleton Dennis. He emigrated to North Carolina, and was licensed to prac-
tice law in 1769. He settled in Charlotte, where he soon acquired friends,
and rapid promotion. Ho was active in encouraging education and litera-
ture, and was a most devoted friend of Liberty. In the dubious and danger-
ous conflict with the mother country, he led' the bold spirits of the- day in
that patriotic county, and was a member of the convention in May, 1775, that
declared independence.
The minutes of the council of safety for Mecklenburg show his seal in the
cause of Liberty ; and the confidence of his countrymen in his talents and
integrity is proved by the important duties he was engaged to perform. This
called dovm upon his head the vengeance of the enemy; for when Lord Com-
wallis occupied Charlotte, in 1781,^Uie law office of Colonel Avery, with all his
books and papers, was burnt.
In 1775 ne was a delegate from Mecklenburg, in the State Congress, at
Hillsboro', which placed the State in military organization. In 1776 he was a
delegate of the same to the same, which met at Halifax, and which formed
our State Constitution. He was appointed one of the signers to the procla-
mation bills.
In 1777 he was sent by the council with orders to General Williamson at
Keowee, in South Carolina.
Ho was appointed by Governor Alexander Martin, in 1777, with Brigadier-
General John McDowell and Col. John Sevier, to treat with the Cherokee
Indians.
This commission did nothing, but subsequently with William Sharpe, Jo-
BURKE COUNTY, 57
seph Winston and Robert Lanier, the treaty of the Long Island of Holston
•was formed, on the 20th July, 1777.
This treaty was appointed by Patrick Henry, Governor of Virginia. His
instructions were issued to Col. Wm. Christian, Col. Wm. Preston, Col.
Evan Shelby, or any two of them; Gov. Caswell appointed Waightstill
Avery, Wm. Sharp, iiobert Lanier, and Joseph Winston.*
The Long Island of Holston is about three miles in length, on the main
Holston River, just above the point where the North Fork joins it.
He was elected the first Attorney-General of North Carolina (in 1777).
He married a widow (Mrs. Franks), in Jones County, in 1778, near Ncw»
bern, and was that year appointed Colonel of Jones County, and was in active
service in this county.
In consequence of the climate of Jones County disagreeing with him, he
resigned his commission of Attorney-General. In 1781, he removed to Burke
County, which he represented for manv years ; and where, enjoying peace
and plenty, and the love and regard of his neighbors,^he died in 1821.
He was, at the time of his death, " the Patriarch of the North Carolina
Bar;'' an exemplary Christian, a pure patriot, and an honest man.
Charles McDowell, and Joseph McDowell, both distinguished in " the
times that tried men's souls," were residents of this county.
Importent services were rendered by them to their country.
They were brothers. Their father, Joseph McDowell, with his wife, Mar-
garet O'Neal, had emigrated irom Irelana, and settled in Winchester, Va.,
where Charles and Joseph were born. The first (Charles), in 1743. His
father removed to Burke County.
In June, 1780, Colonel Charles McDowell was joined by Isaac Shelby and
John Sevier, from Tennessee; and Colonel Clarke, of Georgia, near the
Cherokee Ford, on Broad River, in South Carolina.
He determined to attack and destroy a post held by the enemy on Pacolet,
commanded by Capt. Patrick Moore, a distinguished loyalist. The fort was
strongly fortified. On being surrounded by Colonel Shelby, the enemy, after
some parley, surrendered as prisoners of war : one - British Sergeant-Major,
ninety-three loyalists, 250 fire-arms, and other munitions of war, were the
fruits of this capture.!
Gen. McDowell detached Shelby to watch the movements of Ferguson, and
attack him. On the 1st of August, 1780, at Cedar Spring, where Shelby met
the advance of Ferguson, about 600 strong, a spirited and active contest
commenced; but, on the enemy being reinforced, Shelby made good his
retreat, carrying from the field twenty prisoners ; among them were two
British officers.^
At Mdsgrove's Mill, on the south side of Enoree River, Colonel McDowell
learnt that a party of 500 Tories had assembled.
He detached Shelby, Williams, and Clarke, to attack them. Colonel Fergu-
son with his whole force lay between. They left the camp on the evening of
the 18th August, at Smith's Ford, on Broad River, and taking a oircuitons
route through the woods, avoided Ferguson's forces. They rode hard all
night, and at daybreak met the enemy's patrol in strong force. A skirmish
ensued ; the Tories retreated. They then advanced on the main body of the
Tories. At^this juncture, a countryman living near, a friend of liberty, came
to Shelby and informed him that the enemy had been reinforced the evening
before, by six hundred regular troops, and the Queen's American Regiment,
from New York, commanded by Colonel Innes, marching to join FergusoQ.
Here was a position that would have tried the talent and nerve of the most skill-
ful and brave officer. Advance was hopeless, and retreat impossible. But
Shelby was equal to the emergency. He instantlv commenced forming a
breastwork of brush and old logs, while he detailed Captain Inman with
twenty-five tried men, to reconnoitre and skirmish with the enemy, as soon as
• Hay wood's History of Tenoewee, 451.
t Life of Isaac Shelby, National Portrait Gallery, 1834.
X Life of Shelby, Haywood's Uii»tory of Teimesflee, 65.
58 HISTOBY OF NOBTH CABOUNA.
thej crossed the Enoree River. The drams and bugles of the enemy soon were
heard approaching upon this devoted band. Inman had been ordered to fire
and retreat. This stratagem was successful, for the enemy, in rapid pursuit,
advanced in great confusion, believing that the whole American force was
routed. When they approached the rude ramparts of Shelby, they received
from his riBemen a most destructive fire, which carried great slaughte;r among
them. This was gallantly kept up; all the British officers were either
killed or wounded, the Tory leader, Hawsey, shot down. They then began a
disorderly retreat. The Americans now in turn pursued, and in this pursuit
the brave Captain Inman was killed, fighting hand to hand with the enemy.
Shelby commanded the right wing, Colonel Clarke the left, and Colonel Wil-
liams the centre.
A more brilliant battle, fought with an inferior against a superior force, and
more complete triumph, did not occur in the whole Revolutionary struggle. '
This battle seeqis to have escaped the notice of many of the hbtorians of
the day. I find a notice of it in the History of Tennessee, by Judge John
Haywood, and McCalFs History of Georgia. The British loss was 63 killed,
and 160 wounded and prisoners ; the American loss was only four killed,
among them brave Capt. Inman, and Capt. Clarke wounded.
The triumphant victors were about to remount, and advance on the British
post at Ninety-six, when an express arrived from Colonel McDowell, with a
letter from Gov. Caswell, informing them of the defeat of Gen. Gates, at Cfun-
den, on the 16th, and advising the retreat of our troops ; as the British,
flushed with victory, would advance in. strong force, ana cut off all detach-
ments of our people.
With Ferguson near him, encumbered with more than 200 prisoners,
Shelby acted with energy and promptness. He distributed the prisoners
among the companies, each behind a private, and without stopping day or
night, retreated over the mountains to a place of safety. This rapid movement
saved his men and himself. For the next day Major Dupoister, and a strong
body of Ferguson's men made an active but fruitless search.
So great was the panic after Gates's defeat, and Sumpter's disaster at
Fishing Creek, 18th Aug., 1780, by Tarleton, that McDowell's army was dis-
banded and he himself retreated over the mountains.
This was a '* dark and doleful" period of American History. The British
flag floated in triumph over Charleston and Savannah. The troops of Com-
wallis, with all the pomp and circumstance of glory, advancea from the
field of Camden, to Charlotte, in our State. The brave had despaired, the
timid took protection under the enemy. Colonel Ferguson, with chosen
troops, ravaged the whole west, subduing all the opponents of English power,
and encouraging by bribes and artifice, others to join him.
Under all these discouraging circumstances, the bravo spirits of the west
never despaired. On the mountain heights of our State, and in its secure
retreats, like Warsaw's ** last champion," stood the stalwart soldiers of that
day:— .
'* Oh Heaven !" ihey said, "our bleeding country save !
I8 there do hand on high to shield the brave?
What though deHtruction sweep these lovely plains !
Rise, fellow men ! our country vet remains;
By that dread name we wave the sword on high,
And swear for her to live ! for her to die I"*
If the sky was gloomy, a storm was gathering in these mountain fastnesses,
which was soon to descend in all its fury on the heads of the enemies of our
country.
It was known to McDowell, Campbell, Shelby, and Sevier, that Fergason
was at Gilbert town in Rutherford county, with a force of 2000 men, which,
from the condition of the country, he could increase to twice that number.
They resolved to attack him, disperse his force, or prevent its augmentation,
and thus to keep the spirit of liberty alive in the South.
• Campbell's Pleasiires of Hope.
BUBKE COUNTY, 59
These braye men, not disheartened by the misfortunes of their country or
dismayed by the force of the enemy, a88em])led at AYatauga on tlie 25th of
September 1780, with their fearless followers. They prepared to march on
the enemy, and in their march they were joined by Col. Cleaveland with a
force of three or four hundred men. This was the first of October. The
next day was so wet that the army did not move. The officers met in council
at night ; they all felt deeply the dangers and difficulties of their position.
It was no holiday excursion or pleasure trip in which they were engaged ;
the liberty of their country, the lives of themselves, the safety of their wives
and children were the object of their deliberations. Never around a council
of war, were purer minds deliberating, never firmer hearts assembled. They
were all of equal rank, and as the troops were in Col. McDoweirs district,
he was entitled to the command. But his generous temper did not desire to
command Col. Shelby, who had just achieved the brilliant victory of Mus-
erove Mill over Colonel Ennis and the Tories ; or the fearless Sevier, the
hero of a hundred Indian fights, whose sobriquet as " NoUichucky Jack,''
would rally a thousand men at any moment to battle ; nor the accomplished
Campbell from Virginia. I extract from an account of this battle by Governor
Shelby, published in 1823.
" Col. McDowell was the commanding officer of thei district we were in,
and had commanded the armies of militia assembled in that quarter all the
summer before, against the same enemy. He was a brave and patriotic man,
but we considered him too far advanced in life, and too inactive for the com-
mand of such an enterprise as we were then engaged in." ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
It was decided to send to the head quarters for some general officer to com-
mand the expedition.
" Col. McDowell, who had the good of his country more at heart than any
title of command, submitted to what was done, but observed, that as he coul^
not be permitted to command, he would be the messenger to go to head
quarters for the general officer.
" He accordingly started immediately, leaving his men under his brother,
M^or Joseph McDowell."
In council next day, Shelby urged that time to them was precious, and
delay dangerous ; that Ferguson would attack them, if he thougnt himself in
force; if not, daily acquisitions to his men would be made; under these cir-
cumstances he moved the council, that, as they, except Col. Campbell, were
all North Carolinians, that, by courtesy, Campbell should take the command,
and that forthwith they should attack Ferguson. This daring and patriotic
advice was adopted ; they prepared to attack Ferguson at Gilbert town. Here
they were joined by Colonel John Williams of South Carolina, with about 400
men. They reached Gilbert town the next day, but Ferguson had left, and
taken a strong position on King's Mountain, which he deemed so impreg-
nable, that on viewing it, he impiously asserted he was now in a place that
"(rorf Almighty could not drive him from,"
Notwithstanding this, it was apparent that Ferguson was well aware of the
peril of his position. Surrounded by his vigilant opponents, all succor from
Uornwallis was hopeless. His animated appeal to rouse the Tories, as pub-
lished, shows that he had a fearful presentiment of the fate that now awaited
him.*
About three o'clock on the 7th of October, 1780, after being in the saddle
thirty hours, without rest, and drenched by a heavy rain, these fearless men
approached King's Mountain.
This memorable spot is located on the borders of North and South
Carolina (Cleaveland County); it extends from east to west; its summit
is about five hundred yards long, and sixty or seventy broad. On this
summit was Ferguson posted. McDowell's men, under Joseph McDowell,
Colonel 5evier and Major Winston, formed the right wing ; Campbell and
Shelby the centre; the left wing by Colonels Cleaveland and Williams.
The plan of battle was to surround the mountain and attack each side
simultaneously. The centre commenced the attack, and marched boldly
* See Cleaveland, chapter xx.
60 BISTORT OF NOBTH CABOLIKA.
up the mountain. The battle here was fierce, furious and bloody. The cen-
tre gave way, but rallied, and, reinforced by Campbeirs regiment, returned
to the charge. Towards the latter part of the action, the enemy made a
furious onset from the eastern summit, and drove the Americans to the foot;
there they rallied, and in close column, returned to the attack; and in turn
drove the enemy. They gained the summit, and drove the enemy before
them to the western end, wnero Cleaveland and Williams had been contend-
ing with another part of their line. Campbell now reached the summit, and
poured on the enemy a deadly fire. The orave Ferguson, like a lion at bay,
turned on these new adversaries, and advanced with fixed bayonet. They
gave way for a moment, but rallied under their gallant leaders to the attack.
" The whole mountain was covered with smoke, and seemed to thunder." At-
tacked on all sides, the circle becoming less and less» Ferguson in a despe-
rate move endeavored to break through the American lines, and was shot
dead in the attempt. This decided the day. The British flag was lowered,
and a white flag raised for quarters.
One liundrcd and fifty of the enemy, including their commander, lay dead
on the field, 810 wounded and prisoners, 1500 stand of arms, and the American
authority restored, were the fruits of this victory.
This was the turning point of the fortunes of America. This decisive blow
prostrated the British power for the time, vanquished the Tory influence, and
encouraged the hopes of the patriots.
Lord Cornwallis left Charlotte and fell back to Winnsboro', deeming any
proximity to such fearless men unsafe for the main army, nor did he advance
until reinforced by General Leslie with troops from the north.
The official reports of this battle are recorded under the head o€ Cleaveland
County, Chapter XX.
Joseph McDowell was in the Convention which met at Tlillsboro' on 2lBt
July, 1788, to consider the Federal Constitution, of which Samuel Johnston,
Governor of the State, was President. He was distinguished for his oppo-
sition to that instrument,* which was rejected by 184 to 84.
He often participated in the debates. The following, extracted from the
journals, will show his views and the character of his mind.f
Wednesday, 30th July, 1788.
Mr. Jos. McDowell — Mr. Chairman, I was in hopes that amendments
would have been brought forward to the constitution before the idea of
adopting it had been tliought of or proposed. From the best information,
there is a great proportion of the people in the adopting States averse to it
as it stands. I collect my information from respectable authority. I know
the necessity of a federal government ; I therefore wish this was one in which
our liberties and privileges were secured ; for I consider the Union as tfie rock
of our political salvation. I am for the strongest federiiJ government. A bill
of rights ought to have been inserted to ascertain our most valuable and
unalienable rights.
The fourth section of the first clause gives the Congress an unlimited power
over elections. This matter was not cleared up to ray satisfaction. They
have full power to alter it from one time of the year to another, so as that it
shall be impossible for the people to attend. They may fix the time in winter,
and the place at Edenton, when the weather will be so bad that the peoi>le
cannot attend. The State governments will be mere boards of elections. The
clause of elections gives the Congress power over the time and manner of
choosing the Senate.
I wish to know why reservation was made of the place and time of choosing
senators, and not also of electing representatives. It points to the time when
the States shall be all consolidated iuto one empire. Trial by jury is not
secured. The objections against this want of security have not been cleared
up in a satisfactory manner. It is neither secured in civil nor criminal cases.
* EUicott, Debates, vol. ii 218.
t Debates in the Coavention of North Carolina, 17SS, at IIillsboro\
BUBKE coumr. 61
The federal appellate cognizance of law and facts puts it in tbe power of the
wealthy to recoTer, unjustly, of the poor man who is not able to attend at
such extreme distance, and bear such enormous expense as it must produce.
It ought to be limited so as to prevent such oppressions.
I sa^ the trial b^ jury is not sufficiently secured in criminal cases ; the very
intention of the trial by jury is, that the accused may be tried by persons who
come from the vicinity or neighborhood, who may be acquainted with his
character. The substance, therefore, of this privilege is taken away.
By the power of taxation, every article capable of being taxed, may be so
heavily taxed that the people cannot bear the taxes necessary to be raised
for the support of their State governments. Whatever we may make may be
repealed by their laws. All these things, with others, tend to make us one
general empire.
Such a government cannot be well regulated, when we are connected with
the Northern States, who have a majority in their favor — laws may be made
which will answer their convenience, but will be oppressive to the last de-
gree upon the Southern States. They differ in climate, soil, customs, man-
ners, &c. A large majority of the people of this country are against this
constitution, because they think it replete with dangerous defects. They
ought to be satisfied with it before it is adopted, otherwise it cannot ope-
rate happily. Without the affections of the people, it will not have sufficient
energy to enforce its execution — recourse must be had to arms and bloodshed.
How much better would it be if the people were satisfied with it. From all
these considerations I now rise to oppose its adoption, for I never will agree
to a government that tends to the destruction of the liberty of the people.
Charles McDowell was a member of the Senate of the State Legislature
in 1786, 1787, and 1788.
Joseph McDowell was a member of the House of Commons in 1782 to
1788, and in Congress from 1793 to 1795, and from 1797 to 1799.
At one time (1786] all three of the members of the General Assembly
were of the McDowell family, which proves their usefulness and worth.
General Joseph McDowell lived on John's River, and died there. His
family returned to Virginia. One of his sons, Hugh Harvey, now resides in
Missouri — another, Joseph J., lives in Ohio, and in 1843 to i847 was a mem-
ber of Congress from that State.
General Charles McDowell married Grace Greenlee, widow of Captain John
Bowman, who fell at the Battle of Kamsour's Mill (June 20, 1780), by whom
he had several children, among them Captain Charles McDowell, now re-
siding on his late plantation on the Catawba River, near Morganton. Gene-
ral Charles McDowell died 31st March, 1815.
Samuel P. Carsox was also a native and resident of this county. He was
horn at Pleasant Garden, and was distinguished for the activity oi his mind,
his energy of character, warm and enthusiastic temper, and patriotic feel-
ings.
His first appearance in public life was as a member of the Senate from
Burke County in 1822, ana again in 1824.
The next year, 1825, he was elected to Congress over Dr. R. B. Vance,
where he served continuously until 1833.
His second contest with Dr. Robert B. Vance in 1827, jjroduced an angry
feeling between them, which was terminated by a duel in the fall of that
year, at Saluda Gap, in South Carolina, in which Dr. Vance received a mor-
tal wound, of which he soon died.
He was succeeded in Congress by Hon. James Graham,* and removed soon
after to Arkansas, where he died in November, 1840.
Israel Pickens, late Governor of Alabama, was bom in Cabarrus County,
then Mecklenburg, represented this county in the Senate in 1809, and this
District in Congress in 1811 to 1817.
* For whose biography see Lincoln, chapter xlvi.
62
HISTOBT OF NOBTfi CAROLINA.
Burgess S. Gaithkr is a resident of this county, and the present Solicitor of
the State for this District. lie was a member of the Senate in 1840 ; Super-
intendent of the Mint in 1841, and Speaker of the Senate in 1844.
Many others of Burke might be named, but already has the sketch been
extended beyond the limits preseribed, and another edition will present their
names, lives, and services to the country.
The following are the members of the General Assembly from
Burke County, from date of erection to last session.
Years. Senators.
1778. Charles McDowell,
1779. Eph'm McClain,
1780. Eph'm McClain,
1781. Andrew Wood?,
1782. Ch. McDowell,
1783. Ch. McDowell,
1784. Ch. McDowell,
1785. Ch. McDowell,
1786. Ch. McDowell,
1787. Ch. McDowell,
1788. Ch. McDowell.
1791. Jos. McDowell,
1792. Jos. McDowell,
1793. Jos. McDowell,
1794. Jos. McDowell,
1795. Jos. McDowell,
1796. W.Avery,
1797. James Murphy,
1800. Andrew Beard,
1801. A. Beard,
1802. Wm. Davenport,
1803. Andrew Beard,
1804. John H. Stevely,
1805. J. H. Stevely,
1806. J. H. Stevely,
1807. William Tate,
1808. Israel Pickens,
1809. I. Pickens,
1810. David Tate,
1811. David Tate,
1812. Hodge RaBourn,
1813. H. Babourn,
1814. David Tate,
1815. A. A. McDowell,
1816. Alex. Perkins,
1817. A. Perkins,
1818. David Tate,
1819. Alex. Perkins,
1821. David Tate,
1822. Sam'l P. Carson,
1823. J. R. McDowell,
1824. Sam'l P. Carson,
1825. J. R. McDowell,
1820. Matthew Baird,
1827. Merritt Burgin,
1828. M. Burgin,
1829. M. Burein,
1830. David Newland,
1831. Mark Brittain,
1832. Jas. McDowell,
1833. Mark Brittain,
1834. Sam'l P. Canon,
Members of House of Commons.
Eph'm McClain, Jas. Wilson.
Tnomas Wilson, Wm. Morrison.
Hugh Brevard, Jos. McDowell.
Hu^h Brevard, Jos. McDowell.
Waightetill Avery, Jos. McDowell.
J. AlcDowell, Waightstill Avery.
W. Avery, J. McDowell.
J. McDowell, Waightstill Avery.
J. McDowell, David Vance.
J. McDowell, Jos. McDowell, Jr.
J. McDowell, Jos. McDowell, Jr.
J. McDowell, Jr., David Vance.
John M. McDowell, Jos. McDowell, Jr.
Waightstill Avery, Alex. Erwin.
Alex. Erwin, John McDowell.
A. Erwin, Conrad Ueldebrand.
Wm. White, Alexander Erwin.
A. Erwin, Conrad Heldcbrand.
Wm. Davenport, Wm. Walton.
B. Smith, David Tate.
David Tate, Thos. McEntire.
David Tate, Thos. Coleman.
A. Erwin, Ilodge Rabourn.
John Carson, Brice Collins.
John Carson, Brice Collins.
Brice Collins, David Tate.
Abraham Fleming, Thos. Brevard.
Chas. McDowell, Isaac T. Avery.
Isaac T. Avery, Chas. McDowell.
Chas. McDowell, Isaac T. Avery.
Wm. Dickson, John M. Greenlee.
Wm. Dickson, Brice Collins.
Brice Collins, Wm. Dickson.
Brice Collins, Joel Coffee.
Brice Collins, John Phagan.
Brice Collins, J. R. McDowell.
J. R. McDowell, Matthew Beard.
Brice Collins, J. R. McDowell.
Brice Collins, Wm. Dickson.
Matthew Baird, Merritt Burgin.
Wm. Roane, Brice Collins.
Alney Burgin, Peter Ballew.
Peter Ballew, Edwin Poor.
David Newland, Edwin Poor,
David Newland, David Neill.
David Newland, Mark Brittain.
Joseph Neill, David Newland.
Elias A. Ilooper, Alney Burgin.
Alney Burgin, Francis P. Glass.
A. Burgin, F. P. Glass.
A. Burgin, David Corpening.
Jas. H. Perkins, Saml Fleming.
OABAKBUS COUITTT. 68
Y^an. Senators. Members x>f House of Commoos.
1835. Peter Ballen, Edw'd J. Erwin, Jas. H. Perkins.
1836. Thomas Baker, Edw'd J. Erwin, James H. Perkins,
• and Elisha P. Miller.
1838. Thos. Baker, Edw'd J. Erwin, Wm. M. Carson,
and £. P. Miller.
1840. B. S. Gaither, Wm. M. Carson, E. P. Miller,
and Jos. Neal.
1842. A. Borgin, Sam'l J. Neal, Todd R. Caldwell,
and W. W. Avery.
1844. B. S. Qaither, T. R. Caldwell, Bonj. Bargin.
1846. S. F. Pattersob, Wm. F. McKesson, J. J. Erwin.
1848. S. F. Patterson, Alfred Mailor, S. B. Erwin.
1850. Tod R. Caldwell, W. W. Avery, T. Geo. Walton.
CHAPTER XI.
CABARBUS COUNTY.
Date of its formation — Oripn of name, situation and boundaries — Population
and products — Concord its capital — Early history — Black Boys, or the cun-
powder plot— Character and services of her sons — Members of Assembly.
Cabarrus County was formed in 1792, from Mecklenburg
County, and was so named in compliment to Stephen Cabarrus,
member from Chowan County, and Speaker of the House of Com-
mons. Mr. Cabarrus lived in Edenton, or near, at a place called
Pembroke. He was a native of France, a man of great vivacity
and talent, a useful and honorable man.
It is situated in the south-western part of the State, and is bounded
on the north by Rowan and Iredell, east by Stanly County, south
by Union, and west by Mecklenburg.
Its population is 6,943 whites; 119 free negroes; 2,685 slaves; 8,673
federal population ; 753 persons who cannot read.
Its products are 86,300 bushels of wheat; 418,180 bushels of com ; 51,998
bushcis of oats ; 17,276 bushels of potatoes ; 4,568,726 pounds of cotton ;
10,460 pounds of wool ; 3,761 dollars worth ef gold.
It is remarkable for its production of gold fifty-two years ago.
The following is an account of the first gold mine ever discovered
in the State : —
We have been kindly furnished by Colonel Earnhardt with the
following history of the opening of the Reed Gold Mine, in Cabar-
rus County, and the number and weight of the pieces of gold found
at difierent periods.
A sketch of the discovery and history of the Reed Gold Hine^ in Cabarrus County ^
North Carolina^ being the first gold mine discovered in the United States.
The first piece of gold found at this mine, was in the year 1799, by Conrad
Reed, a boy of about twelve years old, a son of John Keed, the proprietor.
The discovery was made in an accidental manner. The bov abore named,
in company with a sister and younger brother, went to a smau stream, called
64 HISTOBY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Meadow Creek, on a Sabbath day, while thcfir parents were at church, for
the purpose of shooting fish with bow and arrow, and while engaged along
the Dank of the creek, Conrad saw a yellow substance shining in the water.
He went in and picked it up, and found it to bo some kind of metal, and
carried it home. Mr. Reed examined it, but as gold was unknown in this
part of the country at that time, he did not know what kind of metal it was :
the piece was about the size of a small smoothing iron.
Mr. Reed carried the piece of metal to Concord, and showed it to a William
Atkinson, a silversmith, but he not thinking of gold, was unable to say what
kind of metal it was.
Mr. Reed kept the piece for several years on his house floor, to lay aeainst
the door to keep it from shutting. In the year 1802, he went to market to
Fayctteville, and carried the piece of metal with him, and on showing it to
a jeweller, the jeweller immeaiately told him it was gold, and requested Mr.
Reed to leave the metal with him and said he would flux it. Mr. Reed left
it, and returned in a short time, and on his return the jeweller showed him
a large bar of gold, six or eight inches long. The jeweller then asked Mr.
Reed what he would take for the bar. Mr. Reed, not knowing the value of
cold, thought he would ask a *' big price," and so ho asked three dollars and
fifty cents (S3 50!). The jeweller paid him his price.
After returning home, Mr. Reed examined and found gold in the surface
along the creek. He then associated Frederick Kisor, James Love, and Mar-
tin rhifer with himself, and in the year 1803, they found a piece of gold in
the branch that weighed twenty-eight pounds. Numerous pieces were found
at this mine weighing from sixteen pounds down to the smallest particles.
The whole surface along the creek for nearly a mile was very rich in gold.
The veins of this mine were discovered in the year 1831. They yielded a
laree quantity of gold. The veins are flint or quarts.
Ido certify that the foregoing is a true statement of the discovery and history
of this mine, as given by John Reed and his son Conrad Reed, now both dead.
January, 1848. GEORGE EARNHARDT.
Weight of different pieces of gold found at this mine : —
1803, 28 lbs.
1804,
9
((
7
(1
3
(<
2
<i
If
1824,
16
4(
9i
((
8
1835,
131
«
4J
((
4
If
1
lb.
«
8
lbs.
115 lbs. steelyard weight.
The annual products of the gold mines of the State, have been
estimated at five hundred thousand dollars.* The produce of Ca-
barrus mines in 1840, by the census, was estimated at tliii*ty-five
hundred dollars.
The revolutionary and colonial history of Cabarrus, belongs to
Mecklenburg, to which it was united. No part of the State was
* Report by John H. Wheeler, Superintendent of Branch Mint, to the
Secretary of the Treasury, in 1838.
"Six Jlonths in Amerioa,'' by Vigne.
OABABBUS couirrr. 65
•
more fixed and forward in the cause of liberty than this immediate
section.
At the Convention of Charlotte, in May, 1775, this part of
Mecklenburg joined heartily in that fearful stand of pledging " their
lives, fortunes, and most sacred honor** to defend, sustain, and
protect their liberty and independence.
The circumstances of that declaration, the actors in the con-
vention, the boldness with which they proclaimed and vindicated
their sentiments, as well as the instrument itself, have been already
recorded in the former volume of this work.*
Without any support from abroad ; without any previous move-
ment to guide their course, the conduct of this people meets at
once our warmest admiration and enduring respect. It is one
of the proudest pages of our country's history, and one to which
her sons point to with joy and congratulation. The portion of
Mecklenburg, now Cabarrus, entered freely into this important
and patriotic movement.
But there is a circumstance connected with the early history of
Cabarrus, that deserves record. I allude to the destruction of
the powder and other munitions of war, in 1771, by the citizens of
Cabarrus, for which I am indebted to Hon. D. M. Barringer, Our
present Envoy to Spain, furnished by R. Kirkpatrick, Esq.
History of **The Gunpowder Plot/* or the Black Boys of Cabarrus,
In the year 1771, some difficulties arose between Governor Tryon of Nortli
Carolina and the Regulators, and in order to coerce them into his mea-
sures, the Governor procured from Charleston, South Carolina, three or
four wagon loads of the munitions of war, consisting of gunpowder, flinta,
blankets, &c. They were brought to Charlotte, North Carolina, and from
some suspicious movements amongst the friends of liberty, wagons could
not be procured to transport them on; at length Colonel Moses Alex-
ander procured wagons to convey it to Hillsboro , the then seat of govern-
ment. The vigilance of the jealous Whigs was ever on the alert, and in a
settlement lying now in the County of Cabarrus, known by the name of the
Bocky Kivcr Settlement, sixteen miles north-east of Charlotte, and seven or
eight south of Concord, there existed as much of the true spirit of patriot-
ism as ever was found in the same bounds, and where not a Tory was ever
horn or ever breathed.
The following individuals, viz.. Major James White, William White and
John White (all brothers, born and raised on the bank of Rocky River, one
mile from Rocky River church), Robert Caruthers, Robert Davis, Benjamin
Cochran, James Ashmore and Joshua Iladley, bound themselves by a most
solemn oath, not to divulge the secret on each other, and in order to keep
themselves concealed they blacked themselves, and set out to destroy, if pos-
sible, the powder, &c., that had been procured to shed the blood of their
countrymen. They set out in the evening, while the father of tlie Whites
was absent to mill with two horse-loads of grain ; fortunately they met him
(the boys were on foot) ; they demanded of their father the horses, and ordered
him to dismount. lie pleaded lustily for the privilege of the horses until be
could carry homo his bags, but all remonstrance was vain ; they lifted the
bags off the horses and left them on the side of the road. They came up with
the wagons that hauled the powder, &c., encamped on what was then called
Phifer's Hill, three miles west from Concord, on the road leading from Char-
lotte to Salisbury, near midway between these places, at or near what is now
Long's tavern. They immediately unloaded the wagons, stove in the kegs,
* Vol. i. page 69.
66 mSTOBT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
threw the powder, flints, &c., into a pile, tore the blankets into strips, placed
them on the pile, made a train of powder a considerable distance from the
pile, and Major White fired a pistol into the train, which produced a tremen-
dous explosion. A stave from the pile struck White on the forehead, and cut
him considerably. As soon as it came to the ears of Colonel Moses
Alexander, he put his whole ingenuity in requisition to find out the perpe-
trators of so foul a deed against his Sitgesty. The transaction remained a
mystery for some time. Great threats were made, and in order to induce some
one to turn traitor, a pardon was offered to any one who would turn king's
evidence against the rest Ashmore and Iladley, being half-brothers and
composed o£ the same materials, sot out unknown to each other, to avail
themselves of the pardon offered, and accidentally met each other on the
threshold of Moses Alexander's house. When they made known their busi-
ness, Alexander observed, ** That by virtue of the governor's proclamation
they were pardoned, but they were the first that ought to be hanged." The
rest of the "Black Boys" had to fly their country. They fled to the State of
Georgia, where they remained some time. The Governor, finding he could not
get them into his grasp, held out insinuations that if they would return and
confess their fault, they should be pardoned. They returned, and as soon as
it was known, Moses Alexander raised a guard, consisting of himself, two
brothers, John and Jake, and others, and surrounded the house of old White,
the father of the boys. Caruthers, the son-in-law of White, was also at
White's. They placed a guard to each door. One of the guard wishing to
favor the escape of Caruthers, struck a quarrel with Moses Alexander at one
door, while his brother Daniel Alexander whispered to Mrs. White, if there
was any of them within they might pass out and he would not see him ; in
the mean time, out goes Caruthers, and in a few jumps was in the river.
The alarm was immediately given, but pursuit was fruitless.
At another time, the royalists heard of some of the boys being in a harvest
field, and set out to take them ; but always having some one in company that
favored their escape, as they rode up in sight of the field one of the com-
pany waved his hand, which the bovs took as a signal. They pursued
Kobert Davis so close, that he jumped his horse thirty feet down a bank into
the river, and then dared them to tollow him.
They fled from covert to covert to save their necks from the bloodthirsty
loyalists, who were .daily hunting them like wild beasts. They would lie con-
cealed weeks at a time, and the neighbors would carry them food, until they
fairly wearied out 'their pursuers. The oath by which they bound themselves
was an imprecation of the strongest kind ; the greater part of the imprecation
was literally fulfilled in Hadley and Ashmore. Ashmorc fled his country, but
he lived a miserable life, and died as wretched as ho had lived, lladley still
remained in the country, and was known for many years to the writer. lie
was very intemperate, and in his fits of intoxication was very harsh to his
family in driving them from his house in the dead hours of the night. His
neighbors, in order to chastise him for his abuse of his family (among whom
were some of the "Black Boys"), dressed themselves in female attire, went
to his house by night, pulled him from his bed, drew his shirt over his head
and gave him a very severe whipping. He continued through life the same
miserable wretch, and died without any friendly hand to sustain him, or
eye to pity him.
Thus we see Mecklenburg and Cabarrus (at that time but one county) were
the first that set the ball in motion that ended in the independence of the
American people.
Frequently, when the royalists ranged the country in pursuit of " the Black
Boys," the Whigs would collect in bodies consisting of twenty-five or
thirty, ready to pounce upon them if they had taken any of them. From
the allurements held out to them to give themselves up, the boys, at one time,
went to within a short distance of Hillsboro', to beg their pardon of the
Governor (Tryon), but finding his intention, if he could get them into hia
hands, to have hanged every one of them, they returned and kept themselves
concealed.
Thus we find in a region of country very little known in the history of the
CABARRUS COTOTT. 67
leTolationary struggle, that the spirit of liberty was cherished and matured ;
the first to manifest itself in the Declaration of Independence, in the County of
Mecklenbarg, of which the j were then a part. From that yery neighborhood,
delegates were sent to Charlotte on the 20th of May, 1775. In the transac-
tion of burning; the powder, those who were engaged (with the exception of
Hadley and Ashmore, who were always cowards) gave their country a
sure pledge of their attachment to the cause of liberty, which they faithfuHy
redeemed, wheneyer their serrices were needed. Major James White, at the
time the British lay in Charlotte, was continually annoying them. It was
White who led the party on that memorable day when Cfol. Locke was oyer-
takeh and cut to pieces ; and when Gen. Joseph Graham was also seyerely
wounded. White rode a very fleet horse ; he would ride near to the British
forces, fire at them, and whenever they would sally out after him, he would
put his horse, which he called Sl<mo,io his speed, and outrun them.
John Phifer appears among those whoasseqibled at Charlotte in May, 1775.
The head of now a numerous and highly respectable family in Cabarrus, he
was the devoted friend of liberty and his country. He was a member from
Mecklenburg to ** the general meeting of delegates of the inhabitants of the
province, at liillsboro , 21st August, 1775," with Thomas Polk, Waightstill
Avery, James Ilouston, James Inartin, and John McKnitt Alexander.
In 1776, he was a delegate with Robert Irvin, Zaccheus Wilson, Hezekiah
Alexander, and WaightstiB Avery, to the Convention at Halifax, which formed
the State Constitution.
This place he resigned, and accepted the appointment of Lieutenant-Colonel
of Volunteers. He filled an early grave. He was buried in Cabarrus ; a rough
slab covers his remains, now defaced and mutilated.* It is a tradition, tlmt
the British army, as they passed from Charlotte to Salisbury, built a fire on
the tombstone, to show their hatred for his memory.
His decendants, John Phifer and Caleb Phifer, as will be seen, were often
representatives from Cabarrus, and always sustained the reputatidn of honor-
able and faithful citizens.
John Phifer graduated at the University in 1799, vras often a member of
the General Assembly, influential and talented. He was for many years a
ruling elder of the Presbyterian church, and died October 18th, 184d.
John Paul Barringer was bom in Hanover, in Germany, on the 4th of
June, 1721. He emigrated to this country, and settled first in Pennsylvania.
He removed to this State before the Revolution. During our struggles, he
sided with the friends of liberty. From his devotion to the cause, he was
taken prisoner, with others, by the Tories, and carried to Camden, South
Carolina. He was, for a long time, kept in confinement, and was the only
one who retomed home. He oied in Cabarrus, January 1st, 1807.
His son. Gen. Daniel L. Barrinoer, now of Tennessee, lived for a long
time in Wake County, where he married Miss White, grand-daughter or
Governor Caswell. He represented Wake County in 1813, and fVom 1819 to
1822, in the House of Commons. He was elected a member of Congress, and
served from 1826 to 1835. He removed to Tennessee, where he has been
Speaker of the House of Representatives, in that State, where he now resides.
Another son. Gen. Paul Barrinoer, resided in Cabarrus. He was born in
September, 1778. He had as good an education as the county afforded. He
was fond of reading, and distinguished for his practical sense. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Brandon, daughter of Matthew Brandon, of Rowan, a soldier
of the Revolution, whose family were distinguished for the love of liberty.
She died in 1848. He entered public life in 1806, as a member of the House
of Commons, and was often afterwards a member of both branches of the
Legislature. He died at an advanced age, at Lincolnton, in June, 1844. He
left a family of nine children, of whom
* MSS. firom R. Barrinfer, Esq., of Conoord.
68 HISTORY. OP NORTH CA&OLIiNA.
Daniel Moreau Barrinqer, now our Enyoj Extraordinary and Minister
Plenipotentiary at Madrid, in Spain, was eldest. He was bdrn in July, 1806.
He was educated at our University; graduated in 1826; studied law with
Chief Justice Ruffin ; elected to the House of Commons in 1829, and served
for several years ; member of the Convention in 1835 ; elected to Congress
in 1843, served continuously until 1849, when he was appointed by Gen. Z.
Taylor, President of the United States, Envoy to Spain, where he now resides.
Dr. Charles Harris, of this county, was distingubhed as a patriot, a
soldier, and physician.
He was born in this county, when Mecklenburg, in 1763. While pursuing
his studies at Charlotte, the invasion of the British caused him to exchange
the gown for the sword. He joined the cor^s of cavalry under Colonel
Davie, and was with that active officer in his bravo and daring career.
After the war was over he resumed his studies at Clio Academy, in Ire-
dell. He commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Isaac Alexander, at
Camden, S. C, and finished at Philadelphia. On his return he settled at
Salisbury, and practiced with success ; he then removed to Favoni, his seat
in Cabarrus, wnere he ended his days.
Devoted to his profession, he was unrivaled as a physician and surgeon.
His reputation was widely extended, and his skill and success justified this
celebrity. He had a medical school, and instructed ninety-three young men
in the healing art. His temper was cheerful and his manner mild. He
died Sept. 21, 1825. He left several children. William Shakspeare Harris,
Esq., one of them, in 1836 represented Cabarrus in the House of Commons.
I copy from his tombstone the following: *' This monument is erected to per-
netuate the memory of Charles Harris, M. D., bom 23d November, 1762 ; died
21st September, 1825, aged 63 years. Dr. Harris was engaged in the practice
of medicine and surgery forty years; eminent in the former, in the latter pre-
eminent. He was a man of extensive reading, of an acute inquisitive mmd,
friendly to all and beloved by all. His heart entered deeply into the suffer-
ings 01 his patients, mingling the medicine he Administered with the feel-
ings of a friend. He lived usefully, and died resignedly, and we humbly
trust, through the sovereign virtue of the all-healing medicine of the Great
Physician, he was prepared to rest in this tomb, ' where the wicked cease
from troubling and the weary are at rest.' "
Members of the General Assembly of North Carolina, from Ca-
barrus County, from its erection to the last session (1851) : —
Years. Senate. Members of House of Commons.
1793. Caleb Phifer, Robert Smith, James Bradshaw.
1794. Caleb Phifer, Kobert Smith, James Bradshaw.
1795. Caleb Phifer, Kobert Smith, James Bradshaw.
1790. Caleb Phifer, Jas. Bradshaw, Archibald McKurdy.
1797. Caleb Phifer, Jas. Bradshaw, Archibald McKurdy.
1800. Caleb Phifer, Jas* Bradshaw, John Allison.
1801. Caleb Phifer, Robert Smith, James Bradshaw.
1802. James Bradshaw, John Allison, A. McKurdy.
1803. Wm. L. Alexander, John AlHson, John Phifer.
1804. Wm. L. Alexander, John Allison, John Phifer.
1805. Wm. L. Alexander, John Allison, John Phifer.
1806. George Harris, Paul Barringer, A. Houston.
1807. George Harris, Paul Barringer, A. Houston.
1808. George Harris, Paul Barringer, A. Houston.
1809. Robert W. Smith, Paul Barringer, A. Houston.
1810. Robert W. Smith, Paul Barringer, John Phifer.
1811. Robert W. Smith, Paul Barringer, John Phifer.
1812. Robert W. Smith, Paul Barringer, John Phifer.
1813. Robert W. Smith, Paul Barringer, John Phifer.
1814. Robert W. Smith, Paul Barringer, John Phifer.
1815. Robert W. Smith, Paul Barrin^r, John Phifer.
1816. Abraham C. McKee, Samuel Morrison, John F. Phifer.
CAIJ>WELIi COXnTTT.
60
Years. Sei^aton.
1817. Abraham C. McKee,
1818. John N. Phifer,
1819. William R. Pharr,
1821. WiUiam R. Pharr,
1822. Paul Barriijger,
1823. John Phifer,
1824. L. II. Alexander,
1825. L. H. Alexander,
1826. L. II. Alexander,
1827. L. H. Alexander,
1828. L. H. Alexander,
1829. Ch. Melchor,
1830. Ch. Melchor,
1831. Ch. Melchor,
1832. A. Iloustoa,
1833. George Klutts,
1834. Georffe Klutts,
1835. David Long,
1836. Christopher Melchor,
1838. Christopher Melchor,
1840. Christopher Melchor,
1842. W.F. Pharr,
1844. . W. F. Pharr,
1846. Christopher Melchor,
1848. R.Kendall,
1850. Rufus Barringer,
Members of Uoose of Commonn.
John F. Phifer, George Klutts.
John F. Phifer, "William McLean.
William McLean, C. Melchor.
William McLean, C. Melchor.
William McLean, C. Melchor.
William McLean, C. Melchor.
Robert Pickens, C. Melchor.
J. C. Barnhart, Robert Pickens.
J. C. Barnhart, Robert Pickens.
Wm. McLean, J. C. Barnhart.
William McLean, J. C. Barnhart.
Daniel M. Barringer, Wm. McLean.
Daniel M. Barringer, J. 0. Barnhart.
Daniel M. Barringer, Wm. McLean.
Daniel M. Barringer, George Unr.
Daniel M. Barringer, William AicLean.
Daniel M. Barringer, Jacob Williams.
Lev.i Hope, Geor^ Barnhart.
William S. Harris.
Daniel Bo^r.
Daniel M. Barringer.
Daniel M. Barringer.
Caleb Phifer, H. Robinson.
Jos. W. Scott, L. B. Krimminger.
Rufus Barringer, J. W. Scott.
Jos. W. Scott, John Shinpock.
CHAPTER XII.
CALDWELL COUNTY
Is of recent origin, being formed as lately as 1841, out of the
counties of Burke and Wilkes. Derives its name from Dr. Joseph
Caldwell, President of the University, for sketch of whose life,
character, and services see vol. i. 133.
It is situated in the extreme north-western portion of the State,
and is bounded on the north by Watauga and Ashe, east by Wilkes
and Alexander, south by Catawba ana Burke, and west by Burke
and Watauga.
Its capital is Lenoir, named in compliment of Gen. licnoir, for
whose life and services see Wilkes, Chapter LXXX-
The population of Caldwell is 5,000 whites ; 108 free negroes ; 1,203 slayes ;
5,835 fed. population.
Its products, it being formed since the census returns of 1840, and the
census of 1850 not being published, are not given.
Its history belongs to that of Burke and Wilkes, from which it
was taken.
It is distinguished for its fair air, healthful climate, and excellent
water. Its adyantages of education, by aid of good academies,
70 HISTORY OF ITORTH CAROLDfA.
and schools, are considerable. The school of the Rev. T. S. W.
Mott, near Lenoir, stands deservedly high.
la this county resides Gen. Saxitbl F. Patterson, who was Treasurer of
the State, in 1835 ; President of the Raleigh and Qaston Railroad, in 1839,
and Senator in the General Assembly, in 1848 and 1850.
With Burke and Wilkes it forms the 48th Senatorial District. Its
members in the General Assembly as follows : —
Yean. Senate. Ccmunons.
1842. A. Burgin, William Dickson.
1844. B. S. Gaither, William Dickson.
1846. S. F. Patterson, E. P. Miller.
1848. S. E. Patterson, E. P. Miller.
1850. Todd R. Caldwell, John Uayes.
CHAPTER XIII.
CAMDEN COUNTY.
Date of erection — Origin of name — Situation and boundaries — Population
and products — ^Early Uistory — Members of Assembly.
Camden County was formed in 1777, from Pasquotank County,
and derives its name from the Earl of Camden, who was a distin-
guished English Statesman, Judge, and friend of popular rights. In
Parliament he strongly opposed the taxation of America, and from
his liberal principles was removed from his elevated position as Lord
High Chancellor of England, 1770, by Lord North's ministry.
The name of this county in the original act, is spelt Cambden.
It is situated in the north-eastern portion of the State, and
bounded on the north, by the Virginia line ; south by Albemarle
Sound; east by Currituck County; and west by Pasquotank River,
which separates it from Pasquotank County.
The celebrated Dismal Swamp, whose lake (Drummond) preserves
to posterity the name of the first Governor of North Carolina, has
been enshrined in the poetic numbers of Thomas Moore :
" Where all night long, by a fire-fly lamp,
She paddles her white canoo."*
Its canal connecting the waters of Virginia and North Carolina,
is 22 miles long, 40 to 60 feet wide, and admits vessels of 70 or 80
tons burthen, drawing 7 feet water. Its cost of construction was
$500,000 ; it yields a revenue of about $37,000 in tolls ; the locks,
ten in number, are composed of beautiful he¥m stone.
♦ Moore's Work?, iii. 91.
CAMDBN county: 71
Population, 3,572 whites; 290 free negroes; 2,187 elayes; 5,174 federal
population.
Its products, according to census of 1840, 2J39 bushels of wheat; 9,480
lmshel8 of oats ; 285,574 bushels corn; G,702 lbs. cotton; 253 barrels fish;
$14,807 lumber ; 2,664 gallons of brandy.
The soil of Camden is remarkable for its fertility.
It is a matter of regret that the cause of education is so neglected
in Camden. The census of 1840 proves, that in a population of
5,663, there are 691 persons over 20 years of age, who cannot read
or write. The census of 1850 shows, that in a white population of
3,572, there are 773 over 20, who cannot read or write.
The revolutionary history of Camden is connected with that of Pasquotank.
The officers in 1776, for the second regiment of Pasquotank, since Camden,
were, Isaac Gregory, Colonel; Dempst Burgess, Lt Colonel; Joshua Camp-
bell, First Major; Peter Dauoh, Second Major.
Colonel, afterwards Gen. Gregory, was in the hard fought battle of Eutaw,
in South Carolina, and was a brave officer, and honon^e man; was much
respected, and often represented Camden in the Legislature.
Coix)NEL Burgess was often in the Legislature, and in 1795 represented
this District in the Congress of the United States.
Lemuel Sawyer was bom in Camden, in 1777; educated at Flat Bush,
New York, under care of Dr. Peter Wilson. He studied law, and was licensed
to practice. In 1800, he represented Camden in the Ilouse of Commons, and
again in 1801 ; in 1804 Elector, and voted in the Electoral College for Thomas
JefferRon.
In 1807 elected to Congress, from this district, which he continued to repre«
sent with some intervals until 1829, an unusually lone period of service.
Mr. Sawyer is now in one of the public offices at Washington.
Mr. Sawyer was succeeded in Congress by Hon. Wm. B. Shepard, for a
sketch of whom see Pasquotank, Chapter LIX.
Members of the General Assembly from Camden, from the adop-
tion of the Constitution to the last session: —
Years. Senate. Members of the House of Commons.
1778. Isaac Gregory, John Gray, Caleb Grandv.
1779. Isaac Gregory, Willis Butt, Caleb Graudy.
1780. Isaac Gregory, William Burgess, D. Sawyer.
1782. Isaac Gregory, Dempsey Sawyer, Benjamin Jones.
1786. Isaac Gregory, Lemuel Sawyer, Peter Dauge.
1787. Isaac Gregory, Enoch Sawyer, Peter Dauge.
1788. Isaac Gregory, Enoch Sawyer, Peter Dauge.
1789. Isaac Gregory, Enoch Sawyer, Peter Dauge.
1790. Peter Dauge, Charles Grandy, William Burgess.
1791. Peter Dauge, Charles Grandy, William Burgess.
1792. Peter Dauge, Charles Grandy, William Burgess.
1793. Peter Dauge, William Neavill, Nathan Snowden.
1795. Isaac Gregory, Nathan Snowden, Caleb Grandy.
1796. Isaac Gregory, Enoch Daily, Josiah Morgan.
1797. Joseph Forksey, Enoch Daily, Z. Burgess.
1800. Joseph Forksey, Thomas Mercer, Lemuel Sawyer.
1801. Joseph Forksey, Thomas Mercer, Lemuel Sawyer.
1802. Thomas Burgess, Thomas Mercer, Caleb Perkins.
1803. Nathan Snowden, Joseph Morgan, Caleb Perkins.
1804. Arthur Old, Joseph Morgan, David Dunkin.
1805. Arthur Old, Joseph Morgan, Caleb Perkins.
1806. Arthur Old, Joseph Morgan, Caleb Perkins.
1807. Arthur Old, Caleb Perkins, Thomas Bell.
1808. Nathan Snowden, Caleb Perkins, Thomas Bell.
1809. CiUeb Perkina, Thonas Bell, Dempsej Sftwrer.
14
72
HISTOBY OB NORTH OAROLINA.
Years. Senate.
1810. Oideon Lamb,
1811. Caleb Perkins,
•1812. Joseph Dozier,
1813. Thomas Bell,
1814. Thomas Bell,
1815. Caleb Perkins,
1816. Caleb Perkins,
1817. Caleb Perkins,
1818. John Kelly,
1819. Caleb Perkins,
1821. Lake J. Lamb,
1822. Mason Culpepper,
1823. Caleb Perkins,
1824. Caleb Perkins,
1825. Willis Wilson,
1826. Willis Wilson,
1827. Willis Wilson,
1828. Haywood S. Bell,
1829. Haywood S. Bell,
1830. Caleb Perkins,
1831. Haywood S. Bell,
1832. Haywood S. Bell,
1833. Enoch Nash,
1834. Edm'd I. Barco,
1835. Thomas Tillet,
1836. Daniel Lindsay,
1838. Caleb Etheridge,
1840. Caleb Etheridge,
1842. Caleb Etheridge,
1844. Caleb Etheridge,
1846. John Barnard,
1848. John Barnard,
1850. John Barnard,
Members of the House of Commons.
Thomas Bell, Dempser Sawyer.
Dempsey Sawyer, William Mercer.
Dempsey Sawyer, John Kelly.
Dempsey Sawyer, Thomas Etheridge.
John Kellar, Baily Parker.
Baily Barco, John H. Brocket.
Willis Wilson, Ezekiel Trotman.
Baily Barco, Willis Wilson.
William Hearing, William Mercer.
William Mercer, John Jones.
William B. Webster, Samael Mercer.
William B. Webster, John Jones.
William B. Webster, Thomas Tillet.
William B. Webster, Thomas Tillet.
Thomas Tillet, Thomas Dozier.
Thomas Dozier, Simeon Jones.
Thomas Tillet, Thomas Dozier.
Thomas Dozier, William B. Webster.
Thomas Dozier, A. H. Qtandy.
A. H. G randy, Thomas Dozier.
A. H. Grandy, Thomas Dozier.
B. D. Harrison, Thomas Tillet.
Thomas Tillet, Caleb Barco.
Thomas Tillet, Jas. N. McPherson.
Jas. N. McPherson, J. S. Bargees.
D. Pritchard.
J. S. Burgess.
A. H. Grandy.
Cornelius G. Lamb.
Cornelius G. Lamb.
D. D. Perebee.
D. D. Ferebee.
Caleb Barco.
CHAPTER XIV.
CARTERET COUNTY.
Origin of name — Date of formation — Situation and boundaries — ^Beaufort, its
capital — Population and products — Climate — Early history — Teaches Hole.
Carteret was one of the original precincts of the Lords Proprie-
tors, and was called in honor of one of them, who is styled in the
charter of Charles II. as " our right truly and well beloved counsel-
lor, Sir George Carteret, Knight and Baronet, yice-Ghancellor of
our Household." He is described by a cotemporary writer, as
*Hhe passionate and ignorant, and not too honest Sir George
Carteret."*
He died in 1695, and was succeeded by his son John,t afterwards
^ PepyS) i d6di
t See ICarliiiiTol. i. p. 190. VoL L (ihasQ tketohe^ p. 41.
GA&TEBST COUNTY. 78
Earl of Granville, who retained his portion of the sovereignty of
North Carolina, when the other proprietors, in 1729, surrendered
to the Crown.
Its situation is in the extreme eastern portion of the State, and
is bounded on the north, by the Pamplico Sound, and County of
Craven ; south and east by the Atlantic Ocean, west by the Coun-
ties of Jones and Onslow. •
Its capital is Beaufort, which possesses a fine harbor, great depth
of water, and is destined to become the marine depot of North Caro-
lina. Its distance from Raleigh is one hundred and sixty-eight
miles.
To this county belongs the honor of having been seen by the first
adventurers to these United States. Two ships, one called the
Tyger, the other the Admiral, commanded by Philip Amidas, and
imhur Barlow, were fitted out under the charge and expense of Sir
Walter Raleigh, under a patent from Queen Elizabeth. These sailed
from England on April 27th, 1584, and arrived on this coast on
the 4th day of July, 1584.
*' After sailing along the coast one hundred and Mventy English miles,"
says Amidas,* in his renort, " before we could find any entrance or river
issuing into the sea. The first that appeared unto us we entered and cast
anker. After thanks given to God for oar safe arrivall thither, we went to
view the land adioynine and to take possession of the same in the right of
the Queene's most excellent Maiestie, and rightful Queene and Princesse of
the same, and after delivered the same over to ouer vse, according to her
Mi^esties grant and letters patent vnder her Higheness' great scale.''
The patent, aa well as the report of these oflScers to Sir Walter
Baleigh, is recorded in Hakluyt's Voyages, (vol. iii. p. 801.) This
land was Boanoake Island, in Currituck County. For extracts from
said report, see Currituck County.
" They<were the first that ever burst
Into that silent 8ea."t
In Oct., 1749, a furious stortn destroyed Beacon Island, near
Ocracoke Inlet.|
The United States have a fort at Beaufort, called Fort Macon^
and a light-house on Cape Look-out.
Population, 3)572 whites ; 290 free negroes ; 2,187 slaves ; and 5,174 federal
population.
Products, 2,133 bushels of wheat ; 32,674 bushels of com ; 4,283 pounds of
cotton ; 3,755 pounds of wool ; $41,200 value of vessels owned ; and 15,347
barrels of turpentine.
The chief inlet of our State is on the northern point of this county,
Ocracoke Inlet, through which all vessels navigating the Albemarle
Country must pass. It is obstructed by a bar of sand, over which
vessels drawing more than twelve feet water must be lightened.
This is a great drawback to the commerce of North Carolina.
* Bancroft's History of the United State*, vol. i. p. 92.
t Coleridge. | WiiUam»ott, vol. ii. p. 64.
74 HISTORY OF KOBTH CAROLINA.
Near it is TeacTCs Hole^* which preserves the name of a noted
pirate, in the days of Governor Eden, whose career and fate are
already recorded, and with whose name tradition still associates
heaps of buried treasures.
In the Assembly of freemen that first assembled in North Carolina, without
the consent and independent of the English Crown« which met at Newbem,
August 25th, 1774, Wm. THOMPsoN^ppeared for Carteret.
In the Assembly at Newborn, in April, 1775, William Thoxpsox and Solo-
mon Sheppard.
In the Assembly at Hillsboro', in August, 1775, John Eason, Wm. Thomp-
son, Brics Williams, Solomon Sheppard and Enoch Ward.
In the Assembly at Halifax, on Nov. 12th, 1776, which formed our consti-
tution, appeared for Carteret, Solomon Sheppard, Brice Williams, Wm.
Borden, John Easton and Thomas Chadwick.
In the organization of the Continental troops by the State Congress, in
August, 1775, for Carteret County, William Thompson was Colonel ; Solo-
mon Shepard, Lieutenant-Colonel; Thomas Chadwick, Major; and Malachi
Bell, Second Major.
In 1809, the seat of Jacob Henry, one of the members from this county,
was vacated on the ground that " ho denied the diyine authority of the New
Testament.''
This was the first time in the history of the State that this question had
been made, which underwent in the Uonyention which reformed the Consti-
tution in 1835, so able and searching investigation. Mr. Henry, in an able
speech, said to be the production of Chief Justice Taylor, defended his rights,
and he was aided by the luminous efforts of Judge Gaston.
Speech of Mr, Jacob Henry,
** I certainly, Mr. Speaker, know not the design of the Declaration of Rights
made by the people of this State in the year 1776, if it was not to conse-
crate certain great and fundamental rights and principles which even the
Constitution cannot impair; for the 44th section of the latter instrument
declares that the Declaration of Rights ought never to be violated, on any
pretence whatever ; if there is any apparent difference between the two in-
struments, they ought, if possible, to be reconciled ; but if there is a final
repugnance between them, the Declaration of Rights must bo considered
paramount ; for I believe it is to the Constitution, as the Constitution is to
law ; it controls and directs it absolutely and conclusively. If, then, a belief
in the Protestant religion is required by the Constitution, to qualify a man
for a seat in this house, and such qualification is dispensed with by the De-
claration of Rights, the provision of the Constitution must be altogether in-
operative; as the language of the Bill of Rights is, "that all men have a
natural and inalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dic-
tates of their own consciences." It is undoubtedly a natural right, and when
it is declared to be an inalienable one by the people in their sovereign and
original capacity, any attempt to alienate either by the Constitution or by
law, must be vain and fruitless.
'* It is difficult to conceive how such a provision crept into the Constitution,
unless it is from the difficulty the human mind feels in suddenly emancipating;
itself from fetters by which it has long been enchained: and how adverse it
is to the feelings ana manners of the people of the present day every gentie-
man may satisfy himself by glancing at the religious belief of the persons
who fill the various offices in this State : there are Presbyterians, Lutherans,
Calvinists, Mennonists, Baptists, Trinitarians, and Unitarians. But, as far
as my observation extends, there are fewer Protestants, in the strict sense of
the word, used by the Constitution, than of any other persuasion ; for I sup-
• VoL L p. 31.
GA&TEBET COUKTT. 75
pose that they meant by it, the Protestant religion as established by the law
in England. For other persuasions we see houses of worship in almost every
part of the State, but very few of the Protestant; so few, that indeed I fear
that the people of this State would for some time remain unrepresented in
this House, if that clause of the Constitution is supposed to be m force. So
far from believing in the Thirty-nine Articles, I will venture to assert that a
majority of the people never have rea^ them.
'* If a man should hold religious principles incompatible with the freedom
and safety of the State, I do not hesitate to pronounce that he should be ex-
cluded from the public councils of the same ; aad I trust if I know myself,
no one would be more ready to aid and assist than myself. But I should
really be at a loss to specify any known religious principles which are thus
dangerous. It is surely a question between a man and his Maker, and re-
quires more than human attributes to pronounce which of the numerous
sects prevailing in the world is most acceptable to the Deity. If a man ful-
fils the duties of that religion, which his education or his conscience has
pointed to him as the true one, no person, I hold, in this our land of liberty,
nas a right to arraign him at the bar of any inquisition : and the day, I trust,
has long passed, when principles merely speculative were propagated by force ;
when the sincere and pious were made victims, and the light-minded bribed
into hypocrites.
"The purest homage man could render to the Almighty was in the sacrifice
of his passions and the performance of his duties. That the ruler of the uni-
verse would receive witn eoual benignity the various offerings of man's ado*
ration, if they proceeded from the heart. Governments only concern the
actions and conduct of man, and not his speculative notions. Who among
US feels himself so exalted above his fellows as to have a right to dictate to
them any mode of belief? Shall this free country set an example of perse-
cution, which even the returning reason of enslaved Europe would nut sub-
mit to ? Will you bind the conscience in chains, and fasten conviction upon
the mind in spite of the conclusions of reason and of those ties and habitudes
which are blended with every pulsation of the heart ? Are you prepared to
plunge at once from the sublime heights of moral legislation into the dark
and gloomy caverns of superstitious ignorance? Will you drive from your
shores and from the shelter of your constitution, all who do not lay their
oblations on the same altar, observe the same ritual, and subscribe to the
same dogmas? If so, which, among the various sects into which we are
divided, shall be the favored one ?
" I should insult the understanding of this Ilouse to suppose it possible
that they could ever assent to such absurdities ; for all know that persecution
in all its shapes and modifications, is contrary to the genius of our govern-
ment and the spirit of our laws, and that it can never produce any other
effect than to render men hypocrites or martyrs.
"When Charles V., Emperor of Germany, tired of the cares of government,
resigned his crown to his son, he retired to a monastery, where ho amused
the evening of his life in regulating the movements of watches, endeavoring
to make a number keep the same time; but, not being able to make any two
go exactly alike, it led him to reflect upon the folly and crimes he had com-
mitted, in attempting the impossibility of making men think alike !1
"Nothing is more easily demonstrated than that the conduct alone is the
subject of human laws, and that man ought to suffer civil disqualification for
what he does, and not for what he tliinks. The mind can receive laws only
from Him, of whose Divine essence it is a portion; lie alone can punish dis-
obedience; for who else can know its movements, or estimate their merits?
The religion I profess, inculcates every duty which man owes to his fellow
men ; it enjoins upon its votaries the practice of every virtue, and the detest-
ation of every vice ; it teaches them to hope for the favor of heaven exactly
in proportion as their lives have been directed by just, honorable, and bene-
ficent maxims. This, then, gentlemen, is my creed; it. was impressed upon
my infant mind ; it has been the director of my youth, the monitor of my
manhood, and will, I trust, be the consolation of my old age. At any rate,
76
HISTOBY OF ZrOBTH CAROLINA.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure that you cannot see anything in this Religion, to d«-
prive me of my seat in this bouse. So far as relates to my life and condueti
the examination of these I submit with cheerfblness to your candid and
liberal construction. What may be the reli^on of him who made this ob-
jection against me, or whether he has any religion or not I am unable to say.
I have never cpnsldered it my duty to pry into the belief of other niember^
of this house. If their actions are ujpright and conduct just, the rest is for
their own consideration, not for mine. I do not seek to make converts to taiy
faith, whatever it may be esteemed in the eves of my officious friend, nor do
I exclude any one-from my esteem or fHendship, because he and I differ in
that respect The s^me cnarity, therefore, it is not unreasonable to expect,
will be extended to myself, because in all things that relate to the State and
to the duties of civil life, I am bound by the same obligations with my fellow-
citizens, nor does any man subscribe more sincerely than myself to the
maxim, " whatever ye would that men should do unto you do ye so even unto
them, for such is the law and the prophets.'^
The members of the Legislature from Carteret are as follows:—
Vears. Senators.
1778. John Easton,
1783. John Easton,
1785. John Easton,
1786. John Easton,
1787. John Easton,
1788. Joseph Hill,
1791. MalachiBell,
1792. David Ward,
1793. D.Ward,
1794. D.Ward,
1795. D.Ward.
1796. JohnFulford,
1797. JohnFulford,
1800. Newell Bell,
1801. Asa Bishop,
1802. William Fisher,
1803. W.Fisher,
1804. Asa Bishop,
1805. Nathaniel Pinkham,
1806. N. Pinkham,
1807. N. Pinkham,
1808. Elijah Piegot,
1809. Belcher Fuller,
1810. B. Fuller,
1811. B. Fuller,
1812. B. Fuller,
1813. B. Fuller,
1814. A.Wilson,
1815. Lebbeus Hunter,
1816. John Robards,
1817. George H. Dudley,
1818. Whittington Davis,
1819. Andrew Wilson, Jr.,
1821. Whittington Davis,
1822. W.Davis.
1823. W. Davis,
1824. W.Davis,
1825. W.Davis,
1826. W. Davis,
1827. Nathan Fuller,
1828. Otway Bums,
1829. Otway Bums,
Members of the House of Commons.
Sol. Shepard.
Enoch Ward, Eli West.
Enoch Ward, Eli West.
Eli West, John Fulford.
Eli West, John Fulford.
John Fulford, Wm. Shepard.
John Fulford, A. Jones.
Adam Gaskins, William Russell.
A. Gaskins, Wm. Russell.
A. Gaskins, Wm. Russell.
James Wallace, Wm. Russell.
James Wallace, Aden Jones.
Asa Bishop, Newell Bell.
Elijah Piggot, John McKaim.
Elijah Piggot, John McKairn.
Elijah Piggot, Samuel Easton.
Samuel Easton, Thomas Harriss.
Samuel Easton, John Robards.
Thomas Russell, John Robards.
T. Russell, J. Robards.
T. Russell, John Robards.
Jacob Henry, John Robards.
Jacob Henry, John Robards.
John Robards, N. Pinkham.
J. Robards, Abraham Piggot.
J. Robards, Nathaniel Pinkham.
J. Robards, Nathaniel Pinkham.
J. Robards, H. Hill.
Hatch Hill, John Robards.
Whittington Davis, Elijah Piggot.
John Mayo, N. Pinkham.
Nat. Pinkham, Isaac Hellen.
Isaac Hellen, N. Pinkham.
W. D. Styron, Otway Bums.
Otway Burns, Isaac Hellen.
Isaac Hellen, Edw'd H. Bell.
Otway Burns, Wm. H. Borden.
Otway Burns, Wm. H. Borden.
Edw'd H. Bell, Otway Burns.
David W. Borden, OtwayBurns.
J. S. W. Hellen, David W. Borden.
J. S. W. Hellen, David W. Borden,
0A8WBLL COUNTY. 77
Yean. Senators. Members of the House of Commons.
1830. David W. Borden, Thomas Marshall, John F. Jones.
1831. Otway Bums, John F. Jones, J. W. Hunt.
1832. Thomas Marshall, Otway Bums, D. W. Borden.
1833. Otwaj Bums, Samuel Leffers, David Whitehurst.
1834. Otway Burns, James Manny, Elijah S. Bell.
1835. James W. Bryan, James W. Hunt, Thomas Marshall.
(Under the new Constitution, Carteret and Jones form one Senatorial district
-the 20th).
1836. Jas. W. Bryan, Thomas Marshall.
1838. Enoch Foy, Elijah S. Bell.
1840. Isaac Hellen, Elijah Whitehurst.
1842. Jas. W. Howard, Thomas Marshall.
1844. Isaac Hellen, £. Whitehurst.
1846. James W. Howard, Jennings Piggot.
1848. £. S. Bell, Jennings Piggot.
1850. M. F. Arendoll, Jennings Piggot.
CHAPTER XV.
CASWELL COUNTY.
Bate of formation, origin of name, situation and boundaries — Yancevville,
canital — Population and products — Climate and soil — Distinguished citizens
— Marmaduke Williams, Bartlett Yancey, R. M. Saunders, Bedford Brown,
and others, members of the General Assembly.
Caswell County was erected in 1777, out of Orange County.
It derives its name from Richard Caswell, the first Governor
under the Constitution, whose life, services, and death, have already
received a full notice.*
The heathen philosophers endeavored to write their Mythology
on the heavens, beyond the pages of history, by naming the planets
and stars after their divinities and heroes, indulging the hope that
as long as their radiant efiulgence existed, these names would be
known to all time, and venerated in all ages.
So has North Carolina preserved in perpetual memory the name
of one of her purest patriots and devoted sons. His name is worthy
of such a country. His example is left to urge us to follow his acts
of honor and patriotism.
'* And by his light
Shall every gfulant vouth with ardor move,
To do brave deeds.''
Caswell County is situated in the north-western part of North
Carolina, and forms a beautiful compact square, having the Virginia
♦ Vol.L
78 HISTOEY OP NORTH CAROLINA.
line on the north; Person County on the east; Alamance and
Orange on the south ; and Rockingham County on the west.
Its capital is Yanceyville, named in compliment to Bartlett
Yancey (whose services are herein recorded), and distant from
Raleigh 66 miles.
Population, 7,081 whites ; 7,770 slaves ; 418 free negroes ; 12,1G1 federal
population.
Products, 78,682 bushels of wheat; 121,885 bushels of oats; 2,800 bushels
of rye ; 509,480 bushels of corn ; 3,665,842 pounds of tobacco ; 82,649 pounds
of cotton ; 8,524 pounds of wool.
Its climate is salubrious, and its lands fertile. Its revolutionary
history is connected with Orange.
Few counties can present citizens whose services are entitled to
more respect, and whose devotion to the welfare of the State, was
more sincere than Caswell.
Many of her sons have gone to other States, Mississippi, Ala-
bama, and elsewhere, and whose talents have been shown and vir-
tues acknowledged by their adopted country by elevating them to
high and distinguished positions.
Marhaduke Williams was one of these. lie was born in Caswell County
on the 6th of April 1772, married Mrs. Agnes Harris, whose maiden name
was Payne.
In 1802 elected to the Stiite Senate, and the next year elected to Con-
fcress to succeed his brother, Robert Williams, who was appointed hj
Mr. Jefferson, Governor of Mississippi. lie remained in Conpjress until 1809.
In 1810 he removed to Alabama, Tuscaloosa County, and was a delegate from
that county to the convention which formed the Constitution.
In 1832 elected a Judge of Tuscaloosa County. He died on the 29th of Oct.
1850.
The county seat of Caswell is Yanceyville ; and this is associated, too, with
the name of Bartlett Yancev. Ilis character was one of which his county
and State may well be proud, and which deserves to be cherished bv every
citizen. Though many of us who have associated with and known this dis-
tinguished individual, and therefore are too near the Colossus to admire its
perfect proportions, yet ho was a man "worthy of Rome in Rome's best
days.'' Raised by his own energies and exertions to a rank high among his
fellow-men, with a mind if not naturally overpowering, yet cultivated by edu-
cation, with a person and manners, ** to win golden opinions from all sorts of
men,'' his name well deserves to be embalmed by the capital of the county
in which he lived, by the people whom he served, and among whom he died.
The regard of his native State has carried this feeling still farther, and named
one of the most beautiful of her trans-montane counties after this distin-
guished patriot. It will be for some pen more intimately acquainted with
his private life, to give to his country the early account of this worthy citizen.
The writer of this only knew him in the later periods of his public career.
He was educated at the University of North Carolina, and was for a time, it
is believed, a tutor in that institution. His first appearance in politics was
in 1813, as member of Congress, where he served four years. In 1817 he
was Senator from Caswell County, and he succeeded, as Speaker of that body,
Hon. John Branch, when the latter was elected governor. From that period
until his death, in 1828, he was a member of the Senate, and Speaker with
little or no intermission. Such was his unbounded popularity, that a manu-
script sketch of this gentleman by Mr. McQueen states that when a candidate
for Congress, he received every vote but ona in Caswell County I As a law-
yer, he had few equals and no superiors. But it was chiefly while presiding
as Speaker, for a series of years, of a body that was graced by many of the
CASWELL COUNTY. 79
proudest intcUeotiial ornaments of the State, and agitated by some of the most
important questions of the day, that the superiority of Mr. xancoy consisted,
Karly was this talent so developed that while a member of the IIouho of Re-
presentatiTes in Congress, the Speaker (Mr. Clay), as will appear by refer-
ence to the Journals, often supplied his place by the substitution of Mr.
Yancey ; and he did not suffer by comparison with that distinguished gen-
tleman, who, as a Speaker, still stands unrivalled. Combining with great
energy and quickness, an astuteness of mind, his blaDtl and elegant manners
render him peculiarly fitted for this station. The duties of this position
necessarily excluded him from an active participation in discussions on the
floor. But whenever occasion called for it, the Senate resolved itself into a
committee of the whole, and his splendid ability, his cogent reasoning and
thrilling elo(|uence were ever ready for his country's welfare, lie was a
most energetic and powerful debater. Blessed with a manly person, an ob-
servant and active mind, a well-regulated and harmonious voice, there was a
resistless impetuosity and vehemence in his efforts that bore down like an
avalanche every opposition. The present Supreme Court system, the order
and regularity of the Treasury ana Comptroller's departments of the State,
the various acts regulating the Internal Improvement of the State, and
many other public measures, received an impulse and support from him
that secured their success. Ilis death, which occurred while elected a mem-
ber of the Senate (in .1828), so unexpected, caused a sensation throughout the
whole State which, even at this distant day, is painfully remembered. All
eyes had been turned to him as the appropriate successor to Gov. Branch in
the Senate of the United States. Of such a son, Caswell may well be proud.
lion. Jacob Thompson, at present a member of Congress from the State of
Mississippi, is a native son of Caswell.
lie was educated at our University, and graduated in 1831, and for a time
was a tutor in the institution.
In 1839, he was elected to Congress from his adopted State, an'd has
continued ever since. Although his talents and ser^'ices are devoted to
another State, North Carolina and Caswell are proud of her son.
Hon. Bedford Brown was born in Caswell, in 1795. His first appearance
in public life, was in the year 1815, as member of the House of Commons,
from Caswell. His colleague was Ilon. K. M. Saunders, in the Commons ;
both distingnished in after life, and competitors for same political honors.
Mr. Brown entered public life at an interesting and eventful period of our
country's history. The war with Great Britain that our country was then
engaged in, divided parties in angry and acrimonious collision. Mr. Brown
took a prominent stand for the administration and the war, and at this early
age evinced that prominent trait in his character, of indomitable firmness
and unconquerable tenacity to his principles.
He served many years m both Houses of the General Assembly, and in
1829, was elected to the Senate of the United States by one vote. lie served
in this exalted position with so much satisfaction, at a most excited period
of public affairs, that he was again elected to this important office, which he
resigned under instructions from the General Assembly.
In 1842, he was again a member of the General Assembly, as Senator from
Caswell, and was a candidate for the Senate of the United States. After an
animated and angry contest, which terminated in the election of Mr. Hay-
wood, Mr. Brown withdrew from public life. He removed to Missouri,, then
returned to North Carolina, and is now at or near Baltimore, in Maryland,
superintending the education of his children.
To the same session of the General Assembly in which Mr. Brown first ap-
E eared (1815), Hon. Romulus Mitchell Saunders wi^s elected. Mr. Saunders
as been ever since on the stage of public action.
He was born in Caswell County, in March, 1791 ; son of William Saunders,
an officer of the Revolution. He was educated at Hyco and Caswell Academy,
and was two years at th& University. Studied law with Hon. Hugh Lawson
80 HISTOBY OJf NOBTH OABOLINA.
White, of Tennessee, and was licensed to practice in that State in 1812. He
returned to North Carolina, and was elected to the House of Commons in
1815, to 1820, and was Speaker of the House in 1819 and 1820.
In 1821, he was elected member of Congress, and served until 1827.
The demands of a young and rising family requiring his attention to his
profession, he was not a candidate for re-election, but turned his whole time
and attention to his profession.
In 1828, he was elected Attorney-General of the State.
In 1833, he was appointed by the President one of the Board of Commis-
sioners to decide ana allot the amounts due citizens of the United States for
injuries by France, as settled by Treaty of 4th of July, 1831.
Here it was the fortune of the Author of these sketches to be associated with
General Saunders on this commission, and it cannot be improper to record
the facts of the manner in which these important duties were discharged.
This was a most important commission. The amount to be distributed, as
secured by treaty, was twenty-five millions of francs ; it was to be distributed
among thousands of claimants. Hon. Geo. W. Campbell, of Tennessee, late
member of Congress, Minister Plenipotentiary to Russia, and Secretary of
Treasury, and Hon. John K. Kane, now U. S. Jud^ of Pennsylvania, were
his colleagues.
The first legal talents of the nation appeared before this Board as Advo-
cates ; among them were Daniel Webster, Chancellor Kent, Francis Key,
and David B. Ogden. Such were the patient and laborious habits of General
Saunders, the acumen of his intellect and the clearness of his decisions, that
he won for himself the respect and esteem of all in this arduous duty.
In 1835, he was elected by the Legislature Judge of the Superior Courts,
which ho resigned in 1840, on being nominated as the Democratic candidate
for Governor. The heat and ardor of this political campaign will be long
remembered. Judge Saunders shared the fortunes and fate of his party, and
was defeated by John M. Morehead, Esq.
In 1841, he was again elected to Congress, and he served until 1845.
In 1846, he was appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to
Spain, whore he remained until 1850, when he was recalled at his own request.
lie was the second person in North Carolina f General William R. Davie being
the first) who ever received such a distinguisned mark of high honor at the
hands of the Federal Government.
He returned home in October, 1849. As an evidence of the oonfidence of
his country while abroad, and the respect of the President, he was intrusted
with a special commission to negotiate on the subject of Cuba, now the object
of much interest to the country.
In 1850, he was elected a member of the House of Commons from Wake, in
which capacity he served last session.
He has taken a decided and active part in the Railroad Improvements of
the State, and by his ardor and ability contributed much to their success.
To another age and at another day these data may afford material to the
historian and biographer. No effort is made to extract from the various
speeches of Judge Saunders, or allude to various questions of public policy
or principles that he had advocated or opposed. But justice ana truth, when
divested of all bias or prejudice must say, that his character is worthy of the
State, and his services have contributed to her elevation and honor.
Many other names connected with Caswell might be alluded to, and in
another edition may be referred to.
The following are the members of the General Assembly from
Caswell county, from 1777 to 1851.
years. Senate. House of Commons.
1778. Dempsey Moore, John Atkinson, Richard Moore.
1782. Dempsey Moore, David Shelton, Kobert Dickens.
OABwwuL ooxmrr.
61
Yean. Senate.
1785. Dempsej Moore,
1786. Dempsey Moore,
1788. Robert Payne,
1791. Robert Dickens,
1792. James Williamson,
1793. John Williams,
1794. JohnWUliams,
1795. JohnWilUams,
1796. Wynn Dickson,
1797. Wynn Dickson,
1800. Samuel Morton,
1801. Samuel Morton,
1802. Marmaduke Williams,
1803. Samuel Morton,
1804. Samuel Morton,
1805. Azariah Graves,
1806. A. Graves,
1807. A. Graves,
1808. A.Graves,
1809. A. Graves,
1810. A. Graves,
1811. A. Graves,
1812. Nathanial WiUiams,
1813. N.WiUiams,
1814. B. Graves,
1815. B. Graves,
1817. Bartlett Yancsey,
1819. B. Yancey,
1821. B. Yancey,
1822. B. Yancey,
1823. B. Yancey,
1825. B. Yancey,
1826. B.Yancey,
1827. B. Yancey,
1828. Bedford Brovm,
1829. B. Brown,
1830. James Kerr,
1831. J.Kerr,
1832. J.Kerr,
1833. J. Kerr,
1834. J. Kerr,
1835. J.Kerr,
House of Commons.
Robert Dickens, Adam Sanders.
Adam Sanders, Robert Dickens.
Benjamin Douglass, John Graves.
James Williamson, John Graves.
John Graves, David Shelton.
John Graves, David Shelton.
Gabriel Lea, William Parks.
Solomon Graves, David Burfort.
Robert Blackwell, Solomon Graves.
Robert Blaokwell, Solomon Graves.
James Yancey, Richard Simpson.
James Yancey, John McAden.
John McAden, James Yancey.
James Yancey, ITouns McAden.
Richard Hombuckle, Laurence Lea.
Richard Hombuckle, John McMuUen.
James Burton, John McMullen.
J. Burton, James Yancey.
J. Yancey, James Burton.
Isaac Rainey, Nathaniel Williams.
Isaac Rainey, Nathaniel Williams.
James Yancey, Isaac Rainey.
Samuel Dabney, James Rainey.
Quinten Anderson, B; Graves.
Isaae Rainey, John P. Harrison.
Romulus M. Saunders, Bedford Brown.
B. Brown, R. M. Saunders.
R. M. Saunders, B. Graves.
Quinten Anderson, B. Graves.
James Yancey, B. Graves.
Bedford Brown. James Rainey.
John £. Lewis, Charles D. Donoho.
John £. Lewis, C. D. Donoho.
John £. Lewis, C. D. Donoho.
James H. Ruffin, James Kerr.
John Wilson, James Kerr.
Littleton A. Gwinn, Stephen Dodson.
L. A. Gwinn, John F. Garland.
Barzillai Graves, L.' A. Gwinn.
John £. Brown, Stephen Dodson.
J. £. Brown, L. A. Gwinn.
L. A. Gwinn, Stephen Dodson.
(f he delegates to the Convention to amend the Constitution, in June, 1835,
were William A. Lea and Calvin Graves.)
1836. J. Kerr,
1838. James Kerr,
1840. James Kerr,
1842. Bedford Brown,
1844. L. A. Gwynn,
1846. Calvin Graves,
1848. Calvin Graves,
1850. George Williamson,
L. A. Gwynn, William A. Lea.
Levi Walker, L. A. Gwinn.
Calvin Graves, Levi Walker.
Calvin Graves, Levi Walker.
Calvin Graves, J. K. Lea.
John B. McMullen.
John B. McMullen, Richard Jones.
Samuel P. Hill, D. S. Johnson.
82 HISTOBT OF HOBTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER XVI.
CATAWBA COUNTY.
Catawba County was formed in 1842 from Lincoln County, and
derives its name from the river which forms its northern and east-
ern boundaries.
It is located in the north-western portion of the State, and
bounded on the north by the Catawba River, which separates it
from Caldwell County ; on the east by the Catawba River, which
separates it from Iredell County; on the south by Lincoln; and on
the weat by Burke.
"Its population is 7,272 whites ; 1,569 slaves ; 21 free negroes ; and 8,234
federal population.
Its revolutionary history is connected with Lincoln County, its
separation from which caused an angry political animosity, which,
time we trust has removed. It is blessed with a most healthful cli-
mate, fertile lands, and every advantage to nourish a useful and
intelligent population.
Its county seat is Newton^ that sprung up only as on yesterday,
and has a commodious Court House, and other Public Buildings ;
many stores and handsome private residences ; 175 miles from Ra-
leign. Its inhabitants are distinguished for their industry and in-
tegrity.
For her representatives, as she votes with Lincoln until after the
session of 1852, see Lincoln County.
Hon. Ueney W. Conner resides in Catawba Countv, on the Catawba River.
He was born in Prince George County, Virginia, in August 1793. Educated
at the University of South Carolina, at Columbia, at which institution he
nraduatod in 1S12. In 1814 ho entered the army as Aide-de-camp to General
Jos. Graham, and marched with the detachment of troops to the Creek Na-
tion.
In 1821 he was elected to Congress and served continuously until 1841;
wben he declined a re-election. Major Conner is a disciple of the Macon
school of politics. He was a member of the Senate of the Ueneral Assembly
in 1848 ; after which he declined all public honors and public service. #He
married in 1839 Lucy, the daughter of the late Governor Hawkins, who left
him for a bettter world in 1849.
CHAIHAH CO0KTT. 88
CHAPTER XVII.
CHATHAM COUNTY.
Date gf formation, origin of name — Popalation and prodacta — Capital — Rero-
lutionarj history — Regulators — The character, exploits, and death of David
Fannen — The character of James F. Taylor, Attorney-General of North
Carolina and a native of Chatham — Abraham Rencher — John D. Toomer
and others — List of members of Assembly.
Chatham County was formed in 1770, and called in compliment of that
distinguished English statesman and orator William Pitt, £arl of Chatham,
whose talents and eloquence were displayed in the British Parliament in de-
fence of the rights of America. He was a son of Robert Pitt, born in 1708,
elevated at the early age of twentv-one to be Premier of En^jland. His last
forensic display was in defence of America, when he was carried in the House
of Lords on a couch, and there, in all the resistless power of his mighty
intellect, in the music and majesty of his eloquent voice, he portrayed the
deep and burning injustice of England, and the crying wrongs of suffering
America. He died in 1778, not until he told our oppressors to their teeth
that he rejoiced that America had resisted, and predicted the brilliant career
that awaited her, and the destiny which she has since fulfilled. His speeches
are among the best specimens of oratory in our language. Worthily is his
name preserved in this intelligent portion of our State.
Chatham County, situated near the centre of the State, is bounded
on the north by Alamance and Orange ; on the east by Wake and
a small portion of Cumberland; on the south by Moore ; and west
by Randolph.
Its capital is Pittsboro', 34 miles west of Raleigh.
Its population is 12,164 whites; 5,985 slaves; 300 free negroes; 16,055
representative population.
Its products are 94,342 bushels wheat; 93,368 bushels oats; 446,708
bushels of com ; 536,886 pounds of tobacco ; 399,728 pounds of cotton ; 1000
pounds of iron ; 500 dollars worth of lumber.
The immediate cause of the division of Orange at the time (1770)
into Chatham, Wake and Guilford, was the troubles of the regu-
lation in this section. The feeling of resistance to the crown offi-
cers from their extortionary and oppressive conduct, is already
recorded in the chapter on Alamance, to which the reader is re-
ferred ; Governor Tryon resorted to the plan of dividing this region,
80 that the people would not so often congregate at one point.
Its early history is connected with these troubles, and a full re-
cord of which the chapters on Alamance and Orange present, and
renders any further allusion here unnecessary.
In the Revolutionary struggle of our country Chathaih did her
part.
84 HISTOBT OF NOBTH OABOLINA.
To the meeting of delegates at Hillsboro' on 2l8t Augast, 1775, there ap-
peared as members from Chatham, Elisha Cain, Richard Kennon, Mat-
thew JoxES, Jeduthan Harper, John Birdsono, Ambrose Ramsay, Joseph
RossER, Robert Rutherford, John Thompson, and Wm. Clare.
This body appointed as Field Officers for Chatham, Ambrose Ramsat, Colo-
nel ; Jedcthan IIarper, Liutenant-Colonel ; Mial Scurlock, Major ; Elisha
Cain, 2d Major.
At the Congress held at Ilalifax on the 12th November, 1776, which
formed our State Constitation, the members from Chatham County, were: —
Ambrose Ramsat, John Birdsono, Mial Scurlock, Isaiah Hooan, and Js-
duthan IIarper.
These men have all gone — their names are here recorded ; but
their lives, services, and death beyond this record are unknown. It
is to be hoped that some friend of Chatham will collect some me^
mento worthy of their fame. Men are like the simimer cloud, that
the breath of evening wafts away. But patriotic acts and heroic
services are not thus transient. A fateful country delights to
cherish the recollection and record of their deeds, and inscribe their
names on her monimients.
There lived in Chatham a man notorious for his marauding dis-
position, his fearless and active temper, his dark and dangerous
services against the cause of liberty.
While we preserve the names of the philanthropist and patriot,
duty compels us to describe others whose conduct has marked
them with ignominy, and whose names deserve execration. This is
but just. Indiscriminate eulogy is as illy applied to a nation as
to individuals.
History informs us that when Cromwell was about to sit for his
portrait to Sir Peter Lely, the painter of the age, he peremptorily
told him, ^^ Paint me as I am." So commands North Carolina
to any who attempts to describe her history or that of her sons.
David Fannen was bom about 1754 in Wake County. He was appren-
ticed to a carpenter or loom maker. In 1778 he moved to Chatham. The
occupation or Wilmington by the British under Colonel Craie offered oUier
prospects to his ambitious views. He was distinguished for his marauding
exploits, and one of the earliest sufferers from his violence and rapacity was
Charles Shearing, on Deep River, to whose house he went in the night, and
shot him as he ran from the house. His energy of character was app"^
dated by the British authorities. He was appointed a Colonel of the Loval
militia. An old Tory, by the name of Lindsy, gave him a mare called Red lAtM,
whose blood even to this day is hiehljr prised. Mi^'or Craig at Wilmington
presented him with a uniform, and pair of pistols and holsters. An interest-
ing event is recorded, by which he lost " the Red Doe" and his pistols. An
active and zealous Whig named Hunter, aflerwards of South Carolina, was
taken by this ferocious bandit and his myrmidons. He was sentenced to be
han^d. The rope was around his neck. Fannen rode up and dismounted
to witness his execution, leaving his mare standing near. In an instant^ the
prisoner threw off the rope, and leaped on the back of the noble steed. The
guard seized their arms, and Fannen orders them to '* fire high'' to save his
mare. Hunter escaped with a shot in his shoulder, but the "Red Doe" uid
the holsters were his booty.
When Comwallis raised the royal standard at Hillsboro' (Feb. 1781), Fan-
nen was a terror to the whole country. The daring of his entexprises, the
CHATHAM oouirnr. 8d
emel^ of hia oondnet, and his success, excite our admiration for this bold,
Iiad mim, moch' braver than and equally base as his more polished namesake
of Orange County. His forces, with Col. Hector McNeill and My, were be-
tween 600 and 1,000 men.
Among his earliest successes was the capture of Col. Philip Alston at his
house in Chatham with a few followers.
On 18th July, 1781, he made a descent upon a court-martial at Pittsboro^
and took the officers prisoners, and carried them to Wilmington.
On 14th August, 1781, he entered Campbellton (now Fayctteville), and
carried off Col. Ennett, Captain Winslow and others.
On 1st September following, a battle was fought at McFall's mill, on the
Raft Swamp, between him and the friends of liberty, On the 13th he and
McNeill entered Hillsboro', then the seat of government, seized the Go-
vernor of the State (Thomas Burke), and other prominent Whigs, and pro-
ceeded with the utmost rapidity to Wilmington. General Butler endeavored
to intercept them with a superior force, and did so at Lindley -s Mills on
Cane Creek, where an engagement took place on the following day. Fan-
nen was severely wounded, but retreatea with his prisoners, whom he de-
livered to Mieg'or Craig at Wilmington.
In 1782 Fannen mf^e his way to Charleston, and from thence retreated
to Nova Scotia, where he died in 1825./
James Fauntelrov Tatlor was a native of Chatham County. He was a
son of Captain Philip Taylor, of the revolutionary army. He was bom July,
1791. His early education was conducted by Wm.bingham, in Orange County.
He graduated at Chapel Hill in 1810 ; studied law with Chief Justice Taylor;
licensed in 1812; elected a member of the House of Commons from Wake
County in 1823 ; elected Attorney-General in 1825 ; and died June, 1828,
leaving a widow and several children ; one of whom (the only son), is the
present Librarian of the State, at Raleigh, and one of the daughters, wife of
Perrin Bnsbee, Esq., of Raleieh.
Mr. Taylor was blessed with a clear, discriminating intellect, improved by
all the advantages of the age. His talents were of a high order, and duly
appreciated by his country. In the administration of the criminal law,
while the. guilty had nothing to hope, the oppressed and innocent had po-
thin^ to fear. He was loved by all who knew him for his generous and social
qualities, and had his career not terminated at so early an age, it would have
been brilliant to his own fame and useful to the State. When the cruel
hand of death enters and destroys such bright prospects and glowing hopes,
we feel, with Burke, " the vanity of all eaHhly pursuits, and what shadows
we are, and what shadows we pursue.^'
Hon. Charlks Manlt is a native of Chatham ; graduated at the University
in 1814 ; studied law with the late Robert Williams, whom he succeeded as
Treasurer of the University. He was for a long time Reading Clerk of the
House of Commons.
In 1845, he was elected Governor, and, in 1849, defeated by the Hon. David
Settle Reid.
Hon. Abraham Rbnchbr is a resident of Chatham County.
He graduated at Chapel Hill, in 1822 ; elected a member of Congress in
1829, and served continuously until 1839 ; elected again in 1841.
In 1843, he was appointed Charg6 d' Affaires from the United States to
Portugal, where he resided for several years, discharging his duties with
satisfaction to the government and honor and credit to himself.
* I am indebted to a letter from the Hoo. David L. Swain to Dr. Johnson, of Charleston,
for the facts relative to this man. 1 have had very many reasons to thank Gov. Swain for
hia liberality and kindness, and for a friendship (commenced in 1827 in Judge Taylor's
law office), which has continued to this day. In gratitude for this uninterrupted friend-
phm, the many acts oi kindness, and a high esteem for his talents and his worth, I have
deoieated my woik to him.
86
BISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Hon. John D. Toover resides in Chatham, for a sketch of whom the reader
is referred to Cumberland County.
Hugh McQueen is a native of Chatham, and represented her several jearg
in both branches of the Legislature ; member of the Convention in 1835 ;
Attorney-General in 1840, which he resigned in 1842. He removed to Texas
soon after, and took a distinguished part in the struggles for liberty.
John S. Guthrie, now dead, was a native and resident of Chatham, and
represented her for many years in the Legislature. Of him, one may say, as
Hamlet —
** Alas, poor Yorick !
I knew him well, Horatio ; a fellow of infinite jest.
Of most excellent fancy.*'
Nature had done much for him ; education but little ; he, himself, much less.
There might be other names recorded in these sketches connected with
Chatham, but our limits require precision ; another edition may extend the
notices of this patriotic county and her sons.
Members of the General Assembly from Chatham County, from
the first session under the Constitution to the last session 1850-51.
Years. Senators.
1777. Ambrose Ramsay,
1778. Ambrose Ramsay,
1779. Ambrose Ramsay,
1780. Ambrose Ramsay,
1781. Ambrose Ramsay,
1782. William B. Smith,
1783. Ambrose .Ramsay,
1784. Ambrose Ramsay,
1785. Ambrose Ramsay,
1786. Ambrose Ramsay,
1787. Ambrose Ramsay,
1788. Ambrose Ramsay,
1789. George Lucas,
1790. Joseph Stewart,
1791. Joseph Stewart,
1792. Joseph Stewart,
1793. Joseph Stewart,
1794. Joseph Stewart,
1795. Joseph Stewart,
1796. Lemuel Smith,
1797. George Lucas,
1798. Joseph Stewart,
1799. James Gaines,
1800. James Gaines,
1801. Lemuel Smith,
1802. Joseph J. Alston,
1803. Joseph J. Alston,
1804. William Brantley,
1805. William Brantley,
1806. Winship Stedman,
1807. John Farrar,
1808. John Farrar,
1809. Roderick Gotten,
1810. Micajah McGee,
1811. Roderick Gotten,
1812. Micajah McGee,
1813. John Farrar,
House of Commons.
Alexander Clark, John Birdson.
Alexander Clark, James Williams.
Jeduthan Harper, John Lutrell.
Mial Scurlock, James Williams.
James Williams, John Ledbill.
James Williams, John Ledhill.
Matthew Jones, Richard Ilennon.
Elisha Cain, Joseph Stewart.
Joseph Stewart, Roger Griffith.
James Anderson, Joseph Stewart.
James Anderson, Joseph Stewart
James Anderson, Joseph Stewart.
James Anderson, Joseph Stewart.
James Anderson, John Mebane.
John Mebane, James Anderson.
James Anderson, John Mebane.
George Lucas, John Mebane.
George Lucas, John Dabney.
John Mebane, Mial Scurlock.
John Dabney, Thomas Stokes.
Thomas Stokes, John Dabney.
George Lucas, John Mebane.
John Dabney, John Mebane.
James Alston, John Mebane.
John Dabney, John Mebane.
George Dismukes, John Dabney.
John Mebane, John Dabney.
John Farrar, Andrew Headen.
John Farrar, William O'Kelly.
Andrew Headen, John Farrar.
John Mebane, Andrew Headen.
John Mebane, Andrew Headen.
John Mebane, Charles Kennon.
Mark Bynum, Nathan Stedman.
Andrew Headen, John Mebane.
Mark Bynum, William O'Kelly.
Bartholomew Lightfoot^ John B. Uebane.
OHBROEBB COXTSTl.
87
Yearf. Senators.
1814. Andrew Headen,
1815. John Farrar,
1816. John Farrar,
1817. John Farrar,
1818. William O'Kelly,
1819. John Farrar,
1820. Jesse Braj,
1822. Jesse Bray,
1823. Robert Marsh,
1824. Robert Marsh,
1825. Robert Marsh,
1826. Robert Marsh,
1827. Joseph Ramsay,
1828. Joseph Ramsay,
1829. Joseph Ramsay,
1830. Joseph Ramsay,
1831. William Reneber,
1832. Nathan A. Stedman,
1833. Nathan A. Stedman,
1834. Hugh McQueen,
1835. Hugh McQueen,
1836. Wifiiam Albright,
1838. Wmiam Albright,
1840. WUliam Albright,
1842. William Albright,
1844. William Albright,
1846. William Albright,
1348. William Albright,
1850. J. &. Haughton,
Members of the House of Commons.
John A. Ramsay, William O'Kelly.
John A. Ramsay, William O'Relly.
William O'Kelly, Richard C. Gotten.
Richard C. Gotten, John J. Alston.
Richard G. Gotten, John A. Ramsay.
Thomas Hill, John A. Ramsay.
Richard Freeman, James G. mrbee. /^
W. C. Gotten, W. Underwood.
William Underwood, A. Ramsay.
Ambrose K. Ramsay, William Underwood.
William Underwood, J. J. Brooks.
Ambrose K. Ramsay. Thomas Hill.
Nathaniel G. Smith, Nathan A. Stedman.
Nathaniel G. Smith, Joseph J. brooks.
Joseph J. Brooks, Hugh McQueen.
Nathaniel G. Smith, Joseph J. Brooks.
Joseph J. Brooks, Hugh McQueen.
John S. Guthrie, Hugh McQueen.
H. G. Gotten, John S. Guthrie.
R. G. Gotten, William Foushee.
R. G. Gotten, John S. Guthrie.
Spencer McGIennahan, John S. Guthrie,
Richard G. Gotten.
Spencer McGIennahan, John S. Guthrie,
R. G. Gotten.
Spencer McGIennahan, John S. Guthrie,
Isaac Glegg.
John S. Gutnrie, Thomas Lassiter, John J.
Jackson.
D. Hackny, J. H. Hanghton, J. S. Guthrie.
Daniel Hackny, Thomas Lassiter, Maurice
Q. Waddle.
Daniel Hackny, McGIennahan, Headen.
R. G. Gotten, Dan. Hackny, G. M. Braxier,
CHAPTER XVIII.
CHEROKEE COUNTY.
Cherokee County was formed in 1839, from Macon County.
Its name is derived from the tribe of Indians who once owned a
part of this county.
It is situated in the extreme south-western part of the State, and
bounded on the north by White Mountain, which separates it
from Tennessee and the County of Macon, on the east by Macon
County, south by the Georgia hne, and west By Tennessee.
Its capital is Murphy^ named in compliment to the Hon. Archi-
bald D. Murphy, once a Judge of our Siq)erior Court, and for whose
biography reference is made to Orange County, of which he was a
16
88 HI3T0RT OF NORTH OABOliINA.
resident. Distance from Baleigh, three hundred and sixty-seyen
miles.
This region of country is picturesque and beautiful. The early
traditions of the aborigines in this region, have been preserved in
the pleasant fiction of Oneguikee, written by the Hon. Robert
Strange.
Its popnlation is 6,493 whites; 337 slaves ; 8 free negroes ; 6 JOS represeni-
ative. population.
Its prodacts are 2J60 bushels of wheat; 12,787 bushels of oats; 1,203
bushels of rye ; 167,167 bushels of corn ; 1,075 dollars in gold.
By the act of 1840, Cherokee, Haywood, and Macon Counties,
form the fiftieth Senatorial District. Her senators were — 1844 and
1846, Michael Francis ; 1848 and 1850, Wm. H. Thomas.
Ever since Cherokee has had a representative in the General
Assembly, that honor has been conferred on George W. Hayes,
whose indefatigable exertions, untiring energy and abilities have
greatly contributed to her advancement and relief.
CHAPTER XIX.
CHOWAN COUNTY.
Date of formation — Origin of name — Situation and boundaries — Capital^
Edenton — Population and products — Climate and soil — Colonial and revo*
lutionary history — Its distinguished citizens — Samuel Johnston, Hugh Wil-
liamson, James Iredell, Sen., James Iredell, Jr., Stephen Cabarrus, Joseph
Uewes and others — Members of Legislature.
Chowan County was one of the original precincts of the Lords
Proprietors, under charter of King Charles H., and derives its name
from the tribe of Indians, Chowahokes, who once owned and in-
habited this territory.
It is situated in the north-eastern part of the State ; boimded on
the north by Gates County, on the east by Perquimans, on the
south by the Albemarle Soimd, and on the west by the Chowan
River, which separates it from Gates and Hertford Counties.
Its capital is Edenton, named in compliment after Charles Eden,
the royal Governor of the Province in 1720. He died in 1722,
and lies buried in Bertie County. A sketch of Governor Eden has
been already written, and will be found in vol. i. page 39.
This ancient borough was settled in 1716, which was originally
called Queen Anne's Creek.
Its population is 2,944 white ; 104 free negroes; 3,673 slaves ; 5,251 federal
'ation.
products are 15,340 bushels of wheat ; 13,962 bushels of QvJi^ \ 282,200
population.
Its
CHOWAN ooxrsTX. 89
bushels of corn ; 1,267,297 pounds of cotton ; 2,681 pounds of wool ; 18,455
barrels of fish ; 624 barrels of turpentine.
About five miles south-east or Edcnton, about one hundred yards from
Albemarle Sound, are the graves of Henderson Walker, and others, from
whose tombs the following is copied.
** Here lies ye body of Henderson Walker, Esq., President of ^e Council,
and Commander-in-chief of North Carolina; during whose administration ye
province enioyed that tranquillity which it is to be wished it may never want.
&e departed this life, 14th April, 1704, aged 44 years."
On another grave near, is a stone with the following inscription : —
** Here lies ye body of Madam Anne Mosely, w^fe of Edward Mosely, Esq.
She was ye daughter of Major Alexander Lillington, Eso., and ye widow of
the Hon. Henderson Walker, Esq., late President of his Majesty's Council in
North Carolina. She departed this life, November 18th, Anno i)omini, 1732,
aged 55 years and 5 months."
The ancient records of the Court at Edenton are of great interest. They
are filed in the Superior Court Clerk's office. These records are well written,
containing four hundred and twenty-five pages. From these it appears that
the courts for Carolina, north of (Jape Fear, were first held at tne house of
Capt. John Hecklefield, 28th October, 1712, on Little River; then in March,
1715, at the house of Capt. Richard Sanderson ; and on the 27th March, 1722,
at Edenton ; Christopher Gale, Chief Justice, and seven assistante presiding.
SiTH SoTHEL, who was Qovemor of North Carolina in 1683, resided in
this county. His character reflecto no credit upon his memory. It is refer-
red to in voL i. 31.
His will is extant.* The first item "gives to his loving friend Francis
Hartly, the plantation on which he lived tor the term of four years, and two
thirds of his seignory, bounded on Flatty Creek, and Pasquotank River, for
the term of the lives of said Hartly, after the decease of his wife, Aiina
Sothel."
He gives, in the second item, "to Edward Forster, his father-in-law, his plan-
tation at Cuscopenum, and thirty head of cattle, and a negro man. He gives,
in the third item, William Dnckenfield, William Wilkinson, and Henderson
Walker, five pounds each, to buy a good mourning ring. He gives, in the
fourth item, Edward Wald the plantation whereon Thomas Edwards now
lives, on Little River, for his life, and, after his death, to Anna Sothel."
In the fifth item, he gives "all the remainder of his estate, goods, and
chattels, to Anna Sothel forever, and appointe her whole and sok executor
of his will."
The will is dated January 20th, 1689, and witnessed by Wm. Wilkinson,
Henderson Walker, John Lowds, William Wobland, and Sarah Wobland, and
proved in Court 3d February, 1693.
The personal estate was appraised on the 9th July, 1695, and delivered to
Thomas Pollock, and consisted of a negro man valued at £40 ; an Indian
woman and child, £15 ; an Indian boy, £12 ; 21 bushels salt, at 3^., £3 Zs, ;
1 pun, at £1; 203 pounds nails at £1: 100 sheep, at £40; 300 pounds of
tobacco, at £1 5s, ; bed and bolster, £2 ; 97 dressea buckskins, £9 16«. ; 126
dressed doeskins, £9 9«. ; 50 pounds gunpowder, £3 I5s. ; rum, 28. 6d. in
\cuniy pay.
Until July, 1680, all accounts in the colony were kept in tobacco.
The beautiful sheet of water in front of Edenton preserves the
name of General George Monk, Duke op Albemarle ; whose efforts
restored Charles the Second to his crown and kingdom, and who
* In the office of Secretary of State at Raleigh, " Proceeding of the General Court of
Albemarle, from Nov. 1709 to 1712 ;" bound in{»archment. I am indebted to the kindneis of
the Hon. David L». Swain for thia.
90 HISTOBT OF HO&TH CABOLDTA.
•
was one of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. He was bom 1608.
He was originally a soldier of fortune in the royal army of Charles
the First ; he deserted him and offered his services to Cromwell, and
on his death contributed to restore Charles the Second. Pepys, a
cotemporary, styles him " as a dull heavy man, who will not hinder
but cannot aid business. He took advantage of circumstances
to make his fortune and gratify his passion for power and place.
He cared nothing for his country, but only for himself."* He had
some pretensions to literature, and wrote on political and military
subjects. He died in 1670.
From an old custom house book now in the possession of J. M.
Jones, Esq., of Edenton, it appears that in July 1768 the ship
Amelia cleared hence with an assorted cargo, among which were
"three bags of cotton.*'
The climate is mild, but in the fall unhealthy. The winter is
generally mild, but sometimes severe. The Albemarle Sound in
i772 was completely frozen over.f
The early history of Chowan is full of incident, and with a
biography of its distinguished citizens presents an inviting field of
itself for a volume of interest and information. Will not some
able hand enter the field, reap its rich products, and garner up a
harvest "so fair, so bright, and so full of goodly fruit r*
The devotion of her sons to the cause of liberty is worthy of
our admiration and regard.
To the general meeting of deputies of the inhabitants of North Carolina
at Newbern on 25th August, 17/4, (the first assembly of the people adverse
to the royal authority,) the members from Chowan were Samuel Johxson,
Thomas Oldham, Thomas Benburt, Thomas Jones, and Thomas Hunter.
The same appeared at Newbern in April 1775, and at llillsboro' at the
meeting on 21st August, 1775: the same appeared with James Blouxt, and
Josiah Grandberry.
In the Congress at Halifax 12th November, 1776, which formed. the State
Constitution, the delegates were James Blount, Thomas Benbury, Thomas
Jones, Luke Sumner, and Jacob Hunter.
The patriotism of the men was even exceeded by that of the women.
By some strange freak of circumstance many years ago, there was found
at Gibraltar, a beautiful picture, done in a skillful style enameled on glass, "a
meeting of the ladies of Edenton destroying the tea (their favorite beverage)
when taxed by the English Parliament.'' This picture was procured by some
of the officers of our Navy, and was sent to Edenton, where I saw it in 1830.
The following record is extracted from the American Archives (4th series,
Tol. i. 891).
** EoENTON, North Carolina,
" 25^ Oct., 1774.
** As we cannot be indifferent on any occasion that appears to affect the
peace and happiness of our country, and as it has been thought necessary for
the public good to enter into several particular resolves by a meeting of the
members of the deputies from the wnole province, it is a duty we owe, not
only to our near and dear relations and connections, but to ourselves, who
are essentially interested in their welfare, to do everything as far as lies in
* Bancroft, it. 29. f WilliamsoD, i. 177.
CHOWAN COUNTY. 91
our power to testify our sincere adherence to the same; we therefore do ac-
oordm^Iy subscribe this paper as a witness of our fixed intention and solemn
determination.
" Signed by fifty-six ladies.''
Samuel Johnston, who resided aiid died in Chowan, was a native of Scot-
land. He was as distinguished for his amiable virtues as for his zeal in the
cause of liberty.
He was a member from Chowan County in 1775 to the General Meeting at
Kewbern. He, on the death of John Harvey, succeeded as Moderator of
this assembly, and was the President of the Provincial Council. This officer
was the actual Oovemor of the State in the interregnum between the abdica-
tion of Governor Martin, the last of the royal governors, and the accession of
Governor Caswell under the Constitution. He was present at Halifax during
the deliberations of the Convention which formed tne Constitution, although
not a member, took a deep interest in the momentous questions before that
body, and contributed by his genius, talents, and influence, to preserve its
conservative character. It' is wonderful that the Constitution then formed
was so free from objection, as that it should remain nearly sixty years un-
touched or altered. North Carolina was the first State to declarjs her indepen-
dence, so her State Constitution was among the earliest formed. No other
State had made landmarks as a guide in this new and untried journey. Just
bursting from the shackles of the aristocratic forms of the English Govern-
ment, new questions arose that demanded the sagacity and prudence of the
most experienced statesman. The views of Samuel Johnston were eminently
conservative. He was opposed to many features of the Constitution, as sit
first reported. He viewed the departure too great from the principles of the
English Government, and considered the unbridled will of the people as
dangerous to true liberty, as the tvranny of an irresponsible monarch. He
opposed vehemently the clause giving to the people the election of Justices of
the Peace. Had he lived to this day and viewed the working of our system,
time and experience might have modified his views.
In 1780 he was elected a member of the Continental Congress which as-
sembled at Philadelphia, and served until 1782.
He was elected governor in 1787. lie was the unqualified admirer of the
Federal Constitution, and was President of the Convention, while Governor
of the State, which met at Hillsboro' 21 st July 1788, to consider the Constitu-
Uon, and by which body it was rejected ; ana also of the Convention which
met at Fayetteville Nov. 1789, which ratified that i*trument.
. He was the first Senator from North Carolina in 1789, and served until
1793. He was appointed Judge of the Superior Court in February 1800,
which he resigned in November 1803,
After enjoying every honor that the State could heap upon him, he volun-
tarily resigned all public employment, deeming what the wise soldier of
Charles V., when he resigned his commission, declared so necessary, **AHquid
iemptis interesse debet viimn mortem que,'* and peacefully departed this li& in
they^ar 1816.*
lie left one son, James C. Johnston, Esq., of Edenton. His sister Hannah
married Hon. James Iredell, whose biography we shall presently offer.
Hugh Williamson was a member of the House of Commons in 1782, from
the borough of Edenton, and again from the county in 1785. Elected by
the Colonial Congress a member of the Continental Congress in 1782, and
served until 1785 ; and again in 1787, and served until 1788. He was
selected in 1787 as a delegate from North Carolina to the Convention which
formed the Federal Constitution, to which instrument, his name (with Wil-
liam Blount and Richard Dobbs Spaight) is appended.
He was a native of Pennsylvania, born 5th of December, 1735, in West
Nottingham township. His father was an Irishman, a respectable clothier
• it Some time on^ht to intervene between the life tnd death."
92 HISTOBT OF KOBTH CAROLINA.
in Dublin, and emigrated to this country in 1730. His mother, Mary Dayid-
0on, was Irish, and came to this country with her fkther, George IJaTidson,
when about three years old. On their way they were captured by Teach, or
Blackboard, the celebrated pirate, by whom, after being piundored, they were
released. Ilis parents were married in 1731, and had ten children, of which
Hugh was the oldest. lie was educated at the University of Pennsylvania^
at which he graduated in 1757. He studied Divinity, and was licensed to
preach by the Philadelphia Presbytery ; but after preaching two years, he
resigned on account of ill health. In 1760, he was appointed Professor of
Mathematics in the University of Pennsylvania. In 1764, be resigned and
went to Edinburgh to study medicine. In 1772, he returned and practiced his
profession in Philadelphia. He was sent with Rev. Dr. Ewing to England,
to raise funds for a literary institution at Newark. This was at the time of
the destruction of tea in the Boston Harbor, and the vessel in which Dr.
Williamson sailed to England, took the first news of this occurrence to
England. This daring measure excited much feeline in England. Dr. Wil-
liamson was examined before the Privy Council in February, 1774. He as-
sured the Council that if the measures of Parliament were persisted in, civil
war and revolution must be the inevitable conseq^uences.
Dr. Williamson obtained the possession of certain letters while in England,
written by the Royal Governor of Massachusetts, and Mr. Oliver, Secretary
of the Province, and others, to Thomas Whately, Esq., member of Parlia-
ment, and Private Secretary to Lord Granville. These letters he handed to
Dr. Franklin, and sailed next day for Holland. Dr. Franklin transmitted
these letters to his friends in Boston, and they were published. The indig-
nation of the people knew no bounds. The House of Representatives, in a
remonstrance to the King, charged the Governor with perndy and falsehood,
and declared him an enemy to the colonies.*
Dr. Williamson made a tour through Holland and the low countries, when
the news of the Declaration of Independence reached him, and he determined
to return home.
He sailed for the United States in December, from Nantz. When off the
Capes of Delaware, the vessel was attacked and captured by a British man-
of-war; but he escaped in an open boat, with important dispatches to our
Government. ^
He undertook a journey next vear to Charleston, with a younger brother,
in a mercantile speculation. At Charleston, he purchased a vessel, and
loaded her for Baltimore. General Howe at this time entered the Chesa-
peake Bay ; to avoid ca^ure. Dr. Williamson ordered his vessel to Edenton.
That circumstance carried him to Edenton, and he was induced to remain;
a position favorable to the practice of his profession. He was also con-
cerned with his brother in his mercantile operations in the West India trade.
In the winter, 1779, when the British had possession of Charieston, the
State of North Carolina ordered a draft of five thousand men, under command
of Governor Caswell. Governor Caswell appointed Dr. Williamson at the head
of the medical staff, and was with the army at the fatal battle of Camden,
August, 1780. After the battle, he requested a flas of truce, under which he
went to his unfortunate countrymen, wounded and prisoners, and remained
two months, dressing their wounds, clothing them out of his own pocket.
This act was highly philanthropic, and deservedly places the character of
Dr. Williamson in high esteem as a patriot and Christian.
He returned to Edenton, and in 1782, represented Edenton in the House
of Commons. In 1784, he was sent to Congress for three years, and 1787,
appointed a delegate to the Convention which formed the Constitution of the
united States, 17th September, 1787.
The Constitution was unpopular in North Carolina, and for his devoted
advocacy to its forms. Dr. Williamson lost much of his pof)ularity. But this
was but momentary, for he represented the Edenton District in Congress, in
* Memoirs of the Life and Writing^ of Franklin. Quarto, page 183, Loud, ed., 1818.
CHOWAN coxmrr. 98
1790, ^91 and '92. He had married in New Tork, in 1789, Maria, daughter of
Hon. Charles Ward Aothrope.
By this union he had two sons, his wife dying when the youngest was but
% few days old.
. This severe affliction caused Dr. Williamson to retire from public employ-
ment, and devote himself to literary pursuits^ at the time residing in New
York.
In 1811, he published ''Observations on Climate in the different parts of
America, compared with the Climate in corresponding parts of the other
continent,'' in 1 vol. 8vo.
In 1812, appeared his " History of North Carolina," in 2 vols. 8vo.
In 1814, he was associated with De Witt Clinton in forming the Literary
snd Philosophical Society of New York.
His health, never strong, had been wonderfully preserved by the uniform
temperance and regularity of his habits.
He died very suddenly, on the 22d of May, 1819, while taking his usual
evening ride with his nie6e.
No man ever lived in our State, whose character for justice and integrity
stood higher. Uis aims were for his country and her honor. His labors as
a member of Congress, were more in the closet and committee-room, than in
debate, and yet his elocution was striking and effective. Mr. Jefferson said
of him that *' He was a very useful member, acute mind, and of a high de-
gree of erudition.^'
Hon. WiLLTAV CuMviNo was a lawyer in Chowan in olden times. He
represented the State in the Continental Congress, in 1784, and the town
of^Edenton, in 1788, in the House of Commons.
Jaxis Iredell, one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of the United
States in 1790, was from Chowan County.
He was a native of England, bom at Lewes, in Sussex County, on the 5th
October, 1750. lie emigrated to North Carolina when only 17 years old.
He studied law with Gov. Samuel Johnston, whose sister Hannah he married
in July, 1773. He held, under his relative, Henry Eustace McCullock (who
was, under the crown, Collector of the port of Edenton), the office of Deputy
Collector, and was afterwards appointed Collector, which valuable office he
held until the Revolution. He was removed in consequence of his adherence
to the principles of freedom and interestii of America. He was a gentleman
of fine personal appearance, great intelligence, profound acquirements, and
unspotted integrity.
He was admitted to the bar in 1776. By his talents and industry he soon
rose to position and influence. He was elected by tbe General Assembly
Judge of the Superior Court, on the 20th December, 1777, which he resigned
in August, 1778.
He (in 1778) was a member of the Convention at Hillsboro', to delibe-
nte upon the Federal Constitution, and was its able exponent and eloquent
defenaer.
He was afterwards (in November, 1779) appointed Attorney-General, and
tesigned soon afterwards.
In February, 1790, without his knowledge, he was appointed by General
Washington one of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the
United States.
Chief Justice Marshall, in a letter to Judge Murphy (Oct. 6th, 1827), ex-
pressed his opinion as to the nierits of Judge Iredell as a man of talents and
professional worth.
In the presidential election of 1797 he received three electoral votes for
President of the United States.
The State has preserved his memory in the patriotic county named after him
(in 1788), which was done on motion of General John Steele, of Rowan County.
Full of years and full of honors, he died 20th October, 1799, leaving two
daughters and one son,
94 BISTORT OF HOBTH CABOUNA.
James Tredill, who has been a Judge of the Saperior Coart, Speaker (^ the
House of Commons, Goyernor of the State, and Senator in Congress.
He was bom in Chowan County in 1788. His first appearance in public
life was in 1816, as member of the House of Commons. In 1817 ana 1818
he was elected Speaker.
In the war of 1812 he commanded a company of volunteers, and marched
to Norfolk, Ya., to repel the invasions of the British. In this company, the
late Qavin Hoee, Esq., of Raleigh, was a lieutenant.
In March, 1819, he was appointed a Judge of the Superior Court, which he
resigned in the May following.
m was elected Governor of the State December, 1827, and Senator in
Congress in 1828, in which he served until 1831.* He now resides at Raleigh,
where he is engaged in the practice of his profession, and is Reporter of the
Decisions of the Supreme Court
He married a daughter of the late Samuel Treadwell, late Collector of
the port of Edenton, by whom he has a large and interesting family ; one of
whom married Cadwallader Jones, Jr., Esq., of Hilisboro' ; another to
Griffiths J. McRee, of Wilmington, and another to Dr. Charles E. Johnson,
of Raleigh.
Stephen Cabarrus was also a resident of Chowan. He was a native of
France, and a man of active mind, generous feelings, and liberal sentiments.
In 1784 he entered politics, and was repeatedly elected a member of the
House of Commons from Edenton, and often Speaker of the House. The
County of Cabarrus preserves his name, and of nis early life, character, and
aervices more will be presented at some future period.
Thomas Jones, of Chowan, in early days, was a devoted patriot and tried
republican. Between him, Willie Jones, Richard Caswell, and Thomas
Burke rests the honor of having written the Constitution of North Carolina.
We regret'that more is not known of his life, character, services, and
death.
Joseph Hewes, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence of
4th July, 1776, was a resident of Chowan. He was born in New Jersey in
1735, and was a merchant by profession. He represented this countv in the
Assembly in 1774 and 1775. In 1774 he was elected a member of the Con-
tinental Congress, and served until 1777, and was chosen again to the same
place in 1779-80. In April, 1776, by the Provincial Congress at Halifax, he
waa appointed (with Wm. Hooper and John Penn) delegate to the Conti-
nental Congress, at Philadelphia. He died while attending to his duties as
a member of Congress at Philadelphia, and was buried in Christ Church in
that city. His funeral, attended by the President, Congress, the French
minister, and other persons of distinction, was conducted with much pomp.
He left a large fortune, but no children to inherit it. Mr. Hewes was in
S^rson prepossessing, his countenance expressive of great amenity of temper,
is reputation for probity and honor was unspotted.*
It has been before stated that it is not verv flattering to our State pride
that not one of the signers to our national Declaration oi Independence from
l(orth Carolina was a native of our State. Wm. Hooper was a Boston man,
Joseph Hewes was a New Jersey man, and John Penn was a Virginian.
Hon. Charles Johnson was oflen a member of the Senate, and a member
of Congress from this district in 1801. He lived on Chowan River, and was
father of Charles E. Johnson, and grandfather of Dr. Charles Johnson, now
of Raleigh.
Hon. Samuel T. Sawter, now of Norfolk, Ya., is • a native of Chowan.
* Sanderson's Biography of the Signers of the Declaration of IndependoBce, vol. v. p.
147. Philadelphia, 1S28.
CHOWAK COONTT.
96
Hi8 father. Dr. Matthias B. Sawyer, was distingnished for his talents and
learning. His uncle, Hon. Lemuel Sawder, represented this district for
manj years. Miy. Sawyer was by education a lawyer. He entered public
life in 1829 as a member of the House of Commons, and served until 1832.
In 1837 he was elected to Congress, and served one Congress. In 1840 he
was defeated by Hon. Kenneth Kay ner. He has since settled in Norfolk,
"where he is pursuing his profession, and the able editor of a paper (Argus).
Col. Robert T. Paine is a native of Chowan ; bom 18th February, 1812.
Educated at Trinity College, Connecticut. By profession a lawyer. Entered
public life in 1838 as member of the House of Commons. He was appoint-
ed by Governor Graham Colonel of the North Carolina Regiment, in the
war with Mexico, with John A. Fagg, of Buncombe, Lieutenant-Colonel ; and
M. S. Stokes, of Wilkes, as Major.
After his return from Mexico he was appointed by the President (with
Hon. George Evans and another) Commissioner, to settle the claims under the
Mexican treaty.
On the 21st September, 1846, Charles Hoskins, of this county, in the 33d
year of his age, was killed in the battle of Monterey. He was a Native of
Edenton, grskduated at the Military Academy in 183C, and joined his com-
pany in the 4th regiment of infantry in the Cherokee nation. In 1839 he
went with his regiment to Fort Gibson, Arkansas.
In 1845 he accompanied his regiment to Corpus Christi, and did good ser-
vice at Palo Alto and Resaca de fa Palma, and fell at Monterey.
On the 2d January, 1847, the General Assembly adopted resolutions ex-
pressive of their sincere respect for his character, and their sympathy for his
early fate.
Hon. AnoTTSTus Moorb, late a judge of our Superior Court, was a resident
of Edenton. He was graduated at the Universitv in 1824, read law with
Charles R. Kinney, in Elizabeth City, and practiced with great success. He
was apiwinted Judge in 1848, but he resigned the same year, and died very
Buddenly in April 1851.
EDENTON.
LIST OF MEMBERS TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
Years. House of Commons.
1774. Joseph Hewes,
1775. Joseph Hewes,
1776. Joseph Hewes,
1777. John Green,
1778. Joseph Hewes,
1779. Joseph Hewes,
1780. Robert Smith,
1781. Robert Smith,
1782. Hugh Williamson,
1783. William Cumming,
1784. Stephen Cabarrus,
1785. Stephen Cabarrus,
1786. Stephen Cabarrus,
1787. Stephen Cabarrus,
1788. William Cumming,
1790. John Hamilton,
1791. John Hamilton,
1792. John Hamilton,
1793. William Cumming,
1794. Robert Hardy,
1795. Stephen Cabarrus,
1796. Thomas Johnson,
Yean, House of Commons.
1797.
1798.
1799.
1800.
1801.
1802.
1803.
1804.
1805.
1806.
1807.
1808.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
1816.
1817.
1818.
Thomas Johnson,
James Greenbury,
John Blount,
William Slade,
Josiah Collins,
Nathaniel Allen,
Jos. B. Littlejohn,
Thomas Johnson,
Allen Gilchrist,
William Slade,
Jos. B. Skinner,
Wm. A. Littlejohn,
John Beasley,
Matbias E. Sawyer,
Mathias E. Sawyer,
Henry Flury,
James Iredell,
Jos. B. Skinner,
Jos. B. Skinner,
James Iredell,
James Iredell,
James Iredelli
06
HI6T0BT OF NOBTH CAROLINA.
Tears. Houm of Commons.
1819. James Iredell,
1820. James Iredell,
1821. George Blair, Jr.
1822. George Blair, Jr.
1823. James Iredell,
1824. James Iredell,
1825. James Iredell,
1826. James Iredell,
1827. James Iredell,
Years. House of Commons.
1828. James Bozman, ,
1829. Samuel T. Sawyer,
1830. Samuel T. Sawyer,
1831. Samuel T. Sawyer,
1832. Samuel T. Sawyer,
1833. J. Malachi Haughton,
1834. Frederick Noscum,
1835. Hugh W. Collins.
Members of the General Assembly from Chowan County, from
the adoption of the Constitution to 1850-51,
House of CoimnoQS.
Thomas Benbury, Jacob Hunter.
Wm. Boyd, Thomas Benbury.
Wm. Boyd, Thomas Benbury.
Wm. Boyd, Thomas Benbury.
Michael Payne, Thomas Benbury.
Michael Payne, Thomas Benbury.
Stephen Chambers, Richard Benbury.
Clement Hall, Michael Payne.
Hu^h Williamson, Clement Hall.
Josiah Copeland, Lemuel Creecy.
Josiah Copeland, Lemuel Creecy.
Stephen Cabarrus, Lemuel Creecy.
Stephen Cabarrus, Lemuel Creecy.
Stephen Cabarrus, Richard Benbury.
Stephen Cabarrus, Lemuel Creecy.
Stephen Cabarrus, Benjamin Comeld.
Benjamin CoiEeld, Richard Benbury.
Benjamin Coffield, Richard Benbury.
Richard Benbury, Benjamin Coffield.
Richard Benbury, Benjamin Coffield.
Richard Benbury, Shadenck Felton.
John B, Bennett, Stephen Cabarrus.
Stephen Cabarrus, Reuben Small.
Stephen Cabarrus, Reuben SmalL
Stephen Cabarrus, Reuben Small.
Stephen Cabarrus, Samuel McGuire.
Stephen Cabarrus, Reuben SmalL
Stephen Cabarrus, Benjamin Coffield.
Samuel McGuire, Baker Hoskins.
Frederick Norcum, Baker Hoskins.
Samuel McGuire, Baker Hoskins.
Samuel McGuire, Miles Welch.
Samuel McGuire, Micajah Bunch.
Thomas Coffield, Samuel McGuire.
Micajah Bunch, Thomas Coffield. ■
John Goodwin, Henry Skinner.
John Goodwin, Henry Skinner.
Wm. Saunders, Henry Skinner.
Richard T. Brownrigg, Jeremiah Mixson.
Jeremiah Mixson, James Skinner.
Samuel McGuire, Samuel Gregory.
James Skinner, Samuel Gregory.
James Skinner, Samuel Gregory.
James Skinner, Samuel Gregory.
Henry Elliott, James Skinner.
Years. Senate.
1777. Luke Sumner,
1778. Luke Sumner,
1779. Luke Sumner,
1780. Luke Sumner,
1781. Charles Johnson,
1782. Charles Johnson,
1783. Charles Johnson,
1784. Charles Johnson,
1785. Michael Payne,
1786. Jacob Jordan,
1787. Jacob Jordan,
1788. Charles Johnson,
1790. Charles Johnson,
1791. Charles Johnson,
1792. Charles Johnson,
1793. Lemuel Creecy,
1794. Lemuel Creecy,
1795. Lemuel Creecy,
1796. Lemuel Creecy,
1797. Lemuel Creecy,
1798. Lemuel Creecy,
1799. Frederick Luton,
1800. Richard Benbury,
1801. John Bond,
1802. John Bond,
1803. John Bond,
1804. John Bond,
1805. Thomas Brownrigg,
1806. Thomas Brownrigg,
1807. Thomas Brownrigg,
1808. Thomas Brownrigg,
1809. Frederick Norcum,
1810. Richard Hoskins,
1811. Richard Hoskins,
1812. Richard Hoskins,
1813. Thomas Coffield,
1814. Richard Hoskins,
1815. Richard Hoskins,
1816. Henry Skinner,
1817. Charles E. Johnson,
1818. RichM T. Brownrigg,
1819. Charles E. Johnson,
1820. Charles E. Johnson,
1821. Richard Hoskins,
1822. Rioh'd T. Brownrigg,
OLSATSLAKD COITNTT.
97
Ye&ni. Senate.
1823. TTilliam Bollock,
1824. William Bullock,
1825. William Bullock,
1826. William Bollock,
1827. William WaltOD,
1828. William Walton,
1829. William Walton,
1830. William Walton,
1831. Rioh'd T. Brownrigg,
1832. William Bullock,
1833. Jos. B. Skinner,
1834. Samoel T. Sawyer,
1835. William Bullock?
1836. William W. Cowper,
1838. Rofos R. Speed,
1840. Rofos R. Speed,
1842. Whitmel J. StalUngs,
1844. Whitmel J. Stallings,
1846. WhitmelJ. Stallings,
1848. Henry WiUey.
1850. Henry Willey,
House of Commoos.
Joshua Mewbom, Wm. Walton.
Wm. Walton, J. N. Hoskins.
Wm. Walton, Joshua Mewborn.
Josiah McKiel, William Jackson.
William Beyrum, Wm. Jackson.
Josiah McKiel, Wm. Beyrum.
Wm. Beyrum, George Blair.
Wm. Jackson, Georee Blair.
Josiah H. Skinner, Wm. Jackson.
Josiah H. Skinner, Baker F. Welch.
Baker F. Welch, Chas. W. Nixon.
Baker F. Welch, Wm. Beyrum.
Wm. Beyrum, Thomas S. Hoskins.
Thomas S. Hoskins.
Robert T. Paine.
Robert T. Paine.
Wm. R. Skinner.
Robert T. Paine.
Robert T. Paine.
Robert T. Paine.
Wm. C. BoAd.
CHAPTER XX.
CLEAVELAND COUNTY.
Date of formation — Origin of name, situation and boundaries — Capital — Popu-
lation and products — RcTolutionary history — Original documents relative
to the battle of Ring's Mountain, fought Oct. 7, 1780, in which the British
and Tories were routed, and their commander, Colonel Patrick Ferguson,
was killed, and others — List of members.
Cleaveland County was formed in 1841, out of Rutherford and
Lincoln Counties, and derives its nf^me from Colonel Benjamin
Cleaveland, of Wilkes County, who with a detachment of men from
Wilkes and Surry under his and the command of Major Joseph Win-
ston, engaged in the battle of King's Mountain. For life, character,
and services of Colonel Cleaveland, see the chapters on Wilkes and
Watauga (chapters 78, 80).
It is situated in the south-western part of the State, and is bounded
on the north by Burke County, on the east by Lincoln and Gaston,
on the south by the South Carolina line, and on the west by Ruther-
ford and McDowell Counties.
Its capital is Shelby, which town preserves the name of Isaac
Shelby, a distinguished revolutionary oflScer, whose biography is
here recorded. Its distance from Raleigh is one hundred and ninety
miles, and located on the main road from Rutherford to Salisbury;
through which the stage passes tri-weekly.
98 HI6T0BT OF NOBTH GABOUNA.
Near Shelby is a celebrated mineral spring (Wilson's), justly cele-
brated for its excellent sulphur water ; and is much resorted to in
the summer by invalids and the votaries of pleasure.
Its climate is healthful, soil luxuriant, and its inhabitants indus-
trious.
Its population is 8,592 whites ; 57 free colored ; 1,747 slaves ; 9,697 repre-
sentatiTe population.
Although a new county, its revolutionary history is full of glow-
ing incidents.^ It was on the heights of King's Mountain, which is
partly in this'county, that on the 7th Oct.,* 1780, the brave moun-
taineers of this region attacked the British troops under Colonel
Ferguson, routed them and slew him.
This glorious achievement occurred at a most gloomy period of
the Revolution. The tide of war had flown disastrously to American
liberty. The battle of Camden had prostrated all the hopes of the
patriots, and encouraged the enemies of America. But this battle
turned the tide in the South ; as the victory of Trenton under
Washington, did at the North.
In a letter of Thomas Jefferson, dated in 1822, a cony of which Lb before us,
in relation to this victory, he says, " I remember well the deep and grateful
impression made on the mind of every one, by that ever memorable victory.
It was the joyful enunciation of that turn in the tide of success, that termi-
nated the rcTolutionary war with seal of our independence."
It was achieved by raw, undisciplined men, who never before were
in battle, without any government oflBcers, or any authority from
the government under which they lived and for which they fought,
without pay, rations, or ammunition, reward, or the hope of reward.
The spirit that animated them was the patriot spirit that feels
**how sweet it is to die for one*s country."
The minute occurrences of this battle have been detailed in the
biography of General McDowell, of Burke County, to which the
reader is referred. The documents now for the first time collected
and published, afford the most satisfactory and complete proofs of
this interesting and important event.
The life and character of Isaac Shelby, that is preserved in the name of the
capital of this county, is worthy the attention of every lover of his country.
His father. General Evan Shelby, was a Welchman by birth, and came to
this country when a small lad. He settled in Maryland about a century ago.
He was distinguished for his indomitable courage, iron constitution, and clear
intellect. He fought as a Captain of Rangers under Braddock ; and distin-
Siished himself in the attack under General Forbes in 1758, in which he led
e advance, and took from the French Fort Du Quesne.
In 1772 he removed to the west, and in 1774, commanded a company under
Lewis and Dunmore, against the Indians, on the Scioto Riter. He was in
the sanguinary battle of Kenhawa, Oct. 10th, 1774, when Colonels Lewis,
Fleming, and Field were killed, and he was left the commanding officer.
In 1779, he led a strong force against the Chicamauga Indians, on the Ten-
nessee River; and was for his services and gallantry appointed a Brigadier-
General by the State of Virginia; the first officer of that grade ever appointed
on the western waters.
GLEAVEULNB COUNTY. 99
Such was the ancestor of Isaac Shelby. He was bom in Maryland, Deo.
11th, 1750. Bom to the use o£ arms, blessed with a firm and Herculean frame,
capable of great fatigue, his education was such as fitted him for the scenes
in which he was by Proyidence destined to become so prominent an actor.
His first essay in arms was as a Lieutenant, in a company commanded by his
father, in the celebrated battle at the mouth of the Kenhawa, on October 10th,
1774, on the Ohio River, the most severe and sanguinary conflict ever main-
tained with the north-western Indians. The action was from sunrise to sun-
set, with varied success. Night closed the conflict ; under its cover the cele-
brated chief, Cornstalk, who commanded the Indians, abandoned the ground.
He was employed^as surveyor under Judge Henderson's company, and re-
sided in the then wilderness of "that dark and bloody grouno,'' Kentucky,
amid dangers, privations, and difficulties, for nearly a year ; when from expo-
sure, without bread or salt, his health eave way, and he returned home.
During his absence, in July, 1776, ne had been appointed Captain of a
minute company, by the Committee of Safety in Virginia.
In 1777, Patrick Ilenry, then Governor of Virginia, appointed him Commis-
sary of Supplies for an extensive body of troops to guard the frontiers and
the commissioners, who were appointed to form a treaty at the Long Island
of the llolston River, with the Cherokees.
He was, in 1778, a member of the Virginia Legislature from Washington
County, and was appointed by Thomas Jefferson, then Governor of Virginia,
a Major in the escort of guards to the Commissioners, for extending the line
between Virginia and North Carolina.
By that line his residence was found to be in North Carolina, and he was br
Richard Caswell, then Governor of North Carolina, appointed Colonel of Sul-
livan County.
In the summer of 1780, he was engaged in Kentucky, surveying, locating,
and securing the lands which he hadfive years previously marked out, pre-
pared and improved ; when the disastrous surrender of Charleston, and the
Joss of our army roused his daring spirit to arms. He returned home, deter-
mined to enter the service of his bleeding country, and never to leave it, until
her liberty and independence were secured. On his arrival at Sullivan, he
found a reauisition from Gen. Charles McDowell, to furnish all the aid in his
power, to cneck the enemy, who had conquered Georgia and South Carolina,
and who, flushed with success, had entered North Carolina. He imme-
diately called on the militia of Sullivan, and in a few days he crossed the
Alleghanv, at the head of three hundred mounted riflemen. He reported to
General McDowell near Cherokee Ford, on Broad River, and was by him
detached with Cols. Sevier and Clarke to surprise and take a fort held hj
Captain Patrick Moore, a distinguished Tory, on the waters of Pacolet. This
was accomplished without loss of time, or men. ^he enemy surrendered as
prisoners 01 war. Capt. Moore, one British Sergeant-Major, ninety-three Tories,
two hundred and fifty stand of arms and ammunition (so needed at this crisis),
were the fruits of this victory.
Ferguson, an officer of great bravery and enterprise, a Major in the British
army and a Brigadier-General of militia, was detached by Lord Cornwallis
with a strong force to overcome the western portion of this State, and win
them to the support of the Crown. He make several attempts to surprise
Shelby, but was baffled by his vigilance and activity. On the 1st of August
1780, at Cedar Spring, the advance of the British force came up and attacked
Shelby. The grounds had been chosen by Shelby, and his adventurous spirit
did not avoid battle. A sharp conflict ensued, which lasted a half an hour,
when the whole force of Ferguson advanced. Shelby retreated, carnring from
the field fifty prisoners, and two British officers. The enemy made a rapid
pursuit, but Shelby by availing himself of every advantageous ground, gave
them such checks, that the pursuit was abandoned, and the prisoners secured.
He joined Gen. McDowell, with only a loss of ten or twelve killed and
wounded.
Under orders of Gen. McDowell, he again attacked, with 700 mounted men
100 BISTORT OF NOfilH CA&OUNA.
on the 19th of August 1780, a large body of Tories, at Muagro^^s mill on the
south side of Enoree. Ferguson with his whole force lay between. On the
night of the 18th of August, Colonel Shelby, with Colonels Clarke, and Wil-
liams, of South Carolina, left Smith's Ford on Broad River, took a circuitous
route through the woods, to avoid Ferguson, and at dawn of day (after riding
about 40 mues), attacked the patrol ofthe Tories, about half a mile from their
camp. A skirmish ensued, and several were killed ; the patrol was driven
in. At this moment, a countryman who lived near, informed Shelby that
the enemy had been the night before reinforced by a strone body of GOOreeu-
lars, under Col. Junes (Queen's American Re^ment from New York). This
was unexpected news. Fatigued as were their horses, after the hard ride all
nieht, retreat was impracticable ; to attack the enemy of such superior force,
well armed and in lull discipline, would have been rashness and certain
defeat.
*' Destruction was before them, and death was behind.'' With a courage
that never quailed, an expedient promptness never at fault, the talents of
Shelby mot this trying emergency. He instantly ordered the whole force,
except Capt. Inman, to form a breastwork of old logs and brush, to make as
brave a defence as circumstances admitted, and to sell their lives as dearly
as possible. Captain Inman, with twenty-fivo men, was sent out to meet the
enemy, as soon as he crossed the river (Enoree). The sounds of the drums
of the infantry and bueles of the cavalry, soon announced to this devoted
band, the approach of the enemy in stronz force. Ihman's orders were to
fire upon them and retreat. The British and Tories, confident of success, made
a funous onset, which Capt. Inman was unable to withstand* and therefore
retreated. Thinking that he had forced the whole of our party, the enemy
rushed forward without order and in great confusion ; the American riflemen
with sure and steady aim, opened a destructive and deadly fire, which was kept
up sharply for an hour, by which Colonel Innes was wounded ; all the British
cMmcers except a subaltern, were killed or wounded; the Tory Captain Hawsey
was shot down. The British retreated, losing sixty-three men killed, and one
hundred and sixt^ prisoners. The American loss was only four killed and
nine wounded. The brave Capt. Inman^in the pursuit, drove the enemy over
the river and fell fighting hand to hand.
Excited by this brilliant and unexpected victory, Shelby prepared to attack
tlie British post at Ninety-Six, then distant thirty miles, when an express
arrived from Gen. McDowell, with a letter from Governor Caswell, dated on
the battle ground of Camden, informing him of Gates' defeat, and advising
him to get out of the way. Prompt to act, Shelby instantly distributed his
prisoners among his men, so as to make one to every three men, and oarry-
ug them alternately on horseback, and marching all night and all next daj
until late in the evening without halting a moment for refreshments. This
saved the troops and securA the prisoners, for the next day a strong detach-
ment from Fergusoi^ sallied out to overtake the victors ; but the energy and
activity of Shelby baffled their intent. Shelby, afber seeing his party safe
over the mountains, sent the prisoners into Virginia, in charge of Cols. Clarke
and Williams. He then returned home.
The brilliancy of this affair was more bright by the dark gloom which over-
spread the public mind from the disgraceful and disastrous defeat of Gates
•at Camden. This caused Gen. McDowell to disperse his corps, and at this
moment there was no appearance of a corps of Americans south of Virginia.
This, as has been recorded, was a ** dark and doleful period" to the south.
Cornwallis at Charlotte with the main body of the whole British forces, Fer-
euson with a strong detachment which could be increased to twice its num-
bers, at Gilbert town in Rutherford County ; the whole country was under
l^e influence of the British; the hopes of the patriot, for his country were
dimmed, and many took protection under the British standard. But firm as
their native mountains, the brave spirits of the west were undismayed. K
for a moment subdued, they were not conquered.
Shelby at this gloomy moment in consultation with Col. Charles McDowell,
CLEAYELAKD COUNTT. 101
proposed to Cols. Sevier and Campbell, to raise a force from their several coun-
ties and attack Ferguson.
Thev met at Watauga on 25th September, 1780, and marched upon Fergu-
son. Their force vras as follows : —
From Burke and Rutherford Counties, commanded by Charles
McDowell - - - - - - - 160 men.
From Wilkes and Surrj Counties, under Colonel Benjamin Cleave-
land and Major Joseph Winston - - - - 350 "
From Washington County, North Carolina (now Tennessee), under
John Sevier 240 "
From Sullivan County, North Carolina, now Tennessee, under
Isaac Shelby 240 "
From Washington, Virginia, under Colonel William Campbell - 400 "
1390 "
With this force thej prepared to march.
Ferguson anticipating their attack from some deserters, left Gilbert town.
In the meantime he dispatched a letter to Lord Comwallis, at Charlotte,
floiieitine aid. His messenger was Abraham Collins (since of counterfeit
memory), and was received tob late to be of any service. He encamped ihe
first night at the Cowpens (soon to become immortal for the success of our
arms over Tarleton, iTth January, 1781). On the Sth October, he crossed
Broad River at Deer Ferry, and marched sixteen miles ; on 6th he marched
«p the Ridze Road, until he came to a right hand fork across King's Creek,
and through a gap towards Yorkville, about fourteen miles ; and on the sum-
mit of King's Mountain he encamped. Here he declared was "a place that
God Almigntv could not drive him from."
The official accounts prove the results of this battle and its important
advantages.
It completely broke dovni the Tory influence in North Carolina, and alarmed
the British so much that Lord Comwallis retreated from his position, marched
all night, and retrograded as far as Winnsboro', some sixty or eighty miles,
where he remained until reinforced by General Leslie, with troops from the
north.
Inspired by this victory, the forces of North Carolina assembled under Ge-
neral Davidson, at New Providence, near the South Carolina line. General
Smallwood, with Morgan's light corps and the Maryland line, advanced to
the same point ; General Gates, with the remains of his army, as well as the
levies from Virginia of one thousand men under General Stevens, enabled
General Greene, who was appointed to the command in December, 1780, to
hold Lord Comwallis in check.
The Legislature of North Carolina voted their thanks to Colonel Shelby
and a splendid sword.
In 1781, Shelby served under General Marion, an officer of great courage
and Enterprise. He with Colonel Mayhem were ordered to toke a British
postatFairlawn, near Monk's Corner, under the command of General Stuart.
On attacking this post it surrendered with one hundred and fifty prisoners.
Immediately after this the whole force of the English retreated to Charleston.
Colonel Shelby obtained leave of absence from Marion to attend the Gene-
ral Assembly of North Carolina, of which ho was a member from Sullivan
eounty. In 1782, he was again a member, and was appointed a commissioner
to settle the pre-emption claims upon the Cumberland, and lay off the lands
allotted to the officers and soldiers south of where Nashville now stands. He
performed this service in 1782, and returned to Boonsboro' in the April fol-
lowing, where ho married Susanna Hart, whose father was one of the partners
of Judge Henderson. Now that the liberties uf his country were established
in peace, he devoted himself to his farm, on the first pre-emption and settle-
ment granted in Kentucky. It is a remarkable fact, that at nis death he was
the only person who occupied his original pre-emption.
He was a member of the Convention in Kentucky to obtain a separation
of that State from Virginia, and was a member of the Convention in April,
102 HIS:f CRT OF KdBTH OAROLINA.
1792, that formed the Constitution of that State, and was elected the first
Governor of Kentucky.
• He was again elected in 1812, a stormy period of onr history, during the
second war with England. His spirit was not calmed by the &08ts of age ;
but at the request of the Legislature, at the age of sixty-three, he headed in
person four thousand troops, and marched under General Harrison in 1813
to Canada. The battle of the Thames, which has covered with glory the
name of R. M. Johnson, was witnessed by Governor Shelby.
In 1817, Mr. Munroe called him to the Department of War, but firom bis
advanced age he declined this honor.
In 1818, with General Andrew Jackson, he was selected by the President
to form a treaty with the Chickasaw Indians, by which they ceded their lands
west of the Tennessee River, within the limits of Tennessee and Kentucky.
This -was his last public act. In February, 1820, he was attacked by a
Saralytic affection. His mind was, however, unimpaired ; but on the 18Ui of
uly, 1826, he expired from a stroke of apoplexy, in the seventy-sixth year of
bis age, enjoying the love and respect of his country, blessed with every
honor it could bestow, and consoled by the rich hopes of a joyful immortality.
Such were the services of Isaac Shelby. Worthy is he to have his name
preserved in a region that witnessed his patriotism and valor.
In the battle of King's Mountain, Colonel Williams, of South Carolina,
Major Chronicle, of Lincoln County, and Captain John Mattocks, were killed ;
Colonel Hambrite, wounded. Our loss was, as stated, twenty-eight killed,
and sixty wounded.
The next day a court-martial was held, and about twenty Tories hung.
At the forks of the branch where M^or Chronicle and Captain Mattocks
were buried, a monument is erected. On it is the following inscription ;r^
Sacred to the Memory of
Major William Chronicle,
Captain John Mattocks, ,
William Robb, and
John Botd,
Who were killed in this place on the 7th of October, 1780,
fighting in defence of America.
On the west side of said monument: —
Colokbl Firouson,
An Offickr of His Britannic Majestt,
Was defeated and killed
At this place.
On 7th October, 1780.
Patrick Ferguson was no ordinary man. He was a finished soldier, and
brave as a lion.
He was a Scotchman by birth ; son of an eminent judge, James Ferguson,
Lord of Sessions and Justiciary, and i^ephew of a nobleman of great literary
talents, Patrick Murray (Lord Elibank), deemed bv Robertson, Ferguson^
Hume, and cotemporary sages, equal to the best authors of the Scottish Au-
gustan age. Patrick Ferguson sought renown in a different career, but pos-
sessed an equally vigorous mind and brilliant parts. At the early age of
eighteen, he entered the army in the German war, and was distinguished by
his cool and determined courage. He early displayed an inventive genius,
sound judgment, and intrepid heroism, which constitute the successful
soldier. lie had invented a new species of rifle, that could load at the breech
and fire seven times in a minute, with accuracy and precision.
He was present in 1777, at the battle of Brandywine, and in that achieve-
ment, used with his corps, his invention with fatal effect.
He distinguished himself on the North River, in 1779, and was sent to
aid G'eueral Clinton in the Soutl^. His signal service in the reduction of
CLSAYBLAin) COUNTT. 108
Charleston, in May, 1780, is mentioned with great pnuse in the dispatches of
the Commander-in-chief.
His disposition and manners were conciliatdrr, and well calculated to gain
friends. lie was dispatched by Lord Cornwaflis to the western portion of
North Carolina, to win the inhabitants to the British cause. In this he dis-
played much tact and judgment. Jn his address published to the inhabit-
ants, he says, "We come not to make war upon women and children, but to
give them money, and to relieve their distresses."
Providence assigned to him the fate that befell him on the heights of King's
Mountain. His talents and valor were wortiiy of a better cause and a less
severe fate.
Copy of a circular letter from Major Patrick Ferguson to the
Tory leaders in North Carolina:-^
DoNARp's Ford, Bkoad Ritir,
Try(m County, Oct 1, 1780.
Gbntlbmbn — ^Unless yon vrish to be cut up by an inundation 6f barbarians,
who have begun by murdering the unarmed son before the aged father, and
afterwards lopped off his arms, and who by their shocking cruelty and irregu-
larities, j^ve the best proof of their cowardice and want of discipline ; I say,
if you wish to be pinioned, robbed, and murdered, and to see your wives and
daughters, in four days, abused by the dregs of mankind — in short, if yon
wish or desire to live and bear the name of men, grasp your arms in a mo-
ment and run to camp.
The Backwater men have crossed the mountain; M'Dowell, Hampton,
Shelby and Cleaveland are at their head, so that you know what you will
have to depend upon. If you choose to be p d upon for ever and ever by
a set of mongrels, say so at once, and let your women turn their backs upon
you, and look out for real men to protect them.
PAT. FERGUSON,
Mqfar lUi Begiment,
Letter from General Davidson, of North Carolina, to Greneral
Sumner : —
Camp, Rockt Rivir,
Oct. 10, 1780.
Sir — I have the pleasure of handing you very agreeable intelligence from
the West. Ferguson, the great partisan, has miscarried. This we are as-
sured of by Mr. Tate, Brigade M^jor in General Sumpter's late command.
The particulars from that gentleman's mouth stand thus: — That Colonels
Campt>ell, Cleaveluid, Shelby, Sevier, Williams, Brandon, Lacey, &e., formed
a conjunct body near Gilbert Town, consisting of 3,000 ; from this* body were
selected 1,600 good horse, who immediately went in pursuit of Colonel Fer-
guson, who was making hb way to Charlotte. Our people overtook him
well posted on Kine's Mountain, and on the evening of the 7th instant, at
four o'clock, began uie attack, which continued forty-seven minutes. Colonel
Ferguson fell in the action, besides 150 of his men ; 810 were made prisoners,
including the British; 150 of theprisoners were wounded; 1,500 stand of
arms fell into our hands. Colonel Ferguson had about 1,400 men. Our
people surrounded them, and the enemy surrendered. We lost about twenty
men, among whom is Major Chronicle, of Lincoln County. Colonel Williams
is mortally wounded. The number of our wounded cannot be ascertained.
This blow will certainly affect the British very considerably. The Brigade
Hiyor "vrho gives us this, was in the action. The above is true. The blow is
great. I give yon joy upon the occasion. I am. &Cm
WILLIAM DAVIDSON.
HoK. Gin. Sumnir^
Camp Yadkin Ford,
16
104 HISTORT OF NOBTH CAROLINA.
Extract of a letter from Maj. Gen. Gates to Governor Jefferson,
dated
HiLLSBOHo', Nov, 1, 1780.
Sir — Last night Col. Campbell, who commanded our victorious troops in
the action of the 7th ultimo, at King's Mountain, arrived here. He has de-
liyered to me the enclosed authentic and particular account of that affair.
I beg your Excellency will, immediately after perusal, forward it to
Congress : —
A statement of proceedings of Hie Western Army^ from the 25th d^y of Sep-
tember, 1780, to the reduction of Major Ferguson and the army under his com-
mand.
On receiving intelligence that Major Ferguson had advanced as high up
as Gilbert Town, in Rutherford County, and threatened to cross the moun-
tains to the Western waters, Col. Wm. Campbell, wiUi four hundred men
from Washington County, of Virginia ; Col. Isaac Shelby, with two hundred
and forty men from Sullivan County, of N. Carolina ; and Lieut.-Col. John
Sevier, with two hundred and forty men of Washington County, N. Carolina,
assembled at Watauga, on the 25tb day of September, where they were joined
by Col. Chas. M'Dowell, with one hundred and sixty men from the counties
of Burke and Rutherford, who had fled before the enemy to the western
waters.
We began oar march on the 26th, and, on the 30th, we were joined by
Col. Cleaveland, on the Catawba River, with three hundred and fifty men
from the counties of Wilkes and Surry. No one officer having properly a
right to the command in chief, on the Ist of October we dispatched an express
to Major-Gen. Gates, informing him of our situation, and requested him to
send a general officer to take command of the whole. In the meantime, Col.
Campbell was chosen to act as commandant till such general officer should
arrive.
We reached the Cowpens, on the Broad River, in South Carolina, where we
were joined by Col. James Williams on the evening of the 6th of October,
who informed us that the enemy lay encamped somewhere near the Cherokee
Ford of Broad River, about thirty miles distant from us. By a Council of
the principal officers, it was then thought advisable to pursue the enemy that
night with nine hundred of the best horsemen, and leave the weak horse and
footmen to follow as fast as possible. We ^egan our march, with nine hun-
dred of the best men, about eight o'clock the same evening, and marched all
night ; came up with the enemy about three o'clock P. M. of the 7th, who
lay encaniped on the top of King's Mountain, twelve miles north of the
Cherokee Ford, in the confidence they could not be forced from so advan-
tageous a post Previous to the attack, in our march the following diaposition
was made: —
Col. Shelby's regiment formed a column in the centre on the left ; CoL
CampbeH's another on the right ; part of Col. Cleaveland's regiment, headed
in the front by Major Winston and Col. Sevier's, formed a large column on
the right wing; the other part of Col. Cleaveland's regiment composed the
left wmg. In this order we advanced, and got within a quarter of a mile of
the enemy before we were discovered. Col. Shelby's and Colonel Camp-
bell's regiments benm the attack, and kept up a fire on the enemy,
while the right and left wings were advancing forward to surround them,
which was done in about five minutes, and the fire became generid all round.
The engagement lasted an hour and five minutes, the greatest part of which
time a neavy and incessant fire was kept up on both sides. Our men, in
some parts where the regulars fought, were obliged to give way a small dis-
tance two or three times, but rallied and returned with additional ardor to
the attack. The troops upon the right having gained the summit of the
eminence, oblieed the enemy to retreat along the ton of the ridge, where
Col. Cleaveland commanded, and were there stopped by hia brave men. A
flag was immediately hoisted by Captain Depeyster, the commanding officer
CLEATELANB COUNTY. 105
(Major Fei^son having been killed a little before), for a surrender. Oar
fire immediately ceased, and the enemy laid down their arms — the greater
part of them loaded — and surrendered themselves to as prisoners at discretion.
It appears, from their own provision returns for that day, found in their
camp, that their whole foroe consisted of eleven hundred and twenty-five
men, out of which they sustained the following loss : Of the regulars, one
major, one captain, two lieutenants, and fideen privates killed ; thirty-five
privates wounded — left on the ground not able to march, two captains, four
lieatenants, three ensigns, one surgeon, five sergeants, three corporals, one
drummer, and fifty-nine privates taken prisoners.
Loss of the Tories, two colonels, three captains, and two hundred and
one privates killed ; one mtyor, and one hundred and twenty-seven privates
wounded, and left on the ground not able to march ; one colonel, twelve cap-
tains, eleven lieutenants, two ensigns, one quartermaster, one adjutant, two
commissaries, eighteen sergeants, and six iTundred privates taken prisoners.
Total loss of the enemy 1,105 men at King's Mountain.
Given under our hands at camp,
WILLIAM CAMPBELL,
ISAAC SHELBY,
BENJAMIN CLEAVELAND.
The loss on our side : —
KOUd. Wounded.
1 Colonel. 1 Major.
1 Major. 3 Captains.
1 Captain. 3 Lieutenants.
2 Lieutenants. 53 Privates.
4 Ensigns. —
19 Privates, 60— total
2a— total.
An account of the Battle of King* a Mountain, prepared hy Gen. Williak Le-
noir, at vie request of Judoe Murpht, arid fumisheafor this work by W.
W» Lenoir, Esq., of CaidweU County,
Having lately seen in the State Gazette, a publication of Mr. Walker's
oiTcuUr letter m which there is a very imperfect statement of the battle at
King's Mountain, brings to my recollection your request for a true account
thereof ; and bavins previously observed, that in all the histories of the Revo-
lationary War that I nave seen, the accounts of that battle are ver^ erroneous,
indaces me to attempt to fulfill your desire on that subject, by giving you as
perfect an account of that transaction from my own knowledge, as my memory
At 80 distant a period will enable me to do.
When a report was circulated that a detachment of the British army had
ad?anced through the State of South Carolina, and a part of North Carolina,
u Atf as Cane Creek, where a strong party of them were repulsed bv the
neighboring militia, chiefly of Burke County, under the command of Col.
Chae. McDowell, and Major J. McDowell, the active Whi^ of the western
pert of North Carolina, and some from the near part of Virginia, like patriots
el a moment's notice, without any call from the Government, turned out and
ooncentrated in Burke County, without any aid from public stores, of clothing,
ems, ammunition, or any article of camp equipase, not having a single tent
oc baggage wagon amongst them, and advanced to Green River, near the south-
ern limit of Rutherford County, where they received some further, but im-
perfect information of the progress of the aforesaid detachment of the British
army, commanded by the celebrated Col. Ferguson, who was said to be pro-
greesing through the country in various directions, committing great ravages
•ad depredations.
A council was held by the principal officers of the Whigs : the result of
which was, that, on presumption that, through the medium of the Tories, Col.
106 HISTOBY OF NORTH CAEOUNA.
• «
Ferguson had daily information of the adyancement of the Whigs, and was
80 on the alert, that men on foot would not be able to overtake him ; therefore
orders were given for as many as had, or could procure horses, to to in
advance as mounted infantry, there not being a single dragoon in the Whie
army. Whereupon, about five or six hundred were prepared and marched
off about sunrise on the 6th day of October, 17K0, leaving the footmen, about
one thousand five hundred in number, encamped on Green River, under the
command of Major Joseph Hemdon. The advance party of mounted infantry
bein^ joined by Co). Williams,* with a few South Carolina miUtia, in the
evening arrivea at a place called the Cowpens, in South Carolina,! where two
beeves were killed and orders given for tne men to cook, and eat as quick as
Eossible ; but marching orders were given, before those that were indolent,
ad prepared anything to eat ; and they marched all night (being dark and
rainy), and crossed Broad River the next morning, where an attack was ex-
pected. But not finding the enemy, the detachment almost exhausted by
fatigue, hunger, cold and wet, and, for want of sleep, pursued their march a
few miles, when they met two men from Col. Ferguson's camp, who gave some
account of his situation. Then being revived by the hopes of gaining the
desired object, the officers held a short consultation (sitting on their horses),
in which it w&s concluded that said detachment should be formed into four
columns; two of the columns should march on each side of the road, as
silently as they could, and that they should govern their march by the view
of each other ; Col. Winston was placed at the head of the right hand column;
Col. Cleaveland at the head of the left ; and Cols. Shelby and Sevier at the
heads of the two middle columns ; and as Col. Campbell had come the greatest
distance, and from the State of Virginia, he was complimented with the com-
mand of the whole detachment.
When they had marched in that order about a mile. Colonel Winston, by a.
steep hill, had got so far separated from the other columns as to be out of
sight or hearing of them, when some men rode in si^ht, and directed him to
dismount, and march up the hill, which was immediately done, with an ex-
pectation of meeting the enemy on the hill ; but before his men had advanced
two hundred paces from their horses, they were again hailed, and directed to
mount their horses and push on, and that the enemy was a mile ahead. On
which, they ran with great precipitation down to their horses, mounted
them, and rode like fox nunters, as fast as their horses could run, through
rough woods, crossing branches and ridges without any person that had any
knowledge of the woods to direct or guide them. They nappened to fall in
upon the left of the enemy (being the place of their intended destination).
At this very moment the firing began on the other parts of Uie lines,t when
all dismounted under the fire of the enemy, and the right and left band
columns surrounded them as quick as possible. In the mean time, the enemy
charged bayonets on the two middle columns,} who being armed with rifles,
and not a single bayonet amongst them, were twice obliged to retreat a small
distance ; but they wheeled again with increased vigor, and fought bravely.
The enemy being surrounded, their left winz began to retreat, by drawing
up in closer order towards their right. At length they hoisted a flag, and
surrendered themselves prisoners of war ; not a single man of them escaped
that was in camp at the commencement of the battle.
After the arms and prisoners were secured, some men were appointed to
number the dead. They reported two hundred and fifty of the enemy, and
thirty-two of the Whigs. There were not near so many of the enemy wounded
as were of the Whigs, about forty of whom afterwards died of Uieir wounds.
The total number of the Whigs in the battle was between six and seven
hundred ; and the number of the enemy, agreeable to their daily returns,
* Col. WlHiams was wounded in the battle and died one or two days aflerwards.
t Gen. Morgan afterwards defeated Col. Tarleton at the Cowpeos.
i Nothing but the interposition of Divine power could have cooducted the said right
hand column to so flT^at advantage.
i A number of Tories who were not provided with bfi3roiiets, substituted batcher
knives, the handles being cut to fit the muzzles of their guns.
CLEAVBLAND COUNTY. 107
was eleven hundred and eighty-seven. The Whiji^ camped on the battle-
ground, and marched off with their prisoners the next day ; and, having no
other way to secure the arms taken, compelled the prisoners to carry them, a
great number of them hanng to carry two guns each. About sunset we met the
footmen they had left at Green River, who had provided a plenty of rations,
&c. The Whigs who had fought the battle were almost famished.
A few da^s afterwards, in Rutherford County, the principal officers held a
Court-martial over some of the most audacious and murderous Tories, and
selected thirty-two as victims for destruction ; and commenced hanging three
at a time, until they hung nine, and respited the rest.
Col. Ferguson had placed himself on the top of King's Mountain the morn-
ing before the battle ; in a boasting manner, he had proclaimed that here was
King's Mountain, and that he was the king of that mountain ; supposing it
to be a very advantageous position for him ; but it proved the reverse, from
the manner he was attacked and surrounded. His elevated situation secured
the WhigS from the danger of their own fire from the opposite side, and he
being surrounded when his men sheltered themselves on one side, they were
exposed to dan^r on the other. Colonel Ferguson had seven or eight bullets
fihot through him, and fell some time before the battle was over.
The number of the Whigs was so inferior, that Col. Ferguson, or his suc-
cessor in command, might have easily retreated with very inconsiderable
loss ; if they had known the number and situation of the \yhigs, no doubt
bnt they would have retreated instead of surrendering.
It appears that under the auspices of the same Divine Power that so adyan-
tageouslv conducted the right hand column of the Whigs to the battle at
King's Mountain, from that period good fortune seemed to preponderate in
every direction in favor of the common cause of liberty (except the single
instance of General Gates, who was defeated by his own imprudence), for
although the British army kept the battle-ground at Guilford Court llouse,
it appears to be given up on both sides, that the Americans had the best of
that battle, and disabled their enemy. And to contrast the situation of the
Whigs after the battle of King's Mountain, with what inevitably would have
been their situation in case Ferguson's army had gained as complete a victory
over the Whigs, as the Whigs had done over them, it must appear that said
battle was the most decisive, the most gloriously fought, ana, although few
in numbers, was of the greatest importsmce of any one battle that ever was
fi>ught in America. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
I was captain of a company of footmen, and left them at Green River,
except six of them, who procured horses and went with us. I went as a com-
mon soldier, and did not pretend to take command of those that belonj^ed to
my company ; neither did I join any other company ; but fell in immediately
behind Col. Winston, in front of the right hand column, which enables me to
give a more particular account of the progress of that part of our army than
any other. liefore the battle, Adjutant Jesse Franklin, now Governor of
Xorth Carolina, Capt. Robt. Cleavefand, and myself, agreed to stand together
and support each other ; but, at the commencement of the battle, enthusiastic
Eeal caused us all to separate. Each being anxious to effect the grand object,
no one appeared to regard his own personal safety. As to my own part,
from where we dismounted, instead of going on to surround, I advanced the
nearest way towards the enemy, under a heavy fire, until I got within about
thirty paces. Before they began to give ground, being among strangers, I
noticea one particular instance of bravery. On hearing a man within six
feet behind me fall, I looked around, and at that instant, another soldier
jumped at him, saying, '*Give me your shot-bag, old fellow !" his own ammu-
nition bein^ exhausted. The gallant patriot gave him with his dying hand
his ammunition. About that time I received a slight wound in my side, and
another in my left arm ; and, after that, a bullet went through my hair above
where it was tied, and my clothes were cut in several places. From the ac-
count I have given of the battle, it will be understood that it was fought on
onr side by militia alone. By that victory, many militia officers procured
108 BISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
swords who could not possibly ^et any before ; neither was it possible to pro-
cure a good supply of ammunition. ♦ * * ♦ ♦
MEMBERS FBOX CLEAYSLAND.
Tears. Senate. House of Comrnoos.
1844. Thos. Jefferson, J. T. Ilamrick.
1840. Columbus Mills, Joshua Beam.
1848. Dr. W. J. T. Miller, J. T. Hamrick.
1850. John G. Bynum, G. G. Holland.
CHAPTER XXI.
COLUMBUS COUNTY.
Date of formation — Situation and boundaries — Population and products —
Members of Assembly.
Columbus Countt was formed in 1808, from Bladen and Bruns-
wick ; its name is derived from Christopher Columbus, a native of
Genoa, who in the year 1492 discovered America.
It is situated in the south-eastern portion of North Carolina, and
bounded on the north by Bladen ; on the east, by Brunswick and
Bladen ; on the south, by the South Carolina line ; and west by Robe-
son County.
Its population is 4257 whites ; 1503 slaves ; 149 free negroes ; 5307 repre-
sentatiTe population.
Its products are 1366 bushels of wheat; 79,155 bushels of com : 725 bai^
rels turpentine ; $10,864 worth of lumber ; 24,035 lbs. cotton ; 6724 lbs. wool.
Its revolutionary and colonial history is connected with Bladen
and Brunswick, from which it was formed.
Its capital is Whitesville, derived from James B. White, one of
the first members in the General Assembly. One hundred and
twenty-five miles distant from Raleigh.
Members of the General Assembly from Columbus.
Tears. Senators. House of Commons.
1809. James B. White, Wynn Nance, Thomas Frink.
1810. James B. White, Thomas Frink, Wynn Nance.
1811. Wynn Nance, Jonathan Pierce, Thomas Frink.
1812. Wynn Nance, Thomas Frink, Jonathan Pierce.
1813. Wynn Nance, Goldborough Flower, Jacob Guiton.
1814. Thomas Frink, Absalom Powell, P. Coleman.
1815. Thomas Frink, John Gore, David Guiton.
1816. Thomas Frink, Caleb Stephens, Jacob Guiton.
1817. Thomas Frink, Caleb Stephens, Jacob Guiton.
1818. Jonathan Pierce, Caleb Stephens, Jacob Guiton.
1819. Thomas Frink, J. H. White, R. Wooten.
1820. Jacob Guiton, L. R. Simmons, R. Wooten.
GRAVEN COUNTT.
109
Years. Senators.
1821. Thomas Frink,
1822. Alexander Troy,
1823. Thomas Frink,
1824. Thomas Frink,
1825. Alex. Formyduval,
1826. James Barney,
1827. * James Burney,
1828.' James Burney,
1820. James Burney,
1830. Luke R. Simmons,
1831. Luke R. Simmons,
1832. Luke R. Simmons,
1833. Luke R. Simmons,
1834. Caleb Stephens,
1835. Caleb Stephens,
1836. James Burney,
1838. Robert Melvin,
1840. Robert Melvin,
1842. Robert Melvin,
1844. Robert Melvin,
1846. Richard Wooten,
1848. Richard Wooten,
1850. Richard Wooten,
House of Commons.
L. R. Simmons, Levi Stephens.
Caleb Stephens, Richard Wooten.
J. H. White, Caleb Stephens.
Richard Wooten, Luke R. Simmons.
L. R. Simmons, Caleb Stephens.
Caleb Stephens, L. R. Simmons.
Caleb Stephens, L. R. Simmons.
Caleb Stephens, L. R. Simmons.
L. R. Simmons, Richard Wooten.
Marmaduke Powell, Caleb Stephens.
Caleb Stephens, Marmaduke Powell.
Joseph Maultsby, Caleb Stephens.
Caleb Stephens, Marmaduke PowclL
Marmaduke Powell, Thomas Frink.
Thomas Frink, Marmaduke Powell.
J. Maultsby.
Augustus Smith.
Absalom Powell.
Nathan L. Williamson.
N. L. Williamson.
N. L. Williamson.
N. L. Williamson.
John A. Maultsby.
CHAPTER XXII.
CRAVEN COUNTY.
Origin of name — Date of formation^-^Situation and boundaries — Population
and products — Newborn, its capital — Colonial and Revolutionary history —
Its distinguished men — Abner Nash — Richard Dobbs Spaight — ^William
Gaston— John Stanly — John R. Donnell — George E. Badger — John H.
Bryan — Richard Dobbs Spaight, jun. — Matthias E. Manly — Charles B.
Sheppard — William 11. Washington, and others — Members of Assembly
from 1774 to last session, 1850-51.
Craven County was one of the original precincts of the Lords
Proprietors, and derives its name from William, Earl of Craven, to
whom with others the charter from Charles the Second was granted.
He was a brave cavalier, an old soldier of the German discipline,
and supposed husband to the Queen of Bohemia.*
It is situated in the eastern part of the State, bounded on the
north by Pitt and Beaufort, on the cast by the Pamplico Sound, on
the south by Carteret and Jones, and on the west by Pitt, Jones,
and Lenoir Counties.
Its population is 7222 whites; 5951 slaves; 1536 free negroes; 12,328 re-
presentative population.
* Life of Lord Keeper Guildford, 393. Bancroft's History of the United
States, vol. ii. 129.
110 HISTOBY OF KOBTH CAROLINA.
Its products are 6037 bushels wheat ; 16,577 bushels oats ; 3019 bushels
rye ; 143,835 bushels corn ; 66,833 lbs. cotton ; 8099 lbs. wool ; 139,027 bar-
rels turpentine; 1622 barrels fish ; 37,911 dollars worth lumber.
Its capital is Newborn, one of the largest and oldest towns in
the State ; beautifully located at the confluence of the Neuse and
Trent rivers. It derives its name* from Bern, the place of nativity
of Christopher Baron de GraaflFenreidt, who, in 1709, emigrated to
this State and settled near this place. He had purchased of the
Lords Proprietors ten thousand acres of land for ten pounds ster-
ling for every thousand acres, and five shillings of quit rent. In
the month of December, 1710, the Palatines, as they were called,
landed in Carolina, and 1,500 Swiss. The fatal attack of the In-
diansf already alluded to, in 1711, had like to have destroyed this
colony, which was a great acquisition to North Carolina. De
Graaffenreidt and Lawson, the surveyor of the colony and its ear-
liest historian, while ascending the Neuse, were seized by the
Indians ; Lawson was massacred and the Baron narrowly escaped.
He became disgusted with the country and sold his interest to
Thomas Pollock, for <£800, and returned to Switzerland.
The early history of Craven County affords ample material for
a separate volume. It is to be hoped that some worthy son of
"the Athens of North Carolina,** will undertake this pious and
patriotic duty.
The members to the General Meeting of Deputies of the province at New-
born, on 15th of August, 1774, from Craven, were James Coor, Lexcsl
Hatch, Joseph Leech, and Richard Cogdell.
The members to the Assembly at the same place, in Aprils 1775, were the
same, with Jacob Blount, and SVilliax Bryan.
The members to the Assembly at Ilillsboro' on the 21 st of August, 1775,
were James Coor, William Bryan, Richard Coodell, Joseph Leech, Jacob
Blount, and Edmund Hatch.
The members at Halifax in NoTember, 1776, were James Coor, Willliax
Bryan, John Brtan, Christopher Nealb, and John Bryan.
In 1775, Abner Nash and James Coor were members of the Provincial
Council of Safety.
The District Committee for the Newborn District, were Dr. Alexander
Gaston, Richard Cogdell, John Easton, Major Croom, Roger Ormond,
Edward Salter, George Burrow, William Thompson, Bbnj. Williams, Ri-
chard Ellis, William Brown, and James Glasgow.
The field officers for this county were John Bryan, Col. ; Lemuel Hatch,
Lieut.-Col. ; John Bryan, jun., Ist Major; John Tilman, 2d Major.
The names of these men are here preserved, hoping that somo future pen
may do justice to their serTices and characters.
Hon. Francois Xayier Martin was lone a resident of Newborn. He was
born at Marseilles, France, 17th March, 1762. At the age of 20, he emigrated
to North Carolina, where he studied law, and was distinguished for his labor
and learning.
In 1806 be represented Newbem in the House of Commons.
By Mr. Jefferson he was appointed U. S. Judge of the Mississippi Territory,
and resided for a time at Natchez.
On Ist Feb., 1815, he was elevated by Gov. Claiborne, to the Supreme Court
Bench of Louisiana. He continued in this exalted position until his death,
which occurred on the 10th December, 1846.
* Martin's History of N. C. i. 233. f WillismsoD, i. 85 ; 1 toL 37.
CRAYEN COUKTY. Ill
He was one of the most learned Jurists of his a^i^. With a mind naturally
acute ; an erudition surpassed by none, equalled by few ; with an unspottea
integrity, his decisions are regarded with that respect they merit
His labors as an Author were considerable. He was the compiler of the
Statute Laws of North Carolina : author of a work on Justices of the Peace ;
and of the best History, according to the means he possessed, ever published
of our State.
Hon. William Blount, of this County, was a member of the Continental
Congress, in 1782-83, and in 1786-87.
On 23d April, 1787, he was appointed by Richard Caswell, Governor of the
State, in his place, as a delegate to the Convention which assembled in Phila-
delphia, in May, to form the Constitution, and his name is appended to that
document, with those of Richard Dobbs Spaight, and Hugh Williamson. He
was the brother of John Gray, and Thomas Blount, of Beaufort. On the
organization of the North-western Territory, he was appointed Governor; and
when Tennessee was admitted as a State, he was elected Senator in Congress.
He was expelled from the Senate on the 8th of July, 1777, for exciting the
Indians to make hostile incursions in the Spanish Territory.
Had he lived in this progressive age, this act so far from expelling him from
the Senate, might have elevated him to still higher position.
He married Mary Granger, of Wilmington, and their names have been
perpetuated in Tennessee, by towns and counties.
Abner Nash, whose name appears in the Provincial Council, was distin-
guished in the early history of North Carolina, as one of her devoted sons,
and most patriotic citizens. He was born in Prince Edward County, Va.
His father was from Wales. He was educated for the bar, and was elected
tiie first Speaker of the Senate, and the second Governor of North Carolina,
under the Constitution, in 1779. He was defeated in 1781, by Thomas Burke,
of Orange.
Jones, in his " Defence of North Carolina,'** states that " Gov. Nash was
defeated on account of the disordered state of the finances.''
From 1782 to 1785, he represented Jones County in the Assembly. He was
elected by the Assembly a member of the Continental Congress, in 1782, to
1786.
He was distinguished for his urbane manners, and solid acquirements.
His brother. Gen. Francis Nash, fell in the battle of Gormantown, and his
aon is now one of the Judges of our Supreme Court. His first wife was the
"Widow of Arthur Dobbs, Governor of the State ; and his second Miss Jones.
He died at Newbern, respected and esteemed for his hish moral character
und intellectual attainments. His name is preserved m the State in the
County erected in 1777, while he was Speaker of the Senate.
Richard Dobbs Spaight was a resident of this County. He sprung from an
ancient and honorable family connected with that of Gov. Arthur Dobbs.
He was at an early age left an orphan. He commenced his academic studies
in Ireland, and completed them at the University of Glasgow, in Scotland*
and in 1778 he returned home. His country was then engaged in her strug-
gles for liberty. He joined the armv as aide-de-camp to Gen. Caswell, and as
Buch was at the battle of Camden, m August, 1780.
In 1781 he represented the town of Newbern, in the House of Commons ;
and in 1782-83, and 1784, he was elected at the same time to represent the
State in the Continental Congress at Philadelphia ; and it appears that he
served in both capacities. In 1785 and 1786, ho was member from Craven
County. In 1787 he was chosen as one of the Delegates to form the Consti-
tution of the United States, and his name is appended to that instrument.
In 1788 he was one of the Delegates from Craven, to the Convention at
Hillsboro' to deliberate on the same.
* Jones's DeieDoe, 313.
112 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
In 1792 he was elected the Goyemor of the State, in which year he was a
member of the House from Newbern.
In 1798 he was elected a member of Congress from the Xewbem District^
and served one Congress.
In 1801 he was elected a member of the State Senate, from Crayen.
In September, 1802, from some expressions of the lion. John Stanly, in
'regard to his political career, an angry correspondence took place, which
terminated by a challenge from Mr. Stanly. Dr. Edward Pasteur was the
friend of Goy. Spaight; and Edward Graham, Esq., the friend of Mr. Stanly.
The challenge and acceptance are here recorded.
Mr, Stanly to Gen, Spaight,
Sir — Your handbill of the 4th instant is before me. It affords abundant
proof of what I intended the world should be convinced, that the character
which you attempted to play off before them was assumed, and could not long
be supported : that you walked on stilts, and had been prevailed upon in afiC
of frenzy, malice, and despair, to frame a challenge, which was the subject
of ^our daily repentance. My object was to show in the face of those de-
claimers on your heroism and spirit, that no charge could be framed 8u£Ei-
ciently insulting to tempt you to commit again the like indiscretion. In this
I have had success that must astonish and mortify your friends and foes.
Yet who can say that you have not deserved it. . There yet remains another
object to be attained. I am no general ; I complained of no injury ; I sent
no challenge for satisfaction ; nay more, I bad set it up as a principle to send
you none, but your experiment has betrayed you into a difficulty to which
your calculation did not extend ; to your disappointment this letter informs
you that, humiliating as it is to my feelings to fight a man who can descend
to the filth contained in your handbill, I shall expect that you will meet me
as soon as may be convenient, to give that satisfaution which you assure me
that " if X ask for it once I shall not be under the necessity of doing it the
second time." JOUN STANLY.
Sept. 5M, 1802.
My friend Mr. Graham, who hands you this, will receive your answer.
Gen, Spaight to Mr, Stanlg.
Newbern, Sept, 5ih, 1802.
Sir — Yours of this date bus been received. My friend. Doctor Edward
Pasteur, will appoint the time and place, and make the other necessary a>
rangements with your friend.
RICHARD D. SPAIGHT.
The parties met on Sunday afternoon, on the 5th September ; and upon the
exchange of the fourth fire, Gov. Spaight received a wound in the right side,
of which he died in 23 hours.
John Stanlt was oflen a member of the Legislature. lie was a member
of Congress in 1801 from this district, and again in 1809. Ilis first session
in the Legislature was in 1812, a period of extraordinary political excite-
ment. He took a decided stand in opposition to the war ; and was a leader
of the party opposed to Mr. Madison's administration. His unfortunate
affair with Gov. Spaight had grown out of political feeling. He petitioned the
General Assembly in 1803, for an act of pardon, but it was refused on the
ground that the pardoning power had been vested in the Governor by the
Constitution. The Governor, Benjamin Williams, upon petition pardoned
him. A copy of Mr. Stanlpr's petition is herewith copied from the original
in his own hand, in possession of Gov. Swain.
^ " Sir — I have the honor of laying before your excellency several publica-
tions by General Richard Dobbs Spaight and myself on the subject of a con-
troversy between us. Your Ezcellenoy will leiurn from them the rise and
CRAVEN CQUNTY. 118
I)rogre8s of a difference which has had a melancholy termination. I beg
eaTe, sir, to ask joa to judge from the publications themselves whether I have
not on my part acted with decency and moderation ? whether I do not dis-
cover a disposition to forbearance rather than provocation ? Yet, this man-
ner of mine, so far from protecting me from insult, was treated by my oppo-
nent as pleas of cowardice, and appears to have encouraged the use of tnose
opprobrious epithets which have so liberally been bestowed upon me.
*' Had I been indifferent to the good opinion of the world, could I have
extinguished those principles of virtue and honor which teach me neither to
give cause for reproach or to submit to the stigma which such publications,
unnoticed, would have fixed upon me ; I might have borne ' the robbery of
my good name' with humility. I might have then preferred to pass the remain-
der of my days with submission to the affronts which such a weakness of dispo-
sition would encourage, and which such charges unrepelled would justify ; to
have existed the object of scorn, contempt, and derision of mankind, rather
than to have created, at the hazard of my own life, those di£Qculties and dis-
tresses to which I am now subjected by a measure adopted to preserve a
character which I fondly trust has hitherto been free from dishonorable im-
putation.
'* I api>ea], sir, to the feelings of every, gentleman ; permit me, sir, to appeal
to that dignified sense of honor which adorns your own character, to decide
whether it was possible, or would have been proper in mo to acquiesce with
humility, to have bowed myself to the opprobrious epithets of 'liar and
scoundrel,' which General Spaight, in his publication ot the 4th, applies to
me, at the same time braving me to ask satisfaction.
" I felt an obligation due to myself, and no less urgent duty to the people
whom I have the honor to represent, to remove these dishonorable terms. I
took that step which I hope cannot be condemned, the one most likely to pro-
cure that redress which I wished, a retraction of the epithets, or, on refusal,
to punish the man who could so unjustly apply them to me. A copy of my
challenge of the 5th inst. accompanies the other papers. This was accepted.
We fought the same day. General Spaight received a wound, of which he
bas since died.
" From this fatal result of a measure which I trust the candid and discern-
ing will admit to have been necessary, if not indispensable, an event which
I shall not cease to deplore, I have become criminal to the laws of my coun-
try, I am exposed to all the persecution which the resentful feelings of the
malevolent and uncandid may stimulate, or the forms of the law require.
Were my own feelings alone to be affected by the probability of imprison-
ment and arraignment, I should endeavor to support myself with that forti-
tude which the situation would require. But there are others whose con-
nection with me create all the anxieties I myself can feel without the forti-
tude to allay them. These I feel an obligation, if possible, to remove.
"If your Excellency will examine the case, I trust it will appear that Gene-
ral Spaight acknowledged himself satisfied with my explanation of my con-
Tersation which had first given him offence. That our subseouent difference
uras occasioned by his publishing Smyth's certificate, with a view, as he after-
words avows, of impeaching my veracity and the truth of the very state-
ment with which he had said * he should rest satisfied.' That the remarks
extorted from me by the publication were moderate and respectful — that I sup-
E>rted the controversy with temperance, departing in no instance from the
nguage of a gentleman — and that my subsequent expressions of warmth
were provoked by the harsh language of my opponent. I hope that your
Excellency will be of that opinion, that when the most opprobrious epithets
were applied to me, that respect for the opinion of the world, an honest and
laudable desire to wipe off such vile and undeserved reproach actuated me
to adopt the measure most likely to accomplish that object. Though these
circumstances and considerations may not leave me entirely free from offence,
in the severe constructions of the law, I trust that they will so far extenuate
it as to induce your Excellency to believe that my conduct does not merit tho
114 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
severe, distressing, and humiliating consequence that must result from a
rigorous prosecution.
** May it please your Excellency to exercise in my favor that power of
granting pardons which the Constitution has vested in you.
'* I have the honor to be, with every sentiment or respect,
" Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,
"JNO. STANLY.
" Ilis Excellency, Governor Williams.
"8q>t ISth, 1802."
He continued without much intermission in the House of Commons, of
which he was often Speaker, until 182G, when he was struck with a paralytie
stroke, which terminated his political career, and in a few years his me.
He died 3d of August, 1834.
William Gaston, late Judge of the Supreme Court of the State, was a
native of Newborn. His father, Dr. Alexander Gaston, " a native of Ireland,
and a man of letters,'' was one of the most determined patriots of his day. He
was killed on the 20th August, 1781, under the most painful circumstances.
He was retreating from the attack of the Tories, with his wife and two small
children, when a party of Tories appeared. Mrs. Gaston was left on the whar(
while her husband pushed off in a boat One of these monsters leveled his
gun over the shoulaer of Mrs. Gaston, and her patriotic husband fell dead,
^ving her and two children ; a son, the distinguished sutject of this notice,
and a daughter, who afterwards was the wife of Chief Justice Taylor.
Judge Gaston was born in Newbern, 19th September, 1778.
Happily for him, and happy for his State, his mother was a woman of great
energy of character, of devoted piety, and extraordinary prudence. Naturally
of a quick temper ; her counsel, example and advice, taught him to subdue it
The great object of her life seemed to be to prepare herself for a better world,
and to train in '* wisdom's ways" the precious charge left to her care un-
der such afflicting and tragical circumstances. She felt like the mother of
Moses — the words of Pharaoh's daughter — "Take this child and nurse it
for me, and I will give thee thy wages." His unparalleled success in after
life, his extensive usefulness and exalted public services, prove how faithfully
her duty had been discharged.
" This tells to mothers what a holy charge
Ia theirs; with what a kingly power their love
May rule the fountains of the new-bom mind;
Warns them to wake at early dawn and sow
Good seed before the world uoth sow its tares."*
Mrs. Ellet, in her work, " Women of the Revolution," renders any further
allusion to Mrs. Gaston unnecessar^r, except to (juote from her beautiful pro-
duction,! one anecdote, which gives in graphic minuteness, her method of edu-
cation. When her son was only seven or eight year^ old, he was, even then,
remarkable for his aptitude and cleverness. '* William, why is it," said one
of his little schoolmates, "that you are always head of the class, and I am
always foot?" " There is a reason^'* replied he, "but if I tell you, you must
promise to keep it a secret, and do as 1 do. Whenever I take up a book to
study, I first say a little prayer my mother taught me, that I may be able to
learn my lessons."
Judge Gaston has oflen been heard to declare, that whatever distinction he
had attained in life, was owing to her pious counsel and faithful conduct.^
Under her eye his early education was conducted. In the fall of 1791, he
was sent to the Catholic College, at Georgetown, then only fourteen years
old. The rigor of this bleak climate, the painful and rieid discipline, and
exiled from uie comforts and attentions of affection, caused his health to give
way, and in the spring of 1793, it was feared that he was sinking under a oon-
* Mrs. Siffoumey. t Women of the Revolution, ii. 199
X Life and cbancter oC William Gaston, by Wm. U. Battle, Chapel Hill, 1844.
CBAVBN COUNTY. 116
*
Bomption ; and it was adyised by his physicians that ho should return to the
mild air of his natire climate. He returned home, and his health soon im-
proved. Under the care of the Rot. Thomas P. Irwing, he was prepared f)r
college. He entered the Junior Class, at Princeton, in the fall of 1^94. He
graduated at the early age of eighteen, with the first honors of that renowned
and ancient institution.
Judge Gaston has left this tribute to his venerated mother: — '' The proudest
moment of my life, was when I communicated the information to her that I had
not only graduated, but with honor.''* Their meeting on his return home,
was one of no common character. . Loaded with all the honors of science and
literature, he kneels at the feet of her who was the author of his being and
true cause of bis success.
He studied law with Francois Xayier Martin, then residing in Newborn ;
afterwards the author of a History of North Carolina, and late Judge in
Louisiana, whose character the reader has just read.
In 1798, before his arriving at manhood, Mr. Gaston was admitted to the
bar. The elevation of his brother-in-law, John Louis Taylor, to the bench
in that year, threw all his business into the hands of Mr. G^ton, at once
heavy and lucrative. To his well-disciplined mind, laborious habits, and in-
defatigable industry, this onljr stimulated him to increased exertion. He
not only sustained this responsibility, but his reputation was established ; it
continued to increase in such rapid strides, until he attained, by the appro-
bation of all, the head of his profession. The people, who delight to honor
merit, soon perceived the rich jewel that was among them. When only
twenty-two, he was elected a member of the Senate (in 1800), from Craven
County. But the labors of his profession, and duties to those who entrusted
their n)rtunes and lives to his hands, with his small patrimony, denied to
him that service to the people that they required. He did not appear again
in public life until 1808, when he was elected a member of the House of
Commons from Newborn, of which body he was chosen Speaker. He was
elector on the Presidential ticket in this year. After his re-election to the
House of Commons in 1809, he retired from the House of Commons.
But he was not allowed to remain by the people long from their service.
He was elected a member of Congress in 1813 from this district, and re-
elected in 1815.
His Ufe now becomes a part of our national property, and we may
" Read its hiBtory in a nation's eyes."
This period was one of extraordinary excitement. He took a prominent
stand m opposition to the Administration, sustained as it was by tne ability
of Lowndes, of South Carolina, the intellectual power of Calhoun of the
same State, and the resistless eloquence of Clay, of Kentucky. Amid this
galaxy of the political firmament, the bright star of North Carolina shone
with peculiar brilliancy, even amid the innuenoe of Webster, Grosvenor and
others. It is not the province or the part of the historian to express any
opinion as to the political course of inaividnals, their merits, or their errors.
His dut^ is to state plainly and frankly the course pursued, and let each
form their own conclusions as to its propriety or correctness. But whatever
line of conduct Mr. Gaston pursued, that course was marked by talent, labor,
and genius of the highest cnaracter. His efforts in Congress on " the Pre-
vious Question" and ** the Loan Bill," are left to us, and have attracted the
admiration of competent judges, for their power and eloquence.
At the end of his second term he voluntarily resigned his charge ; and at-
tended to the laborious duties of his extended practice of the law.
He did not appear again in public life until 1827, when from the increased
indisposition ot Mr. Stanly, who had been elected that year a member of the
House of Commons from Newborn, a vacancy occurred, and Mr. Gaston was
elected to supply his place. This he accepted as a matter of duty, not of in-
dination ; as a return of gratitude for favors received, not with the hope of
honors or laurels yet to be acouirod.
It was known at Raleigh tnat Mr. Stanly had resigned ; bat it was not
• Eulogy, by Robert Straoge, Fayettcrrilla, 1844.
116 HISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
known who was to be his successor, and it was a matter of some interest to
know upon whom the mantle of this distinguished tactician had fallen. No
one suspected that Mr. Gaston would accept.
The writer well recollects that, while sitting in the office of Judge Tay-
lor, then Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (the house now occupied by
Judge Saunders), and reading under his care the elements of the law, that
on a bright morning in Nov., 1827, the Newborn stage drove up. When the
State House bell rung, he was preparing to go to the Capitol to attend to his
duties (he was that year a member from his native county of Hertford, and
the youngest member in the house), he met at the door Judge Taylor, who
asked him in the house, as Mr. Gaston was there. He was introduced, and
Mr. Gaston^ accompanied him to the Capitol. As yet it was not known to
him the motive of the introduction, or the object of Mr. Gaston in going to
the Capitol. When we reached the House of Commons, all eves were turned
upon Mr. Gaston, then in the zenith of his fame and popularity. He pre-
sented to the writer, a certificate of his election, as the member from Newbern,
and most quietly requested him to present it to the House. It was done.
This was his first interview with this distinguished man, and his first motion
in the House of Commons. He well recollects the high satisfaction and im-
provement that he derived from an intimate and personal intercourse with
nim — the lessons and practical wisdom that his course and conversation
afforded — the charm of his wit in private circles — ^the brilliancy of his elo-
quence in the Hall.
Thomas Settle, now a judge of the Superior Court, was Speaker ; the Judi-
ciarv Committee was : Hon. Frederick Nash, William Gaston, John D. Eccles,
of Fayetteville, Jos. A. Hill, of Wilmington, Geo. E. Spruill, of Halifax, and
John H. Wheeler, of Hertford.
On one occasion, when Mr. Nash, now of the Supreme Court, had intro-
duced a bill for the re-organization of that court, after an able and lucid
explanation, and elaborate speech from him, during the delivery of which
Mr. Gaston remained as immovable as a statue, with folded arms and eyes
fixed on the floor. When the author of the bill had finished, Mr. Gaston
moved an adjournment.
The next day he replied, and with such force of argument and such power
of eloquence in opposition to the bill, that its distinguished author had but
few adherents. He was well aware of the importance of the occasion, the
connection of the court with the vital interests of the State, the power and
ingenuity of the advocate of the present measure. He met the combat with
*' That stern joy which warriors feel
In meeting foemen worthy of their steel."
This effort cost him a long winter night of study, to which he added all the
power of argument and the brilliancy of his genius.
^ Not onlj in argument was he powerful ; in repartee and wit he was invin-
cible. His anecdotes were pointed and most pungent, and his sarcasm was
withering.
He served in the following year and in 1835. He then left, never to re-
turn, the legislative arena, the scene of so many intellectual conflicts, and
the theatre of his glory.
In 1834, he was elected Judge of the Supreme Court, to supply the vacancy
occasioned by the death of Judge Henderson. Without any solicitation or
suggestion on his part, all eyes turned to him as the most suitable person in
the btate for this elevated position.
Once more he appeared in public as a statesman, in the Convention of
1835, as member from Craven, to amend the Constitution. This was an
important occasion. The Constitution formed by the State Congress in Nov.
1776, while our country was in the midst of war, and preparing to meet its
emergencies, with the minds of the members occupied b^ its stirring and
important events, was not free from errors and imperfections. The people
felt the importance of the occasion, and sent their ablest men to devise and
consult — Nathaniel Macon, Judge Daniel, Riohud Dobbs Spaight, Jr., John
Branch, Daniel L. Swain, and othen.
OBAVEN COUNTY. 117
To others who witnessed the intellectual labors, the eloquent efforts, and
patriotic services of Mr. GastoOiOn this occasion, is left the duty of recording
them. Their journal and their debates haye been published. Ills speech
on the 32d article, which was supposed to exclude Catholics from any office
or place of trust or profit in this State, under the peculiar circumstances of
the case (he being a member of the Roman Catholic Church), was considered
one of his highest intellectual efforts, and was extensiyely published and read
throughout toe Union.
This was the last service he ever performed in a representatiye capacity.
He now applied the whole yigor of his capacious mind and his varied ao-
quirements, to his duties as Judge of the Supreme Court. He was, however,
solicited in 1840, by the dominant party, to accept the post of Senator in
Congress. This was no idle compliment. The party had the power to
elect him without a contest. He had but to give his consent and it was ac-
complished. But to that solicitation he turned a deaf ear.
In a letter to General John Gray Bynum, dated October, 1840, which does
honor to his head and his heart, he says, " I believe the faithful performance
of the duties of the office I now hold, by the kindness of my fellow citizens,
is as important to the public welfare, as any services which I could render
in the political station to which you invite me. To give a wholesome exposi-
tion to the laws ; to settle the fluctuations and reconcile the seeming conflict-
ing analogies of judicial decisions ; to administer justice in the last resort
with a steadj^ hand and upright purpose ; appear to me among the highest
of civil functions. And so long as God spares me health and understanding
to perform these faithfully, how can I better serve my country ?"
This elevated position, Senator in Congress, the most dignified in our land,
and preferable to even the Presidency by many, was declined by Judob
Gaston. Let the politician in his toilsome and Sabbathless career for pre-
ferment, stop and admire this example.
The manner in which he discharged his important duties ; his profound and
varied literature ; his extensive legal knowledge ; his severe and patient re-
search ; his polished and clear compositions, render his opinions from this
exalted tribunal, not only monuments of le^al learning, but models of ele-
gant literature. A much higher opinion is given by one who knew him long
and knew him well, pronouncea from the judgment seat (Chief Justice
Ruffin), when he said, ** he was a great Judge and a good man"
His opinion in case of State v. Will ;* and his dissenting opinion in case
of State V. Miller ;t have been pronounced by onej well qualified to judge
"one of the finest judicial arguments to be found in any country.''
But this useful citizen ana valuable officer had to pass the same ordeal
that all must encounter : —
" Pallida mors aaquo pulsat pede
Pauperum tabernas, regumque turres."}
On the 23d January, 1844, Judge Gaston took his seat on the Supreme
Court bench. He complained; for he had felt for some days chilly sensa-
tions, and difficulty of breath. During an argument from Hon. Robert
Strange at the bar, he was attacked with faintness, and carried from the
court room to his chamber. A physician was called in, who soon relieved
him. That evening, he seemed more lively than usual. He told several
anecdotes, at which his friends laughed cordially. It was but the flickering
of an expiring luminary. He was relating an account of a convivial party
at Washington city with graphic delineation ; and spoke of one who on that
occasion, avowed himself a Free Thinker on the subject of religion. || " From
that day," said he, ** I viewed that man with distrust. I do not say that a
Free Thinker may not from education and high motives be an honorable
man ; but I dare not trust him. A belief in an all-ruling Providence, who
shapes our ends and will reward us according to our deeds, is necessary.
• 1 Dev. and Battle Rep. 121. t Ibid. 500 | Hon. W. H. Battle,
i ** Pale Death beats with equal foot at the cottages of the poor and palace:* of kings."
— 4I0BACI.
I Tobias Watkins, late Auditor of the Treasiiry.
118 mSTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
We must believe and feel that there is a God, Allwisx and Alviohtt.'' As
he pronounced this last word, he raised himself up from his bed to give it
neater emphasis ; in a moment, there seemed a sudden rush of blood to the
brain, and he fell back a lifeless corpse. Uis spirit fled from the scenes of
earth to meet that God in whom he had throughout his whole life trusted,
and whose Almighty name last vibrated from his tongue.
Of such a man may our State be well proud. She has inscribed his name on
her towns and counties, and as long as talents are revered, services honored,
and virtue esteemed, the name of Gaston will be cherished.
His taste for poetry was of an elevated character, which he had cultivated
to some extent. The following lines are from hb pen : —
THE OLD NORTH STATE FOR EVER.
Carolina ! Carolina ! Heaven'» blessings attend ber !
While we live, we will cherish and love and defend ber ;
Though the scorner may sneer at, and witlings defame her,
Our hearts swell with gladness, whenever we name her.
Hurrah ! Hurrah ! the old North State for ever !
Hurrah ! Hurrah ! the good old North State !
Though she envies not others their merited glory.
Say, whose name stands the foremost in Lil^rty*s story !
Though too true to herself, e'er to crouch to oppression,
Who can yield to just rule more loyal submission ?
Hurrah, &c.
Plain and artless her sons, but whose doors open faster,
At the knock of the stranger, or the tale of disas^ter ?
How like to the rudeness of their dear native mountains.
With rich ore in their bosoms, and life in their fountains.
Hurrah, &c.
And her daughters, the Queen of the forest resembling,
So graceful, so constant, yet to gentlest breath trembling,
And true lightwood at heart, let the match be applied them.
How they kindle and flame ? Oh, none know but who've tried them.
Hurrah, &c.
Then let all who love us, love the land that we live in,
(As happy a region as on this side of Heaven,)
Where Plenty and Freedom, Love and Peace smile before us,
Raise aloud, raise together, the heart thrilling chorus !
Hurrah! Hurrah! the old North State forever!
Hurrah ! Hurrah ! the good old North State !
He was thrice married. On the 4th Sept., 1803, to Miss Susan Hay (danghter
of John Hay, of Fayette ville).
On Oct. 6tn, 1805, to Hannah McClnre, the only daughter of General McOlure,
who died on the 12th of July, 1813, leavine one son and two daughters ; and
in August, 1816, he married again, Eliza Ann Worthington, daughter of Dr.
Charles Worthington, of Georgetown, D. C. She died Jan. 26th, 18 19, leaving
two infant daughters.
The General Assembly, at its next session (1845), through Dr. Thomas N.
Cameron, late Senator from Cumberland, Chairman of the Committee to whom
the subject was referred, reported the following resolutions: —
EESOLUTIONS ON THE DEATH OP WILLIAM GASTON,
Adopted unanimously by the General Assembly of the State of
North Carolina, at the Session of 1814. 15, and ordered to be re-
corded in the Journals of both houses : —
The General Assembly of North Carolina have learned that since their last
session, one of the most distinguished of our citisens has died. On tiie 23d
of January, 1844, William Gaston, one of the Judges of the Supreme Coart
of North Carolina, after an illness of a few hoars departed this life. The
CaAVBN COUNTY. 119
General Assembly of the State, from the unsullied character and inestimable
worth of this distinguished citizen, is conscious that no acts or words can ex-
press their deep veneration for his character, or their sorrow for his irrepara-
ble loss.
** Storied urn, or animated bust,'' cannot remind us more sensibly of his
exalted worth ; for this is impressed deeply on every heart.
Literally baptized in the blood of his distinguislied ancestor who fell in the
revolutionary stru^Ies of our country, he was early impressed with an abid-
ing love of his native State, and devoted the whole energies of his well dis-
dained mind to its service.
in all the varied stations of importance to which he was called by the con-
fidence of his fellow-citizens, he aevoted with untiring energy all the powers
of his mind to the promotion of the public weal. As a man, he was exem-
plary in all the relations of life ; a devoted husband, an affectionate father. As
a statesman, he was pure and patriotic ; the honor of his country was the
chief object of his heart. As an advocate, he was faithful and zealous. As
a Judge, he was learned and impartial ; and he died, as the whole of his life
had been spent, in the service of the State.
When such a man dies the State may well mourn. The sensation caused
by his death testified the estimation in which he was held by his countrymen.
Nothing could exceed his long, bright, and glorious career in life, but the
tranquil manner in which he left it.
We are informed by the proceedings of the Supreme Court, on the mournful
occasion of his death, that at the moment of nis dissolution his mind was
cheerful, and his conversation instructive. Full of years, and full of honors,
he left without a struggle or a murmur, a world of gloom for an eternity of
glory. Truly was it said by one who knew him long, and knew him well,
*' he was a good man and, a great Judge,*'
The General Assembly of the State of North Carolina feel their inability
to express their own feelings, or those of their constituents, in view of the
loss which the State has sustained ; yet they deem it due to the memory of
departed talents, and gratitude for his long and faithful services, to offer the
following
RESOLUTIONS.
Resolved^ by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina, that in
the death of Williak Gastox, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court, the
State has experienced a loss of one of its most patriotic citizens, a faithful
Imblic servant, and a learned and impartial judge. That in the course of a
ong and varied life, his bright career is left to us an example worthy of
imitation, and his unsullied character one of the brightest jewels of the State.
Resolvedy That the Governor of the State transmit a copy of these resolu-
tions, with the preamble, to the family of the deceased ; and that they be
spread on the journals of both branches of the General Assembly.*
Hon. John Sitqreaves was a resident of Newbem. He was appointed a
Lieutenant by the State Congress in 1776, in Captain Cassell's companv. He
was in the battle of Camden (Aueust, 1780) as aid to Governor Caswell. He
was a member of the Continental Congress in 1784, and from 1787 to 1789,
was in the Legislature, from Newbern.
lie succeeded Judge John Stokes as U. S. District Judge of North Carolina,
appointed by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Jefferson's private journal has tho follow-
ing:—
** 1789. Hawkins recommended John Sitgreaves as a very clever gentle-
man, of good deportment, well skilled in the law for a man of his aee, and
should he live long enough, he will be an ornament to his profession. Spaight
and Blount concurring, he was nominated.'^
* These rcjiolutions passed uoanimously both houses, and were, by order, spread upon
their journals ; and were prepared on this occasion, at the request of the Chairman^ by the
Author of these sketches.
17
120 BISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
He diod at Halifax in 1800, where he lies buried, and was succeeded by the
Hon. Henry Potter.
Rev. Thomas P. Irtine was celebrated "in the olden time" of Newbem
a teacher. Many anecdotes, rich in humor, might have been detailed of him,
for he was a man
" if severe in aught,
The love he bore to learning was his fault.''
He was a scholar " rare and ripe,'' aud prepared some of our first men with
great care for the duties of life. Many, whose hands have since guided ithe
affairs of State, have felt the stringent application of his Tippoo Sa^, and
many whose shoulders have been honored by the ermine of the laws, early
felt the infliction of his GhrecU Mogul. Peace to his manes !
Richard Dobbs Spaioht, son of Governor Spaight, was bom in Newbem
in 1796 ; educated at the University, at which he graduated in 1815. He
was a lawyer by profession. He was first elected to the Legislature in 1819,
in the House of Commons. In 1820 he was elected to the Senate, and also
in 1821 and 1822.
In 1823, he was elected to Congress from this district, and served one Con-
gress. He was elected to the Senate again in 1824, and served continuously
until 1834, when he was elected Governor of the State.
After this he never was in the public service, but declining all political
honors, devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. He died in 1850, much *
esteemed by his fellow citizens, as a liberal politician and courteous gentle-
man. He never was married.
John R. Donnell, of this county, was born in Ireland ; educated at the
University, and graduated in 1807, with the first honors of this venerable in-
stitution. He studied law, and entered the practice with great success.
In 1815, he was elected Solicitor of the Newborn Circuit, and in 1819,
elected Judge of the Superior Court, which he resigned in 1836. He has
"chosen the wise part," avoided politics, and now enjoys, **in a green old
age," affluence, ana the respect of all who know him. Ue married a daughter
of the first Governor, Richard Dobbs Spaight, by whom he has had several
children. One of whom was
Hon. Richard S. Donnell, who was in Congress from this district in 1847,
and served one Confess. One of the daughters married the Hon. Charles B.
Shepard, and who is now his widow ; another, James B. Shepard, Esq., of
Raleigh.
Hon. Charles Biddle Shepard was bom in Newbem on the 5th December,
1807 ; was graduated at Chapel Hill in 1827 ; elected a member of Congress
from this district in 1837, and served until 1841. He died in October, 1843. He
was twice married, first to Miss Jones, who died, leaving one son; and
secondly to Mary Donnell, who survived him, with two children. He died
3l8t October, 1843.
He was distinguished as a man of ready genius, unquestioned talent, and
indomitable courage.
Hon. John H. Bryan, now of Raleigh, is a native of Newbem, and his
family were early distinguished for their devotion to liberty and popular
rights. In the State Congress of November, 1776, at Hidifax, three of his
name were members. He was born in 1798.
Mr. Bryan entered the Legislature in the Senate in 1823, and served the
next session. The next summer, while absent from home, he was elected
again to the Senate of the State Legislature, and a member of Congress from
the Newborn District, a circumstance almost unprecedented in political his-
tory, and shows his unbounded pojpularity. He served in Congress during
the whole administration of John Quincy Adams; when he declined, preftir-
CRAVEN COUNTY. 121
ring the qniet Jojs of home, and the pursuit of his profession, to the troubled
waters of political life.
He was educated to the law, of which profession he is, at this time,
« A well deserving pillar."
He married the daughter of William Shepard, Esq., of Newborn, and sister
to the Hon. Charles B. Shepard, Hon. Wm. B. Shepard, and James B.
Shepard, £8C[., by whom he has a large and interesting family. One of them,
Lieut. Francis T, Bryan, of the Topographical Engineers, has distinguished
himself in the army by his gallantry and ailigence m his profession. He was
brevetted for his gallantry and gooa conduct at Buena Vista.
Hon. George E. Badger, now one of our senators in Congress, is a native
of Newborn. He was bom in 1795. His father was a firm Whig, and a native
of Connecticut ; his mother, a daughter of Richard Cogdell, who, with Dr.
Alexander Qaston, was of the Provincial Council of Safety for the Newborn
District in 1775. He was educated at Yale College ; read law with Hon.
John Stanly, who was his near relative, and whom he succeeded in the Legis-
lature in lol6.
He was elected Judge of the Superior Court in 1820, which he resigned in
1825.
He was Secretary of the Navy under General Harrison in 1841, which he
resigned soon afterwards.
In 1846 elected a senator in Congress ; and was re-elected in 1848, which
distinguished post he now occupies.
He has been thrice married. His first wife was a daughter of Gov. Turner,
of Warren ; his second a daughter of Col. Polk, and his third (and pre-
sent wife), Mrs. Williams, who was a daughter of late Sherwood Haywood,
Esq., of Raleigh.
Hon. Matthias E. Makly is a resident of Craven, but a native of Chat-
ham. He was educated at the University, at which he graduated in 1824,
in same class with Hon. Wm. A. Graham, now Secretary of the Navy ; Hon.
Augustus Moore, late Judge of Superior Court ; and Hon. David Outlaw, at
present in Congress. He divided the first honor with Gov. Graham, Profes-
sor Simms, and late Thomas Dews, of Lincoln County.
He studied law with his brother, Hon. Charles Manly, of Raleigh, and was
first elected a membes of the House of Commons in 1834 from the town of
Newborn, and represented it again in 1835. He was the last representative
of that ancient and literary borough, the Convention to amend the Consti-
tution in 1835, having abolished its right of representation.
In 1840 he was elected a Jud^ of the Superior Court by the General As-
sembly, which responsible position he now occupies.
Judfge Manly has been twice married. His first wife was a daughter of
the distinguished William Gaston, and the second, Miss Simpson.
Hon. Wm. H. Washington is a resident of this county. He is by profes-
sion a lawyer.
He was elected a member of Congress in 1841, and served until 1843.
In 1844 he was a member of the House of Commons from Craven, and in
1846.
In 1848 he was elected a member of the Senate, and re-elected in 1850,
which position, alike useful to his country and honorable to himself, he now
occupies.
On 7th Feb. 1847, Capt J. H. K. Burj^U; a natiye of this section, captain
in Ist Regiment of U. S. Dragoons, died at Taos in New Mexico, from a
wound in his breast, from a rifle ball received in action on the fifth of that
month with the Pueblo Indians.
Althoueh Crayen presents so £ur a record of patriotism) yet truth compels
His record to speak uiat there were some exceptions.
122
HISTORY OF NORTH OAROLIKA.
The Journal of the Congress at Halifax, 5th Dec. 1776, shows thajk,
"William Heath, of the town of Newbem, charged with Toryism, was
taken in custody and imprisoned by order of Congress/'
Many other names might be mentioned in connection with her
history and that of her distinguished sons. But we have already
allotted to her far more than her average portion of space, and
leave for another edition, or some other abler hand, to complete
her history, which of itself might form a respectable volume.
NEWBERN.
LIST OF MEMBERS TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
Yean. House of Commons.
1777. AbnerNash.
1778. Richard Cogdell.
1779. Richard Cogdell.
1780. James Green, Jun.
1781. Richard D. Spaight.
1782. Richard D. Spaight.
1783. Richard D. Spaight.
1784. Spyers Singleton.
1785. WilUam Lisdale.
1786. John Sitgreaves.
1787. John Sitgreaves.
1788. John Sitgreaves.
1789. John Sitgreavea.
1791. James Coor.
1792. Richard D. Spaight.
1793. Isaac Guion.
1794. Daniel Carthy.
1795. Isaac Guion.
1796. Thomas Badger.
1797. Edward Graham.
1798. John Stanly.
1799. John Stanly.
1800. George Ellis.
1801. George Ellis.
1802. Edward Harris.
1803. Edward Harris.
1804. Frederick Nash.
1805. Frederick Nash.
1806. Francis X. Martin.
Years. House of Commons.
1807.
1808.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
1816.
1818.
1819.
1820.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825.
1826.
1827.
1828.
1829.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
1834.
1835.
Francis X. Martin.
William Gaston.
William Gaston.
Daniel Carthy.
Daniel Carthy.
John Stanly.
John Stanly.
John Stanly.
John Stanly.
George E. 6adger.
John Stanly.
John Stanly.
Edward £. Graham.
Francis L. Hawks.
E. £. Graham.
John Stanly.
William Gaston.
John Stanly.
John Stanly.
William Gaston.
William Gaston.
Charles B. Spaight.
Charles B. Spaight.
William Gaston.
Charles B. Shepard.
Charles B. Shepard.
Matthias E. Manly.
Matthias £. Manly.
CRAVEN COUNTY.
Years. Senate.
1777. James Coor,
1778. James Coor,
1779. James Coor,
1780. James Coor,
1781. James Coor,
1782. James Coor,
1783. James Coor,
1784. James Coor,
1785. James Coor,
1786. James Coor,
1787. James Coor,
1788. Benjamin WilUams,
Members of House of Commons.
John Tillman, Nathan Bryan.
Nathan Bryan, Ahner Nash.
Hardy Bryan, Benj. Williams.
Wm. Bryan, William Blount.
Wm. Bryan, John Tillman.
Wm. Bryan, John Tillman.
Wm. Blount, William Bryan.
William Blount, William Brran.
Richard D. Spaight, Abner Neale.
Richard D. Spaight, Abner Neale.
Richard Nixon, Richard D. Spaight.
Richard Nixon, John Allen.
OKAVEH COUNTY.
128
Years. Senate.
1789. James Coor,
1790. John Bryan,
1791. John Carney,
1792. John Carney,
1793. John Carney,
1794. John C. Bryan,
1795. John C. Bryan,
1796. Wm. McClure,
1797. Wm. McClure,
1798. John Bryan,
1799. John Bryan,
1800. William Gaston,
1801. Richard D. Spaight,
1802. John Bryan,
1803. Stephen Harris,
1804. Wm. Bryan,
1805. Wm. Bryan,
1806. Wm. Bryan,
1807. Wm. Bryan,
1808. Henry Tillman,
1809. Wm. Bryan,
1810. John S. West,
1811. John S. West,
1812. William Gaston,
1813. Vine Allen,
1814. Wright Stanly,
1815. Keuben P. Jones,
1816. John S. Smith,
1817. John S. Smith,
1818. William Gaston,
1819. William Gaston,
1820. Richard D. Spaight,
1821. Richard D. Spaight,
1822. Richard D. Spaight,
1823. John II. Bryan,
1824. John H. Bryan,
1825. Richard D. Spaight,
1826. Richard D. Spaight,
1827. Richard D. Spaight,
1828. Richard D. Spaight,
1829. Richard D. Spaight,
1830. Richard D. Spaight,
1831. Richard D. Spaight,
1832. Richard D. Spaight,
1833. Richard D. Spaight,
1834. Richard D. Spaight,
1835. Thos. J. Pasteur,
1836. John M. Bryan,
1838. Saml. J. Biddle,
1840. Thos. J. Pasteur,
1842. Thos. J. Pasteur,
1844. Thos. J. Pasteur,
1846. N. H. Street,
1848. Wm. H.Washington,
1850. Wm.H. Washington,
Members of House of Commons.
Richard Nixon, John Allen.
Leri Dawson, John Allen.
Levi Dawson, John Allen.
John Tillman, John Allen.
John Tillman, John Allen.
John Tillman, John Allen.
John Spence West, Wm. Bryan.
John S. West, Wm. Bnran.
Henry Tillman, Wm. Blackledge.
Philip Neale, William Blackledge.
Philip Neale, William Blackledge.
James Gatling, John S. Nelson.
Lewis Fonville, Henry Tillman.
Lewis Fonville, Wm. Bryan.
Lewis Fonville, Wm. Bryan.
Jno. S. Richardson, Lewis Fonville.
John S. Nelson, Chas. Hatch.
Lewis Fonville, John S. Nelson.
Edward Harris, John S. Nelson.
Stephen Harris, John S. Nelson.
Wm. Blackledee, John S. Nelson.
Vine Allen, John S. Nelson.
Vine Allen, John S. Nelson.
Henry Tillman, Fred. J. Cox.
Fred. J. Cox, Benners Veil.
Henry Carroway, James Ray.
Joseph Nelson.
John S. Nelson, Thos. O'Bryan.
John S. Nelson, Thos. O'Bryan.
Abner Neale, Vine Allen.
Richd. D. Spaight, Abner Neale.
Amos Rowe, Wm. S. Blackledge. '
John M. Bryan.
John M. Bryan, James C. Cole.
John M. Bryan, S. Whitehurst.
S. Whitehurst, T. C. Bryan.
Saml. Whitehurst, Andrew H. Richardson.
Andrew II. Richardson, Saml. Whitehurst
Chas. J. Nelson, Lucas Benners.
Chas. J. Nelson, John M. Bryan.
Nathl. Smith, John M. Bryan.
John M. Bryan, Alex. F. Gaston.
Abner Hartley, Wm. M. Nelson.
Abnor Hartley, Wm. M. Nelson.
John B. Dawson, F. P. Latham.
Abner Hartley, F. P. Latham.
John M. Bryan, Abner Neale.
Abner Hartley, Abner Neale.
Saml. Hyman, Wm. C. Wadsworth.
Saml. Hyman, Wm. C. Wadsworth.
Oliver S. Dewey, Nathl. H. Street.
Wm. H. Washington, F. J. Prentiss.
Wm. H. Washington, H. T. Guion.
W. C. WadswortS, Geo. S. Stevenson.
Geo. C. Stevenson, A. J. Jerkins.
124 HISTOBT or NOBTH CABOLIKA.
CHAPTER XXIII.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Date of formation — Situation and boundaries — ^Population and prodncts—
Fayetteyille its capital — Colonial and Revolutionary history — The cha-
racter of Farauard Campbell, Flora MacDonald, William Duffy, John Louis
Taylor, late Uhief Justice of Supreme Court; John D. Tobmer, late Judge
of Supreme Court; Robert Strange, late Judge of Superior Conrti and
Senator in Congress ; Louis D. Henry, and others.
Cumberland Countt was formed in 1754, from the upper part
of Bladen ; derives its name from the Duke of Cumberland, at that
time very popular as a brave ofiBcer in England.^
It is situated in nearly the centre of the State, having Wake
County, the seat of government, on the north; Johnston and
Sampson on the east ; Bladen and Bobeson on the south ; Richmond
and Moore Counties on the west.
Its capital town is Fayetteville. This flourishing and ancient
town was settled in 1762. It was first called Campbelltown, then
Cross Creek, and in 1784, its name was changed to Fayetteville, in
honor of General Lafayette, who was a native of France, and who
Serilled his life and fortune in the cause of liberty. He was a
I^or-General in the American army, fought in her battles, was
wounded at Brandywine, and having aided in the freedom of this
country, he returned to his native land.
Fayetteville is distant from Raleigh sixty miles. It is located on
the Cape Fear River, which is navigable to this place for steam
and other boats.
On the 29th of May, 1831, Fayetteville was almost wholly
destroyed by fire.
The population of Cumberland, according to the census of 1850, is 1^447
whites; 7,217 slaves; 946 free negroes; 17,723 representatiTe population.
Its products,' according to the census of 1840, were : —
6,037 bushels of wheat, 459,747 pounds of cotton,
16,577 " oats, 16,800 " wool,
3,019 " rye, 1,794 barrels of turpentine,
291,630 " corn, 78,540 dollars worth of lumber.
THE UNITED STATES ARSENAL.
This Arsenal is located at Fayetteville, and is commanded by
Gapt. A. B. Dyer, Ordnance Corps, is still unfinished and mider
construction — will be finished in two years. There are no enlisted
* See Revised Statutes, ii. 118. Martin's History of N. C.
CUUBBBLAND COTTNTT. 125
men at the Arsenal. The building operations are being conducted
hj hired mechanics and laborers. Supplies of ordnance, munitions
of war, &c. considerable, and yearly increased.
The County of Cumberland early presented a firm devotion to
liberty.
The delegates to the GeDeral Assembly of Deputies, at Newbern, on the
25th of August, 1774, were Farquard Campbell, and Thomas Rutherford.
At the same place, on the 3d of April, 1775, the same were dele^tes.
At the meeting at Hillsboro', on tne 2l8t of August, 1775, were Farquard
Campbell, Tuomas Rutherford, Alexander McAluster, Dayid Smith, and
Alexander McKat.
In June, 1775, an Association was formed in Cumberland.
I copy from the original paper now in the Executive office, in Raleigh, and
communicated by a letter from Thomas J. Robinson, of Cumberland County,
in December, 1830, to General Thomas G. Polk.
The Association, June 20, 1775.
The actual commencement of hostilities against the continent, by the
British troops, in the bloody scene on the 19th of April last, near Boston,
the increase of arbitrary impositions from a wicked and despotic Ministry,
and the dread of instigated insurrections in the colonies, are causes sufficient
to drive an oppressed people to the use of arms. We, therefore, the sub-
fscribers, of Cumberland County, holding ourselves bound by the most sacred
of all obligations, the duty of good citizens towards an injured country, and
thoroughly convinced, that, under our distressed circumstances, we shall
be justified in resisting force by force, do unite ourselves under every tie of
religion and honor, and associate as a band in her defence against every foe,
hereby solemnly engaging, that whenever our Continental or Provincial
Councils shall decree it necessary, we will go forth and be ready to sacrifice
our lives and fortunes to secure her freedom and safety. This obligation to
continue in full force until a reconciliation shall take place between Great
Britain and America, upon constitutional principles, an event we most
ardently desire ; and we will hold all those persons inimical to the liberty of
the colonies, who shall refuse to subscribe to this Association ; and we will
in all things follow the advice of our General Committee respecting the pur-
poses aforesaid, the preservation of peace and good order, and the safety of
individual and private property. Signed,
Robert Rowan, Theophilus Evans, David Shepherd,
Lewis Barge, Thomas Moody, Mic^jah Farrell,
Maurice Nowlan, Jos. De Lespine, John Wilson,
Lewis Powell, Arthur Council, James Emmet,
Martin Lennard, John Oliver, Aaron Vardey,
George Fletcher, Charles Stevens, John Parker,
AValter Murray, Wm. Ilerrin, Philip Ilerrin/
David Evans, Robert Verner, James Gee,
John Elwell, David Dunn, Wm. White,
Benjamin Elwell, Simon Banday, Joshua Iladley,
Joseph Green, John Jones, William Blocker,
Robert Green, Robert Council, Sam'l Uollingsworih,
Robert Carver, Samuel Carver, Wm. Carver.
This paper, considering the time (June, 1775), and the sentiments
expressed, is but little behind the famed Mecklenburg Resolves.
This important paper is deposited in the Governor's office, at
Raleigh, where it can be examined ; but I have given above a true
copy.
With Cumberland County is connected the romantic history of
Flora MacDonald, which has excited the imagination of Mr. Jones,
126 HISTOBT OF NORTH CABOLIKA.
Mrs. EUet, and Mr. Foote, in their several productions.* In our
labors we have studiously avoided any allurement to draw upon
the fancy or imagination. We deal only in facts and figures.
The hopes of Charles Edward, grandson of James 2d, to ascend the En-
glish throne* were destroyed on the fatal field of Culloden. (16th April, 1746.)
In 1747t Neal McNeaf, from the west of Scotland, purchased lands near
Gross Creek (now Fajetteville), which he settled in 1749, with five or six
hundred colonists.
Embarrassed bj pecuniary matters at home, and encouraged by the reports
of the numbers of their countr;^mcn who had flocked to the Cape Fear, in
1775, Allan MacDonald and his wife Flora left Scotland, and landed in
North Carolina. They took up their abode in Fayetteville. The history of
Flora MacDonald had been connected with the escape of Charles Edward
from the English. The Pretender had sought concealment in the highlands
of Scotland. A price had been set upon his head, and he was hunted from
mountain to dell, and from crag to cavern. Escape seemed impossible.
Flora was on a visit to this part of Scotland from Millburv, on her return
from Edinburgh, and it was suggested that the Prince should be arrayed in
female clothes, and return with Flora as a waiting-maid. But even this step
was dangerous and difficult. Every place was watched, and every pass
guarded b^ the troops of the Duke of Cumberland. Flora's own father-in-
law. Captain Hush MacDonald, was one of the officers in the search. She,
however, obtained from him a passport for herself, her youthful companion,
Neil MacDonald, and *' for Betty BourkCf a stout Irish woman, and three
others."
On 28th June, 1746, they embark from Uist for the Isle of Skye. After
much danger they land at Kilbride in the parish of Kilmuir, where they
stopped at the house of Sir Alexander MacDonald, the Laird of Sleite ; the
laira was from home, and the house was filled with officers who were in
search of the royal fugitive. By advice of Lady MacDonald, to whom Flora
confided her secret, she set out with her suite forthwith for Kingsburg, where
they rested safe after dangers and fatigues. The next morning Flora accom-
panied the Prince to Portaree, and there they parted. The Prince's last words
to Flora were, *' Gentle, faithful maiden, I hope we will meet again in the
Palace Koyal.'' lie finally escaped with Neal Mac Donald to France, a son
of whom was distinguished in the French Revolution. He was a Marshal
under Napoleon, and for his gallantry was created Duke of Tarentum.
The unK)rtunate Charles Edward never returned. He died in France, 1788.
The Government were highly incensed that their victim should escape.
That escape could not have been accomplished by arms or intrigue, but
by woman's tact and woman's tenderness alone. Flora was arrested, with
Malcolm McLeod, whose pack the prince had carried; McKinnon, of
Straith, who had received him from McLeod, and MacDonald of Kingsburg.
When arrested,^ which was a few days after parting from the Prince,
Flora was conveyed on board of the Furnace, Captain Fergussone, and taken
to Leith.
She was then removed on board of Commodore Smith's ship, and con-
veyed to the Nore, whence, on Cth December, after being five months on ship-
board, she was transferred to the custody of the messenger Dick, where she
remained until July, 1747.
They were carried to London, and confined in prison to be tried for high
treason. The youth of Flora and the chivalric daring of her adventure,
created a strong feeling in her favor. She had never been an advocate of the
Pietender's claims to the crown, nor was she even of the same religious faith.
* Defence of North Carolina, by J. Seawell Jones. Women of the Revolution, by
Mrs. Ellet. Sketches of North Carolina, by Wm. H. Foote, 148.
I Williamson's History of North Carolina, ii. SO.
Bottwell's Life of Johnson, i. 387.
CUKBEBLAND COtNTT. 12T
That impnlsi^ humanity of woman for distress was her only crime. When
asked bj the King (Gepree the 2d), ** How dare you succor the enemy of my
erown and kingdom V* she replied —
" I only did what I would do for your Majesty in the same condition — re-
lieved distress/' No evidence was produced against her. She was set at
liberty. She was, under the protection of Lady Primrose, sent home with
Malcolm McLeod.
In Boswell's Life of Johnson I find the following : —
'*Mond^y, IZth Sept. 1773.
" We safely arrived at Kingsburg, and was received by the hospitable
MacDonald. The lady of the house is the celebrated Flora MacDonald.
She is a little woman, of a genteel appearance, and uncommonly mild and
well bred.
'* The room where we lay was a celebrated one. Dr. Johnson's bed was the
Tery one in which the* grandson of the unfortunate King James the Second
lay, on one of the nights after the failure of his rash attempt in 1745-^,
while he was eluding the pursuit of the emissaries of the government, which
bad offered thirty thousand pounds reward for him."
"It is remarkable," says Sir Walter Scott,* " that this distinguished lady
signed her name Flory, instead of the more classical orthography. Her mar-
riage contract, which is in my possession, bears the name spelled Flory."
Four years after her return she married Allan McDonald, and, as already
stated, emigrated in 1775 to America. They settled in Fayetteville. The
ruins of the house are yet to be seen, as you pass from the market-house to
the court-house on your right hand just before you cross the creek, not far
from the law office bf John D. Eccles, l^sqL After a short stay they remoTed to
Cameron Hill, about twenty miles from Fayetteville. The old persons about
this place well recollect seeing her, " a dignified, handsome woman, to whom
allpaid great respect."
When Flora exchanged Scotland for America for peace and quiet, it was
bad for worse. The troubles of the Revolution had just commenced.
The chief of the clan of MacDonald accepted a commission as general from
the Royal Governor (Martin), in the service of his Majesty, George III. The
wild notes of Uie Scottish pibroch united with the English bugles. On Ist
Feb. 1776, General MacDonald issued his proclamation, for all true and loyal
Highlanders to join his standard at Cross Creek, to march and unite with
Gen. Clinton, and Gov. Martin. He
«< marshalPd his clan,
Their swords were a thousand, their hearts were as one."
On their way down they were met near the mouth of Moore's Creek, on
27th Feb. 1776, by the forces of Caswell and Lillington, and after a despe-
rate engagement, to the misguided and ill-advised Highlanders, a second Cul-
loden awarded them. Gen. MacDonald was taken prisoner, as also Kings-
burg MacDonald, husband of Flora, who was a captain ; Captain McLeod
and Captain John Campbell were killed, and the rest taken prisoners.
Her nusband was confined a prisoner in Halifax jail. After his release
— broken down in hopes, their property plundered, lands confiscated, he and
Flora returned to Scotland. On their passage home they encountered a
French ship-^f-war. An action ensued. This heroic woman remained on
deck during the action, and encouraged the men. The enemy was beaten
off, but in the bustle of battle Flora was thrown down, and her arm was
broken. With the shrewdness of her county Flora is said to have remark-
ed, " I have hazarded my life for the House of Stuart and for the House of
Hanover, and I do not see that I am a great gainer by either."
To the bravery of our sex she united the gentleness of her own, and leav-
ing a family of five sons (all of whom became military officers), she died 4th
March, 1790.
Her shroud was made of the sheets in which Charles Edward had slept at
* Xiockhart Papers.
128 mSTOBT OF NOBIH OABOLINA.
Kingsburg,* which, with woman's romantic temper, she had preserved in all
her wanderings, for this express purpose.
Foote remarks that ** Massachusetts has had her Lady Arabella, Virginia
her Pocahontas, and North Carolina her Flora MacDonald.''
The Field Officers appointed by the State in 1775 for Cumberland: —
Alexander McAllister, Col. ; Ebenezer Folsome, Lieut-Col. ; Dayid Svith,
First Major ; Philip Alston, Second Major.
The character of Col. Folsome was that of a daring and chiTalrio man.
He seized all persons suspected of enmity to the cause of liberty, and brought
them to trial.
On examining the journal of 1776,t I find that he was charged with peca-
lation and negligence of duty, and dismissed from the service.
Among the first members from Cumberland in 1775, was Farquard Cavp-
brll. He was suspicioned as being inimical to America, but, took all the
test oaths and other ordeals which the vigilance of the day had exacted.
But this suspicion was heightened when a letter of Biggleston, €h>v. Martin's
Secretary, requested the favor of the State Congress sitting at Hillsboro,'
Aug. 21, 1775, " to give safe conduct to Uis Excellency's coach and horses
to house of Farquard Campbell, in Cumberland.''
This suspicion was for a moment removed by Campbell's disclaimer from
his seat that such a request was without his knowledge or consent, and
implored the house to grant no such request.t
lie was suspected of a secret correspondence with Gov. Martin throughout
the whole of his service in the State Congress. As the American cause
advanced, this double dealing could no longer be carriechon. While enter-
taining a party of Highland Hoyalists in the fall of 1776, at his own house, he
was seized by Colonel Ebenezer Folsome, and carried to Halifax to be tried.
After the Revolution, he appears to have eschewed his former political
opinions. He was elected Senator from Cumberland, in 1791, '92, and '93.
Li 1806 WiLiLAX DuFFT was a member from Fayetteville to the House of
Commons. He was an educated man and by profession a lawyer.
He was a man of talents, of a quick and impetuous temper. This involved
him in early life in a difficulty with Hon. Duncan Cameron, which terminated
in a hostile meeting. Both were wounded ; Judge Cameron slightly, Durrr
severely.
I present from one who knew him personally, the following
extract from Judge Murphy's oration at Chapel Hill, June 27,
1827.
"William Duffy was the child of misfortune. Thrown upon the world
without friends and without fortune, accident introduced him in his early
youth to the acquaintance of John Haywood, Esq., the venerable Treasurer
of this State ; wno, in the exercise of that benevolence for which his whole
life has been conspicuous, gave him employment, and enabled him to prose-
cute his studies and prepare himself for the bar. Dufft had an opportunity
of witnessing the splendid displays of Davie and Moore ; and he profited by
their example. He devoted a large portion of his time to polite literature,
and acquired a more elegant sUle in composition than an^ of his con-
temporaries in North CaroRna. He had a slight impediment in his speech,
but, by laborious perseverance he succeeded in regulating the tones and
modulations of his voice in such a way, that this impediment often seemed
to be an ornament to his delivery. He was one of the few men of our
country who could read well. He studied the art of reading, and his friends
will long remember the pleasure they have received from hearing him read.
In his addresses at the bar, he was always impressive, particularly upon
* Bosvreirs Life of Johnson, i. 559.
t Journal of the Greneral As»einhly, 1776, 38.
I Letter of Judge Williams to Wm. Johnston, lOtb Jan. 1777.
CtJMBERTiAND COUHTT. 129
topics connected with ▼irtuous and beneyolent feeline. He hod a Tigorons
mind, and feelings attuned to the finest emotions. I remember bim with
fond affection. lie was my friend, my preceptor, my patron. He instrncted
me in the science of the law, in the art of managing causes at the bar, and
in the still more difficult art of reading books to advantage. I wish it were
in mj power to render to his memory a more permanent honor than this
passing tribute of respect and gratitude I"
John Louis Tatlor, late Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North
Carolina, in 1792, '93, and '94, represented Fayetteville in the House of
Commons.
He was a native of Ireland, a man of genius, acquirements, and varied
learning ; possessing great amability of character, pure philanthropy, and
unbounded benevolence.
In 1798, he was elected a Judge of the Superior Court, and in 1818, one
of the Judges of the Supreme Court ; holding this elevated office with great
credit to himself and satisfaction to the country, until his death, January,
1829.
Hon. Henrt Potter resides in this county. He is a native of Granville.
He is now (Aug. 1851), in the eighty-sixth year of his age. He is now the
United States Circuit Judge, appointed to succeed Judge Sitgreaves, in
1801. He has been a Trustee of the University since 1799 ; Author of a
work on the Duty of a Justice of the Peace, and with Bartlett Yancey and
John L. Taylor, revised the statute laws in 1820.
John B. Tooxer represented Cumberland in the Senate in 1831 and '32.
He is a native of AVilmington, and was educated at Chapel Hill, where he
stood high for his intellectual qualities and rapid acquisition of knowledge.
In 1818 he was elected a Judge of our Superior Court, which in the next
year he resigned.
In June, 1829, he was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court, by the Gover-
nor and Council, but this not being confirmed by the Legislature, he resigned
in December, 1829.
In 1831-2 he was Senator in the General Assembly, from Cumberland,
as above stated.
In 1836 he was again elected a Judge of the Superior Court, which, from
ill health, he resigned in 1840.
He is considered a most eloquent speaker, an agreeable and interesting
writer, of profound literary attainments, and an amiable and urbane gentle-
man.
He now resides in Pittsboro.'
Louis D. Henrt was long a resident of this county. He was bom in New
Jersey in 1788. He was educated at Princeton College, and graduated at
that renowned institution in 1809. He read law in Newborn under his uncle,
the late Edward Graham, Esq., and practiced this profession with great suc-
cess, until his death. He was distinguished for his accurate memory, diver«
•ified learning, and powers of elocution.
He represented the County of Cumberland in 1821 and 1822.
He represented the town of Fayetteville in 1830, '31, and '32, in the House
of Commons, of which once he was chosen Speaker.
Possessed of a quick sense of injury, and great firmness, in early life he
was involved in a difficulty arising from a very trivial cause, with Thomas J.
Stanly, which terminated in a hostile meeting on the Virginia line, in which
Mr. Stanly fell dead the first fire.
He was appointed in 1837 by the President ^Yan Buren) as Commissioner
to settle the Claims arising under the Treaty with Spain, the duties of whioh
he discharged with unequalled ability, and with satisfaction to all concerned.
In 1842 lie was chosen by the democratic party as their candidate for Go-
yemor, and was defeated by ^e Hon. John u. M!orehead.
180 HISTORY OF NOBTH CAROLINA.
He died very suddenly at his residence in Raleigh in June, 1846, much
lamented by his numerous friends throughout the State.
Mr. Henry was twice married ; by the second wife (who suryives him) he
left many children — one son, and several daughters, one of whom married
Duncan McRae, £9q., now of Wilmington ; another, Colonel John H. Manly,
of Raleigh ; and another, R. P. Waring, Esq., of Charlotte.
Hon. Robert Strange represented the town of Fayetteville in the House of
Commons for many years.
He is a native of Virginia, and was bom 20th September, 1796. He was
educated at Hampden Sidney College, in Virginia, elected to the House of
Commons in 1821, and served, with some intermission, until 1826, when he
was elected a Judge of our Superior Court, which elevated position he held,
with great credit to himself, and so much to the satisfaction of his country-
men, that the Legislature, in 1836, elected him a Senator in the Congress of
the United States.
In this illustrious body (Patres conscriptiof our nation^ the efforts of Judge
Strange were of a highly intellectual character, and ranked him among the
statesmen of the age. In private circles, his good humor and wit rendered
him a welcome guest to all. His inflexible firmness, and unwavering support
of whatever his conscience assured him was right, commanded the respect of
his compeers in the Senate. He resigned in 1840, under instructions of the
General Assembly, glad to escape from ** the peltings of the pitiless storms''
of political life for the more germane and lucrative pursuits of his profession,
of which he is now the pride and ornament. He is now Solicitor of the Fifth
Judicial Circuit ; the Criminal Code of the State could not be in safer hands.
While from his philanthropic disposition the innocent have nothing to fear,
he is " a terror unto evil doers."
Not only in the profession of the law and in the Senate has Judge Strange
been conspicuous. As a writer he has often appeared before the public. IIis
style is highly imaginative ; his taste, chastened by an intimate acquaintance
with the most approved authors of the language in every age, is classic and
beautiful. His eulogy upon Judge Gaston cannot but affect the heart, im-
prove the feelings, and delight the mind of all who may have the pleasure to
read it.
Hon. LAUcnLiN Bethun^ is a resident of Cumberland, and his public ser^
vices deserve the thanks of his country. Unobtrusive in his character, retiring
in his disposition, he has for years been withdrawn from the public eye.
He was a member of the State Senate from Cumberland in 1817, 1818, and
from 1821 to 1827. In 1831 elected a member of Congress from this District.
Hon. DiLLOX Jordan represented Cumberland County in the Commons in
1836, and was appointed United States Judge in Florida in 1838, where he
now resides.
Hon. John A. Cameron in 1810, 1811 and 1812 represented Fayetteville in
the House of Commons; he was brother of Dr. Thomas N. Cameron, of Fayette-
ville, who was the Senator in 1844, 1846 and 1850, and who died recently
(June, 1851), loved and respected by all who knew him.
He was appointed United States Consul to Vera Cruz, and afterwards
United States Judge in Florida. He perished in the unfortunate Steamer
Pulaski, on 14th June, 1838, on his passage from Savannah to Charleston.
He was a fine writer, accomplished gentleman, and sincere friend. He left
several children.
Hon. James C. Dobbin is a resident of Cumberland County. He was edu-
cated at the University of the State, and graduated in 1832. Studied law, in
thepractice of which he has been very successful.
His first appearance in public life was as a member of Congress in 1845.
After serving through the term of one Congress he declined a re-eleotion.
CiriCBERLAND COUNTT.
181
In 1848, he was. elected a member of the House of Commons, and again
re-elected in 1850, of which he was Speaker.
His career, brilliant as it opens, has just commenced, as he is yet young,
laborious, and highly gifted. His eloquence is of the most winning character,
and his efforts at the bar and in the legislative halls have been distinguished
for their clearness, research, and ability. His urbane manners and kind dis-
position make him a favorite with all parties and in all circles.
Many others in connection with this distin^ished County might be named,
which another edition and subsequent inquiries may bring to public notice.
FAYETTEVILLE.
Years.
1791.
1792.
1793.
1794.
1796.
1797.
1801.
1802.
1803.
1804.
1805.
1806.
1807.
1808.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
LIST OF ICEM BERS TO THE HOUSE OF COVMONS.
House of Commons. Years. House of Commons.
James Porterfield.
John L. Taylor.
John L. Taylor.
John L. Tavlor.
Robert Cochran.
James Dick.
Wm. W. Jones.
Robert Cochran.
Thomas Davis.
Robert Cochran.
John Hay.
WilHam Duffy.
Samuel Goodwin.
Samuel Goodwin.
Thomas Davis.
John A. Cameron.
John A. Cameron.
John A. Cameron.
Larkin Newley.
Thomas Davis.
John Winslow.
1816. John Winslow.
1817. John Winslow.
1818. John Winslow.
1819. John Winslow.
1820. John A. Cameron.
1821. Robert Strange.
1822. Robert Strange.
1823. Robert Strange.
1824. John Matthews.
1825. John Matthews.
1826. Robert Strange.
1827. John D. Eccles.
1828. John D. Eccles.
1829. John D. Eccles.
1830. Louis D. Henry.
1831. Louis D. Henry.
1832. Louis D. Henry.
1833. James Seawell.
1834. James Seawell.
1835. Thomas L. Hybart.
Years.
1778.
1779.
1780.
1781.
1782.
1783.
1784.
1785.
1786.
1787.
1788.
1789.
1791.
1792.
1793.
1794.
1795.
1796.
1797.
1798.
1799.
1800.
Senators.
List of members of General Assembly from Cumberland County,
from 1777 to 1851.
Members of the House of Commons.
Robert Rowan, Peter Mallet.
Robert Cochran, Robert Rowan.
Robert Cochran, Edward Winslow.
David Smith, Thomas Anthony.
Edward Winslow, Patrick Travis.
Patrick Travis, Edward Winslow.
Patrick Travis, Edward Winslow.
Robert Rowan, David Smith.
John Hay, Edward Winslow.
Wm. B. urove, James Hackston.
John McKay, Wm. B. Grove.
John McKay, Wm. B. Grove.
John McKay, Joseph Kearnes.
Joseph Kearnes, Neill Smith.
Neill Smith, Hector McAllister.
Hector McAllister, Neill Smith.
Hector McAllister, Neill Smith.
Neill Smith, Samael Northington.
Daniel McLean, Neill Smith.
Samael Northington, Sam'l D. Parvianee.
Neill Smith, Samuel D. Purriance.
John Diokton, Wm. Lord.
Thomas Armstrong,
Thomas Armstrong,
Thomas Armstrong,
Alexander McAllister,
Alexander McAllister,
Alexander McAllister,
Farquard Campbell,
Farquard Campbell,
Farquard Campbell,
John McNeill,
John McNeill,
John McNeill,
Hector McAllister,
Alexander McAllister,
Daniel McLean,
Hector MoAllister,
182
HISTOBT OF NORTH CAEOLINA.
Yean. Senators.
1801. Saraael D. Purviance,
1802. William Lord,
1803. John Dickson,
1804. Hector McAllister,
1805. John McKay,
1806. John McKay,
1807. John McKay,
1308. John Dickson,
1809. WiUiamLord,
1810. Colin Shaw,
1811. John Dickson,
1812. John Smith,
1813. John Smith,
1814. John Smith,
1815. John Dickson,
1816. Richard Huckabee,
1817. Lauch. Bathune,
1818. Lauch. Bethune,
1819. Richard Huckabee,
1820. John Black,
1821. Richard Huckabee,
1822. Lauch. Bethune,
1823. Lauch. Bethune,
1824. Lauch. Bethune,
1825. Lauch. Bethune,
1826. Alexander Elliott,
1827. Lauch. Bethune,
1828. Arch'd McDearmid,
1829. Arch'd McDearmid,
1830. Wm. Murchison,
1831. John D. Toomer,
1832. John D. Toomer,
1833. Duncan McCormick,
1834. Duncan McCormick,
1835. Duncan McCormick,
1836. Duncan McCormick,
1838. Arch'd McDearmid,
1840. Arch'd McDearmid,
1842. David R^id,
1844. Thomas N. Cameron,
1846. Thomas N. Cameron,
1848. Alexander Murchison,
1850. Thomas N. Cameron,
Members of the House of Commons.
John Dickson, Wm. Lord.
John Dickson, Daniel Smith.
Daniel Smith, Samuel Northington.
Archibald McNeill.
Stephen Gilmore, John Keames.
Colin Shaw, John Keames.
John Kearnes, Colin Shaw.
James Campbell.
JohnMc Kay, James Campbell.
Isaac Folsome, John S. Nelson.
Thomas Gilmore, Farq. McKay.
Robert Campbell, Richard Huckabee.
Richard Huckabee, Robert CampbelL
Richard Huckabee, Mark Christian.
Richard Huckabee, Neill McNeill.
Neill McNeill, John C. WiUiams.
John C. Williams, Neill McNeill.
Jona. Evans, NeUl McNeill.
Jon a. Evans, Neill McNeill.
Neill McNeill, Alexander McAllister.
Neill McNeill, Louis D. Henry.
Neill McNeill, Louis D. Henry.
Neill McNeill, Samuel P. Ashe.
Neill McNeill, Alexander Elliott.
Alexander Elliott, Samuel P. Ashe.
Joseph Hodges, A. McDearmid.
Joseph Hodees, A. McDearmid.
Alexander McNeill, Joseph Hodees.
Alexander McNeill, Alexander Buie.
Alexander McNeill, Alexander Buie.
David McNeill, John Barclay.
David McNeill, John D. Eccles.
David McNeill, Dillon Jordan.
Dillon Jordan, David McNeill.
Dillon Jordan, David McNeill.
Stephen Hollingsworth, Dillon Jordan.
Stephen Hollingsworth, David Reid.
David Reid, John Monroe.
John Monroe, Duncan K. McRae.
Duncan Shaw, B. F. Atkins.
Geo. W. Pegram, Duncan Shaw.
James C. Dobbin, Geo. W. Pegram.
James C. Dobbin, Geo. W. Pegram.
CHAPTER XXIV,
CURRITUCK COUNTY.
Currituck County was one of the early precincts of the State
in 1729, when the Lords Proprietors surrendered their rights to the
English Crown. It derives its name from a tribe of Indians who
once inhabited and owned the country.
CUERITUO^ COUNTY. 188
Its location is the extreme north-eastern portion of North Caro-
lina ; bounded on the north by the Virginia Line ; east by the Atlan-
tic Ocean ; south by the Albemarle Sound ; and west by Camden
County.
Its court house, on Currituck Sound, is beautifully located, and
is distant from Raleigh 242 miles.
Population of Gnrrituck, 4,600 whites; 2,447 slaTos; 189 free negroes;
6,257 representative population.
Products, 213,595 Dushels com ; 7,685 bushels wheat ; 7,084 bushels oats ;
400 bushels salt ; 400 barrels fish ; 11,465 pounds wool.
In this County is situated Roanoau Island. On the 4th day of July,
1584, two English ships approached the coast of North Carolina, sent out
under the auspices of Sir Walter Raleigh, under command of Arthur Bar-
lowe and Philip Amidas.*
*< These were the first that ever burst
Into that silent sea."
On the 13th of July they landed on this Island,! and Captain Amidas,
after they returned thanks to Almighty God for their safe deuveranoe, took
possession in these memorable words : —
" We take vossession of this land in right of ihe Queen's Most JExeeUerU Mioh
jestie, as rigntful Queene and Princesse of ihe same, to he delivered over to the
use of Sir Walter Raleigh^ according to her Mdjestie*s letters patent under her
Hignnesse's grecU scale.
Here then is the birth-place, and here is the birth of this great
Anglo-Saxon Empire.
Thej found, at this season (July), an island clad with grapes, for
which it is still celebrated, the far-famed Scuppemong.
Here, too, ** they found a people, most gentle, loTing, and faithful, and such
as live after the manner of the golden age.^t
How eloquent, and how truthful!
The Colony of Virginia claims antiquity, and the earliest settle-
ment in 1608.
The Pilgrim Sock, in Massachusetts, claims the next, in 1620 ;
but the faithful page of history points to Boanoake Island, and
says 1584.
This proves that North Carolina was the first State upon which
the English landed. We have already shown that she was the first
State in whose borders the blood of the colonists was spilled by the
English troops, in 1771, at Alamance ; and we have seen that she
was the State that threw ofi" the English yoke, at Charlotte, May,
1775.
If justice to her merits is tardy, it is sure. ^^ Bender unto Caesar
the things which are Ceesar's."
Currituck County has always been distingmshed for the indepen-
dence of its inhabitants.
The first meeting of Deputies of the people of the Province, independent of
the English crown, and adverse to the royal authority, was at Newoern, 25th
* Report of Sir Walter Raleigh, by Amidas and Barlow. Hakluyt's Voyages, 3.
t Thiit is illustrated opposite the title-pupe of the first volame, a lac simile from Har-
riot'n Account of Virginia, 15S4. Queen JSIuabeth had styled the whole region Virginia.
t See Report of Amidas and Barlowe. Haklujrt's Voyages.
134 HISTORY OF I(ORTH CAROLINA.
August, 1774; there appeared from Currituck, Solomon Perkins, Natha.n
PoYNER, and Samuel Jaryis.
At the second meeting, held at Newbem, 3d April, 1775, Thomas Mac-
Knight, Francis Williamson, Samuel Jaryis, Solomon Perkins, and Na-
than POVNER.
At the third meeting, held at Ilillshoro', 21st August, 1775, from Currituck
appeared Thomas Jaryis, Gideon Lamb, James Hyan, James White, and
Solomon Perkins.
At the Congress, held at Halifax, whicli met 12th NoYember,* 1776, and
formed our State Constitution, there appeared as delegates from Currituck,
Samuel Jaryis, James White, Kedar MarchaNt, Hallowell Williams, and
Thomas Williams.
The field officers for Currituck in 1776, were Hollowell Williams, Colonel;
Solomon Perkins, Lieut-Colonel; Asahel Simmonds, Miyor.
Thomas MacKnight appears to have been inimical to the cause of liberty.
The journals of the Congress at Newbern, 1775, show that Thomas Mac-
EInight was called upon to sign, with the other members of this ConYention,
the Association approving the Continental Congress at Philadislphia, refused,
and withdrew himself. The House then resolved that his intentions were
inimical to the cause of liberty, and recommended all persons to withdraw
from all connection with him as an obiect of contempt I
By a resolve of the Congress, 19th December, 177o, his estate was ordered
to be rented out by Isaac Gregory, Mr. Forebee, and Abner Harrison ; as
idso the estate of James Parker, of Pasquotank, and make return to the next
General Assembly.
Samuel Fsrsbee, of this County, was the last survivor of the members of
the Convention assembled at Fayetteville, in November, 1789, which body
accepted and ratified the Constitution of the United States, for our State.
Members of the General Assembly from Currituck County, from
1776 to 1850-51.
Years. Senators. Members of the House of Commons.
1777. Samuel Jarvis, James White, James Ryan.
1778. Col. Perkins, WiUiam Ferebee, Howell Williams.
1779. Col. Perkins, Thomas Younghusband, John Humphries.
1780. Samuel Jarvis, James Phillips, John Humphries.
1781. Samuel Jarvis, James Phillips, John Humphries.
1782. William Ferebee, Thomas Jarvis, Joseph Ferebee.
1783. William Forebee, James Phillips, Joseph Ferebee.
1784. James Phillips, James White, Joseph Ferebee.
1785. Willis Ethendge, Joseph Ferebee, James White.
1786. Willis Etheridgo, Joseph Ferebee, John Humphries.
1787. Howell Williams, Joseph Ferebee, John Humphries.
1788. Howell Williams, Thos. P. Williams, Griffith Dauge.
1789. Howell Williams, Thos. P. Williams, Andrew Duke.
1790. John Humphries, Joseph Ferebee, Andrew Duke.
1791. John Humphries, Spence Hall, Joseph Forebee.
1792. John Humphries, Spence Hall, Alex. L. Whitehall.
1793. Spence Hall, Alex. L. Whitehall, Andrew Duke.
1794. Spence Hall, Andrew Duke, Saml. Ferebee.
1795. Joseph Ferebee, Thomas Williams, Jesse Simmons.
179G. Joseph Ferebee, Thomas Williams, Jesse Simmons.
1797. James Phillips, Thomas Martin, Malachi Jones.
1798. Saml. Salyear, Malachi Jones, T. Williams.
1799. Saml. Salyear, Malachi Jones, T. Williams.
1800. Saml. Salyear, Thomas Williams, Thos. C. Ferebee.
1801. Jonathan Lindsay, Thomas Garrett, Thos. C. Ferebee.
1802. Jonathan Lindsay, Thos. C, Ferebee, Thomas Garrett
1803. Samuel Ferebee, Jacob Perkins, Thos. Anderson.
C1TKBIT1TCE OOUNTT.
185
Yean.
1804.
1805.
1806.
1807.
1808.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
1816.
1817.
1818.
1819.
1820.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825,
1826.
1827.
1828.
1829.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
1834.
1835.
1836.
1838.
1840.
1842.
1844.
1846.
1848.
1850.
Senators.
Samuel Ferebee,
Samuel Ferebee,
Samuel Ferebee,
Thomas Williams,
Thomas Williams,
Jonathan Lindsay,
Thomas Williams,
Jonathan Lindsay,
Jonathan Lindsay,
Thomas Sanderson,
Thomas Sanderson,
Thomas Williams,
Thomas Williams,
Spence Hall,
Spence Hall,
Edmund S. Lindsay,
Edmund S. Lindsay,
Edmund S, Lindsay,
Edmund S. Lindsay,
Thos. C. Ferebee,
Saml. Salyear,
Saml. Salyear,
Saml. Salyear,
Saml. Salyear,
Saml. Salyear,
Caleb Etherldge,
Jona. J . Lindsay,
Jona. J. Lindsay,
Jona. J. Lindsay,
Daniel Lindsay,
Dan. Lindsay, jun>,
Daniel Lindsay,
Daniel Lindsay,
Caleb Etheridge,
Caleb Etheridge,
Caleb Etheridge,
Caleb Etheridge,
John Barnard,
John Barnard,
John Barnard,
Members of the House of Commons.
Aaron Bright, William Simmons.
Willoughby Dozier, Willis Simmons.
Willoughby Dozier, Danl. Lindsay.
Willis Simmons, Jonathan Lindsay.
Willis Simmons, Willoughby Dozier.
Brickhouse Bell, Jesse Barnard.
Jesse Barnard, Brickhouse Bell.
Brickhouse Bell, Thomas Garrett.
Brickhouse Bell, Thomas Garrett.
Simeon Sawyer, Willis Simmons.
Brickhouse Bell, Saml. Salyear.
Brickhouse Bell, John T. Hampton.
Brickhouse Bell, John T. Hampton.
John T. Hampton, C. Etheridge.
J. T. Hampton, C. Etheridge.
J. T. Hampton, Enoch Ball.
Enoch Ball, John T. Hampton.
John Forbes, John Shipp.
Cartwrigtit Bell, Jesse Barnard.
W. D. Barnard, John Forbes.
Enoch Ball, Willoughby D. Barnard.
W. D. Barnard, Enoch Ball.
W. D. Barnard, Enoch Ball.
W. D. Barnard, Enoch Ball.
Enoch Ball, Benj. T. Simmons.
W. D. Barnard, Benj. T. Simmons.
W. D. Barnard, Benj. T. Simmons.
John B. Jones, Benj. T. Simmons.
John B. Jones, Benj. T. Simmons.
John B. Jones, James M. Sanderson.
Joshua Harrison, Wallace Gray.
Joshua Harrison, Alfred Perkins.
Alfred Perkins.
Alfred Perkins.
John B. Jones.
John B. Jones.
John B. Jones.
Jol^n B. Jones.
Thomas Grigg.
Saml. P. Jarris.
18 •
186 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER XXV.
DAVIDSON COUNTY.
Davidson County was formed in 1822, from Rowan, named in
compliment of Gen. William Davidson, who fell at the passage of
the Catawba at Cowan's Ford, during the Revolutionary War, Ist
February, 1781, (for whose biography see Mecklenburg County.)
It is in the western part of the State; the mail stage from
Raleigh to Salisbury, passes through this county. It is bounded
on the north by Forsythe, east by Guilford and Randolph, south
by the Yadkin River, which separates it from Stanly and Rowan,
and on the west by the same river, which separates it from Rowan. '
Lexington is its capital, a most flourishing and beautiful village,
and distant one hundred and seventeen miles from Raleigh.
Its population is 12,139 whites ; 2,992 slaves ; 189 free negroes ; 14,123
representative population.
Its products are 1,368,100 pounds of cotton ; 465,828 bushels of com ;
114,359 bushels of wheat; 102,703 bushels of oats ; 80,502 pounds of tobacco;
17,305 pounds of wool ; 10,000 dollars of lead.
Its Colonial and Revolutionary history is connected with that of
Rowan, to which the reader is referred.
List of members from Davidson County to the General Assem-
bly of North Carolina, from the erection of the county to the last
session.
Years. Senators. House of Commons.
1823. Alex. R. Cladclengh, J. Harzrave, W, Bodenham^r.
1824. Jesse Hargrave, W. Bodenhamer, J. Clemons.
1825. Jesse Hargrave, John M. Smith, Joseph Spurgen.
1S26. John M. Smith, Thomas Hampton, John Wara.
1x21, John M. Smith, Thomas Hampton, Absalom Williams.
1828. John M. Smith, Thos. Hampton, Absalom Williams.
1829. Ransom Harris, W. W. Wiseman, Lewis Snvder.
1830. Ransom Harris, Joseph Spurgen, Wm. W. Wiseman.
1831. Charles Hoover, John A. Ilogan, Jfihn W. Thomas.
1832. John A. Hogan, W. AV. Wiseman, Henry Bedford.
1833. John A. Hogan, W. W. Wiseman, Henry Ledford.
1834. John A. Hogan, George Smith, Charles Brummell.
1835. John A. Hogan, Georce Smith, Charles Brummell.
1836. John L. Hargrove, Charles Brummell, Meshack Pinckston.
1838. Wm. R. Holt, Burgess S. Beale, Charles Brummell.
1840. Alfred Ilarerave, Charles Brummell, Burgess S. Bcale.
1842. John W. Thomas, Charles Brummell, Henry Walser.
1JS44. Alfred Hargrave, B. C. Douthett, C. L. Payne.
1846. Saml. Harcrav^ Hoover and H. Walser.
1848. John W. Thomas, J. M. Leach, H. Walser.
1^50. Saml. Hargrave, J. M. Leach, Alfred Forster.
DAVIE COUNTt^ 187
CHAPTER XXVI.
DAVIE COUNTY.
Davie County was formed in 1836 from Rowan, and named in
honor of General William R. Davie, who was a resident oT Halifax
County, a sketch of whose life, character and services is therein
recorded, to which the reader is referred. Chapter XXXVI.
It is located in the north-west part of North Carolina, and
bounded on the north by Yadkin County, east by the Yadkin River,
which separates it from Davidson Coimty, south by Rowan County,
and west by Alexander and Iredell Counties.
Its capital is Mocksville, and distant one hundred and twenty
miles west of Raleigh.
Its population ib 5613 whites; 2171 slaves; 82 free negroes; 6997 repre-
sentative population.
Its proaucts are 313,538 bushels com; 307,040 lbs. cotton; 54,145 bushels
oats ; 44,481 bushels wheat ; 8232 bashels rye ; 66,771 lbs. tobacco ; 5300
lbs. wool.
Its early history (being so recently formed) is connected vrith
Rowan County, to which the reader is referred.
Hon. Richmond M. Pearson, one of the Judges of the Sapreme Court,
is a native of this section. For his biography see Chapter on Rowan County.
It voted with Rowan until 1842, when with Rowan it formed the Fortyi-first
Senatorial District, and its members from that period to the present are —
Years. Senate. House of Commous.
1842. Samuel Rebelin, G. A. Miller.
1844. Nathaniel Boyden, G. A. Miller.
1846. Dr. Samuel £. Kerr, G. A. Miller.
1848. John A. Lillington, M. Clement.
1850. John A. Lillington, Stephen Douthet.
138 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER XXVII.
DUPLIN COUNTY.
Duplin County was formed as early as 1749,* from upper part
of New Hanover County. Its early settlers were Irish, and the
name reminded them of Dublin, their ancient capital.
It is located in the south-eastern part of North Carolina, and is
bounded on the north by Wayne County, on the east by Lenoir,
Jones, and Onslow, on the south by New Hanover, and west by
Sampson County.
Its capital is Kenansville, distant eighty-nine miles east of Saleigh.
Its population is 7165 whites ; 6007 slaves ; 342 free negroes ; 11,111 repre-
sentative population.
Its proaucts are 1,346,229 lbs. cotton ; 244,584 bushels com ; 3525 bushels
oats; 2683 bushels wheat; 8603 lbs. wool; 47,062 barrels turpentine.
The early history of Duplin proves that, "in the days that tried
men's souls" she was true to the principles of liberty.
Her delegates to the first general meeting of the Deputies of the inhabit-
ants of this colony at Newbem, 25th August, 1774, were Thomas Grat,
Tbomas IIicks, Jaxes Kenan and William Dickson.
The delegates at Newborn, 3d April, 1775, were Thomas Gray and Thomas
Hicks.
Delegates at Hillsboro', 21st August, 1775, James Ejsnan, William Dick-
son, Thomas Grat, Richard Clinton and Thomas Hicks.
The delegates to Halifax, 12th November, 1776, which formed our Consti-
tution, James Kenan, Thomas Grat, William Dickson, William Taylor and
James Gillaspie.
The field officers for Duplin, appointed by the Proyincial Congress, 4th
April, 1776, at Halifax, for JDuplin County, were Thomas Rutledos, Colonel,
James Moore, First Major, Robert Dickson, Second Major.
The Oath op Allegiance and Abjuration, adopted with sign-
ers' names in Duplin, from the original, on file in the Clerk's office
of Duplin.
I am indebted to the politeness of Thomas J. Morisej, Esq. (sent
to me in 1844), for this ancient document, thus presendng the name
of those in whose breasts glowed the true spirit of liberty.
"By Act of Assembly passed at Newbern, the 15th of November, 1777."
I, A. B., do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear^ that I will be faith-
ful and bear true allegiance to the otate of North Carolina, to the powers
and authorities which are or may be established for the c;oTemmcnt tnereof,
not inconsistent with the Constitution. And I do solemnly and sincerely de-
* Martin's History of North Carolina, ii. 55.
DUPIDT OOUNTT.
189
dare, that I do belieiye in my conscience, that neither the King of Great
Britain, nor the Parliament thereof, jointly with the said king, or separately,
or any foreign prince, person, state, or potentate, have or ought to nave any
right or title to the dominion or sovereignty of this* State, or to any part of
the government thereof. And I do renounce, refuse, and abjure any alle-
^ance or obedience to them, or any of them, or to any person or persons put
m authority by or under them, or any of them. Ana I will do my utmost
endeavors to disclose and make known to the legislative or executive powers
of the said State, all treasons and traitorous conspiracies and attempts what-
soever, which I shall know to be made or intenaed against the said State.
And I do faithfully promise that'I will endeavor to support, maintain, and
defend the independence of the said State, against him the said king and all
other persons whatsoever. And all these things I do plainly and sincerely
acknowledge and swear, according to these express words by me spoken,
mnd accormng to the plain common sense and understanding of the same
words, without any equivocation, mental evasion, or secret reservation what-
soever. And I do make this acknowledgment, abjuration, renunciation and
promise, heartil}/, willingly, and truh/, so help me uod.
Henry Cannon^ Samuel Houston, William Dickson,
Michael Kenan, James Sampson, J. Rand,
Robert Dickson, Thomas Routledge, John \Vr^g^^>
Richard Herring,
Joseph Dicks,
Thomas R.,
Edward Toole,
rieet Cooper,
George Smith,
Alexander Gray,
Darcy Fowler,
Richard Clinton,
J. Spiller,
John Molton,
James Kenan,
William Taylor,
William Ball,
J. P. Ballard,
James Lockart.
Hon. Thomas Kenan was a native of this County, from whose family the
County Town takes its name. He represented Duplin in 1804 in the Senate,
and from 1805 to 1811 he was a member of Congress. He removed to Ala-
"JMuna, and was a member of Assembly in that State for many years.
He died near Selma, Alabama, 22d October, 1843, in the seventy-third year
of his age.
Felix Kenan, who was Sheriff of Duplin in 1776, was brought before the
bar of the Congress for his Tory principles.*
Hon. Charles Hooks, ftom this County, was a member of the House of
Commons in 1802, 1803 and 1804, and in the Senate in 1810-11, and in Con-
gress in 1816 to 1817 and 1819 to 1825. He removed to Alabama, where he
recently died.
Members of the General Assembly from Duplin County, from
1777 to 1850-51 :—
Years.
1777.
1778.
1779.
1780.
1782..
1783.
1784.
1785.
1786.
1787.
1788.
1791.
Seoate.
James
James
James
James
James
James
James
James
James
James
James
James
Kenan,
Kenan,
Kenan,
Kenan,
Kenan,
Kenan,
Gillaspie,
Gillaspie,
Gillaspie,
Kenan,
Kenan,
Kenan,
House of Commons.
Bichard Clinton, Robert Dickson.
Richard Clinton, Thos. Hicks.
Richard Clinton, James Gillaspie.
Joseph Dickson, James Gillaspie.
Richard Clinton, James Gillaspie.
James Gillaspie, Richard Clinton.
Robert Dickson, Richard Clinton.
Robert Dickson, Jos. T. Rhodes.
Jos. T. Rhodes, Robert Dickson.
Robert Dickson, Charles Ward.
Robert Dickson, Charles Ward.
Jos. T. Rhodes, James Pearsall.
♦ See Journal, p. 37.
140
BISTORT OV FORTH CAROLINA.
Years. Senate.
1792. James Gillaspie,
1793. James Kenan,
1794. Levin Watkins,
1795. Levin Watkins,
1796. Jos. T. Rhodes,
1797. Jos. T. Rhodes,
1798. Levin Watkins,
1799. Levin Watkins,
1800. Levin Watkins,
1801. Levin Watkins,
1802. Levin Watkins,
1803. Levin Watkins,'
1804. Thomas Kenan,
1805. Joseph T. Rhodes,
1806. Joseph T. Rhodes,
1807. Joseph T. Rhodes,
1808. Joseph T. Rhodes,
1809. Joseph T. Rhodes,
1810. Charles Hooks,
1811. Charles Hooks,
1812. Stephen Miller,
1813. Joseph GiUaspie,
1814. Joseph Gillaspie,
1815. Joseph Gillaspie,
1816. Daniel Glisson,
1817. Daniel Glisson,
1818. Daniel Glisson,
1819. Daniel Glisson,
1820. Daniel Glisson,
1821. Daniel L. Kenan,
1822. Daniel Glisson,
1823. Jeremiah Pearsall,
1824. Jeremiah Pearsall,
1825. John E. Ilusscy,
1826. Stephen Miller,
1827. Andrew Hurst,
1828. Stephen MiUer,
1829. Stephen MiUer,
1830. Stephen Miller,
1831. Stephen Miller,
1832. John E. Ilussey,
1833. John E. Hussey,
1834. John £. Hussey,
1835. John E. Ilussey,
1836. John £. Hussey,
1838. Jas. K. Hill,
1840. Jas. K. Hill,
1842. Austin Levinson,
1844. James K.Hill,
1846. James K. Hill,
1848. James K.Hill,
1850. Amos Hening,
House of Commons.
Shadrach Stallings, William Beck.
Jos. T. Rhodes, Jas. Pearsall. •
Daniel Glisson, Jos. T. Rhodes.
Wm. Dickson, James Middleton.
Daniel Glisson, James Middleton.
Joseph Dixon, Daniel Glisson.
Shaarach Stallings, Thos. Kenan.
Thomas Kenan, Daniel Glisson.
Charles Hooks, Thos. Kenan.
Shadrach Stallings,' Charles Hooks.
Charles Hooks, Daniel Glisson.
Charles Hooks, Daniel Glisson.
Charles Hooks, Hugh McCane.
Daniel Glisson, Hueh McCane. '
Daniel Glisson, Andrew Mclntire.
Daniel Glisson, Andrew Mclntire.
Daniel GHsson, Andrew Mclntire.
Daniel Glisson, David Wright.
Daniel Glisson, David Wright.
David Wright, Daniel Glisson.
David Wright, John Beck.
David Wright, John Beck.
David Wright, Komegay.
David Wright, John E. Hussey.
John Pearsall, John E. Ilussey.
John Pearsall, John E. Hussey.
John Pearsall, John E. Hussey.
John Pearsall, Stephen Graham.
Stephen Graham, James Nixon.
John Watkins, Andrew Hurst.
Jas. M. Nixon, Archd. Maxwell.
Stephen Miller, Wm. H. Frederick.
James M. Nixon, Stephen Miller.
Benjamin Best, Stephen Miller.
Benjamin Best, Wm. K. Frederick.
Daniel Glisson, Jos. Gillaspie.
Wm. Wright, Jos. Gillaspie.
Wm. Wright, John Farrier.
Wm. Wright, Wm. K. Frederick!
Wm. Wright, Jos. Gillaspie.
Jos. Gillaspie, Alex. 0. Grady.
Alex. 0. Grady, Jos. Gillaspie.
Jas. K. Hill, Owen R. Kenan.
Jas. K. Hill, Owen R. Kenan.
Owen R. Kenan, Jas. H. Jarman.
Jas. H. Jarman, Hampton Sullivan.
Jas. G. Dickson, Hampton Sullivan.
Isaac B. Kelly, Jas. G. Dickson.
I. B. Kelly, J. G. Dickson.
I. B. Kelly, I. P. Davis.
I. B. Kelly, J. G. Dickson.
I. B. Kelley, H. Matthis.
EDaXCOMBB cauNTt. 141
CHAPTER XXVIII.
EDGECOMBE COUNTY.
Edgecombe County was formed from Craven County in 1733,
by the Grovernor (Burrington) and Council,* and confirmed by the
Legislature, which met at Edenton in 1741.
Its name is Saxon, and signifies " a valley environed with hills,"t
and is derived from the Ean of Mount Edgecombe, who, as Capt.
Edgecombe, of the navy, had served with reputation under Admiral
Byng, in 1756, in Minorca. Its tinie orthography is Edgecumbe,
as laid down in the old maps, and in the llistory of England.^
It is located in the eastern part of North Carolina, and is bounded
on the north by Halifax County, east by Martin County, south by
Pitt, Greene, and Wayne Counties, and west by Nash County.
Tarborough is the capital, on the Tar River, distant from Ra-
leigh seventy-six miles. The original name of Tar River was TaUj
which, in the native Indian tongue, means " River of Health."§
Its population is 8365 whites ; 8547 slaves ; 277 free negroes ; 13,770 re-
presentative population.
Its products are 2,445,000 lbs. cotton; 715,666 bushels corn; 27,280
bushels oats ; 14,295 bushels wheat; 7260 lbs. wool ; 21,926 bbls. turpentine ;
114 bbls. fish.
The fossil remains of a mammoth skeleton, the back bone of
which i^ visible, near the Railroad Bridge, in this county, will
doubtless attract the notice of the State Geologist.
Edgecombe's early history is full of interest. She sent to that assembly
of patriots, who met at Newbern, 21st Aug., 1775, in the ve/y presence of
the Royal Governor, as delegates : Robert Bignal, IIxnrt Irwin, Duncan
Lamon, Thomas Hunter, and Thomas II. Hall.
She sent to the Congress that met at Halifax, 12th Nov., 1776, and which
formed our Constitution : William Haywood, Elisaa Battle, Jonas John-
sun, Isaac Sessums, and William Horn.
By the resolve of the Congress, HilLsboro', 9th Sept., 1775, for the Halifax
District: Nicholas Long, ^as appointed Colonel; Hsnry Irwin, Lieutenant-
Colonel; Jeturo Sumner, Major.
By the same, as field officers for Edgecombe : William Haywood, Colonel;
Sherwood Haywood, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Joseph Moore, 1st Major ; Henry
Horne, Jr., 2d Major.
The officers appointed for Edgecombe County by Congress, at Halifax, 4th
April, 1776 : Exum Lewis, Colonel; Simon Gray*, Lieutenant-Colonel; Jonas
Johnson, First Major ; Thomas Hunter, Second Major.
Although, from her inland position, Edgecombe was not exposed
* Martin, ii. 36. t Baily's Dictionary. ' t Smollet, i. 186.
\ Lawson's History of North Carolina, 1714.
142 HISTOBY OF NORTH OABOLINA.
to danger or attack, yet her brave sons were alive to the interests
and honor of our common country, and sent them forth to do
battle for the cause of liberty.
Among these stands conspicuous the name of Henrt Irwix. He was for
a long time a merchant in Tarboro' before the Revolution. His patriotic
soul was fired with the deep wrongs that England constantly inflicted on the
Colonies. He was a member from Edgecombe of the first Assembly that ever
met, without the sanction of the royal authority, and in open opposition to
it ; and they met, too, to show that no covert or underhand measures were
to be used, in the very presence of the Royal Governor (Martin), at the seat
of Royal Rule, Newborn, 2l8t Aug., 1775.
The moral courage of such an act, the ultimate effects, and the personal con-
sequences to the actors, have never been considered in their proper view.
Wrongs had been inflicted, the feeling, " though deep, was not loud,'' and no
large assembly in any State from every portion, had as yet raised openly the
voice of resistance. Yet North Carolina did this. It is an epoch in our his-
tory. This Meeting was not a call to arms, but it was the first act in a great
drama, in which men and arms, and blood and battle, form subordinate parts.
It was the awful tread of the patriot buckling on hia armor for contest ; it was
the stern resolve of freemen ** to do or die."
The resolutions they adopted (unsurpassed either for clearness of meaning,
or eloquence of expression, will vie with any State papers of any period of
our history), declare their firm inviolable fidelity to their Sovereign, but at the
same time declare their unalienable rights not to be taxed, but by their own
consent freely given ; that the right of trial by jury of the vicinity, is the only
lawful inquest that can pass upon the life of a British subject ; a right handed
down from earliest ages, confirmed and sanctioned by the Magna Charta
itself; and that the act empowering the Governor to send persons to England
for trial, was "fraught with injustice, and would be opposed even to blood-
shed."
These were men,
" who knew their rights,
And knowing, dared maintain.''
Of this illustrious body was Henrt Irwin. These were the principles he
believed in, and when it became necessary he was willing to spend his for-
tune and lay down his life for them.
He was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, on Sept. 9th, 1775, in the same regi-
ment in which Jethro Sumner, afterwards so distinguished in the Revolu-
tionary war, was Major.
He fell at the battle of Germantown, in Sept., 1777, at the same time that
North Carolina lost a son, whose name is dear to her memory. General Francis
Nash, brother of Governor Abner Nash, and uncle to Hon. Frederick Niish,
now one of our Judges of the Supreme Court, and Captain Jacob Turner, of
Bertie.
Though his body now lies in the soil of another State, his name belongs to
Edgecombe, and his fame and character are hers. His noble career will en-
courage others to emulate its example, and his heroic death cheer and inspire
her sons.
" And by his light,
Shall every p:allant youth with ardor move,
To do brave doeds."
Over his remains at Germantown, by the patriotic liberality of J. F. Watson,
Esq.,* a marble has been erected bearing this inscription : —
* The thanks of the State and the gratitude of every individual of North Carolina are
due to Mr. Watson, author of ^'Annals of Philadelphia," for his generous and patriotic
liberality to the heroic dead.
He still lives at Germantown, enjoying life, and the resrard and respect of all who know
hiiu. He has a son at Wilson, in this County, to whom the good baua of feUoWfthip should
be extended by our citizens for the noble conduct of his exoeiient sire.
SBQECOMBE COUNTT. 148
IN HONOR TO THE BRAVE,
Hie jacct in pace.
Colonel Henrt Irwin, of North Carolina,
Capt4iin Turner,
Adjutant Lucas and six soldiers,
Killed in the Battle of Germantown,
ONE CAUSE, ONE GRATE. J. F. W.
Colonel Irwin left three sons, and several daughters.
Two of his sons died without issue, the third died leaving a son and two
grand-daughters.
One of his daughters married in Halifax, and whose son, Thomas Burgess,
died without being married.
Another daughter married Governor Stokes, whose daughter married the
late Wm. B. Lewis, of Tennessee, Auditor of the Treasury of the United
States. Her daughter married Mons. Alphonse Pageot, late Envoy from
France to United States.
The sister of Colonel Irwin married Lawrence Toole, whose son, grandson,
and great-grandson, bore the name of Henry Irwin Toole, all distinguished
fbr abilitv, influence, and popularity in Edgecombe.
Hon; James W. Clarke married a daughter of H. I. Toole, the first.
The name of Wm. Hatwood, of this county, appears among her men of
1776.
We regret that so little has been collected of his birth, services, and death.
The records prove that in various offices, both civil and military, lie was a true
patriot and useful citizen. He was a member of the Committee of Safety for
the Halifax district, 1775, a member of our State Confess at Halifax (April,
1776), and also Of the State Congress which met at the same place, in >iov.,
1776, which formed the Constitution. He was one of the Committee which
framed that Instrument. He was elected one of the Counsellors of State ;
the first ever elected in our State (Dec, 1776).
He was the uncle of the late John Haywood, so distinguished both in this
State and Tennessee, as a writer and a jurist. He was the father of the late
John Haywood, Treasurer of the State from 1787 to 1827, after whom Haj-
wood County is called ; and of the lat« Sherwood, and Stephen, and Wil-
liam H. Haywood, Sen'r, of Raleigh, who is the father of the Hon. Wm. H.
Haywood, Jr., Senator in Congress, from 1843 to 1846.
Jonas Johnson, of this county, is a name which deserves our remembrance
and respect. He was a member of the House of Commons, in 1777-78. He
was appointed in 1776, an officer (Major), by the State Congress. He left
all the comforts of home, and the enjoyments of his family, and joined the
Standard of his country. He was severely wounded at the battle of Stono,
fought in 1779, and died on his way home, leaving several children ; one of
whom was the maternal grandfather of Hon. Richard Hines, now of Raleigh.
Hon. Thomas Blount, of this county, is distinguished in the civil history
of the State.
He was a member of Congress from this district, from 1803 to 1809, and
from 1811 to 1812, 1821 to 1823.
He married Jacky, daughter of General Jethro Sumner, of revolutionary
renown (see Warren, Chapter LXXVI.), and died at Washington Citjr, with-
out issue. He was the brother of the late John Gray Blount, of Washington,
and of Governor Wm. Blount, of Tennessee, who was Senator in Congress
from that State, and who was expelled from the Senate on July 8th, 1797, for
exciting the Indians and others to make hostile incursions in the Spanish
Territorv.
His widow, Mrs. Mary S. Blount (daughter of General Sumner, who had
changed her name from Jacky), died about thirty years a^o, bequeathing a
portion of her large estate to the Episcopal Charoh at Raleigh.
144 HISTOBY OV KQKIH GABOLINA.
Hon. Thomas H. Hall is a resident and native of Edgecombe, and now
enjoys "a green old age'' in retirement, possessing the regard of his country
and esteem of his friends. He possesses a liberal edacation, and is a physician
by profession. He springs from a good stock.
In 1817, he was elected a member of Congress, and served until 1825, when
he was again a candidate, but defeated by Hon. Richard Hines. He was again
elected in 1827, and served until 1835.
He was elected to the Senate of the (General Assembly in 183G, and voted
against the reception by the State of North Carolina, of any part or portion
of the surplus revenue from the United States Treasury. His public career
was marked with a devotion to popular interests, a rigid adherence to the Con-
stitution, and a stringent economy.
Late John Randolph, of Roanoke, was a devoted friend and constant adr
mirer of Dr. Hall.
Hon. Richard Hikes represented this county in 1824, and this district in
Congress, in 1825. He now resides in Raleigh, and is distinguished as a
gentleman of great personal worth and liberal feelings.
Hon. James W. Clark was a native of Bertie County, and educated at
Princeton College, whore he graduated in 1796. He was a member of the
House of Commons, from Bertie County, in 1802 and 1803, and from Edge-
combe, in 1811. He was Presidential Elector in 1812, and a member of Uie
Senate in 1812, '13 and '14, and in 1815, was elected to Congress. He served
out his term, and declined a re-election. He was Chief Clerk of the Navy De-
partmcntin 1828, when General Branch held the post of Secretary of the JNavy,
under General Jackson, which post he soon resigned, and died in the sixty-fifth
year of his age, esteemed and loved by all who knew him.
He married the daughter of Colonel Henry Irwin Toole, by whom he had
several children.
His son, Colonel Henry T. Clark, is the present Senator from this county.
. With the County of Edgecombe, in the councils of the State, for more than
thirty years, is associated the name of Louis D. Wilson.
Perhaps no son was ever loved by a fond mother with more idolatry than
was this distinguished man by the people of this country, and with all the fer-
vor of a devoted son was this feeling reciprocated. *' They loved him because
he first loved them." His youth and the meridian of his days was spent in
her service, and he laid down his life in the cause of his country.
General Louis Dicker AVilsok was born in this county, on the .I2th of
May, 1789. His education was as good as the state of the country afforded,
but he was taught in the great school of human nature, to which books are
mere accessories and aids. He was placed at the age of eighteen in a
countiuj^-house, in Washington, and there he acquired that practical know-
ledge ofmen, habits of industry, and financial ability, that tended to render
him, if not a brilliant, a useful representative of the people.
In 1815, he was first elected a member of the House of Commons ; and from
that period to 1846, he was, with but little intermission, a member of one or
the other branches of the Legislature.
In 1835, he was a delegate to the Convention to amend the Constitution.
In 1842, he was chosen Speaker of the Senate. His name was frequently on
the Electoral ticket as Elector of the State, for President and Vice-Presidfent.
In 1836, as one of the Electors, he voted for M. Van Buren as President, and
R. M. Johnson as Vice-President.
The venerable Nathaniel Macon was President of this college. This was
Mr. Macon's lost public act.
His whole career, embracing a long period of more than thirty years, ex-
hibits a uniform and consistent course. In early youth he had taken his po-
sition with prudence and examination. The experience of age only tended
to strengthen the predilections of his youth. 11^ was a firm, consistent, and
unwavering Democrat. Without any pretensions to brilliancy of eloquence,
he sustained his positions with a clearness of argument and strength of rea-
soning that elicited the respect, if he failed to convince his opponents.
BDaECOMBE COUNTY. 146
Bat, if his career as a pablic man was consistent, successful, and brilliant,
this was exceeded by the cause and manner in which he retired from the
halls of legislation, never to return.
At this period, our Republic, through its constitutional organs, had de-
dLared that "war existed with Mexico/' American blood had been shed,
and American rights invaded by an arrogant and cruel nation. This called
for reparation. The President makes a call on the Governor, and the Gover-
nor on the people, for men. Parties were divided, and some delay existed
in responding to this call.
Who is that delicate man, with his head frosted with the snows of nearly
sixty winters, raising his voice and calling upon the people of Edgecombe
to show themselves worthy of their country ? It is Louis D. Wilson. His
Toice sounds no longer feeble, but is as the sound of a trumpet. The sons
of £dgecombe rally around him, and at the he^d of a company he is the'
first to offer his services to the Governor. His example is electrical ; the Regi-
ment is raised, and the honor of the State preserved. His noble and patriotic
eoinduct touched every heart. He had fought in the civil fields of 1815 for the
liberty of his country ; he is now to fight in actual battle for her cause.
On the 3 let December, 1846, the journals inform us, that Mr. Wilson asked
leave of absence from the Senate. It is granted. Those who witnessed this
scene never can forget it. The aged Senator rises, and, with that ease of
manner so peculiar and natural to nim, bids them farewell. The Senators in
a body rise, and he is gone — never to return I
The following resolution, reported by the Committee raised upon the sub-
ject, speak the record of this interesting occasion.*
Mr. Francis (Senator from Haywood, Macon, and Cherokee), from the com-
mittee raised on the subject, reported the following preamble and resolution : —
" Whereas, the Senate has been informed that one of its members is about
to leave the halls of legislation, in North Carolina, to assume the more ardu-
ous and perilous duties of the camp and' the battle-field, as commander of the
volunteer companies from the County of Edgecombe ; and whereas, no differ-
ence of opinion as to the commencement of the existing war between the
United States and the Republic of Mexico should induce members of this body
to withhold an expression of the opinion they entertain as to the self-sacrificing
and patriotic conduct of the Senator referred to.
"Be it therefore unanimously resolved by the Senate Of North Carolina^ now
in session, that, in separating from their fellow-member, the Honorable Louis
D. Wilson, Senator from Edgecombe, with whom many members of this body
have been associated for years in the Senate Chamber, they cannot withhold
the expression of their high sense of his ahU, dignified^ nua patriotic services
as a member of the Senate, and further, to express the conviction that in the
more arduous and hazardous duties of the battle-field he will be no less distin-
guished for patriotism, courage, and never-failing devotion to the cause of his
country.'
On which Mr. Gilmer, of Guilford, called for the yeas and nays, and the
resolution passed unanimously.
He marches to Mexico with the North Carolina Regiment, in the humble
rank of a subaltern. The President of the United States, without his know-
ledge or consent, but b^ recommendation of the Senators of the State, who
differed with General Wilson in politics, appointed him to the command of the
12th Regiment of Infantry in the Army of the United States.
While anxiously and constantlv superintending a forward movement of
this regiment from Vera Cruz to the Capital, he is seized with the fever of
the country, and on the 12th of August, 1847, his generous spirit took its
flisht to another world.
Ilis munificent Ic^cy ''to the poor of Edgecombe" will remain to all time
as an evidence of his affection for her people. Nature had made him child-
less, that the people of Edgecombe might call him father I
His remains have been brought from Mexico to Tarborough, where a monn-
ment marks the hallowed spot. His remains most appropriately rest in
* Journal of 1846, (page 138.)
146 HISTORY OF NOBTH GABOLINA.
Edgecombe; but his memory and hia name will find a cenotaph in the heart
of every North Carolinian.
Elisha Battle was bom in Nansemond County, Ya., 9th January, 1723.
In the year 1743. he moved to Tar River, in this county. In 1771 he was
elected a member of the Assembly, and served many years.
He was a member of the State Congress that met at llalifaz in November,
1776, which body formed our State Constitution ; a firm and decided patriot.
He was distinguished for his patriotism and piety, and was ai\ exemplary
and consistent member of the Baptist church. He died on the 6Ui of March,
1799, in the 76th year of his age, leaving several children.*
Hon. William H. Battle, one of the Judges of our Superior Court, is a
native of Edgecombe County.
Judge Battle was born in 1802. He was graduated at Chapel Hill in
1820. He read law with Judge Henderson, and was licensed in 1824.
He entered public life in 1833, and was re-elected in 1834, as a member of
the House of Commons from Franklin County.
He was appointed one oif the Commissioners under act of 1834, to revise
the statute law of the State, with Frederick Nash and James Iredell.
He was appointed Judge of the Superior Court in 1840, and in 1848 he
was appointea by the Governor and Council, Judge of the Supreme Court,
which, not being confirmed by the Legislature, he resigned m 1848. In
1849 he was elected a Judge of the Superior Court, which appointment
he now holds.
He married in June, 1825, Lucy, daughter of Kemp Plummcr, Esq., by
whom he has an interesting family. Patient, polite, ana laborious, his labors
are alike creditable to himself and acceptable to the State. Judge Battle
DOW resides at Chapel Hill, at the university of which he is one of the Pro-
fessors (of law).
List of Members of the General Assembly for Edgecombe County
from 1777 to 1851.
Years. Senators. House of Commons.
1777. Elisha Battle, Jonas Johnston, Nathan Boddie.
1778. Elisha Battle, Jonas Johnston, Isaac Sessums.
1779. Elisha Battle, William Uaywood, Etheldred Exum.
1780. Elisha Battle, Etheldred Gray, Henry Horn, Jr.
1781. Elisha Battle, Robert Diggs, James Wilson.
1782« Isaac Sessums, Robert Diggs, James Wilson.
1783. Elisha Battle, Robert Diggs, James AVilson.
1784. Isaac Sessums, Robert Diggs, John Dobien.
1785. Elisha Battle, Etheldred Phillips, Robert Diggs.
1786. Elisha Battle, Etheldred Phillips, Robert Diggs.
1787. Elisha Battle, Robert Dig^, John Dobien.
1788. Etheldred Gray, Wm. Fort, Joshua Killibrew.
1789. Etheldred Gray, John Leigh, Bythel Bell.
1790. Etheldred Phillips, John Leigh, Bythel Bell.
1791. Etheldred Phillips, John Leigh, Bythel Bell.
1792. Etheldred Phillips, John Leigh, Thomas Blount.
1793. Etheldred Phillips, John Leigh, Jeremiah Hilliard.
1794. William Gray, John Leigh, Jeremiah Hilliard.
1795. William Gray, John Leigh, David Coffield.
1796. Nathan Mayo, Bythell Bell, John Leigh.
1797. Nathan Mayo, Nathan Gilbert, Frederic Phillips.
1798. Thomas Blount, Adam John Haywood, Jeremiah Haywood.
1799. Thomas Blount, Lawrence O'Bryan, Jeremiah Hilliard.
1800. Bythell Bell, Jeremiah Hilliard, Wm. Ilyman.
1801. Richard Harrison, Jeremiah Hilliard, George Brownrige.
1802. Richard Harrison, George Brownrig^, Jeremiah Hilliard.
1803. Richard Harrison, Jeremiah Hillia^ Geo. Brownriggw
* History of the Kehukee ABSociatioo.
rOBSTTHE couin?.
147
Years.
1804.
1805.
1806.
1807.
1808.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
1816.
1817.
1818.
1819.
1820.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825.
1826.
1827.
1828.
1829.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
1834.
1835.
1836.
1838.
1840.
1842.
1844.
1846.
1848.
1850.
Senators.
Richard Harrison,
Richard Harrison,
Richard Harrison,
Richard Harrison,
Henry I. Toole,
Henry I. Toole,
Henry I. Toole,
Henry I. Toole,
James W. Clark,
James W. Clark,
James W. Clark,
Joseph Bell,
Joseph Bell,
James Benton,
James Benton,
James Benton,
Louis D. Wilson,
Hardy Flowers,
Hardy Flowers,
Hardy JFlowers,
Lou"
Lou
Lou
Lou
Lou
Lou
Lou
Lou
Lou
8 D. Wilson,
8 D. Wilson,
8 D. Wilson,
8 D. Wilson,
8 D. Wilson,
8 D. Wilson,
8 D. Wilson,
8 D. Wilson,
8 D. Wilson,
Hardy Flowers,
Hardy Flowers,
Benjamin Sharpe,
Thomas H. Hall,
Louis D. Wilson,
Louis D. Wilson,
Louis D. Wilson,
Louis D. Wilson,
Louis D. Wilson,
Wyatt Moye,
Henry T. Clarke,
House of Commoiui.
Geo. Brownrieg, Henry Haywood.
Jos. Farmer, Luke W. Sumner.
Luke W. Sumner, Henry I. Toole.
Henry I. Toole, John Cotton.
Nathan Stancil, Hardy Flowers.
Hardy Flowers, Wm. Balfour.
Jas. W. Clarke, Hardy Flowers-
Wm. Balfour, Jas. W. Clark.
Joseph Farmer, James Benton.
Joseph Farmer, James Benton.
Joseph Farmer, James Benton.
James Benton, Louis D. Wilson.
James Benton, Louis D. Wilson.
Louis D. Wilson, John Horn.
Louis D. Wilson, John Horn.
L. D. Wilson, Moses Baker.
William Wilkins, Moses Baker.
Jos. R. Llojd, William Wilkins.
Wm. Wilkms, Moses Baker.
Wm. Wilkins, Moses Baker.
Henry Bryan, Richard Hines.
Henry Bryan, Moses Baker.
Benjamin Sharpe, Hardy Flowers.
Benjamin Sharpe, Benjamin Wilkinson,
Benjamin Sharpe, Benjamin Wilkinson.
Moses Baker, Gray Little.
Hard^ Flowers, Gray Little.
Redding Pittraan, Hardy Flowers.
Gray Little, John W. Potts.
John W. Potts, Turner Bynum.
John W. Potts, Turner Bynum.
S. Deberry, Jos. J. Pipkin.
Jos. J. Daniel, James George.
Robert Bryan, Wm. S. Baker.
Wm. S. Baker, Joshua Barnes.
Joshua Barnes, Ralph E. MoNair.
Joshua Barnes, R. K. Bridgers.
Wyatt Moye, Wm. F. Dancy.
Wm. F. Dancy, Wm. Thigpen.
Joshua Barnes, Kenneth Thigpen.
CHAPTER XXIX.
FORSYTHE COUNTY.
FoRSYTHE County was formed in 1848, from Stokes County.
Forsythe County derives its name from Col. Benjamin Forsytue, of Stokes
County, who resided in Germantown. In 1807, he represented SStokcs County
in the House of Commons.
In the war of 1812 ho was appointed a Captain of a Rifle Company, and
marched to Cannda, where, in a skirmish in 1814, he was killed, ior his
biography, see chapter Ixxi., Stokes County.
148 HISTOBT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
It is located in the north-western part of the State, and is
bounded on the north by Stokes County, east by Guilford County,
south by Davidson County, and west by Yadkin County.
Its capital is Winston, and is distant from Raleigh one hundred
and ten miles. This village preserves the name of Joseph Winston,
who rendered important nulitary services in the Bevolution, and
civil services since.
Its population is 9,663 whites ; 1,353 slaves ; 152 free negroes ; 10,666 re-
resentative population.
If the histoiy of North Carolina, as has been stated by an
eminent writer, is yet to be written, the Legislature, in later days, by
recording the names of her sons on her new coimties and towns, has
endeavored to perpetuate the memory of those who have done her
service in the field and Senate, and whose history, when examined
and written, is the best record of the State.
The name of Benjamin Forsythe is worthy of being preserved by
the State, for his life was offered up on the altar of his country.
The name of Joskph Winstok is one worthy of notice. He was a native
of Stokes. lie was the early and devoted friend of liberty. In 1775 and
1776, he represented Stokes in the meetings of the patriots of that day.
He was, m 1777, appointed by Governor Caswell, Commissioner to treat
with the Cherokee Indians, and associated with Col. Waightstill Avery, Wil-
liam Sharpe, and KobeM Lanier, made the treaty of the Long Island of
Holston, by which the Indians ceded all their lands lying in the States of
Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia.
He was one of those gidlant spirits who led the brave monntaineers on the
heights of Ring's Mountain on tne 7th of October, 1780, and drove the British
and Tories from their position, a position which their officer. Colonel Fergu-
son, impiously had declared, "tnat Gfod Almighty could not drive them
from." He was a Major in this battle, and with Colonel McDowell and Se-
vier, commanded the right wing in that fierce and bloody aflfair.
For the particulars of which the reader is referred to Chapter X. fBurke
Countv), biography of General Charles McDowell, and (Chapter XX. Cleave-
land County) biography of Governor Isaac Shelby.
In 1791, he was tne first Senator elected from the (then) recently erected
county of Stokes, which he occasionally served in the Legislature as late as
1812. He was a member of Congress in 1793 to 1795, and in 1803 to 1807.
He lived near Germantown, and died in 1814, leaving a large family. He
was remarkable for his devoted patriotism, and regard ^r popular rights, and
more for these qualities, than for either literary acquirements or intellectual
power.
The County of Forsythe has no separate member from Stokes until a^r
the next session of the General Assembly.
VRANKLiH ooxnrTr^ 149
CHAPTER XXX.
FRANKLIN COUNTY.
Franklin County was founded in 1779. The Greneral Assembly
in that year obliterated the name of Bute, and divided its territory
into the counties x)f Franklin and Warren. It derives its name
from Benjamin Franklin, the Philosopher and Sage, who rendered
such signal services to his country in the Revolution in a civil capa-
city. He was born Jan. 1706, in Boston, and died in Philadelphia,
April, 1790, where he lies buried.
It is located near the centre of the State, joining Wake County,
in which is the seat of Government. Bounded on the north by
Warren, east by Nash, south by Johnson, and west by Wake;
Counties.
Its capital is Lewisburg, and is distant 36 miles east of Raleigh.
Its early history is connected with Warren, from which old Bute
was formed (see Warren, Chapter LXXVI).
" There were no Tories in 3ute," was regarded as a fixed fact;
the whole country as one man, was for .Independence and liberty.
Population of Franklin, 5,685 whites; 5,507 slaves; 521 free ne|;roe8;
9^10 representative population.
Products, 45^,909 lbs. tobacco ; 437,277 bushels com ; 577,993 bushels Oats ;
14,456 bushels wheat; 538,320 lbs. cotton ; 8,968 lbs. wool.
Members of the General Assembly from Franklin County, from
the date of its erection to the last Session, 1850-51.
Years. Senators. Members of the House of Commons.
1780. Henry Hill, Joseph Bryant, William Brickell.
1781. Henry Hill, WiUiam Brickell, William Green.
1782. Henry Hill, WiUiam Brickell, William Green.
1783. A. M. Foster, Simon Jeffreys, Harrison Macon.
1784. Henry Hill, Durham Hall, Thomas Sherrod.
1785. Henry Hill, Durham Hall, Thomas Sherrod.
1786. Henry Hill, Durham Hall, Richard Ranioin.
1787. Henry Hill, Thomas Sherrod, Jordan Hill.
1788. Thomas Brickell, Jordan Hill, Brittain Harris.
1789. Henry Hill, Thomas Sherrod, Durham Hall.
1790. Henry Hill, Thomas Sherrod, Jordan Hill.
1791. Henry Hill, Archibald Davis, John Foster.
1792. William Christmas, John Foster, Thomas K. AVynn.
1793. William Christmas, John Foster, Brittain Harris.
1794. Henry Hill, John Foster, Brittain Harris.
1795. Henry Hill, Brittain Harris, Archibald Davis.
1796. James Gray, Brittain Harris, Archibald Davis.
1797. Henry Hill, John Foster, Brittain Harris.
150 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
years. Senators. Members of tho House of Commons.
1798. Ilenry Hill, Jolm Foster, Archibald Davis.
1799. Jordan Hill, Brittaio Harris, Archibald Davis.
1800. Jordan Hill, Brittain Harris, Thomas Lanier.
1801. Jordan Hill, Eppes Moody, James Scawell.
1802. Jordan Hill, Eppes Moody, James Seawell.
1803. Jordan Hill, Brittain Harris, James Seawell.
1804. John Foster, Eppes Moody, Brittain Harris.
1805. John Foster, Eppes Moody, James J. Hill.
1806. John Foster, Eppes Moody Thomas Lanier.
1807. John Foster, Eppes Moodv, Thomas Lanier.
1808. John Foster, James J. Hill, Thomas J. Alston.
1809. Beniamin Brickell, James J. Hill, Thomas Lanier.
1810. Benjamin Brickell, Eppes Moody, Thomas Lanier.
1811. Bei\jamin Brickell, Benjamin F. Hawkins, Eppes Mood^.
1812. James J* Hill, Thomas Lanier, Benjamin F. Hawkins.
1813. James J. Hill, Benjamin F. Hawkins, Thomas Lanier.
1814. Benjamin F. Hawkins, Thomas Lanier, Nathaniel Hunt
1815. Thomas Lanier, Nathaniel Hunt, Marma. D. Jeffreys.
1816. Benjamin F. Hawkins, Nathaniel Hunt, Marma. t>. Jeffreys.
1817. James J. Hill, Jamed Houze, William Harrison.
1818. James J. Hill, William Harrison, James Houze.
1819. Benjamin F. Hawkins, M. N. Jeffreys, T. Terrell.
1820. James Houze, William Moore.
1821. James Houze, John D. Hawkins.
1822. James Houze, Lark Fox, Quilford Lewis.
1823. Charles A. Hill, Lark Fox, Guilford. Lewis.
1824. Charles A. Hill, Lark Fox, Guilford Lewis.
1825. Charles A. Hill, William J. Williams, James Houze.
1826. Charles A. Hill, James Houze, Joel King.
1827. James Houze, Joel King, Henir J. G. Kuffin.
1828. Henry J. G. Ruffin, Richard Ward, William J. Branch.
1829. William P. Williams, William J. Branch, Thomas J. Russell.
1830. William P. Williams, William J.. Branch, Gideon Glenn.
1831. William P. Williams, Gideon Glenn, James Davis.
1832. William P. Williams, Alfred A. Lancaster, Nath. R. Tanstall.
1833. Thomas G. Stone, William H. Battle, Jos. J. Maclin.
1834. John D. Hawkins, William H. Battle, Jos. J. Maclin.
1835. Henry G. Williams, Thomas Howerton, Simon G. Jetfreys.
1836. John D. Hawkins, Thomas Howerton, Jos. J. Maclin.
1838. John D. Hawkins, Thomas Howerton, William P. Williams.
1840. John D. Hawkins, Young Patterson, Thomas Howerton.
1842. William P. Williams, Young Patterson, John £. Thomas.
1844. William A. Jeffreys, William R. Martin, James Collins.
1846. John E. Thomas, William R. Martin, James Collins.
1848. James Collins, William K. Martin^ D. W. Spivey.
1850. James Collins, William K. Martin, Josiah Bridges.
GASTON COUITTT. 151
CHAPTER XXXI.
GASTON COUNTY.
Date of formation — Origin of name — Situation and boundaries — Spcncer^s
mountain — ^Life of Rev. Humphrey Hunter, who was present at Charlotte,
20th May, 1775, and an eye-witness of the death of Baron de Ralb at Cam-
den (Aug. 1780) — ^Fight with pine-knots — Life of Major Wm. Chronicle,
John Mattocks, John Moore, and Wm. Rankin, all of the Revolution.
Gaston County was formed in 1846, from Lincoln County,
and derives its name from William Gaston, late one of the Judges
of the Supreme Court, for whose character, life, and services, the
reader is referred to Craven County, Chapter XXII.
It is situated in the south-western part of the State, and is
bounded on the north by Lincoln County, east by the Catawba
River, which separates it from Mecklenburg County, south by the
South Carolina line, and west* by Cleaveland County.
Its capital is Dallas, named in compliment to the Hon. George
M. Dallas, of Philadelphia, who was Vice-President of the United
States in 1844.
Its population, accordinz^to the census of 1850, is 5,928 whites; 2,112
slaves ; 33 free negroes ; 7,^8 representative population.
Its early history is connected with Lincoln Coimty, to which the
reader is referred, as well as for its members of Assembly, with
which it votes imtil after the next session of 1852.
Spencer's Mountain, in this County, derives its name from Zack Spencer,
who was a Tory in the Revolution. He was taken (caueht asleep) l^ John
Moore and six others. They held a court, and had a mocK trial, and Spender
was condemned to die. He be^ed hard for his life, and promised fidelity to
the cause of liberty. On condition of his swearing to adhere to the State,
and oppose the English, he was released. For want of a Bible, he took the
oath of allegiance on an old almanac.
The character of the Rev. Humphrey Hunter, who resided in this
county when Lincoln, deserves a place in our sketches. We here
insert it. As a Christian, as a patriot, and as a citizen, his career
is worthy of our regard and esteem.
Rev. Humphret Hunter, the subject of this sketch, was a distinguished
soldier of the Revolution, and afterwards an eminent minister of the Gospel.
From his own manuscript narrative of his early history and revolutionary ser-
vices, now on file in the Governor's office at Raleigh, we learn, that he was
bom on the 14th of May, 1755, in the vicinity of Londonderry, Ireland.
His father was well known in his day, as a respectable drapery merchant
on the " Bleach-green Farm." His paternal grandfather was from Glasgow,
Scotland. His maternal grandfather was from Brest, in France. His descent
is thus traced to the Scotch, Irish, and French Huguenots — that stock of per-
secuted people, whose self-expatriation so greatly contributed to the spread
19
152 HISTOBY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
of civil and relieioas liberty in different portions of the world. In America,
the asylum of me oppressed of all nations, and especially on the soil of the
Garolinas, many of their descendants occupy a proud position on the page of
history, and acted a magnanimous part in the cause of freedom. At four
years of age he was deprived by death of his father. liis widowed mother
resided on the same farm several years after this bereavement. About this
time the cheap and fertile lands of the New World, and unrestricted enjoy-
ment of religions worship, were powerful inducements in alluring to the
American shores a numerous foreign emigration. Influenced by the flatter-
ing prospect of future comfort, and providing more easily for a rising family,
his mother embarked on the 3d of May, 1759, in the ship Helena, bound for
CharleHton, S. C. On the 27th of August following, the vessel safely reached
its destination. A few days after her arrival she procured a conveyanoe,
proceeded to the eastern part of Mecklenbure County (now Cabarrus), bur-
chased a small tract of land not far from Poputr Tent Church, and remained
during life. In this neighborhood Humphrey Hunter grew up, emancipated
from a state of bondage, inhaling the salubrious breeze of a tree clime, and
imbibing the principles of genuine liberty. But this state of happiness was
soon to be interrupted. The repeated aggressions of Great Britain, deroga-
tory to the honor and subversion of the just rights of the American people,
aroused a spirit of resistance which terminated in the Revolution. The
crisis rapidly approached. On the 19th of April, 1775, the battle of Lexington
was fought. To use his own forcible language, '* that was a wound of a
deepening gangrenous nature, not to be healed without amputation.'^ Intel-
licence of the affair speedily spread abroad. No sooner had it reached
Ikcklenburg, than patriotic fire glowed in every breast. It burst into a
flame, and blazed through ever^ comer of the county. Communioatioas
from one to another were made with great facility. Committees were held in
yarious neighborhoods. Every man was a politibian ; every man was a soldier.
<< Fire in each breast, and freedom on each brow."
In this connection, what a beautiful tribute does he pay to the nursing
mothers of the Revolution. " Neither were our mothers silent on that all-
important subject. 'Go, men,' said they, 'go league yourselves together —
take up arms — ^go to the field of battle — ^go, fight for the freedom of your-
selves, of your wives, and your children. Let us never be slaves.' Well do
I remember the advice of my mother — ' Go, son — go join yourself to the men
of our country, for this is our country. We ventiu^d our lives on the waves
of the ocean in quest of the freedbm promised us here. Go fight for it ; and
rather let me hear of your death than of your cowardice.' "
Jfi a short time this patriotic advice of his mother was called into action.
" Orders were presentiY issued," continues his narrative, ** by Col. Thomas
Polk to the several militia companies, two men, selected from each beat,
to meet at the Court House at Charlotte, on the 19th of May, 1775, in
order to consult with each other upon such measures as might be thought
best to be pursued. Accordingly, on said day, a far larger number than two
out of each company were present" Drawn by the excitement of the occa-
sion, he attended the convention in Charlotte on the appointed, day. He was
then a few days upwards of twenty years old, and mingled with the nume-
rous crowd of spectators who witnessed the proceedings of that memorable
body. He then enjoyed the privilege of listening to the reading of the Jini
public Declaration of Independence m the United States, and joined in the
shout of approval wnich burst forth from a large and deeply-interested audi-
ence. The bloody massacre at Lexington increased the patriotic ardor of the
day, and a determined spirit of resistance animated every breast. Actuated
by such feelings, they were fully prepared to " pledge their lives, their for-
tunes, and their most sacred honor," to the adoption and maintenance of the
most independent measures.
The Mecklenburg Resolves, of May 20th, 1775, have been several times
published. They breathe throughout the high-toned and patriotic sentiments
of freemen, and will compare favorably with the coinpositions of any period of
our history, and were far in advance of the spirit ofthe day.
GASTON COUNTY. 15S
Copies of t^ ese Resolves were then drawn off, and given to the charge of
Captain Jameb Jack, then of Charlotte, to present to Congress during its
session in Philadelphia. On the return of Captain Jack, he reported '* that
Congress individually manifested their entire approbation of tne conduct of
ihe Mecklenburg citizens, but deemed it premature to lay them officially be-
fore the House.''
In a short time after the meeting of the Convention in Charlotte, intelli-
.gence reached Mecklenburg that a considerable number of Tories had em-
bodied themselves in the vicinity of Cross Creek, now Fayetteville, in hos-
tility to the American cause. With commendable promptitude a regiment of
infantry and cavalry, commanded by Colonel Thomas Polk, was raised in the
county, and marched in the direction of Fayetteville. The corps of cavalry-
was commanded by Captain Charles Polk, a brother of the Colonel. In this
corps, Hunter entered as a private soldier. The campaign, however, was
of short duration. The Tories were dispersed before the arrival of the regi-
ment, and it immediately returned.
Soon after this expedition, he commenced his classical education at *'Clio's
Nursery," in the western part of Rowan County (now Iredell), under the
instruction of the Rev. James Hall. Here he remained for a short time, dili-
gently prosecuting his studies.
But an emerjgency soon arose in which his services were aeain required.
The Cherokee Indians were committing numerous murders ana depredations
on the inhabitants near the sources of the Catawba. Upon this information,
General Rutherford promptly called out a brigade from the counties of Guil-
ford, Rowan, Mecklenburg, &c., composed of infantry and three corps of caval-
ry. One of these was commanded by Captain, afterwards Colonel Robert
Mebane,* in which he acted as lieutenant. The campaign proved successful.
Two skirmishes took place, in which several Indians were killed, and a consi-
derable number made prisoners, including Hicks and Scott, two white traders
who had formed family connections with the Indians, and espoused their cause.
After his return from the Cherokee nation, he resumed his classical educa-
tion at Queen's Museum, in Charlotte, under the control of Dr. McWhorter,
firom New Jersey. In the summer of 1780, this institution, having assumed
in the meantime the more patriotic name of '* Liberty Hall Academy," was
broken' up by the approach of the British army under Lord Cornwallis, after
tiie surreiider of Charleston, and massacre of Buford's regiment at the Waz-
haws. The school was dismissed; the minors were commended by Dr.
MoWhorter to the care of their parents and guardians ; the voun^ men were
orged to take up arms in defence of their country, and for all he invoked the
blessings of Heaven. At this time Qeneral Gates was on his way to the
Southern States. Orders having been issued by General Rutherford to the
battalions of the western counties, a brigade was promptly raised to rendes-
Tous at Salisbury. In this brigade Hunter acted for a short time as Com-
missary, and afterwards as Lieutenant in the company of Captain Givens.
Deeply impressed at all times with the justice of the American cause, his ser-
Tices were freely offered to assist in meeting and averting impending dangers.
He again laid aside for a time his battle wUh books to join in the battle v>Uh men.
This force first marched from Salisbury down the north-east side of the Yad-
kin, scouring the Tory settlements of tne Uwharry and Deep Rivers, previous
to the i unction with General Gates, at Cheraw. From this place General Gates
movea forward with as much expedition as possible to Claremont, where he
arrived on the 12th of August. On the 15th he marched towards Camden,
progressing as far as the Gum Swamp, where sharp skirmishing took place in
the nieht, between advanced parties of the Americans and British.
On tne 16th of August, 1780, the unfortunate battle of Camden was fought.
A contagious panic seized most of the militia early in the action, and a pre-
cipitate and disgraceful retreat was the consequence. The regulars of
* We regret that more is not preserved of this breve man. He was a native of Orange,
brother of Uoq. Alexander Mebaiie, and was distinguished for his bravery and services.
He was engaged in several afiairs, desperate and sanguinary, and was always ready and
active in the cause of Libertjr. He finally fell in an anguaracd moment by the hand oi a
Tory, whom he had taken prisoner.
154 HISTORY OF NORTH OABOLINA.
Maryland and Delaware, with a small portion of the North Carolina militia,
firmly stood their ground until surrounded by overwhelming numbers. The
subject of this sketch was there made prisoner, and stripped of most of his
clothes. Soon afler his surrender as a prisoner of war, he witnessed the
painful incidents of battle resulting in tne death of Baron Db Kalb. He
informs us he saw the Baron without suite or aid, and without manifesting
the design of his movements, galloping down the line. He was soon descried
by the enemy, who, clapping their hands on their shoulders, in reference to
his epaulettes, exclaimed " a General^ a rebel General I" Immediately, a man
on horseback (not Tarleton) met him, and demanded his sword. The Baron
reluctantly presented the handle towards him, sayine in French, Etes voui
un officier^ Monsieur f ("Are you an officer. Sir?") Uis antagonist not un-
derstanding the language, with an oath, more sternly demanaed his sword.
The Baron then, not understanding him perfectly, with all possible speed rode
on, disdaining to surrender to any but to an officer.
The cry, ** a rebel General,'' sounded along the line. The musketeers imme-
diately, by platoons, fired upon him. He proceeded about twenty-five rods
when he fell from his horse, mortally wounded. Soon aflerwards he was
raised to his feet, and stripped of his hat, coat, and neckcloth, and placed
with his hands resting on a wagon. His body was found, upon examination, to
have been pierced with seven musket balls. Whilst standing in this posi-
tion, and the blood streaming through his shirt, Cornwallis, with his suite,
rode up. Being informed that the wounded man was De Kalb, he addressed
him by saying, *' I am sorry. Sir, to see you ; not sorry that jou are yanqoish-
ed, but sorry to see you so badly wounded." Having eiven orders to an
officer to administer to the wants of the Baron, the British General rode on
to secure the results of his victory. In a short time the brave and eenerous
De Kalb, who had served in the armies of France, and embarked in we Ame-
rican cause, breathed his last. He lies buried in Camden, S. C, where &
monument is erected over his remains.
Afler being confined seven days in a prison-yard in Camden, Hunter was
taken, with many other prisoners, including about fifty officers, to Orange-
burg, S. C, there to remain until exchang^, where he continued until the
13th of November following, without hat or coat. On that day, without any
design of transgressing, he set out to visit a friendly lady in the suburbs, who
had promised to give him a homespun coat. On his way he was stopped by
a horseman, armed with sword and pistols, who styled himself a Lieutenant
of the station at the court house, under Colonel Fisher. The horseman blus<
tered and threatened, and sternly commanded him to march before him to the
station, to be confined and tried for having broken his parole. No excuse,
apology, or confession would be received in extenuation of his offence. " lb
the station" said he, ** you shall go — take the road" He was a Tory loyalist,
and was treating, in hard terms, a real Whig. Up the road he had to go,
sour and sulky, with much reluctance. He was frequently hurried in his
march by the point of the Tory's sword. Hunter pursued his course, but
constantly on the look-out for some means of self defence. Fortunately for
the oppressed, when a forlorn condition seems to surround them, unexpected
means of succor are frequently thrown providentially in their way. In a
short time they approached a large fallen pine tree, around which lay a
quantity of pine-knots, hardened and blackened by the recent action of fire.
Hunter, in an instant, jumped to the further side of said tree, as to " a city of
refuge," and, armed with a good pine-knot, prepared for combat. The Tory
instantly fired one of his pistols at him, but without effect. The Tory then leap-
ed his horse over the tree. Hunter, with equal promptness, exchanged sides.
Much skillful manoeuvering took place, whilst the Tory was thus kept at
bay. The Tory then discharged his other pistol, but a^ain without effect.
Hunter then commenced a vigorous warfare with the pine-knots, so oppor-
tunely placed at his command, and dealt them out witn profuse liberality.
The prccisive aim with the pine-knots, soon brought the horseman to the
sround. He was then disarmed of his sword, and capitulated in the follow-
ing terms: Hunter agreed never to publbh the conquest he had gained, and
to give up the sword he had taken from him. The Tory i^reed never to
GASTON COUNTY. 155
make it known that any of the prisonera had ever crossed the houndarj line,
or ever offended in any other manner.
Bat secrecy could not he preserved, for daring the affiray the horse with-
ont his rider galloped off tu toe station, and created, of course, considerahle
anxiety respecting the rider's fate. But all serious apprehensions were soon
removed as the dismounted horseman presently made his appearance, not,
however, without several visible bruises, bearing striking proof of the effect-
ive precision of the pine-knots. As usual on the occurrence of any myste-
rioas affair, a close examination was instituted, and numerous searching
qnestions propounded. All concealment was ended. The rencontre took
place on Friday evening. On the Sabbath following orders were issued by
Col. Fisher to all of the prisoners to appear at the court house on Monday,
br twelve o'clock M. On the evening of that Sabbath, Hunter, expecting
elose confinement, or other harsh and vindictive treatment, made his escape
with several others, and commenced their way to North Carolina. They
concealed themselves during the day to avoid the numerous British scouts,
and traveled only in the night, supporting themselves on raw cam. On the
ninth night after thev set out from Orangeburg they crossed the Catawba,
and arrived safely in Mecklenburg.
After remaining at his mother's residence only a few days, he again en-
tered the public service, and joined the cavalry, acting as Lieutenant under
Col. Henry Lee. In a short time, the battle at the Eutaw Springs, the last
important one in the South, took place. In this engagement, where so mufch
personal bravery was displayed, he performed a gallant part, and was slightly
wounded.
With this campaign his military services ended. Among the variety of in-
cidents which occurred in this year, and during this campaign, he was gratified
in revisiting his old prison-bounds, and in witnessing the reduction of the
station at Orangeburg. But greater still was the gratification he derived in
again beholding the identical sword ho had taken from his Tory antagonist.
lie then returned home, with bravery established, his patriotism unquestioned,
and integrity unsullied.
Soon after his return he resumed his classical studies under the instruction
of the Rev. Robert Archibald, near Poplar Tent Church, where he remained
for a considerable length of time, assiduously engaged. During the summer
of 1785 he entered the Junior Class at Mount Zion College, in Winnsbo-
rough, S. C, and graduated in July, 1787. In a short time he commenced
the study of Theology under the care of the Presbytery of South Carolina,
and obtained license to preach in Oct. 1789. The first four or five years of
his ministerial lal>ors wore performed in South Carolina.
There on Slst Dec. 1789, he united himself in marriage with Jane, daughter
of Dr. George Ross, of Laurens District.
In 179C he removed to the south-eastern part of Lincoln County (now
Gaston), having visited this section of country in the preceding year. Here
be purchased a home for bis rising family, and hero ho ended his days.
Shortly after his arrival he received calls from the churches of Goshen and
Unitv to become their pastor. To the people of these two charges he de-
voted about eight years of continuous ministerial labors. In 1805 he ac-
cepted a call from Steele Creek Church, in Mecklenburg County. To this
charge he devoted the greater portion of his unremitting labors for twenty-
three years, and was rejoiced to see, during this protracted period, a large
accession of new members to the church, as seals to his ministry. The remain-
ing portion of his ministerial services were principally given to Goshen, in
connection with Steele Creek, until the time of his death.
Being connected by marriage with the family of Dr. George Ross, a wor-
thy and distinguished physician of Laurens District, S. C, he availed him-
self of the favorable opportunity thus afforded of acquiring a practical
knowledge of medicine, sufficiently extensive fi)r family purposes. lie was
induced to make thia acquisition, not only to gratify a pecuuar prof>ensity,
hat more particalarly on the account of the scarcity of^gobd physicians at
that early period. At the time of his removal to Lincoln County there were
bat few physicians ; these were widely separated. His medical knowledge,
156 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
which he continued to improTe by occasional reading, soon became known,
and he was frequently called upon hj his neighbors to administer to their
wants. Ills excellent judgment, so important to the physician in the dis-
crimination and treatment of diseases, and his remarkable success, soon eave
him extensive practice, and threatened, for a time, to interfere with his minis-
terial duties. But this successful practice was never the source of any great
pecuniary profit; his charges in all cases being moderate^ and frequently
gratuitous.
In his preaching Mr. Xlunter was earnest, unassuming, and often eloqaeni
Possessing naturally a strong mind, with powers of orinnallty, and aided
by the advantages of a good education, he was useful in Uie high mission to
which he was called, and to it he devoted his best talents and acquirements.
He possessed, in a remarkable degree, a talent for refined sarcasm, and knew
bow to use most effectively its piercing shafts against the idle objections, or
disingenuous cavils of all triflers with the great truths of religion. But his
benevolent feelings forbade its use in private intercourse. The great sim-
nlicity of his manners and freedom from affectation readily ^ined the con-
ndence and friendship of all who knew him. And if the faithful discharge
of ministerial' duty might cause the evil to fear him, yet to the good he was
doubly esteemed. In his advanced years the infirmities of age greatly con-
tracted his useful labors, without impairing the vigor of his mental powers,
or fervency and faithfulness of his preaching. But a sudden illness, on a Sub-
bath evening, after preaching one of his most animated, forcible, and inte-
resting sermons to the people of Steele Creek, rapidly prostrated his already
enfeebled constitution, ana admonished him that his earthly pilgrimage was
soon to terminate. He met his approaching end with unshaken firmness and
Christian resignation, and peacefully breathed his last, Aug. 2l8t, 1827, in
the 73d year of his age.
On his head-stone in Steele Creek grave-yard, is recorded the following
appropriate inscription : —
SACRED
to the Memory of the
Reverend Humpbret Hcxtir,
who de|)arted this life August 21st,
1827, in the 73d year of his age.
He was a native of Ireland, and
emigrated to America at an early
period of his life. He was one of those
who earlj promoted the cause of
freedom in Mecklenburg County,
May 20th, 1775, and subsequently
bore an active part in securing
the independence of bis country.
For nearly thirty-eight years he labored
as a faithful and assiduous
ambassador of Christ, strenuously
enforcing the necessity of repentance,
and pointing out the terms of salvation.
As a parent he was kind and affectionate ;
as a friend warm and sincere ; and as a
minister, persuasive and convincing.
Mr. H. had ten children, of which number, at the present time, only three
are alive : Mrs. Nancy Bynum, widow of the late Col, J. "W. Bynum, of Chat-
ham County ; Col. George R. Hunter, of Fairfield District, S. C., and Dr. C. L.
Hunter, of Lincoln County.
^ Major William Chronicle, the brave soldier and martyr to the eause of
liberty, whose name is here introduced, was raised about two miles north-east
of Armstrong's Ford, on the South Fork. His mother was first married to a
Mr. McKee, m Pennsylvania, who afterwards removed to Nortki Oarolina, and
settled in Meoklenburg County. By this marriage she had one son, the
GASTON COUNTY. 157
late James McKee, a soldier of the Revolation, and ancestor of the several
families of that name still residing in the neighborhood of Armstrong's
Ford. After McKee's death, his widow married Mr. Chronicle, by whom
she had an only son, the noble-hearted and gallant soldier of Kine'a
Mountain. The site of the old family mansion is still pointed out by uie
older inhabitants, to the inquiring stranger with feelings of veneration.
" There, they will tell you, is the spot where old Mr. Chronicle lived, and
there his brave son, William, was brought up." At this hallowed spot he
was nurtured in the principles of liberty. So abiding is the veneration still
olin^in^ around the memoir of the illustrious dead, that revolutionary infor-
mation IS always imparted by the veteran soldier with emotions of delight and
Boul'Stirring eloquence. The universal testimony of all who knew Major
Chronicle is, that he was the constant, the never-tiring advocate of liberty,
and exerted a powerful influence in spreading the principles of freedom througn-
ont the whole lower portion of old Tryon County.* Wherever he went he
encouraged the young men of the surrounding country to arm for the approach-
ing contest, and support the cause of freedom. Ilis jovial turn ot mind,
and winning manners, by gaining the good-will of all, greatlj assisted in
making successful his appeals to their patriotism, and promoting the cause
of liberty in which he had so zealously embarked.
Major Chronicle's first services were performed in South Carolina, in 1779,
soon after the capture of Savannah. It was principally in discharge of the
arduous duties connected with this service of nine months, that young Chro-
nicle acquired his military training, for making, at a later period of his
life, a brave and meritorious officer. In this service he furnished two or
three wagons with the necessary teams, thus displaying a remarkable
promptitude in time of need, and a willingness to spend and be spent in a just
cause when darkness and dancer hung over our cause in consequence of pre-
vious misfortunes. Early in the fall of 1780, it became necessary to call out
a regiment from Lincoln (then Tryon), to assist in repelling the enemy march-
ing from the south flushed with victory. Over this regiment William Gra-
ham was appointed Colonel; Frederick Hambrite, Lieutenant-Colonel ; and
William Chronicle, Major. Major Chronicle possessed the proper qualifica-
tions for a good officer. He was brave, perhaps to a fault, energetic in his
movements, self-possessed in danger, deeply imbued with the spirit of liber-
ty, and possessed withal of agreeable manners, and cheerful countenance.
It is well known that Colonel uraham, on account of sickness in his family,
was not present at the battle of King's Mountain. The command, of course,
then devolved upon Licutenant-Culonel Ilambrite and Mfgor Chronicle. The
latter, on account of his commanding abilities and his own ardent feelings,
took an active and prominent part in leading his men to danger and glory.
This he effected mainly by appealing to their patriotism and uravery. ms
last words of encouragement, heard by nearly the whole regiment, were,
" Come on, my hoys, never leiUbe said a Fork boy run" alluding to the South
Fork, near which most of them resided. This patriotic appeal was not given in
vain. It nerved every man for the contest. Onward his " brave boys" steadily
marched, Major Chronicle in the advance, and approached within gunshot
of the enemy. Just at this time, a few select sharpshooters from the Tories
discharged their pieces and retreated. The brave Chronicle fell mortally
wounded, receiving a fatal ball in the breast. Almost at the same time,
Captain Mattocks, John Boyd, and William Rabb, all " Fork boys," also fell.
But heavy and mournful as this loss was to the regiment, other brave men
soon took their places. The noble cause in which they were engaged admitted
of no faltering in duty, but urged them on to the performance of deeds of
heroic valor, which terminated in glorious victory. Such should ever be the
conduct and the feelings of patriots fighting in defence of the rights of man I
The loss to our arms of Major Chronicle was the more to be regretted, as
he fell in the very prime of life, bein^ only about twenty-five years old. At
the time of his death his father was still alive, but unfortunately was drowned
* Since divided into Lincoln, GrastoD, Catawba, Cieaveland and Rutherford.
158 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
a few years afterwards, in the Catawba River, at the Tackasege Ford. The
late Abram Forney, who. fought bravely in this battle, frequently said the last
portion of food Major Chronicle received, was partaken witn him on the morn-
ing of that memorable day. He had just finished cooking a savory oovybag,
which had fallen to his share, when Major Chronicle came up, and in his
usual vein of good humor, remarked, '* wellf Abram, you always haice same'
thing good to eat, I believe I must join you" and accordingly participated of
liis homely mess. The late Captain Samuel Caldwell, father of Hon. Green
W. Caldwell, of Charlotte, and nis brother William, were both in this battle.
William Caldwell brought home Major Chronicle's horse ; but he was so
ereatly affected that he turned him into the stable without informing the
family of his death. He was near the gallant Major when he fell, and che-
rished for him, in common with the whole regiment, the attachment of a
brother. Major Chronicle's sword and spurs passed into the hands of his half-
brother, the late James McKee ; the venerated memorials are still in pos-
session of one of his sons, who removed, some years since, to Tennessee.
John Mattocks. — ^It may be interesting to the reader to know something
more of Captain Mattocks, who fell at the same time with M^jor Chronicle.
The Mattocks family resided a few miles below Armstrong's Ford, at the
" Alison old place.'^ There were three brothers, John, Charles, and Edward,
and two daughters, Sally and Barbara. The whole family, men and women,
bad the reputation of beinc uncommonly stout. Of Charles Mattocks, in par-
ticular, it was said he had no equal in point of strength ; but, being of a
peaceable disposition, he was never known to have but one fight. On that
occasion, being insulted, he went coolly to work, without indulging in wicked
oaths, and dealt out one blow against the taunting bully which prostrated him
to the ground. His antagonist, after a time, arose from his recumbent posi-
tion perfectly satisfied of the superior manhood of Charles Mattocks.
John and Charles were staunch Whigs ; but Edward, commonly called " Ned
Mattocks," was a Tory. All of the brothers were at the battle of King's Moun-
tain. John Mattocks, the Captain, was killed. Ned Mattocks was badly
wounded on the back of his neck. After the battle, Charles Mattocks fearing
his brother might be hung with some others who suffered this penalty, kindly
interfered in his behalf, took him home, and nursed him until he recovered of
his wounds. It is said that this strong dose so effectually administered, com-
pletely cnred him of Turyism, The whole surviving family, some years after the
war, moved to Georgia. Major Chronicle, Captain Mattocks, William Rabb, a
cousin of Major Chronicle, and John Boyd, who fell almost at the same time,
are buried in a common grave, near the foot of the Mountain. A plain head-
stone commemorates the hallowed spot with the following inscription : —
Sacred to the Memory of
Major William Chronicle,
Captain Joun Mattocks,
William Rabb, and
John Boyd,
Who were killed here fighting in defence of America,.
On the 7th Oct, 1780.
For a full detail of the battle of King's Mountain, with the official report
of the same, the reader is referred to the chapter on Cleaveland County.
Gen. John Moore was a revolutionary officer of much merit. He was bom
about 1759, of Irish descent. He early engaged in the cause of liberty, and
was in several battles of the Revolution. He acted as Commissary to the
Army.
He married a sister of Qovernor John Adair, of Kentucky, by whom he had
many children. After her death, he married Mary, the daughter of Robert
Alexander, by whom he had two children. He was a member of the House
of Commons as early as 1788, from Lincoln, and served for many years. He
died in 1836, and was buried at Goshen, where a plain tombstone marks the
GhATBS COUNTY. 169
last resting-place of this faithful patriot. His descendants still live among
us, whose patriotism ma^ be enlivened by his heroic and useful career.
Ilis sister Mar^ marned William Kankik, who did a soldier's duty in
days of trial. William Rankin was in the Revolutionary War as a soldier
at Camden, in 1780, and at the Eutaw Springs, the hardest fought battle of
th« Revolution.
He is still living in this county, and is the father of Colonel Richard Ran-
kin, one of the members from this county in the House of Commons in the
last Legislature, and of many others.
For members of Assembly from Gaston, see Lincoln County.
CHAPTER XXXII.
GATES COUNTY.
Gates. County was formed, in 1779, from Hertford, Chowan and
Perquimans Counties. It derives its name from General Horatio
Gates, who at this time was in the zenith of his popularity, having
acquired a brilliant victory in 1777 at Saratoga, over General Bur-
ffovne and the English army, but whose laurels were destined to
faae on the unfortunate field of Camden.
General Gates was a native of England. He was early trained to arms.
He came to America as an officer, and served with Washington under Gen.
Braddock in the ill-fated campaign against FortDuQuesne in 1755. On the
breaking out of the Revolution in 1776, from his attachment to his adopted
Country, and high military reputation, he was bj the Continental Congress
appointed Adjutant-General of the army, and in 1777 succeeded General
Schuvler in the command of the northern army, to which, after two sangui-
nary battles, General Burgoyne surrendered with his whole force as prisoners
of war at Saratoga on 7th October, 1777. For this brilliant service General
Gates received a gold medal and the thanks of Coneress.
In June, 1780, General Gates was invested with tne chief command of the
southern army. At Camden, 15th August, 1780, he was defeated with great
slaughter by Lord Comwallis. He retreated to Hillsboro', and Congress ap-
pointed General Greene to succeed him. Ue was tried by order of Congress
for his conduct at Camden by a special court, and was acquitted. ** His
northern laurels were exchanged for southern willows.'' In 1782 he was re-
stored to his command, but the war was over, and Gates retired to his farm
in Virginia. Afterwards he removed to New York, where he died 10th April,
1806, without issue.
From this man, who held the chief command in two campaigns in our
Revolution, the one the most brilliant and the other the most disastrous to
American liberty, does this County derive its name.
It is situated in the north-eastern part of the State, and is
bounded on the north by the Virginia line, eadt by Pasquotank,
Booth by Perquimans and Chowan, and west by Hertford County.
Its capital is Gatesville, and is distant from Baleigh one hundred
and sixty-seven miles.
Its population is 4158 whites ; 3871 slaves; 391 free negroes ; 6877 repre-
sentative population. ,
160
mSTOBT OF NORTH CABOLINA.
Prodact0, 192,815 boahels of corn,
10,329 " oats,
2951 " wheat,
1270 " nre,
86,591 lbs. cotton, '
3905 lbs. wool,
841 barrels fish,
663 *' turpentine,
19,143 dollars annual value of
lumber sold.
General Kedar Ballard was a native and representative of this County.
He served as an officer in the Revolutionary army, and died 16th January,
1834.
General Joseph Reddick, of this County, was for twenty-eight years her
Senator, and for many years Speaker of the Senate. Numerous descendants
in this County still preserve the names of Ballard and Reddick.
List of members of the General Assembly from Gates County,
from its erection, to the last Session, 1850-51.
Years. Senators.
1780. James Gregory,
1781. James Gregory,
1782. WilKam Baker,
1783. Jacob Hunter,
1784. WUliam Baker,
1785. Joseph Reddick,
1786. Joseph Reddick,
1787. Joseph Reddick,
1788. Joseph Reddick,
1789. Joseph Reddick,
1790. Joseph Reddick,
1791. Joseph Reddick.
1792. Joseph Reddick,
1793. Joseph Reddick,
1794. Joseph Reddick,
1795. Joseph Reddick,
1796. Joseph Reddick,
1797. Joseph Reddick,
1798. Joseph Reddick,
1799. Joseph Reddick,
1800. Joseph Reddick,
1801. Joseph Reddick,
1802. Joseph Reddick,
1803. Joseph Reddick,
1804. Joseph Reddick,
1805. Joseph Reddick,
1806. Joseph Reddick,
1807. Joseph Reddick,
1808. Joseph Reddick,
1809. Joseph Reddick,
1810. Joseph Reddick,
1811. Joseph Reddick,
1812. Kedar Ballard,
1813. Kedar Ballard,
1814. Kedar Ballard,
1815. Joseph Reddick,
1816. Kedar Ballard,
1817. Joseph Reddick,
1818. John B. Baker,
1819. Humphrey Hudgins
1820. John B. Baker,
1821. John C. Gordon,
1822. John B. Baker,
Members of House of Commons.
Jethro Sumner, James Garrett.
Jethro Sumner, Joseph Reddick.
Jethro Sumner, Joseph Reddick.
Joseph Reddick, David Rice.
Seth Reddick, Joseph Reddick.
Seth Reddick, David Rice.
Seth Eason, Seth Reddick.
Wm. Baker, John Baker.
Seth Eason, David Rice.
David Rice, Jas. B. Sumner.
David Rice, Jas. B. Sumner.
Thomas Granberry, Jas. B. Sumner.
James Baker, Isaac Miller.
Henry Goodman, Miles Benton.
Wm. Lewis, Miles Benton.
Wm. Lewis, Humphrey Hudgins.
James Gatling, John «f. Walton.
Humphrey Hudgins, James Gatling.
Humphrey Hudgins, James Gatling.
Humphrey Hudgins, James Gatling.
James Gatling, Humphrey Hudgins.
Humphrey Hudgins, James GaUing.
Humphrey Hudgins, Elisha Hunter.
Humphrey Hudgins, James Gatling.
Humphrey Hudgins, Willis Hoodley.
Humphrey Hudgins, Jethro D. Goodman.
Humphrey Hudgins, J. D. Goodman.
Humphrey Hudgins, Kedar Ballard.
Humphrey Hudgins, Kedar Ballard.
Humphrey Hudgins, Kedar Ballard.
Humphrey Hudgins, Kedar Ballard.
John B. Baker, Humphrey Hudgins.
Robert Reddick, Humphrev Hudgins.
Robert Reddick, Richard Barnes.
Robert Reddick, Richard Barnes.
Robert Reddick, Humphrey Hudzins.
Humphrey Hudgins, Joseph Gordon.
Humphrey Hudgins, Isaac R. Hunter.
Isaac R. Hunter, John Mitchell.
, David £. Sumner, Abraham Harrell.
Wm. W. Reddick, William Barnes.
Wm. W. Reddick, A. Harrell.
John Walton, A. HarrelL
GBANVILLB COUNTY.
161
Yean. Senators.
1823. Abraham Harrell,
1824. Abraham Uarrell,
1825. Abraham Harrell,
1826. Edward R. IIuDter,
1827. Abraham Harrell,
1828. Abraham Uarrell,
1829. Wm. W. Cowper,
1830. Wm. W. Cowper,
1831. Wm. W. Cowper,
1832. Wm. W. Cowper,
1833. John Walton,
1834. Wm. W. Cowper,
1835. Wm. W. Cowper,
1836. Wm. W. Cowper,
1838. Rufus K. Speed,
1840. Rufus K. Speed,
1842. Whitmell Stallings,
1844. Whitmell Stallings,
1846. Whitmell Stallings,
1848. Henry Wiley,
1850. Henry Wiley,
Members of House of Commons.
Wm. W. Stodman, J. Walton.
John Walton, W. W. Stedman.
John Walton, Wm, W. Stedman,
John Walton, Wm. W. Stedman.
Wm. W. Stedman, Lemuel Roddick.
Wm. W. Stedman, Lemuel Reddiok.
Wm. W. Stedman, RisdnpRawls.
Wm. W. Stedman, John Willey.
Whitmell Stallings, Lemuel Reddick.
Whitmell Stdllings, John Willey.
Lemuel Reddick, John Willey.
Lemuel Reddick, John Willey.
Whitmell Stallings, Lemuel Keddiok.
Whitmell Stallings.
Whitmell Stallings.
Whitmell Stallings.
John WiUcy.
Reddick Gatlin.
Reddick Gatlin.
Dr. Ballard.
Miles H. £ure.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
GRANVILLE COUNTY.
Date of its formation-origin of its name, situation and boundaries — Popu-
lation and products — Its Colonial and Revolutionary History — Sketches of
its distinguished men, General Thomas Person, John Williams, Leonard
Henderson, Robert Potter, Abraham Watkins Venable, Robert B. Gilliam,
and others — List of its members to the General Assembly.
Granville County was formed in 1746, from Edgecombe
County, and was so called in honor of the owner of the soiL*
The King of England (Charles the II.) granted to Sir George
Carteret, and seven other English Noblemen, in 1663, a char-
ter for this region, with much more, and it was called Carolina
from him. In 1729 these proprietors surrendered to the En-
flish crown all their franchises, except John (son of Sir George
larteret, who died in 1696). He was afterwards created Earl
of Granville. He retained his eighth part of the soil. The
line was run in 1743. Lord Granville's territory was from 35® 34'
south, to the Virginia line on the north, and from the Atlantic
Ocean, on the east, to the Pacific Ocean on the we8t.t A most
princely domain! This imperium in imperioX gave much dis-
quietude even to the Colonisd Government, and was entirely lost to
* Martin, ii. 48.
t Govemment in a geverament.
t Martin's Sketches, i. ^.
162 HISTOBT OF NORTH CABOLIKA.
%
the proprietor in the Revolutionary struggles of our country ; and
for which loss he was indemnified by the English Government.
Its situation is in the northern part of the State ; and is bounded
on the north by the Virginia line, east by Warren and Franklin
Counties, south by Wake, and west by Person and Orange Coun-
ties.
Its capital is Oxford, 36 miles north of Raleigh.
Population, 10,296 whites ;^ 9,865 slaves ; 1,088 free negroes ; 17,303 repre-
sentative population.
Products, 3,918,822 lbs. tobacco; 556,530 bushels com; 140,905 bushels
oats; 51,938 bushels wheat ; 1,174 bushels rye; 14,600 lbs. wck)L
Granville early took a decided stand for liberty.
Her delegates to the general meeting of Deputies at Newbem, on 25th
Au^st, 1774, wore Thomas Person, Memucan Hunt.
Her delegates to the next meeting at the same place, on the 3d April, 1775,
were the same, with John Penn, I&bert Mum ford, and Kobert Williams.
Her delegates to Ilillsboro', 2l8t August, 1775, were Thomas Person, John
Person, John Williams, John Tatlor, and Memucan Hunt.
Her delegates to Halifax, 4th April, 1776, that placed the State in military
organization, were Thomas Person, John Penn,. Memucan HrNT, John
Tatlor, and Charles £aton.
Her delegates to Halifax, 12th November, 1776, that formed the Constitu-
tion, were Thomas Person, Kobert Lewis, Memucan Hunt, Thornton Yan-
ctr, and John Oliyer.
Thomas Person is a name remarkable in our history for his indomitable
resistance to tyranny and his devoted love of liberty.* He was opposed to
the Stamp Act, a violent Regulator, and, for his advocacy of the rignts of the
colony, his estate was ravaged by the emissaries of royalty. He was ap-
pointed one of the first brigadier-generals by the State Congress (April 1776),
and, for his patriotic services, he was complimented by the naming (in 1791)
a county after him. His liberality towards the University, in bestowing a
munificent donation, caused a hall to be erected at Chapel Hill, which still
bears his name. He continued to represent this county, as late as 1^14^ in
the Senate. It is a matter of regret tnat more of his life, services, character,
and death, have not been obtained^ It is to be hoped that some future pen
may record his services and virtues.
John Penn, one of the signers of ihe immortal Declaration of Independ-
ence of the 4th July, 1776, was from Granville. Ho was born in Caroline
County, Ya., 17th May, 1741. The only son of Moses Penn, and Catharine,
his wife, who was a daughter of the celebrated John Taylor, of Caroline
County. His education, by the death of his father when he was only
eighteen, was defective. He read law with Edmund Pendleton, his relative.
He possessed genius and eloquence of a high order. His efibrts at the bar
were distinguished for their force and pathos. In 1774, he removed to Gran-
ville, and, on 8th Sept., 1775, succeeded Bichard Caswell as delegate to the
Continental Congress at Philadelphia, and took his seat in that body on 12th
Oct. following, lie was re-elected in 1777-78, and '79.
Watson, in his Annals of Philadelphia^ states that '' a singular case
of duel occurred in Philadelphia in 1778 or '79, between Henry Laurens,
President of Congress, and Mr. Penn. They were fellow-boarders, and
breakfasted together the same morning. They were to fi^ht on a vacant lot
vis-d-tis the Masonic Hall, on Chestnut Street. In crossing at Fifth Street,
where was then a deep slough, Mr. Penn kindly offered his hand to aid Mr.
Laurens, then much tiie oldest, who accepted it. He suggested to Mr. Lau-
* Jooes' Defence, 136. f Vol. i. 32^$.
GRANVILLE COUNTY. 16B
c
rensy who had challenged him, that it was a foolish affair, and it was made
up on the spot.
In 1784, he was appointed Receiver of Taxes for the State of North Caro-
lina, by Robt. Morris, which he soon resigned. lie married, on 28th July,
17C3, Sosan Lyme, by whom he had three children, two of whom died un-
married. He died Sept. 1788.
John Williams was a native of Hanover County, Virginia. In April,
1770, for some real or imaginary cause, while attending court at Hillsboro',
he was seized by the Regulators and beaten bv them.* He was one of
the first judges under the State Constitution, in 1777, with Samuel Spencer
and Samuel Ashe. He was a member of the Continental Coneress in 1778.
His early education was defective, as he was raised to the trade of a house-
carpenter. But he was eminently distinguished for his sound judgment and
pbun common sense. He died in Oct., 1799.
Colonel Robert Burton was a native of Mecklenburg County, Virginia,
born in 1747. Planter by profession. He removed to Granville about 1775,
and was appointed an officer in the army. He was a member of the Con-
tinental Congress in 1787 and 1788. In 1801, he was appointed one of the
commissioners to run the line between North Carolina, South Carolina, and
Georgia. He married the only child of Judge Williams in 1775. He died in
1825, leavin|| nine children surviving, among whom was Hon. Robert H.
Burton, of Lincoln.
Leonard Henderson, one of the judges of the Superior and Supreme Court,
was born in Granville in 1772. His education was as good as the country
afforded. His father (late Judge Richard Henderson, whose life has been
alroadv presented)! was distinguished for his learning, sagacity, and intellect.
His life and services were spent in the highest duties of our land — ^the ad-
ministration of the law — ^wbose decision is the perfection of reason, ** whose
Toice is the harmony of the world, and whose seat is the bosom of God.''
Such duties are amone the most elevated functions that can exercise the
mind of man. In this the comprehensive mind of Jud^e Henderson delighted,
and no one who knew him, or who may read his opinions, will doubt for a
moment his intellectual greatness. He was more remarkable for his genius
than for labor. His mind, with instinctive rapidity, seemed to arrive at a
sound conclusion ; but the modes and method by which he arrived at that
opinion was to him laborious to explain. He was distinguished for his kind-
ness of heart and generous sentiments.
He was never in the Legislature. Public honor and popular applause
never was an object of his idolatry. He felt that the law was a jealous mis-
tress, and allowed no rival in his attentions or affections.
He was first elected a Judge of the Superior Court in 1808, and resigned
in 1816.
On the formation of the present Supreme Court he was elected one of the
Judges, with Judges Taylor and Hall ; and on Judge Taylor's death, in 1829,
he was appointed Chief Justice.
Full or vears, and full of honors, he died at his residence in Granville in
Aueust, 1833, in the Gist year of his aee.
Judge Henderson married Francos Farrer, and left two sons and two
daughters, one of whom married Dr. Richard R. Sneed ; the other Dr. Wm.
C. Taylor.
Colonel William Robards was a resident of Granville, a man distinguish-
ed for his integrity, business habits, and talents. lie represented Granville
in 1806 and 1808, and in 1827 was Treasurer of the State, at a period of
unexampled difficulty arising from the disorder occasioned by the defalca-
tion of John Haywood.
* See deposition ofRalph McNair (chapter " Alamance,'' page 14).
t See vol i., 103.
164 HISTOBT OF NORTH CABOUNA.
He conducted the financial affairs of the State with great ability and
fidelity.
He died on the 17th of June, 1842.
Robert Potter was a resident and representative from Granville County.
I once thought, after I had prepared a sketch of Robert Potter, that I would
omit it, and pass in silence the name of one who had been the member of
this County in the Assembly, and the Representative of this district in Con-
Sess. But truth demands that not only the good should be noticed^ but
ose who have been notorious for other qualities. This, too, may have a
moral effect. It was the custom of the Lacedemonians to intoxicate their
servants on certain occasions, before their voung children, that their young
minds, seeing vice in so frightful a mien, might avoid its seductions.
Robert Potter was a man of no ordinary powers of intellect. With an ad-
dress which would have graced the most polished court in Europe, with powers
of eloquence that could commAnd the listening auditors, and sway them to his
will, and an energy that shrunk from no obstacle or opposition, had his eariy
education been elevated by the piety of the mother of a Gaston, his fierce
and ferocious temper tamed by parental persuasion, his name might have
stood
' " High on the dusty rolls which ages keep.'*
He was a native of Granville. He entered the navy as a midshipman, and
after a few years resigned, and studied law. He entered into poblio life as
a member of the House of Commons from Halifax in 1826. At Halifax his
turbulent temper embroiled him in many difficulties. On one occasion at an
election, in which Potter was opposed by Jesse A. Bynum, a fracas occurred
at which one man was killed, and the election broken up. He removed to
Granville, from which he was elected to the House of Commons, in 1828.
This was an extraordinary period. The financial condition of North Caro-
lina was deplorable. The ^anks had become neglectful of their duty, and
disregarded their charters. Mr. Potter opened the session by a resolution of
inquiry. That inquiry produced a committee, of which he was chairman ;
the afiairs of the banks were investigated ; much evil and malfeasance was
proved. The Committee reported a bill to prosecute the banks. This bill,
after a long, heated, 'and anery discussion, passed by one vote ; but the
speaker (Hon. Thomas Settle j voting with the minority, defeated its beoom-
ine a law.
This gave Mr. Potter great popularity, and the next year he was elected to
Coneress, in triumph over all opposition.
His course in Congress was brilliant and imposing. He was re-elected
without opposition, but his career was to end soon in darkness and disgrace.
On Sunday, 28th, August, 1831, moved by
*< Jealousy, that ffreen-eyed monster
That doth mock the meat it feeds upon,"
He committed a brutal maim on two relations of his wife.
For these outrages he was brought before the legal tribunals of the county
and fined one thousand dollars, and imprisoned six months.
The enormity of this before unheara of crime in North Carolina, caused
the General Assembly at the next session to pass an Act making it a capital
offence.
These Violent acts caused his ruin. He was elected in 1834 to the House
of Commons. But this was an expiring effort of Potter's popularity.
« So the struck Eagle, woundod on the plain,
No more through rolling clouds shall soar again ;
Views his own feather in the fatal dart,
That sped the shaA now quivering in his heart.
Kei^n were his pangs — but keener far to feel —
He nursed the pinion that impelled the sleel ;
The self same plumacpe that nad wanned his nest.
Now drinks the life blood of his Needing breast.^'
> GRANVILLB COUNTY, 165
The trotibled elements and revolutionary scenes of Texas at this time, to
him, as storms to Zanga —
" bore a just resemblance to his fortunes,
And suited the gloomy aspect of his soul."
Thither he went. He was killed a few years afterwards in a private brawl.
Such was the end of a morning of life so full of glorious promises, of ^a me-
ridian so bright with honor, an evening so gloomy, dark, and desolate. If
he had the genius and power of Achilles, an unbridled will, a despotic tem-
per, and fierce revenge were the unsuarded points by which he fell. The
Superior Court, by petition divorced his wife, and she assumed her former
name, thus forgetting, if not forgiving, the cause of her sufferings.
Abraham Watkins Ysnablb, now in Congress from this District, is a
resident of this County. His father was Colonel Samuel Yenable, of the
Revolution, and his mother a daughter of lion. Paul Carrington, Judee of
the Court of Appeals of Yirzinia. Ilis ancestry of both sides were of the
Revolutionary stock. His faUier and six uncles were in the Revolutionary
army and served faithfully their country. They were all in the battle of
Guilford Court House, fought by General Greene and Lord Cornwallis (15Ui
March, 1781). His uncle and namesake, Abraham B. Yenable, was a senator
in Coneress from Yirginia in 1803.
Mr. V enable was bom in Prince Edward County, Yirginia, 17th October,
1799. He was educated at Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated in
181C. He studied medicine for two years, and then went to Princeton, where
he graduated in 1819. He then studied law, and was admitted to the bar in
1821.
fie was elector in 1832, and voted for Andrew Jackson as President in the
Electoral College, and for Martin Yan Buren as Yice-President.
He was again elector in 1836, when he voted for Martin Yan Buren as Pre-
sident, and R. M. Johnson as Yice-President. Of this College the venerable
Nathaniel Macon was President, and this was Mr. Macon's Gist public act.
Mr. Yenable was elected a member of Congress in 1847 over John Kerr,
Esq., re-elected in 1849 in the same district by a handsome migority over
Henry K. Nash, Esq., and was again re-elected August, 1851, without
opposition of an open character.
Robert- B. Gilliam is also a resident and native of Granville. He is
a lawyer by profession, and entered public life in 1836 as a member of the
House of cfommons, in which he continued until 1840. In 1846 he was again
a member, and in 1848, of which sessions he was Speaker of the House.
Mr. Gilliam's course has been marked by an adherence to his views of right
and a consistency of political conduct.
Others might be named in connection with the County of Granville, and
efforts are being used to procure material which another edition may bring
forward.
List of members of the General Assembly from Granville County,
from 1777 to the last Session, 1850-51.
fears. SeDaton. Members of the Hoove of Commons.
1777. Robert Harris, Thomas Person, John Penn.
1778. Robert Harris, Thornton Yancey, Thomas Person.
1779. Robert Harris, Thomas Person, Philemon Hawkins.
1780. Robert Harris, Thomas Person, Philemon Hawkins.
1781. Joseph Taylor, Thomas Person, Richard Henderson.
1782. WilUam Gill, Thomas Person, Philemon Hawkins.
1783. Robert Harris, Thomas Person, Philemon Hawkins.
1784. John Taylor, Thomas Person, Thornton Yancey.
1785. Howell Lewis, Thomas Person, Philemon Hawkins.
166
HISTOBT OF NORTH CABOLIKA.
Years. Senators.
1786. Howell Lewis,
1787. Thomas Person,
1788. Memucan Ilani,
1789. Samuel Clay,
1790. Samuel Clay,
1791. Samuel Clay,
1792. William P. Little,
1793. William P. Little,
1794. William P. Little,
1795. William P. Little,
1796. William P. LitUe,
1797. William P. Little,
1798. William P. Little,
1799. Washington Salter,
1800. Thomas Taylor,
1801. Thomas Taylor,
1802. Thomas Taylor,
1803. Joseph Taylor,
1804> Thomas Person,
1805. Thomas Person,
1806. Thomas Person,
1807. Thomas Person,
1808. Thomas Taylor,
1809. Thomas Taylor,
1810. Thomas Taylor,
1811. Thomas Taylor,
1812. Thomas Person,
1813. Thomas Falconer,
1814. Thomas Person,
18i5. James Young,
1816. Willis Lewis,
1817. Willis Lewis,
1818. Daniel Jones,
1819. Daniel Jones,
1820. Thomas Person,
1821. Jos. II. Bryan,
1822. William M. Sneed,
1823. William M. Sneed,
1824. James Nuttall,
1825. William M. Sneed,
1826. William M. Sneed,
1827. James Nuttall, ,
1828. Thomas T. Hunt,
1829. William M. Sneed,
1830. William M. Sneed,
183L William M. Sneed,
1832. Thomas W. Norman,
1833. Thomas W. Norman,
1834. James Wyche,
1835. James Wvche,
1836. John C. Taylor,
1838. John C. Taylor,
1840. William A. Johnson,
1842. Elijah Hester,
1844. George £aton,
1846. James A. Russell,
1848. John narerove,
1850. Nath. £. Cannady,
Members of the House of Commons.
Thornton Yancey, Philemon Hawkins.
Thornton Yancey, Philemon Hawkins.
Thomas Person, Elijah Mitchell.
Thornton Yancey, Philemon Hawkins.
Thornton Yancey, Thomas Person.
Elijah Mitchell, Thornton Yancey.
Elijah Mitchell, Thornton Yancey.
Thomas Person, Elijah Mitchell.
James Yaughan, Thomas Person.
Thomas Person, Thomas Taylor.
Thomas Taylor, Elijah Mitchell.
Thomas Taylor, Thomas Person.
Thomas Taylor, Sterling Yancey.
Thomas Taylor, Sterling Yancey.
Sterling Yancey, Benjamin E. Person.
John R. Eaton, Samuel Parker.
John R. Eaton, Samuel Parker.
John Washington, Samuel Parker.
Barnett Pulliam, Henry Y'ancey.
John Washington, Henry Yancey.
Henry Yancey, William Robards.
Henry Yancey, John Washington.
Samuel Parker, William Robards.
William Hawkins, Henry Yancey,
Daniel Jones, William Hawkins.
William Hawkins, Daniel Jones.
Woodson Daniel, John R. Eaton.
John Hare, Woodson Daniel.
Benjamin Bullock, Daniel Jones.
Daniel Jones, John J. Judge.
Daniel Jones, John J. Judge.
William Hawkins.
Nath. M. Taylor, Benjamin M. Hester.
Richard Sneed, Samuel Hillman.
Richard Sneed, Samuel Hillman.
Richard Sneed, Samuel Hillman.
Robert Jeter, Thomas Hunt.
Robert Jeter, William G. Bowers.
J. C. Taylor, William G. Bowers.
John Glasgow, Nicholas Jones.
Nicholas Jones, Willis Lewis.
John C. Taylor, John Glasgow.
James Wyclie, Robert Potter.
James Wyche, Spencer O'Brien.
James Wyche, Spencer O'Brien.
Spencer O'Brien, James Wyche.
Spencer O'Brien, John C. Ridley.
William R. Hargrove, James Wyche.
Sandy Harris, Jiobert Potter.
Chas. R. Eaton, Elijah Hester.
Robert B. Gilliam, Chas R. Eaton, William
Flemming.
Robt. B. Gilliam, Chas. R. Eaton, E. Hester.
Robt. B. Gilliam, H. L. Robards, James A.
Russell.
Jona. M. Stone, Wm. Russell, Ke^P P» Hill.
Jona. M. Stone, J. M. Bullock, J. T. Little-
john.
R. B. Gilliam, J. M. Bullock, Jona. M. Stone.
R. B. Gilliam, Geo. Green, N. £. Cannady.
Jas. S. Amis, Wm. R. Wiggins, L. Parham.
aaSBNB OOUHTY. . ■■ 16T
CHAPTER XXXIV.
GREENE COUNTY.
Until 1791, there was in North Carolina a county called Dohhs,
in compliment to Arthur Dobbs, Royal Governor of the State in
1754. In 1791, Dobbs was diridcd into Lenoir and Glasgow, and
in 1799, the name of Greenb was substituted for th^t of Grlasgow.
It was named in compliment to Gbnxral Nathaniel Griene, who was
one of the bravest, most sasacious, and most successful officers of the Revo-
lution, and the saviour of tne south from the invasions of the British. He
was a native of Rhode Island, where he was born in 1741. He was of Quaker
parentage. He was a Major General in the revolutionary armj. He was
at the battle of Trenton, 177G, and Princeton, and commanded the left win^j;
at Germantown, 1777, under the eye of Washington, whose confidence and
regard he possessed in an eminent degree. After the disastrous defeat of
General Gates, at Camden, by Lord Comwallis, in August, 1780, General
Washington sent General Greene to take command of the south. He arrived
at Charlotte on the 2d December, 1780.
On the 15th March, 1781, he fought the battle of Guilford Court House,
at w^ich, although he ordered a retreat, he was not defeated; for he so
crippled Lord Cornwallis, that he avoided battle and was forced to retrograde
to Wilmington, leaving his wounded under care of Greene.
Greene then marched to South Carolina, then overran b^ the British.
In September, 1781, he fought the bloody battle of Eutaw Springs, in which
he routed the enemy.
Afler suffering incredible hardships from want of food and cloth ine for
his troops, his patience and firmness triumphed over all obstacles. He drove
the Invaders from the country and they sailed from Charleston, on 17th Decem-
ber. Ho died in Georgia, on 19th June, 1786, leaving a wife and five children,
and a fame that will remain as long as patriotism is admired. Worthy is his
name to be preserved in a State that witnessed his patriotism and valor I
Greene County is situated in the south-eastern part of the State.
Bounded on the north, by Edgecombe ; east, by Pitt ; south, by
Lenoir ; and west by Wayne.
Its capital is Snow Hill, eighty-nine miles etot of Raleigh.
Population, 3,259 whites ; 3,244 slaves ; 166 free negroes ; 5,321 represent-
ative population.
Products, 1,344,090 pounds of cotton ; 3,627 pounds of wool ; 279,730
bushels of com ; 8,824 bushels of wheat ; 6,975 bushels of rye.
Its early history is collected under Chapter XLV. (Lenoir), to
which the reader is referred.
In 1711 the Cothechney Indians* who dwelt in this county joined
with other tribes, and made a descent upon the inhabitants of the
Neuse and Trent, and massacred 130 persons.f
• MMtin, i. 244. t Vol. i. 37.
20
168
HISTOBT OF KOBTH CABOLIKA.
With the name of Greene County is connected the memory of Gemsral
Jesse Speight, who was for many years her representative in the Legislature,
a member of Congress, and afterwards a Senator in Congress from the State
of Mississippi, which elevated position he held at the time of his death.
General Speight was born in Greene County, 22d September, 1795. His
father, Rev. Seth Speight, was a minister of the Methodist Church. His
education was not extensive, but his extraordinary success was owing to his
own natural shrewdness of character, his tall and commanding person, and
untiring perseverance.
In 1822, he was first a member of the House of Commons. In 1823, he was
a member of the Senate, of which he was several times the Speaker, and
continued until 1827, when he was elected a member of the House of Repre-
sentatives, until 1837, when he declined a re-election, and removed to the
State of Mississippi. He was soon returned a member of the Mississippi
Legislature, and Speaker of the Senate, and in 1844, was elected to the Senate
of the United States, which post he held at the time of his death, on Ist May,
1847.
Without any extraordinary powers of mind, superior education, or bril-
liant parts of character, such unexampled success in political life can only be
attributed to native energy of character, devotion to principles, and simple-
hearted honesty.
Members of the General Assembly from Greene County from its
erection to last session : —
years. Seaaton.
1800. Robert White,
1801. Hymrick Hooker,
1802. Hymrick Hooker,
1803. Hymrick Hooker,
1804. Hymrick Hooker,
1805. Hymrick Hooker,
1806. Hymrick Hooker,
1807. Hymrick Hooker,
1808. Wm. V. Speight,
1809. Wm. V. Speight,
1810. Wm. V. Speight,
1811. Wm. V. Speight,
1812. Wm. V. Speight,
1813. Wm. V. Speight,
1814. Wm. V. Speight,
1815. Wm. V. Speight,
1816. Wm. V. Speight,
1817. Wm. V. Speight,
1818. Wm. V. Speight,
1819. Wm. V. Speight,
1820. Wm. V. Speight,
1S2L Wm. V. Speight,
1822. Wm. V. Speight,
1823. Jesse Speight,
1824. Jesse Speight,
1825. Jesse Speight,
1826. Jesse Speight,
1827. Jesse Speight,
1828. Jesse Speight,
1829. Wyatt Moye,
1830. Wyatt Moye,
1831. Wyatt Moye,
1832. Wyatt Moye,
1833. Wyatt Moye,
1834. Wyatt Moye,
Members of House ofCommooa.
Jonas Williams, Wm. Taylor.
William Taylor, Jonas Williams.
William Taylor, Jonas Williams.
Jonas Williams, Henry Best.
Jonas Williams, Alex. Kilpatrick.
Jonas Williams, Alex. Kilpatrick.
Jonas Williams, Kenchen Garland.
Jonas Williams, Henry J. G. Ruffin.
Henry J. G. Ruffin, Jonas Williams.
Henry J. G. Ruffin, Jonas Williams.
Jonas Williams, Benjamin Evans.
Abraham Darden, Jonas Williams.
Wm. Holliday, Abraham Darden.
William Pope, Wm. Holliday.
J. C. Shepard, William Pope.
William Pope, James Eastwood.
James Eastwood, William Pope.
Richard G. Bright, William Pope.
Reuben Wilcox, William Pope.
A. Darden, William Pope.
Abraham Darden, William Pope.
Hymrick Hooker, A. Darden.
Charles Edwards, Jesse Speight.
R. G. Bright, Charles Edwards.
Charles Edwards, R. H. F. Harper.
Charles Edwards, Richard H. F. Harper.
Charles Edwards, Joseph Ellis.
James Harper, Joseph Ellis.
James Harper, Joseph Ellis.
James Harper, Arthur Speight.
James Harper, Elisha UzzeU.
Arthur Speight, James Harper.
James Harper, John Beemond.
James Harper, Robert L. Allen.
Jame9 Harper, Jamet WilliamB.
OUILFOBI) COUNTY. 169
Tears. Senators. Members of Houne of Commoos.
1835. Wjatt Move, James Uarper, Thomas Hooker.
1836. Wm. D. Moseley, Thomas Hooker.
1838. Wm. D. Moseley, James Williams.
1840. Jas. B. Whitfield^ John W. Taylor.
1842. E. G. Speight, John W. Taylor.
1844. £. G. Speight, James Harper.
1846. £. G. Speight, James G. Edwards.
1848. £. G. Speight, James G. Edwards.
1850. £. G. Speight, B. F. Williams.
CHAPTER XXXV.
GUILFORD COUNTY.
Date of formation — Origin of name — Situation and boundaries — Population
JEind products — Reyomtionary history — Battle at Guilford Court house,
fought 15th March, 1781, between the main body of the British army under
Lord Cornwallis, and the American army under General Nathaniel Greene ;
the official reports of the same by Lord Cornwallis, copied from the ar-
chives of the English government ; and General Greene's report from our
own archives — Ihe importance of this battle, and its effects upon the
country— :Life, character, and services of Lord Cornwallis— Colonel B.
Tarleton — Its distinguished citizens. Rev. David Caldwell, Gov. Alexander
Martin, Hon. John M. Morehead, Hon. John M. Dick, and others — Its
members of Assembly.
Guilford County was erected in the year 1770, from Rowan
and Orange. It was called in compliment of Lord North, who in
1770, succeeded the Duke of Grafton as First Lord of the Trea-
sury, and Prime Minister. He was heir to the title of Guilford,
and eventually succeeded to it as Earl of Guilford.*
Its situation is west of Raleigh, and the county presents on the
map a beautiful compact square ; bounded on the north by Rock-
ingham, east by Alamance, south by Randolph, and west by For-
sythe and Davidson Counties.
Its capital is Gheen»horo\ a most flourishing town, named in
compliment of General Nathaniel Greene, a Major-General in the
Revolutionary Army, and whose biography is to be found in Chap-
ter XXXIV., on Greene County. Most appropriately is his name
preserved in the very region which witnessed his gallantry and
patriotism.
Greensborough is distinguished for its industry, thrift, and en-
terprise— for its manufactories and excellent schools. It is dis-
tant eighty-two miles west of Raleigh.
* BflS. Letter 16th July, 1851, from Hon. Geoi^e Baacroft.
170 HISTORY OV NORTH CAROLINA.
Population, 15,874 whites ; 3,186 Blaves ; 694 free negroes ; 18,479 repre-
sentative population.
Products, 1,344.990 pounds cotton; 3,627 pounds wool; 279,730 bosbels
corn ; 8,824 bushels wheat ; 6,975 bushels rye ; 2,455 bushels oats.
The County of Guilford, including the present counties of
Randolph (formed in 1770) and Rockingham (formed in 1785),
was settled about 1760, the south and west part by Quakers from
Pennsylvania and Nantucket ; the north and east by the Presby-
terians and Baptists.
Among the Quakers Nathan Hunt in early days was eminent in propa-
gating the peaceful doctrines of that exemplary class of Cdristians. George
Pope was equally successful among the people, in establishing the Baptist's
faith; and David Caldwell was distinguished as a Presbyterian minister.
There was a sect called Nicholites ; so called from their leader, William
Nichols, from the State of Delaware. They had a meeting-hotise on Deep
River, on the west line of Quilford. They differed but little from the
Quakers. They wore no dye in their clothes, only the simple coloring that
Nature gave the wool or cotton.
To the General Meeting of Dlekgates at Newbem, on 3d April, 1775,
from Guilford as a delegate, was Alexander Martin.
At the meeting at llulsboro' on 2l8t August, 1775, Alexander Martin,
Bansom Southerland, Samuel Parke Farley, Tuomas Henderson, William
i)£NT, George GoRXNtRand Natqanxel Williams, were delegates.
At the meeting at Halifax, on April 4th, 1776 (which placed the State in
military organization^, delegates from Guilford were, Kansom Southerland,
William Dent, and Kalph Gorrell.
The officers appointed for Guilford, were Jambs Martin, Colonel ; John
Paisly, Lieutenant-Colonel; Thomas Owen, Ist Major; and Thomas Blair,
2d Major.
At the meeting at Halifax, Nov. 12th, 1776 (which formed the Constitution),
the delegates from Guilford, were David Caldwell, Joseph Hinds, Ralph
Gorrell, Charles Bruce, and Isham Browder.
These names prove that Guilford County was early alive to the
spirit of liberty.
Indeed, before the Revolution broke out, many of her citizens
were concerned in the contest with the Royal Governor (AVilliam
Tryon), and were engaged in the battle at Alamance, in June, 1771,
/ / where the first blood of the colonists was spilled by English troops
in America. This history has been so fidly explained by a pre-
vious chapter (Alamance), and the official documents therein pub-
lished, that any further remarks here are unnecessary.
We approach the great battle which distinguishes the county of
Guilford as its scene of action ; the most important ever fought
in the State, and most important to the cause of America in the
whole south.
Lord CornwalHs, after the battle of Camden (1780), had marched
into North Carolina.
A chosen detachment, under Colonel Tarleton, had been de-
feated at the Cowpens, by Generar Morgan (in January, 1781),
and by rapid movemeiita Cornwallis had endeavored to inter-
GUILFOBD COTJNTY, 171
cept General Morgan, and prevent his junction with Greene. By
the interposition of Providence, and the activity of Morgan, this
was baffled, and Morgan's detachment united with the main army,
on Feb. 10th, 1781, near Guilford Court House, when Comwallis
was only twenty-five miles in the rear.*
While Greene was at Gtdlford, Comwallis was at Salem.
Disappointed in this, Comwallis advanced rapidly on' the main
body of Greene's Army (who was still too weak to risk a general
battle), and hoped to prevent his crossing the Dan River into Vir-
ginia. The whole retreat was conducted with all the skill of mili-
tary science. Its records are full of glowing incidents, and is only
equaled by the celebrated retreat of the Ten Thousand in Grecian
history, as recorded by Herodotus. The rear guard of our army
under Lee, and the advance of the British under General O'Hara,
were by day often in sight, and at night the watch fires of each
other were visible.
" More than once," says Colonel Lee^f in his beautiful Memoirs
of the War, " were his legion and the van of O'Hara within musket
shot. This presented so tempting an invitation to the marksmen
flanking his legion, that at first he with difficulty restrained their
fire. But this at length became so usual that this disposition be-
came checked, and the demeanor of the hostile troops became so
pacific that a spectator would have been led to consider them mem-
bers of the same army."
To the British, with veteran troops flushed with victory, a battle
was certain success over the undisciplined troops of Greene, harassed
by defeats, undisciplined, and unprepared with the munitions of war.
Comwallis, with mistaken confidence from information derived
from those not acquainted with the country, believed that Greene
could not cross the Dan ; and therefore he deemed a general action
unavoidable, and, like all prudent Generals, took his own time and
place for battle.
"Never," says a historian, "had the feelings of the American
People been so wrought up as upon this occasion. For a month
they had been in breathless anxiety at the perilous position of Greene,
upon whose skill, courage, and strategy, now hung the hopes of the
country. One unguarded moment, one false step, would have lost
the Army, and with it the hopes of the wliole south. Never upon
the firm heart and pure mind of onie man, depended more important
duties."
General Carrington had been dispatched to secure boats to cross
the Dan River, and the gallant Kosciusko was advanced to raise a
breast-work at the ferry, to cover the crossing of the army, should
they be attacked. The passage of the Dan was effected at Boyd's
Ferry. The boats and flats were secured on tho other side, to pre-
vent the passage of the army of Comwallis.
So close were the English on their heels, that the American rear
* I^ee's Memoir9, p. 136. Life of Greene, by Johnson, vol. i. p. 429.
t Lee*i Memoim, p. 146.
172 HISTORY OF NORTH OAROLIKA.
had scarcely landed on the north bank, when the British adrance
appeared on the opposite side. The British had marched fortj
miles in the last twenty-four hours.*
Thus ended this retreat ; the joy of the Americans on the even-
ing of the 14th of February, 1781, was great, when they found that
by the prudence of their Commander, and their own unparalleled
exertions, they were safe from the attack of the British.
This retreat is one of the most celebrated in our history. It
called for the admiration of the friends of America, and the unquali-
fied praises of every British writer.
Lord Comwallis was thunderstruck at this movement, for he did
not know that the Americans were at the river until he was informed
of their safe passage over the Dan.f Despairing of all hopes to
attack the Americans, he gave repose to his wearied troops, and
returned in easy marches to Hillsboro', where, on the 20th of
February, 1781, he erected the Royal Standard, and issued a pro-
clamation inviting all loyal subjects to repair to it and assist him
to restore the English rule.
Comwallis now reposed in quiet; he had found the promised
land, and with no enemy to oppose him, he thought that like
Georgia and South Carolina, North Carolina had been brought
under the royal yoke of England. But he was soon to be unde-
ceived.
Greene, reinforced by troops from Virginia, under Stevens; from
Maryland, under Captain Oldham ; and a corps under Pickens from
South Carolina, on the 21st of February, recrossed the Dan into
North Carolina. After several skirmishes between the light corps
and the enemy, Greene, being further reinforced by the levies from
Virginia under Gen. Lawson; the North Carolina militia, under
Colonel Cleavcland, one of the heroes of King^s Mountain, and
Generals Butler and Eaton, took position at Troublesome Iron
Works. With a sagacity rarely excelled," and in courage never, he
determined to risk the cause of the South, his army, and himself,
by an appeal to the sword. This was what Lord Comwallis ear-
nestly desired. Both Commanders felt the deep responsibility that
rested upon them. Never were the liberties of the country in more
jeopardy, nor was ever the military genius of both these celebrated
leaders more skillfully exercised. Greene advanced, repassed the
Haw, and took ground at Guilford Court House, about ten miles
from the present town of Greensboro', and awaited with calmness
the conflict that was now inevitable.
In his letters at this important crisis. General Greene announces
to the President of Congress liis fixed determination to risk the
cause of the country on the trial by battle. If, said he, I am
forced to retreat or vanquished, the country is in no worse condi-
tion than it now is, overrun by the enemy. If I am victor, or crip-
ple Lord Comwallis, he and the royal cause are ruined in the State.
♦ Stedman, vol. ii. p. S.*©.
t Lord Cornwallis' Militajry Secretary, Stedman, Hutory of Amenoeo War, ii. 332.
GUILFORD COUNTY. 178
Lord Comwallis accepted gladly the opportunity of battle. " On
the 14th of March/' says Stedman, "the baggage was sent off to
Bell's Mill, on Deep River, and at dawn the next day the rest of
the army was put in motion towards Guilford Court House.'*
The battle ground, n.ear the great State road, was on the brow
of a hill, which descends gradually for half a mile, and ends in a
small valley intersected by a rivulet. On the right of the road is
open ground, on the left from the old Court House was a deep
forest of lofty trees ; below this forest is a small piece of open
ground, which the summer before had been worked in corn. In the
road, Captain Singleton with two six pounders, was posted across
the road. In the first line was placed the North Carolina militia,
under Butler and Eaton, assisted by Colonel Davie, who was Com-
missary-General of the troops, four yards in Singleton's rear;
behind this line, at some distance, were the Virginia troops, under
Stevens and Lawson, posted. The Continental troops (four regi-
ments) were posted to the rear of these some distance, the two
regiments of Virginia, under Colonels Greene and Hawes, com-
manded bv General Huger; the two Maryland regiments under
Colonels lord and Gunby, commanded by Colonel Williams. On
the right, Lieutenant-Colonel Washington and his cavalry, the
Delaware company, under Captain Kirkwood, and Colonel Lynch,
with a battalion of Virginia militia, was posted to hold safe that
flank. For the same purpose Colonel Lee was posted on the left
flank, with his legion and the Virginia riflemen under Colonel
Campbell.
The British advance was led by Tarleton, consisting of cavalry,
light-infantry, and Yagers. They commenced the attack. He was
met and received with much firmness by Colonel Lee and the Vir-
g'nia militia. Lee maintained his ground with great firmness until
e approach of the 23d regiment, when he retired, and took his
$osition in the line. The British line then advanced in full force,
'he regiment of Bose, led by General Leslie, on the right, the 23d
and 33d regiments on the left, led by Colonel Webster. With the
firmness of veterans they received the scattered fire of the Ameri-
cans at a distance of one hundred and forty yards. They con-
tinued to advance on the line of North Carolina troops until within
a short distance, when they fired, and with a shout which rent the
air, they charged bayonets. To raw troopsj never before in battle,
this was not to be stood. They retreated behind the second line.
This line behaved with more firmness; but they, when charged, also
retrejited. The British line now became much extended. With a deter-
mined resolution to conquer the English advance on the third line, the
flower and hope of the American army, and on which the hopes for
victory depended. Gen. Greene passed in person along the line, ex-
horting his men. The enemy was firmly received and bravely
resisted. Here the battle raged with great violence, each striving
for victory, when Colonel Washington (as he did at the Cowpens)
pressed forward with his cavalry. The English, under Stuart gave
174 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Sound, when Washington fell on him, sword in hand, followed by
oward, with fixed bayonets. Stuart fell by the sword of Captam
Smith, of the first regiment, and his battalion driven back with
great slaughter ; and its remains were only saved by the English
artillery, which Opened at this moment, by order of Lord Comwal-
lis, on friends and foes. Howard and Washington retired. Webster
having put Ford to flight, recrossed the ravine, and attacked Hawes'
regiment. Here the action recommenced with great vigor. But
the flight of the second regiment of Maryland, and the corps of
Lee separated from the army. General Greene (with a fixed deter-
mination hot to risk a total discomfiture or annihilation of his force),
ordered a retreat, which was effected in good order. The enemy
had been too crippled to pursue. Greene halted three miles from
the field, to collect the stragglers and fugitives, and then fell back
on his former position at the Iron Works.
Thus ended the hard fought battle of Guilford Court House.
Twice was the British line broken by American valor; the pos-
session of the field by Cornwallis was no evidence of his victory.
Great was the stake, and boldly was it contested.
These two great Generals here had a fair passage at arms. Both
brave, both skillful, they exposed their persons, unconseious, or dis-
regardful of danger. On one occasion Greene was nearly taken a
prisoner; the enemy was within thirty paces of Um, when Major
Pendleton discovered them, and warned him of his danger. Corn-
wallis, when he discovered his guards flying before the pursuing
troops of Washington and Howard, ordered his artillery to fire
upon them ; General 0*Hara remonstrating, that this fire would ne-
icessarily destroy his own men, "True,'* said Cornwallis, "but we
must endure this evil to escape certain destruction."
The next day Lord Cornwallis put his army in motion for Bell's
Mills, where his rear guard and baggage were, leaving the field and
his wounded to the care of General Greene.
The night of the day after the battle was remarkable for its
darkness, and for the torrents of rain that fell. The cries of the
wounded and dying exceeded all description.
Greene prepared to renew the contest. He reported on the
next day, " his men in good spirits, atid in perfect readiness for
another field.** But Cornwallis now had enough of Greene. He
avoided battle, which bdfore he had so anxiously sought, and retired
to Wilmington. He from thence marched to Virginia, where, at
Yorktown, on the 19th October, 1781, he surrendered to Washington.
Greene marched to the south, and by hard fought battles at
Eutaw Springs and elsewhere, redeemed the south from the En-
glish possession.'
The ofiBcial accounts, both English and American, are herewith
recorded.
The effect of this desperate battle was to break down the English
power in our State, subdue the Tories (of which, in this region, for
the honor of our State, there were far too many), and was the main
GUILFORD COUKTT, 1T6
blow that broke the chain of tyranny which bound our country to
England.
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS.
GlNXSAL GSSSNE, TO THE HoN. PHESIDBNT OF COXGRESS: —
Camp at iTie Iron Works, ten miles from Qutlford Court House,
March I6th, 1781.
Sir — On the 10th, I wrote to his Excellency, General Washington, from the
High Rock Ford, on the Haw River, a copy of which I enclosed your
Exoellency, that I had effected a junction with a Continental regiment of
eishteen months' men, and two considerable bodies of militia, belonging to
Virginia and North Carolina. After this junction, I took the resolution of
attacking the enemy without loss of time, and made the necessary disposition
accordingly, bein^ persuaded that if we toere successful, it vxnddprove ruinous
to the enemy, and xj othertcise, it wotild only prove a partial evil to us.
The enemy marched from the High Rock Ford, on the 12th, and on the
14th, arrived at Guilford. The enemy lay at the Quaker Meeting-Houso, on
Beep River, eight miles from our camp. On the morning of the 15th, our re-
connoitering party reported the enemy advancing on the great Salisbury
Road. The army was drawn up in three lines. The front line was com-
poeed of North Carolina militia, under command of Generals Eaton and But-
ler; the second line, of Virginia militia, commanded bj Generals Stevens and
Lawson, forming two brigades ; the third line, consisting of two brigades, one
of the Virginia, and one of the Maryland Continental troops, commanded by
General Iiuger and Colonel Williams, Lt.-Colonel Washin|;ton, with the dra-
goons of the Ist and 3d regiments ; a detatchment of light infantry, composed
of Continental troops, and a regiment of riflemen, under Colonel Lynch,
formed a corps of observation for the security of our right flank ; Lt.-Colonel
Lee, with his legion ; a detachment of light infantry, and a corps of riflemen,
under Colonel Campbell, formed a corps of observation for the security of our
left flank.
The greater part of this country is a wilderness, with a few cleared fields
interspersed here and there. The army was drawn up on a large hill of
ground, surrounded by other hills, the greater part of which was covered with
timber and thick underbrush. The front line was posted with two field pieces
just on the edge of the woods, and the back of a fence which ran parallel with
the line, with an open field directly in their front. The second line was in the
woods, about three hundred yards in rear of the first. The Continental
troops about four hundred yards in rear of the second, with a doable front,
as the hill drew to a point where they were posted, and on the right and left
were two old fields. In this position we waited the approach of the enemy,
haying previously sent off the baggage to this place, appointed to rendezvous
at, in case of defeat. Lt.-Colonel Lee, with his legion, his infantry, and a
part of his riflemen, met the enemy on their advance, and had a severe
skirmish with Lt.-Colonel Tarloton, in which the enemy sufierod^ greatly.
Captain Armstrong charged the British legion, and cut down near thirty
of their dragoons; but as the enemy re-inforced their party, Lt.-Colonel
Lee was obliged to retire, and take his position in the line.
The action commenced by a cannonade, when the enemy advanced in
three columns. The Hessians on the right, the Guards in the centre, and
Lieutenant-Colonel Webster on the west. The whole moved through the
old fields to attack the North Carolina brigades, who waited the attack
until the enemy got within 150 yards, when a part of them began to fire, but
a considerable part left the ground without firing at all. The General and
Field officers did all tlioy could to induce them to stay. General Stevens and
General Lawson, and the field officers of their brigades, were more success-
ful in their ei^ertions. The Virginia militia gave the enemy a warm reception,
176 HISTORY 09 NORTH CAROLINA.
and kept up a heavy fire for a long time ; bat being beaten back, the' battle
became general almost everywhere. The corps of observation, under Wash*
ington and Lee, were warmly engaged, and did great execution. In a word,
the engagement was long and severe, and the enemy only gained their point
by superior discipline.
They having broken the Maryland line, and turned our left flank, got into
the rear of the Virginia brigade, and appearing to be gaining our right,
which would have encircled tne whole continental troops, I thought it most
advisable to order a retreat.
About this time Lieutenant-Colonel Washington made a charge with the
Horse upon a part of the brigade of Guards, and the first regiment of Mary-
landers, commanded byColonel Granby, and seconded by Lieutenant-Colonel
Howard, followed the Horse with their bayonets, and nearly the whole par^
fell a sacrifice.
General Huger was the last that was engaged, and gave the enemy a check;
We retreated in good order to the Reedy Fork River, and crossed at the ford,
about three miles from the field of action, and there halted and drew up the
troops, until we collected the most of the stragglers.
n e lost our artillery and two ammunition wagons, the jpreater part of the
horses being killed before the retreat began, and it being impossible to move
the pieces but along the great road.
After collecting our stragglers, we retired to the camp, ten miles distant
from Guilford.
From the best information I can get, the enemy's loss is very great — ^not
less in killed and wounded than six hundred men, besides some prisoners
that we brought off.
Inclosed I send your Excellency a return of our killed, wounded, and
missing. Most of the latter have gone home, as is too customary with the
militia aftef an action. I cannot learn that the enemy has got any considera-
ble number of prisoners.
Our men are all in good spirits, and in perfect readiness for another field
day.
I only lament the loss of several valuable officers who were killed and
wounded in the action. Among the latter are General Stephens, shot through
the thigh, and General Huger, in the hand. Aonong the former is M^jor
Anderson, of the Maryland line.
The firmness of the officers and soldiers during the whole campaign has
been most unparalleled. Amidst innumerable difficulties, they have disco-
vered a degree of magnanimity lEuid fortitude that will forever add lustre to
their military reputation.
I have the honor to be, with very great respect and esteem.
Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,
NATHANIEL GREENE.
Return of the killed, wounded, and missing of the Continental troops, in
the action of the 15th March, 1781, near Guilford Court House: —
1 major, 9 captains, 7 subalterns, 14 sergeants, 8 drums and fifes, and 290
rank and file.
Same of Virginia militia : —
8 captains, 18 subalterns, 15 sergeants, 361 rank and file.
Same of North Carolina militia: —
Rilled, 6 rank and file ; wounded, 1 captain, 1 subaltern, 3 rank and file ;
missing, 2 captains, 9 subalterns, 552 ranicand file.
The North Carolina Cavalry, commanded by the Marquis of BreUgny, lost
one man killed, and one wounded.
Earl Cornwallis {No. 8.), to Lord George Germain, dated Guilford. IJih
March, 1781.
My Lord — ^I have the satisfaction to inform your lordship that his Ma-
jesty's troops, under my command, obtained a signal victory on the I5th in-
stant over the rebel army, commanded by General GVeene.
auiLFOBD.oonimr. 177
In punnance of my iDtended plan communicated to jonr lordshin in mj
diap&tch. No. 7, 1 had encamped on the 13th instant at the Quakers' Meeting;
between the forks of Deep River. On the 14th I received information that
General Butler, with a body of North Carolina militia, and the expected re-
inforcements from Virginia, said to consist of a Virginia State regiment, a
corps of Virginia eighteen months men, three thousand Virginia muitia, and
recruits from the A^ryland line, had joined General Qreene, and that the
whole army, which was reported to amount to nine or ten thousand men,
was marching to attack the British troops. During the allernoon intelligence
was brought which was confirmed in the night, that he had advanced that
day to Guilford, about twelve miles from our camp. Being now persuaded
that he had resolved to hazard an engagement, after detaching Lieutenant-
Colonel Hamilton with our wagons and baggage, escorted by his own regi-
ment, a detachment of one hundred infantry and twenty cavalry towards
Bell's Mill on Deep River, I marched with the rest of the corps at day-break
on the morning of the 15th, to meet the enemy or attack them in their en-
campment. About four miles from Guilford our advanced guard, com-
manded by Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, fell in with a corps of the enemy,
consisting of Lee's legion, some back-mountain men, and Virginia militia,
which he attacked witn his usual good conduct and spirit and defeated ; and
continuing our march we found the rebel army posted on rising grounds,
about a mile and a half from tlie court house. The prisoners taken by Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Tarleton having been several days with the advanced corps,
could give me no account of the enemy's order or position, and the country
people were extremely inaccurate in their description of the ground. Im-
meaiately between the head of the column and the enemy's line was a con-
siderable plantetion, one large field of which was on our left of the road,
and two others with a wood of about two hundred yards broad between
them ; on our right of it beyond these fields the wood continued for several
miles to our right. The wood beyond the plantation in our front, in the skirt
of which the enemy's first line was formed, was about a mile in depth, tiie
road then leading into an extensive space of cleared ground about Guilford
court house. The woods on our right and left were reported to be imprac-
ticable for cannon ; but as that on our right appeared the most open, I re-
solved to attack the left wing of the enemy ; and whilst my disposition was
making for that purpose, I ordered Lieutenant McLeod to bring forward
^e guns, and cannonade their centre. The attack was directed to be made
in the following order: —
On the right the regiment of Bose and the 71st regiment led by Major-Ge-
neral Leslie, and supported by the Ist battalion of guards ; on the left the
23d and 33d regiments led by Lieutenant-Colonel Webster, and supported
by the grenadiers and 2d battalion of guards, commanded by Brigadier-
Cteneral O'llara, the yagers and light infantry of the guards remained in the
wood on the left of the guns, and the cavalry in the road ready to act as cir-
cumstances might require. Our preparations being made, the action began
at about half an hour past one in the afternoon. Major-General Leslie, alter
being obliged by the great extent of the enemy's lines, to bring up the 1st
battalion of guards to the right of the regiment of Bose, soon defeated every-
thing before him. Lieutenant-Colonel Webster having joined the left of
Major-General Leslie's division, was no less successful in his front, when on
finding that ttie left of the 33d was exposed to a heavy fire from the right
wing of the enemy, he changed his front to the left, and being supported by
the yagers and light infantry of the guards attacked and routed it, the gre-
nadiers and 2d battalion of the guards moving forward to occupy the ground
left vacant by the movement of Lieutenant-Colonel Webster.
All the inmntry being now in the line, Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton had
directions to keep his cavalry compact, and not to charge without positive
orders, except to protect any of the corps from the most evident danger of
being defeated. The excessive thickness of the woods rendered our bayoneto
of little use, and enabled the broken enemy to make frequent stands with an
irregular fire, which occasioned some loss, and to several of the corps great
178 BISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
delay, particularly on our right, where the Ist battalion of the guards and
regiment of Bose were warmly engaged in front, llank and rear with some
of the enemy that had been routed on the first attack, and with part of the
extremity of their left wing, which by the closeness of the woods had been
passed unbroken. The Tlst regiment and grenadiers and 2d battalion of
the guards not knowing what was passing on their right, and hearing the fire
advance on their left, continued to move forward, the artillery keeping pace
with them on the road followed by the cavalry. The 2d battalion of guards
first gained the clear ground near Guilford Court house, and found a corpe
of continental infantry much superior in number, formed in the open field
on the left of the road. Glowing with impatience to signalise themselvee
they instantly attacked them, and defeated them, taking two six pounders ;
but pursuing into the wood with too much ardor, were thrown into confusion
by a heavy fire, and immediately charged and driven back into the field by
Colonel Washington's dragoons, with the loss of the six pounders they had
taken. The enemy's cavalry was soon repulsed by a well directed fire from
two three-pounders, just brought up by Lieutenant McLeod, and by the ap*
pearance of the grenadiers of the guards and of the 71at regiment, whicn,
naving been impeded by some deep ravines, wore now coming out of the wood
on the right of the guards opposite to the court house.
By the spirited exertions of Brigadicr-Gci^ral O'llara, though wounded,
the 2d battalion of the guards was soon rallied, and supported by the ^na-
diers, returned to the charge with the greatest alacrity. The 23d regiment
arriving at that instant from our lefl, and Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton having
advanced with a part of the cavalry, the enemy were soon put to flight, ana
the two six pounaers once more fell into our hands ; two ammunition wagons,
and two other six pounders, being all the artillery they had in the field, were
likewise taken. About this time the 33d regiment and light infantry of the
guards, after overcoming many difficulties, completely routed the corps which
was opposed to them, and put an end to the action in this quarter. The 23d
and 71st regiments, with part of the cavalry, were ordered to pursue; the
remainder of the cavalry was detached with LioutenantrColonel Tarleton to
our right, where a heavy fire still continued, and where his appearance and
spirited attack contributed much to a speedy termination of the action. The
militia with which our right wine; had been engaged, dispersed in the woods,
the continentals went off by the Keady Fork, beyond which it was not in my
power to follow them, as their cavalry suffered but little.
Our troops were excessively fatigued by an action which lasted an hour
and a half, and our wounded, dispersed over an extensive space of country,
required immediate attention. The care of our wounded, and the total want
of provisions in an exhausted country, made it equally impossible for me to
follow the blow the next day. The enemy did not stop until they got to the
Iron Works on Troublesome Creek, eighteen miles from the field of battle.-
From our observation, and the best accounts we could procure, we did not
doubt but the strength of the enemy exceeded seven thousand men ; their
militia composed their line, with parties advanced to the rails of the field in
their front ; the continentals were posted obliquely in the rear of their right
win^. Their cannon fired on us wnilst we were forming from the centre of
the line of militia, but were withdrawn to the continentals before the attack.
I have the honor to enclose to your Lordship, the list of our killed and
wounded. Captain Schultz's wound is supposed to be mortal, but the surgeons
assure me that none of the other officers are in danger, and that a great
number of the men will soon recover. I cannot ascertain the loss of the
enemy, but it must have been considerable ; between two and three hundred
dead were left upon the field; many of them wounded that were able to move
whilst we were employed in the care of our own, escaped and followed the
routed enemy ; and our cattle drivers, and forage parties, have reported to
me that the houses in a circle of six or eight miles round us, are full of
others : those that remained we have taken the best care of in our power.
We took few prisoners, owing to the excessive thickness of the wood faciH*
tating their escape, and every man of our army being repeatedly wanted for
action.
GUILFORD COUNTY. 179
The condact and actions of the officers and soldiers that composed this
little army, will do more justice to their merit, than I can by words. Their
persevering intrepidity in action — their invincible patience in the hardships
and fatigues of a march of above six hundred miles, in which they have
forded several large rivers, and numberless creeks, many of which would be
reckoned lar^e rivers in any other country in the world — without tents or
covering against the climate, and often without provisions, will sufficiently
manifest their ardent zeal for the honor and interest of their Sovereign and
their country.
I have been particularly indebted to Major-General Leslie for his gallantry
and exertion in the action, as well as his assistance in every other part of the
service; the zeal and spirit of Brigadier-General O'Hara merit my highest
commendations, for af\cr receiving two dangerous wounds, he continued in
the field whilst the action lasted, hy his earnest attention on all other ocda-
sions seconded by tlie officers and soldiers of his brigade. His Majesty's
Guards were no less distinguished by their order and discipline, than by tlieir
spirit and valor. The Hessian regiment of Bose deserves my warmest praise
for its discipline, alacrity and courage, and does honor to Mf^or Dubuy, who
commands it, and who is an officer of superior merit. I am much obliged
to Bricadier-General Howard, who served as a volunteer, for his spirited
example on all occasions. Lieatenant-Colonel Webster conducted his brigade
like an officer of experience and gallantry. Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton's
good conduct and spirit in management of his cavalry was conspicuous during
uie whole action, and Lieutenant McLeod, who commanded the artillery,
proved himself upon this, as well as all former occasions, a most capable
and deserving officer. The attention and exertions of my aides-de-camp and
of all the other public officers of the army contributed very much to the suc-
cess of the day.
I have constantly received the most zealous assistance from Governor
Martin, during my command in the southern district. Hoping that his pre-
sence would tend to entice the loyal subjects of this province to take an active
part with us, he has cheerfully submitted to the fatigues and dangers of our
campaign, but his delicate constitution has suffered by his public spirit, for
by tne advice of physicians he is now obliged to returm to England for the
recovery of his health.
This part of the country is so totally destitute of subsistence, that forage
is not nearer than nine miles, and the soldiers have been two days without
bread. I shall therefore leave about seventy of the worst wounded cases at
the New Garden Quaker meeting-house, with proper assistance, and move
the remainder with the army to-morrow morning to Bell's Mill. I hope our
friends will heartily take an active part with us, to which I shall continue to
encourage them ; still approaching our shipping by easy marches, that we
may procure the necessary supplies for further operations, and lodge our sick
and wounded where proper attention can be paid to them.
This dispatch will be delivered to your lordship by my aide-de-camp Captain
Brodrick, who is a very promising officer, and whom I beg leave to recom-
mend to your lordship's countenance and favor.
I have the honor to be, &c., CORNWALLIS.
Total — one lieutenant-colonel, two lieutenants, two ensigns, thirteen ser-
geants, seventy-five rank and file, killed. Two brigadier-generals, two lieu-
tenant-colonels, nine captains, four lieutenants, five ensigns, two staff-officers,
fifteen sergeants, five drummers, three hundred and sixty-nine rank and file,
wounded. One sergeant, fifty-two rank and file, missing.
Officers' names killed and wounded,
Boyal artillery, Lieutenant O'Hara, killed. Brigade of guardR, Hon. Licu-
tenauVColonel Stewart, killed; Brigadier-Generals 0 llara and Howard and
Captain Swanton, wounded; Captain Schutz, Maynard and Goodricke,
wounded, and since dead; Captains Lord, Douglass, and Maitland; Ensign
Stuart and Adjutant Colquhoun, wounded. The twenty-third foot. Second
Lieutenant Robinson, killed ; Captain Peter, wounded. 1 he thirty-third foot.
180 HISTOBY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Ensign Talbot, killed ; Lieatenani-Colonel Webster, since dead; Lieotenant
Salvin Wjnyard, Ensigns Kelly, Gore, and Hughes, and Adjutant Fox,
wounded. Of seventy-first foot. Ensign Grant, killed. Of the regiment of
Bose, Captains Wilmous Pry, since dead, Eichendnft ; Lieutenants Schioner
and Graise, Ensign Detroll (since dead). Of the British leejon. Lieutenant*
Colonel Tarleton, wounded. J. DESPARD,
Deputy Adjutant-General.
It will doubtless interest the reader to know the life, services and
future career of Lord Cornwallis, and. Colonel Tarleton, who were
BO conspicuous in this State during the Revolution. They are here
given as appropriate to this work.
-Charles, Earl of Cornwallis, was born 31st Dec, 1738.* He commenced
his education at Eton, and completed it at St. John's College, Cambridse.
He entered the army, and servea as aide-de-camp to the Marquis of Granbj
in the German campaign in 1761. On the death of his father, in the following
year, he took his seat in the House of Lords. He had served in the House <tt
Commons, as a member for Eye, in two successive parliaments.
In 1770 he, with three other young peers, protested with Lord Camden
'against the taxation of America. Mansfield, the Chief Justice, is said to
have sneeringly observed : *' Poor Camden could get only four boys to join
him."
Although onposed to the coui^se of the Ministry, yet, when hostilities com-
menced, he did not, as an officer, scruple to accept active employment against
America.
In 1777, he displayed great gallantry at the battie of Brandvwine. He
defeated General Gates at Camden, in Aug., 1780. His general orders on
his march from the Catawba to the Dan River, in 1781, do honor to kis
head as well as his heart.f The battle (of which the above is an official
record) of Guilford was his last general engagement in America, for, at
Yorktown, on 19th Oct., 1781, he and his whole forces, amounting to more than
four thousand troops, surrendered to the American and French forces com-
bined, under Washington and Count Rochambeau.
Lord Cornwallis returned to England. His failure in America did not
impair his reputation, for he was appointed Governor of the Tower, and, in
1786, honorea with the Order of the Garter, and sent to the East Indies in
the double capacitv of Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief. He was
distinguished in this elevated position for his gallantry in war against the
Sultan of Mysore, and the humanity with which he exercised his power.
He returned to England, and, in consideration of his eminent services, was
made a Privy-Councillor, created a Marquis and Master-General of Ordnance.
In 1798 he was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, where, by his vigor,
he subdued an insurrection, defeated the French who landed to support the
rebels, and by his policy restored tranquillity.
Soon afler he was sent Plenipotentiary to the Court of France, and as such
signed the Treaty of Amiens.
In 1804 he succeeded the Marquis of Wellesley as Governor-General of
India. On his arrival at Calcutta, his health failed, and he died at Ghase-
poore 5th Oct., 1805. He lefl one son, who succeeded to his tiUe and estate.
A statue at Bombay preserves with accuracy his commanding person and
the benevolent character of his countenance. His mind was not of superior
brilliancv, but his honor was unimpeached, and his private character amiable.
Lord Cornwallis in his person was short and thick sot, his hair somewhat
gray ; his face was well formed and agreeable. In hiH manners he was re-
markably easy and afiable — much beloved by his men4
Banastrr Tarlbtox was born in Liverpool on 21st August, 1754. He
commenced the study of the law, but, on tne breaking out of the war with
* Georgian Era (London), 470.
t See Chapter V. (Lincoln), xlvi.
t WatsoQ'tf Annals of Philadelphia, ii. 291.
GUILFORD COUNTY. 181
America, ezchaDged the gown for the sword. He was with Lord Comwallis
in his whole campaigns in the South, and his daring intrepidity, indomitable
energy, and military ambition, greatly aided if they did not secure victorr to
the English arms at Camden. The ardor of his temper and daring received
a severe check at the Cowpens, on 17th Jan., 1781, from General Morgan.
The capitulation at YorltoWn (Oct 1781) terminated his military career.
On his return to England, he entered public life as a member of the Ilbuse
of Commons from Liverpool. In 18lK, he was promoted to the rank of
General, and, on the coronation of Qeorge lY., was created a Baronet and
Knight of Bath. He was a daring officer, sanguinary and resentful in his
temper.
He married, in 1798, the daughter of the Duke of Ancaster and Kestevaa ;
he died January 25th, 1833, wiUiout issue.
Colonel Tarleton* was in person below the middle size, stout, strong, heavily
made, large muscular legs, and uneonimonly active in his movements ; hiB
complexion dark, his eyes small, black, and piercing.f
I am indebted for this sketch, as also for tnat of Lord Comwallis, to that
valuable work, Georgian Era, London, 1833, page 470.
The character of Rev. David Caldwell is one of much interest. No one,
perhaps, of the whole country, suffered for his devotion to liberty as did this
pure, pious, and patriotic man. The British, in the campaign (1781) en-
camped on his plantation, ravaged it, and burned his library, not sparing
even his family Bible.
He was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 22d March, 1725. In
early life he was an apprentice to a house-carpenter, and served until he was
of age. He was of a studious disposition and pious habits. He early joined
the Presbyterian Church. After being of age, he studied with Mr. Smith,
the necessary preparation for college, entered Princeton, and graduated' at
that renowned institution in 1761. He was admitted to the ministry, and,
in 1765^, was sent to North Carolina as a missionary, which was destined to
become the scene of his labors, the field of his usefulness, the home of his
wife and children, and place of his death. He married, in 1766, Rachel, the
daughter of Rev. Alexander Craighead, of Mecklenburg. He opened a
classical and theological school in Guilford. Some of the first divines,
statesmen, lawyers, and physicians, received their earlv education from this
excellent man. He studied medicine, and combined the two characters of
divine and physician, which so harmoniously unite. In the troubles of the
country in 1771 (the Regulators), Dr. Caldwell exercised his divine office
in endeavoring to be a peacemaker. At the very time that the battle of
Alamance commenced, he was using his earnest endeavors to allay the
tumults of his countrymen.
His life and services have been recorded in a work of much minuteness
and ability by Rev. E. W. Caruthers. He was a firm patriot, sincere Christian,
and devoted fViend. He was a member of the Convention at Halifax in
November, 1776, which formed our State Constitution, and also a member
of the Convention at Hillsboro,' 2l8t July, 1778, that met to consider the
Constitution of the United States, and which rejected that instrument. These
were the only representative offices he ever held. After a long life of useful-
ness and honor he died, August 25th, 1824.
Alexander Martin was a resident of this county. His father was a
native of Tyrone County, Ireland, and emigrated to this country in the year
1721, and settled in the State of New Jersey, where Alexander was born.
He received a liberal education. His brother, Col. James Martin, was a resi-
* I have in my collection a perfect gem of art. A full length portrait of this celebrated
officer, after an original picture painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds, copied t)y Thomas Sully,
of Philadelphia, when in London.
t Wat80B*B Annals of Philadelphia, ii. 280.
1S2 HISTOBT OF NOBTH CAROLINA.
dent of Stokes County, and a man of distinguiBhed ability ; a Colonel of
the Revolution and father of the late Judge James Martin, of Salisbury, who
died a few years since in Mobile, Alabama. Another brother, Thomas,
was a graduate of Princeton, taught school in Virginia, and became a
minister of the Episcopal Church. Another brother, Samuel, was in the
Revolutionary army, a Captain at the battle of Eutaw ; married in Mecjden-
burg a widow Campbell, and died in Charlotte with the influensa.
AuEZAXDER Martin moved to Virginia, from thence to Quilford County,
North Carolina, in the year of 1772, and was a representative from that
county under the Colonial Assembly.
He was, in 1774, a member of the first Assembly of the representatives of
people met to vindicate their rights ; and again in 1775. In 1/76, he was ap-
pointed Colonel of a regiment, in the continental line, and marched vrith Gene-
ral Francis Nash, to the north, to join General Washington. He, with his
reffiment, was in the battle of Brandywine, 11th September, 1775, where
L^ayette was wounded ; and was near him when he f'eceived the wound. In
the attack of Washington on the British at Germantown, October 4th, 1777,
he was present when his scneral, Francis Nash, was killed : the sketch in
manuscript before me, bv his brother, describes this battle with great preci-
sion. The wound whicn General Nash received was from a cannon ball,
which took away most part of his right hip bone.
The war being over, ne resigned his commission and was elected again to
the General Assembly, and was chosen Speaker of the Senate.
In 1782, he was elected Governor of the State, and again in 1789.
He was a man of letters, and, for a time, at Princeton Colleee. He was
vain of his attainments, and ambitious of literary renown. He has left
several manuscripts in prose and some in poetry. His ode on the death of
General Francis Nash ot this State, who fell at Germantown on 4th October,
1777, and lines on the death of Governor Caswell, who died at Fayetteville,
10th November, 1789, while Speaker of the Senate, have been published,
in the North Carolina University Magazine, and may be considered as more
patriotic than poetic.
In 1793, the degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon him by the Col-
lege of New Jersey.
He was the firm friend of our University and one of the trustees, from
1790 to his death. The claims of the University were earnestly pressed upon
the consideration of the General Assembly, in his message as Governor, in
1790.
We have had under examination a manuscript of sixty-seven pages, de-
posited, as stated on the first page, in the office of Secretary or State at
Kaleigh, by Governor Martin ; ** Letters of the Hon. Alexander Spotswood,
late Governor of Virginia, respecting the affairs of North Carolina, addressed
to the Ministry of the late Queen Anne,'' extracted from his letter book in
MS.,'' which has been of jnuch service and is of deep interest
When Governor Burke, in 1781, was captured by the Tory Fannen, and
carried to Charleston, where he was held as a prisoner, Alexander Martin,
as President of tlie Senate, and by virtue of his office, acted as Governor of
the State. He was elected to succeed Governor Burke in 1782, and after
serving his term out, was succeeded by Richard Caswell on his second term.
In 1789 he was again elected Governor. So that he was, in fact, three several
terms elected Governor of the State,
He conducted the affairs of the State in a troubled and perilous period with
great dignity, unswerving fidelity, and scrupulous integrity.
After serving his third term as Governor, he was, in 1793, elected Senator
in Congress, which elevated post he held until 1799.
He lived at Danbury, on Dan River, in Rockingham, in affluence, and open-
handed hospitality, and he died in 1807, without legitimate issue, having
never been married.
John Motlt Morbhead is a resident of this County ; he was born near
Rockingham County, 4th July, 1798; ^ucated by Rev. David Caldwell, and
GiniiFORD COXTNTT.'
188
mdaated in 1817, at the Univenily. He studied law, and practiced the pro-
fesBion for many years with great success.
In 1821 he represented Rockingham in the House of Commons. He moved
to Guilfordy and represented this county in the House of Commons, in 1826
and 1827.
' In 1841 he was elected Goyemor, over Hon. R. M. Saunders, and was again
reelected.
It was Ooyemor Morehead's fortune to run his political career in heated
party times ; in the ardor of his temper he might sometimes have
« Given to party what was meant for mankind."
He is now President of the Central Railroad, a position of great responsi-
bility.
Hon. John M. Dick is also a resident and native of this County; ha was
bom about 179 L.
In 1829 elected Senator from Guilford, and again in 1830.
In 1832 he was elected a Judge of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity,
which position he now Isolds.
Members of Assembly from Guilford County: —
years. Senators.
1777. Ralph Gorrell,
1778. Ralph Gorrell,
1779. Alexander Martin,
1780. Alexander Martin,
1781. Alexander Martin,
1782. Alexander Martin,
1783. Charles Bruce,
1784. James Galloway,
1785. Alexander Martin,
1786. William Gowdy,
1787. Alexander Martin,
1788. Alexander Martin,
1789. William Gowdy,
1790. Daniel Gillespie,
1791. Daniel Gillespie,
1792. Daniel Gillespie,
1793. Daniel Gillespie,
1794. Daniel Gillespie,
1795. Daniel Gillespie,
1796. Ralph Gorrell,
1797. Hance McCain,
1798. Hance McCain,
1799. JIance Hamilton,
1800. Hance Hamilton,
1801. Samuel Lindsay,
1802. George Bruce,
1803. Samuel Lindsay,
1804. Samuel Lindsay,
1805. Hance McCain,
1806. Hance McCain,
1807. Jonathan Parker,
1808. Jonathan Parker,
1809. Jonathan Parker,
1810. Samuel Lindsay,
1811. Jonathan Parker,
1812. Jonathan Parker,
1813. Jonathan Parker,
1814. Jonathan Parker,
21
fSemhen of House of Commons.
John Collier, Robert Lindsay.
James Hunter, Robert Lindsaj.
James Hunter, Daniel Gillespie.
James Hunter, William Gowdy.
William Gowdy, James Hunter.
William Gowdy, James Hunter.
James Galloway, John Leak.
John Hamilton, John Leak.
John Hamilton, Barzellai Gardner.
John Hamilton, B. Gardner.
B. Gardner, William Gowdy.
John Hamilton, William Gowd^.
John Hamilton, Daniel Gillespie.
Hance Hamilton, Robert Hannah.
Robert Hannah, B. Gardner.
Robert Hannah, B. Gardner.
R. Hannah, B. Gardner.
B. Gardner, Robert Hannah.
Hance Hamilton, Hance McCain.
B. Gardner, Hance Hamilton.
Hance Hamilton, Samuel Lindsay.
Samuel Lindsay, George Bruce.
Samuel Lindsay, George Bruce*
Samuel Lindsay, Jonathan Parker.
George Bruce, Jonathan Parker.
Zaza Brashier, Jonathan Parker.
John Moore, Jonathan Parker.
Jonathan Parker, Zaza Brashier.
Z. Brashier, Richard Mendenhall.
Z. Brashier, Richard Mendenhall.
Robert Hannah, John Howell.
Robert Hannah, John Howell.
Robert Hannah, John Howell.
Robert Hannah, William Armfield.
Robert Hannah, John Howell.
John Howell, Robert Lindsay.
Obed Maoey, James Gibson.^
James Gibson, Jarne^ McNairy.
184
HISTOBY 09 NOBTH CABOLINA.
Ifeara. Senators.
1815. Jonathan Parker,
1816. John Caldwell,
1817. John Caldwell,
1818. John Caldwell,
1819. John M. Dick,
1820. John W. Caldwell,
1821. Jonathan Parker,
1822. Jonathan Parker,
1823. Jonathan Parker,
1824. Jonathan Parker,
1825. Jonathan Parker,
1826. Jonathan Parker,
1827. Jonathan Parker,
1828. Jonathan Parker,
1829. John M.Dick,
1830. John M.Dick,
1831. John M. Dick,
1832. Jonathan Parker,
1833. Geo. C. Mendenhall,
1834. Jonathan Parker,
1835. Jas. T. Morehead,
1836. Jas. T. Morehead,
1838. Jas. T. Morehead,
1840. Jas. T. Morehead,
1842. Jas. T. Morehead,
1844. Jesse H. Lindsay,
1846. John A. Gilmer,
1848. John A. Gilmer,
1850. John A. Gilmer,
Members of House ok Commons.
John Howell, James McNairy.
James MoXairy, William Rjan.
William Ryan, Robert Donnell.
James McNairy, William Ryan.
R. Donnell, William Dickey.
John Rankin, David Worth. *
John Gordon, William Adams.
Samuel Hunter, David W(^h.
Samuel Hunter, David Worth.
William Unthank, James Neally.
F. L. Simpson, William Unthank.
F. L. Simpson, John M. Morehead.
F. L. Simpson, John M. Morehead.
F. L. Simpson, Geo. C. Mendenhall.
Geo. C. Mendenhall, F. L. Simpson.
Allen Peeples, Geo. C. Mendeimall.
Amos Weaver,* Allen Peeples.
Allen Peeples, David Thomas.
David Thomas, Allen Peeples.
Ralph Gorrell, Jesse H. Lindsay.
Jesse H. Lindsay, Ralph Gorrell.
Jesse H. Lindsay, Peter Adams, F.
L. Simpson.
Jesse H. Lindsay, William Doak,
David Thomas.
Geo. C. Mendenhall, William Doak,
Jas. Brannock.
Geo. C. Mendenhall, William Doak,
Joel McLean.
William Doak, Joel McLean, John
A. Smith.
Nathan Hunt, E. W. Ogbnme, Peter
Adams.
David F. Caldwell, Calvin Johnson,
Jas. W. Doak.
David F. Caldwell, Calvin Hender-
son Wiley, Peter Adams.
CHAPTER XXXVI-
HALIFAX COUNTY.
Origin of name — Date of formation — Population and products — Its capital-^
Colonial and Revolutionary history — Its distin^ished citiiens, Willie
Joues, William R. Davie, John B. Ashe, Willis Allston, Joseph J. Daniel,
Hutchins J. Burton, John Branch, B. F. Moore, Jesse A. Bynfim, and
others — Members of the town and county of Halifax, from 1777 to 1851.
Halifax County was formed in 1758 from Edgecombe County ;
and in this year the court house for the counties of EdgeccHube^
* Amos Weaver was returned, but his seat was vacated under tbs 3lBt ••ction of the
CoostitutioQ.
HALI?AX OOUNTT. 185'
Oranville, and Northampton was moved from Enfield to the town
of Halifax.*
It derives its name from the Earl of Halifax, who, in 1758, was
the first Lord of the Board of Trade. ^^ It is a name of Saxon
origin, and means ^ holy hair,' from the sacred hair of a certain
virgin, whom a clerk beheaded, because she resisted his passion,
She was canonized.'-f It is situated in the north-eastern part of
the State, and bounded on the north and east by the Roanoke River,
which separates it from Northampton County; on the south by
Martin, Edgecombe, and Nash Counties; and the west by the
County of W arren. Its capital town is Halifax, which is beautifully
located on the west bank of the Roanoke River, navigable for steam
and other boats, and distant from Raleigh eighty-seven miles.
Its population, 5 J63 whites ; 8,954 slaves ; 1,872 free negroes ; 13,007 re-
presentative population.
Its products, 2,905,573 lbs. cotton ; 15,750 lbs. wool ; 669,325 bushels com ;
147,216 lbs. tobacco ; 11,230 bushels wheat; 72,032 bushels oats ; 4,886 bbls.
turpentine.
The County of Halifax, in its early history, is distinguished for
its devotion to liberty, and for the patriotism of her sons.
At a meetineof the Oommittee of Safety for Halifax County, Dec. 21/rt,
1774, present, William Jones, Chairman ; Nicholas Long, John Bradford,
James Hogan, Benjamin McCuUock, Joseph John W-illiams, William Alston,
Egbert Haywood, David Sumner, Samuel Weldon, and Thomas Haynes.
It is represented that Andrew Miller, a merchant in Halifax town, refused
to sign the Association.
Oraered that Mr. Haywood and Mr. Haynes desire hia attendance before
the committee.
Upon which he attended and refused to sign, and gave as reasons that he
owed persons in England ; to be bound not to export any commodity to Eng-
land aiter 1st September next, would be unjust, and tnerefore he declin^
signing that part of the Association respecting a non-importation to Britain.
It was resolvied unanimouslv, '* That this Committee will not purchase any
goods or wares from said Miller, or any person connected with him, and we
recommend the same course to the people of this country, and to all who wish
well to their country .''J
To that convention of patriots that assembled at Newbem on August 25th,
1774, she sent, as delegates, Nicholas Long, and Wilie Jones.
To the Assembly at the same place, in April, 1775, she sent the same and
Benjamin McCullock.
To the Assembly at Hillsboro', Aug. 21st, 1775, she sent as delegates Nicho-
las Long, James Hogan, David Sumner, John Webb, and John Geddt.
To the Assembly in Halifax, April 4th, 1776, she sent John Bradford,
James Hogan, David Sumner, Joseph John Williams, Willis Alston, and
WiuE Jones, from the town, which body placed our State in military organ-
isation, and by whom Allen Jones was appointed Brigadier-General of Hali-
fax District; Willis Alston, Colonel ; David Sumner, Lieutenant-Colonel;
James Hogan, Ist Major.; Samuel Weldon, 2d Mmot of Halifax Regiment.
To the Congress which met at Halifax, Nov. 12th, 1776, which formed a
Coastitution, John Bradford, James Hogan, Willis Axston, Samuel Weldon,
Benjamin McCullock, and Wilis Jones, from the town of Hfdifax, were
delegates.
This ancient borough has the honor of being the birthplace of
• Mania's Histoiy of North Carolioa, vol. ii. p. 95.
t See Beily's Dictionajry.
t American Archives, uy Peter Force, 4th series, vol. i. p. 1055.
186 HI8T0BT OF KOBTH CAROLINA.
our Constitution, and the first place in North Carolina where the
Declaration of Independence, declared at Philadelphia (July 4th,
1776), was first celebrated.*
That the spirit of patrioti8m was not confined to the men alone ts a matter
of history. >Irs. Ellet, in her Women of the Revolution, has recorded the
names of Mrs. Wilie Jones, Mrs. Allen Jones, and Mrs. Nicholas Long, whose
patriotic zeal, noble spirit, and dcTOtion to the country, gave a tone to public
sentiment in the days of '76.
Mrs. Wilie Jones was a daughter of Colonel Montfort, and combined with
much personal beauty, great brilliancy of wit, and suavity of manners. One
of her acquaintances says, that " she was the only person, with whom he was
ever acouainted, that was loved, devotedly, enthusiastically loved, by every
human being who knew her."
When the Army, under Lord CornwalHs, marched from Wilmington to Vir-
^nia, in 1781, they remained for some days on the babks of the Roanoke, and
uie English officers quartered among the families in the town. Tradition
attributes to Mrs. Jones, a passage of wit between her and Colonel Tarleton,
who was wounded, at the Cowpens, in the hand by a sabre cut, by the sword
of Colonel William Washington. On Tarleton, in her presence, speaking of
Washington in opprobrious terms, as an illiterate, ignorant fellow, hardly
able to write his name, '* Ah ! Colonel, you ought to know better, for you
bear on your person proof that he knows very well how to make his mark,"
On another occasion her sister, Mrs. Ashe, at whose house Leslie and othw
officers were quartered, Colonel Tarleton indulged in the same sarcastic tone,
stating that he ''would be happy to see Colonel Washington," for he had under
stood ne was diminutive and ungainly in person. Mrs. Ashe replied, ^*If
you had looked behind you, Colonel Tarleton, cU the battle of the Cowpens, you
would have enjoyed thai pleasure"
This was too much to the already chafed officer ; his hand involuntarily
grasped the hilt of his sword. At this moment General Leslie entered the
room, and observing his Colonel very angry, and the lady agitated, he inquired
of her the cause of her emotion. She explained the cause, to which the
gallant General said, with a smile : " Say wnat ^ou please, Mrs. Ashe, Colo-
nel Tarleton knows better than to insult a lady in my presence."
Mrs. Wilie Jones died in 1828, leaving five children, two of whom now
reside in North Carolina.
Mrs. Allex Jones was a ISIiss Edwards, and the sister of Isaac Edwards,
the English Secretary of Gov. Tryon. She died soon after the Revolution,
leaving one daughter, who married a son of Mrs. Nicholas Long.
Mrs. Long was a Miss McRinny. Her husband, Col. Nicholas Lone, was
Commissary-General of the North Carolina forces. She was a woman of great
energy of mind and body, and high mental endowments. She died at the
advanced age of eighty, leaving a numerous offspring. Her virtues and
patriotism were the themes of the praise and admiration of the officers of
the army of both parties.
I extract from the People^s and Eowitfs Jourtial, the following incident
of Miss Bishop, afterwards Mrs. Powell.
" On the march of the British army from Wilmington to Virginia, in 1781,
Col. Tarleton, near * Twanky Chapel,' in Halifax County, either from a scar-
city of provisions or from a malicious desire to destroy the property of the
American citizens who were opposed to the British, caught all the horses,
cattle, hogs, and even fowls that he could lay hands on, and destroyed or
appropriated them to his own use. The male, and most of the female inhabi-
tauts of the country fied from the approach of the British troops, and hid
themselves in the swamps and forests adjacent; and, when tney passed
through the upper part of^the country, while every one else left the premises
* YoL L page 83.
HALIFAX GOUZTTT. 187
on which she lived, Mrs. Powell (then Miss Bishop) 'stood her ground/
and faced the foe fearlessly. But it would not do; they took their horses and
cattle, and among the former, a favorite pony of her own, and drove them off
to the camp, which was about a mile distant. Young as she was, she deter-
mined to have her pony again, and she must necessarily go to the British
camp, and go alone, as no one would accompany her. And alone she went, on
foot, at night, and without any weapon of aefenco, and in due time arrived at
the British camp. By what means she managed to gain an audience with
Tarleton is not known ; but she appeared before him unannounced, and raising
herself erect, said, ' I have come to you, sir, to demand restoration of my pro-
perty, which your knavish fellows stole from my father's yard.' * Let me under-
stand you, Miss,' replied Tarleton, taken completely by surprise. ' Well, sir,"
said she, * your roguish men in red coats came to mv father's yard about
sundown, and stole my pony, and I have walked here, alone and unprotected,
to claim and demand him ; and sir, I must and will have him. I fear not your
men ; they are base and unprincipled enough to dare to offer insult to any un-
protected female ; but their cowardly hearts will prevent them doing her bodily
injury.' And, just then, by the light of a camp fire, espying her own dear
little pet pony at a distance, she continued, 'There, sir, is mv horse, I shall
mount him and ride peaceably home ; and if you have any of the gentlemanly
feeling within you or which your men are totally destitute, or if you have any
regard for their safety, you will see, sir, that I am not interrupted. But before
I go I wish to say to you, that he who can, and will not prevent this base and
cowardly stealing from henroosts, stables, and barn-yards, is no better, in mj
estimation, than the mean, good-for-nothing, guilty wretches who do the dirty
work with their own hands ! Qood nisht, sir.^ And, without waiting further,
she took her pony uninterrupted, and galloped safely home ; Tarleton was
80 much astounded that he ordered that she should be permitted to do as she
chose.
Mrs. Powell died in her native country, in 1840, after she had attained
a green old age. One of her grandchildren, William S. Parker, volunteered
in the Mexican war, and died at Ceralvo, in Mexico. Another, Richard B. Par-
ker, is residing in Halifax County, N. C, a most respectable and worthy citizen.
And a grand-daughter, Mrs. Mary £. Sledge, wife of W. T. Sledge, and sister
of the two first named gentlemen, also lives in Halifax County, besides other
relations, who all, no doubt, do justice to her memory ; but others should do
likewise, foi^ahe was one of the noble spirits of the ' times that tried men's souls.'
Dr. Rush, in his work on the Mind, makes the observation, that he never knew
or read of a distinguished man, whoso mother was not an intelligent woman.
We often see that distinguished men have ordinary children born to their
name, but rarely active, intelligent women.
Sprung from such women, it is not to be wondered that the people of
Halifax were patriotic, independent, and self-sacrificing. This feeling was
roused into unconquerable resistance by the conduct of the British govern-
ment, and no portion of our State was more '* fixed and forward" in the
cause of liberty. This called down upon them the weight of British oppres-
sion. The historian of the army of Cornwallis is compelled to say that,
"At Halifax, some enormities were committed by the British, that were a
disgrace to the name of man."* Tarleton states that, " A sergeant and a
dragoon were executed at Halifax, for rape and robbery ."f
At Swift Creek, Fishing Creek, and at Halifax Town, detached parties of
the Americans made unsuccessful attacks on the British, but were repulsed
without loss.
In the month of May, 1781, Cornwallis crossed the Roanoke River, vrith
the British Army, at Halifax, and proceeded by way of Hicksford, and effected
a junction with the main body of the British army, at Petersburg, under
General Phillips, who about this time died, and was succeeded by the no-
torious General Benedict Arnold.
« Stedman, ii. 385.
t Tarleton's Campaigns, 1780-81, in the Soothem Provinces of North America.
188 HISTOBT OF NOBTH CAROLINA.
WiLiE Jones, and bis brother Allen*, were distinguished as firm and de-
termined friends of the country in her struggles for freedom. Wilie Jones
resided in Halifax, and Allen Jones in Northampton. On ererj and all
occasions, when their country called for their serrices, they were prompt and
willing. Shoulder to shoulder, they contended for her liberties, ana both
were distinguished members of the State Congress which formed our Consti-
tution, and members of the committee that drew its forms. Wilie Jones'has
been recorded as a scholar and statesman. He was not distinguished so much
as an orator as for his efficient business habits. In the language of one of
his cotemporaries, ** he could draw a bill in better language than any other
man of his day."
He was President of the Committee of Safety for the whole State, in 1776,
which officer was virtually Goyemor of the State, in the interregnum between
the abdication of Governor Martin, the last of the Royal Governors, and the
accession of Governor Caswell.
He succeeded his brother General Allen Jones, as a member of the Conti-
nental Congress which met at Philadelphia in 1780, and served until 1781.
He was elected a member of the Convention which assembled at Philadel-
phia on the second Monday in May, 1787, of which General Washington was
President, which formed the Constitution of the United States, but he de-
clined the appointment. Dr. Hugh Williamson was appointed by Governor
Caswell to supply his place.
He was a member or the Convention that met at Hillsboro' 21st July, 1788,
to deliberate upon the Federal Constitution. The journals of that Convention
have been preserved for us.
In politics as in war, strategy is often used. Wilie Jones, Judge Spencer,
Rev. David Caldwell, General Joseph McDowell, and others, were leaders of
. the opposition, and conscious of their numerical strength, as well as of the
intellectual powers of its elo<][uent and talented advocates, Johnston, Iredell,
Davie and otners, they maintained a sullen and portentous silence. They forced
its friends to the unenviable position of imagining the erounds of opposition,
and then defending the Constitution. The advantages of this position were great
On the third day of the session, the President (Samuel Johnston, then
Governor of the State) laid before the Convention an official copy of the Con-
stitution, with accompanying documents. Mr. Wilie Jones moved that the
Suestion upon the Constitution be taken without debate, and be put imme-
iately. This was opposed by Mr. Iredell, Mr. Davie, and others. Such
ho^rcvcr, was the tact of Mr. Jones, that the learning of Iredell, the eloquence
of Davie, the intellectual power of Johnston, availed but little.
The Convention, by a vote of 184 to 84, rejected the instrument. North
Carolina, placed upon her sovereign rights, remained out of the Union. On
the third Monday in November, 1789, another Convention assembled at Fay-
etteville, to consider the Constitution, and by this Convention it was adopted.
Wilie Jones was for several years a member of the House of Commons.
He married a daughter of Colonel Montford, and died near Raleigh, where he
now lies buried, at the seat now owned by Matthew Shaw, Esq., leaving five
children.
William Richardson Davie was long a resident of Halifiix County, which
he represented for many years in the Legislature.
He was born in Egremont, near White Haven, in England, on the 20th of
June, 175G. When only five years of age, his father, Archibald Davie, brought
him to America, and he was adopted by his maternal uncle. Rev. William
Richardson, who resided on the Catawba River in South Carolina.
He was sent to an academy in Charlotte, where he was prepared for College.
He entered Princeton College, where by his application and genius he at-
tained the reputation of an excellent student But the din of arms disturbed
these quiet shades, and Davie exchanged the gown for the sword. The
studies of the College were closed, and Davie joined the army of his country
in the summer of 1/76, and served as a volunteer in the army at the north.
The campaign over he returned again to College, and gradoiUed in the fall
of that year with the first honors of the Institution.
HALIFAX OOUNTT. 189
He returned to North Carolina and commenoed the study of the law in
Salisbury, but the eventful struggle for life and liberty then going on, did not
allow his spirit to repose while his country was in danger. He induced a
worthy and influential gentleman by the name of Bamett to raise a troop of
horse, and in this troop Bamett was elepted captain, and Davie lieutenant.
His commission is signed by Kichard Caswell, and dated 5 th April, 1779.
The company joined the southern army, and attached to Pulaski's Legion.
His gallantry and assiduity was so great that he soon rose to the rank of
miuor.
At the battle of Stono (20th June, 1779), Davie witnessed the first severe
conflict of arms, and was seriously wounded in the thigh, which laid him up
in the hospital at Charleston for some time, and narrowly escaped with hiB
In receiving a heavy charge of cavalry from the enemy, which broke the
line of our troops, Major Davie received a wound which caused him to fall
from his horse. He still held the bridle, but he was so severely wounded,
that afler repeated efforts, he could not re-mount. The enemy was now upon
him. In a moment more the wounded officer had been a prisoner. A private,
whose horse had been killed, and who was retreating, saw the imminent dan-
ger of his gallant officer, and returned at the risk of his life, for the enemy was
within twenty steps. With great composure he raised Major Davie on his
horse, and slowly and safely led him from the bloody field. An action of
courage worthy of Rome in her palmiest day. In the haste of the retreat,
after depositing the Major in safety, this soldier disappeared.
Major Davie made frequent in<juiry for his preserver, to evince his'gratitude
to him and his family for his timely and heroic aid. But in vain. At the
siege of Ninety-six, when Davie was acting as Commissary-General to the
southern army, on the morning of the attack, a soldier came to Davie'd tent,
and made himself known as the man who had aided him at Stono. He pro-
mised to call again. But he fell in battle, and Davie could only show to his
lifeless remains that gratitude that had his life been spared would have been
more substantial and munificent.
After his recoverv he returned to Salisbury and resumed his books. ' In
1780 he obtained his license to practice. But the camp rather than the court
house still demanded his talents and services.
In the winter of that year, he obtained authority from the General Assembly
of North Carolina to raise a troop of cavalry, and two companies of mounted
infantry. But the authority only was granted — the State was too po^ to
grant the means — and Major Davie, with a patriotism worthy of eWnal
record, disposed of the estate acquired from his uncle, and raised funds to
eouip the troops. With this force he proceeded to the south-western portion
of the State, and protected it from the predatory incursions of the British
and Tories.
Charleston surrendered to the British army 12th of May, 1780. Tarleton's
attack on and butchery of Buford, at Wazhaw, forty miles from Charlotte,
was on the 29th. This completed the conquest of South Carolina. Georgia
was regarded, and was, in fact, a conquered province.
Brigadier-General Rutherford ordered out the militia in mass, to obstruot
the advance of the conquerors. This patriotic region heard and obeved the
call. On the 3d June, 1780, nine hundred men were assembled at Charlotte
ready to defend their country. The intelligence was received that Tarleton
and the British had retrograded to Camden. The militia were reviewed by
General Rutherford, and harangued by Rev. Dr. McWhorter, President of the
College at Charlotte, and then dismissed by the General, directing them to
keep the arms in readiness at a moment's warning.
Lord Rawdon with the British advanced to Waxhaw Creek. General
Rutherford issued on the 10th his orders for the militia to rendezvous at Mo-
Ree's plantation, eighteen miles north-east of Charlotte. The orders wore
obeyed, and on the I2th, eight hundred men in arms were on the ground.
On the 14th the troops were organized. The cavalry under Major Davie was
formed into two troops, under Captains Lemmonds and Martin; a corps of
190 mSTOBT OF NOBTH CABOUNA.
light mfantrj (three handred) placed under Colonel William P. Dayidson, a
regular officer, and the balance under the immediate command of General
Rutherford.
On this evening it was reported that the Tories had assembled in strong
force under Col. Moore at Kamsour's Mill, near where the town of Lincoln-
ton now stands ; and Gen. Rutherford issued his orders to Col. Francis
Locke, Captains Fails and Brandon of Rowan, and to M%jor David Wilson, of
Mecklenbure, and to other officers, to raise men, attack and disperse them.
He deemed his own force important to check the advance of the loritish from
Camden, and did not wish to reduce it by any detachment.
On the 15th General Rutherford marched within two miles of Charlotte.
Here he learned that Lord Rawdon had retrograded to Camden. It was then
he resolved to advance on the Tories, who, it was now well known, were as-
sembled, about 1300, at Ramsour's Mill. On Sunday (18th), he marched to
Tuokasego Fork, on the Catawba River, and sent an express to Colonel
Locke, who was advancing to attack the Tories at Ramsour's, advising him
of his approach, and to unite with him. He crossed on the 19th, and
marched the next day, and camped within sixteen miles from Ramsour's.
His express never reached Col. Locke, for at ten o'clock at night Colonel
James Johnston* of Tryon County (now Lincoln), reached Rutherford's camp,
with notice of Locke's intention to attack at sunrise next morning the Tories,
and requesting the aid of Rutherford. This excited Rutherford to more
speed, but the battle had been fought and won before he (with whom was
Maior Davie and Major Jos. Graham) could reach the field. For a faithful
and graphic account of the battle from the pen of General Joseph Graham,
who was a resident of the county, and well acquainted with all the facts
and actors, the reader is referred to the Chapter XLVL, (Lincoln County.)
This account will correct an unintentionid error recorded in the lire of
Governor. Davie, by Professor Hubbard, as to the number of killed on our side,
wherein it is stated that ** Lieutenants McKistack, Houston and Patton were
killed."
Captain McKissack and Captain Houston were both wounded. The first
represented Lincoln County long afterwards in the General Assembly, and
the latter died of good old age long after this battle. He was the father
of my near neighbor, Dr. Joel Brevard Houston, and many similar stalwart
sons.
Af^er this General Rutherford marched towards the Yadkin, to put down
Col. Brvan, who was assembling the Tories in the forks of the Yadkin, while
Major Davie and his mounted force were ordiBred to take position near the
south line to protect this frontier, check the foraging parties of the British,
and the depredations of the Tories.
He took position on the north side of Waxhaw Creek ; and here he was
reinforced by Major Crawford with some South Carolina troops, and thirty-five
Indian warriors (of the Catawba], under their chief, New River, and the
Mecklenburg militia under Colonel Higcins.
On 20th July he intercepted at Flat Kock a convoy of provisions, spirits,
and clothing intended for the enemy, posted at Hanging Rock, about four
and a half miles distant. This escort was guarded by some dragoons and
volunteers. The escort was surnrised, and their capture was effected without
loss — the spirits, provisions, and wagons destroyed — the prisoners mounted
on the captured horses, and at dark the retreat commenced. The advance
was formed of the guides, and a few mounted infiintry under charge of Cap-
tain Petit ; the prisoners were guarded by dragoons under command of Cap-
tain Wm. Polk (who served as volunteer), in the centre ; and the guard
brought up the rear. On Beaver Creek, about midnight, they were attacked
by the en^ray in ambuscade. The rear guard had entered the lane, when
the officer in advance hailed the British, who were discovered concealed
under the fence, in a field of standing corn. A second challenge was an-
swered by a volley of musketry from the concealed foe, which commenced on
* Father of Robert Johnston, Esq , of Lincoln County.
MALOAX, OOnHTT. 191
ilie right, aand passed Irr a mnnine fire to the rear of the detachihent. Migor
Davie, who rode rapidly forward, ordered the men forward, and to posh
through the lane ; but under surprise his troops turned back, and upon the
loaded arms of the enemy. He was thus compelled to repass the ambuscade
under a heavy fire, and overtook his men retreating by the same road they
had advanced. The detachment was finally rallied and halted upon a hill ;
but so surprised and discomfited at this unexpected attack that no effort
oould induce them to charge upon the enemy. A judicious retreat was the
only course left to avoid a similar disaster, which was efiected, and Davie
passed the enemv's patrols, and regained his camp earlv next day without fur-
ther accident or loss. The loss of Davie's corps was slight, compared to the ad-
vantage gained by him in the capture of the convoy. The fire of the enemy
fell chie^ upon those in the lanO) who were prisoners (confined two on a
horse with the guard). These were nearly all killed or mortally wounded.
Lieutenant Elliot was killed. Captain Petit paid the penalty of neglect of
dutjr, by being wounded with two of his men. Petit had been ordered by
Mfl^or Davie, who anticipated some attempt to recover the prisoners, on
their approach to the fatal lane, to advance, examine the lane, the ford of
the creek, and the houses ; with express orders to secure all the persons in
the families, so that no alarm could be created. He returned, and reported
that he had executed faithfully his orders, and all was well. Had this been
done faithfully this ambuscade would have been earlier discovered, and its
effects prevented.
Qeneral Davie, in a MS. account of this affair, leaves this sagacious advice :
" It furnishes a lesson to officers of partisan corps, that every officer of a
detachment may, at some time, have its safety and reputation committed
to him, and that the slightest neglect is generally severely punished by an
enemy."
I take this account of this affair from a most valuable original manuscript,
written under the eye of General Davie, by his son, now on file in the Archives
of the Historical Society at Chapel Hill. This corrects the statement in the
excellent work of Professor Hubbard, where he says : " Captain Petit, Lieut.
£lUott, and two men were killed."*
Cols. Sumpter and Neal, from South Carolina, and Col. Irwin, with three
hundred Mecklenburg Militia, in Uie latter end of July, joined M^jor Davie.
A council was beld^. It was determined that the British posts at Rocky
Mount and Hanging Rock should be attacked. Colonel Sumpter, with the
South Carolina troops, and Colonel Irwin, with the Mecklenburg troops, were
to attack Rocky Mount, and M^jor Davie should march on Hanging Rock.
Both marched the same evening. These two points were about &ur and a
half miles distant from each other.
RocKT Mount is on the west bank of the Wateree River, thirty miles from
Camden, and was garrisoned bv Colonel TurnbuU^f with 150 Now York
volunteers and some militia.t its defences consisted of two log-houses, a
loop-holed building, and an abattis.
Hanging Rock is on the road from Charlotte to Camden, and on the left
as you go down on the east side of Wateree, about twepty-four miles from
Camden.
Sumpter, passing Broad River at Blair's Ford, arrived early the next day
and attacked the post. Their attack was gallant, and the advance of the raw
troops to the fort, under a heavv fire of the enemy, has elicited even the^
admiration of their opponents. For want of cannon, these attacks were un-
successful, lie formed a forlorn hope, led bv Colonel Andrew Neal. They
I>enetrated the abattis, but Colonel Neal and nve privates fell in this attempt,
and many were mortally wounded. Qeneral Sumpter then ordered a retreat,
which was effected without annoyance or further loss.
' Major Davie, with about forty mounted riflemen and the same number of
* Liie of William Richardson Davie, by Fordyoe Hubbard. The Library of Ameri-
can Biography, page 20.
t Stedman, i. 201. | TarletOn, 94.
192 EISTORT OF NOBTH CABOLINA.
dragoons, approached Hanging Rock about ten o'clock the same day. This
post was garrisoned bv a strong force. While Davie was reoonnoitering.the
ground to commence the attack, he received information that three companies
of mounted infantry, returning from some excursion, had halted at a house
near the post.
This house was in full view of the Hangins Rock. It was a point of a
rieht angle made by a lane, one end of which led to the enemy's camp, the
other to the woods. Davie advanced cautiously from the end near the woods,
while he detached his riflemen, whose dress was similar to the Tories, with
orders to rush forward and charge. The riflemen passed the enemy's sen-
tinels without suspicion or challenge, dismounted in the lane, and gave the
enemy before the nouso a well-directed fire ; the surprised Loyalists fled to
the other end, where they were received by the dragoons in full gallop, who
charged boldly on them and ^ave them a heavy fire. They retreated in great
confusion to the angle of the lane, where they were received by the infantry,
who charged with great impetuosity and closed up all retreat. The dragoons
advancing, surrounded them, and they were all cut to pieces in the very face
of. the whole British camp at Hanging Rock. No time could be spared to
take any prisoners. Sixty valuable horses and one hundred muskets were
the booty taken from the enemy. The whole camp of the enemy instantly
beat to arms ; but this brilliant but bloody affair was over, and Davie out of
reach before their forces were in motion, or their consternation and panic sub-
sided from this daring and successful attack. Davie reached his camp safely
without the loss of a single man.
Colonel Sumpter was thoroughly convinced, composed as his command
was, that it must be constantly in employment, and that the minds of such
men are greatly influenced by enterprise. He resolved to make a united
attack upon this post (Hanging Rock).
I record the battle in General Davie's own words.
1780. Battle of Hanging Rock.
On the 5th of August the detachments met again at Lansford, on the Ca-
tawba. Their strength was little diminished ; Major Davie had lost not one
man. The North Carolina Militia, under Colonel Irwin and Major Davie,
numbered about five hundred men, officers and privates ; and about three hun-
dred South Carolinians under Colonels Sumpter, Lacy, and Hill.
It became a matter of great importance to remove the enemy from their
posts, and it was supposed, if one of them was taken, the other would be
evacuated. Upon a meeting of the officers, it was determined to attack the
Hanging Rock on the following day ; as this was an open camp they expected
to be on a more equal footing with the enemy ; and the men, whose approba-
tion in those times was absolutely requisite, on being informed of the deter-
mination of the officers, entered into the project with spirit and cheerfulness.
The troops marched in the evening and halted about midnight within two
miles of the enemy's camp, and a council was now called to settle the mode
of attack. Accurate information had been obtained of the enemy's situation,
who were pretty strongly posted in three divisions.
The garrison of Uangins Rock consisted of five hundred men ; one hundred
and sixty Infantry of Taneton's legion, a part of Colonel Brown's regiment,
and Bryan's North Carolina Tory Regiment. The whole commanded by
Mflnor Carden.
The Regulars were posted on the right ; a part of the British legion and
Hamilton's Regiment were at some houses in the centre ; and Bryan's Regi-
ment, and other Loyalists some distance on the left, and separated fi^m the
centre by a skirt of wood ; the situation of the regular troops could not be
approached without an entire exposure of the assailants, and a deep ravine and
creek covered the whole point of the Tory camp. Colonel Sumpter proposed
that the detachments should approach in their divisions, march directly to the
centre encampments, then dismount and each division attack its camp. This
plan was approved by all the officers but M^jor Davie, who insisted on leaving
HALIFAX cotrinT. 198
the bonefl at this place and marching to the attack on foot, urging the confa-
sion always consequent on dismounting under a fire, and the certainty of los-
ing the effect of a sudden and vigorous attack. This objection was, however,
overruled. The divisions were soon made, and as the day broke the march
recommenced ; the ^neral command was conferred on Colonel Sumpter, as
the senior officer ; IVngor Davie led the column on the right, consisting of his
own corps, some volunteers under Major Bryan, and some detached compa-
nies of South Carolina refugees ; Colonel Hill commanded the left, composed
of South Clurolina refugees ; and Colonel Irwin the centre, formed entirely of
the Mecklenburg milida. They turned to the left of the road to avoid the
enemy's piquet and patrol, with an intention to return to it tinder cover of a
defile near the camp, but the guides, either from ignorance or timidity, led
them so far to the left that the right, centre, and leu divisions, all fell on the
Tory encampment. These devoted people were soon attacked in front and
flank, and routed with great slaughter, as the Americans pressed on in pur-
suit of the Tories who ned towards the centre encampment. Here the Ameri-
eans received a fire from one hundred and sixty of the Legion Infantry, and
some companies of Hamilton's Regiment posted behind a fence; but their
impetuosity was not one moment checked by this unexpected discharge ; they
£ressed on, and the Legion Infantry broke and joined in the flight of the
loyalists, yielding their camp, without a second effort, to the militia. At this
moment a part of Colonel Brown's Regiment had nearly changed the fate of
the day. They, by a bold and skillful manoeuvre, passed into a wood between
the Tory and centre encampments, drew up unperceived and poured in a heavy
Arc on the militia forming from the disorder of the pursuit on the flank of the
encampment ; these brave men took instinctively to the trees and bush heaps,
and returned the fire with deadly effect ; in a few minutes there was not a
British officer standing, and many of the regiment had fallen, and the balance,
on being offered quarters, threw down their arms. The remainder of a British
line who had also made a movement, retreated hastily towards their former
position and formed a hollow square in the centre of the cleared eronnd.
The rout and pursuit of these various corps by a part of our detachment,
and plunder of the camp by others, had thrown the Americans into great
confusion. The utmost exertions were made by Col. Sumpter and the other
officers to carry the men on to attack the British square ; about two hundred
men, and Davies' dragoons, were collected and formed on the margin of the
roads, and a heavy but ineffectual fire was commenced on the British troops ;
a large body of the enemy, consisting of the legion, infantry, Hamilton's regi-
ment, and Tories, were observed rallying, and formed on the opposite side of
the British camp, near the wood, and lest they might be induced to take the
Americans in flank, Major Davie passed round the camp under cover of the
trees, and charged them with his company of dragoons. The troops, under
the impressions of defeat, were routed and dispersed by a handful of men.
The distance of the square from the woods, and the fire of the two pieces
of field artillery, prevented the militia from making any considerable impres-
sion on the British troops, so that on M^jor Davie's return, it was agreed to
plunder the encampment and retire. As this party were returning towards
the centre, some of the legion cavalry appeared, advanced up in the Camden
road, with a countenance as if they meant to keep their position, but on
being charged by Davie's dragoons, they took the woods in flight, and one
only was outdone.
A retreat was now become absolutely necessary ; the British Commissary's
stores were taken in the centre encampment, and a number of the men were
already intoxicated, the greatest part were loaded with plunder, and those
in a condition to fight had exhausted their ammunition ; about an hour had
been employed in plundering the camp, taking the parole of the British
officers, and preparing litters for the wounded.
All this was done in full view of the British army, who consoled them-
selves with some military music and an interlude of three cheers for King
George, which was immediately answered by three cheers for the hero of
America. The militia at length got into the line of march, Davie and hia
104 mSTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
dragoons coyeiing the retreat, but as the troops were loaded with plunder,
and encumbered with their wounded friends, and many of them intoxicated,
^is retreat was not performed in the best military style. Howeyer, under
all these disadyantages, they filed off unmolestea, along the ft'ont of the
enemy, about one o'clock. The loss of the Americans was neyer correctly
ascertained, for want of regular returns, and many of the wounded being
carried immediately home from the action. Capt. Kead, of North Carolina^
and Capt McClure, of South Carolina, were killea. Col. Hill, South Carolina,
Miuor Wynn, South Carolina, Capt Craighead, Lieutenant Fleucher, Ensign
McLuin, wounded.
The 3ritish loss greatly exceeded ours.
The loss of Bryan's regiment was seyere. Sixty-two of Tarleton's legion
were killed and wounded.
Major Dayie's corps suffered much while tying their horses, and forming
under a heayy fire from the Tories, a measure which he had reprobated in
the council which had decided on the mode of attack.
It is an eyincible trait in the character of militia, that they will only obey
their own officers in time of action, and this battle would naye been more
decisiye had the troops not fallen into confusion in pursuit of the loyalists
and legion infantry, by which circumstance the different regiments l>ecame
mixed and confounded ; or had the diyisions of this army left their horses
where it was proposed they should, and marched in such a manner as to
h^ye assailed each encampment at the same time, a yigorous and sudden
attack mi^ht haye preyented the British from ayailing themselyes of their
superior discipline ; the other encampments must haye been soon carried, and
the corps remaining distinct would haye been in a situation to push any
adyantages that Dayie's column might haye gained oyer the British line.
This account is nearly verbatim from the manuscript left by Mr.
Davie.
After the affair at Hanging Rock, Major Davie conveyed his wounded to a
hospital which his foresight had proyided at Charlotte, and then hastened to
the general rendezyous for the army under General Gates, at Rugely's Mills.
On the 16th of August, 1780, about ten miles from Camden, Major Dayie,
on his way to unite his forces with General Gates, met a soldier. He was an
4iuerican, and was in full speed. He arrested him as a deserter, but soon
learned from him that on that fatal day, the whole American army under
General Gates, and the whole British forces under Cornwallis, had met, and
that the British were triumphant. This unexpected information was too
soon confirmed by the appearance of General Gates himself, in full flight
' General Gates desired M^or Darie to fall back on Charlotte, or the dragoons
would soon be on him. He replied, " His men were accustomed to Tarleton,
and did not fear him." Gates had no time to argue, but passed on. Of
General Huger, who then rode up, Major Dayie asked how far the directions
of Gates ought to be obeyed, who answered, '* Just as far as you please, for
you will neyer see him again.'' He again sent a gentleman who oyertook
General Gates, to say that if he wished, he would return and bury his dead.
The answer of Gates was, '* I say, retreait Let the dead bury the dead,"
This battle and defeat was a death-blow to the South for the time.
Major Dayie retraced his march, and took post at Charlotte.
He dispatohed an express to Colonel Sumpter, of the rout of the Ameri-
can forces, which reached that officer's camp the same eyening. Sumpter
commenced his retreat along the west bank of the Catawba, towards the
upper country, with his command consisting of one hundred regulars, a com-
pany of artillery, with two brass pieces, and seyen hundred militia. To
nations, as to indiyiduals, it seems that misfortunes never come singly, but
often crowd upon each other in fearful rapidity and oyerpowering force.
Sumpter, wnose vigilance, actirity, and caution had been distinguished,
haying now the largest military force in the army in the South, seems to haye
been benumbed by the panic which had seized the friends of liberty. He
encamped on the night of the 17 th, at Rooky Mount, and remained there all
HAUPAX COUNTT. 196
night, when he knew that the British were in striking distance. The next
day he advanced onlj eight miles, and camped on an open ridse on the north
bank of Fishing Creek. Here, when some of his troops had stacked their
arms, some bathing in the river, others asleep, others strolling about, he was
attacked by a bold charge Arom Tarleton, who seized their arms, and out down
the sleepers as they rose, and an immediate flieht ensued. Sumpter, who
was asleep under a wagon, barely escaped with his life, and in the confusion,
rode off without saddle, hat or coat, and reached Major Davie's camp, at
Charlotte, two days afler, utiattended by officer, soldier, or servant.
Lord Comwallis withdrew his forces to Camden, where he remained until
the first week in September, to refresh his troops and prepare to march
into North Carolina. On the 8th, he moved witb tne whole British army to
the Wazhaws, about forty miles from Charlotte.
On the fifth of September Davie was appointed, by Governor Nash, Colonel-
■Oommandant of Cavalry, with instructions to raise a regiment. He succeeded
in raising only a part, and with two small companies oi riflemen commanded
by Miuor Qeorge Davidson, he took post at Providence.
With this small force he annoved the advance of Cornwallis, and, for a
period was the only armed body of resistance in the whole southern provinces
that the eye of the patriot could rest upon.
With fearless resolution, at the plantation of Captain Wahub, he attacked
their camp, routed the detachment there posted, killed fifteen or twenty of
their men, wounded about forty, and retreated in good order without any
loss. Captain Wahub, who was with Colonel Davie, had only a moment to
see his wife and children, and a few minutes after, as the detachment moved
off, saw his houses in flames, lighted up by the cruel enemy. Davie brought
off in this sortie ninety-six horses, one hundred and twenty stands of arms,
and reached his camp the same evening, after riding sixty miles in less than
twenty-four hours ; during which he had fought and beat a superior foroe.
Generals Sumner and Davidson, with their brigades of militia, had arrived
that day at his camp. But on the advance of the British they retreated by
Phifer's, the nearest route to Salisbury ; ordering Colonel Davie with about
one hundred and fifty men, and some volunteers under M^or Joseph Gra-
ham, to hover around the advancing foe, annoy his foraging parties, and
skirmish with his light troops.
Obeying these orders, on the night of the 25th of September 1780, Colonel
Davie entered the town of Charlotte. At the same time the British army lay
a few miles from town.
The town of Charlotte is situated on rising ground, and consisted then of
about forty houses, the two main streets crossed at right angles, the court
house in the centre. The left of the town was an open common, the right
was covered with underwood. Davie determined to ^ve them a warm recep-
tion as a small foretaste of the welcome his lordship would have in coming
into " The Hornet's Nest'' of North Carolina. He dismounted one of his
companies, and stationed them under the court house; the upper part of
which was occupied as a court room, the under as a market house :* the other
two were posted behind the garden fences on either side of the street, by
which the British advanced. The Legion of Tarleton (under Major Hanger,
Tarleton bein^ unwell), led the advance, the main body following. When
within about sixty yards of the court house, a sharp fire was opened by the
Americans, which caused the enemy to recoil. Lord Cornwallis, vexed to see
his whole army thus checked, rode up in person and said, '^Legion 1 Remem^
ber, you have evert/thing to lose, but nothing to gain" Thus taunted, they
returned, re-inforced, to the charge, and Colonel Davie ordered a retreat.
The pursuit lasted for some time, for several miles, in which Colonel Locke, of
Rowan, was killed, and Major Joseph Graham severely wounded ; and about
thirty others killed, wounded, and prisoners.
**The king's troops did not come out of this skirmish unhurt. Migor
Han^r, Captains Campbell and MacDonald wounded, and twelve non-com-
missioned officers and men killed and wonnded.'^f
• Stedman, i. 216. t Tarletoo, 199.
196 HISTORY OF NOBTH CAROLINA.
There is no event of more chivalry displayed in the whole Rerolationary
War, than this gallant attack of Colonel Davie hy a mere handful of men ;
facing with firmness, and checking even for a moment the whole British
force.
The brilliancy of such an event was most appropriately displayed on the
verv ground that in Mav 1775, was the birthplace of American Independence.
The next day Colonel Davie joined the army at Salisbury, where the men
and officers to raise new recruits had assembled. Here Colonel Taylor's
regiment from Qranville, was united to his command.
Generals Sumner and Davidson continued their retreat beyond the Yad-
kin, while Colonel Davie returned towards Charlotte, the activity of whose
movements, the daring of whose adventures, and the perfect knowledge he
had of the locality of the country, rendered him useful to check the incur-
sions of the enemy, repress the Tories, and encourage the firiends of liberty.
Lord Comwallis felt the difficulties of his position ; and on hearing of the
defeat and death of Colonel Fer^son at King's Mountain, he left Charlotte
on the 14th of October, in the night in rreat precipitation, and retrograded
towards South Carolina, re-crossed the Catawoa River at Land's Fora, and
took position at Winnsboro'.
The defeat of the British and Tories at King's Mountain, and the retreat
of Comwallis, revived the hopes of the patriots in North Carolina.
General Smallwood had his head quarters at Providence, and in a short
time several thousand militia under Generals Davidson, Sumner, and Jones,
joined his camp.
Colonel Davie, with three hundred mounted infantry, occupied an advanced
poet at Land's Ford. In November, the term of service of his men expired,
and Col. Davie was left without any command. Harassed as he had been by
actual service, the enemy fled from the State, he was willing to have a tern-
porary respite from the active duties of the field. He retired to Salisbury.
But Uenem Smallwood, who entertained the highest opinion of Davie s
military talents, desired his services. At General Smallwood's saegestion.
Colonel Davie sent Captain Montflorence, who had been his Brigade Mi^or
in active service, to the Board of War then sitting &t Halifax.
This t^bunal was created in 1780, with extraordinary powers, overshadow-
ing the Governor, who was by the Constitution ** Captain-General and Com-
mander-in-Chief.'' As was to be anticipated, collisions arose between the
Governor and this Board.
I have examined the act passed 13th September, 1780, and it directs that
five persons be elected by joint ballot of both Houses of the General Assem-
bly, who shall have the directions of the militia, provide ammunition, stores,
appoint officers, and remove such as they might deem proper, establish posts,
and carry on military operations.
Under this act Alexander Martin, John Penn, and Oroondates Davis were
elected-
' To them, the application of Colonel Davie was made ; by them, referred to
Governor Nash ; and so, between the two, it was not considered. Collisions
between the Governor and the Board were among the causes of the resignation
of Governor Nash ; the Board, in itself inefficient, was soon discontinued.
''Nothing," said Davie, "could be more ridiculous than the manner in
which it was filled. Martin, being a warrior of great fan^e, was placed at
the head. Penn, who was only fit to amuse children, and Davis, who knew
nothing but a ^ame of whist, was placed on the Board."
Disgusted with such a state of affairs, Davie retired to his home.
When General Nathaniel Greene took command of the southern army in
December, 1780, for the first time, he and Colonel Pavie met. The commii»-
sary department had been vacated by Colonel Thomas Polk. Greene ureed
upon Davie .to accept this important position. It involved great labor, untinng
exertion, and great responsibility, wnile it held out but littie honor or emolu-
ment, and no laurels. But strong as Davie's love of fame, his love for his
country was stronger. Ill suited as were these duties to his active and chi-
vabic temper, his patriotism caused him to accept its trusts.
HALIFAX COUITTT. 197
He accompanied General Greene in his whole campaini, in hiii rapid re-
treat from the Catawba to the Dan. He was present at the battle of Guilfbrd
(in Marcb> 1781), at Hobkirk's Hill in April, at the eyacuation of Camden
in May, and at the siege of Ninety-six. While the army beleaguered this
post he was sent by General Greene to the Legislature of North Carolina for
men and means of war. His intimate acquaintance with the leading men of
the State, his gallant services in the field, his winning manners and powerful
talents gave much weight to his applications.
The scarcity of money caused tne Legislature of North Carolina to create
in 1781 a specific tax, and to imitate the famed system of the State of Frank-
land, the legislature enacted that '* for every hundred pounds of taxable pro-
perty, one peck of Indian meal, or an equivalent in other grains, and three
pounds of good pork, or an equivalent in other meats, should be paid ; and
authorized the collecting officers to distrain double the amount in case of a
refusal or neglect to bring the specific articles to the appointed places.
In 1782, this was increased to one bushel of com and to ten pounds of
pork.
The articles to be collected under these laws came, of course, under the
supervision and direction of Col. Davie, and enlarged the difficulties of his
omce. Governor Johnston afterwards declared that '* this was the most op-
Bressive and least productive tax ever known in North Carolina.'^ Colonel
^avie viewed the measure as odious, and the plan worked so badly that the
General Assembly in 1782 at " one fell swoopr' abolished the offices of com-
missary and auarter-master, and on Governor Martin informing Colonel
Davie that he < it his duty by law to dismiss his assistants. Colonel Davie
wrote to him : *' I am sorry your Excellency should feel a pang on that sub-
ject, as they have already dismissed themselves. No man would desire to
oontinue in a service where they reap no recompense, but reproach for their
most active and zealous exertions."
Colonel Davie's accounts were numerous, complex, and extensive, but
were all closed with honor to himself and satisfaction to the government.
The war ended, his country liberated. Col. Davie now retired to private
life and his professional pursuits. He took his first circuit in February,
1783, and about this time he married Miss Sarah Jones, the eldest daughter
of General Allen Jones, of Northampton County, and located himself at
Halifax. If his career in arms had been brilliant, his success at the bar
more than eclipsed his military fame. His tall and commanding person, his
mellow and well-modulated voice, his magnificent and flowing oratory, with
his varied acquirements and solid learning, soon placed him at the head of
his profession. The courts were so arrangBd that a lawyer of that day could
attend every Superior Court in the State. Col. Davie regularly traversed the
whole State (except the Morj^ton Circuit), and there was no case. State
or civil, of importance, in which he was not employed. He shrunk from no
labor, while he avoided no responsibility. An instance of his moral couraee
was given in the defence of Col. Samuel Bryan at Salisbury (March temn,
1782, for high treason, when the popular current ran so high that it would
be the disgrace or death of any one to defend so notorious a Tory, and so
active an enemy of the State.
This is the first case of hi^h treason, and we trust the case will be yet re-
ported, as its record is in existence.*
He was a member of the Convention which assembled at Philadelphia in
May, 1787, to form the Constitution. His colleagues were Richard Dobbs
Spaight, William Blount, and Hugh Williamson. His labors in that body
are recorded, and are evidences of t^is ability, foresight and patriotism. His
name is not appended to that instrument, since his presence was demanded
at the close ot the session in North Carolina, to his professional pursuits.
He was elected to the State Convention at Hillsboro', 21st July, 1788, to
consider that Instrument Its ardent admirer, conversant with its principles
* In the Archives of Historical Society. Professor Hubbard thought this a fiction.
Liib of Davie, 84.
198 HI8T0RT OF NORTH: OABOLIKA.
and details, he was its able advocate. Its rejection by a vote of one hnndied
xntgoritY, proved that neither the lucid reason of Johnston, or Davie's impe-
tuous eloquence, or abilities of its friends could make it popular.
In the legislature his efforts for the caase of education in 1789, deserve
remembrance. "I was present," said Judge Murphy, "in the House of
Commons, when Davie addressed that body for a loan of money to erect the
buildings of the Universit^r* and, although more than thirty vears have
elapsed, I have the most vivid recollections of the greatness of his manner
ana the power of his eloquence upon that occasion. In the House of Com-
mons he had no rival, and on all questions before that body hie eloquence
was irresistible."
He was a member of the Board of Trustees : the selection of the^ site, the
choice of professors, the arrangement of studies, engaged his personal atten-
tion. As Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, he laid the
corner-stone, and he was, to the day of his death, its constant friend and active
benefactor. His portrait now hangs in one of the halls of the Institution.
In 1791, he was appointed by tne Legislature one of the commissioner!
to arrange the boundary between North and Soutih Carolina.
In 1794, he was elected M^or-General of the third division of North Caro-
lina militia, and in 1797, by Governor Ashe, appointed Msjor-General of tiie
detachment raised under tie act of Congress of that year in prospect of diffi-
culties with France.
In 1798, he was appointed by the President of the United States Brigadier-
Gteneral in the army, and this year ho prepared a system of cavalry tactics,
which were printed by order of the State, and used for this arm of the service.
In August of this year he was elected to the House of Commons ; and on
the 4th of December following, elected Governor over Benjamin Williams.
In June, 1799, he was appointed by the President of the United States, with
Oliver Ellsworth, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Mr. Murray, then
Minister at the Hague, as Ambassador to France, vice Patrick Henry, who
declined. In November, 1799, he sailed in the frigate United States on this
mission.
In the most polished court of Europe, the dignified person and graceful
manners of Governor Davie were conspicuous. " I could but remark," said an
eye-witness,* '* that Bonaparte, in addressing the American Legation at hia/
lievees, seemed to forget that Governor Davie was second in the mission, his
attention being more particularly to him."
Governor Davie returned home, and in June, 1801, with General James
Wilkinson and Benjamin Hawkins, was appointed to negotiate with the
Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Creek Indians. This he declined.
In 1802, he was appointed by Mr. Jefferson to negotiate with the Tusoa-
rora tribe, as to the treatv between them and the State of North Carolina.
A treaty was signed 4th December, 1802, at Raleigh, by which the Indians
extended their lea^s until 12th July, 1816, at which date their title ended
and their lands reverted to the State.
In 1803, he became candidate for Congress against Hon. Willis Alston,
and on the withdrawal of Mr. Jacocks, he was defeated.
About this period he had the misfortune to lose his estimable wife, who,
more than twenty years had rejoiced in his honors, increased his joys, and
divided his sorrows.
The loss of Mrs. Davie and the advance of years, caused him to seek
retirement. He removed in 1805 to Tivoli, near Landsford, in South Caro-
lina, where he died in December, 1820, in the sixty-fourth year of his age,
leaving six children and his memory to his country.
His children were : —
1st. Hyder Ali, who married Elizabeth Jones of Northampton County,
and resided in Chester District, South Carolina. 2d. Sarah Jones, who mai^
ried Willi&m F. Dessaussure of Columbia, South Carolina. 3d. Mary Haynes«
4th. Martha. 5. Rebecca. 6. Frederick William.
* Joseph B. Littlejohn, now of Tennessee, who was Gov. Davie's Secretary.
HALIFAX €0UN1T. 199
THE CROWBLL FAMILY.
Two brothers, John Crowell and Edward, came to North Carolina and set-
tled in Ilalifas. They emigrated from Woodbridge, New Jersey. They are
originally from England ; and they or their ancestors were originally called
Cromwell.
In the year 1674, says the Annalist of Philadelphia,* two brothers of
Oliver Cromwell left England for America and settlea in New Jersey. They
fled from Eneland, from the political storms that impended over the name
and house of the late Protector.
While on the voyage, fearing that persecution would follow from the ad-
herents of Charles II., then on the English throne, they resolved to change
the name. This was done, with solemn ceremony, and by writing their name
each on paper, and each cutting from the paper the M and casting it in the
Bca.
The family pedigree on vellum, recording these factfe, was with the family
in North Carolina, in an ornamental chest '^^th other valuables, when by a
TOurty of Tarleton's Legion, in 1781, this chest was seised and taken off.
These facts are undoubted. The record was again made up from the recol-
lection of the family, and is still preserved among them. From one of them,
tiiese interesting and curious facts are derived.
Here, in the quiet retreats of North Carolina, the aspiring blood of Crom-
well found repose, and in the peaceful precincts of Halifax, the exquisite
poetry of Gray was fully realized.
Some village Hampden, who with dauntless breiist,
The petty tycant of his fields withstood,
Some mute, inglorious Milton here may rest.
Some Cromwell guiltless of his coufltry's blood.
John Crowell, who emigrated from New Jersey to Halifax, married a Miss
Lewis. He died early, leaving several children. One of them, Joseph, mar-
ried Miss Barnes, a celebrated beauty. One of the daughters of these married
Mnmford, whose daughter was the wife of Hon. Wilie Jones.
Edward Crowell married Miss Rayburn, aunt to Gov. Raybum, of Georgia;
by whom he had several children. His eldest son Samuel married Miss
Bradford.
Colonel John Crowell, late member of Congress from Georgia and Indian
Agent, was a son of Edward.
John B. Ashz resided in Halifax and represented the town in the House
of Commons. He was a son of Gov. Samuel Ashe, and was bom in 1748.
He was a determined friend of liberty. At the early age of 19, he was a
Captain in the regiment commanded by Colonel Alexander Lilliiigton. He
was under General Greene, and was Lieutenant-Colonel at the battle of
Eutaw, one of the hardest fields of the Revolution.
He was elected a member of the Continental Congress in 1787, and served
until 1788 ; and a member of Congress in 1790, and served until 1793. He
was elected Governor of the State, but died before his qualification.
Hon. Willis Alston was a native and resident of this county. He ap-
peared in public life as early as 1794, and continued until 1831, when he
retired from public service.
He was elected to Congress in 1803, and continued until 1815 ; and again
in 182^ and served until 1831.
In 1812, he was Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means in Con-
gress, a position of high responsibility and difficulty at any period, but
particularly so at the period when our republic was at war with one of the
most powerful nations on earth. He was a man of great tact, and was suc-
cessful in his enterprises. He was distinguished as a consistent, uniform,
and decided politician.
He died 10th April, 1837.
• John Famiing Watson, Esq., of Germantovni, Fa.
22
200 HISTOBT OF NOBTH CABOLINA.
»
Hon. John Haywood resided in Halifax. He was distinguished for his
sound legal learning and clear perception. He was elected, in 1791, Attor-
ney-General of the State, and in 1704, a Judge of the Superior Court, which
he resigned in J800. He is the earliest reporter of the decisions of oar
courts, and his first volume is still used and has gone through two editions.
It is considered good authority. He was the Author of the Manual of the
Laws of North Carolina, and naytoood's Justice.
The late Chief Justice Henderson, in one of his judicial opinions, remarks
of this distinguished man substantially, that " he disparaged neither the
living nor the dead, when he said that an abler man than John Haywood,
never appeared at tbe bar, or sat on the bench in North Carolina."
The late Judge Murphy, in his address at Chapel Hill, in 1827, held his
character in equally high estimation.
tie removed to Tennessee, and became distinguished in that State. His
Histoiy of Tennessee is accurate and valuable. He was a firm believer in
spirits and ghosts ; the great weakness of a great mind.
Hon. Joseph J. Daniel was a native and resident of Halifax County. He
was bom about 1783 ; educated at the University, and studied law with Gov.
William R. Davie.
In 1807, he was elected a member of the House of Commons.
In 1816, he was appointed a Judge of the Superior Courts of Law and
Equity, which he continued to hold until 1832, when he was elected a Jndn
of the Supreme Court. This distinguished post he held until his death, m
February, 1848. ^ .
He married Maria Stith, whom he survived, and by whom he had several
children. He was remarkable for his patience, profound legal knowledge,
and general learning, especially in history. His character was one of inno-
cent cccentrioitjr, and if he possessed '' the wisdom of the serpent,'' truly, it
might well be said, 'Hhe harmlessness of the dove" also belonged to him. The
elevation of office, and the dignity of position, never changed the native sim-
plicity of hb character, and unadulterated purity of his republican prin-
ciples.
Jn the appropriate language of Chief Justice Ruffin from the bench (12th
February, 1848), on the presentation of the proceedings of the bar by the
Hon. James Iredell, on the mournful occasion of his death —
" Judge Daniel served his country through a period of nearly thirty-two
years, acceptably, ably, and faithfuUy. He had a love of learning, an inquir-
ing mind, and a memory uncommonly tenacious ; and he had acquired and
retained a stock of varied and extensive knowledge, and especially became well
versed in the History and Principles of the Law. He was without arrogance
or ostentation, even of his learning ; had the most unaffected and charming
simplicity and mildness of manners, and no other purpose in office than to
' execute justice and midntain truth ;' and therefore he was patient in hear-
ing argument, laborious and calm in investi^tion, candid and instnictive in
consultation, and impartial and firm in decision.'^
Hon. HuTcniNS G. Burton was long a resident of Halifax, member of
Assembly, and representative in Congress. He was born in Granville
County ; studied law, and settled in Mecklenburg, which he represented in
1810, m the House of Commons, which year he was elected Attorney-General,
and which he resigned in 1816. He removed to Halifax, and in lol6, repre-
sented the town in the House of Commons. <
In 1819, he represented this district in Congress, unUl 1824, when he was
elected Governor of the State.
In 1826, he was nominated by John Quincy Adams, then President of the
United States, as Governor of Arkansas, but on the accession of Gen. Jackson,
the nomination was not confirmed. He was a man of popular address, ami-
able temper, and of generous and patriotic feelings.
He died on the 2l8t of April, lo36, in Iredell County, and was buried in
Unity Churchyard, near Beattie's Ford.
He married Sarah, the daughter of Wilie Jones, one of the loyeliest women
of her age, by whom he had several children.
HALIFAX ooxnrnr. 201
She saryived Got. Burton, and is now the wife of Col. Andrew Joyner,
Senator in the Qeneral Assembly, from Halifax. Of her may be well said,
as was said of the mother, she is loved by all who know her. None see her
but admire her, none k^ow her bat love her.
Hon. John Branch is a native and resident of Halifax Connty. He sprang
from a true revolationary stock ; the early records of the Provincial Congress
prove that his father was a determined Whig. He represented Hiui&x
County in the House of Commons in 1781, '82, and 1787 and 1788. He was a
terror, in his day, to the Tories and opponents of the liberties of America.
The journal of the Provincial Council shows, that on the 18th of December,
1775, Mr. John Branch broueht before the Council Walter Lamb and Qeorge
Massenbird, as enemies of £eir country, and prayed condign punishment
upon them as Tories.*
John Branch was bom November 4th, 1782. He was educated at the
University, and graduated in 1801, and studied law with the Hon. John
Haywood, then a resident of Halifax, and one of the Judees of the Superior
Courts. His first appearance in public life was in 1811, as Senator from
Halifax. In this career he became successful, and his course has been bril-
liant
He continued to be snocessively elected until 1817, when he was elected
Governor of the State. After serving his term of office, he was again elected
Senator in the General Assembly from Halifax, in 1822, and, in 1823, was
elected Senator in Congress, to which distinguished post he was re-elect6d ;
but, in 1828, he resigned, on being appointed a member of (General Jackson's
cabinet (Secretaiy of the Navy).
It is a curious fact, but nevertheless true, that our State has rarely been
represented in the cabinet of any President ; but, when she has, it has been
in the Navy Department— Gov. Branch, in 1828 ; Judge Badger, in 1840 ;
Gov. Graham, at present.
On the dissolution of the Cabinet, "from malign influences,'' Gov. Branch
retired to his home ; the people elected him to the House of Eiepresentatives,
in Congress, in 1831.
In 1834 he was again elected a member of the State Senate, and, in 1885,
a member of the State Convention to revise the Constitution.
In 1838 he was voted for as the Democratic candidate for Governor.
In 1843 he was appointed by the President of the United States, Governor
of Florida. He now resides at Enfield, enjoying a green old age and the
love and respect of all who'know him.
Governor Branch married in early life Miss Fort, who for a long time
*' divided his sorrows and doubled his joys and honors," and was the mother
of a lovely family. She died, a few years ago, on her way from Florida.
Hon. Jessb a. Btnum is a native of Halifax. He was educated at Union
College, in New York, and entered public life, in 1823, as a member of the
House of Commons from the town, and for several years represented the
town and also the county.
In 1833 he was elected to the House of Representatives in Congress, and
served until 1841, when he moved to Red River, La., where he now lives.
He was involved, by the peculiarity of his temper, in several personal af-
fairs. His early fracas wiui Robt Potter has been alluded to. He had a
duel while in Congress with Hon. Mr. Jenifer, of Maryland, in which, after
several ineffectual fires, the parties became reconciled ; and a difficulty with
Hon. Rice Garland, of La., on the floor.
Hon. John Reeyes Jones Daniel resides in Halifax, and is a native of
that county.
He was educated at the University, and graduated, in 1821, with the first
honors of a class in which Hon. Anderson Mitchell, Judge Laoey, W. S.
* See vol. i. pege 75.
202
mSTOBT OF NORTH GABOLINA.
BIhoon, and others, were members. He studied law, and )>ractieed with
^eat sacoeos. In 1831, he entered political life as a member of the House of
Oommons, and continued until 18d4, at which session he was elected the
Attorney-General. The duties of this office he discharged with great fidelity
and ability. In 1841 he was elected a member of Congress, and has con-
tinued in Congress ever since. He has been for several sessions Chairman
of the Committee of Claims, a position of great responsibility, delicacy, and
labor. His pure character and investigating mind has carried him saccess-
folly througn its heavy duties.
BARTHOLonw F. MooRB is a native, and for a long lime represented this
oounlT. He was educated at the University, and graduated in 1820. In
1848 he was elected Attorney-General, which, in 1851, he resigned. He now
resides in Raleigh, and is one of a Board, with Hon. R. M. Saunders and Hon.
Asa Biggs, to arrange the statute laws of the State.
Spsar Whitakbr is a native and resident of Halifax County. In 1838 he
was elected a member of the House of Commons, and, in 1842, Attorney-
General of the State.
Other names might be mentioned in connection with Halifax, but our
present space is limited. A future edition may present others in bo ancient
and renowned a county.
Members from 1774 to 1835, when the Borough representation
was abolished.
HALIFAX TOWN.
Tears. House of Commons.
1774. JohnGeddy.
1775. John Webb.
1776. WUie Jones.
1777. Wilie Jones.
1778. Wilie Jones.
1779. Henry Montfort.
1780. Henry Montfort.
1781. Henry Montfort.
1782. Henry Montfort.
1783. Henry Montfort.
1784. Henry Montfort.
1785. Charles Pasteur.
1786. Wm. R. Davie.
1787. Wm. R. Davie.
1788. Goodrum Davis.
1789. Wm.R. Davie.
1791. Wm.R. Davie.
1792. Richard II. Long.
1793. Wm. R. Davie.
1794. Wm.R. Davie.
1795. John B. Ashe.
1796. Wm. R. Davie.
1797. Thaddeus Barnes.
1798. Wm. R. Davie.
1799. Richard H. Long.
1800. Richard IL Long.
1801. Isaac HiUiard.
1802. Basset Stith.
1803. William Drew.
1804. Thomas Hall.
Years. House of Commons.
1805. Allen Gilchrist.
1806. Allen J. Da^ie.
1807. Joseph J. Daniel.
1808. Wm. P. HaU.
1809. William Drew.
1810. Halcott J. Pride.
1811. Jeptha Dupree.
1812. Peter Brown.
1813. William Drew.
1814. William Drew.
1815. Joseph J. Daniel.
1816. William Drew.
1817. Hutchins G. Burton.
1819. Thomas Burgess.
1820. Robert A. Jones.
1821. Thomas Burgess.
1822. Thomas Burgess.
1823. Jesse A. Bynum.
1824. Jesse A. Bynum.
1826. Robert Potter.
1827. Jesse A. Bynum.
1828. Jesse A. Bynum.
1829. Wm. L. Long.
1880. Wm. L. Long.
1831. Wm. L. Long.
1832. Wm. L. Long.
1833. Wm. L. Long.
1834. Thomas Ousby.
1835. Robert C. Bond.
* No member was elected this year, in consequence of the election having been broken
up by a brawl between the contending candidaiesi Pouer and Bynum and tlieir firieods.
HALHTAZ COUHTY«
208
MenAers from Halifax County : —
Years. Senate.
1777. John Bradibrd,
1778. Oroondates DaTis,
1779. Oroondates Davis,
1780. Oroondates Davis,
1781. Oroondates Davis,
1782. Wilie Jones,
1783. Beni. McCullock,
1784. Nicholas Long,
1785. Nicholas Long,
1786. Beni. McCuUock,
1787. Nicholas Long,
1788. Wilie Jones,
1789. John B. Ashe,
1790. Peter Quails,
1791. Peter Quails,
1792. Peter Quails,
1793. Peter Quails,
1794. Willis Alston, .
1795. AVillis Alfiton, ^
1796. AVillis Alston,
1797. Stephen W. Carney,
1798. Stephen W. Carney,
1799. Stephen W. Carney,
1800. Stephen W. Carney,
1801. Stephen W. Carney,
1802. Stephen W. Carney,
1803. Jos. John piston,
1804. John Alston,
1805. Gideon Alston,
1806. Gideon Alston,
1807. M'thew C, AVhitaker,
1808. M'thew C. Whitaker,
1809. M'tbew C. AVhitaker,
1810. M'thew C. Whitaker,
1811. John Branch,
1812^ M. C. Whitaker,
1813. John Branch,
1814. John Branch,
1815. John Branch,
1816. John Branch,
1817. John Branch,
1818. John Alston,
1819. John Alston,
1820. John Alston,
1821. John Alston,
1822. John Branch,
1823. Thomas Burges,
1824. I sham Matthews,
1825. Isham Matthews,
1826. Isham Matthews,
1827. Isham Matthews,
1828. Isham Matthews,
1829. Isham Matthews,
1830. Isham Matthews,
1831. Isham Matthews,
1832. Isham Matthews,
1833. Isham Matthews,
1834. John Branch*
1835. Andrew Joyner,
House of Commood.
Jos. John Williams, Egbert Haywood.
Ef^bert Haywood, John Whitaker.
Wilie Jones, Aueustine Willis.
Wilie Jones, William Weldon.
John Branch, ]Benj. McCullook,
John Branch, Beiy. MoCullook,
John Whitaker, John Geddy.
Bei\j. McCulloQk, John B. Ashe.
John Whitaker, John B. Ashe.
John B. Ashe, Augustine Willis.
John Dawson, John Branch.
John Jones, John Branch.
Peter Quails, Marmaduke Norfleet.
John Dawson, Willis Alston.
Willis Alston, Thomas Tabb.
Willis Alston, Eaton Pugh.
James A. Tabb, Stephen W. Carney.
Eaton Pugh, John A. Tabb.
Eaton Pugh, Stephen W. Carney.
John A. Tabb, Eaton Pugh.
Wood J. Hamblin, James A. Tabb.
Sterling Harwell, Matthew C. Whitaker.
Sterling Harwell, Wood Jones Hamlin.
Matthew 0. Whitaker, Sterling Harwell.
M. C. Whitaker, Sterling Harwell.
Sterling Harwell, M. C. Whitaker.
Sterling Harwell, M. C. Whitaker.
William Williams, M. C. Whitaker.
William Williams, M. C. Whitaker.
William WUliams, M. C. Whitaker.
William Williams, Daniel Mason.
Lewis Daniel, Wm. Williams.
Wm. E. Webb, Joseph Birant.
Wm. E. Webb, Benjamin Edmonds.
Wm. E. Webb, J. J. Daniel.
J. J. Daniel, Wm. E. Webb.
James Barnes, W. J. Hamlin.
J. Grant, R. Jones.
Bichard Jones, Wilson W. Carter.
Jesse A. Dawson, Richard Jones.
Richard Jones, Jesse A. Dawson.
Jesse A. Dawson, Nevill Gee.
Richard Jones, Willis Alston.
Willis Alston, Jesse A. Dawson.
Willis Alston, Jesse A. Dawson.
Robt. A. Jones, Isham Matthews.
Willis Alston, Robt. A. Jones.
WiUis Alston, R. B. Daniel.
Geo. E. Spruill, R. B. Daniel,
Anthony A. Wyche, Geo. E. Spruill.
Geo. E. Spruill, Wm. E. Shine.
Rice B. Pierce, Geo. E. Spruill.
Jesse A. Bynum, Thos. Nicholson.
Jesse A. Bynum, Thos. Nichobon.
Thos. Nicholson, John R. J. Daniel.
Charles Gee, John R. J. Daniel.
Wm. M. West, John R. J. PanieL
Wm. L. Long, J. R. J. Daniel.
Sterling H. Gee, Wm. M. Waet
204 HI8T0BT OF NOBTH OABOUNA.
Yean. Senate. Ntoase of CommoDS.
1836. Andrew Jojner, Isham Matthews, Sterling H. Oee, B. F.
Moore.
1838. Andrew Jojner, Wm. W. Daniel, Major A. Wilcox, Spier
Whitaker.
1840. Andrew Joyner, S. H. Gee, B. A. Pope, B. F. Moore.
1842. Andrew Jojner, B. A. Pope, Sterling H. Gee, B. F. Moore.
1844. Andrew Jojner, S. H. Gee, B. F. Moore.
1846. Andrew Jojner, L. M. Long, M. C. Whitaker.
1848. Andrew Jojner, Wm. L. Long, R. Smith.
1850. Andrew Jojner, W. B. Pope, K. Glanton.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
HAYWOOD COUNTY.
Haywood County was formed in 1808, from Buncombe Comity,
and named in compliment to John Haywood, who from 1787 to
1827 was Treasm-er of North Carolina.
It is situated in the extreme south-west portion of North Caro-
lina, and is bounded on the north by Madison County, east by
Buncombe and Henderson, south by Macon, and west by the Ten-
nessee line. Its capital is WaynesWlle, and is distant from B^leigh
two hundred and ninety-four miles.
Its climate is lovely beyond description, and its mountain scenery
equals its climate.
Its population is 5931 whites; 710 Indians; 418 slaves; 15 free negroes;
6,906 representatire population.
Its products are 59,^40 bushels of com ; 36,263 bushels of oats ; 19,559
bushels of wheat : 7735 bushels of rye ; 10,628 pounds of tobacco ; 9290
pounds of wool ; 1351 dollars worth of ginseng.
QuALLA Town is chiefly inhabited by the ancient sorereigns of this country,
the Cherokee Indians, among whom are a few Catawbas. The great body of
this nation emigrated, but these, in consideration of their conduct and services
to the government were permitted to remain. They have a tract of seventy-two
thousand acres of land. William II. Thomas, Esq., the present Senator from
Haywood, Macon, and Cherokee, is their business chiet. The Qualla Town
people are divided into seven clans, each clan has a town, over which a Chief
presides.
Nearly all of them can read in their own language, and most of them under-
stand English, but few, however, can speak it They manu^ture their own
clothes, their farming: utensils, and guns. They are industrious, sober and
religious citizens. They have their own courts, judges, lawyers, and juries.
They have a right to vote, which, however, is rarely exercised. ^
The invention of letters for the Cherokee alphal)et, by a native Cherokee,
may be considered as one of the most remarkable discoveries of the i^.
It consists of eighty-six characters, each one represents a distinct sound. The
New Testament and many works have been seen printed in this language.
The following letter from their Chief will present the state of the uuuans
at the time.
The following, containing a representation of the state of a small remnaai
of Cherokee Indians, soflered to remain in North CaroIiii% wUl affoid to all
HAYWOOD OOUNTT* 206
men of benevolent feelines, much gratification. When we reflect that thej
were the first and rightfai owners of the soil, does it seem strange that thej
should be attached to the land of their fathers, and their own hentage? The
only true way to judge of otherjs, is to bring it home to ourselves. It must
be, to all who consider it, a matter of satisfaction, that a few, even, of this
persecuted and fast departing race, have been suffered, by the exercise of a
human policy, to rest in peace amongst us. The account below, proves that
they are, at least, as worthy, and exemplary as many who enjoy greater pri^
alleges, and profess more.
Tb the Hon, James Oraham.
II AT WOOD CouNTT, NoRTH CAROLINA, Odober 15/A, 1838.
Sir — I ncrceive in your Speech, delivered in the House of Representatives,
in May, lo38, on the Bill making appropriations for preventing and suppress-
ing Indian hostilities, you make mention of Cherokee Indians forming a set-
tlement in the District you represent, as being temperate, orderly, indusiriouSf
and peaceable, I have been acquainted with those Indians since the formation
of the settlement referred to, and know your statement as above mentioned
to be correct. But as you may be unacquainted with the circumstances at-
tending the formation of that settlement, and with the cause of their becom-
ing temperate, I hope the following statement in relation thereto may not be
unacceptable to you, as the Representative of the District in which they
reside.
So early as the year 1806, two Deputations attended Washington City fVom
the Cherokee natives ; one from the lower towns, to make known to the Pre-
sident their desire to remove West of the Mississippi, and pursue the hunter's
life ; the other Deputation, representing, in part, the Cherokees belonging to
the above settlement, to make known to the President their desire to remain
on the lands of their father, and become cultivators of the soil. The Presi-
dent answered their petitions as follows: ''The United States, my children,
are the friends of both parties. As far as can be reasonably asked, they are
willing to satisfy the wishes of both. Those who remain may be assured of
our patronage, our aid, and good neighborhood." The Treaties made between
the United States and the Cherokee Nation, in the years 1817 and 1819, made
provision for those desiring to remain, agreeable to the promise of the Presi-
dent; and they were made citizens of the United States, and each family was
aUowed a reservation of six hundred and forty acres of land. The whites
claimed the same lands, under a purchase made of the State. Suits were
instituted in favor of the Indians, and by our Courts, were decided in their
favor, and possession was surrendered to them by the whites. Afterwards
they were induced to sell their reservations to the Commissioners of the State,
and to purchase lands in the white settlement, where they now reside, in the
neighborhood of the hunting ground reserved to the Cherokee hunters by the
Treaties concluded with the Cherokee nation between the years 1790 and
1799 ; which privilege, as a part of the Cherokee nation, they continue to
enjoy.
Until the year 1830 they were as intemperate as any other Indians on our
frontier. About that time the principal chief of the above settlement, by
the name of Drowning Bear (or. You na gusxa), becoming convinced that
intemperance would destroy himself and people, determined to live temperate,
and persuade his people to follow his example. I was present when he as-
sembled them. On that occasion he informed his people that he had been
considering and devising ways to promote their happiness in future. He
said he had become convinced that intemperance was the cause of the exter-
mination of the Indian tribes situated in the neighborhood of the whites:
referring them to the present and previous situation of the Catawba (or Inctah
quo) Indians, with whom they were acquainted, as an evidence of the injurious
effects of intemperance. He directed his clerk to write in the Indian lan-
O) as follows: "The undersigned Cherokees, belonging to the town of
a, agree to abandon the use of spiritous liquors." It was immediately
signed by the old chief, who was followed by the whole town.
206 HISTORY OF KORXH CABOLINA.
He then told them that ho had served them upwards of fortj years, withoat
any pecaniary consideration whatever, his entire object being to promote their
interest. He was pleased to see that they yet had confidence in him. He
would advise them to remain where they were, in the State of North Carolina;
a State, he considered, better and more friendly disposed to the Red man than
any other. That should they remove west, they would there too be, in a short
time, surrounded by the settlements of the whites, and probably be included
in a State disposed to oppress them.
To the above cause (temperance) is to be attributed their present state of
improvement. The time proviouslv spent in scenes of dissipation is now
spent in useful employment. £ach family is now capable of reading the
Scriptures in their own language, manufacturing their own clothing, and
understand farming and the mechanical arts as well as their white neighbors,
to whom they are indebted for kind treatment, and a friendly disposition in
advancing them in improvement.
It is to be hoped that, by a continuance of that kind guardianship exercised
over them by the State of North Carolina, they will ere long become a civil-
ized community of Indians, and furnish an example of the benevolent policy
of the State towards the few of those unfortunate people who have taken
shelter under the protection of her law.
Very respectfully,
lour obedient servant,
WILLIAM H. THOMAS.
Members of the General Assembly from Haywood County : —
Years. Senate. 'House of Commons.
1809. John Welch, Thomas Love, Thomas Lenoir.
1810. John Welch, Thomas Love, Thomas Lenoir.
1811. John McFarland, Thomas Love, Thomas Lenoir.
1812. John McFarland, Thomas Lenoir, John Dobson.
1813. John McFarland, Thomas Lenoir, Joseph Chambers.
1814. John McFarland, Thomas Love, Thomas Lenoir.
1815. James Welch, Thomas Love, Joseph Chambers.
1816. Hodge Rabourne, John Stevenson, William Welch.
1817. Thomas Tatham, Thomas Love, Dan'l McDowell.
1818. Hodge Rabourne, Thomas Love, Wm. Welch.
1819. Hodge Rabourne, Thomas Love, J. Chambers.
1820. Hodge Rabourne, Thomas Love, J. Chambers.
1821. Hodge Rabourne, James R. Love, Ninian Edmondston.
1822. Hodge Rabourne, James R. Love, Benjamin Clark.
1823. Thomas Love, James R. Love, Ninian Edmondston.
1824. Thomas Love, James R. Love, Ninian Edmondston.
1825. Thomas Love, James R. Love, Ninian Edmondston.
1826. Thomas Love, James R. Love, Ninian Edmondston.
1827. Thomas Love, Jan^es R. Love, Benjamin S. Brittain.
1828. Thomas Love, Benj. S. Brittain, Ninian Edmondston.
1829. Wm. Welch, James R. Love, Ninian Edmondston.
1830. Wm. Welch, Ninian Edmondston, Jas. R. Love.
1831. Wm. Parham, Ninian Edmondston, John L. Smith.
1832. Wm. Parham, John L. Smith, Ninian Edmondston.
1833. Wm. Sitton, Ninian Edmondston, John L. Smith.
1834. Nitiian Edmondston, John L. Smith, Joseph H. Walker.
1835. Ninian Edmondston, Joseph H. Walker, John L. Smith.
1836. James Gudger, John L. Smith.
1838. Hodge Rabourne, Joseph Keener.
1840. Thos. L. Clingman, Joseph Keener.
1842. J. Cathy, Michael Francis.
By the Act of 1842, Haywood, Macon, and Cherokee formed
the oOth Senatorial District : —
HBNDSBSON COUDTT.
SOT
Tears. Seoate.
1844. Michael Francis,
1846. Michael Francis,
1848. Wm. n. Thomas,
1850. Wm. H. Thomas,
House of Commons.
J. Keener.
Andrew Ferguson. .
Robert G. A. Love.
Robert G. A. Love.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
HENDERSON COUNTY.
Henderson County was formed in 18^8, from Buncombe,
and named in compliment to Leonard Henderson, late Chief Justice
of the Supreme Court, for whose biography see Granville County.
It is situated in the extreme south-western part of North Carolina,
and is bounded on the north by Buncombe, east by Rutherford,
south by the South Carolina line, and west by Haywood and Ma-
eon Counties.
Its capital is Hendersonville, two hundred and fifty miles west
of Raleigh.
Its population is 5,892 whites; 924 slaves; 37 free negroes; 6,483 repre-
sentative population.
Its products annually are 677,811 bushels o£ com ; 9,677 bushels of oats ;
5,293 bushels of rye; 1,268 bushels of wheat; 1,229 pounds of tobacco; 2,141
pounds of wool ; 518 dollars worth of ginseng.
By Act of 1842, with Buncombe and Yancey, it forms the
44th Senatorial District.
Years. Senate.
1844. Nicholas W. Woodfin,
1846. Nicholas W. Woodfin,
1848. Nicholas W. AVoodfin,
1850. Nicholas W. Woodfin,
House of the General AsseipUy.
John Clayton.
John Baxter.
Henry T. Farmer.
Uenry T. Farmer.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
HERTFORD COUNTY.
Hertford County was formed as early as 1759, from Chowan,
Bertie, and Northampton Counties. It was named in compliment
to the I^Iarquis of Hertford, an English nobleman, a friend of
liberty, and elder brother of Lord Conway, who in 1766, moved in
the House of Lords, the repeal ol the Stamp Act. He was Am-
208 HISTORY OF NOBTH OABOLIKA.
bassador at Paris, in the reign of George III., and afterwards Lord-
Lieutenant of Ireland.
Hertford is a name of Saxon origin, and 9ignifies the Red Ford.*
Thomson dedicated his immortal poem, ^' The Seasons,'' to the
Marchioness of Hertford : —
** 0 Hertford I or to shine in courts
With unaffected grace, or walk the plain
With innocence and meditation joined,
In soft assemblage, listen to my song
Which thy own season naint^ ; when nature all
Is blooming and benevolent like thee.^f
It is situated in the north-eastern part of the State ; bounded on
the north by the Virginia line, east by the Chowan River, which
separates it from Gates County, south by Bertie, and west by
Northampton County.
Its capital is Winton, and is so named in compliment to the
Wynns family, for many years a wealthy, patriotic, and distin-
guished family in this County. Distant from Raleigh one hundred
and fifty-five miles. It is beautifully situated on the Chowan River,
which is navigable for any shipping that can enter Ocracocke Inlet
At Murfreesboro*, in this County, is a most flourishing female
institution, under the auspices of Rev. Mr. Forey. Its students
are rapidly increasing, and it is destined to become a blessing to
the community, as it is already an ornament to the place in which
it is located.
Its population is 3,553 whites; 3,716 slaves ; 873 free negroes ; G,665 repre-
sentative population.
Its chief products are corn, lumber, peas, cotton, fish, and turpentine.
Although a small county, and by its position remote from danger,
yet in the days of 1776 Hertford was willing and ready to aid in
the cause of liberty.
Her delegates to the Convention at Ilillsboro', Aug. 21st, 1775, were Wil-
liam MuRFREE, Lawrence Baker, Matthew Brickle, Dav Kidlt, and
George Wynns.
Her delegates to Halifax, April 4th, 1776, were Robert Sumner, Matthew
Brickle, and Lawrence Baker.
The officers appointed by this Congress were Benjamin Wynns, Colonel ;
Matthew Brickle, Lieutenant-Colonel; Lawrence Baker, Major; George
Little, 2d Major.
Her delegates to the Congress at Halifax, on Nov. 12th, 1776, which formed
our Constitution, were Lawrence Baker, William Murfree, Robert Sumner,
Day Ridly, and James Wright.
Hardy Murfree resided in this county, from whom Murfreesboro', in this
county, derives its name, and also a town of the same name in the State of
Tennessee.
He was a Captain in the 2d Regiment of Continental Troops, commanded
by Robert Howe, and was in several engagements in the Revolutionary war.
After the war was over he removed to his land, in Tennessee, granted to him
for revolutionary services, where he died, leaving a reputation for patriotism,
enterprise, and integrity worthy of his name and State.
His son, William Hardy Murfree, was bom in this county ; educated at
* Baily*t Dictionary. t See Spring, page 1.
. HERTFORD COUNTT* 209
Chapel Hill, where he gradaated in 1801, and stadied law. lie was a sac-
cessful and able advocate. He entered public life in 1805, as a member of
the House of Commons from Hertford, in 1813, he was elected to represent
the Edenton District in Congress, and reelected in 1815. During this troubled
and excited period he had ^e reputation of a true republican, and sustained
the war and Mr. Madison.
About 1825 he removed to Tennessee, and died in Nashyille soon after,
where he left one son, William Law Murfree.
General Thoxas Wtnns was bom, lived, and died in Hertford. He was a
Planter by profession, of active energetic mind, unspotted integrity, and great
personal worth. He lived near Win ton, at the ferr^ (called Barneld's). As
early as 1787, he was a member of the House of Commons, and for many yean
after a member of the Senate. He was elected in 1802 a member of Congress
from the £denton District, in which .capacity he served until 1807. He left
no children, and but few collateral relatives.
Hon. Keitneth Ratner is a resident of Hertford, has represented this county
in the Legislature, in the Convention, and Congress, and is her present mem-
ber. His father .was a Baptist Minister of exemplary piety and virtue. Mr.
Rayner was born in Bertie about 1808 ; educated at the Academy in Tar-
boro', read law and obtained a license, but never practiced.
He entered public life in 1835 as a member of tne House of Commons, and
the same year was a member of the Convention to revise the Constitution, and
distinguished himself by his fervid eloquence on the 32d Section of that In-
strument which created religious test for office. In 1836 and '38 he was a^ain
a member of the House of Commons, and 1839 was elected a member of Con-
gress, in which capacity he served until 1845, when he declined a re-election.
In 1846 he was elected to the House of Commons, which position he now
occupies, and is now in the meridian of life and usefulness.
About 1841 he married, at Raleigh, Susan, the daughter of the late Colonel
William Polk, a distinguished officer of the Revolution.
Last and Uasty this county is the birthplace of the author of these sketches.
His grandfather came from New Jersey, near Elizabethtown, served in the
Revolutionary war, was tv physician by profession, and died in Northampton
County, near Murfreesboro', in 1814, where he lies buried.
His father was raised by Zedekiah Stone, in Bertie, where he married
Elisabeth Jordan, 6th Jan'y, 1796. He was a successful merchant, and died
7th August, 1832.
From the papers of that day the following is copied : —
" Died, on Tuesday, the 7th of August, 1832, at his residence, in the town
of Murfreesboro', John Wheeler, Esq., Postmaster of said place, in the 62d
year of his age.
" He was one of the earliest inhabitants of the village in which he died.
He had seen it grow up, from one or two scattering houses, to the appearance
which it now presents. In all his dealings with mankind he was distinguished
for his integrity of character and honesty of purpose. As a citizen, ne was
fieuthful to every trust committed to his care ; as a Christian, he was a humble
and devout member of the Baptist church for above thirty years ; as a father,
he was kind and indulgent to his numerous family ; and, as a husband, he
was always affectionate. In all his relations to society he sustained an un-
blemished reputation ; he lived respected by all who knew him, and died
deeply mourned by a large circle of iriends and acquaintances. During his
long, severe, and fatal illness, he manifested the utmost patience and sub-
mission to the decrees of an all-wise Providence. He retained his faculties
to the last moment. When the hand of death pressed upon him, he was
conscious of the touch, and did not shrink from it. He embraced his affec-
tionate relations who were mourning around him, and composedly bid them
' farewell.' He said ' he felt that he was dying ; that it was not so hard to
M* « till 111 ■ <>*1>J • 1^ 1 1 1- 1 * *
die as
to an
I he had thought ; he was not afraid to die, that he knew he was going
eternal rest' Such was the triumphant exid of this good man.
210 HISTOBT OF NORTH GABOLINA.
< Sure the last end
or the good man is peace. How calm his exit ;
Night-dews fall not more gentljr to the groundi
Nor weary worn-out winds expire so soA.* "
Ue discharged, in his hamble sphere, all his trosts, and of sach a &Uier
one may be justly proud.
The author was born 2d August, 1806, in the town of Murfreesboroogb,
and was prepared for college by Rev. Jonathan Otis Freeman. He entered
the Columbian Colleee, District of Columbia, in 1821, and took his degree of
Bachelor of Arts in 1826 ; read law with late Chief-Justice Taylor, and was
licensed in 1827. In 1828 he received the degree of A.M. at Chapel Hill ;
In 1827 elected to the House of Commons, in which he served continuously
until 1830, when he was a candidate for Congress in the Edenton District
and defeated by Hon.- Wm. B. Shepard.
In 1831 he was appointed by the President, by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate, Clerk of the Board of Commissioners under the Coar
vention with France, which board consisted of Hon. George W. Campbell, of
Tennessee ; Hon. John K. Kane, of Philadelphia ; and Hon. B. M. Saunders,
of North Carolina. These names show the importance of their functions, to
which he was a humble adjunct. At the end of three years the commission
expired ; the Commissioners voluntarily tendered him a letter of thanks for
his faithful conduct.
^ In January, 1837, he was appointed by the President, by and with the ad-
vice and consent of the Senate, Superintendent of the Mint at Charlotte, which
he held untU 1841.
In 1842, at a Convention of the Democratic party of Mecklenburg, he was
nominated as a candidate for the House of Commons. This, by letter from
Baleigh, was declined, as ho was about to remove to Beattie's Ford, in Lincoln
County, where he now resides.
In 1842 he was elected Treasurer of the State, and, in 1844, was succeeded
by Maj. Charles L. Ilinton, since which he has been laboriously employed
in collecting materials for the history of the State. He has been twice mar-
ried ; to Mary, daughter of Rev. 0. B. Brown, of Washington City ; and
second, to Ellen, daughter of Thomas Sully, Esq., of Philadelphia.
INSURRECTION OF SLAVES.
Connected with this county, as being near the scene of the awful tragedy,
and many of its citizens engaged in it, was the insurrection of the negroes,
and the massacre of the whites in August, 1831. Of this I can truly say —
ti Miserima vidi
Pars fui."*
Nat, a slave, was the leader of this horrid and sanguinary movement. He
was called Nat Turner, and belonged to Joseph Travis. On Sundaj^ night,
21st August, 1831, with a band of some fifty or sixty, ho murdered, in cold
blood, fifty-five persons on the borders of our State, in the county of South-
ampton, Virginia.
Murfreesboro* was the nearest town to the scene of action, and thither per-
sons fled for safety and succor. Well does the writer recollect Levi Waller
running into town, and describing with painful effort that his wife and ten
children (one at the breast) were murdered, and that he only escaped to tell
the dreadful tale. A trooop of horse instantly were raised, who scoured
the country, and aided in subduing the insurgents. Nat was taken and
executed on 11th Nov. 1831, with many others.
The villains spared neither age nor sex, from the hoary grandmother to
the helpless infant in the cradle.
The following is a list of the persons murdered, with many of whom the
writer was intimately acquainted.
Joseph Travis, his wife and three children ; Mrs. Elizabeth Turner ; Hart-
well Peebles ; Sarah Newsome ; Mrs. P. Beese and son William ; Tn^an
* Most wretched, I have seen and borne a part.
HBBTFOBI>, COimTT.
au
)oyle; Henry Bryant, wife and child; and wife's mother, Mrs. Catherine
V'nitehead, son Kicbard, four daughters, and grandchild ; Salathiel Francis ;
Nathaniel Francis ; John T. Bairow ; George Yaughan ; Mrs. Levi Waller
Ad ten children ; William Williams, wife and two boys ; Mrs. Caswell
V^orrel and child ; Mrs. Rebecca Vaa^hn ; Ann Eliza Vaaghn and son
Lrthur; Mrs. John K. Williams and child ; Mrs. Jacob Williams and three
hUdren, and Edward Drary. Amounting to fifty-five.
List of Members of General Assembly from Hertford County
rem 1777 to 1850.
Tears. Senate.
1777. Robert Sumner,
1778. Robert Sumner,
1779. Robert Sumner,
1780. Pleasant Jordan,
1781. John Baker,
1782. JohnBrickeU,
1783. John Baker,
1784. John Baker,
1785. Robert Sumner,
1786. Robert Sumner,
1787. ftobert Sumner,
1788. Robert Montgomery,
1790. Thomas Wynna,
1791. Thomas Wynns,
1792. Thomas Wynns,
1793. Thomas Wynns,
1794. Thomas Wynns,
1795. Thomas Wynns,
1796. Thomas Wynns,
1797. Thomas Wynns,
1798. Thomas Wynns,
1799. Thomas Wynns,
1800. Thomas Wynns,
1801. Robert Montgomery,
1802. Robert Montgomery,
1803. Robert Montgomery,
1804. Robert Montgomery,
1805. Robert Montgomery,
1806. Robert Montgomery,
1807. Robert Montgomery,
1808. Thomas Wynns.
1809. Thomas Wynns,
1810. Thomas Wynns,
1811. Thomas Wynns,
1812. Thomas Wynns,
1813. Thomas Wynns,
1814. Thomas Wynns,
1815. Thomas Wynns,
1816. Thomas Wynns,
1817. Thomas Wynns,
1818. Boon Felton,
1819. John II. Eraser,
1821. Thomas Deans,
1822. Dayid E. Sumner,
1823. David E. Sumner,
1824. James Copeland,
1825. James Copeland,
1826. Elisha II. Sharpe,
1827. David 0. Askew,
House of Commons.
Joseph Dickeson, James Garrett.
William Baker, James Manney.
William Wynns, Nathan Cotten.
John Baker, Wm. Wynns.
Lewis Brown, Thomas Brickell.
Wm. Wynns, Thomas Brickell.
Lewis Brown, Thos. BrickeU.
Wm. Hill, Thos. Brickell.
James Manney, Robert Montgomery.
Wm. Hill, Thomas Brickell.
Thomas Wynns, Robert Montgomery.
Henry Baker, Henry Hill.
Robert Mont^mery, Henry Hill.
Robert Montgomery, Henry Hill.
Heniy Hill, James Jones.
Jethro Darden, Henry Hill.
Robert Montgomery, Jethro Darden.
Robert Montgomery, Henry Hill.
Jethro Darden, James Jones.
James Jones, Jethro Darden.
Robert Montgomery, Jas. Jones.
Robert Montgomery, James Jones.
Robert Montgomery, James Jones.
James Jones, Abner Perry.
James Jones, Abner Perry.
James Jones, Abner Perry.
Abner Perry, James Jones.
James Jones, William H. Morfree.
James Jones, Abner Perry.
Lewis Walters, Abner Perry.
Lewis Walters, Abner Perry.
Boon Felton, Abner Perry.
Boon Felton, Lewis Walters.
Boon Felton, William Jones.
Wm. H. Murfree, Jethro Darden.
William Jones, Boon Felton.
William Jones, Boon Felton.
Thomas Deans, William Jones.
William Jones, Thomas Deans.
Boon Felton, Thomas Manney.*
John H. Eraser, B. J. Montgomery.
B. J. Montgomery, I. Carter.
Jas. CopelfMid, Jas. D. Wynns.
Isaac Carter, Lewis M. Jeggitts.
James Copeland, John Yann.
John Yann, Isaac Carter.
John Yann, Isaao Carter.
B. Jr Montgomery, Leonard Martin.
B. J. Montgomery, John H. Wheeler.
* Now Judge of Superior Court* NtshviUe, Teoa.
212 mSTOBY OF NOBTH CABOUNA.
Years. Senate. House of Commons.
1828. David 0. Askew, ' B, J. Montgomery, John H. Wheeler.
1829. B. J. Montgomery, John H. '\Vheeler, Elisha A. Chamlee.
1830. Jacob Hare, John H* Wheeler, Isaac Carter.
1831. B. J. Montgomery, Eiisha A. Chamlee, Godwin C. Moore.
1832. B. J. Montgomery, Isaac Carter, Thomas V. Roberts.
1833. John Vann, Isaac Carter, Sipha Smith.
1834. Geo. W. Montgomery, Isaac Carter, Sipha Smith.
1835. John Vann, K. C. Borland, Kenneth Rayner.
1836. Geo. W. Montgomery, Kenneth Rayner.
1838. Thomas B. Sharpe, Kenneth Rayner.
1840. B. T. Spiers, Wm. N. H. Smith.
1842. Godwin C. Moore, Starkey Sharpe.
1844. Richard G. Cowper, Jacob Sharpe.
1846. Richard G. Cowper, Kenneth Rayner.
1848. Wm. N. H. Smith, Kenneth Rayner.
1850. D. y. Sessoms, Kenneth Rayner.
CHAPTER XL.
HYDE COUNTY.
Hyde County was one of the original precincts of North Caro-
lina, and existed previous to 1729, when the Lords Proprietors
(except Lord Granville) surrendered their rights to the crown. It
was called in honor of Edward Hyde, who was Governor of the
colony.* His commission is dated 24th of January, 1711.
It is situated in the extreme eastern part of the State, and
bounded on the north by Washington and Tyrrell, east by Pamlico
Soimd, south by Pamlico Sound and Pamlico River, ana west by
Beaufort County.
Its Court House, Swan Quabteb, is two hundred and three miles
east of Raleigh.
Its population is 4,798 whites ; 2,627 slaves ; 211 free negroes ; 6,585 repre-
sentative population.
Its products are 188,554 bushels of com; 18,737 bushels of oats; 21,055
bushels of wheat ; 45,830 pounds of cotton ; 8,034 pounds of wool ; 361 bbls.
of turpentine.
Hyae County sent to the General Meeting of Delegates at Newborn, 25th
August, 1774, Samuel Sxith, Rotheas Latham.
To the meeting at Uillsboro', 21st August, 1775, Joseph Hancock, John
Jordan.
To the Congress at Halifax, 4th April, 1776, Rotheas Latham, Joseph
Hancock, John Jordan, and Benjamin Parmele. Which body placed the
State in military organization, and appointed as ofiScers for Hyde County —
KoTHEAS Latham, Colonel ; Benjamin Parmele, Lieut.-Colonel ; Wm. Rus-
sell, Major ; Thos. Jones, 2d Major.
Her delegates to the Congress at Halifax, 12th of November, 1776 (which
formed the Constitution), were Jos. Hancock, John Jordan, Benjamin Pas-
mele, Wm. Russell, ana Abraham Jonks.
* For whoso character, lifei tod death, see toI. i. 38.
HTDE COUNTY.
218
Its banks, a narrow strip of land from New Inlet to Ocracocke,
present the most easterly promontory of North Carolina, and on
the Cape of which is located a light-house. From time immemorial,
it has been the dread of mariners, to whom the couplet is familiar —
" If once Henry you have passed,
Haye a good care of Hatteras.'^
Its inhabitants are distinguished for their enterprise, industry,
and daring.
List of members from Hyde County: —
Years. . Senate.
1777. William Russell,
1778. William RusseU,
1779. William Russell,
1780. William Russell,
1781. William Russell,
1782. William Russell,
1783. William RusseU,
1784. Abram Jones,
1785. Abram Jones,
1786. Abraham Jones,
1787. Abraham Jones,
1788. Abram Jones,
1789. John Ebome,
1790. John Eborne,
1791. John Ebome,
1792. Benjamin Russell,
1793. James Jasper,
1794. James Jasper,
1795. James Jasper,
1796. Henry Selby,
1797. Henry Selby,
1798. Henry Selby,
1799. Henry Selby,
1800. Joseph Masters,
1801. Henry Selby,
1802. Henry Selby,
1803. Henry Selby,
1804. Henry Selby,
1805. John Jordan,
1806. Henry Selby,
1807. Henry Selby,
1808. IlenrV Selby,
1809. John B. Jasper,
1810. John B. Jasper,
1811. Benj. Sanderson,
1812. Benj. Sanderson,
1813. Benj. Sanderson,
1814. Samuel Clarke,
1815. Samuel Clarke,
1816. David Carter,
1817. Benj. F. Eborn,
1818. Benj, F. Eborn,
1819. Benj. F. Eborn,
1821. Geo. W. Jordan,
1822. Geo. W. Jordan,
1S23. David Gibbs,
1824. David Gibbs,
House of Commons.
John Jordan, Bei\jamin Parmele.
Abram Jones, Jos. Hancock.
Jos. Hancock, Beni. Parmele.
Rotheas Latham, Geo. Barrow.
Rotheas Latham, Robert Jennett.
Robert Jennett, John Ebome.
John Ebome, Benjamin Parmele.
John Ebome, Wm. Russell,
John Ebome, Thomas Jordon, Jr.
John Ebome, Southey Rew.
John Ebome, Southey Rew.
John Ebome, Southey Rew.
Michael Peters, James Jasper.
James Jasper, Michael Peters.
James Jasper, Michael Peters.
James Jasper, James Watson.
James Watson, Simon Alderson.
James Watson, Hutchins Selby.
James Watson, Simon Alderson.
James Watson, Thomas Jordan.
Simon Alderson, James Watson.
Seldon Jasper, William Clarke.
John Jordan, William Clarke.
John Jordan, Adam Gaskins.
John Satchwell, John Jordan.
John Satchwell, David Carter.
John Jordan David Carter.
David Carter, Thomas Spencer.
David Carter, Zachr. Jarvis.
David Carter, Zachr. Jarvis.
David Carter, James Credle.
David Carter, James Watson.
James Watson, David Carter.
John Adams, David Carter.
Thomas Spencer, Zachary Eborn.
Thomas Spencer, John Adams.
John Adiuns, Thomas Spencer.
Thomas Spencer, William Jordan.
William Jordan, Thomas Spencer.
William Jordan, Thomas Spencer.
Thomas Spencer, William Jordan.
Marvel Wilkinson, Matthias Credle.
Littlejohn Pugh, Matthias Credle.
Littlejohn Pugh, Thomas Spencer.
Littlejohn Pugh, William Watson.
Littlejohn Pugh, William Watson.
William Watson, Tilghman Farrow.
214
HISTOBY OF NORTH CABOLINA.
Years. Senate.
1825. David Gibbs,
1826. Benjamin Foreman,
1827. Beni. Sanderson,
1828. Littlejobn Pugh,
1829. Benj. Sanderson,
1830. Wm. Selby, Sen.,
1831. William &lby,
1832. Caleb Spencer,
1833. DameronPagh,
1834. Caleb Spencer,
1835. William Selby,
1836. J. 0. K. Williams,
1838. J. 0. K. Williams,
1840. William Selby,
1842. W.B. Hodges,
1844. Josbua Ta^or,
1846. David Carter,
1848. Thomas D. Smaw,
1850. AUenQrist,
House of Commons.
Littlejobn Pugh, Jobn J. Bonner.
Tillman Farrow, John J. Bonner.
W. D. Styron, John B. Jasper.
Wallace D. Tyron, John B. Jasper.
Foster Jarvis, Marshal Dickinson.
Thomas S. Singleton, Foster Jarvis.
Thomas S. Singleton, Foster Jarvis.
Daniel Murray, Foster Jarvis. .
Daniel Murray, John B. Jasper.
Benj. Watson, John L. Swindell.
Jno. L..Swindell, Eich'd M. G. Moore.
Tillman Farrow.
Tillman Farrow.
Tillman Farrow.
Andrew Shanklin.
Wilson Creedle.
Wilson Creedle.
J. T. Farrow.
Erasmus D. Sanderson.
.CHAPTER XLI.
IREDELL COUNTY.
Iredell County was formed from Rowan, in 1788, and called
in honor of James Iredell, Senr. (late Associate Justice of the
Supreme Court of the United States), on motion of General John
Steele, of Rowan. For life, services, and character of whom, see
Chowan County (Chap. XIX).
It is located in the western part of the State, and bounded on the
north by Alexander County, east by Rowan, south by Cabarrus
and Mecklenburg, and west by the Catawba River, which separates
it from Catawba and Lincoln County.
Its capital is Statesyille, one hundred and forty-five miles west
of Raleigh.
The Colonial and Revolutionary history of Iredell is connected
•with Rowan, to which the reader is referred.
A skirmish took place in the Revolutionary War, on 1st Febru-
ary, 1781, at Alfred D. Kerr's, on the road from Beattiesford to
Salisbury, between the light horse of Tarleton and the militia, in
which several were killed.* Seven of the British, and twenty of
their horses were killed at the first fire, but the militia broke and
retreated in all directions.f
But her list of members presents some names not unknown to
fame.
Iredell County gave birth to one of the most distinguished men
* Rowan, chapter Ixvii. »
t Tarletoii*ft Cam|Nugiis, 226.
^ miBIBLL COITHTT. i2l6
of the nation, and who received, in the Senate of the United States,
the dignified appellation of the Goto of the Senate.
Hugh Lawson White, late Senator in Congress from Tennessee) was born
in Iredell County in the year 1773, on the plantation now owned by George
Franklin Davidson, Esq., about two miles west of Centre Meeting-house, on
Davidson's Creek, and about four miles east of Bcattiesford. His grandfather,
Moses White, emipated to this country from Ireland, about 1742, and had
six sons, James, Moses, John, William, David, and Andy ; many of whose
descendants now reside in Iredell. James, the father of Hugh, was a soldier
of the Revolution. He moved to Knox County, Tennessee, about 1786, was
a General in the Creek war, and was distinguished for his bravery, energy,
and talents.
Judge White's education was good. It was conducted under the care of
Bev. Saml. Carrick, Mr. (afterwards Judge) Roane, and Dr. Patterson, of Phila-
delphia. In 1795, ho studied law at Lancaster, Pa., in the office of James
Hopkins, and there finished his studies. He returned home to Tennessee and
commenced the practice of his profession. He soon acauired eminence and
fortune. At the early age of twenty-eight, he was elected Judge of the
Superior Court. Among such compeers as Andrew Jackson, THiitesides^
Overton, Geo. W.Campbell, and others, this was no empty honor.
In 1807, he resigned his judgeship and returned to his farm.
There appears, says a writer on biography^ always to be a oongenialitj
between the pursuits of agriculture and all great and ^ood minds. We
do not pretend to analyze the rationale of this, or why it is that patriotism
exists with more elevation and fervency in the retirement of a farm than in
the busy mart of crowded cities. The history of man proves this fact, that
the noblest instances of self-sacrificing patriotism which have adorned the
drama of hun^an life, have been presented by those who are devoted to agri-
cultural pursuits. It is the only pursuit that man followed in his state of
primal innocence, and surviving bis fall, allows the mind
<* To look through nature, up to nature's Grod.'*
In 1807, Judge White was elected Senator to the State Legislature : but
this he soon declined. In 1809, when Tennessee remodeled her judiciary and
created the Supreme Court, although Judge White was two hundred miles
from the seat of government, her unanimous voice called him from his retire-
ment to preside over this tribunal so exalted, so important, and the one of the.
last resort. He could not refuse a position so delicately tendered, so honor-
able in its character. He presidea for six years with such fidelity to his
country, and such scrupulous integrity, as won for him the esteem of his
countrv, unfading honors for his reputation.
At the same tiipe he^was chosen President of the State Bank. Under bis
ability and fidelity, its character acquired stability and public confidence.
Even with these heavy duties on his mind, his heart was not unmindful of
his country. At this time Tennessee was severely suffering by the hostile in-
cursions and savage devastations of the Creek Indians. At the darkest period
of the campaign, when the brave Jackson was in the midst of a wild territory*
surrounded not only by savages, but by famine and want, disaffection and
complaints, Hugh L* White left the Supreme Bench, and with one compan-
ion, sought and found, after days and nights of peril, the veteran Jackson.
He volunteered his services, and they were gladly aocepted.
While on this campaign he lost several terms of his courts, and as in Ten-
nessee the Judges were only paid for services performed, the Legislature
resolved, that in consideration of Judge White's eminent services in the cam-
pMgn, there should be no diminution of his salary as Judge. This he 4e-
olined.
In 1820, he was appointed (with Governor Tazewell, of Virginia, and
Qovemor King, of Maine) a commissioner under the Convention with Spain ;
which be accepted and held until its term expired, 1824.
28
216 EI8TQBT OF KORTH OABOUKA.
In 1825, Generftl Jackson haying resigned his seat as Senator in Congress,
Judge White wasntmnimpasly elected to fill out his term.
In 1827, he was o^animbnsly elected for a full term ; and in 1832 was chosen
President of the Senate.
In 1836 he wasToifesd for as President of the United States.
■ a «
The^elttctoralTote was for Martin Van fiuren, 170
:* " . " Wm. H. Harrison, 73
• " " Hugh L.White, 26
• •'^ " Daniel Webster, 14
^V " WiUe P. Mangum, 11
Total 294
He died on 10th t>f April, 1840, full of years and full of honors.
Hon. William S&arfb, of Iredell (when Rowan), was a distinenished
patriot of the Re^tilution ; and early threw into that dangerous and dnbioas
conflict *'his life, -^t fortune, and his sacred honor."
William Sharpy the eldest son of Thomas Sharpe, was born in Cecil Conntj,
in Maryland, Deo^l^h, 1742. At the age of twenty-one he removed to North
Carolina, and settjbd in Mecklenburg, where he married a daughter of David
Reese, one of the true patriots of the day, and one of the signers of the Meck-
lenburg Declaration. He was a lawyer by profession. He then removed to
Iredell, then Rowftn, and took an active and decided stand for liberty. The
Journal of the Committee of Safety for that county (seeRowan), will present
a record of his actWiiy and firmness.
He was a member $rom Rowan to the State Coneress which met at Newbem,
in April, 1775, and aho of the Congress at Hillsboro', in August, 1775. He
was also a membeir' 6lt Halifax in J7y6, where our Constitution was formed.
Ho acted as Aije-de-cieiinp to General Rutherford in his campaign in 1776,
against the Indiatis, and was appointed by Governor Caswell, in 1777, with
Waightstill Avery, Joseph Winston, and Robert Lanier, to form a treaty
with them.
In 1779 he was a member of the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, and
served until 1782. He died in July, 1818, leaving a widow and twelve children.
His eldest daughter married William W. Erwin, of Burke, who was Clerk
of the Superior Court of that county for more than forty vears, delegate to
the Convention at Fayetteville (in Nov., 1789), which ratified the Constitution,
and Agent of the StijJfce Bank. She raised fifteen children.
His second daughter Ruth, married Andrew Caldwell, of Iredell. Colonel
Caldwell often represented Iredell, and was the father of Judge Caldwell, and
the Honorable Joseph P. Caldwell, the present member oi Congress from
this District, Dr. Elam Caldwell, of Lincolnton, and others.
Alexander Osbokne, who resided in Iredell County, when Rowan County,
was a native of New Jersey, and moved to Iredell about 1755. He was a
Colonel under the Colonial Government, and as such marched in 1768, with
a Regiment of Ro^an troops, to Hiilsboro' to aid Governor Tryon to suppress
the Regulators. His wife was a Miss McWhorter. He and his wife diea the
same day, and were buried at Centre Church. They left one son,
Adlai, who was| educated at Princeton College, where he graduated in 1768.
He was Clerk of fthe Court fbr Rowan under the royal rule, and continued
after Independence until 1809. Ho was a man of fine literary attainments,
the firm friend of education, and one of the first Trustees of the University. He
died iu 1815, leaving a large family, among whom was Spruce McCay Osborne,
who was a graduate of Chapel Hill in 1806 ; studied medicine, entered the
army as surgeon, and was killed at the massacre at Fort Mimms; and £dwin
Jay Osborne, who was distinguished as a lawyer of eloquence and learning,
and was the father of James W. Osborne, Esq., the present Superintendent
of the U. S. Branoli Mint at Charlotte.
IbEDBLL COtTNTT.
ai
Hon. Dayid Franklin Caldwiell is a native of Iredell County, son of
Andi^w Caldwell, born in 1792, educated at Chapel Hill, studied law with
Archibald Henderson, of Salisbury, lie entered public life, in 181C, as a
member of the House of Commons from Iredell, ana seryed for several years.
He removed to Salisbury, and. In 1820, '30, and '31, represented Rowan in
the Senate, and was Speaker of the Senate in 1829.
He was appointed Judge of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity in 1S44,
which distinguished^ post he now holds with great dignity to himself and
satisfaction to the country. He has been twio^ married ; the first, to Fanny
Alexander, and the second time to Mrs. Troy.
Hon. Joseph Pearson Caldwell, son of David Caldwell, and brother to
Judge Caldwell, is a native and resident of Iredell County. He was born in
1808. Educated at Bethany Academy, studied law with Judge Caldwell,
and entered public life, in 1^8, as a member of the House of Commons. Ho
was re-elected in 1840, and, in 1842 and in 1849, was elected A member of
Congress, to which distinguished post he is again re-elected.
Many other names in connection with this county might he men-
tioned ; hut we have already given a large space to this county,
and ailother edition will prL^t her distlngished sons n.ore It
length.
The reader is referred to an original record, under the head of
Rowan, " The Proceedings of the Committee of Safety for Rowan
County (then including Iredell) in 1774-75, and 76,*' which will
present in true colors the spirit of the people in those trying
times. It has never hefore heen published, and for it I here tender
my thanks to Silas Davidson Sharpe, of this county.
Members of the General Assembly from Iredell County, from
the date of erection to last session, 1850-51.
Years.
Senate.
1789. John Nesbet,
1790. John Nesbet,
1791. David Caldwell,
1792. David Caldwell,
1793. John Huggina,
1794. John Iluggins,
1795. John Iluggins,
1796. David White,
1797. David Caldwell,
1800. £phraim Davidson,
1801. Ephraim Davidson,
1802. Ephraim Davidson,
1803. Ephraim Davidson,
1804. David Caldwell,
1805. John Iluggins,
1806. John Iluggins,
1807. John Huggins,
1808. James Hart,
1809. James Hart,
1810. James Hart,
1811. Joseph Quy,
1812. Andrew Caldwell,
1813. Andrew Caldwell,
1814. Mjles Nesbitt,
1815. John Huggins,
1816. James Campbell,
House .of Commons.
Adam Brevard, Mnsentine Matthews.
David Caldwell, M. Matthews.
Musentine Matthews, Alexander Work.
Musentine Matthews, Burgess Qaither.
James Crawford, Musentine Matthews.
Musentine Matthews, Alexander Work.
Musentine Matthews, Burgess Gaither.
Burgess Gaither, Musentine Matthews.
MuHentine Matthews, Burgess Gaither.
Archibald Sloan, Burgess Gaither.
M. Matthews, Burgess Gaither.
Archibald Sloan, M. Matthews.
Archiband Sloan, George L. Davidson.
William Youn^, George L. Davidson.
George L. Davidson, William Young.
George L. Davidson, Andrew Caldwell.
George L. Davidson, Andrew Caldwell.
George L. Davidson, Andrew Caldwell.
George L. Davidson, Samuel Kin^.
Andrew Caldwell, George L. Davidson.
George L. Davidson, Samuel King. -
Samuel King, James Stewart.
Samuel King, James Stewart.
Samuel King, James Stewart.
James Stewart, Samnel King.
Samuel King, David F. CaldwelL
218 BISTORT OF NO&TH CAROLINA.
ITean. Senate. House of Commons.
1817. Charles D. Conner, Dayid F. Caldwell, Samuel Kine.
1818. Charles D. Conner, Samuel King, David F. Caldwell.
1819. Charles D. Conner, Samuel Kine, Dayid F. Caldwell.
1820. Charles D. Conner, Azariah Beall, Theophilas Falls.
1821. James Campbell, Asa Beall, James Hill.
1822. Alexander Torrence, William Harbin, Asa BealL
1823. Alexander Torrence, James Hill, Asa Beall.
1824. George L. Davidson, A. Beall, James Hill.
1825. George L. Davidson, James J. Hill, Alexander Torrence.
1826. Samuel King, Richard Allison, Alexander Torrence.
1827. Abner Franklin, William Falls, William J. Summers.
1828. Abner Franklin, Richard Allison, Joseph M. Bogle.
1829. Thomas A. Allison, Joseph M. Bogle, William King.
1830. Pinckney Caldwell, Joseph M. Bogle, Richard Allison.
1831. Pinckney Caldwell, George F. Davidson, Joseph M. Bogle.
1832. Thomas A. Allison, Solomon Lowdermilk, George F. Daridson.
1833. Joseph P. Caldwell, James A. Kine, William Potts.
1834. Joseph P. Caldwell, Solomon Lowaermilk, James A. King.
1835. John M. Young, James A. King, Solomon ' Lowdermilk.
1836. George F. Davidson, James A. King, Solomon Lowdermilk, Theo.
li. Campbell.
1838. George F. Davidson, Joseph P. Caldwell, John A. Young, J. H.
McLaughlin.
1840. R. n. Parks, Joseph P. Caldwell, John A. Young, J. H.
McLaughlin.
1842. Thomas Allison, Joseph P. Caldwell, John A. Young, J. U.
McLaughlin.
1844. Joseph M. Bogle, Rufus Reed, William Emmerson, W. W.
George.
1846, Joseph M. Bogle, Rufus Reed, W. W. George, William H.
Haynes.
1848. George F. Davidson, Robert J. McDowell, Campbell Mcintosh,
£. M. Campbell.
1850. George F. Davidson, Joseph M. Bogle, G. G. McKay, £. M. Camp-
beU.
CHAPTER XLII,
JACKSON COUNTY.
Jackson County was formed in 1850, from Haywood and Ma-
con, but is not yet organized.
JOHNSTON COUNTY. 219
CHAPTER XLIII.
JOHNSTON COUNTY.
Johnston County waa formed in 1746, from Craven County, and
named in honor of Gabriel Johnston, who was Royal Governor at
this period. He was a man of learning, and did much to advance
the interest of the colony over which he presided, and the happi-
ness of the people. His character and services have been alr^uly
recorded. (See vol. i. page 45.)
It is situated about the centre of the State. Bounded on the
north by Franklin, Wake, and Nash, on the east by Nash and
Wayne, south by Wayne, Sampson, and Cumberland, and on the
west by Cumberland and Wake.
Its capital is Smithfield, and distant twenty-seven miles south-
east from Raleigh.
Ite population is 8,900 whites ; 4,663 slaves ; 163 free negroes ; 11,860
representative popnlation.
its products are 337 J97 bushels of eom ; 9,262 bushels of wheat ; 23,452
bushels of oats; 4()1,169 pounds of cotton; 9,911 pounds of wool; 3,157
barrels of turpentine.
The delegates from Johnston to that band of patriots which convened at
Newborn on the 25th of August, 1775, were Niedham Brvan and Benjamin
Williams.
The delegates to Hillsboro' on the 21st of August, 1775, were the same,
with Samuel Smith, John Smith, and William Brvan.
The delegates to Halifax on the 4th of April, 1776, were Samuel Smith, Jr.,
Needham Bryan, Jr., and Ubnrt Rains.
The officers appointed bv the Convention, were William Bryan, Colonel ;
John Smith, LieutenantrColonel ; Samuel Smith, Major; John Stevens, 2d
Major.
Her delegates to Halifax, on the 12th of November, 1776, which formed
the Constitution, were Needham Bryan, Jr., Samuel Smith, Jr., John
Stevens, Henry Rains, and Alexander Averyt.
Members of the General Assembly from Johnston County, from
1777 to 1850.
Fears. Senators. House of Commons. x
1777. Needham Bryan, Henry Rains, Alexander Averyt.
1778. Arthur Bryan, William Ward, John Br^an, Jr.
1779. Arthur Bryan, Lewis Bryan, Philip Raiford.
1780. Arthur Bryan, James Lockhart, Joan Whitley.
1781. Benjamin Williams, Joseph Boon, Hardy Bryan.
1782. Hardy Bryan, Arthur Bryan, Nathan Williams.
1783. Hardy Bryan, Arthur Bryan, Nathan Williams.
1784. Beniamin Williams, Joseph Boon, Kedar Powell.
1785. Arthur Bryan, Hardy Bryan, Benjamin WilliamB.
220
HISTORY OF KOBTH CABOLINA.
Years. Senators.
1786. Benjamin Williams,
1787. Joseph Boon,
1788. Arthur Bryan,
1789. Arthur Bryan,
1790. Arthur Bryan,
1791. Thomas Gray,
1792. Hardy Bryan,
1793. Hardy Bryan,
1794. Samuel Smith,
1795. Samuel Smith,
1790. Samuel Smith,
1797. Samuel Smith,
1798. Samuel Smith,
1799. Samuel Smith,
1800. Samuel Smith,
1801. John Williams,
1802. John Williams,
1803. John Williams,
1804. John Williams,
1805. John Williams,
1806. Samuel Smith,
1807. Robert Gulley, Jr.,
1808. John Williams,
1809. John Williams,
1810. John Williams,
1811. John Williams,
1812. Eliok Saunders,
1813. John Williams,
1814. William Bryan,
1815. William Hinton,
1816. John Williams,
1817. John Williams,
1818. Beuben Saunders,
1819. Jesse Adams,
1821. Joseph Richardson,
1822. Joseph Richardson,
1823. John McLeod,
1824. John McLeod,
1825. Reuben Saunders,
1826. Reuben Saunders,
1827. David Thomson,
1828. David Thomson,
1829. Reuben Saunders,
1830. Hillory Wilder,
1831. David Thompson,
1832. Hillory Wilder,
1833. Hillory Wilder,
1834. Hillory Wilder,
1835. Josiah Houlder,
1836. Josiah Houlder,
1838. Josiah Houlder,
1840. Josiah Houlder,
1842. James Tomlinson,
1844. James Tomlinson,
1846. James Tomlinson,
1848. William H. Watson,
1850. William H. Watson,
House of Commons.
William AverytNeedham Bryan.
Everett Pierce, Wm. Bridges.
Wm. Ward, John Bryan, Jr.
Benjamin Williams, John Bryan, Jr.
Matthias Handy, Hardy Bryan.
Everett Pierce, Lovard Bryan.
Everett Pierce, Lovard Bryan.
Needham Bryan, Joseph Ingram.
John Whitley, Richara Rivers.
Everett Pierce, John Whitley.
Matthias Handy, Richard Rivers.
Matthias Handy, John Williams.
John Williams, Joseph Ingram.
John Williams, Calvin Jones.
John Williams, Joseph Ingram.
John A. Smith, Richard Rivers.
Calvin Jones, John A. Smith.
Edwin Smith, J. Sanders.
John A. Smith, Isaac Williams.
John A. Smith, Joseph Ingram.
Robert Gulley, John Sanders.
Joseph Richardson, John Boon, Jr.
Joseph Richardson, Joseph Boon.
Samuel Narsworthy, Joseph Richardson.
Samuel Narsvrorthy, Henry Guy.
Henry Guy, Samuel Narsworthy.
Joseph Ingram, Wm. Bryan.
William Bryan, Jesse Adams.
Jesse Adams, John A. Smith.
Jesse Adams, Henry Bryan.
Jesse Adams, Henry Bryan.
Henry Bryan, Jesse Adams.
Robert H. Helme, John Atkinson.
Philip Raiford, Henry Bryan.
John McLeod, Hillory Wilder.
Hardy Adams, Samuel Lee.
Robert H. Helme, Hillory Wilder.
Hillory Wilder, Robert H. Helme.
Kenchen Q. Adams, Hillory Wilder.
Hillory Wilder, Josiah 0. Watson.
Hillory Wilder, K. Q. Adams.
Hillory Wilder, K. Q. Adams.
Hillory Wilder, K. Q. Adams.
Josiah Houlder, Kedar Whitley.
Josiah Houlder, Kedar Whitley.
John McLeod, Josiah Houlder.
John McLeod, Josiah Houlder.
James Tomlinson, Kedar Whitley.
James Tomlinson, Kedar Whitley.
James Tomlinson, Kedar Whitley.
John F. Ellington, James Tomlinson.
Jesse Adams, James Tomlinson.
Lunsford Richardson, Kedar Whitley.
Jesse Adams, Lunsford Richardson.
Lunsford Richardson, Ashly Saunders.
A. J. Leach, Linn B. Saunders.
A. J. Leach, Linn B. Saunders.
JONES COUKTT. 221
CHAPTER XLIV.
JONES COUNTY.
JoNKS County was formed in 1779, from CraVen, and called in
compliment of Wilie Jones, who was so distinguished a patriot and
useful a representative.
It is situated in the eastern part of the State^ iiiid bounded on
the north and east by Craven, south by Carteret and Onslow, and
west by Lenoir and Duplin.
Its capital is Trenton, and distant from Raleigh One hundred and
twenty-nine miles east. . \
Its population is 2,139 whites; 2,757 slaves; 142 free iiejroes; 3,035 repre-
sentative population.
Its products are 1,150,208 pounds of cotton ; 6,184 poalids of wool ; 223,520
bushels of com ; 8,705 bushels of oats ; 6,810 bushels of tye ; 5,204 bushels of
wheat ; 15,850 bbls. of turpentine ; 490 bbls. of fish.
Its colonial and revolutionary history is .oonne<^ed with that of
Craven, from which, since the Revolution, it wad taj^n, and to which
the reader is referred.
Hon. Nathan Brvan, of this county, was a man of pi6ty and usefulness.
In 1791 he represented this county in the House of Ooioqions. In 1794 he
, was elected to represent the Newbern District in Coilg^ss, aiid re-elected
in 1796. He died while in Congress (in 1798, at Pbiniflelphia,) and was
buried in the Baptist Meeting-house yard in Philadelphia. He Was a sincere
Christian, and a leading man among the Baptists. '
Members of the General Assembly from Jones County : —
Years. Senate. House of CommqBf.
1782. Abner Nash.
1783. Frederick Hargett, Wm. Randall.
1785. Abner Nash, t^hn Isler.
1786. Fred. Hargett, William Randall, John Isler.
1787. Fred. Hargett, Nathan Bryan, William Randall.
1788. Fred. Hargett, William RandalU John Hill Bryan.
1791. Fred. Hargett, Nathan Bryan, Edward Bryan.
1792. Fred. Hargett, Edward Bryan, Nathan Bryan.
1793. Fred. Hargett, Nathan Bryan, Joseph Hatch.
1794. John Isler, Nathan Bryan, George Pollock.
1795. John Isler, William Bush, Benjamin Fordham.
1796. John Hatch, William Bush, Benjamin Fordham.
1797. John Hatch, William Bush, Amos Johnson.
1798. Edmund Hatch, Amos Simmonds, Benj. Harrison.
1799. Edmund Hatch, Benj. Fordham, Amos Johnston.
1800. Durant Hatch, Amos Johnston, John T. Bryan.
1801. Durant Hatch, Amos Johnston, Thos. Dudley.
1302. Durant Hatch, Bei^jamin Fordiuuiiy J<dm Isler.
222
HISTOBY OF NOBTH CAROLINA.
years Senate.
1803. Durant Hatch,
1804. Durant Hatch,
1805. Durant Hatch,
1806. Durant Hatch,
1807. Enoch Foy,
1808. Enoch Foy,
1809. Durant Hatch,
1810. Benjamin Simmons,
1811. Durant Hatch,
1812. Durant Hatch,
1813. Enoch Foy,
1814. Christ. Bryan,
1815. James Shine,
1816. James Shine,
1817. John Simmons,
1818. Lewis Foscue,
1819. Lewis Foscue,
1820. Durant Hatch,
1821. Durant Hatch,
1822. Durant Hatch,
1823. Durant Hatch,
1824. Risden McDaniel,
1825. Risden McDaniel,
1826. Kisden McDaniel,
1827. Risden McDaniel,
1828. Risden McDaniel,
1829. Risden McDaniel,
1830. Risden McDaniel,
1831. Risden McDaniel,
1832. James Harrison,
1833. James Harrison,
1834. James Harrison,
1835. James Harrison,
1836. James W. Bryan,
1838. Enoch Foy,
1840. Isaac Hellen,
1842. Jas. W. Howard,
1844. Isaac Hellen,
1846. James W. Howard,
1848. E.S.Bell,
1850. M. F. Arendell,
House of Commons.
Benjamin Fordham, Enoch Foy.
Benjamin Fordham, Enoch Foy.
Edward Bryan, Thos. P. Ives.
Thos. P. Ives, Frederick Foscue.
Jas. C. Bryan, Edmund Hatch.
Jas. C. Bryan, Edmund Hatch.
Jas. C. Bryan, Leander Simmons.
Christopher Bryan, Jas. C. Brvan.
Edmund Hatch, Christopher tfryan.
Josiah Howard, Christ. Bryan.
Jas. C. Bryan, Christ. Bryan.
Wm. Daniel, Hardy Perry.
Hardy Perry, Wm. McDaniel.
John B. W. Smith, Wm. McDaniel.
Wm. McDaniel, John B. W. Smith.
Risden McDaniel, McLindall Jarman.
R. McDaniel, Edmund Hatch.
R. McDaniel, Emanuel Jarman.
Emanuel Jarman, Risden McDaniel.
R. McDaniel, Emanuel Jarman.
R. McDaniel, Emanuel Jarman.
Emanuel Jarman, L. H. Simmons.
Leml. II. Simmons, James N. Smith.
Owen B. Cox, Enoch Foy.
0. B. Cox, Enoch Foy.
0. B. Cox, Enoch Foy.
0. B. Cox, Alfred Stanly.
Nathan B. Bush.
0. B. Cox, James W. Howard.
Nathan Foscue, John H. Hammond.
Nathan Foscue, John H. Hammond.
Nathan Foscue, John H. Hammond.
John H. Hammond, Jas. W. Howard.
James W. Howard.
William Hu^gins.
William Huggins.
Calvin Kopnce.
Calvin Koonce.
William Foy.
Calvin Koonce.
B. F. Simmons.
LENOIR COUNTT. 228
CHAPTER XLV.
LENOIR COUNTY.
Lenoih County was formed in 1791.
Dobbs County was formed from Johnston, in 1758, in honor of
Arthur Dobbs, then the Royal Governor of the Province. In
1791, Dobbs was divided into Lenoir and Glasgow ; the latter, in
1799, was changed into Greene. It was called in honor of Gen.
William Lenoir, of Wilkes County, who was distinguished for his
revolutionary and civil services : for whose biography see Wilkes
County, Chapter LXXX.
It is situated in the eastern part of the State, and bounded on
the north by Greene, east by Pitt and Jones, south by Duplin and
Jones, and west bv Duplin and Wayne Counties.
Its capital is Kingston, distant eighty miles east of Raleigh.
KicnAKD Caswell lived in this county and lies buried in it. His charac-
ter, life, and services, have been recorded.*
Hardt B. Oroom was a resident of this connty and represented it in the
Senate in 1828. He was bom in 1798, educated at the UniTersitj, and
graduated in 1816 ; read law with Judge Gaston, and was distinguished for
his deep and varied acquirements as a scholar, and his kind and courteous
bearing as a gentleman. He married Miss Smith, of Newbem. He and his
family perished in the shipwreck of the steamer Home, 9th October, 1837,
off the coast of North Carolina, on bis return from New York.
Hon. Wx. I). MosELT, at present a resident of Florida and late Oovemor
of that State, is a native of Lenoir.
He was educated at Chapel Hill and graduated in 1S18, of which class
was James K. Polk. He represented Lenoir County in the Senate of the
State Legislature in 1829, ana continuously until 1838, when he removed to
Florida.
Members of the General Assembly from Lenoir County, from
the formation of the County to 1851.
Years. Senate. House of Commons.
1792. Joshua Croom, Isaac Croom, Wm. White.
1793. William Croom, Isaac Croom, Wm. White.
1794. William Croom, Wm. White, Isaac Croom.
1795. William Croom, Henry Goodman, Simon Bruton.
1796. William White, Shadrach Wooten, Robert Collier.
1797. William White, Henry Goodman, Robert Collier.
1798. William Bush, Bei^jamin Fordha^, Amos Johnson.
* See vd. L 87.
224
HISIOBT OF NORTH CABOUNA.
Yean. Senate.
1800. Simon Bruton,
1801. Simon Braton,
1802. Simon Bniton,
1803. Simon Bruton,
1804. Simon Bruton,
1805. William Groom,
1806. William Croom,
1807. William Croom,
1808. Simon Bruton,
1809. Simon Bruton,
1810. James Bright,
1811. James Bright,
1812. James Bright,
1813. Simon Bruton,
1814. Simon Bruton,
1815. Jesse II. Croom,
1816. Joseph Loften,
1817. Simon Bruton,
1818. Simon Bruton,
1819. Joseph Loften,
1820. Joseph Loflen,
1821. Abraham Croom,
1822. Nathan B. Whitfield,
1823. Nathan B. Whitfield,
1824. John Williams,
1825. Nathan B. Whitfield,
1826. Isaac Croom,
1827. Nathan B. Whitfield,
1828. Hardy B. Croom,
1829. Wm.D. Moseley,
1830. Wm. D. Moseley,
1831. Wm. D. Moseley,
1832. Wm. D. Moseley,
1833. Wm. D. Moseley,
1834. Wm. I). Moseley,
1835. Wm. D. Moseley,
1836. Wm. D. Moseley,
1838. Wm. D. Moseley,
1840. James B. Whitfield,
1842. Edwin G. Speight,
1844. Edwin 6. Speight,
1846. Edwin G. Speight,
1848. Edwin G. Speight,
1850. Edwin G . Speight,
House of Commons.
Hardy Croom, Wm. Easterling,
Shadrach Wooten, Bern. Witherington.
Benj. Witherineton, Wm. Goodman.
James Bright, Allen Wooten.
James Bright, Lazarus Pierce.
James Bright, Lazarus Pierce.
James Bright, Lazarus Pierce.
Rigdon White, John Wooten.
John Wooten, Wm. Branton.
John Wooten, Lazarus Pierce.
Francis Kilpatrick, Alexander Moseli^y.
Francis Kilpatrick, Alexander Moseley.
Abraham Croom, Joseph Lofton.
Francis Kilpatrick, Joseph Loften.
Joseph Loften, Nathan Byrd.
Joseph Loften, Nathan Byrd.
Joshua Moseley, Blount Coleman.
James Cox, Joshua Moseley.
John Whitfield, John Williams.
James Cox, John Williams.
Abraham Croom, John Cobb.
Isaac Tull, Nathan B. Whitfield.
Wm. B. Kilpatrick, James Cox.
Isaac Croom, W. B. Kilpatrick.
James Cox, R. W. Goodman.
Jesse Lassiter, James Cox.
Jas. Cox, W. B. Kilpatrick.
W. B. Kilpatrick, Geo. Whitfield.
Geo. Whitfield, W. B. Kilpatrick.
Allen W. Wooten, Council Wooten.
Allen W. Wooten, Council Wooten.
Council Wooten, A. W. Wooten.
A. W. Wooten, Council Wooten.
Blount Coleman, Pinckney Hardie.
Geo. Whitfield, Windall Davis.
Windall Davis, Council Wooten.
Windall Davis.
Windall Davis.
Windall Davis.
Windall Davis.
Jesse Jackson.
Jesse Jackson.
Council Wooten.
William Sutton.
uorcoLN oousiT. 825
CHAPTER XLVI.
LINCOLN COUNTY.
Date of formaiioii — Origin of name — Situation and boundaries — Population
and products — Colonial and Revolutionary history — The association of the
people — Battle at Kamsour's Mill, between the Tories under Colonel Moore,
and the Whigs under Colonel Locke, Captain Falls, and others, on 20th
June, 1780, from the pen of General Josepii Graham — Route of Lord Corn-
wallis through this county, in Feb., 1781 — Biographical sketches of her
sons, Joseph Graham, Peter Forney, Jacob Forney, Abram Forney, John
Brevard, Michael lloke, and others, and a list of her members of the Gene-
ral Assembly*.
Lincoln County was formerly called Tryon, in honor of William
Tryon, the Royal Governor ; but whose odious oppressions caused
the General Assembly to blot out his name, and in 1779 to divide
this territory into Lincoln and Rutherford. Governor Tryon's Ufe
and character have already been described.*
Lincoln County was so called in honor of Benjamin Lincoln, who,
at the time of its formation, was fighting the battles of his country
against the British at Charleston.
Benjamin Lincoln was born Jan. 23d, 1733, at Hinsham, about thirteen
miles from Boston. He was appointed, in Feb., 1777, Maior-General in the
Revolutionary Army, and served with General Gates at Stillwater, on Oct.
7th, 1777, which campaign termifiated so gloriously to American a^ms. In
this battle he was wounded, and suffered severely for several months. He
joined the army in August, 1778.
At the request of the delegation in Congress from South Carolina, he was
appointed bv Congress to command the Army in the south. He arrived at
CnarlestonTO Dec, 1778, and actively engaged in his important duties. On
the 2d of March, 1779, General Ashe wtis defeated at Brier Creek, on the
Savannah River, by which General Lincoln lost one-fourth of his Army.
On the 20th, he attacked the BrHlth at Stono, a warm action ensued, num-
bers killed on each side, but this action was not decisive.
On the 9th of October, with Count D'Estaiag and a large French force, he
attacked the enemy at Savannah, a successful and bloody conflict; after which
D^Estaing returned to the West Indies, and Lincoln to Charleston.
Closely besieged by Sir Uenry Clinton and Admiral Arbuthnot, on the 12th
of May, 1780, Lincoln was forced to surrender that post and the Army to the
British. His reputation as an officer and as a man suffered no detriment from
this vicissitude of war, for his force was inadequate either for achievement or
defence ; but with it he baffled for three months, the greatly superior force
of the enemy.
Being exchanged for Major-General Phillips, in the spring of 1781, he with
^oy ioined the standard of his country ; and, with Washington, was enniged
in the glorious surrender of the British at Yorktown, Oct 19th, 1781, and was
selected by Washington for the honor of receiving the oonqnered arms of the
English.
• Vol i. 49.
226 HISTORY OF HOBTH CAROLINA.
This closed the war. He was appointed Secretary of War, in 1781, with
permission to retain his rank in the Army, but he soon resigned the laws of
State for the pleasure of retirement, and after frequent and honorable employ-
ments he died in the house in which he was born, on the 9th of May, 1810.
Worthy is his name to be preserved in a portion of the finest part of our State.
Lincoln County is situated in the western part of the State, and
is bounded on the north by Catawba County, east by the Catawba
River, whicb separates it from Iredell and Mecklenburg, south by
Guston County, and west by Cleaveland.
Its capital is Lincolnton, and is one hundred and seventy-three
miles west of Raleigh.
, Its population is 5,661 whites ; 2,055 slaves ; 30 free negroes ; 6,024 repre-
sentative population.
Its products are 1,479,396 pounds of cotton ; 24,494 pounds of wool ; 787,225
bushels of corn ; 185,373 bushels of wheat ; 84,324 bushels of oate ; 4,800
bushels of Rye ; 25,000 pounds of tobacco ; 840 tons of iron.
As Trvon County, Lincoln sent to that band of patriots in Xewbem, on
Aug. 25th, 1774, David Jenkins and Robert Alexander.
And to Hillsboro', on Aug. 2l8t, 1775, John Walker, Robert Alexander,
Joseph Harden, William Graham, Frederick Hambright, and William
Ken NO N.
To Halifax, Nov. 12th, 1776 (which body formed our Constitution), Joseph
Harden, Robert Abernetht, William Graham, William Alston, and Johsc
Barber.
There is no portion of our State whose territory was the more immediate
scene of our revolutionary struggles than Lincoln. Once a portion of Meck-
lenburg, it was a genuine swarm from *' The Hornet's Nest. '
In August, 1775, the following association was drawn up and ordered to
be signed by every freeholder in the county.
It was found among the papers of General William Graham, of Rutherford,
and recently published in the North Carolina Spectator, in Rutherford ton.
It is also noticed in Jones' Defence of North Carolina:* —
**An Association,
** The unprecedented, barbarous and bloody actions committed by the British
troops on our American brethren near Boston, on 19th April and 20th of
May last, together with the hostile operations and treacherous designs now
carrying on by the tools of Ministerial vengeance, for the subjugation of aH
British America, suggest to us the painful necessity of having recourse to
arms for the preservation of those rights and liberties which the principles of
our Constitution and the laws of Gou, nature, and nations have made it our
duty to defend. We, therefore, the subscribers, freeholders and inhabitants
of Tryon County, do hereby faithfully uqjte ourselves under the most solemn
ties of religion, honor, and love to our cMltry, firmly to resist force by forces
in defence of our national freedom and constitutional rights, against all in-
▼asions, and at the same time do solemnly engage to take up arms and risk our
lives and our fortunes, in maintaining the freedom of our country whenever the
wisdom and counsel of the Continental Congress or our Provincial Conven-
tion shall declare it necessary ; and this engagement we will continue in and
hold sacred till a reconciliation shall take place between Great Britain and
America on constitutional principles, which we roost ardently desire, and do
firmly agree to hold all such persons as inimical to the liberties of America
who shall refuse to sign this association."
Signed by
John Walker, Jacob Forney,
Charles McLean, Joab Turner,
Thomas Beatty, Samuel Loften,
Frederick Hambright» and others.
* See Jones* Defeoee of North Carolina, p. 81.
XJKCOLN COUNTY. 287
Let it be remembered that this asiociation was signed nearly twelve months
before Congress declared independence.
It was on the 20tb June, 17B0, that the celebrated battle of Ramsour's Mill,
near Liucolnton, was fought, and as it has been described by one who knew
all the actors, and a resident of this ground (Qeneral Joseph Graham), I copy
his yaluable account of this affair as ne himself has recorded it : —
BATTLE OF RAMSOUR's MILli — roUOHT (tUISDAY) THE 20tH OP JUNE, 1780.
An account of the battle at Ramsour'a Mill was published several years since in
the papers of this State^ bid, as it contained several errors, the autlwr ( (JWi.
Joseph Graham) transmitted to Lemuel Bingham, Esq,, a corrected copy,
which was published in the Catawba Journal, printed at Charlotte, February
1st, 1825.
The unsuccessful attempt made by Gen. Lincoln to take Savannah, and the
anbsequent capture of the army under his command, inspired the Royalists
with hope, and induced Sir Henry Clinton to regard the States of Georgia
and South Carolina as re-annexed to the crown. The South was left destitate
of any regular military force to support the cause of the Revolution — there
were no regular troops south of Pennsylvania to oppose the British or to
keep the Tories in awe. Within a few weeks after the surrender of Charles-
toD, detachments of British troops occupied the principal posts of Georgia
and South Carolina. Lieut.-Col. Brown marched up the Savannah River
and re-occupied Augusta ; X<ieut.-Col. Balfour took possession of Ninety-Six
on the Wateree ; and Lord Comwallis pushed forward to Camden. The object
of this last movement was threefold ; one, to intercept the retreat of Colonel
Buford, who had been hastening with a few Continental troops to the relief
of General Lincoln at Charleston ; the second, to open an easy communication
with the Scottish settlements on the Pee Dee, Drowning Ureek, and Cape
Fear ; the third, to keep in chock the Whigs of the Waxhaw settlement on
the Catawba and of the south-western counties of North Carolina. The effect
which these movements were calculated to produce upon the public mind
was increased by the defeat of Col. Buford and the slauji^hter of his men.
The States of Georgia and South Carolina yielded submission to royal autho-
rity, and the commander-in-chief. Sir Uenry Clinton, embarked with the
main armv for New York, leaving only four thousand troops for the Southern
service. The command devolved on Lord Comwallis, who immediately re-
paired to Charleston to establish such commercial reflations as the new
state of things required, and to arrange the civil administration of the State,
leaving Lord Rawdon in command at Camden. North Carolina had not yet
been invaded, and the hopes of the Revolution in the South seemed to rest
OB the efforts which she should make.
Charleston surrendered on the 12th of May, 1780. On the 29th of that
month, Tarleton defeated Buford on the Waxhaw settlement, forty miles
south of Charlotte, in North Carolina. Brigadier-Gen. Rutherford ordered
ont the militia en masse, and, by |H third of June, nearly nine hundred men
assembled near Charlotte. On thnday intelligence was received that Tarle-
ton was on his return to Camden, and on the next day the militia, after having
been harangued by the Rev. Dr. McWhorter, President of the College at
Charlotte, were dismissed by Gen. Rutherford, with orders to have their
arms in good repair and be in readiness for another call. Major Davie (after-
wards Gen. Davie) having recovered from the wounds received at Stono,
again took the field, and part of his cavalry were ordered to reconnoitre
between Charlotte and Camden.
On the 3d of Juno Gen. Rutherford was informed of the advance of apart
of the troops under Lord Rawdon, to Waxhaw Creek, thirtv miles south of
Charlotte, and issued orders for the militia to rendezvous on the 10th, at Ree's
plantation, eighteen miles north-east of Charlotte. The militia, to the num-
ber of eight hundred, promptly assembled on the 12th. Having heard that
Lord Rawdon had retired to Hanging Rock, Gen. Rutherford advanced ten
miiss to Mallard Creek.
228 HISTOBY OF NORTH CABOLINA.
On the 14th the troops under his command were organized. The cavalrj,
sixty-five in number, under Major Davie, were eauipped as dragoons, and
formed in two troops under Captains Simmons and Martin. A battalion of
three hundred light infantry was placed under the command of Col. Wm.
P. Davidson, a regular officer, who could not join his regiment in Charleston
after that place was invested, and now joined the militia.
Five hundred men remained under the immediate command of General
Rutherford. On the evening of the 14th he received intelligence that the
Tories were embodying in arms beyond the Catawba River, in Tryon Coun^,
about forty miles to the north-west of his then position. He issued orders
to Col. Francis Locke, of Rowan, Major David Wilson, of Mecklenburg ; to
Captains Falls and Brandon, and also to other officers, to make every effort
to raise men to disperse the Tories, it being deemed impolitic by General
Rutherford to weaken his own force, until the object of Lord Rawdon's ex-
pedition was better ascertained.
On the 15th Qen. Rutherford advanced two miles to the south of Char-
lotte. On the 17th he was informed that Lord Rawdon had retired towards
Camden, and the Tories were assembled in force at Ramsour^s Mill, near the
south fork of the Catawba. A man by the name of John Moore, whose
fiither and family resided about six miles from Ramsour's Mill, had joined
the British army the preceding winter, and leaving the detachment under
Cornwaliis, on the march from Charleston to Camden, he arrived at his
father's on the 7th of June, wearing a sword and an old tattered suit of
regimentals. He announced himself as a Lieut.-Col. of the regiment of
North Carolina Loyalists, commanded b^ Col. John Hamilton, ^ Halifax
County. He gave to the people of the neighborhood the first particular ao-
count they had received of the siege and capture of Charleston, and the ad-
vance of the British troops to Camden. He appointed the 10th of June for
an assembling of the people in the woods on Indian Creek, seven miles from
Ramsour's. Forty men assembled, and Moore told them that it was not the
wish of Lord Cornwaliis that they should embody at that time, but that they
and all other loyal subjects should hold themselves in readiness, and in the
mean time get in their harvest, that before the getting in of the harvest it
would be difEcult to procure provisions for the British army; and that as
soon as the country could furnish subsistence to the army, it would advance
into North Carolina, and support the Royalists.
Before this meeting broke up an express arrived to inform them 4hat
M^'or Joseph McDowell, of Burke County, with twentv men, was within
eight miles of them, in search of some of the principal persons of their
party. Confident of their strength, they resolved to attack McDowell, but
some preparations being necessary, they could not march until next morn-
ing, when finding he had retired they pursued him to the ledge of mountains
which separate tne counties of Lincoln and Burke, and not being able to
overtake him, Moore directed them to return home and meet him on the 13th
at Ramsour's. On that day two hundred men met Moore, and thev were
joined on the next day by many others^fe^ng whom was Nicholas Welch,
a Major in the regiment commanded by^H. Iiamilton. He had lived in that
neighborhood, and had joined the British army eighteen months before. He
was directly from the army of Lord Cornwaliis, and gave information of Col.
Buford's defeat. lie wore a rich suit of regimentals, and exhibited a con-
siderable number of guineas, by which he sought to allure some, while he en-
deavored to intimidate others by an account of the success of the British army
in all operations of the South, and the total inability of the Whigs to make
farther opposition. His conduct hod the desired efiect, and much more confi-
dence was placed in him than in Colonel Moore. They remained in camp
until the 20th, durin^^ which time a detachment commanded by Col. Moore
made an unsuccessful attempt to capture Col. Hugh Brevard and Mi^or
Joseph McDowell, each of whom came into the neighborhood with a number
of Whigs to harass the Tories who were assembling.
By the 20th, nearly thirteen hundred men had assembled at Ramsoor'a,
one-fourth of whom were without arms. Gen. Rutherford reiolved to oon-
IiIKCOLK COUITTT. 229
eentrat^ his force and attack them as soon as he learned that Lord Rawdon
had retired to Camden. With this Tiew he marched on Sunday the 18th»
from his camp south of Charlotte, to the Tuckasege Ford on the Catawba
Biyer, tweWe miles nearer to Ramsour's. In the CTening of that day he
dispatched an express to Col. Locke, advising him of his movement, and of
the enemy's strength, and ordering Locke to join him on the 19th in the even-
ing or on the 20th in the morning, a few miles in advance of the Tuckasege
Ford. The express was neglected and did not reach-Col. Locke. The morn-
ing of the 19tn was wet, and the arms of Gen. Rutherford's men were out
of order. At mid-day the weather cleared up, and orders were given to Uie
men to discharge their guns. This discharge produced an alarm in the
neighborhood, and the people thinking the Tories were attempting to cross
the river, many of them came in with arms and joined Rutherford. In the
eveninz he crossed the river, and encamped sixteen miles from Ramsour's.
When RuUierford crossed the river, it was believed he would march in the
night and attack the Tories next morning ; but, expecting that his express
htA reached Colonel Locke he waited for Locke's arrival, that he might on
the next day march in full force to the attack. At 10 o'clock at night Col.
James Johnston* of Tryon County, reached Rutherford's camp. He had been
dispatched by Colonel Locke, to give notice of his intention to attack the
Tories at sunrise the next morning, and requesting Rutherford's co-operation.
Rutherford, in confident expectation that his express had reached Colonel
Locke, shortly after Colonel Johnston had lefl, made no movement until next
morning.
In pursuance of the orders given to Col. Locke, and the other officers at
Mallard Creek on the 14th, thev severally collected as many men as tiiey
could, and on the morning of the 18th, Major Wilson, with sixty-five men,'
passed the Catawba at Tool's Ford, and joined Major McDowell with twenty-
five men. They passed up the river at right angles with the position of the
Tories, to join the detachment of the friends who were assembling at the
upper fords. At McEwen's Ford being joined by Captain Falls, with forty
men under his command, they continued their march up the east side of
Mountain Creek, and on Monday the 19th, they joined Colonel Locke, Capt.
Brandon and other officers, with two hundred and seventy men. The whole
force united amounted to four hundred men. They encamped on Mountain
Creek, sixteen miles fVom Ramsour's. The officers met in council, and they
were unanimous in the opinion that it would be unsafe to remain in that
position, as the Tories could attack them after a march of a few hours, and
irom the inferiority of their force, they had no doubt the^ Tories would march
on them as soon as they learned where they were.
It was first proposed that they should re-cross the Catawba at SherrilFs
Ford, six miles in their rear* and wait for reinforcements, believing that with
their force they could prevent the Tories from crossine. To this it was ob-
jected that a retrograde movement would embolden the lories, whose numbers
were increasing as fast as proba^Ltheir own numbers would increase, after
they had re^rossed the river, ai^Bo additional security could therefore be
obtained by such a movement. ^^^
It was next proposed that they should march directly down the river, and
join Gen. Rutherford, who was then distant from them about thirty-five miles.
It was said this movement could be made without risk, as in making it they
would not be nearer Ramsour's than they were. To this prudent proposition
it was objected, that nearly all the effective Whigs of that section were from
home, either with them, or with Gen. Rutherford, and such a movement would
leave their families exposed, and their houses unprotected from pillage ; that
it would also be a dangerous movement for themselves, as the Tories might
be in motion, and they might encounter them in their march. It was insinu-
ated, that these propositions proceeded, if not from fear, at least from an
unwillingness to meet the Tories — and therefore, another proposition was
made, which was, that notwithstanding their disparity of force, they should
march during the night and attack the Tories in their camp early the next
• Father of Robert Jobnstoa, Esq., of this Comity.
29D BISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
morning. Jt was said, that the, Tories being ignorant of their force, and
suddenly attacked, would be easily routed. The more prudent members of
the council could not brook the insinuation of oowardice, and trusting to that
furtune which sometimes crowns even rashness with success, it was anaiu-
mously resolved immediately to march, and at daybreak attack the Tories.
Col. Johnston being well acquainted with the country, w^ immediately
dispatched to apprise Gen. Rutherford of this resolution.
Late in the evening they commenced their march from Mountain Creek,
and passing down the south side of the mountain, they halted at the west
end of it for an hour in the night, and the officers convened to determine on
the plan of attack. It was determined that the companies commanded bt
Captains Falls, McDowell, and Brandon, should act on horseback, and march
in iront. No other arrangements were made, and it was left to the offioets
to be governed by circumstances after they should reach the enemy. They
resumed their march, and arrived within a mile of the enemy's camp at day-
light
The Tories were encamped on a hill three hundred yards east of Ramsour's
Mill, and half a mile north of the present flourishing village of Lincolnton.
The ridge stretched nearly to the east on the south side of the mill pond, and
the road leading to the Tuckasege ford, by the Mill, crosses the point of the
ridge in a north-western direction. The Tories occupied an excellent posi-
tion on a summit of the ridge ; their right on the road fronting the south.
The ridge has a very sentle slope, and was then interspersed wiUi only a few
trees, and the fire of we Tories had full rake in front for more than two hun-
dred yards. The foot of the hill was bounded by a glade, the side of which
was covered with bushes. The road passed the western end of the glade at
right angles : opposite the centre of the line and on the road a fence ex-
tended from the glade to a point opposite the right of the line-^he picket
guard, twelve in number, were stationed on the road, two hundred and fifty
yards south of the glade, and six hundred yards from the encampment.
The companies of Captains Falls, McDowell and Brandon, being mounted,
the oUier troops under Col. Locke were arranged in the road, two deep, be-
hind them, and without any other organization or orders, they were marched
to battle. When the horsemen came within sight of the picket, they per-
ceived that their approach had not been anticipated. The picket fired and
fled to their camp. The horsemen pursued, and turning to the right, out of
the road, they rode up within thirty steps of the line, and fired at the Tories,
who being in confusion, had not time to form their line, but seeing only a
few men assailing them they auickly recovered from their panic, and poured
in a destructive fire, which obliged the horsemen to retreat. They retreated
in disorder, passing through the infantry, who were advancing; several of the
infantry joined them and never came into action. At a convenient distance
the greater part of the horsemen rallied, and, returning to the fight, exerted
themselves with spirit during its continuance. The infantry hurried to keep
near the horsemen in pursuit of the picl^^and' their movements being very
irregular, their files were opened six or^^Bt steps ; and when the front ap-
proached the Tories, the rear was eight^Mes back.
The Tories, seeine the effect of their nre, came down the hill a litUe dis-
tance and were in fair view. The infantry^ of the Whigs kept the road to
the point between the glade and the corner of the fence opposite the centre
of the Tories. Here the action was renewed ; the front fired several times
before the rear came up. The Tories being on their loft, they deployed to
the right in front of the glade, and came into action without order or system.
In some places they were crowded together in each other's way; in other
places there were none. As the rear came up, they occupied those places,
and the line gradually extending, the action became general and obstinate
on both sides. In a few minutes the Tories began to retire to their posi-
tion on the top of the ridge, and soon fell back a little behind the ridge to
shelter part of their bodies from the fire of the Whigs, who were fairly ex-
posed to their fire. In this situation their fire became very destmctiTe, so
that the Whigs fell back to the bushes near the ^lade, and th<^ Tories, leaTing
their safe position, pursued half way down the ridge. At this moment Capt
LINCOLN couimr. 281
Harden led a party of Whigs into the field, and, under cover of the fence,
kept up a galling fire on the right flank of the Tories ; and some of the Whigs
discovering that the ground on the right was more favorable to protect them
from the fire of the Tories, obliqued in that direction towards the east end of
the glade. This movement |^ve their line the proper extension. They con-
tinued to oblique in this direction until they turned the lefl flank of the
Tories ; and the contest being well maintained in the centre, the Tories began
to retreat up the ridge. They found part of their position occupied by the
Whigs. In that quarter the action became close, and the parties mixed to-
gether in two instances ; and, having no bayonets, they struck at each other
with the butts of their guns. In this strange contest, several of the Tories
were taken prisoners, and others, divesting themselves of their mark of dis-
tinction (a twig of green pine top stuck in their hats) intermixed with the
Whigs, and all being in their common dress, escaped unnoticed.
The Tories, finding the lefl of their position in possession of the Whigs,
and their centre being closely pressed, retreated down the ridge toward we
pond, exposed to the fire of the centre and of Captain Harden's company
behind toe fences. The Whigs pursued until they got entire possession of
the ridge, when they discovered, to their astonishment, that the Tories had
collected in force on the other side of the creek beyond the mill. They
expected the fight would be renewed, and attempted to form a line, but
onl^ eighty-six men could be paraded. Some were scattered during the
action, others were attending to their wounded friends, and, after repeated
efibrts, not more than one hundred and t«n men could bo collected.
In this situation of things it was resolved that Maj. Wilson and Capt. Wm.
Alexander, of Rowan, should hasten to General Rutherford and urge him to
press forward to their assistance. Rutherford had marched eany in the
morning, and, at the distance of six or seven miles from Ramsour's, was met
by Wilson and Alexander. M^j. Davie's cavalrv was started at full gallop,
and Col. Davidson's infantry were ordered to hasten on with all possible
speed. At the end of two miles they were met by others from the battle,
who informed them that the Tories had retreated. 1 he march was continued,
and the troops arrived on the ground two hours after the battle had closed.
The dead and most of the wounded were still lying where they fell.
As soon as the action began, those of the Tories who had no arms, and
several who had, returned across the creek. They were joined by others
when they were first beaten up the ridee, and by two hundred well-armed,
who had arrived two days before, from Lower Creek, in Burke County, under
Captains Whiston and Murray. Col. Moore and Maj. Welch soon joined
them. Those of the Tofies who continued the fight to the last crossed the
creek and joined as soon as the Whigs got possession of the ridge. Believing
that they were completely beaten, they formed a stratagem to secure their
retreat. About the time that Wilson and Alexander were dispatched to Gen.
Rutherford, they sent a flag under a pretence of proposing a suspension of hos-
tilities, to make arrangements for M^uig care oi^the wounded and burying the
dead. To prevent the flag-officer^^k perceiving their small number, M^j.
Jas. Rutherford and another office^^re ordered to meet him a short distance
from the line. The proposition being made, Maj. Rutherford demanded that
the Tories should surrender within ten minutes, and then the arrangements
should be made that were requested. In the meantime, Moore and Welch
gave orders that such of their men as were on foot, or had inferior horses,
should move off singly as fast as they could, and when the fla^ returned, not
more than fiiW remained. They immediately fled. Moore, with thirty men,
reached the British army at Camden, where he was threatened with a trial
by a court-martial for disobedience of orders in attempting to embody the
iCoyalists before the time appointed by the Commander-in-Chief. lie was
treated with disrespect by the British officers, and held in a state of disagree-
able suspense ; but it was at length deemed impolitic to order him before a
court-martial.
As there was no organization of either party, nor regular returns made
afker the action^ the loss ooold not be ascertained with correctness. Fifty-
24
232 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
«
six lay dead on the side of the ridge where the heat of the action prevailed.
Many lay scattered on the flanks and over the ridge toward the mill. It is be-
lieved that seventy were killed, and that the loss on each side was equal. About
one hundred men on each side were wounded, and fifty Tories were taken
prisoners. The men had no uniform, and it could not be told to which party
many of the dead belonged. Most of the Whigs wore a piece of white paper
on their hats in front, and many of the men on each side being excellent
riflemen, this paper was a mark at which the Tories often fired, and several
of the Whigs were shot in the head. The trees behind which both Whigs
and Tories occasionally took shelter, were grazed by the balls ; and one tree
on the left of the Tory lino, at the root of which two brothers lay dead, was
grazed by three balls on one side and by two on the other.
In this battle neighbors, near relations, and personal friends fought against
each other, and as the smoke would from time to time blow off, they would
recognize each other. In the evening and on the next day the relations and
friends of the dead and wounded came in, and a scene was witnessed truly
afflicting to the feelings of humanity.
After the action commenced, scarcely any orders were given by the officers.
They fought like common soldiers, and animated their men bv their example,
and they suffered severely. Captains Falls, Dobson, Smith, Bowman, and
Armstrong were killed ; and Captains Houston and McRissick wounded.
Of the Tories, Captains Cumberland, Murrav, and Warlick were killed ; and
Oapt. Carpenter wounded. Few either of the officers or men had ever been
in battle before.
ROUTE OF THE BRITISH ARMY, UNDER LORD CORNWALLIS, THROUGH LINCOLN
COUNTY.
After the battle of the Cowpens on the 17th of January, 1781, Lord Com-
wallis, being joined the next day by reinforcements under General Leslie, at
Winnsboro\ advanced rapidly to intercept Morgan with his prisoners.
I am enabled, by moans of an original manuscript of Lord Corn wallis,
now on file in the archives of the Historical Society of the State, at the Uni-
versity ; and the excellent maps in Tarlc ton's campaigns ; and the History of
Stedman, to trace accurately the movements of the British army.
General Leslie's head-quarters on the 17th January, 1781, were at Sandy
Run, in Chester District, a branch of Broad River.
At Hillhouse's plantation, York District, on the 18th, General Leslie re-
turns his thanks to the troops under his command for their readv obedience,
and informs them that all orders in future will issue from Lord Cornwallis
and the Adjutant-General. At eight o'clock at night Lord Cornwallis issues
his orders to the army to march at eight o'clock in the morning in the follow-
inc order: —
1, Yagers; 2, corps of pioneers; 3, two three-pounders; 4, Brigade
Guards ; 5, Regiment of Bose ; 6, North Carolina Volunteers ; 7, two six-
pounders; 8, Lt.-Colonel Webster's Br^ggy ; 9, wagons of the General; 10,
neld officers' wagons ; 11, ammnnitionHlgons ; 12, hospital wagons ; 13,
regiment wagons ; 14, provision train ii5, bat horses ; a captain, two sub-
alterns, and one hundred men from Colonel Webster's brigade, to form a
rear guard.
On the 19th the army camped at Smith's House, on Broad River, near
Cherokee Iron Works; on the 20th at Saunders' plantation, in South
Carolina, on Buffalo Creek; on the 23d they reached Tryon Court House, in
the west part of Gaston, about 20 miles from Lincoln ton ; on the 24th at
Ramsour's mill, near where Lincolnton now stands. Here the army remained
until the 28th, when they marched to Beattie's Ford. The river, from recent
rains, being deemed impassable. Lord Cornwallis falls back to Forney's plan-
tation, now occupied by James Anderson, Esq., where ho remained drying his
powder and procuring forage for his cavalry, until the first of February,
when, at haa past two in the morning, he took up his line of march, and
crossed the Catawba River at Cowan's Ford, about six miles below Beattie's
Ford. Hero about six hundred militia, under General Davidson, were posted,
and a slight skirmish occurred. A British Colonel (Hall) and three privateB
LINCOLN COUNTY. 288
"were killed, and thirty-six wounded. Lord Cornwallis' horse was shot from
under him, and fell dead as he reached the bank.
The brave Davidson fell here of our side, by the hand of a Tory.
Lord Cornwallis, in his general orders, at camp, on the 2d, returns his
** thanks to the brigade of Guards for their cool and determined bravery in
the passage of the Catawba, while rushine through that long and difficult
ford under a galline fire." A part of the British force crossed at Beattie's
Ford (Col. Websters Brigade). They united at the House of Alfred D. Kerr,
where a skirmish had taken place — then called Torrenco's.
Another order from his manuscript order book does credit to his head as
well as his heart.
" Head Qtjabters, Cross Roads to Salisbury, 1st Feb*, 1781.
"Lord Cornwallis is highly displeased that several houses were set on fire
during the march this day — a disgrace to the armv. lie will punish with
the utmost severity any person or persons who shall be found guilty of com-
mitting so disgraceful an outrage. His Lordship requests the commanding
officers of corps to find out the persons who set fire to the hpuses this day."
General Morgan had previously crossed safely the Catawba, at the Island
ford ; and met General Greene on the east bank of the ^iver, and with
him continued his retreat from the advancing forces of the British. The
Americans crossed the Yadkin at Trading Ford, on the night of the 1st and
on the 2d of February ; which on the 2d, from rains, was so swollen that the
British attenipted in vain that day to cross. Lord Cornwallis, after an
ineffectual cannonade over the river, returned to Salisbury, and on the 7th
crossed at the Shallow Ford.
aSN. JOSEPH GRAHAM.
Among the citizens of Lincoln, the name of Joseph Graham stands con-
spicuous. I am allowed to present a sketch of this meritorious officer by an
able and faithful hand.
General Graham was bom in Pennsylvania, October 13th, 1759. His mother
being left a widow with five small cnildren, and slender means to support
them, removed to North Carolina when he was about seven years of age. and
settled in the vicinity of Charlotte. He received the principal part of his
education at an academy then taught in Charlotte, and was distinguished
among his fellow students for talents, industry, and the most manly and con-
ciliating deportment. His thirst for knowledge led him at an early period to
become well acquainted with all those interesting events which preceded and
prepared for, our revolutionary struggle. He was present in Charlotte, on
the 20th of May, 1775, when the first Declaration or Independence was for-
mally and publicly made. The deep impression made upon his mind by the
solemn ana illustrious decisions of mat day, gave ^od evidence that he was
then preparing for the noble stan^vhich he took during the war.
He enlisted in the army of the JB^d States in the month of May, 1778, at
the ago of nineteen years. Ho se^MTin the. 4th Regiment of North Carolina
regular troops, under Colonel Archibald Lytle, and acted as an officer in
Captain Goodcn's company. The troops to which he was attached were
ordered to rendezvous at Bladensburg, in Maryland. Having proceeded as
far as Caswell county, they received intelligence of the battle at Monmouth,
and that the British having gone to New lork, their services would not be
needed. He returned home on furlough.
Ho was again called into service on the 5th of November, 1778, and marched
under the command of General llutherfurd to Purysburg, on the Savannah
Biver, soon after the defeat of General Ashe at Brier Crock.
He was with the troops under General Lincoln, in the trying and painful
struggles against General Prevost, and foucht in the battle of Stono, on the
20th of June, 1779, which lasted an hour and twenty minutes. During nearly
the whole of this campaign he acted as quarter-master. In July, 1779, he
was taken with the fever, and after two months' severe illness was discharged
near Dorchester and returned home.
234 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Aft«r recovering from the effects of sickness and privation, he aided his
niothor in the support of her family, and was ploughing in her field when he
received intelligence of the surrender of Charleston, and that the British had
defeated Col. Buford at the Waxhaw, and were within forty miles of Char-
lotto. Instead of being deterred by the sufferings of the previous campaign,
or the perils of that alarming moment, he resolved at once to leave his
plough, and enter the army. He was immediately appointed adjutant of the
Mecklenburg regiment, and spent the summer with them in opposing and
assailing the troops of Lord Rawdon.
When it was understood that the British were marching to Charlotte, he
was commanded by General Davidson to repair to that place, and take com-
mand of such force as should collect there, and to join Colonel Davie. The
British army entered Charlotte the 26th of September, 1780. General Gra-
ham was assigned the command of those troops which sustained the retreat
of General Davie, and opposed Tarleton's cavairy and a regiment of infantrr
for four miles on the road leading to Salisbury. After a heavy and well-
directed fire upon the British from the court house to the Gum Tree, General
Graham retreated with the men under his command and formed on the planta-
tion now owned by Joseph McConnaughey, Esq., and again attacked their
advancing column of infantry. There his life was providentially preserved
fh>m the bursting of a gun, fired by the soldier who stood at his side, and whose
arm was wounded. After again retreating, he formed on the hill above where
Sugar Creek church now stands. There, owing to the imprudent, bat honest
leal of a Major White, they were detained too long, for by the time they
reached the Cross Roads, a party of British dragoons were coming up the road
leading from Captain Kennedy's, and after close pursuit for nearly two miles,
overtook them. Colonel Franc^ Locke, of Rowan county, an intelligent and
brave officer, was killed upon the margin of a small pond, now to be seen at
the end of Mr. Alexander Kennedy's lane. Between that spot and where
Mr. James A. Houston now lives. General Graham was cut down and severely
wounded. He received nine wounds; six with the sabre and three with leaa.
His life was again narrowly and mercifully preserved by a large stock buckle
which broke the violence of a stroke, which to human view, must otherwise
have proved fatal. He received four deep gashes of the sabre over his head
and one in his side, and three balls were futerward removed from his body.
After being much exhausted by loss of blood he reached the house of Mrs.
Susannah Alexander, who yet lives near the same place, where he was
kindly nursed and watched during the night, and his wounds dressed as
well as circumstances would permit. The next day he reached his mother's,
where Major Bostwick now lives. From that he was taken to the hospital,
and was two months recovering.
Thus, at the tender age of twenty-one years, we see this gallant officer
leading a band of as brave men as ever faced a foe, to guard the ground first
consecrated by the Declaration of American Independence, and when the
foot of tyranny was treading it, and resistonce proved unsuccessful, leaving
his blood as the best memorial of a rightdj^ cause, and of true heroism in its
defence.
While the whole country was in distress, its property pillaged, its houses
forsaken, and its defenceless inhabitants flying from the snockof arms, a few
noble sons of Mecklenburg compelled Lord Cornwallis to designate Charlotte
as the Hornet Nest of America,
As soon as he recovered from his wounds, he again entered the service of
his country. General William Davidson, who had command of all the
militia in the western counties of North Carolina, applied to him to raise one
or more companies, promising him such rank as the number of men raised
would justify. It proved not only his energy of purpose, but great influence,
that, at that difficult and hazardous period, he could raise a company of fifty-
five men in two weeks. They were mounted riflemen, armed also with
■words, and some with pistols. They supplied themselves with horses, pro-
cured their own eauipments, and entered the field without commissary or
quarter-master, ana with every prospect of hard fighting and little compen-
sation.
LINCOLN OOUNTT. 286
After Tarleton's signal defeat at the Cowpons, Comwallis resolved to pur-
sue General Morgan. At that time General Greene had received the com-
mand of the Southern Army, and had stationed himself at Hick's Creek, on
the north of the Pedee, near to Choraw. After Morgan's victory and suc-
cessful retreat, General Greene left his main army with General Hugcr, and
rode one hundred and fifty miles to join Morgan's detachment. The plan of
opposing Lord Cornwallis in crossing the Catawba River, was arranged by
General Greene, and its execution assigned to General Davidson. Feints of
passing were made at different places, but the real attempt was made at
Cowan's Ford. Soon after the action commenced, General William Da-
vidson was killed, greatly lamented by all who knew him, as a talented,
brave, and generous officer. The company commanded by General Graham
was the first to commence the attack on the British as they advanced through
the river, which was resolutely continued until they reached the bank, loaded
their arms, and commenced a heavy fire upon his men, two of whom were
killed. It was supposed that General Davidson was killed by a Tory, who
was pilot to the British in crossing the river, as ho was shot with a small
rifle ball. Colonel William Polk and the Rev. Mr. McCall were near to him
when he fell. His body was found that night and buried in the present
graveyard of Hopewell Church.
The North Carolina militia were then placed under the command of Gen.
Pickens, of South Carolina, and continued to pursue the British as they ad-
.vanced toward Virginia. General Graham with his company and some
troops from Rowan County, surprised and captured a f^ara at Hart's Mill,
one and a half miles from Hillsborough, where the British army then lay,
and the same day were united to Colonel Lee*s forces. On the next day he
was in an action under General Pickens with Colonel Pyles, who commanded
350 Tories, on their way to join Tarleton. These Tories supposed the Whigs
to be a company of British troops, sent for their protection, and commenced
cyying " God save the king." Tarleton was about a mile from this place, and
retreated to Hillsborough. Shortly afterwards. General Graham was in an
engagement under Colonel Lee, at Clapp's Mill on the Alamance, and had
two of his company killed, three wounaed, and two taken prisoners. A few
days afterwards he was in an action at Whitsell's Mill, under the command
of Colonel Washington.
As the time for which his men had engaged was expired, and the country
annoyed with Tories, General Greene directed him to return with his com-
pany, and keep them in a compact body until they crossed the Tadkin, which
they did, March 14th, 1781.
After the battle at Guilford, the British retired to Wilmington, and but
little military service was performed in North Carolina during the summer
of 1781. About the first ot September, Fannin surprised Hillsborough, and
took Governor Burke prisoner. General Rutherford, who had been taken
Erisoner at Gates' defeat, and with many other distinguished citizens had
ecn Confined in custody, was discharged and returned home about this time.
He immediately gave orders to GNB^ral Graham, in whose military prowess
and general influence he hod the utmost confidence, to raise a troop of cavalry
in Mecklenburg County. Three troops of dragoons and about two hundred
mounted infantry were raised and formed into a legion, of which Robert
Smith, Esq., who had been a Captain in the North Carolina line, was ap-
pointed Colonel, and General Graham was appointed Major. They forthwith
commenced their march towards Wilmington. South of Fayetteville, with
ninety-six dragoons and forty mounted infantry, General Graham made a
gallant and successful attack upon a body of Tories commanded by the noted
Tory Colonels McNeil, Ray, Graham, and McDou^al. This action took
place near McFall's Mill, on the Raft Swamp, in which the Tories were sig-
nally defeated, their leaders dispersed in dismay, and their cause greatlj^
injured. That one hundred and thirty-six Whigs should attack and tri-
umphantly defeat six hundred Tories, headed by four Colonels, reflects great
honor upon the bravery and intelligence of their youthful commander.
A short time afterwards he commanded one troop of dragoons and two of
mounted infantry, in Burpriaing and defeating a band of Tories on Mr. Al-
286 ' HISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
fred Moore's plantation opposite to Wilmington. On the next day. he led the
troops in person which made a resolute attack on the British |i^rriiioD, near
the same place. Shortly afterwards, he commanded three companies in de-
feating the celebrated CTol. Gagny, near Waccamaw lake. Shortly after this,
the war was terminated in the south by the surrender of Lord Oornwallis, at
Yorktown in Virginia.
This campaign clof«ed Gen. Graham's services in the Revolationary War,
having commanded in fifteen engagements, with a degree of oourage, wis-
dom, calmness, and success, surpassed perhaps, by no officer of the same
rank. Hundreds, who served under him, have delighted in testifying to the
upright, faithful, prudent, and undaunted manner in which he discharged
the duties of his trying and responsible station. Never was he known to
shrink from any toil, however painful, or quail before any danger, however
threatening, or stand back from any privations or sacrifices which might
serve his country. To secure her liberties, he ^ent many toilsome davs and
sleepless nights ; for her he endured much fatigue, and sickness, and sudfering,
without a murmur ; for her, his body was covered with wounds ; to her wel-
fare he consecrated his time, and treasure, and influence, during a long and
unblemished life. It was not by empty words or arrogant pretensions, bat
by self-denying and long-continued actions, that he proved himself to be a
friend to his country.
After the close of the war, he was elected the first Sheriff of Mecklenburg
county, and gave great satisfaction by the faithful and exemplary perform-
ance of the duties of that office. He was afterwards, for a number of years,
a prominent member of the General Assembly from the same county. Aboat
the year 1787, he was married to the second daughter of Major John David-
son.* By this marriage, he had twelve children, seven of whom have sur-
vived him.f Not long after his marriage he removed to Lincoln County, and
engaged in the manufacture of iron, and for more than forty years l>efore his
death, conducted a largo establishment with great energy and prudence.
In the year 1814, when the war with the Ureek Indians was ra^ng with
violence, and Generals Jackson, Coffee, and Carroll, were repelling with
signal bravery their ruthless aggressions. North Carolina determined to send
1000 men to aid the volunteers from Tennessee and Georgia, in the conflict
with those savages. Gen. Graham's renown as an officer, and his worth as
a man, commended him as the loader of the troops from this State. He re-
ceived the commission of General, and was strongly solicited by the Governor
of the State to accept the appointment Although the circumstances of his
family rendered his absence one of great loss and self-denial, he promptly
obeyed the call of his country, and marched at the head of a fine Regiment
of Volunteers to the scene of conflict. They arrived about the time the last
stroke of punishment was inflicted upon the Creeks by Gen. Jacknon, at the
battle of die Horse Shoe ; and in time to receive the submission of those they
expected to conquer. Several hundred of the lower Creeks surrendered to
them.
For many years after the last war, he^iras M^jor-General of the 5th Divi-
sion of the Militia of North Carolina.
In the year 1802, he was earnestly requested by sundry persons in the
western part of the State, friendly to the better organization of the Militia,
to address the Legislature on the subject, and to propose a plan for a Military
Academy. The address evinced enlarged and judicious sentiments on the
subject, and drew from the Assembly the following resolution: —
*' Resolved, That the thanks of this General Assembly be presented to Jo-
seph Graham, Esq., of Lincoln County, for his plan of a Military Academy
sabmitted to the consideration of this Legislature, and that the address be
printed, ten copies for each County in the State, to be delivered with the
Laws and Journals to the Clerks of the several County Courts, and by them
to the Commandants of the several regiments, to be at their disposal."
By a life of temperance and regular exercise, with the blessing of God, he
enjoyed remarkable health and vigor of constitution. On the 13th of October,
* Irabella. f The youngest of them is now Secretary of the Navy.
LINCOLN COUNTY. 287
1836, he made the following minute in his Day-Book. ** This day I am
Seventy-seven years of age, and in good health, JJei Graiia."
As toe disease which terminated his life was apoplexy, its paralyiing stroke
was sudden and unexpected. He rode from Lincolnton on the 10th of No-
vember, and on the evening of the 12th, closed his eyes upon the cares and
trials of a long, useful, ana honorable life.
" Hope looks beyond the bounds of time,
When what we now deplore,
Shall ri»e in full immortal prime,
And bloom to fade no more."
R.H. M.
A NOTICE OF THE BREVARD FAMILY.
The Brevard family acted a very important part during our revolutionary
struggle. A short notice of it may possess some interest.
The first one of the name of whom anything is known, was a French Ilur-
Sienot. lie left his native land on the revocation of the edict of Nantes,
oing to the northern part of Ireland among the Scotch Irish, he there formed
an acquaintance with a family of McKxitts. In company with them bo set
sail for the American shores. One of this family was a joun^ and blooming
lassie. Brevard and herself discovered in each other kindred spirits, and a
mutual attachment sprung up between them. They joined their fortunes,
determined to share the hardships and trials incident to a settlement in a
new country, at that time filled with wild beasts and savages. They settled
on the waters of Elk River, in Maryland. The issue of this marriage were
five sons and a daughter; John, Robert, Zebulon, Benjamin, and Adam, and
Elizabeth. The three elder brothers, with their sister and her husband,
came to North Carolina between 1740 and 1750. The three brothers were
all Whigs during the Revolution — but this notice will be confined to the
family of John, lie, before leaving the State of his father's adoption, married
a sister of Dr. McWhorter, a Presbyterian minister, who also came to North
Carolina, and had for a time the control of Queen's Museum in Charlotte.
Dr. McWhorter's literary acquirements were considerable. lie was the author
of the two volumes of " JVIcWhorter's Sermons." Being a very zealous
Whig, the British were very anxious to get their hands on him, on account of
the independent and revolutionary spirit of his addresses both in and out of
the pulpit. And had they been successful. Dr. McWhorter would probably
have paid for his patriotism with his life. But they failed in their endeavors,
and he at length returned to the North.
John Brevard settled himself two or three miles from Centre Cburch, in
Iredell county. At the commencement of the Revolutionary War, his family
consisted of eight sons and four daughters. Mary, Ephraim, John, Jingh,
Adam, Alexander, Robert, Benjamin, S^ancy, Josepli, Jane, and Rebecca. It
has been stated, that he died befo^ the close of the war. This is a mistake
— but he was too old to be constantly employed on active service — and be-
sides, his family required a portion of nis attention, lie was, however,
alwavs ready to render any assistance in his power to the Whigs. He had
instilled his principles into his children, and they bore the proper fruit. As
a penalty for it. Lis dwelling and every outhouse on the premises were
burned to the ground. When this happened he was absent.
The British army under Lord Cornwallis came to his house, and found no
one there except his wife, an old lady. She had received notice of their ap-
proach, and had sent her daughters to a neighboring house across a swamp,
to preserve them from any indignities that might be offered them by an un-
feeling soldiery. She determined to remain, trusting to her advanced age
and sex, and attempt to save the property. When the army came up, an
officer drew a paper from his pocket, and afler looking at it said, that the
houses must be burned. They were accordingly set on fire. Mrs. Brevard
attempted to rescue some of the furniture from the flames — but the soldiers
288 HISTOBT OF NO&TH OABOUNA.
would throw it back as fast as she could take it out Eyerything was lost
The old lady was treated very rudely ; and part of her clothes were tora
from her body — but she received no actual personal injury. They gave as a
reason for their conduct, that her sons were all d— d rebels, and that she
had eight sons then in (as they were pleased to call it] the rebel army.*
Mart, the eldest daughter of John Brevard, married General Davidson,
who was killed at Cowan's Ford, on the Catawba River.
Nancy married John Davidson. They were both killed by the Indians, at
the head of the Catawba River.
Jane, married Ephraim, a brother of John Davidson, and a decided Whig.
Though very young, he was sent by General Davidson the night before the
skirmish at Cowan's Ford, with an express to Colonel Morgan, warning him
of the approach of the British forces.
Rebecca married a Jones, and moved to Tennessee.
Ephraim Brevard was the eldest son ; while a boy he had the misfortune
to lose one of his eyes. This, however, did not prevent his being educated.
After a course of preparatory studies he went to Princeton College, New Jersey.
Having graduated, ne then turned his attention to the medic^ profession.
After a due course, he settled himself as a practicing physician in the town
of Charlotte, North Carolina. Possessed of a superior mind, well educated,
and of prepossessing manners, his influence over his fellow citizens was very
considerable.
The war of the Revolution with all its- hardships and trials commenced —
the emergency of the times called for sound judgment and a bold and daring
spirit — in Dr. Brevard these requisites were found — and sprung from an an-
cestry who had left their native land to escape from the restraint on con-
science, his indignant soul was roused to energetic opposition, when civil
oppression raised its head in the home of their aaoption.
The battle of Lexington had been fought. It was apparent that the
mother country was lost to all sense of justice to her colonics, and that she
was determined, if possible, to force her unconstitutional measures upon them.
Colonel Thomas Polk took a very active part in getting up a meeting of the
citizens of Mecklenburg, for the purpose of consulting upon what course
should be pursued. This meeting was composed of two persons sent from
each Captain's beat. It was organized in Charlotte, by the appointment of
Abram Alexander as Chairman, and John McKnitt Alexander and Dr.
Brevard as Secretaries, May 19, 1775.
This day was taken up m discussion. Independence was proposed, and
Dr. Brevard came forward as one of its advocates. At first it met with oppo-
sition ; but all objections were at len^h removed, and a committee appointed
to draft resolutions declaring their independence. These resolutions were
drawn up by Dr. Brevard, who, with two others, was selected for the pur-
pose. They were read to the meeting on the morning of May 20th, 1775, and
adopted. They were then taken to the door of the Court House, and again
read by Colonel Thomas Polk, to a large assemblage of people. The ques-
tion was asked, "Are you agreed?" It was answered in the affirmative,
amidst loud huzzas, and clapping of hands, throwing up hats, and every
■how of approbation, by people who had hitherto enjoyed liberty and were
determined to preserve it, or sacrifice evervthing in the attempt. A notice
of the proceedings of this meeting may be found in the " Sketches of North
Carolina," by Dr. Foote, and also of another instrument, entitled, " Instruc-
tions for the delegates of Mecklenburg." In those, the principles of civil
and religious liberty are clearly and comprehensively set torth. The rights
of only one denomination (the Roman Catholic) were restrained. This was
very natural in view of the persecutions it had formerly visited upon others —
and the document, moreover, came from one whose ancestry nad received
little kindness at its hands.
Dr. Brevard entered the army as surgeon or surgeon's mate, as his com-
mission will show. In this capacity he continued to act until taken prisoner
* Thiff conduct received the stroDg disapprobation of Lord Comwallis. See his orders,
page 233.
LTKCOW OOUNTT. 289
«t the siege of Charleston. There being too much confined, and living upon
unwholesome diet, he was taken sick, llaving been set at liberty, he started
fur home, and proceeded on his journey to the residence of John McKnitt
Alexander, his friend and a sterling patriot — there he breathed his last. He
died, but his principles should live on ! The place of his interment is un-
known, but his memory should be preserved, cherished and honored '* while
liberty has a friend on earth." In the words of Dr. Foote, ** he thought
clearly — felt deeply — wrote well — ^resisted bravely, and died a martyr to that
liberty none loved better, and few understood so well." Dr. Brevard leflone
child, a daughter. She married a Dickerson, and lefl one cbild, a son —
James P. Dickerson. He was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the South Carolina
regiment in the Mexican war, and died from a wound he received in battle
near the city of Mexico.
Jous Brevard, Jr., served in the Continental Army with the commission of
lieutenant.
Hugh Brevard, with several other brothers, was at the battle of Ramsour's
Mill. He was a Colonel of the militia, and died before the close of the war.
Adam Brevard served one year in the Northern army. Ho then came
south, and was present at the battle of Kamsour's Mill. He there bad the
button shot from his pantaloons, but escaped unharmed. He was a black-
smith ; and, after the war, followed his trade for a time. He studied law in
his shop when not too much pressed with business ; and finally abandoned
his trade and went to the practice of law. In this ho succeeded well, and
■tood high as a man of talents and wit. He wrote a piece called the '* Meck-
lenburg Censor," full of wit and humor.
Alexander Brevard joined the army as a cadet. He first received the com-
mission of Lieutenant, then Captain, in the Continental Army. He was
engaged in the battles of White Plains, Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine,
Monmouth, and Gormantown, and continued in the Northern army under
General Washington, until some time in the year 1779 ; then, his health fail-
ing, he was sent into the country. After a short absence, he reported himself
for service to General Washington. The humane commander, seeing his
slender figure and delicate appearance, remarked that he was unfit for hard
service, and asked where his friends lived. The reply was North Carolina.
The General then advised his return to them. He did so ; and his health
having improved, he immediately joined the southern division of the army
under General Gates. Being a Captain in the regular service, and his com-
pany absent, he was appointed Quarter-master, and acted as such at the
Imttlo of Camden. His active temperament would not suffer him to be un-
emploved. But when the two armies were drawn up for action, he exposed
his life by riding to a position whenoe he could have a fair view of their
movements. He soon discovered that defeat was certain. He returned to
the baggage wagons, and started some of them off, and was preparing the
others to go ; but the rout was so complete that everything was lost. Some
of the wagons had gone five or six miles. From those the horses were cut
loose by Sying men. After the defeat of General Gates, General Greene
took the command of the Southern army. Alexander Brevard was with this
gallant Commander in all his battles — so that he was in active service, with
Ettle interruption from the beginning to the close of the war. If the subject
was presented, he would enter into conversation with reference to the battles
in wnich he had been engaged. He thought that his hardest fighting was at
Eutaw Springs. He was there in command of his company, and lost from
it some eighteen or twenty men. At one time during this action, he and his
company were in a very critical situation. A division of British came in
behind while they were closely engaged in front ; but Colonel Washington
discovered and made an impetuous charge upon this division. A portion of
his men broke through, and formed to renew the charge. This was prevented
by the retreat of the enemy into a position whore it was impossible for the
cavalry to make its way. Col. Washington was unhorsed and taken prisoner,
but succeeded in preventing the meditated attack in the rear. Brevard had
not observed this division — and the first thing he saw was the fiying caps and
tumbling horses of the cavalry as they made their charge upon them. H«
240 HISTO&Y OF NORTH OABOLINA.
uBed to relate an occurrence showing the cool, or it might be called thoughtless,
bravery of some men in time of danger. Jlis division was at one time drawn
up in an old open field, barely wiSiin reach of the enemy's cannon. The
balls would strike a few yards from them, covering those around and himself
with dust and dirt. Some were killed, others taken back with their limbs
broken or greatly mangled, lie said the cries and shrieks of these unfortu-
nate men were truly heart rending. During t&is period of danger and suf-
fering there was an officer who probably had never been in action before ;
and, though he mi^ht have been as brave as other men, he was unaccustomed
to such scenes. His limbs trembled and his knees struck each other. A cap-
tain who was acquainted with Brevard called out — " Brevard ! Brevard I Bel-
ahazzar, by G — d !'' pointing at the same time to the over-excited officer. The
night of the retreat trom this battle, the army was in great confusion. Men
were going in every direction— some inquiring for one regiment or company,
some another, showing that they were entirely lost from their places, liad
pursuit been made, a rout would probably have been the consequence.
After the war Brevard married a daughter of John Davidson, who had been a
Major in the war, and one of the signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of
Independence. His father-in-law suggested to himself and Joseph Graham,
another son-in-law, the propriety of entering into the iron business. They
assented, and went over into Lincoln County. There they found Peter
Forney in possession of an iron ore bank. With him they formed a copart-
nership, and erected Vesuvius Furnace, now known as Graham's Furnace, on
the road from Lincolnton to Beattie's Ford. After operating for a time
Forney withdrew. Davidson and Brevard left Graham in the management
of Vesuvius Furnace, and built Mount Tirza Force, known as Brevard's
Forge. The sons-in-law bought out Davidson, and finally they dissolved.
Brevard then built a furnace on Lceper's Creek, above Mount Tirza Forgo.
He continued in the iron business until his death, Nov. 1, 1829. Being of
a retiring disposition he never sought political favor ; but preferred to dis-
charge his obligations to his country rather by obeying than by making her
laws. His manners were frank and candid; and the more intimately he was
known the better was he beloved. The dishonest met his searching eye with
dread ; hut the industrious and honest ever found in him a kind adviser and
a sure assistant. Long will he be remembered as a pure man, a faithful
friend, and an upright citizen, conscientious in the discharge of all his obli-
flHitions, and in the performance of all his duties. He was an elder in the
Presbyterian Church ; and died as he had lived, a true Christian, placing a
firm reliance in the promises of the Bible. His remains lie two or three hun-
dred yards from the road leading by Brevard's Furnace, from Lincolnton to
Seattle's Ford — a spot chosen by General Graham and himself as a family
burying ground. A large square tombstone marks the resting-place of him-
self, his wife, a daughter and two grandchildren. He left seven children —
Ephraim, Franklin, Harriet, Robert, Joseph, Theodore, and Mary. Eloisa,
Harriet (older than the daughter who survived him), Rowena, and Alfred,
died before their father. Franklin and Joseph represented, at different times,
the county of Lincoln in the legislature of North Carolina. Franklin also
became a candidate for Congress ; but he belonged to a party which was in
the minority, and though he received a strong vote, was defeated. Theodore
moved to Alabama, and represented his county in the legislature of that
State. He was afterwards elected Judge. He resigned this office, and moved
to Florida.
Joseph Brevard, the youngest son of John Brevard, Sr., held the commis-
sion of Lieutenant in the Continental Army, at the age of seventeen. His
brother Alexander said that he was at that time quite small and delicate, and
that he always felt sorry for him when his turn came to mount guard.
General , who was in command at Philadelphia, discovering that he
wrote a pretty hand, appointed him his private secretary. In this position
he continued until he received the commission of Lieutenant in the Cavalnr
of the southern army. This he kept to the close of the war. He aflerwar^
•iadied law and settled in Camden, S. C. He there took a high stand among
LINCOLN COUKTT. 241
his fellow-citizens. After filling several offices of public trust, he was
elected Jud^, which post ho filled with honor. He resigned his Judgeship,
and was twice elected to Congress from his district. He made a digest of
the Statute Laws of South Carolina; and also left one or two volumes of
^ses reported by himself. These books, particularly the latter, are still
referred to as good legal authority. He died in Camden. He is gone — but
his name is still cherished and honored by those who remember his virtues.
Such is a brief and imperfect sketch of that family whose name is prefixed.
Some things have, no doubt, been overlooked. Many events and occurrences
of interest connected with the Brevard name have sunk, together with their
actors, in the tomb, and must rest there in eternal silence. But whatever
may be the defects of this piece, the writer has the gratification of knowing
that he has done nothing wrong in attempting to set forth the merits of the
truly deserving. A. F. B.
rORNET FAlflLT.
Among the early settlers of Lincoln County, there is no name more closely
connected with remarkable courage, or remarkable services, than that of Jacob
FoR-VET, Sen. Ho was the son of a French Huguenot, and was born about
the year 1721. At the revocation of the edict of Nantes, in 1G85, his father
fled from France, preferring self-expatriation to the renunciation of his re-
ligious belief, and settled in Alsace, on the Rhino, where fVeedom of opinion
and worship was tolerated. Here his father died, leaving him an orphan at
four years of age. About the age of fourteen, he left Alsace, and went to
Amsterdam. Delighted, whilst there, with the glowing accounts whi^ch
crossed the Atlantic respecting the New World, and allured with the pros-
pect of enjoying still greater political and religious liberties, he came to
America by the first vessel having that destination, and settled in Penn-
sylvania. Here he remained industriously employed until the age of ma-
turity, when he returned to Germany to procure a small legacy. • Having
adjusted his affairs there, he again embarked for America on board of a ves-
sel bringing over many emigrants from the Canton of Berne, in Switzerland.
Among this number was a blithesome, rosy-cheeked damsel, buoyant with
the charms of youth, who particularly attracted young Forney's attention.
It is scarcely necessary to inform the reader that her acquaintance was soon
made, a mutual attachment, silently, but surely formed between two youthful
hearts, so congenial in feeling, and similarly filled with the spirit of adventure.
Prosperous gales auickly wafted the vessel in safety to the shores of America,
and soon after their arrival in Pennsylvania, Jacob Forney and Maria Ber^
ner (for that was the fair one's name} were united in marriage. About this
time, the rich but cheap lands of the Yadkin and Catawba, with a salubrious
clime, were attracting a numerous emigration from the Middle States. In-
fluenced by such inviting considerations, Forney's determination was soon
made up to join the tide of emigration, and accordingly, a few years after his
marriage, he removed to Carolina, and settled in Lincoln County about the
year 1754.
The first settlers of Lincoln County suffered greatly by the depredations of
the Cherokee Indians. On more than one occasion, many of the inhabitants
temporarily abandoned their homes, and removed to the settlements east of the
Catawba. Others, finding it inconvenient to remove, constructed rude forts
for their mutual defence. A repetition of these depredations liaving occurreil
a few years after Forney's arrival, he joined those who removed, until the
Indians could be severely chastised or completely subdued by military force.
It may not be devoid of interest to hero relate a remarkable and well-au-
thenticated adventure which Forney had with the Indians, occurring at this
troublesome time, and illustrating one of the most common dangers of a fron-
tier life. Having removed his family to a place of safety, Forney returned
to his former place of abode, accompanied by two of his neighbors, Messrs.
Richards and Fronabarger, to search for his cattle. Thev accordingly set
out to examine the ridges, then everywhere covered with luxuriant ps^stnr-
age, but had not proceeded much more than a mile, before they spied a srnaU
Indian just ahead of them, and not far from the spot of ground now well
242 HISTORY OF KOKTH OABOLIKA.
known as the " Rock Spring Gamp Ground." It was supposed the Indian had
been placed there as a sentinel to give information to his comrades, of de-
fenceless white passengers, as it was not far from the place where seTeral
families had erected a fort. Forney, being a good marksman, raised his gnn
to shoot the Indian, but Richards, relying ^eatly on his activity, proposed
to steal upon him unaware, and thus catch him hy ^ fair foot-race. The pro-
posal was agreed to, but just at that moment, the Indian discovered them,
and made his escape. Forney truly suspected that more Indians were in the
immediate vicinity. lie and his party, however, continued their coarse, but
had progressed only a little way, when they discovered directly ahead of
them, eleven Indians armed with guns, and several smaller ones bearing
tomahawks. Forney, with a courage equal to ani^ emergency, was for giving
them battle, but his two companions over-ruled him, contenoing it would be
impossible to rout or subdue such a large number. It was, therefore, deemed
advisable to retreat^ or rather, change their course, and, if possible, make
their way to the fort. After proceeding a «hort distance, the Indians ap-
proached considerably nearer, and immediately commenced a brisk firing.
Forney directed his party to reserve their fire until the Indians would ap-
proach sufficiently near to take a sure and deadly aim, and to maintain an
orderly retreat in the direction of the fort. Unfortunately, Richards was
dangerously wounded soon after they commenced retreating. At this criti-
cal moment, when one or two well-directed tires might have repulsed their
enemy, Fronabarger's courage fuled him, and he made his escape, believing,
DO doubt, with Iludibras, that
<< He that fifrhts and runs away,
May live to %ht another day.''
Richards was then directed to retreat as fast as his wounded condition would
permit. Forney, in the meantime, managed to keep the Indians at bay hj
presenting his unerring rifle, when, strange to relate, they would immedi-
ately fall down in the grass or take shelter behind the trees— each one, no
doubt, supposing the well-aimed shot might fell him to the earth. In this
manner an irregular firing was kept up by the Indians, and continued rf-
ireaiimii by Forney and his wounded companion for several hours 1 At length,
poor Richards, who had succeeded in retreating about two miles, partly by
nis owu exertions, and partly by being carried on Forney's back, became faint
from loss of blood; and seeing the imminent danger of his friend's life,
directed Forney to leave him, and save himself. Forney then reluctantly
left him, and pursued his course in the direction of the Fort. But fortunately
for him, the Indians did not pursue him much farther, being probably satisfied
with the scalp of poor Richards. Upwards of eighty years have rolled by
since the occurrence of this tragical event — thai generation, and ««n iheir
children, have nearly all descended to the tomb, but still the grave of the
kind-hearted Richards can be pointed out to the inquiring stranger, not for
from the place where ho met his untimely end. In this unequal contest
Forney only received a small wound on the back of his left hand, but on ex-
amination, he discovered that numerous balls had pierced his clothes. This
skirmish shows what cool, determined bravery may effect under the most dis-
couraging circumstances ; and that an individual may sometimes providen-
tially escape, although made the object of a score of bullets, or of other
missiles of destruction. In the afternoon of the same day Forney reached the
Fort, the attack having commenced about ten o'clock A. M. The occupants
had hoard the reports of the repeated firing, and were, evidently, greatly
frightened. On his arrival, being quite thirsty, he called for a drink of
water, but the supply in the Fort was exhausted, and, strange to relate, not
one could be found willing to run the hazard of going to the spring, although
not for off! Seeing their great fear, he seized a cup, and set off in the direc-
tion of the spring. Immediately, nearly the whole of the inmates rushed out
from the Fort, and followed him, believing themselves perfectly safe in the
presence of one who had withstood unharmed all of the Indian bullets for
nearly half a day ! After this adventure and narrow escape became gene-
LI5C0LH COUNTT. S48
Tsllv known, a belief was entertained by the credulous portion of the com-
inanity, that Forney was bullet-proof. It was even affirmed that, after he
reached the Fort, he unbuttoned his vest, and TiQiir\y 9k peek of bullets dropped
out! In subsequent years Fumey was accustomed to smile at this innocent
credulity of his neiKubors, but frequently remarked that the impression of
his boin^ bullet-proof wfLB of great service to him in the trying times preceding
and during the Revolutionary War.
Another remarkable incident, and |)erhaps sufficiently interesting to claim
a place in this sketch, was the foUowiuj^ : When Gornwallis passed through
Lincoln County in pursuit of Morgan, it is well known he was arrested in
his progress by high-waters. During this apparently providential detention,
he was conducted by a Tory to Forney's plantation, about two miles from the
main road. Ilere he remained encamped for three days, consuming, in the
meantime, Forney's entire stock of cattle, hogs. Ice. But the extent of his
loss did not end here. His Lordship had been informed that Forney had a
considerable amount of money stored up, and that, if diligent search were
made, it might be readily found. Tiis information set the British to work,
and, aided by the Tory's suggestions, they finally succeeded in finding his
cold, jewelry, &c., a considerable portion of which he had brought with him
irom Germany. Whilst this work of search was going on without, his Lord-
ship was Quietly occupying his Head-Quarters up stairs, cogitating, perhaps,
on some aecisive course of future operations and military glory ! Forney
being old, and found unarmed, was not molested in his person or family,
and was allowed the privilege of living in the cellar. As soon as he ascer-
tained his gold and jawelry were taken, he seized his gun, and rushed into
the house with the determination of killing Gornwallis, but his wife auickly
followed, and intercepted him at the foot of the stairs, thus preventing the
most deplorable consequences — the loss, perhaps, of his own life and that of
his whole family. But the prudent advice of nis wife, " Heaven's last, best
^ft to man," had its proper effect, and caused him, afler a moment's reflec-
tion, to desist from his purpose. It is scarcely necessary to inform the
reader he was punished in this severe manner fur his well-known opposition
to the unjust claims of Great Britain, and zealous support of the cause of
liberty.
After Gornwallis lefl, Forney ascertained that the Tory informer was a
certain Mr. Deck, one of his near neighbors, with whom he had always lived
on terms of friendship. Gonsidering the act an outrageous breach of their
hitherto friendly relations, and believing the heavy losses he had sustained
mainly attributable to the Tory's agency, he could not overlook the enormity
of the offence. Ho accordingly sent a message to the Tory, that he must
leave the neighborhood : if not, A<e would shoot him at the first opportunity. The
Tory, however, did not think it proper to comply immediately with this stern
message. Forney hearing of this, armed himself, and went in pursuit ; but
the Tory eluded him by lying out, and otherwise concealing nimself. At
length, Forney came upon him one day fast asleep. He raised his gun to
shoot him, but, at that moment, concluded he would rouse him from his
slumbers before depriving him of his existence. The- Tory was accordingly
waked up. As soon as he beheld his dangerous situation, he immediately
commenced supplicating most earnestly for ufe, and making solemn promises
to leave the neighborhood. Forney, although smarting under his heavy
losses, yet could not resist such earnest and touching appeals to his mercy,
desisted from his purpose, and let him off. In the course of a few days, the
Tory, true to his promise, left the neighborhood, and never afterwards re-
turned.
During the Revolutionary War Forney was a firm and zealous Whig.
Bein^ too old to bear arms, his patriotic sentiments were early instilled into
his rising generation. His three sons, Jacob, Peter, and Abram, were all
unwavering Whigs, and sustained an honorable part in the cause of freedom.
The subject of this sketch died in 1806, near to the place where he first
settled, in the 85th year of his age.
244 HISTOEY OF KOETH CAROLINA.
General Peter Fornet, the subject of this biographical sketch, was the
second son of Jacob Forney, Sen., and bom in Lincoln County, April, 1756.
His father was the son of a French Huguenot, and his mother a Swiss. His
descent is thus traced to a noble stock of people, whose names and whose
deeds adorn the historic page, and are inseparably connected with the cause
of civil and religious liberty.
General Forney was a patriot and soldier of the RcYolution. Believing the
cause of freedom to be the cause of justice, no persuasive argument was ne-
cessary to enlist his warmest feelings for resistance, and arouse him to prompt
and energetic action. On several occasions, when the calls of duty summonea,
his services were cheerfully rendered in assbting to repel the enemy, and in
defending his country's rights. Having borne an honorable part in the es-
tablishment of independence, his attention was naturally directed, at the con-
clusion of the war, to the selection of some useful nursuit. His determina-
tion was soon made up, and he engaged in early life, associated with a com-
pany, in the making of iron, then a new and lucrative employment. After a
few years, the co-partnership was dissdlved. He then purchased lands on
Leeper's Creek, in the same neighborhood, and commenced business on his
own account. Here he permanently settled for life, prospered in his useful
calling, and acauired considerable wealth. His residence received the name
of '* Mount Welcome,'^ an appellation appropriately bestowed, as his f\iturd
history clearly proved. The poor of his own neighborhood were frequently
the beneficiaries of his bounty ; and the weary traveler was at all times made
'* welcome,'' and entertained beneath his hospitable roof, "without money,
and without price."
In 1783, he united in marriage with Miss Nancy Abemathy, a lady of great
worth, full of kind feelings, and benevolent in all her ways and actions. The
natural goodness of her heart made her the *' cheerful giver," and a portion of
whatever a kind Providence had placed at her disposal, was freely dispensed in
relieving the wants of the poor and the needy. Her numerous acts of chari^,
so well known in her lifetime, were free of all ostentation, and flowed silently
forth, like gentle streams, imparting new vigor, and refreshing everything in
their course.
An anecdote, illustrative of Mrs. Forney's domestic habits, may be here re-
lated. A gentleman passing by " Mount Welcome," General fomey's resi-
dence, and wishing to leave a message with the General, on some matter of
business, accordingly called for that purpose. Before, however, he reached
the gate immediately in front of the uwelling-house, he passed the cow-pen,
by the road-side, where he discovered a white woman, with one or two ser-
vants, busily engaged in milking cows. He inquired of the white woman,
whom he supposed to be some hired dairy maid, if General Forney was at
home. She informed him he was not. Then, replied the stranger, ** / trould
like to see his lady, and would be very much obliged to you if you would just
step to the house and request her to come to the gate for a moment." The
lady then informed him, he had now the pleasure of seeing Mrs, Forney , and
that she would cheerfully deliver any message he might leave. The stranger,
as might be imagined, felt greatly abashed at his mistake — made an apology,
which was kindly and good-humoredly received by Mrs. Forney, lie de-
livered his message, and then pursued his course.
General Fornoy was elected as a member to the House of Commons from
1794 to 1796, inclusive ; and to the Senate during the years 1801 and 1802.
He was again called out from the shades of private life by the partialities of
his fellow-citizens, and elected as a Representative to Congress from 1813 to
1815. The duties of which several important trusts he performed with great
acceptance and fidelity. He also served as Elector during the Presidential
campaigns of Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and Jackson. On each of these
occasions he was selected on account of his great worth of character, and ex-
tensive popularity. With these repeated evidences of popular favor his public
services ended. Frequent solicitations were tendered to him afterwards to be-
come a candidate, all of which he declined. The infirmities of old age were now
rapidly stealing upon him, and rendering him unfit for the discharge of public
LINCOLN COUNTT. 245
duties. Domestic concerns alone occupied his attention during the remainder
of his days. For several years preyious to his decease, his mental yigor and
corporeal strength greatly failed. It was now eyident to numerous rclatiyes
ana friends, that his earthly pilgrimage was drawing rapidly to its close. After
a short illness, without ^reat pain or suffering, he quietly departed his life,
on February 1st, 1834, in the seyentv-eighth year of his age, a bright ex-
ample of the useful citizen and upright man. Generosity, candor, integrity,
ana freedom from pride or yain snow, were prominent traits in his character.
Let his name and bis deeds, and his sterling yirtues be duly appreciated, and
faithfully imitated by the rising generation.
Major Daniel M. Fornbt was the eldest son of General Peter Forney, and
born in Lincoln County, May, 1784. His refined sense, excellent judgment,
and great personal worth, early marked him out for a sphere of public use-
fulness, lie was accordingly called to fill seyeral important trusts. During
the late war with Great Britain, he receiyed the appointment of Major, the
duties of which responsible office, he performed with fidelity and ability. He
aerycd as a Keprosentatiye to Congress from 1815 to 1818. From the years
1823 to 1826, inclusiye, he served as Senator from Lincoln County. In each
of these appointments, and others of less note which he filled, iaithfulness,
integrity, and a manly independence, marked the course of his actions. He
never resorted to the wily tricks of the demagogue to secure place or office,
but relied entirely on his known integrity, and a candid exposition of his
views and sentiments.
Major Forney married Harriet, daughter of Captain Alexander Brevard,
by whom he had several children.
In 1834, he removed to Alabama, where he spent his remaining days. His ur-
bane manners, gentlemanly deportment, and many excellent qualities of head
and heart, gained for him, m his new location, the same high reeard that justly
pertained to him in his native State. Beinjg seized with a chronic disease,
ne gradually sank under its debilitating effects, and died with peaceful re-
signation, at his adopted home, in Lowndes County, Alabama, October, 1847,
in the sixty-fourth year of his age.
Major Adram Forney was the youngest son of Jacob Forney, Sen., and bom
in Lincoln County, October, 1758. He was a patriot and soldier of the Revolu-
tion. At the youthful age of sixteen, he entered the service of his country,
and participated in several engagements, with distinguished bravery. So
strons was nis patriotic ardor and military enthusiasm, that on one or two
occasions, ho stole off from his father, whose unwillingness arose solely from
his youthful age. At the battle of King's Mountain, then twenty-two years
old, he fought with great bravery, and performed important service in gain-
ing the brilliant victory which there crowned the American arms. He also
participated in the battle at Ramsour's, near Lincolnton, with conspicuous
courage, and assisted to inflict the merited scourging which Tory-loyal ism
there received. His recollection of Revolutionary events was remarkably
vivid and accurate. No more exciting theme could be introduced than the
" times which tried men's souls," imparting, as it were, new vigor, and en-
kindling his warmest emotions in the faithful narration of memorable events.
Among other incidents of the battle of King's Mountain, which ho related,
was the following: — ** Some time after the battle commenced, and the con-
test became warm and well-maintained on both sides, a small party of the
Whigs, not liking the abundance of lead flyinc around them, and occasionally
cutting down some gallant soldier at their side, concluded to take temporary
shelter behind an oldchestnut tree — a mere shell — which stood near, and from
its walls to pour forth a destructive fire against the enemy. The British,
however, presently observed the quarter whence this galling fire proceeded,
and immediately returned military compliments with a few well-aimed vol-
leys at the old shell, completely shivering it. The concealed soldiers per-
oeiving that they had now oecome a concentrated object of attack, and stood
a very good chance of being killed with splinters instead of bullets, boldly
246 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
stepped forth from their retreat, presented an unbroken front, and foaghfe
bravely to the close of the engagement." The results of this decisive victory,
in which so much bravery was displayed, has never been sufficiently appre-
ciated, or even fully detailed on the page of history. That spirit of Torvism
and loyalism combined, which almost reigned triumphant m the Soutn on
account of previous reverses of the American arms, here received a death-blow
from which it never afterwards recovered. In particular, that Tory ascend-
ancy, which had for some time been raising aloft its insulting head, was there
completely subdued. But to secure this important result, some of the bravest
spirits of the Revolution there nobly fell in the cause of liberty. Colonel
Williams, with a courage indomitable and bravery undaunted, nobly fell
there whilst leading his men on to victory. Among his last words to his re*
giment, just at the moment of marching to the battle-ground, were these—
" Come on, my boys — the old wagoner never backed out yet." Major Chroni-
cle, a distinguished Whig of Lincoln County, prompt and energetic in his
movements, and greatly esteemed, there also met his untimely end. Indeed,
on no previous occasion did patriotic ardor ever burn with more fervency.
Never did the fixed and heroic determination to conquer or die, more mani-
festly exhibit itself among both officers and men. But nothing more than a
Eassing tribute to the actors and the occasion is here attempted. Let full
onor be done, by some future historian, to the memoir of the gallant sons
of Virginia and the Carolinas, who achieved this important victory.
Abram Forney died on the 22d of July, 1849, not far from the place of his
nativity, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. C. L. II.
lion. Robert H. Burton, son of Colonel Robert Burton, of Granville, was
a resident of Lincoln, and one of its ablest citizens. He was born in Gran-
yille County, in 1781. Ue was educated at the University, about 1790, but
did not graduate. He studied law, and settled in Lincoln, where he married
the daughter of John Fulen wider, £sq.
lie applied himself with such assiduity and ability to his profession, that
he soon rose to the head of the bar ; and in 1818, he was appointed a Judge
of the Superior Courts of Law, which, after riding one circuit, he resigned.
In 1830, he was elected Treasurer of the State, which he declined.
As a Christian, his life was a living proof of his sincerity ; as a citisen, he
was patriotic and enterprising ; and as a friend, sincere and faithful.
He died in 1842, loved and lamented by all who knew him, leaving a wife
and seven children to mourn their bereavement.
The late Colonel Michael Hoke was a native and resident of this county.
He was the son of the late Col. John Hoke, an enterprising and useful
citizen of this county, and born in 1810.
Ho was educated chiefly at Captain Patridge's Military Academy, Middle-
town, Connecticut, then in high repute. He studied law with Judge Tucker
in Virginia, and finished with Hon. R. H. Burton, whose daughter Frances
he married.
His ease of manners, brilliancy of oratory, and acquirements in his pro-
fession soon won him ** troops of friends" and an extensive practice.
He entered early ** the stormy sea" of politics, and in 1834 was a member
from Lincoln in the House of Commons ; which he held continuously until
1842, when he declined a re-election.
In 1844 he was nominated as the Democratic candidate for Governor, in
opposition to Hon. Wm. A. Graham, the present Secretary of the Navy ; and
such was the fairness of his conduct, his open, generous temper, his elevated
mode of argument, that even in high excitement, party spirit forgot its ran-
cor ; and he won, as he deserved, the regard and respect of all parties.
His career was short as it was brilliant. He died at Charlotte on the 9th
September, 1844, after an illness of ten days.
Captain John F. Hoke, the brother of Cfol. Hoke, is a native of Lincoln,
and her present senator. He graduated at the University in 1841, and studied
law. In the late war with Mexico he volunteered, and was appointed Cap-
UKCOLK OOiniTT.
24T
tain of Infantry, and was in the seyerelj contested battles of Tolema, Na-
tional Bridge, and Cerro Gordo.
Hon. William A. GaAnAM is a natiTe of this county, for whose biography
■ee Orange County.
Hon. Jamis Graham resides in this oounty ; a brother of the aboTe, and
son of Gen. Joseph Graham.
He was born in January, 1793, and was educated at the University, and
graduated in 1814, in the same clasa with Aaron Y. Brown Hate Governor of
Tennessee), Charles Manly (late Governor pf N. C), and otners.
He studied law, and practiced for many years with great success. He
moved to Rutherford, ana in 1822 represented that county in the House of
Commons, as also in 1823, 1828, and 1829.
He was elected from that District to Congress in 1833, and served until
1843, and elected again in 1845. He then retired from public life, and de-
TOted himself to agricultural pursuits, until his death, which occurred in Sep^
tember, 185V
Rev. RoBBfiT Hall Morrison, B. D., whose ambition has never led him
« The appIauM of listening Senates to command,"
but to discharge the far more important duty of teaching his fellow-men
" wisdom's ways,'' and the eternal truths of revelation, also resides in this
county.
He graduated in 1818 at Chapel Hill, in the same class with James K.
Polk, Wm. D. Mosely (late Governor of Florida), Hamilton C. Jones and
others. He has been pastor of several Presbyterian churches of the State,
President of Davidson Colle^, and is now pastor of Unity and Machpelah
churches, in this county, m married a daughter of Gen. Graham. He is
much esteemed by those who know him best, as one
((
whose doctrine and whose life
Coincident, exhibit lucid proof,
That he is honest in the sacred cause.*'
List of members of the General Assembly from Lincoln Goimty,
from date of its formation to 1850-51.
Tears.
Senate.
1780. James Johnston,
1781. James Johnston,
1782. James Johnston,
1783. Robert Alexander,
1784. Kobert Alexander,
1785. Robert Alexander,
1786. Robert Alexander,
1787. Robert Alexander,
1788. Joseph Dixon,
1789. Joseph Dixon,
1791. Joseph Dixon,
1792. Joseph Dixon,
1793. Joseph Dixon,
1794. Joseph Dixon,
1795. Joseph Dixon,
1796. Wallace Alexander,
1797. Wallace Alexander,
1798. Wallace Alexander,
1799. Wallace Alexander,
1800. Peter Forney,
1801. Peter Forney,
1802. Peter Forney,
1803. Henry Hoke,
25
House of Commons.
Valentine Mauney, John Sloan.
Robert Alexander, John Sloan.
Robert Alexander, John Sloan.
Daniel McKissick, John Sloan.
Daniel McRissick, John Sloan.
John Sloan, Daniel McKissick..
Daniel McKissick, John Sloan.
Daniel McKissick, Jos. Jenkins.
John Moore, Wm. McLean.
John Moore, Wm. McLean.
Wm. McLean, John Moore.
John Moore, Nathan Alexander.
John Moore, Nathan Alexander.
John Moore, Peter Forney.
Peter Forney, David Robeson.
Peter Forney, David Robeson.
Peter Forney, John Ramsour.
John Moore, John Ramsour.
John Moore, John Reinhardt.
John Moore, John Reinhardt.
Jesse Robeson, John Moore.
John Moore, Peter Hoyle.
John Moore, Peter Hoyle.
248
HISTORY OF KOBXH CABOLINA.
Fears. Senate.
1804. Henry Hoke,
1805. Ephraim Perkins,
1806. David Shufford,
1807. Andrew Hoylo,
1808. Andrew Hoyle,
1809. Andrew Hoyle,
1810. JohnReid,
1811. JohnReid,
1812. David Shufford,
1813. David Shufford,
1814. William McLean,
1815. David Shufford,
1816. David Shufford,
1817. JohnReid,
1818. JohnReid,
1819. Peter Hoyle,
1820. David Shufford,
1821. Robert Williamson,
1822. Robert Williamson,
1823. Daniel M. Forney,
1824. Daniel M. Forney,
1825. Daniel M. Forney,
1826. Daniel M. Forney,
1827. Michael Reinhardt,
1828. Michael Reinhardt,
1829. Daniel Hoke,
1830. Daniel Hoke,
1831. Daniel Hoke,
1832. Daniel Hoke,
1833. Daniel Hoke,
1834. Bartlett Shipp,
1835. John B. Harry,
1836. Michael Reinhardt,
1838. Michael Reinhardt,
1840. Thomas Ward,
1842. A. Ray,
1844. Larkin Stowe,
1846. Larkin Stowe,
1848. Henry W. Conner,
1850. John F.Hoke,
House of Commons.
John Moore, Peter Hoyle.
John Moore, Peter Hoyle.
John Moore, Peter Hoyle.
Peter Hoyle, Jones Abemathy.
Peter Hoyle, Jones Abemathy.
Daniel Hoke, Robert Patterson.
Peter Hoyle, Daniel Hoke.
Daniel Hoke, Peter Hoyle.
Daniel Hoke, Peter Hoyle.
Peter Hoyle, Daniel Hoke.
R. Patterson, John Ramsour.
Peter Hoyle, Daniel Hoke.
Peter Hoyle, Daniel Hoke.
Peter H^le, Henry Y. AVebb.
Robert Avilliamson, J. F. Brevard.
Robert AVilliamson, D. Conrad.
D. Conrad, Robert Williamsbn.
Peter Hoke, Oliver W. Holland.
Peter Hoke, Daniel Conrad.
0. W. Holland, Daniel Conrad.
Bartlett Shipp, Daniel Conrad.
0. W. Holland, Daniel Conrad.
0. AV. Holland, Bartlett Shipp.
Alex. J. M. Brevard, Daniel bonrad.
Bartlett Shipp, Andrew H. Loretz.
Bartlett Shipp, Andrew H. Loretz.
Bartlett Shipp, Andrew H. Loretz.
Myles W. Abernathy, Henry Cansler.
Myles W. Abernathy, Henry Cansler.
Daniel Conrad, William Johnson.
Michael Hoke, Henry Cansler.
Henry Cansler, Michael Hoke.
Michael Hoke, Henry Cansler, 0. W.
Holland, Thomas Ward.
M. Hoke, John Killian, 0. W. Hol-
land, AV. ^y. Monday.
M. Hoke, 0. ^y. Holland, W. W. Mon-
day, John Killian.
Larkin Stowe, Jas. H. AYhite, Nathaniel
Wilson, John Yount.
James H. White, Nathaniel AVilson,
F. D. Reinhardt, Richard Rankin.
James II. White, Franklin D. Rein-
hardt, N. Wilson, John Webster.
J. IL White, Franklin D. Reinhardt,
S. N. Stowe, Andrew H. Shufford.
Richard Rankin, F. D. Reinhardt, S.
N. Stowe, Henderson Sherrill.
XACDOWELL coxhm. 249
CHAPTER XLVII.
MACDOWELL COUNTY.
MacDowell County was erected in 1842, and called in honor of
Colonel Joseph MacDowell, a distinguished officer of the Revolution,
for whose biography see below.
It was formed from portions of Rutherford and Burke Couiities,
with which counties it still votes until after the next session (1852).
It is situated in the western part of the State, and bounded on
the north by the Blue Ridge, which separates it from Yancey and
Watauga Counties, east by Burke, south by Rutherford, ana west
by the Blue Ridge, which separates it from Yancey and Buncombe.
It is called in honor of Colonel Joseph MacDowell, who resided in this
county. He was bom at Pleasant Garden, on Feb. 25th, 1758. He was dis-
tinguished as a soldier and as a statesman. He married Mary Moffet, by
whom he had several children. AmoDg them, Colonel James MacDowell, of
Yancey, John MacDowell, of Rutherford, and the wife of Captain Charles
MacDowell, now residine near Morganton. After his death, April, 1795, she
married Colonel John Carson, of Pleasant Ghurden, and by him she had a
number of children, among them the Hon. Samuel P. Carson.
Marion is the county seat, and called after the distinguished
partisan General of South Carolina, Francis Marion, and is distant
from Raleigh about two hundred miles.
Francis Marion was bom in Charleston, in 1732. He was Major in Col.
Moultrie's Regiment, and distin^ished himself in the repulse of the British in
their attack of Sullivan's Island m 1776. He was appointed Brigadier-General
in 1780. While the British overwhelmed South tfarolina, Marion retreated
with his men to the swamps of his native State, from which he made frequent
and successful sorties on the enemy, and much annoyed them. He was with
General Greene in the bloody engagement of the Eutaws (Sep., 1781), and
received the thanks of Congress for his gallantry. He died in 1795.
The population of MacDowell County, according to the census of 1850, is
4,777 whites; 1,262 slaves; 207 free negroes; 5,741 representative population.
250 HiSToar 6v nobth cabolina.
CHAPTER XLVIII.
MACON COUNTY,
Macon Countt was formed, in 1828, from Haywood County, and
called in honor of Hon. Nathaniel Macon, of Warren County, who
was long the representative in Congress from the Warren IHstrict,
Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senator in Congress ;
for whose hioj^aphy see Warren County.
It is situated in the extreme western portion of North Carolina,
and bounded on the north by Haywood County, east by the moun-
tains, which separate it from Henderson, south by the South Caro-
lina line and Cnerokee County, and west by the Smoky Mountain,
which separates it from Tennessee.
Its capital is Franklin, three hundred and thirty-one miles west
from Raleigh, romantically situated on the Little Tennessee.
Its popalation is 5,613 whites ; 121 Indians ; 549 slaves ; 207 free negroes ;
6,169 representative population.
Its prodacts are, 125,820 bushels of com ; 32,855 bushels of oats ; 6,311
bushels of wheat ; 4,125 bushels of rye ; 2,983 pounds of tobacco ; 0,447 pounds
of wool.
The River Nan-ti-ha-lah, flows through this County. Its Indian name
signifies the '* Maiden's Bosom," from the crystal purity of its waters, and its
rapid and undulating motion.
At the head of the River Too-ge-lah* is one of the remarkable curiosities of
this mountain country. It is a granite cliff with a smooth surface a half a
mile long, and twelve hundred feet wide, called by the nati'ves White Side
Mountain, or Deml'e Court House, on the top of which it a cave.
LIST or MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
MACON COUNTY.
Years. SeiiBtors. House of CommoDS.
1831. James W. Guinn, Thomas Tatham, James Whitaker.
1832. Benjamin S. Brittain, James Whitaker, Asaph Enloe.
1833. Benjamin S. Brittain, Jas. W. Quinn, Thomas Tatham.
1834. Benjamin S. Brittain, Jas. W. Guinn, Thomas Tatham.
1835. Bei\jamin S. Brittain, Jas. W. Guinn, Jacob Siler.
1836. James Gudger, James W. Guinn.
1838. Ilodge Raburn, Jacob Siler.
1840. Thomas L. Clingman, Jacob Siler.
1842. I. Cathv, James Whitaker.
1844. Michael Francis, T. J. Roane.
1846. Michael Francis, John Y. Ilicks.
1848. William H. Thomas, John Y. Hicks.
1850. William H. Thomas, David W. Siler.
* Letters from the Alleghany Momitaiiw, by Chirles Luunan, p. 74.
lIABISOir COUNTY. 251
CHAPTER XLIX.
MADISON COUNTY.
Maiuson County was formed, in 1850, from Buncombe and
Yancey Counties, and called in honor of James Madison, the fourth
President of the United States.
It is situated in the extreme western portion of the State ; and
is bounded on the north and west by the Bald Mountain, which
separates it from Tennessee, on the east by Yancey, and south by
Haywood and Buncombe.
It is not yet organized, and more will be said hereafter of it.
Its county seat is to be called Marshall, which is nof to be within
two miles of the French Broad River. (Acta of 1850-51.)
CHAPTER L.
MARTIN COUNTY,
Martin County was erected, in 1774, from Halifax and Fay-
«Ue Counties, and called in honor of Josiah Martin, then the
Royal Governor (and the last) of the Colony of North Carolina.
For his character and conduct, see vol. i. 62.
It is situated in the eastern portion of the State, and bounded
on the north by Roanoake River, which separates it from Bertie,
east by Washington County, south by Pitt, aid west by Edge-
combe County.
Its capital is Williamston, situated on the banks of Roanoake,
one hundred and forty miles east of Raleigh.
Its popalation is 4615 whites ; 3367 slaves ; 325 free negroes; 6960 repre-
sentative population.
Its products (annual) are 251,463 bushels com ; 2dl,686 lbs. cotton ; 7475
bushels oats; 5158 bushels wheat; 4414 lbs. wool; 600 bbls. fish; 22,601
bbls. turpentine.
To the General Meeting of Deputies at Newbem, on 25th August, 1774,
Martin sent Edmund Smithwick.
To Ilillsboro', 21st Aug., 1775, she sent Kennith McKenzie, Whitmbl
Hill, John £txaitt, William Slade, John Stuabt, and Wiluam Wiluams.
252 HISTOBT OF NORTH CABOUNA.
To Halifax, on 4th April, 1776, she sent William Williams, Whitmel
Hill, Kenneth McKenzir, Thomas Wiggins, and Edvt ard Smithitick.
To the Congress at Halifax, 12tb Nov., 1776, she sent William Williams,
Whitmel Hill, Thomas Hunter, John Hardison, and Samuel Smithwick.
The officers for this county were William Williams, Cc^onel ; Whitmel
Hill, Lieatenant-Colonel ; I^omas AViggins, Major; Kenneth McKenzie,
Second Mnjor.
Hon. Whitmel Hill resided in this ooantj. Ho was distinguished for his
devotion to the cause of liberty, a man of strong natural sense and of culti-
Tated mind. He was born in Gertie on the 12th February, 1743, son of John
and Martha Hill, and was educated at the University of Pennsylvania, at
which he graduated.
He early entered with great earnestness into the dubious and dan^rous
conflict between England and America, and threw into the scale of liberty
his *' life, his fortune, and his sacred honor/'
In 1775 he was a delegate from Martin to the Ajsembly of Freemen at
Hillsboro', and was in the State Congress in Halifax in April, 1776, which
placed the State in military organization, and, in Nov., 1776, which formed
our present State Constitution.
In 1778 he was delegated to the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, and
served until 1781.
He resided at Hill's Ferry, in Martin County, near the Halifax line, where
he died, 26th September, 1797. He was a man of fine literary attainments,
a devoted patriot, and useful citizen.
He married AVinnefred Blount, of Chowan, by whom he had three sons,
Joseph, John, and Thomas Blount, and one daughter, Elizabeth. Joseph
and John died young without issue. Thomas B. Hill left a large family of
children and grandchildren, among whom is Whitmel B. Hill, Esa., of Halifax,
Mrs. Spruill, and others. His daughter Elizabeth married John Anthony,
of Philadelphia, from whom a large family has sprung.
Hon. Asa Biggs is a native and resident of this county. He was bom 4th
Feb., 1811. He is by profession a lawyer, and was licensed in 1831. He
entered public life, in 1840, as a member of the House of Commons, and was
re-elected in 1842. In 18 44 ho served in the Senate.
In 1845 he was elected to the House of Representatives in Congress, where
he served with credit to himself and great satisfaction to his constituents.
lie is now (with Hon. R. M. Saunders and B. F. Moore, Esq.) engaged in
digesting and revising the statute-laws of the State.
List of the mombers from Martin County, from 1777 to 1850-51.
ITears. Senate. House of CommoDS.
1777. William Williams, Whitmel Hill, Wm. Slade.
1778. Whitmel Hill, Nathan Mayo, E. E. Smithwick.
1779. Whitmel Hill, Saml. Smithwick, Saml. Williams.
1780. AVhitmel Hill, Edmd. Smithwick, John Averit.
1781. K. McKenzie, Saml. Smithwick, Saml. Williams.
1782. K. McKenzie, Saml. Smithwick, Saml. Williams.
1783. K. McKenzie, Saml. Smithwick, Saml. Williams.
1784. Whitmel Hill, Nathan Mayo, John Ross.
1785. Whitmel Hill, Edmd. Smithwick, Saml. Williams.
1786. Nathan Mayo, Joseph Bryan, Wm. McKenzie.
1787. Nathan Mayo, Joseph Bryan, Edmd. Smithwick.
1788. Nathan Mayo, William Williams, Ebenezer Slade.
1789. Nathan Mayo, William Williams, John Mayo.
1790. Nathan Mayo, Ebenezer Slade, Jesse Cherry.
1791. Nathan Mavo, Ebenezer Slade, Jesse Cherry.
1792. Ebenezer Slade, Jesse Cherry, Ebenezer Smithwick.
1793. Ebenezer Slade, Ebenezer Smithwick, Wm. Griffin.
1794. Ebeneser Slade, Matthew Tarrell, John Kennedy.
MABTiy COUNTT.
258
Tears. Senate.
1795. Ebenezer Slade,
1796. Ebeneaer Slade,
1797. William McKenzie,
1798. William McKenzie,
1799. AVilliam McKenzie,
1800. William McKenzie,
1801. John lljman,
1802. John Hyman.
1803. Jeremiah Slade,
1804. John Hyman,
1805. John Stewart,
X806. Jeremiah Slade,
1807. James Burroughs,
1808. James Burroughs,
1809. Jeremiah Slade,
1810. Jeremiah Slade,
1811. Jeremiah Slade,
1812. Jeremiah Slade,
1813. Jeremiah Slade,
1814. Jeremiah Slade,
1815. Jeremiah Slade,
1816. Simmons J. Baker,
1817. Simmons J. Baker,
1818. Simmons J. Baker,
1819. William Darlett,
1820. Lewellcn Bowers,
1821. Samuel Hyman,
1822. Samuel Hyman,
1823. Lewellen Bowers,
1824. John A. Smithwick,
1825. John A. Smithwick,
1826. Jos. J. Williams,
1827. Jos. J. Williams,
1828. Jos. J. Williams,
1829. Jos. J. Williams,
1830. Jos. J. Williams,
1831. Jesse Cooper,
1832. David Latham,
1833. David Latham,
1834. Jesse Cooper,
1835. Jesse Cooper,
1836. J^sse Cooper,
1838. Jesse Cooper,
1840. Jesse Cooper,
1842. Jesse Cooper,
1844. Asa Biggs,
1846. Daniel Ward,
1848. Daniel Ward,
1850. W. K. W. Sherrod,
House of Commons.
Joseph Bryan, Jesse Cherry.
G. Sneppard, John Stewart.
Jeremian Slade, John Hyman.
Jeremiah Sl^de, John Hyman.
Jeremiah Slade, John Hyman.
Jeremiah Slade, John Hyman.
William Biggs, Jesse Cherry.
Jeremiah Slade, £dmd. Smithwick.
Thomas Hyman, William Pierce.
Stephen Fagan, Joel Cherry.
James Burroughs, Joel Cherry.
James AViggins, James Burroughs.
Joel Cherry, James Sheppard.
Joel CherrV) James Sheppard.
Henry G. Williams, Joei Cherry.
Henry G. Williams, James Sheppard.
Joel Cherry, Andrew Joyner,
Andrew Joyner, Joel Cherry.
Andrew Joyner, Joel Cherry.
Simmons J. Baker, John Guyther.
Simmons J. Baker, Gabriel L. Stewart
Joel Cherry, Gabriel L. Stewart
Darling Cherry, Jos. J. AVilliams.
Wm. Koulhae, Darling Cherry.
J. R. Ballard, Darling Cherry.
Jos. 11. Ballard, Darling Cherry.
Alfred M. Slade, Jos. R. Ballard.
Jesse Cooper, Lawrence Cherry.
L. Cherry, Gab. L. Stewart.
L. Cherry, Gabriel L. Stewart.
David Latham, Jesse Cooper.
David Latham, Jesse Cooper.
Gab. L. Stewart, Jesse Cooper.
Jesse Cooper, David Latham.
Jesse Cooper, Wm. Watts.
Jesse Cooper, Wm. Watts.
Joseph Robinson, John Cloman.
Jas. li. G. Baker, Edwin S. Smithwick.
John Cloman, Edwin S. Smithwick.
Raleigh Roebuck, Alfred M. Slade.
Raleigh Roebuck, Alfred M. Slade.
Raleigh Roebuck.
Raleigh Roebuck.
Asa Biggs.
Asa Biggs.
J. Woodard.
A. H. Coffield.
A. II. Coffield.
Wm. L. Missell.
1
254 HisTOBT or mobth cabolina.
CHAPTER LI.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY.
Date of erection — Orij^in of name — Situation and boundaries — Popnlation
and products — I^stinj^uished citizens and members of Assembrf.
Mecklenburg County was formed in 1762 from Anson Connty,
and called in honor of the new queen, Princess Charlotte, of MecK-
lenburg.*
It is situated in the south-western portion of the State, and is
bounded on the north by Iredell County, east by Cabarrus, south
by Union, and the South Carolina line, and west by the Catawba
River, which separates it from Lincoln and Gaston Counties.
Its capital is Charlotte, and distant one hundred and fifty-eight
miles south-west from Raleigh.
It« population 8284 whites; 5473 slaves; 157 free negroes; 11,724 repre-
sentative population.
Products (annual) 1,595,327 pounds cotton ; 22,876 pounds wool ; 78,315
bushels wheat; 586,928 bushels corn ; 61,407 bushels oats ; 1,600 dollars of
gold.
There is no portion of the State whose early record presents a more glow-
ing page of patriotism and valor than Mecklenburg. The temper and cha-
racter of her people were early shown. In 1766, George Selwjn, who had
obtained large grants of land from the crown, was about locating them in
this county. The people arose in arms, seized the surveyor, Eustacc McCul-
LOCK, and compelled him to desist.
Here was the early buzzing of that ** Hornet's Nest,'^ that in less than ten
years was first to sting the power of royalty itself, in these colonies.f
It is the birth-place of liberty. Here in May, 1775, the patriots of Meck-
lenburg assembled and resolved to be free and independent of £ngland. In
addition to the resolves of 20th May, 1775, already quoted, the following
original documents are presented, which are authentic, and present evidence
not controvertible of this immortal transaction.
From State Paper Office, London, Geo. Vol. 218.
G. Bancrofts Collection, 1775, page 107.
Gov, Wright to Secretary of State.
Savannah in Georgia, the 20th June, 1775.
(In his own handwriting).
** By the enclosed paper your lordship will see the extraordinary resolves
by the people in Charlotte town, in Mecklenburg County, and I should not
be surprised if the same should be done everywhere else.
I have the honor to be with perfect esteem,
My lord, your lordship's most
obliged and obedient servant,
JAS. WRIGHT.
To Earl of Dartmouth, &c. &c."
* Martio, History of North Carolina, ii. 172. f See vol. i. 44.
IfECKLENBUBG COUHTT. 256
Extrad fram ike South Carolina Gazittk aitd Countt Journal, of June^
1775, No, 498 — PritUed ai Charkstown by Charles Crouch, m the Bay,
comer qf EllwU Street.
Charlottitown, Mecklenburg County, May Zlst, 1775.
This day the Committee of this county met and passed the following re*
solves : —
Whereas, By an address presented to His Mtyesty by both Houses of Par-
liament in February last, the American Colonies are declared to be in a state
of actual rebellion, we conceive that all laws and commissions confirmed by
or derived from the authori^ of the King and Parliament are annulled and
Taoated, and the former civil constitution of these colonies for the present
wholly suspended. To provide in some degree for the exigencies of this
county in the present alarming period, we deem it proper and necessary to
pass the following resolves, viz : —
I. That all commissions, civil and military, heretofore granted by the
crown to be exercised in these colonies, are null and void, and the constitu-
tion of each particular colony wholly suspended.
II. That the Provincial Congress of each Province, under the direction of
the Great Continental Congress, is invested with all legislative and executive
powers within their respective provinces, and that no other legislative or
executive power does or can exist at this time in any of these colonies.
III. As all former laws are now suspended in this Province, and the Con-
gress has not yet provided others, we judge it necessary for the better preser-
vation of good order, to form certain rules and regulations for the Internal
Government of this county, until laws shall be provided for us by the Con-
gress.
IV. That the inhabitants of this county do meet on a certain day ap-
pointed by the Committee, and having formed themselves into nine com-
panies (to wit: eight for the county and one for the town), do choose a
colonel and other military officers, who shall hold and exercise their several
powers by virtue of the choice, and independent of the crown of Great Bri-
tain, and former constitution of this province.
y. That for the better preservation of the peace and administration of
justice, each of those companies do choose from their own body two discreet
freeholders, who shall be empowered each by himself, and singly, to decide
and determine all matters of controversy arising within said company, under
the sum of twenty shillings, and jointly and together all controversies under
the sum of forty shillings, yet so as their decisions may admit of appeal to
the Convention of the i^elect Men of the County, and also that any one of
these men shall have power to examine and commit to confinement persons
accused of petit larceny.
YI. That those two select men thus chosen do jointly and together choose
from the body of their particular company two persons to act as constables,
who may assist them in the execution of their omce.
VII. That upon the complaint of any persons to either of these select
men, he do issue his warrant directed to the constable, commanding him to
bring the aggressor before him to answer said complaint.
VIII. That these select eighteen select men thus appointed do meet every
third Thursday in January, April, July and October at Uie Court House in
Charlotte, to hear and determine all matters of controversy for sums exceed-
ing 40«., also appeals ; and in case of felony to commit the persons convicted
thereof to close confinement until the Provincial Congress shall provide and
establish laws and modes of proceeding in all such oases.
IX. That these eighteen select men thus convened do choose a clerk, to
record the transactions of said convention, and that said clerk, upon the
application of any person or persons aggrieved, do issue his warrant to any
01 the constables of the company to which the offender belongs, directing
said constable to summon and warn said offender to appear before said con-
vention at their next sitting, to answer the aforesaid complaint.
X. That any person making complaint, upon oath, to the clerk, or any
256 HISTOBT OF NORTH GABOLINA.
member of the convention, that he has reason to suspect that any person or
persons indebted to him in a sum above 40 shillings intend clandestinely to
withdraw from the county without paying the debt, the clerk or such mem-
ber shall issue his warrant to the constable, commanding him to take said
person or persons into safe custody until the next sitting of the convention.
XL That when a debtor for a sum above forty shillings shall abscond and
leave the county, the warrant granted as aforesaid shall extend to any goods or
chattels of said debtor as may be found, and such goods or chattels be seized
and hold in custody by the constable for the space of thirty days, in which
time, if the debtor fail to return and discharge the debt, the constable
shall return the warrant to one of the select men of the company, where the
goods are found, who shall issue orders to the constable to sell such a part
of said goods as shall amount to the sum due.
That when the debt exceeds forty shillings, the return shall bo made to
the convention, who shall issue orders for sale.
XII. That all receivers and collectors of quit rents, public and county
taxes, do pay the same into the hands of the chairman of this committee, to
bo by them disbursed as the public exigencies may require, and that such
receivers and collectors proceed no further in their office until they be ap-
?>roved of by, and have given to this committee good and sufficient security
or a faithful return of such moneys when collected.
XIII. That the committee be accountable to the county for the application
of all moneys received from such public officers.
XIV. That all these officers holu their commissions during the pleasure of
their several constituents.
XV. That this committee will sustain all damages to all or any of their
officers thus appointed, and thus acting, on account of their obedience and
conformity to these rules.
XVI. Thai whatever person shall hereafter receive a commission from {he
crown, or attempt to exercise any such commission heretofore received^ shall
be deemed an enemy to his country ; and upon confirmation being made to
the captain of the company in which ho resides, the said company shall
cause him to be apprehended and conveyed before two select men, who, upon
proof of the fact, shall commit said offender to safe custody, until the next
sitting of the committee, who shall deal with him as prudence may direct
XVI I. That any person refusing to yield obedience to the al>ove rules
shall be considered equally criminal, and liable to the same punishment as
the offenders above last mentioned.
XVIII. That these resolves be in full force and virtue until instructions
from the Provincial Congress regulating the jurisprudence of the province
shall provide otherwise, or the legislative body of Great Britain resign its
uinust and arbitrary pretensions with respect to America.
XIX. That the eight militia companies in this county provide themselves
with proper arms and accoutrements, and hold themselves in readiness to
execute the commands and directions of the General Congress of this pro-
Tinco and this Committee.
XX. That the Committee appoint Col. Thomas Polk and Dr. Joseph Ken-
nedy to purchase 300 pounds of powder, G<H) pounds of lead, 1000 flints for
the use of the militia of this county and deposit the same in such place as
the Committee may hereafter direct.
Signed by order of the Committee,
EPII. BREVARD,
Clerk of the Committee.
Governor Martin to the Secretary of State,
State Papkr Office, London.) ^ -^, ^i n *• t"-- iro
America & West 1. vol. 204. | ^^^^^croft s Collection, 1 m o, 153.
Fort Johnston, North Carolina,
30M June, 1775.
" The minutes of a council held at this place, the other day, will make the
IfEGELENBURG COUNTT. 25T
impotence of GoTernment here as apparent to ^our Lordship as anythinjg I
can set before jou. The Board have been afraid to take a becoming part, I
firmly believe, from apprehensions of personal injury and insult. « « *
" The sitaatiou in vrhich I find myself at present is indeed, ray Lord, most
despicable and mortifyine. * ♦ * * I live, alas I ingloriously, only to
deplore it. * * The resolves of the Committee of Mecklenburg, wkieh
your Lordship tcill find in the enclosed newspaper j surpass all the horrid
and treasonable pulnications thai the inflammatory spirits of the continent
have yet produced ; and your Lordship may depend, its authors and abettors
will not escape, when my hands are sufficiently strengthened, to attempt the
recovery of the lost authority of the Government. A copy of these Resolves was
sent offy I am informed, by express to the Congress at Philadelphia, as soon as
they were passed in the Committee, * * «
** A Mr. John Ashe, heretofore a Colonel of the Militia in the County of
New Hanover, but who had lately formally declined the appointment by
letter to me on pretence of age and business, and requested me to appoint
another person, appeared at Wilmington, a fortnight after such resignation,
at the head of a body of four and five hundred men. ♦ ♦ ♦
" On being interrogated for his authority for such arbitrary proceedings,
he pointed to the men he had assembled.
'* I am bound to return your Lordship my best acknowledgments, for the
attention you have been pleased to give to my representations of the mis-
conduct of the members of the council, here ; at the same time, I must freely
own to your Lordship, that I fear that it will be difficult to reform that body
effectually, at this time. * * *
" Mr. Dry, Collector of the Customs at this port, whose imprudences and
absurdity are such, as I fear will compel me, in spite of all the allowance that
I can make for his simplicity and weakness, to disgrace him.''
These records have never before been all published, and place
this matter beyond all ca\dl or doubt. They were procured from
the State Paper Office in London, by the Hon. George Bancroft,
late our Envoy at that Court, and by his kindness furnished for
the use of this work.
The citizens of the State have not been unmindful of their duty in re-
spect to this glorious transaction.
A meeting was held in 1842, and a Memorial prepared to the General
Assembly on the subject, a copy of which has been procured, and here
inserted.
MEMORIAL OF THE MECKLENBURG MONUMENTAL ASSOCIATION.
7b the Honorable, the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina, now in
session : —
At a meeting of the citizens of the County of Mecklenburg and the adjoin-
ing counties, held on the 24th of August, 1842, at the Court house in the
town of Charlotte, the undersigned were appointed a committee to prepare
and forward a Memorial to your Honorable Dody, on the subject of incorpo-
rating the " Mecklenburg ^lonumental Association," whoso duty and objects
will be the erection of a suitable Monument in the town of Charlotte, com-
memorative of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, on the 2()th of
May, 1775.
There is no State in our Union whose ear^y history is marked with greater
devotion to the cause of Liberty than the State of North Carolina. The re-
mark will not be misconstrued, when it is stated, that neither at home or
abroad, is the real character of the State, and the unsullied patriotism of her
citizens, known and appreciated. The historian is compelled, by examina-
tion, to say that '*so carelessly has the history of North Carolina been
258 BISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
written, that the name, the merite, and the end of the first Governor are not
known/'*
Pare and unpretending in charaeter, firm and undeviating in her deyotion
to principles, her sons seem rather satisfied with a oonsoiousness of the rec-
iitade of their own intentions, than to court the praise which belongs to merit,
or to demand for their ancestry that meed of renown which is due to exalted
patriotism or chivalric daring.
But we trust a more auspicious moment has arrived, when the industry
and research of her sons will preserve those memorials of her patriotism,, to
be handed' down as "a rich legacy" to future venerations.
So far as the early history of the Colony of North Carolina has been ex-
hibited to the curious eye of the historian, it is full of incident, elevating to
the character of the State, and worthy to be cherished by her sons. It was
- on her shores that the adventurous anchor of the first Anglo-Saxonf to this
western hemisphere rested. A fleet, sustained by the gallant Sir Walter
Balei^b, and led by Amidas and Barlow, here found, in the language of
the historian of the day, *' a people most gentle, loring, and fiuthfuT, void of
all guile and treason, and such as lived after the manner of the golden age.''
Among such a people, fleeing from the oppressions and persecutions of the
Old World, our ancestors founded the Colon^jr of North Carolina. Her whole
history, from the earliest periods of its existence, to the final overthrow of
the royal power of £ng;land, shows an indomitable spirit of Liberty ; and,
although obedient to wholesome laws, that the least oppression or tyranny
was promptly met, and manfully opposed.
** Are there any who doubt man's capacity for self-government?'^ asks an
eloq^uent writer on her history, ** let them study the history of North Carolina.
Its inhabitants were restless and turbulent in their imperfect submission from
abroad ; the administration of the Colony was firm, humane, and tranquil,
when left to themselves." The first American manifesto against the encroach-
ments of power, the elective franchise, and the unwise interference of trade,
Was made in North Carolina as early as 1678,} and nearly two hundred years
before our Independence was declared. Thus were sown, deep and broad,
the seeds of Liberty among her people with a liberal hand. Sometimes these
seeds produced the fruits of anarchy and confusion ; for, at an early period,
the Colony was under the control of rulers in open rebellion against the
English Crown. At another period, the imbecile hand that then swayed the
English sceptre (Charles IL), tired of the contest, left her to her own course,
. unuisturbed either hj the tyranny of rulers, or the rapacity of avarice.
Pursuing '*the noiseless tenor of their way," the Colonists of North Caro-
lina peacefully followed the avocations of labor and industry, acknowledging
no superior, and bending their knee to no power but to the God Almighty.
Towards many of her Colonies, that eloquent defender of American rights.
Lord Chatham, on the floor of Parliament, denounced the course of the
mother country as that of **a cruel and unjust stepmother." But towards
the Colony of North Carolina, her course was often like that of the mother
of the faithful, driving her, llagar-like, into the wilderness, there to perish,
neglected and alone. %ut the Go4 of Abraham comforted her in her exile
with the refreshing shade and the gushing fountain ; and declared unto her,
that she should greatly increase, so that ** her seed should not be numbered
for multitude." it is not wonderful, that a people thus nurtured, should be
ready, Ishmael-like, to raise their hands against tyranny and oppression.
That the people of North Carolina should always have been
<< Men who knew their rights, and knowing dared maintain.
It
is evident from every page of their history. But, that her sons should, on
the 20th day of May, 1775, assemble at Charlotte, at a period of doubt, of
darkness, and of danger, without concert with other States, without assur*
* Bancroft's History of the United Slates, vol. ii. p. 135.
t July, 15ai. liakluyt, vol. li. p. 297.
i Williamsoa's History of Nortn Carolina, vol. i. p. 263.
MS0KLE176ITRG OOimTT. ' 259
anoes of support flrom any quarter, and tbere " dissolTe the political bands
wliich connected them with the mother Country/' and there ''declare them-
selves a free and independent people, and of right, ought to be sovereign and
self-governing," is a subject full ot moral sublimity, and a source of elevating
State pride.
That this event should be deemed by some (who, ignorant of our history,
are jealous of the fair name of our State,) as a legend of a doubtful authen-
ticity, or of modern origin, is not to be wondered. But time, that steady but
unerring guide of truth, has settled this matter beyond the reach of doubt, or
the cavuings of envy.
The cotemporaneous evidence of General Graham ; of Captain Jack, who
bore the proceedings of the meeting to Caswell, Hooper, and llewes, then
members of the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, and the testimony of
others, now preserved in the archives of American History, are sufficient to
satisfy incredulity itself. But should any still doubt, considering these as
the traditions of an obscure event, preserved by the filial fondness of North
Carolinians, we would nroduce the proclamation of Governor Martin, on
board of his lifajesty's ohip Cruiser, on the Cape Fear River, dated the 8th
of August, 1775, denouncing* " as most infamous, a publication in the Cwpe
Fear Mercury^ importing to be resolves, by a set of people styling themselves
a committee for the County of Mecklenburg, most traitorously oeclaring the
entire dissolution of the Laws, Government, and Constitution of the Country,
and setting up a system of rule and regulation, subversive of his Majesty's
Government'
Here is the Mecklenburg Declaration fully set forth, and vindicated from
cavil or doubt. But the very fact of its being doubted, first by an oracle,
whose responses however prophetic in politics, cannot be regarded as infal-
lible ; ana subsequently, by others abroad, should convince most eamesdv
and conclusively, your Honorable Body, the importance of securing to North
Carolina a more enduring monument than legislative reports or paper reso-
lutions. Nearly all who were actors in these scenes and perils, have now
passed away. It often occurs in the history of man, that facts well known
Dy one generation, are controverted by the next ; and at a succeeding period
are considered .as doubtful legends, not worthy of historical faith. Let us
then preserve these memorials of an event so soul cheering to the patriot, ao
elevating to our character as a State.
There are some events which are engraved on the hearts of the Nation,
" and no inscriptions or tablatures less broad than the earth itself, can carry
the information where it has not gone." Of these is our National Birthday,
the 4th July* 1776. It is inscribed in living letters of joy, in the hearts of
millions of Freemen,. and annually we rejoice and read
" Its history in a Nation's eyes.'*
But the 20th of May, 1775, more than a ^ear in advance of this glorious
period, belongs to the Old North State. It is one of her reserved rights, and
one she will never cede to the Federal Government. Let then a monument
arise untb the memory of the Signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of In-
dependence, and by this means show our sense of this glorious achievement,
preserve the same pure spirit of patriotism, and keep alive a deep and abiding
regard for the principles of our Kevolution.
*' Human beines,'' said an eloquent orator at the laying of the comer-stone
of the Bunker Hill Monument, *' are composed not of reason only, but of
imagination and sentiment ; and that is neither wasted or misapplied, which is
appropriated to giving right direction to sentiments, and opening the proper
springs of feeling in the human heart." In rearing this monument at the
very spot where the first Declaration of Independence was made, we direct
the mind by an elevated object, to the great moral causes that produced our
Bevolntion, to the noble daring and chivairio patriotism by which it was
* See *' American Archives" of Peter Force, Fourth Series, vol. ii. p. 855. The same
vol. liL p. 62.
260 HI8T0BY OF NORTH CABOUKA.
achieved, and to the numberless blessings that have fiown down unto us bj
its happy consummation.
Before this monument hoarj age may pause and rejoice in the fruit of his
labors, and from it youth receive the inspirations of patriotism, as shown
forth in their glorious examples, and thus vow to emulate their career. In
the language of the orator above alluded to, "we wish that this column,
rising towards Heaven, amid temples dedicated to God, may produce in all
minds a pious feeling of dependence and gratitude. Let it arise until it meet
the Sun in his coming, let tne earliest light of the morning gild it, and parting
day linger and plav on its summit."
The undersigned, in conclusion, beg leave to submit a copy of the proceed-
ings of the meeting above alluded to, and hope that your Honorable Body
wul, as requested, grant an Act of Incorporation to this Association, and
also an appropriation for funds to assist in accomplishing its objects.
And, as in duty bound, &c.
Fred. Nash, M. Hoke,
Wm. J. Alexander, Charles Fisher,
David F. Caldwell, Jos. McD. Carson,
James W. Osborne, Kobeit Strange,
II. C. Jones, James Iredell,
Paul Barringer, D. L. Swain,
John Phifer, Wm. H. Hajrwood, Jr.
John H. Wheeler,* Burton Craige,
Isaac T. Avery,
Committee to Memoralize the Legislature of North Carolines
Mecklenburg sent as delegate to the meeting at Newbem, 25th Au^st,
1774, Benjamin Patton ; and to the meeting at Hillsboro', 21st August u75,
Thomas Polk, John Phifer, Waightstill Avery, Samuel Martin, James
Houston, and John McKnitt Alexander.
To the meeting at Halifax, 4th April, 1776, she sent John Phifer, Robt.
Irwin, and John McKnitt Alexander.
The following instructions were given to the delegates from the people,
extracted from a Charlotte newspaper in 1837. It was found among the old
surviving papers of John McKnitt Alexander, and bo is the author of them.
They are dated 1st September, 1775 : —
Listructions for the Delegates of Mecklenburg County, proposed to the considera-
tion of the County f viz : —
1. You are instructed to vote that the late province of North Carolina is
and of right ought to be, a free and independent State, invested with all the
power of Legislation, capable of making Laws to regulute all its internal
policy, subject only in its external connections and foreign commerce, to a
negative of a continental Senate.
2. You are instructed to vote for the Execution of a civil Government
under the authority of the People for the future security of all the Rights,
Privileges and Prerogatives of the State, and the private, natural and unalien-
able Rights of the constituting members thereof, either as Men or Christians.
If this should not be confirmed in Congress or Convention — protest.
3. You are instructed to vote that an equal Representation be established,
and that the qualifications required to enable any person or persons to have
a voice in Legislation, may not be secured too high, but that every Freeman
who shall be called upon to support Government either in person or property,
may be admitted thereto. If this should not be confirmed, protest and re-
monstrate.
4. You are instructed to vote that Legislation be not a divided right, and
that no man, or body of men be invested with a negative on the voice of the
People duly collected, and that no honors or dignities be conferred, for life,
• Author of this Report.
MBCKLENBUBG COUNTT. 261
or made hereditary, on an j person or persons, either legislative or ezecu-
tiye. If this should not be confirmed — protest and remonstrate.
5. You are instructed to vote that all and every person or persons, seised
or possessed of any estate, real or personal, a^eeaole to the last establish-
ment, be confirmed in their seizure and possession, to all intents and purposes
in law, who have not forfeited their right to the protection of the State by
their criminal practices towards the same. If this should not be confirmed —
protest.
6. Yon are instructed to vote that Deputies to represent this State in a
Continental Congress be appointed in and by the supreme Legislative body
of the State, the form of nomination to be submitted to, if free, and also tibat
all officers the influence of whose office is equally to extend to every part of
the State, be appointed in the same manner and form — likewise give your
consent to the establishing the old iK)litical divisions, if it should be voted in
convention, or to new ones if similar. On such establishments taking place
you are instructed to vote, in thef eeneral, that all officers, who are to exercise
their authority in any of the said districts, be recommended to the trust only
by the freemen of said division — to be suljject, however, to the general laws
and regulations of the State. If this should not be substantially confirmed-
protest.
7. You are instructed to move and insist that the people vou immediately
represent be acknowledged to be a distinct county of this State as formerly
of the late province, with the additional privilege of annually electing in their
own officers both civil and military, together with the election of Clerks and
Sheriffs, by the fVeemen of the same. The choice to be confirmed by the
sovereign authority of the State, and the officers so invested to be under the
jurisdiction of the State and liable to its cognizance and inflictions, in case of
malpractice. If this should not be confirmed, protest and remonstrate.
8. You are instructed to vote that no chief justice, no secretary of State,
no auditor-general, no surveyor-general, no practicing lawyer, no clerk of
any court of record, no sheriff, and no person nolding a military office in this
State, shall be a representative of the people in Congress or Convention. If
this should not be confirmed— contend for it.
9. You are instructed to vote that all claims against the public, except
such as accrue upon attendance of Congress or Convention, be first submitted
to the inspection of a committee of nine or more men, inhabitants of the
county where said claimant is a resident, and without the approbation of
said committee, it shall not be accepted by the public, for which purpose you
are to move and insist that a law be enacted to im power the freemen of each^
county to choose a committee of not less than nine men, of whom none are
to be military officers. If this should not be confirmed — protest and remon-
strate.
10. You are instructed to refuse to enter into any combinations of secrecy
as members of Confess or Convention, and also to refuse to subscribe any
ensnaring jests binding you to an unlimited subjection to the determination
of Coneress or Convention.
11. You are instructed to move and insist that tho public accounts fairly
stated shall be regularly kept in proper books, open to the inspection of ail
persons whom it may concern. If this should not be confirmed— contend for it.
12. You are instructed to move and insist that the power of County Courts
be much more extensive than under the former constitution, both with respect
to matters of property and breaches of the peace. If not confirmed^-contend
for it.
13. Yon are instructed to assent and consent to the establishment of the
Christian Religion as contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testa-
ments) and more briefly comprised in the 39 Articles of the Church of Eng-
land, excluding the 37th Article, together with all the Articles excepted and
not to be imposed on dissenters by the act of toleration ; and clearly held
forth in the confession of faith compiled by the assembly of divines at West-
minster, to be the Religion of the State, to the utter exclusion forever of all
and every other (falsely so called) Religion, whether Pagan or Papal, and
•262 HISTORT OF KOBTH eAROLIKA.
that the full, free and peaceable enjoyment thereof be secured to all and
every constituent member of the State aa their unalienable rieht as Freemen,
without the imposition of rites and ceremonies, whether claiming ciyil or
ecclesiastic power for their source, and that a confession and profession of
tne Religion so established shall be necessary in qualifying any person for
public trust in the State. If this should not be confirmed — protest and re-
monstrate.
14. You are instructed to oppose to the utmost any particular church or
set of clergymen being invested with power to decree rites and ceremonies
and to decide in controversies of faith to be submitted to under the influence
of penal laws — ^you are also to oppose the establishment of any mode of
worship to be supported to the opposition of the rights of conscience, together
with the destruction of private property. You are to understand that under
modes of worship are comprehended the different forms of swearing by law
required. You are moreover to oppose the establiiihing an ecclesiastic supre-
macy in the sovereign authority of the State. You are to oppose the toleration
of the popish idolatrous worship. If this should not be confirmed— protest
and remonstrate.
15. You are instructed to move and insist that not less than four-fifths of
the body of which you are members, shall, in voting, be deemed a majority.
If this should not be confirmed^-contend for it.
16. You are instructed to give your voices to and for every motion and bill
made or brouzht into the Congress or Convention, where they appear to be
for public utility and in no ways repugnant to the above instructions.
17. Gentlemen, the foregoing instructions, you are not only to look on as
instructions, but as charges, to which you are desired to take special heed as
the general rule of your conduct as our Representatives, and we expect you
will exert yourselves to the utmost of your ability to obtain the purposes
given you m charge, and wherein you fail either in obtaining or opposing,
you are hereby ordered to enter your protest against the vote of the Congress
or Convention as is pointed out to you in the above instructions.
To the ofkeeting at Halifax, Nov. 12th, 1776 (which formed the Constitution),
' she sent John Phifer, Robert Irwin, Zaocheus Wilson, IIezeeiah Alex-
ander, and Waightstill Avert. »
The officers appointed in 1775 for Mecklenburg, were Adam Alexander,
Colonel ; John Phifer, Lieutenant-Colonel ; John Davidson, Major ; George
H. Alexander, 2d Major.
Not only were her sons active in these trying times, but no por-
tion of our State was more constantly the theatre of stirring events.
It was in the streets of Charlotte that, on Sept. 26th, 1780,
' Colonel Davie, with a mere handful of troops, held the whole British
•Army in check.*
The British approached Charlotte on the street leading towards
Major Benjamin Morrow's and Dr. Fox's, and lay for several
weeks in camp on the old field, nearly opposite Dr. Dunlap's.
Lord Cornwallis's Head-Quarters were in the house, on the south-
east comer, second house from the comer.
And when Lord Cornwallis was quartered in this village, he was
held in continual apprehension by the daring spirit of the people.
Jn a letter to Colonel Balfour, of the British Army, his Lordship sajs,
" Charlotte is an agreeable village, but in a d — — d rebellious county.''
The testimony of Colonel Tarleton is left that the spirit of the
♦ See Halifax (Life of Davie), p. 195.
IfEGKLBNBUBG COUNTT. 288
people was such that no force could overawe and subdue their rebel
temper.*
The works of Stedman, Tarleton, and others, as well as the records of the
day, afford ample evidence of the daring spirit of Mecklenburg. " Its inhabit-
ants were more hostile,'' savs Tarleton, *' to England than any others in
America.'' This animosity of the people, while it checked the Tory influence,
out off all supplies from the country. Constant attacks were made on the
eonyoys from Camden and Blair's Mill. The picquet at Polk's Mill, late Bissel's,
near Charlotte was attacked by the people.
A foraging party in large force at Mclntire's (now Hipp's Mine), seven
miles from Charlotte, on the road to Beattie's Ford, was attacked b^ the resolute
sons of Mecklenburg, under George Graham ; a British Captain was killed
with others, and several wounded. The Americans made good their retreat
without loss. The detachment returned to town, disappointed of their forage,
and reported to Lord Comwallis, " that every bush on the road concealed a
rebel."
The British Army demanded heavy supplies. Stedman, the Commissary-
General, states that the^ used one hundred cattle per day. The English had
at that day the reputation they still enjoy, of bein^ great beef eaters.
After the fall of Ferguson, on King's Mountain, Comwallis fell back in
ffreat precipitation to Winnsboro', a less dangerous and rebellious neighbor-
hood.
It was in the town of Charlotte, on Dec. 8d, 1780, that General
(Shreene took charge of the southern Army.
The last order that General Gates ever issued is as follows : —
HEAD QUARTERS.
Charloite, December 3d, ITSO.f
" The Ilonorable M%jor-General Greene, who arriyed on Saturday afternoon
at Charlotte, being appointed by His Excellency, General Washington, with the
approbation of the honorable Congress, to the command of the Southern Army ;
all orders in future will issue from him, and all reports are to be made to him .
** (General Gates returns his sincere and grateful thanks to the Southern
Army, for their perseverance, fortitude, and patient endurance of all the hard-
ships and sufferings while under his command.
" He anxiously nopes their misfortunes will cease therewith, and that vic-
tory, and the glorious advantages attending it, may be the future portion of
the Southern Army."
General Greene detached, in 1781, William Davidson, of this
county, who was a Brigadier-General of militia of the State,
and Lieutenant-Colonel in the North Carolina line, to guard the
passage of Lord Comwallis, with the whole British Army, over 'the
Catawba in his pursuit of the American forces.
At Cowan's Ford, on Feb. 1st, 1781, the waters of the Catawba
were mingled with the lifeblood of this distinguished and merito-
rious officer.
General William Davidson was the youngest son of George Davidson, who
removed from Lancaster County, in Pennsylvania, in the year 1750, to North
Carolina. He was born in 1746. He was educated at the Academy in Char-
lotte.
When the Revolution broke out, on April 22d, 1776, the State Con^ss at
Halifax, raised four additional regiments, to the two already in service. Of
• Tarleton'8 Campaigiit. t Force's American Archiyes.
26
264 HISTOBT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
\
the 4th Regiment, Thomas Polk was Colonel, James Tuackstox Lieatenant-
Colonel, and William Datidson Major.
With this regiment, under General Francis Nash, he marched to join the
Army of the North, under General Washington, where he served until Nov.,
1779, when the North Carolina line was ordered south to reinforce General
Lincoln, at Charleston. Previous to this, Davidson was promoted to the rank
of Lieatenant-Colonel in the line. As the troops'passcd through North Caro-
lina, Colonel Davidson ohtained a furlough for a few davs to visit his family,
which he bad not seen for three years. This saved htm from the fate that
befell Lincoln and his Army at Charleston ; for when he approached Charles-
ton, he found it so closely beleaguered by the British Army, that he was pre-
vented from joining his regiment. When Lincoln surrendered, Daviason
returned to Mecklenburg, and rendered important services in subduing the
Tories, who, encouraged by the success of the British, became numerous,
daring, and dangerous.
He raised a troop of volunteers and marched against them. At Calson's
Mill he encountered a strong force of Tories, and a severe engagement took
place, in which Davidson was severely wounded. A ball entered the um-
oUical region and passed through his body near the kidneys. This had
nearly been fatal. He was confined for two months with this wound. On
his recovery he took the field, having been promoted for his bravery to a
brigadier-general, in place of Gen. Rutherford, taken prisoner at Camden.
He was active, with General Sumner and Colonel Davie, in checking the
advance of the British, and throughout this dark period of our fortunes gave
unceasing evidence of his untiring zeal in the cause of his country.
After the brilliant affair of the Cowpens (17th Jan. 1781), in which Gen.
Morgan, with an inferior force, chastised the temerity and insolence of Col.
I Tarleton, Davidson was most active in assembling the militia of ^is district
{ to aid General Greene ^who had, on the east ban iT "^ ^^^ nft>Aw]ja, jmnAH the
light corps of Morgan) in impeding the advance of the enemy ; and it was his
fortune to j^uard the very ford at which Comwallis attempted to pass. At
the head of three hundred men, he took post at Cowan's Ford.
At daybreak the British army under Comwallis, on the 1st February, 1781,
entered the waters of Catawba, then swollen by heavy rains, at Cowan's
Ford.
The morning was dark and rainy.* The light infantry under Col. Hall
entered first, followed by the grenadiers and the battalions.j The pioquet of
Gen. Davidson challenged the enemy ; receiving no reply, the guard fired.
This turned out the whole force of Davidson, who kept up a galling fire from
the bank. The guide of the British, alarmed at the firing, turned about and
left them. This caused an unexpected diversion of the enemy from the ez-
Sicted landing of the ford, and Col. Hall led them directly across.^ Col.
all was killed as he ascended the bank ; Lord Comwallis' horse was shot in
the river, and fell as he reached Uie bank ; three privates killed, and thirty-six
British wounded.
General Davidson, in ridine from the point where he expected the enemy
to the point where they landea, was shot ; the ball passed through his heart,
and he fell dead from his horse. As he fell by a rifle-ball (the British only
using muskets), it is supposed he fell by the hand of some Tory. Witherecl
be the hand and forever cursed that did this deed !
Thus fell, in the prime of life, at a moment of usefulness, this noble and
patriotic soldier. Worthily is his name bestowed on one of the most fertile
counties of our State, and a seat of learning, near the scene of his death,
perpetuates his fame to the "^
« Last syllable of recorded time."
1
♦ See Dispatch of Lord Comwallis to Lord Georj:e Germain, Notes to Tarleton's
CampaiffQ, 2d9.
t Stcdman's History of the American War, ii. 239.
t Tarleton's History of the CampaignB of 1780 and 17S1, p. 235.
MEOELENBUBQ COUNTY. 265
The Congress of the United States, in 1781, passed the following resolu-
tion : —
" Resolved, That the GoTemor and Council of the State of North Carolina
be desired to erect a monument at the expense of the United States, not ex-
ceeding in value of five hundred dollars, to the memory of the late Brieadier-
General Davidson, who commanded the militia of the District of Salisbury,
in the State of North Carolina, and was killed, on the first of Februanr last,
fighting gallantly for the defence of the liberty and independence of these
States/'*
The descendants of General Davidson still live amonz as. The spirit of
patriotism, the heroic example, illustrious services, and chivalric death of
their distinguished ancestor, are left ** as a rich legacy unto their issue/'
General George Graham was a resident of Mecklenburg.
He was the brother of General Joseph Graham, and performed '' a soldier's
service" in the Revolution. There was no duty too perilous, no service too
dangerous, that he was not ready to undertake for his country.
He was bom in Pennsylvania in 1758, and came, with his widowed mother
and four others, to North Carolina when about six years old.
He was educated at Charlotte, and was distinguished for his assiduity and
noble temper.
He was early devoted to the cause of his country. In 1775, he, with a
few others, rode all night to Salisbury, seized the lory lawyers, Dunn and
Boothe, brought them to Mecklenburg, and from thence they were carried
to Camden, and imprisoned.!
When Cornwallis lay at Charlotte (Oct. 1780), he was active in attacking
his foraging parties, and annoying them, so as to render their supplies
hazardous ana difficult.
He was the leader of the attack at Mclntire's, seven miles from Charlotte,
on the Beattio's Ford Road, and actually, with twelve men, compelled the
foraging party of four hundred English to retreat ; they fearing, from the
fiitality of the fire, tliat an ambuscc^e was prepared for them.
He was Major-General of militia of North Carolina. For a long time Clerk
of the Court of Mecklenburg County, and often a member of the Legis-
lature.
He died 29th March, 1826. The following inscription b from the slab of
marble that covers his grave at Charlotte.
SACRED
to the
Memory of
Miuor-GENERAL George Graham,
Who died
On the 29th of March, 1826,
in the sixty-eighth year of his age.
He lived more than half a century in the vicinity
of this place, and was a Eealous and active defender of his
Country's rights,
in the
Revolutionary war,
and one of the gallant twelve who dared to attack,
and actually drove 400 British troops at Mclntire's,
seven miles north of Charlotte,
on the third of October, 1780.
George Graham filled many high and responsible
* This resolulion has never been executed.
See Narrative of Boothe, chapter Ixvii. (Rowan.)
266 HI6T0BT OF NORTH CABOLINA.
pablic trasts,
the daties of which he discharged with fidelity.
Ue was the people's friend, not their flatterer,
and uniformly enjoyed the
unlimited conndence
and respect of his
fellow citizens.
Hon. Samuel Lowrte resided and died in this county.
He was a native of New Castle County, State of Delaware, bom 12ih May,
1756, son of Robert and Elizabeth Lowrie. When a child his parents moved
to Rowan Count-y, and he was educated at Clio Academy, Iredell County, by
Rev. James Half. Ue studied law in Camden, S. C, and was elected to the
House of Commons from this county in 1804, '5 and '6, when he was elected
a Judge of the Superior Court, which he held until his death, on 22d Deo.
1818.
He married in 1788 Margaret, daughter of Robert Alexander, who left
him with several children ; and second time, 1811, he married Mary, daughter
of Marmaduke Norfleet, of Bertie County.
Joseph Wilson, a distinguished lawyer and statesman, resided and died
in Charlotte, which for many years was the scene of his services and honors.
His ancestors on the paternal side were from Scotland, and settled in
1720 near Edenton, and in Perquimans, where many of his name still reside.
His ancestors by the maternal side were English, settled on Nantucket
Island, removed first to Guilford and then to Randolph, where his father
married Eunice Worth. His parents were of the society of Friends.
Joseph Wilson's early education was as good as the country afforded. He was
under care of Rev. David Caldwell, and under the advice of Reuben Wood,
Esq., of Randolph, then a lawyer of some celebrity, he studied law; whose
daughter he married. He was licensed in 1804, and came to the bar at the
same time with Israel Pickens, of Burke County, afterwards Governor of
Alabama.
By the perseverance of his character, the force of his intellect, and steady
application he arose to eminence in his profession. He settled in Stokes
County, and in 1810 represented that county in the House of Commons. He
was re-elected in 1811 and 1812. At this important and exciting period he
distinguished himself by his warm, devoted, and talented supj^ort or the war.
At this session he was elected Solicitor of the Mountain Circuit, then em-
bracing nearly all the western part of the State. The unsurpassed ability,
the fearless zeal and indomitable energy with which he discharged the arduous
duties of this responsible station, are to this day a source of grateful recol-
lection. The mountains of North Carolina were infested with many men,
whose lawless passions and nefarious deeds defied the restraints of justice.
On several occasions Mr. Wilson's life was placed in serious jeopardy, by
his firm and manly prosecution of evil doers. But while the wicked had
nothiuj^ to hope, in his generous temper the innocent found " a friend in
every time of need." He continued in this office until his death, which oo-
ourred in August, 1829, leaving an interesting family, and the State of North
Carolina to lament his untimely end. At the time of his death he was looked
upon as a suitable successor to Governor Branch (as Senator in Congress),
who had been appointed Secretary of the Navy by Gen. Jackson.
James Knox Polk was a native of Mecklenburg.
He was born on 2d November, 1795, about eleven miles south of Char-
lotto, on the land now owned by Nathan Orr, about two hundred yards south
of Little Suear Creek. He was the eldest of ten children. In 1806 his
father moved to Tennessee. He was educated in North Carolina, and was
graduated in 1818, with the first honors of the University. He laid while
at college the foundations of his future fame. He never missed a single re
cUafion or duty during his whole collegiate term. Let our young gentlemen
at Chapel Hill imitate this illustrious^ example.
. MEGKLEKBUfiG COUHTY. 267
He returned to Tennessee, and commenced the stady of law in the office
of Felix Grundy, and was admitted to the bar in lo20. In 1823 he en-
tered the stormy sea of politics, and in which he was destined to so brilliant
a career. In 1825 he was elected to Congress, and in 1835 was elected
Speaker, which he held for five sessions. After fourteen years' service he
declined a re-election. During this long and laborious service he never was
known to be absent a single day from the House, In 1839 he was elected
Governor of Tennessee. In May, 1844, he was nominated as President of
the United States. His minority in the electoral college in December, over
Henry Clay, was sixty-five.
It does not become us at this day or in this place to speak of the measures
or the policy of Mr. Polk, while in the discharge of the important functions
of this elevated office. The labor that he underwent at a period of unex-
ampled danger to the republic and. of difficulty with foreign nations, doubtless
hastened his end.
He declared in May, '44, in his letter accepting the nomination, that he
would only serve one term. And in a letter addressed to the Convention in
1848, through Dr. J. G.M.Ramsay, of Mecklenburg, Knox County, Tennessee,
be reiterated his determination, and voluntarily declined, when many deemed
bis name the only available means of success. He died at Nashville, 15th
June, 1849.
When the mists of party and prejudice shall have subsided, and the calm
yerdict of posterity be given, the services and talents of James K. Polk
yvill be acknowledged as unsurpassed in the annals of our nation, and his
talents esteemed as they deserve.
Mecklenburg is proud of her son I
Nathaniel Alexander, late Governor of North Carolina, was a native of
Mecklenburg. He was a physician by profession, and was elected a member
of the House of Commons in 1797, from Mecklenburg ; a member of the
Senate in 1801, and re-elected 1802. In 1803 to 1805 he was a member of
Congress, and he was in 1805 elected Governor of the State. He married a
daughter of Col. Thomas Polk ; he left no children. He was a man of much
personal worth and respectable talents. He died and lies buried in Char-
lotte.
William DAyinsoN still resides in CharlottQ. " in a green old age." He
succeeded General George Graham in 1813 in the Senate from Mecklen-
burg, which he represented in 1815, '16 and '17.
In 1848 he was elected to Congress, in which he served until 1821. In
1827 he was elected to the State Senate, and in 1828 and 1829.
William Julius Alexander was long a representative from Mecklen-
burg, lie was born in Salisbury, in March, 179v ; educated at Poplar Tent,
by Kev. Dr. Robinson, and was graduated at the University, in 181C. He
studied law with his relative, Archibald Henderson, Esq., in Salisbury, and
was admitted to the bar in 1818. He married Catharine (a fit compeer of her
imperial namesake of Russia), daughter of the late Joseph Wilson, Esq.,
whose life we have just sketched.
He entered public life as member of the House of Commons in 1826, and
was re-elected in 1827 and 1828 (of which he was Speaker),yand in 1829 and
1830, when he was chosen Solicitor of that Judicial Circuit, vacated by the
death of Joseph Wilson, Esq.
In 1846, he was appointed by the President, Superintendent of the U. S.
Branch Mint, at Charlotte.
Greene Washington Caldwell is a resident of Mecklenburg. He was
born in Gaston County, on the Catawba River, near Tuckosege Ford, on
the 13th of April, 1811. His early education was conducted by John Dob-
son. He studied medicine with Dr. Doherty, near Beattie's Ford, and prac-
ticed with success ; but becoming dissatisfied with this profession, abandoned
it for the law, of which profession he is now a member.
268
HISTORY 07 NORTH CAROLINA.
His first appearance in public life was in 183G, as a member of the IXoase
of Commons, lie continued to be re-elected through the stormy periods
of political excitement of 1838, '39 and '40, and in 1841, he was elected
a member of Congress, in which he served one Congress, and declined a re-
election.
In 1844, he was appointed by the President Superintendent of the Mint at
Charlotte. In 1846, he was the unanimous choice of his party for Qovemor,
but this he declined. When the war with Mexico broke out, no resigned his
appointment in the Mint, and volunteered to go to Mexico. He was ap-
pointed captain of a Company of Dragoons, witn E. Constantino Davidson,
John K. Ilarrison, and Aifrei A. Norment, as lieutenants, and exchanged
the comforts of home and emoluments of office, for the dangers and fatigues
of camp.
On his return from Mexico, he was elected, without opposition, to the Se-
nate (1849), with his two officers as colleagues in the Commons. He was a
candidate for Congress in 1851, but was defeated by Hon. Alfred Dockcy.
In this Count;^, at Charlotte, the government has located a branch of the
United States Mint. It was established by act of Congress in 1835, and went
into operation in 1836. Its officers were Joux H. Wheeler, Superintendent;
John H. Gibbox, Assayer ; Joiix 11. Bolton, Coiner ; Wm. F. Strange, Clerk.
In 1841 Colonel Burgess S. Gaither succeeded as Superintendent, who was
gacceeded by Hon. Greene W. Caldwell, who resignea his post to go to the
Mexican War. Col. Wm.VI. Alexander succeeded him, and, on the accession
of General Taylor, James W. Osborne, Esq., was appointed, who now holds
this position.
Last, and not least, should the Ladies of old Mecklenburg be mentioned.
I find in the *' South Carolina and American General Gazette," from the
2d to the 9th of Fobruarv, 1776, the following paragraph : —
"The young ladies of the best families of Mecklenburg County, North
Carolina, have entered into a voluntary association that they will not receive
the addresses of any young gentleman of that place, except the brave volun-
teers who served in the expedition to South Carolina, and assisted in sub-
duing the Scovalite insurgents. The ladies being of opinion, that such per-
sons as stAy loitering at home, when tlie important calls of the country de-
mand their military services abroad, must certainly bo destitute of that noble-
ness of sentiment, that brave, manly spirit which would qualify them to be the
defenders and guardians of the fair sex. The ladies of the adjoining County
of Rowan, have desired the plan of a similar association to be drawn up and
prepared for signature."
Members of the General Assembly from Mecklenburg County,
)m 1777 to 1850-51 :—
from
Year*.
Senate.
1777. Jno. McK. Alexander,
177H. Robert Irwin,
1779. Robert Irwin,
17fiO. Robert Irwin,
1781. Robert Irwin,
1782. Robert Irwin,
1783. Robert Irwin,
1784. James Harris,
1785. James Harris.
1786. James Mitchell,
1787. Robert Irwin,
1788. Joseph Graham,
1789. Joseph Graham,
1790. Joseph Graham,
1791. Joseph Graham,
1792. Joseph Graham,
House of Commons.
Martin Phifer, Waightstill Avery,
Caleb Phifer, David Wilson.
Caleb Phifer, David Wilson.
Caleb Phifer, David Wilson.
Caleb Phifer, David Wilson.
Caleb Phifer, David Wilson.
Caleb Phifer, David Wilson.
Caleb Phifer, David Wilson.
Caleb Phifer, George Alexander.
Caleb Phifer, George Alexander.
William Polk, Caleb Phifer.
Caleb Phifer, Joseph Douglass.
Caleb Phifer, Georce Alexander.
Robert Erwin, William Polk.
Caleb Phifer, William Polk.
Caleb Phifer, James Harris.
MBCBXENBUBO COUJITT.
269
Years. Senate.
1793. Joseph Graham,
1794. Joseph Qrahom,
1795. Robert Irwin,
1796. George Graham,
1797. Robert Irwin,
1798. Robert Irwin,
1799. Robert Irwin,
1800. Robert Irwin,
1801. Nathaniel Alexander,
1802. Nathaniel Alexander,
1803. George Graham,
1804. George Graham,
1805. George Graham,
1806. George Graham,
1807. George Graham,
1808. George Graham,
1809. George Graham,
1810. George Graham,
1811. George Graham,
1812. George Graham,
1813. William Davidson,
1814. Jonathan Harris,
1815. Wm. Davidson,
1816. Wm. Davidson,
1817. Wm. Davidson,
1818. Wm. L. Davidson,
1819. Michael McLeary,
1820. Michael McLeary,
1821. Michael McLeary,
1822. Michael McLeary,
1823. Michael McLeary,
1824. Michael McLeary,
1825. Wm. Davidson,
1826. Michael McLeary,
1827. Wm. Davidson,
1828. Wm. Davidson,
1829. Wm. Davidson,
1830. Joseph Blackwood,
1831. Henry Massey,
1832. Ilenr^ Massey,
1833. Washing'n Morrison,
1834. Wm. JI. McLeary,
1835. Stephen Fox,
1836. Stephen Fox,
1838. Stephen Fox,
1840. J. T. R. Orr,
1842. John Walker,
1844. John Walker,
1846. John Walker,
1848. John Walker,
1850. Green W. Caldwell,
House of Commons.
Charles Polk, George Graham.
Charles Polk, George Graham.
Charles Polk, George Graham.
David McKce, William Morrison.
James Conner, Nathaniel Alexander.
James Conner, Hugh Parker.
James Conner, Shorrod Gray.
Charles Polk, Hugh Parker.
Alexander Morrison, Charles Polk.
Alexander Morrison, Thos. Henderson.
Alexander Morrison, Thos. Henderson.
Thos. Henderson, Sam'l Lowrie.
Sam'l Lowrie, Geo. W. Smart.
Sam'l Lowrie, Thos. Henderson.
John Harris, Thos. Henderson.
George W. Smart, John Harris.
Thos. Henderson, Hutchins G. Burton.
Thos. Henderson, H. G. Burton.
Jonathan Harris, Henry Massey.
Jonathan Harris, Henry Massey.
Cunningham Harris, Jonathan llarris.
William Beattie, Geo. Hampton.
John Ray, Abdon Alexander.
Joab Alexander, John Wilson.
John Rhea, John Wilson.
John Rhea, John Wilson.
John Rhea, Miles J. Robinson.
John Rhea, Miles J. Robinson.
Samuel McCoombs, John Rhea.
Matthew Baine, John Rhea.
Thos. G. Polk, Matthew Baine.
Thos. G. Polk, Matthew Baine.
Thos. G. Polk, Matthew Baine.
Matthew Baine, Wm. J. Alexander.
Joseph Blackwood, Wm. J. Alexander.
Joseph Blackwood, Wm. J. Alexander.
Wm. J. Alexander, Evan Alexander.
Wm. J. Alexander, Evan Alexander.
James Dougherty, John Ilarte.
John Harte, James Dougherty.
Wm. J. Alexander, Andrew Grier.
Wm. J. Alexander, J. M. Hutchison.
J. M. Hutchison, J. A. Dunn.
Jas. Hutchison, G. W. Caldwell, J. A.
Dunn.
G. W. Caldwell, Jas. T. J. Orr, Caleb
Erwin.
G. W. Caldwell, John Walker, BenJ
Morrow.
John Kirk, Jas. W. Ross, Caleb Erwin.
Robert Lemmons, J. A. Dunn, John
Kirk.
John W. Potts, John N. Davis, Robert
Lemmons.
Harrison, J. N. Davis, J. J. Williams.
John K. Harrison, J. J. Williams,
F. Constantino Davidson.
270 HISTOBT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER LII.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Montgomery Countt was formed in the year 1779, from Anson
County, and called in honor of General Richard Montgomery, who
was a distinguished officer of the Revolution, and who fell fighting
her battles in his heroic attack upon Quebec, 31st December,
1775.
Gen. Montgomert was a native of the North of Ireland. He commenced
his career in arms under the celebrated Gen. Wolfe, who was his predeces-
sor in the some field of glory and of death. His remains, after lying at Que-
bec forty-two years, were bv order of the Government, disinterred and
brought to the city of New York ; where, in front of St. Paul's, on Broad-
way, they now lie, with this inscription : —
" This Monument
was erected by order of Congress,
25th January, 177G,
to transmit to posterity a grateful remembrance
of the
patriotism, conduct, enterprise, and
perseverance of
Major-General Richard Montgomery ;
who, after a series of
successes amidst the most discouraging difficulties,
fell in the attack on
Quebec,
Slst December, 1775,
aged 37 years.
Montgomery County is situated in the southern part of the
State, and bounded on the north by Randolph, east by Chatham,
south by Richmond and Anson, and west by the Yadkin, which
separates it from Stanly County.
Its capital is Troy, which preserves the name of late John B.
Troy, Esq., an eminent attorney at this county, and solicitor of
this Judicial Circuit. Its distance from Raleigh, one hundred and
fifteen miles south-west.
Its population is 5055 whites; 1773 slaves; 44 free negroes; G162 repre-
sentative population.
Its products are 2,332,222 lbs. cotton ; 200,597 lbs. tobacco ; 255,496 bush-
els corn ; 48,879 bushels wheat; 1525 dollars in gold.
In this County resides Hon. Edmund Deberrv. lie was born 14th Aa-
gust, 1787.
Ho was educated at the ordinary schools of the County, and is a Planter
by profession. He entered public hfe in 1806 as a member of the Senate, in
which he served with some intermissions until 1828; an unusually long
IIOKTOOUEBT OOTTSTY.
271
period of public service. In the oezt year, 1829, he was elected a member
of Congrose ; again in 1833, and again in 1849.
Hon. John Culpepper resided in this County and represented this District
in Congress in 1807 to 1809, 1813 to 1817, 1819 to 1821, 1823 to 1825.* He
was a Baptist preacher and elected to the General Assembly ; but his seat
was vacated upon constitutional erounds. He was deemed a man of sound
sense, but not brilliant, useful rawer than showy.
Members of the General Assembly from Montgomery County
from date of erection to 1850-51.
Tears. Senate.
1780. John Kimborough,
1781. Thomas Childs,
1782. Thomas Childs,
1783. Thomas Childs,
1784. Samuel Parsons,
1785. Samuel Parsons,
1786. John Stokes,
1787. John Stokes,
1788. David Nesbitt,
1789. WiUiam KendaU,
1790. Thomas Childs,
1701. James Turner,
1792. James Turner,
1793. James Turner,
1794. Thomas Childs,
1795. Thomas Childs,
1796. Thomas Childs,
1797. West Harris,
1798. West Harris,
1799. West Harris,
1800. Thomas Blewett,
1801. West Harris,
1802. West Harris,
1803. Geo. W. Graham,
1804. James Saunders,
1805. James Saunders,
1806. £dmund Deberry,
1807. Edmund Deberry,
1808. Edmund Deberry,
1809. Edmund Deberry,
1810. Edmund Deberry,
1811. Edmund Deberry,
1812. Geo. W. Davidson,
1813. Edmund Deberry,
1814. Edmund Deberry,
1815. James Legrand,
1816. James Legrand,
1817. John Crump,
1818. Geo. W. Davidson,
1819. Geo. W. Davidson,
1820. Edmund Deberry,
1821. Edmund Deberry,
1822. James Legrand,
1823. James Legrand,
1824. James Legrand,
1825. James Legrand,'
1826. Edmund Deberry,
House of Commons.
James Roper, Edward Moore.
Robert Moss, Peter Randle.
Robert Moss, Peter Randle.
James McDonald, Mark Allen.
Wm. Kendall, Mark Allen.
Jas. McDonald, Charles Robertson.
Jas. McDonald, John Palmer.
Thomas Childs, William Kendall.
James Tindall, Thomas Ussory.
Wm. Johnson, James Tindall.
Thomas Butler, John Ussory.
James Tindall, James Gray.
William Rush, West Harris.
William Rush, Wm. Loflen.
William Loften, Thos. Ussory.
Thomas Ussory, Henry Deberry.
Wm. Loften, llenry Deberry.
Henry Deberry, Arthur Harris.
Henry Deberry, Arthur Harris.
Henry Deberry, Thomas Cbilds, Jr.
Henry Deberry, Thomas Childs, Jr.
Thos. Childs, Silas Billingsfly.
Wm. R. Allen, James Saunders.
John Maske, James Saunders.
James Allen, John Maske.
John Maske, James Allen.
James Allen, David Cochran.
David Cochran, Clement Lavier.
Claiborn Harris, Joseph Parsons.
Joseph Parsons, Wm. Crittenden.
George W. Davidson, Jos. Parsons.
James Legrand, Jos. Parsons.
James Legrand, John Randle.
John Crump, Thomas Butler.
J. Crump, John Randle.
John Randle, John Crump.
John Crump, John Randle.
John Lilley, Andrew Wade.
John Kendall, John Lilley.
John Lilley, John Kendall.
John Dargan, John Lilley.
John Dargan, Hardy Morgan.
Hardy Morgan, John Dargan.
Hardy Morgan, John Dargan.
John Culpepper, John Dargan.
John Dargan, Thos. C. Dunn.
John Dargan, James Allen.
* This is an error, bat the authorities are, " American Almanac" for 183S, and
«* Statesman's Manual," by Williams, u. 1534. Mr. C. was n
not in Congress in 1825.
272 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Year^. Senate. House of Commons.
1827. Edmund Dobcrry, James Allen, Jas. M. Lilley.
1828. Edmund Dcberry, Reuben Kendall, Jas. M. Lilley.
1829. John Crump, Reuben Kendall, Jas. M. Lilley.
1830. John Crump, James M. Lilley, Reuben Kendall.
1831. Reuben Kendall, Geo. W. McClam, Pleasant M. Maske.
1832. James M. Lillcv, Francis Locke, Pleasant M. Maske.
1833. Reuben Kendall, Francis Locke, Edmund F. Lilley.
1835. Reuben Kendall, William Harris, Peter R. Lilley.
1830. John R. Kellcy, William Harris, Enoch Jonlan.
1838. J. IL Montgomery, William Harris, Thos. Pemberton.
1840. J. IL Montgomery, Thos. Pemberton, Edmund F. Lilley.
1842. J. M. Worth, Calvin J. Cochran, Francis Locke.
1844. J. M. Worth. Calvin J. Cochran.
1846. Alexander Kelly, Zebedeo Russell.
1848. J. M. Worth, Zobedce Russell.
1850. Angus R. KcUy, Zebodee Russell.
CHAPTER LIII.
MOORE COUNTY.
MooRE County was formed, in 1784, from Cumberland County,
and named in compliment of Hon. Alfred Moore, late one of the
Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, for
whose biography sec Brunswick County, Chapter VIIL, page 49.
Moore County is near the centre of the State, being bounded on
the north by Chatham, west by Cumberland, south by Ilichmoud,
and west by Montgomery.
Its capital is Carthage, seventy-nine miles south-west of Raleigh.
Its population is 7197 whites ; 1976 slaves ; 169 free negroes ; 8551 repre-
sentative population.
Its prooucta are 750,640 lbs. cotton; 6073 lbs. wool; 31,416 lbs. tobacco;
30,325 bushels corn ; 17,241 bushels oats; 15,643 bushels wheat.
Hon. Abcdibald McNiel, of this county, entered the House of Commons
in 1808, and re-elected in 1809, and was elected to tlie Senate in 1811 ; he
was again in the Senate in 1815 ; he was elected to Congress in 1821, and
ierved to 1823, and again elected to Congress in 1825.
Hon. Arciiidald McBryde, of this county, was elected to Congress in
1809, and re-elected in 1811 ; he was a member of the Senate in 1813 and
1814.
Hon. Benjamin Williams was a resident of this countv. He was elected
(Governor in 1799, and elected to the State Senate in 180Y, at which sertsion
he was again elected Governor, and, in 1809, again a member of the State
Senate.
He died in Moore, at his residence, now owned by Dr. Charles Chalmers.
We re^t that we do not know more of the lives, characters, and ser^'ices of
the citizens of Moore, and wo trust that some patriotic son of hers will, from
the data herewith given, farnish more of their merits.
MOORE COUNTY.
2T8
Members of the General Assembly from Moore County, from its
erection to last Session, 1850-51.
Years. Senate.
1785. Philip Alston,
17S6. Philip Alston,
1787. Thomas Overton,
1788. Thomas Overton,
1789. Thomas Overton,
1790. Thomas Overton,
1791. Thomas Tyson,
1792. Thomas Overton,
1793. William Martin,
1794. Daniel Mcintosh,
1795. Daniel Mcintosh,
1796. Malcolm Gilchrist,
1797. Daniel Mcintosh,
1798. Malcolm Gilchrist,
1799. Malcolm Gilchrist,
1800. Malcolm Gilchrist,
1801. Duncan Brice,
1802. Murdock McKenzie,
1803. Duncan Brice,
1804. Jacob Gastor,
1805. Thomas Tyson,
1806. Jacob Gastor,
1807. Benjamin Williams,
1808. Thomas Tyson,
1809. Benjamin Williams,
1810. Allen McClennan,
1811. Archibald McNeill,
1812. Jacob Gastor,
1813. Archibald McBryde,
1814. Archibald McBryde,
1815. Archibald McNeill,
1816. Atlas Jones,
1817. Atlas Jones,
1818. John B. Kelly,
1819. Joaiah Tyson,
1820. Benjamin Person,
1821. Benjamin Person,
1822. Benjamin Person,
1823. William Jackson,
1824. Benjamin W. Williams,
1825. Cornelius Dowd,
1826. Josiah Tyson,
1827. Alexander McNeill,
1828. Alexander McNeill,
1829. Alexander McNeill,
1830. Alexander McNeill,
1831. Josiah Tyson,
1832. Josiah Tyson, ^
1833. Duncan Slurchison,
1834. Cornelius Dowd,
1835. Cornelius Dowd,
1838. John 11. Montgomery,
1840. John II. Montgomery,
1842. J.M.Worth,
1844. J. M. Worth,
1846. Alexander Kelly,
1848. J.M.Worth,
1850. AngoB B. Kelly.
House of Commons.
John Carroll, John Cox.
John Cox, Charles Crawford.
John Cox, Thomas Tyson.
William Martin, William Mears.
William Martin, William Mears.
W^illiam Martin, William Mears.
Cornelius Dowd, William Martin.
William Barrett, William Dunn.
W^illiam Dunn, Daniel Mcintosh.
Thomas H. Perkins, Malcolm Gilchrist.
Malcolm Gilchrist, William Gilchrist.
Jacob Gastor, Murdock Martin.
Cornelius Dowd, Jacob Gastor.
William Barrett, Cornelius Dowd.
John Mclvor, Jacob Gastor.
Murdock Martin, Jacob Gastor.
Allen McLellan, Archibald Dalrymple.
Jacob Gastor, Allen McLellan.
John Atkinson, Cornelius Dowd.
Allen McLellan, Francis Bullock.
Allen McLellan, Francis Bullock.
William Barrett, Cornelius Dowd.
Cornelius Dowd, Allen McLellan.
Archibald McNeill, William Brice.
Archibald McNeill, Edmund Wade.
William Brice, David Keid.
Atlas Jones, John McLennan.
James Seawell, Atlas Jones.
James Seawell, Josiah Tyson.
Jonathan Tyson, Malone Brice.
Jacob Gastor, Josiah Tyson.
Josiah Tyson, John Murchison.
John Murchison, Josiah Tyson.
Beifjamin Person, John Murchison.
Malcolm Brice, Alexander McNeill.
Alexander McNeill, Josiah Tyson.
Josiah Tyson, Alexander McNeill.
Josiah Tyson, Alexander McNeill.
Gideon i^awell, Angus Martin.
Jos. A. Hill, Jos. Lainb.
John Murchison, William Crawford.
Gideon Seawell, William Wadsworth.
Gideon Seawell, William Wadsworth.
Josiah Tyson, William Wadsworth.
William Hancock, Duncan Murchison.
William Wadsworth, WQlis D. Dowd.
William Wadsworth, Gideon Seawell.
Wm. Wadsworth, John H. Montgomery.
Wm. Wadsworth, John H. Montgomery.
Wm. Wadsworth, Angus McDonald.
John 0. Kelly, John A. D. MoNeiU.
John A. D. McNeill.
Duncan Murchison.
William D. Harrington.
Donald Street.
M. B. Person.
Samael J. Person.
Samuel J. Person.
274 HISTOBY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER LIV.
NASH COUNTY.
Nash County was formed from Edgecombe County, in 1777,
and named in compliment of General Francis Nash, of Orange,
who fell this year at the battle of Germantown, bravely fighting
for the liberties of his country. For a sketch of whose iSe see
Orange County, Chapter LVIII.
It IS situated in the eastern part of the State, and bounded on
the north by Halifax, east by Edgecombe, south by Johnston, and
west by Franklin.
Its capital is Nashville, and is distant 44 miles east from Raleigh.
Its population, 5,972 whites ; 4,056 slaves; 629 free negroes; 9,034 repre-
sentative |^>opulation.
Product!), 50,738 lbs. cotton ; 1,165 lbs. wool ; 32,325 bushels com ; 5,882
bushels oats ; 833 bushels wheat.
ATTACK OF TORIES ON JAMES DRAKE, AND GALLANT CONDUCT OF HIS SON SOOTH-
ING EFFECT OF ONE OF THE GREAT STAPLES OF NASH.
During the Revolution there was a Captain Beard, vrho spread terror
through this County, This account of him, and that of his death, has been
narrated to mo by my venerable and worthy friend Michael Collins, Esquire,
of Warren, now in the 73d year of his age, and may be relied on for its cor-
rectness : —
About 1778, Captain Beard, who was a brave and gallant soldier, but
mistaken in his duty, attacked the house of James Drake, Esq., of Nash
County, with a band of Tories. There was at the time, in the house, no one
but Mr. Drake, his son Albritain, then about seventeen, and Benjamin
Bridges, his half-brother ; Nathaniel Nichols, Henry Massinger, and Robert
Piland. Bridges and Nichols retreated. The rest prepared fur defence.
Albritain, who was one of a corps of light horse, and had been in active duty
scouring the country for these very men, ran out with a loaded musket tknd
fired. The Tories then surrounded the house, and ordered a surrender.
They had several prisoners, tied, with them. Old Mr. James Drake seised a
fun and advanced on the foe, but his gun missed fire ; William Ross, a Tory,
red at him with a gun charged with buck shot. His aim missed the old
man, but wounded both Massinger (cutting ofi'a part of his nose) and Piland
(shot in the abdomen). The Tories, headed by Beard, sword in hand, rushed
into the house. Beard was met by young Albritain Drake, with a cutlass ;
they engaged ; at the first blow young Drake's sword struck the joist above his
head, and broke off at the hilt: he was knocked down. The old man then joined
in the mel^e, with his gun clubbed ; but was soon cut down by the sword of
Beard, and was so severely wounded that ** he was a gore of blood." Seeing
her husband cut down, old Mrs. Drake rushed in, not with a weapon, but with
tLJugofold Nashf even to this day celebrated for its excellent flavor. Her en-
treaties and the more potent influences of the liquor, produced a parley. She
Elied them so liberally witli the brandy, that peace was restored. Beard hod
een an aspirant for the hand of her daughter. During this time Captain Peter
Goodwin with a troop of horse galloped up ; Albritain Drake threw up hia
HASH COUHTT.
275
hat, and gave a loud halloo ; Goodwin made a furious attack, and Beard and
his men made a precipitate retreat. In his retreat, he was encountered bv
Bridges, who was near. Brid^es's gun missed fire, and Beard used his sword,
but was knocked down by Bridges, and he fell lifeless. Bridges thought he
was killed, and came to the house and informed them that he had killed
Beard. They aH went out to see his dead body, but Beard had recovered so
as to sit up. He was then taken into custody. A negro man, Simon, who
had a wife at Drake's, oaught another one of his band, named Porch. These
were taken to Colonel Seawell, in Franklin Gountv. They were tried by a
Court-martial, and both were forthwith hung. Sucn was the end of Captain
Beard.
Mr. Drake lived to a good old age, and died in 1790, in the sixty-fifth year
of his age. His brave son Albritain married and settled in Robeson, where
his son John now lives, and then moved to Kentucky, where he raised a
large family, who, and their decendants, are hiehly respectable and scattered
over the south-western States. Wis son ColonefJames JP. Drake, commanded
the Indiana Regiment in the late war with Mexico. Albritain Drake died
at the advanced age of eighty, loved and respected for his kindness and virtues.
Hon. Archibald Arbington resides in this County. He is the brother of
Samuel L. Arrington, who, from 1833 to 1842, represented Nash County in
the Senate. Mr. Arrinston was elected to Coneress from this District, in
1841, and was re-elected in 1843, defeating the Hon. Edward Stanly. Aft^
serving this Congress, he retired to private life.
Members of the General Assembly from Nash County, from its
erection to 1850-*61.
Yean. Senate.
1778. Hardy Griffin,
1780. Hardy Griffin,
1781. Hnrdy Griffin,
1782. Hardy Griffin,
1783. Hardy Griffin,
1784. Hardy Griffin,
1785. Hardy Griffin,
1786. Hardy Griffin,
1787. Hardy Griffin,
1788. Red. Bunn,
1789. Hardy Griffin,
1790. Hardy Griffin,
1791. Hardy Griffin,
1792. Hardy Griffin,
1793. Hardy Griffin,
1794. Hardy Griffin,
1795. Hardy Griffin,
1796. William Arrington,
1797. Archibald Griffin,
1798. John Arrington,
1799. John Arrington,
1800. John H. Drake,
1801. John Arrington,
1802. John Arrington,
1803. John Arrington,
1804. John Arrington,
1805. John H. Drake,
1806. John Arrington,
1807. John Arrington,
1808. William Arrington,
1809. William Arrington,
1810. William Arrington,
1811. William Arrington,
House of CommoDB.
Thomas Hester, Hardy Griffin.
Joseph Arrington, Edward Nicholson.
Joseph Arrington, Edward Nicholson.
Joseph Arrington, Edward Nicholson.
Micajah Thomas, Thomas Pounds.
Micajah Thomas, Thomas Pounds.
John Bonds, Micajah Thomas.
John Bonds, Jos. J. Clinch.
Micigah Thomas, John Bonds.
Wilson Yick, John Bonds.-
Wilson Tick, John Bonds.
James Battle, John Bonds.
Howell Ellen, Joseph Arrington.
John H. Drake, Joseph Arrington.
John H. Drake, John Bonds.
John II. Drake, Arched Hunter.
John II. Drake, Arch'd Hunter.
John H. Drake, Arch'd Hunter.
Redmond Bunn, Arch'd Hunter.
Redmond Bunn, John H. Drake.
Redmond Bunn, Arch'd Hunter.
Geo. Boddie, Redmond Bunn.
Geo. Boddie, Arch'd Hunter.
John Hilliard, Arch'd Griffin.
Arch'd Griffin, John Hilliard.
Arch'd Griffin, Nathan Whitehead.
Nathan Whitehead, Henry Ilines.
Arch'd Griffin, Redmond Bunn.
Arch'd Griffin, Redmond Bunn.
Amos Gandv, Redmond Bunn.
Michael Collins, Exum Phillips.
Amos Gandy, Michael Collins.
Michael CoUins, Exam Phillips.
276
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years. Senate.
1812. William Arrington,
1813. George Boddie,
1814. George Boddie,
1815. George Boddie,
1816. Michael Collins,
1817. Robert 0. Hilliard,
1818. Michael CoUins,
1819. Joseph Terrell,
1820. W. W. Boddie,
1821. Wm. W. Boddie,
1822. Wm.W. Boddie,
^ 1823. Wm. W. Boddie,
1824. Wm.W. Boddie,
1825. Wm.W. Boddie,
.1826. Wm.W. Boddie,
1827. Nicholas Drake,
1828. Wm.W. Boddie,
1829. Wm.W. Boddie,
1830. Wm.W. Boddie,
1831. Wm.W. Boddie,
1832. Wm.W. Boddie,
1833. Samuel L. Arrington,
1834. Samuel L. Arrington,
1835. Samuel L. Arrington,
1836. Samuel L. Arrington,
1838. Samuel L. Arrington,
1840. Samuel L. Arrington,
1842. Samuel L. Arrington,
1844. John H. Drake,
1846. John H. Drake,
1848. John H.Drake,
1850. John U. Drake,
House of Commons.
Geo. Boddie, Michael Collins.
K. C. Hilliard, Michael Collins.
R. C. Hilliard, Michael Collins.
R. C. Hilliard, Michael Collins.
Bartley Deans, David Ricks.
Arch'd Lamon, Joseph Terrell.
Wm. W. Boddie, Arch'd Lamon.
Wm. W. Boddie, Arch'd Lamon.
Arch'd Lamon, Henry Blount.
Henry Blount, Arch'd Lamon.
Arch'd Lamon, Thomas N. Mann.
Arch'd Lamon, Thomas N. Mann.
Arch'd Lamon, N. J. Drake.
Nicholas Drake, Major A. Wilcox.
Duncan Ydlk, Joseph Arrington.
Frederick Battle, Jas. N. Mann.
Frederick Battle, Gideon Bass.
Duncan York, Jos. Arrington.
Jos. Arrington, Robert C. Hilliard.
Jos. Arrington, Geo. Boddie.
Jos. Arrington, Geo. Boddie.
George Boddie, Ford Taylor.
George Boddie, Ford Taylor.
Samuel Brown, Ford Taylor.
Henry Blount.
Ford Taylor.
Ford Taylor.
Ford Taylor.
W. D. Harrison.
W. D. Harrison.
Dr. Taylor.
Ford Taylor.
CHAPTER LV.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY.
Date of erection — Origin of name, situation, and boundaries — Population and
products — Colonial and reyolutionary history — Its distinguished citizens,
and Members of Assembly.
New Hanover County was formed in 1728, and called in honor
of the House of Hanover, then on the English throne.*
It is situated in the south-eastern part of North Carolina ; and
bounded on the north by Duplin, east by Onslow, south by the At-
lantic Ocean, and west by the Cape Fear and South Rivers, which
separate it from Brunswick and Bladen Counties.
Its capital is Wilmington, called in compliment to the Earl of
Wilmington, the nobleman to whose patronage Governor Johnston
* Martin's Uistory of North Carolina, vol. i. p. 301.
NBW HAKOVEB COUNTY. 277
(in 1739) was indebted for his oflSce. It was originally called New-
ton.* Distance from Baleigh, one hundred and forty-eight miles.
On April 30th, 1844, a large portion of this beautiful town was
destroyed by fire.
Its population is 8,190 whites ; 8,581 slaves ; 897 free negroes ; 14,235 repre-
sentative population.
Its annual products are, 35,951 barrels of turpentine ; 200.423 bushels of
com ; 28,566 pounds of cotton ; 7,468 pounds of wool ; $14,178 worth of lum-
ber ; 109 barrels of fish.
There is no portion of North Carolina more early and more sin-
cerely devoted to liberty than New Hanover.
Long before the Revolution, its inhabitants, led on by John Ashe,
showed indomitable resistance to the tyrannical acts of England.
This section of country was more exposed to the presence of the
enemy than any part of our State, and none showed firmer opposi-
tion.
In July, 1774, on the Boston port bill being enacted by Parlia-
ment, the citizens of Wilmington met and declared " the cause of
Boston, the common cause of America." In the next month, the
citizens sent, by Parker Quince, a ship load of provision to their suf-
fering brethren in Boston.
On the adjournment of the first Continental Congress (in Oct.,
1774), on the 23d Nov., 1774, the freeholders of Wilmington held
a meeting and elected a Committee of Safety, of which Cornelius
Harnett, John Quince, Francis Clayton, William Hooper, Robert
Hogg, John Ancrum, Archibald McLain, John Robinson, and John
Walker were members.
In June, 1775, the citizens of New Hanover formed an associa-
tion for defence of their liberties with the citizens of Brunswick,
Bladen, Duplin, and Onslow; and declared themselves "ready to
go forth and be ready to sacrifice their lives and fortunes to secure
the freedom and safety of the coimtry."
When Governor Martin summoned his Miyesty's Council to attend him on
board the sloop-of-war, in the Cape Fear River, m Jan., 1776, the Committee
informed the members, then on their way, that they could not, consistent " with
the safety of the country ^ permit them to attend the OovemorJ*
A more decided act does not occur in the annals of any State.
To the Assembly that met at Newborn, on Au^. 25th, 1774, there appeared
John Ashe, William Hooper, from the county oiNew HanoTor ; and Francis
Clatton, from the town of Wilmington.
In April, 1775^ the same appeared at the same place, from the county, and
Cornelius Harnett from the town.
At Hillsboro', on Aug. 21st, 1775, from the county were George Moore,
Alexander Lillington, Samuel Ashe, William Hooper, James Moore, and
John Ashe ; from the town, Cornelius Harnett and Archibalp McClain.
At Halifax, on April 4th, 177G, from the county, John Ashe, John Deyane,
Samuel Asue, Sampson Moselt, and John Hollinqsworth ; andWM.HoopxR
from the town.
The same appeared at the same place, Nov. 12th, 1776, which Convention
formed oar State Constitution.
* Williamson's History of North Carolina, vol ii. p. 39.
278 HISTORY OP NORTH CAROLINA.
By the Con^ss of April 4th, 1776, John Ashe was chosen Brigadier-
General of the IV Umington District.
Alexander Lillington was appointed Colonel of the 6th Regiment.
Of the New Hanover Regiment, William Pukviance was Colonel, Sa^hpson
MosELY Lieatenant-ColoneT, William Moselt Major, John Detane 2d Major.
The first conflict of arms after the military organization of the
State, occurred in this county, at Moore's Creek, on the 27th of
February, 1776. This has already been referred to in the life of
Caswell,* and in the life of Flora MacDonald.t
The Royal Governor, Martin, had taken refuge on board of a
ehip-of-war, on the Cape Fear River, and General Clinton with a
large force appeared to reinstate him.
Governor Martin, working upon the loyalty of the Scottish popu-
lation on Cross Creek (now Fayetteville), had persuaded them to
rise and form a junction with General Clinton. He had sent a
commission to the chief of the Clan of MacDonald, as Brigadier-
General, and they had assembled in strong force, and marched to-
wards the Cape Fear.
On the 27th of February, 1776, they met at Moore's Creek, in
Hanover County, Colonels Caswell and Lillington, with an inferior
force. A severe conflict ensued; the Royalists were routed, their
General, MacDonald, taken prisoner, and many killed and wounded.
This was most fortunate at the time. Had the Loyalists eflfected
a junction with Clinton, they would have overrun the whole country,
dispersed the friends of liberty, and encouraged its enemies.
I present Colonel Caswell's own oflScial report of this battle.
A letter from Richard Caswell, to Mr. President Harnett : —
February 29th, 1776.
'' Sir — I have the pleasure to acquaint vou that we had an engagement with
the Tories, at Widow Moore's Creek Bridge, on the 27th current. Our army
was about one thousand strong, consisting of the Newbern Battalion of Mi-
nutc-men, the militia from Graven, Johnston, Dobbs, and Wake, and a de-
tachment of the Wilmington Battalion of Minute-men, which we found en-
camped at Moore's Creek the night before the battle, under the command of
Colonel Lillington. The Tories, by common report, were three thousand ;
but General MacDonald, whom we have prisoner, says there were about
fifteen or sixteen hundred ; he was unwell that day, and not in the battle.
Captain McLcod, who seemed to be principal oommander, and Captain John
Campbell, are among the slain."
In the same letter he says : —
'' Colonel Moore arrived at our camp a few hours after the engagement was
over. His troops came up that evening, and are now encamped on the
sroand where the battle was fought, and Colonel Martin is at or near Cross
Creek, with a large body of men. These, I presume, will be sufficient to put
a stop to any attempt of the Tories to embody again.''
The proceedings of the Committee of Safety for the Town of
Wilmington, from 1774 to 1776, have been published, and evince
the purest patriotism and unconquerable spirit of liberty. The
members were sworn to secrecy, and exercised unlimited power over
* Vol. i. 88. t S^o Cumberland, chapter zxiii.
HSW HAKOTER OOUHTT. 279
the property, persons, and lives of the community. They provided
arms for the defence of the country. Great as their powers were,
in no instance were they used with injustice or oppression. Among
these appear the names of John Baptist Ashe, John Ashb,
Samubl Ashe, Cornelius Harnett, Wm. Hooper, Thomas
Brown, Thomas Owen, Archibald MacLaine, Axexandbr
LiLLiNGTON, Samuel Swann, and others ?
The events of the Revolution and previous, and the recollections
that cluster around their names, the sketch of their lives and ser-
vices, and the history of the Town of Wilmington, and the County
of New Hanover, would form of itself a volume of deep interest.
Already have the character and services of one General John Ashe
employed the pen of the biographer. May we not hope that this
may stimulate other sons of the patriotic section of our State to
preserve the record of their glorious ancestry?
^^ Character is as important to a State as to individuals," and
that estimate is chiefly based upon the achievement and conduct of
its citizens.
A8HE FAHILT.
John Baptist Ashs, the founder and origin of the family, emigrated from
England in the early part of 1727. He was the friend of Lord Craven, and
under his powerful patronage, sought his fortunes in the Western World. He
was a man of liberal education, aecomplished manners, and superior intellect.
His name appears as one of the Council named in the Commission of
Oeorge Burrington, as Governor of North Carolina in 1730.*
He married Elizabeth Swann, a relative of Samuel Swann, who was an emi-
nent lawyer, and compiler of the statute laws in 1752 (called Yellow Jacket.)
From this union sprung three children :-^
I. John Ashb, bom 1721.
II. Mart, born 1723, who married Moore.
III. Samuel, bom 1725.
I. John Ashe was distinguished in his opposition, before the Revolution,
to the Stamp Act; was Speaker of the Assembly, under the Colonial Govern-
ment, from 1762, to 1765 ; remarkable for his talents, firmness, and fine per-
sonal appearance. He was the officer who led the daring spirits of this se^
tion in tnat day.
He attacked Fort Johnston, ran the Royal Governor (Martin) on board of
a sloop-of-war, and destroyed the fort* This was an overt act of treason
against the Roval Government.
He was the nrst person in the State that ever received a commission from
the people. In 17/5, he declined the commission of Colonel, from the Royal
Governor, Martin, and was appointed Colonel of Now Hanover County.
In 1776, he was appointed Brigadier-General of Wilmington District.
He served in tlie South, and at Brier Creek (1779) on the Savannah River,
he was surprised by the enemy under General Prevost, and a great loss
ensued.
From General John Ashe, to Major-General Lincoln, giving an
account of the disaster at Brier Creek:—
Matthew's Bluff, Zd of March, 1779.
Sir — I am sorry to inform you that at 3 o'clock P. M., the enemy came
down upon us in force, what number, I know not. The troops did not stand
• Vol. i. 42.
27
280 HISTOBT OF NQBTH CABOUKA.
£re five minutes ; many fled without discharging their pieces. I went with
the fugitives half a mile, and finding it impossible to rally the troops, I
made my escape into the river swamp, and made up in the evening to this
place. Two officers and two soldiers came off with me. The rest of the
troops have fallen, I am afraid, into the enemy's hands, as they had but little
further where they could fly to. Luckily, Maior Grimkie had got the artillery
out of the boat, so I shall keep them here wim General Rutherford's brigade,
to defend this pass until I receive further orders from you. This instant,
General Bryant and Colonel Perkins have arrived. Colonel Eaton was
drowned in crossing the river.*
Since writing the above, a number of officers and soldiers have arrived.
We have taken a man who says he was taken by them, and would not take
their oath, and was formerly under Lee, at the northward. He informed me
that there were 1,700 red coats in the action, also a number of Tories from
New York, Georgia militia, and Florida scouts ; that 1,500 men had marched
up to Auguista, to fortify that place; that Uiey are fortif;^ing Hudson's
strongly ; that the day they marched off, 7,000 men had arrived from New
York. Generals Bryant and Rutherford are of opinion that it is better to
retreat to your quarters, therefore, I am inclined to march to-night when we
get our fugitives over. I am, &c., JOHN ASH£.
Major-Genkral Lincoln.
A Court-Martial was ordered, at the request of General Ashe, by General
Lincoln, on the 9th of March, 1779.t This Court decided, " that General Ashe
did not take all the necessary precautions to secure his camp, and to obtain
timely intelligence of the approach of the enemy, but the Court acquitted
him of all imputations as to want of personal courage, and that he remained
on the field as long as prudence and duty required." He returned to his
residence af^r this, near Wilmington, then in possession of the British, under
Mf^or Craig, and finally, he was betrayed, by his confidential servant, into
the hands of the enemy, and suffered a long and rigid confinement While in
confinement, he contracted the small-pox. He was released on parole, and died
soon after with that disease, at the house of Colonel John Sampson, in Samp-
son County, in Ootbber, 1781.
His son Samuel served as a Captain of Light Horse, and rendered im-
portant services in various expeditions against the enemy until the close of
the war.
II. Samuel Ashe, son of John Baptist Ashe, bom in 1725, was more of
the statesman than soldier. He was an educated man, and by profession a
lawyer. He was a member of the Provincial Council, and an ardent friend of
liberty. He served throughout the war in various military and civil capaci-
ties. He was a member of the State Congress at Hillsboro', on 2l8t August,
1775, and by this bodv appointed Paymaster of the first continental regi-
ment, and a member of the body at Halifax in April, 1776, and a member of
the Convention at the same place, 12th November, 1776, which formed oar
State Constitution.
In 1777, ho was one of the three Judges under the Constitution (John Wil-
liams und Samuel Spencer being the other two), which he held until 1795,
when ho was elected Governor of the State.
The following letter from Governor Ashe will show the spirit of the times
and the part he bore.
Cape Fear, Sth October, 1776.
Mr Dear Sir — Laudamus te DeumI we can at present joyfully chant forth.
The vessels of war lately here, I am just now informed, took their departure
a few days since, first burning two of their tenders. We have now an open
* This was a mistake, for although Gen. Ashe believed that Eaton was drowned, he
arrived safely at G«a. Lincoln's camp, and gave early information of this vicissitude of
t Of this Court, General William Moultrie was President, General Rutherford, Colonel
Lock, and othero, members. Its proceedings and the eviden.ce, are reported in ** Moultrie's
Afemoirs,'' ii. 336,
ITBWHANOVBB COUNTT. 281
port, though I fear it will not long be one, nnless jovlt Honorable Board will
nurrj down some ball. I presume Mr. Hewes, with a budget of interesting
northern news, is with jou before this. Pray be so obliging as to communi-
cate by a line what he, or an^ other, may naTe broue;bt. We have none
here sfnce the Long Island affair ; not one syllable of Indian matters. Has
Avery returned ? or have the Indians borrowed the poor fellow's niglitcap ?
I wish to hear from that quarter. The humor of nut baking seems to ne
taking place here. I have seen some baked here, the cleanest and whitest of
any salt, I think, I ever saw in all my life. Every old wife is now scouring
up her pint pot for the necessary operations. God send them good luck.
Pray tender my respectful compliments to every member of your f oard, and
believe me, Dear sir, with esteem, your obedient servant,
SAMUEL A8HE.
P.S. Just as I finished this I was told the cruiser, too long a terror of Cape
Fear, was likewise burnt.
To Wilis Jonis, Esq.,
Chairman of the UommitUe of Safety, Halifax.
He married Marv Porter, by whom he had John Baptist, bom in 1748, and
Samuel, bom in I'/o3, and Cincinnatus, bom in 1765. If not a soldier him-
self, he gave proof that he was of the " stuff of which soldiers are made/'
for all these sons entered the army.
John B. Ashi entered the army at an early age. He was appointed on
17th April, 1776, a Captain in the 6th Regiment of State troops in the conti-
nental service, commanded by Colonel Jdezander Lillington, and promoted
to a Lieutenani-Colonelcy ; and, as such, served at the hard fou^t battle of
Eutaw Sprines in September, 1781.
After toe close of tne war he was elected a member of the Continental Con-
ness in 1787 and served until 1788 ; and a member of Congress under the
Constitution from 1790 and served until 1793. He settled in Halifax, mar-
ried a daughter of Col. Montfort, and sister of Mrs. Wilie Jones. It was this
lady whose wit caused even the martial spirit of Tarleton to quail.
Ill 1795, he represented Halifax in the House of Commons, and about this
time was elected Governor of the State, but died before his inauguration.
His brother, Samuil Ashs, was bom in 1763. He entered the army in
1779 at the early age of sixteen, as a lieutenant. He joined Gen. Lincoln at
Charleston, and was captured at that place in Mav, 1780. After a captivity
of fifteen months, he and his companions were shipped to Jamestown, Vir-
ginia ; where they were exchangecl. He joined the army under Lafayette,
and was soon afler transferred to General Greene's army, with which he con-
tinued until the close of the war.
Samuel Ashe, son of Gen. John Ashe, has often represented New Hanover
in both branches of the General Assembly. His last session was in the
Senate in 1817. He died about twenty years ago.
Of this family there were in the Revolutionary war, five officers at one time,
all actively engaeed in the service of their country. Gen. John Ashe and
his son Captain &muel Ashe, and Col. John Baptist Ashe, Samuel Ashe, and
Cincinnatus Ashe, a Captain of Marines.
Worthy is such a family of the record of their deeds, and worthily is their
name preserved in one of our mountain counties !
Of tne family of Butlers, at a dinner in Philadelphia, Gen. Lafayette gave
a toast that " when he wished, in the Revolutionary War, anything vM done,
he got a BtUUr to do it." Might not North Carolina say the same of the
name of Ashe ?
Cornelius Harnett was also of this county. One of the earliest and most
devoted friends of liberty, he threw into the doubtful balance his influence,
hlsproperty, and hitf life, for America.
He wascuBtiiigaiBhedas "a gentleman and a toIioW,*^ %aicfSi%A^<\^ioaKi^
282 HISXOBT OF HOBTH OAHOLIVA.
of great wealth and inflaence. Mr. QuincT, of Boston, who Tisited him in
March, 1773» pronounced him " the Samnel Adams of North Carolina.''
As early as 1730, he was named in GoTemor Burrington's commission, ss
Counsellor. He was the President of the Proyincial Council, which was the
£xecuti?e power of the State, and as such he was virtually her Gk>Temor
in the interregnum between the retreat of Got. Martin and the secession
of a Constitutional officer. This office was one of great peril, arduous and
responsible. Had the British subdued this country, and he fallen into
their hands, a halter would have been his &te. uen. Clinton specially
marked him, and excluded him Arom all marks of pardon or favor. In the
course of the events of war he, however, fell into the hands of the enemy and
died in captivity.*
It is a matter of deep regret that more of the history of this distinguished
man, whose life was offered up to his country, is not known. It is hoped
that this feeble notice will excite some friend of the State to collect and
collate the full biography of this worthy citizen. Last Session of our General
Assemblv (1851), a proposition was made to name a County, Elarnett. Wor-
thy are his services and sacrifices of such a compliment, and the State is
proud to cherish his name.
The life and character of Williah Hooper, who was long a resident and
representative of this county, deserve our especial attention. It was most
strangely aspersed by Mr. Jefferson, in a letter to John Adams, dated 9th July«
1819, in which he says, that ** we had not a greater Tory in Congress thitn
Hooper.'' This remark produced in 1834, Jones' ''Defence of North Carolina."
That his pr^udices had clouded Jefferson's judgment in regard to this,
as well as to our Declaration of Independence at Charlotte, there can be no
doubt. It is, however, a matter of no regret, since these very errors have
stimulated the sons of North Carolina to examine the records, vindicate her
character and the integrity of history. The character of Wm. Hooper has
been placed beyond all cavil, and the Declaration of Independence at Chaz^
lotte in May, 1y75, now rests on as solid foundations for truth and reality,
as the National Declaration at Philadelphia, on 4th July, 1776.
I am indebted to the politeness of Mr. Heart, of Hillsboro', for the follow-
ing sketch of the life, character, and services of William Hooper, from the
pen of one of the best writers of his day, that from his connection with the
distinguished subject of his biography, gave him facilities for procuring facts
possessed by no other person.
William Hooper, the subject of this sketch, was bom 17th June, 1742, in
Boston, Massachusetts. His father, the Kev. William Hooper, pastor of
Trinity Church in that town, is mentioned briefly and imperfectly in Elliott's
Biographical Dictionary. The addition of a few words would have prevented
the suspicion that the account was penned in the spirit of prejudice. Certain
it is, that no minister ever enjoyed more fully the affection and reverence of
his congregation, and few have been so much admired for elegance of man-
ners, and a bold and impressive eloquence. Besides the learning and the
sciences which are obtained at universities, he possessed accomplishmentsf
such as are not considered, in any degree, essential in forming the erudite
and well-bred divine. He married, in Boston, the daughter of Mr. John
Dennie, an eminent merchant. William was the eldest of five children by
this marriage.
The plan of his education commenced in his infancy. At the age of seven
he was removed in part from the pupilage of his father, and placed at a free
grammar school in Boston, the master of which was John Lovel, almost as
much celebrated in America, in his day,t as was onoe the famous Doctor
♦ Jones's Defence, 267.
t Iq a letter from the late venerable Doctor Lloyd, of Boston, dated 24th September,
1796, to one of the sons of W. Hooper, pastor of Trinity Church, he says, " Your father's
memory will ever be dear to me. He was the most accomplished gentleman, and one of
the best friends I ever had."
$ 1749.
NSW HANOVBB OOUNTT. 288
Basbj in England. Here he was distinguished for his proficiency in the
studies preparatory to his entering into College, and completed the regular
coarse of seven years with commendation and praise.* At this early period
he was remarked on for the weakness of his constitution. His nerves were
00 sensitive, that he became an object of incessant raillery to his group of little
relatives and to his father's domestics. With increase of years, his constitu-
tion ffrew firmer, but his nerves always retained much of their early delicacy.
Aided by the instruction of his father, which was never remitted, he made
literary acquirements uncommon for one of his age, and advanced himself
in his scholastic studies beyond his cotemporaries. It was, no doubt, owing
to this circumstance that he was admitted, contrary to established rules, into
the sophomore class at Harvard College.f There he took rank among the
most aistingnished, and signalized himself in oratory. He graduated A. B.
in 1760, and A. M. in 1763.
Such was the anxious attention which his father bestowed on him, in order
to form him as an orator, that his vacations were periods of more laborious
study and exertion than the terms of his scholastic exercises. And here it is
worthy of observation, that the genius of the father and son were diametri-
cally opposite. That of the father was of a loftier cast, and was formed in
the school of Demosthenes ; that of the son was Ciceronian in its features.
The characteristic of the father was vehemence ; that of the son insinuation.
Were it not a presamptuous comparison, I would say, the father was Chatham,
the son was William Pitt.
It was the early intention and earnest wish of his father to devote this son
to tha ministry. To this, however, the son was disinclined, for reasons that
were considered satisfactory by his father, who agreed to alter his destina-
tion. Finding that he preferred the study of the law, he placed him with
James Otis, Esq., who was then a lawyer of eminence.
At this perioa commenced the attempts of the English Parliament against
the rights and privileges of the subjects in the Provinces. Mr. Otis took an
early and decided stand, by his writings and open declarations, against this
assumed power of the British Government. He was exceeded by none in
seal, and equalled by few in abilities. The high esteem and respect which
the subject of these sketches entertained for Mr. Otis, naturally rendered him
partial to his political principles ; and there can be no doubt, had the effect of
assisting to engrafl those pnnciples on his mind, and to establish them per-
manently there. Subsequent events ripened them into maturity, and ren-
dered them active.
Mr. Hooper having prepared himself for the practice of the law, and finding
the bar in nis native State so overflowing, that there was no encouragement
for juvenile practitioners, determined, about 1763, to try the experiment of
making his fortune in North Carolina. To this he was invited by the circum-
stance of his family having very particular friends, influential characters in
the Province. Accordingly, in 1764, he embarked at Boston for Wilmington,
on Capo Fear. He did not remain long in North Carolina at that visit, but
returned to Boston in about a year. In 1765 he again visited North Carolina,
and advanced in the practice of the law. His health, however, sustained
such severe shocks, that he resolved, conformably to the wishes of his father,
to abandon it.
In 1767, the death of his father made it necessary that he should revisit
his native place, and at the same time blasted the hope of his quitting North
Carolina, which, on account of his health only, he wished to do. In the fall
of 1767, having determined to fix his residence permanently in Wilmington,
he married, in Boston, Miss Ann Clark, of the former place, daughter of Ihos.
Clark, Esq., deceased, and sister of Gen. Thos. Clark, afterwards of the United
States Army. The choice was most fortunate, considered in reference to the
aualifications of the ladjr to adorn and sweeten social life. It was most
rortunate, too, considered in reference to that firmness of mind which enables
her to sustain, without repining, the grievous privations and distresses to which
• 1756. 1 1757-
284 HISTOBT OT KOETH OABOLINA.
she became pecaliarly exposed in oonseoaenoe of the prominent station
'which Mr. Hooper held in the War of the Kevolution.
In relating the events and circumstances in the life of an individual who
has acquired distinction by the exercise of superior faculties, it is proper to
notice every particular wmch has an influence on the progress of liie mind.
The fatigue of attending to the practice of the law is, m our days, con^-
derod excessive. When Mr. Hooper came to the bar, and for seversJ years
after, it was infinitely greater. Then the luxury of carriages for traveling
was not common. Mr. Hooper attended the County Oourts of Rowan» and
other counties in the back country, at least one hundred and eighty miles
distant from Wilmington, and he traveled on horseback. Such fatigue was
too great for a constitution naturally delicate.
. The manners and customs of the people of Gape Fear, at that period, were
n.ot more favorable to a proficiency in legal science, than was toe organisa-
tion of the courts. Hospitality carried to an extreme, and an excessive fond-
ness for conviviality, were the characteristics of those days. In fact, every
class of society became infected by the example ; andnuml>ers of old families,
now reduced to comparative poverty, have reason to rue the prodieal libe-
rality of their ancestors. Hospitality is indeed a virtue, which travelers and
geographists, who have attempted to describe North Carolina, very generaDy
allow to her, however penurious their praise may be in other respects.
The British Governor Martin, on a visit to Wilmineton, having occasion
to reply to an address of the inhabitants, presented by Mr. Hooper, styled it
** the region of politeness and hospitality." The commerce of Wilmington
was then improving, and derived great advantage from a bounty on naval
stores. Many of the families residing in it were possessed of fortunes, and
all of them in respectable stations, obtained subsistence without painful ex-
ertion.
But the dissipation which arose out of an excess of hospitality, exhibited a
more animated picture in the surroundine country. Whole families, and
frequently several families together, were m the practice of making visits,
and, like the tents of the Arabs, seemed continually in motion. The number
of visitants, the noise and bustle of arrivals, and greetings, the cries of the
poultry yard, and the bleatines of the pasture, require some sounding poly-
syllable to convey an idea of the joyous uproar, some new-coined word to
(ustinguish their caravan approaches from ordinary visits or formal visita-
tions. Every visit was a sort of jubilee. Festive entertainment, balls, every
species of amusement which song and dance could afford, was resorted to.
The neighing courser and the echoing horn, the sports of the turf and the
pleasure of the chase, were alternately the objects of eager pursuit. Every-
where, on the eastern and western branches of the River Cape Fear, were
men of fortune, related by blood or connected by marriage, whose settlements
extended almost as far as the then lowly hamlet of Cross Creek, since digni-
fied by the name of Fayetteville, and now swollen into importance by a
numerous population.
This general ease and prosperity was highly favorable to the cultivation of
polite literature, and to the development of talents of a certain kind. The
state of manners tended to awaken a spirit of improvement, which pervaded
the whole community. Every family possessed a collection of the best
English authors, besides which there was a public library, supported by a
society of gentlemen, and styled ** the Cape Fear Library." Wit and humor,
music and poetry, were drawn into action in social and convivial intercourse.
Conversation was cultivated to a high de^e. Emanating from letters or
science, or rising out of the busy scenes of life, it always teemed with instruo-
tion and imparted delight. The point of honor was understood and recog-
nized, and the slightest approach to indignity resented. In this exercise of
colloquial talent, the ladies participated and heightened the pleasures. Then
ihej were not, as now, early instructed, or perhaps, were not instructed at
all in the rudiments of knowledge ; but they derived from reading, and im-
bibed from an association with eminent persons of the opposite sex, a tincture
of taste and elegance, and they had softness; sentiment, grace, intelligence —
. NEW HAKOVHB COUITIT. S86
every quality which in the female sex can inspbe and exalt the enthasiasm
of romantic passion.
In the hospitable conviyiality of those times, allurements to dissipation
were greater than social life usually presents. The actors were far above the
oast of ordinary bon yivants. I once hoped to be able to present a bionra-
phipal sketch of each of them, but my cares and avocations have compeUed
me to relinquish the task. Among these there was Eustace,* the correspond-
ent of Sterne, who united wit, and genius, and learning, and science ; Harnett,t
who could boast a eenius for music, and taste for letters ; Lloyd4 gi^^ with
talents and adorned with classical literature; Pennington, 2 an elej^ant writer,
admired for his wit and his highly polished urbanity; Maolaine,|| whoee
criticisms on Shakspearef would, if they were published, give him fame and
rank in the republic of letters ; Boyd,** who, without pretensions to wit or
humor, possessed the rare art of telling a story with spirit and ^ace, and
whose elegiac numbers afforded a striking contrast to the vivid brilliancy of
the scenes in which he figured ; Moore,f f endowed with versatile talents, and
possessed of extensive information — as a wit, always prompt in reply, as an
orator, always *' daring the mercy of chance ;'' Howe,tt whose imagination
fascinated, whose repartee overpowered, and whose conversation was en-
livened by strains ot exquisite raillery. Wit and humor, and music and
poetry, displayed all their charms among the festive deities, and heightened
the glow or delight. Is it to be wondered at that the banquet was often car-
ried to an injurious excess ?
Mr. Hooper did not escape the contagion. He played his part among these
distinguished wits, and shed a classic lustre over these refined revels. He
kept, however, his professional pursuits in view, advanced himself, and was
considered eminent in 1763. The cause of The State vs. M'Gufford, tried in
the Superior Court of New Hanover County, seemed first to establish his
claims to eminence. It was a case of atrocious murder, committed by a
master on his slave, tried before a Court of Oyer and Terminer. In that cause
he was counsel for the defendant ; and he dispUyed such extent of research,
and such powers of argument, as excited universal admiration. Maurice
Moore was also employed in the same cause, and displayed great dexteri^.
He thought, and he thought justly, that nature and feelins would resume
their rights in time to defeat the efforts of eloquence. He, therefore, moved
to set aside the commission of Oyer and Terminer, and succeeded.
Mr. Hooper distinguished himself about the same time at Halifax Superior
Court, as counsel for the heirs of Governor Dobbs, in a suit instituted for th^
recovery of a landed estate, against Abner Nash, who had married the widow
of Governor Dobbs. In this suit he was opposed by several advocates, and
amone the rest, ^by the defendant, Abner Nash.
Such is the effect of impressions early received, that the name of Abner
Nash always brings to my imagination the inflamed energy of Demosthenes,
and produces some of that perturbation which is felt in reading his orations.
The eloquence of Nash and that of Mr. Hooper, must, indeed, have exhibited
a very fine contrast. Nash was vehemence and fire ; Mr. Hooper was stately
and diffusive elegance.
Having noted, in the commencement of this number, those particulars which
influence the progress of the mind, let me here observe, that the adverse or
the prosperous situation of communities depends very much on the state of
manners. This observation will be illustrated by a nasty view of the com-
parative situation of North and South Carolina at this period.
South Carolina was destined to become a mine of wealth, in consequence
* Doctor John Eustace.
t Coroeliup Haraett, afterwards member of Congress,
i Colonel Thomas Lloyd.
4 William Pennin^on, Comptroller of the Customs of the Fort of Wilmington, and
afterwards Mai^ter ot Ceremonies at Bath.
H Archibald Maclaine.
^ Now in possession of his descendants.
** The Rev. Adam Boyd. tt Judge Biaunce Moore. tt Gen. Robt. Howe.
286 HISTO&T OT HOBIfi GABOUNA.
of most laborious exertions in opening her swamp lands for the cnltiTation of
rioe. Economy preserved what industry acquired.
On the contrary, the planters of Cape Fear, many of them holders of great
possessions in lands and slaves, scarcely regarded these lands, though supe-
rior undoubtedly, to those of South Carolina, and producing a grain larger,
more solid, and more nutritious. Content to raise from naval stores a suffi-
ciency to pay the interest on continually increasing debts, they indulged
themselves in habits of ease and dissipation. The consequence is, that while
the fruitful, lands of South Carolina afford an inexhaustible source of riches,
ihe fertile soil of Cape Fear is destined to remain uncultivated, and to furnish
evidence of its superior fertility only in its baneful effects on the health of
the inhabitants.
At this distant day, it is impossible to enumerate the many public appoint-
ments which Mr. Hooper filled. It is proper, however, to mention, that he
was active in behalf oi the government against the insurgents denominated
Be^lators, who were defeated at Alamance in 1771.
Trvon, the provincial Governor, and Martin, his successor, and also Howard
the Chief Justice, distinguished him by their regard, and showed a desire to
conciliate his friendship. In 1773, Mr. Hooper represented the town of Wil-
mington in the General Assembly. In 17/4 he represented the county of
. New Hanover in the same body. There he united nimself with a band of
patriots, in resisting the demand of the British government, to insert a clause
into the bill for establishing a court system favoring British subjects, on
the article of process bv attachment, to the prejudice of creditors on this
side of the Atlantic* This measure at once deprived the province of courts,
and the gentlemen of the bar of their professional emoluments. On this
occasion Mr. Hooper took the lead in legislative debate. He also addressed
the people of North Carolina in a series of letters, under the signature of
Hampden. These, it is said, were much admired. What effect they pro-
duced, in accomplishing the views of the writer, we cannot, at this time, as-
oertain. The province remained without a judiciary until 1777, when it was
revived under the new order of things ; meanwhile the law practitioners
sacrificed their dependency for subsistence, and the other classes suffered
greatly.
In the provincial and State assemblies, Mr. Hooper, on various occasions,
brought forward high-toned and energetic measures, and supported them
with all the powers of his persuasive oratorv. The patriots most conspicuous
in opposition to the arbitrary acts of the British government, at that memo-
rable era, were A8ho,t Iredell, t Johnston,} Moore, || and Harvey.f all emi-
nent men. Some of them were Harnett,** Caswell,tt Maclaine,tt Nash,{{
Burke, || || and Henderson .^f These were natives of the province, and entitled
to ^reat weight from their a^, their fortune, and the extent and respecta-
bility of their connections. From this band Mr. Hooper, at' an early age,
with small estate, with but few connections, and those few without influence,
was selected for the most important public appointments, and that too at con-
junctures which called for first-rate talents and undaunted firmness.
* Among the papers of the late Archibald Maclaine. of Wilmington, are »ome memo-
randa that t^eem to be intended as the gromidwork of a defence of his (Maclaine's) political
character, which had been attacked In one item he refers to his conduct ** at the time
the miniHterial instruction came to alter the attachment law."
t Samuel Awhe, afterward;* Governor Anhe.
t James Iredell, afterwards Judsre Iredell.
4 Samuel Johnston, afterwards Governor Johnston.
II Maurice Moore, Speaker of the House of Commons, one of the judges appointed by
the crown.
^ John Harvev.
** Cornelius Harnett, one of the members of the first Congress.
ft Richard Caswell, afterwards Governor Caswell.
it Archibald Maolaine.
U Abner Nash, afterwards Governor Nash.
fill Thomas Burke, afterwards Governor Burke.
i% Richard HendersoD, for some time Judge Henderson.
HEW HASrOTSB OOUVTT* 28T
How he advanced himself bo highly in the esteem and confidence of the
people of North Carolina, we can at this time only conjecture. It was pro-
oably owing to the wider comprehension of his views, to the nnoommon
fervor of his zeal, to the fascinating splendor of his eloquence ; and above
all, to the extraordinary activity and perseverance of his exertions.
In 1775 Mr. Hooper was delegated by the Assembly to Congress, and
continued in that capacity till 1777, at which time his private concerns com-
pelled him to resign. The proceedings of the first Congress, having been
Rom policy, conducted with great secrecy, the debates were not recorded.
When Mr. Hooper first addressed that illustrious assemblage of compatriots,
his speech occupied about half an hour ; and it is said, upon authority which
Beems to be too respectable to be questioned, that he commanded the most
profound silence, and was listened V> with the most earnest attention. The
encomium was, however, qualified with this observation, that the house was
seized with astonishment at the display of such powers of elocution from
North Carolina. He spoke, it is said, more than once on the fioor of the
House, and always inspired respect and admiration.
During the same period he was a prominent member and distinguished
speaker m the Conventions which sat at Hillsborough and Halifax. At the
donveniiott which sat at the former place, in April, 1776, he reported
an address to the inhabitants of the British Empire. This was, without
doubt, the exclusive production of his pen, and it was, at the time, uni-
▼ersally admired. Many other public documents emanated from the same
source.
On the most trying occasions, the loftiness and elasticity of his spirit were
strikingly manifest. Events which cast a gloom over the minds of others,
had no efiect in damping his ardor, or in depressing his hopes. The disas-
trous result of the battle of Germantown, which spread dismay among the
Whigs, seemed to give fresh courage to his zeal. When the report of the
battle reached Wilmington, he was among a party of patriotic friends, who
were overwhelmed with consternation. He instantly started from his chair,
with unusual animation, and exclaimed, ** We have been disappointed 1 No
matter I Now we have become the assailants, there can be no doubt of the
issue.''
Johnston sometimes endeavored to restrain in him what he considered an
excess of zeal. *' I have," said that great patriot and statesman, " I have
resolved to stake my life and my fortune in the contest for liberty, but I am
,iiot without painful apprehensions of the result. I am indeed afraid that
when independence shall have been achieved, talents and virtue may be
thrown into the shade, and the mob may govern.'' In relating this anecdote
to me, in May, 1802, Judge Johnston thought that his prediction was rapidly
fulfilling.
In the early part of the Revolutionary war, Mr. Hooper's name was ex-
tremely obnoxious to the British officers. The captain of a sloop-of-war
stationed in the Kiver Cape Fear, meanly descended to fire a house which he
had built about three miles below Wilmington.
On his return to private life, his family resided at his seat at Masonbo-
rough Sound, about eight miles from Wilmington. There he continued
taking part as occasion required, in public measures, until January, 1781.
At this time a force under Major Craig, arrived in Cape Fear Kiver. Mr.
Hooper found it necessary to remove his family : and having no place to re-
sort to less dangerous, he removed them to W ilmington, preferring to trust
them to the humanity of an open enemy, rather than suffer them to remain
exposed in a predatory warfare.* He sought for safety for himself by flight
* He had made arrangements for taking refi^ in one of the French West India is-
landft in the event of the success of the British arms. Mrs. Hooper understood him that
an arrangement of this kind was projected by all the members of Congress, and that it
was understood by the French mmister. An exile such as this would have been less
irksome to him than to mwny of his compatriots. His father, who was intimately acv
quainted with French, gave him a critical knowledge of that language, and it is pfoMhle
that he would soon have acquired fluency in speaking it.
288 HISTOBT OT NORTH OABOLDTA.
into the eoantrr. His family remained at Wilmington without an j outrage
until October, 1781, when they with others were ordered at a short notice to
leave the town. Mr. Hooper and his family returned to it immediately after
its evacuation by the enemy in November of the same year ; and shortly after-
wards removed to Hillsborough, in Orange County. After this and until
about 1787, he oontiuued to hold a distinguished rank in the councils of his
country, and to maintain a very high station at the bar. Speaking of him,
the late Judge Iredell observea that his latest exertions were equal to the
most splendid of his meridian days.
Meeting with opposition in his elections Mr. Hooper became soured,* and
seemed inclined to retire. He gradually relaxed his exertions, and at length
withdrew wholly from public life. His withdrawal excited much speci^a-
tion. Some ascribed it to a solicitude for the interests of his family, which
had suffered much by his devotion to the public weal ; and others attributed
it to disgust occasioned by some legislative measures of the State. It is pro-
bable, however, from circumstances, that a union of both causes influenced
him. The few years which he lived after his retirement, were spent in do-
mestic enjoyment, for which, indeed, he was better fitted by his temper and
sensibilities, than for public life. He died October, 1790, in the forty-ninth
year of his age, at Hillsborough, leaving a widow, two sons and a daughter,
all of whom, except Mrs. Elizabeth Watters, of Hillsborou^, are deceased.
There survive also of bis descendants three grandsons, children of his eldest
son William, to wit : William, distinguished as a literary writer, was Pro-
fessor of Languages of the University, a Baptist minister, and resides in
Raleigh ; Thomas, a lawyer, and James, a merchant.
In person he was of the middle size, elegantly formed, delicate rather than
robust. His countenance was pleasing and indicated intelligence. His
manners were polite and engaging. With his intimates and friends, his
conversation was frank and animated, enlivened by a vein of pleasing
humor, and abounding with images of playful irony. It was sometimes
tinctured with the severity of sarcasm, and sometimes marked by compre-
hensive brevity of expression.! His father, himself a model of colloquial
excellence, had cultivated this talent in his son with great assiduity.
From the same preceptor he learned the art, rarely attained, of reading
with elegance. In this respect the grace and propriety which marked his
manner, communicated, it is said, a pleasure even when he read cases
from the law reporters, or the ordinary documents of a suit in court. In
mixed society he was apt to be reserved. Sincerity was a striking feature
in his character. He never practiced disguise. Hospitality he carried to
excess.
In his domestic relations he was affectionate and indulgent. Failings he
* He was probably raured by finding himMlf in colIif«ion with some of his compatriots
and best friends. Maclainc, who was one of these, became irritated by the difference of
opinion between them. Af)er the ratification of the treaty of peace, Maclaine was
anxious to shield the disaffected from persecution, and in the pursuit of this object be
exercised no address. Mr. Hooper, who no doubt coincided with him so far as respected
the justice and humanity of this course, thought that g-reat prudence and circumspeclioa
ougnt to be observed ; and this prudence and circumspection was the more necessary on
his part, from the circumstance of ail his connections having espoused the royal cause.
Aware that his station was such that he ought to be above suspicion, he suppressed, on
this occasion, the best and warmest feelings of his heart. In a letter to a friend, dated
18th February, 1785, Maclainc adverts to Mr. Hooper's conduct in this respect, and in the
asperity of his temper puts a construction on it which in his cooler moments he would
have retracted. In this letter he speaks, in the style of complaint, of the superiority
which Mr. Hooper's education gave him, of the deference paid to him by Iredell, and of
the homage be received from JohnMon, and adds, ** I never pay him any compliments,
but, on the contrary, have opposed him.*'
t On his return from the Assembly, which met for the purpose of carrying into effect
the State Constitution, many inquiries were made by the crowds which collected around
himi relative to the powers confided to the several departments of the government.
'the crowd asked,
Power, sir," »•
HIW HAKOTflB COFNTT. 2S9
oertainlj had ; but they were sot such as affected the morality of his prirate,
or the inte^ty of his public conduct.
As a writer we cannot fairly graduate his pretensions. The letters of
Hampden, which would have furnished the best criterion for this purpose,
have perished with the prints which contained them.
As a letter writer he was, I thinks deficient in ease and simplicity ; but
his epistolary compositions must have been unequaled. M%jor Craig in-
tercepted one of these, which impressed him with such an exalted opinion of
^e writer, that afterwards, when Mr. Hooper, accompanied by Maclaine,
▼isited Wilmington under the protection of a flag of truce, Craig scarcely
noticed the latter, while to Mr. Hooper he p^d the most marked and respect-
ful attention.
On all important occasions he was called upon by the inhabitants of Wil-
mington and its vicinity to exercise his pen. A very flattering testimony to
his talents, considering the number of eminent men who then resided in the
same part of the country, some of whom had cultivated the art of composition
with great success. Among these were Maclaine, Eustace, Lloyd, Penning-
ton, and Moore.
In classical learning and in literary taste he had few superiors ; yet he
was never ostentatious in the display of these qualifications. He possessed a
talent for elegant versification, which he exercised in his moments of re-
creation. His ode on the birthday of Washington, which circulated only
among a few friends, was pronounced, by a competent judge, superior to
any which had been published.* I have never been able to procure tiie
manuscript.
Among his friends wore some of opposite political principles, but it pro-
duced no change of regard towards them, nor did he in any instance depart
from an inherent benevolence, by becoming the persecutor of any one on ao-
count of his principles or prejudices.
In his private concerns his probity and honor were unimpeached. His es-
tate was moderate, and he was not avaricious.
His religion was that of a sincere Christian, free from bigotry to any sect
or denomination.
He appears to have been free from envy. In a letter to Maclaine he de-
scribes the death of Judge Henderson in a strain of enthusiastic admiration
of the talents of that extraordinary man.
After John Haywood, now Judge Haywood, appeared at the bar, and be-
fore his faculties were developed, or perhaps even known to himself, he had
to contend with men of great intellectual powers and profound legal science.
Mr. Hooper sustained him in the unequal contest. This patronage of rising
merit, if it arose from generous feeling, is worthy of mention ; and it is not
less worthy to be noted if it arose, from a sentiment of friendship, for that
revered personagef who has rendered the name of Haywood dear to the
people of^ North Carolina, whose boundless benevolence pointed him out as
the Atticus of his native State, until more recent events presented him in
the sterner aspect of Aristides the Just.
His penetration into character was obvious in the choice of his friends.
He always selected them from the most worthy ; and be experienced in every
instance, that warm reciprocal attachment which was due to the ardor and
constancy of his friendship.
The champion of that illustrious band, which in North Carolina first op-
posed the encroachments of arbitrary power, no man ever entered into the
public service on more correct principles, or with purer or more disinterested
motives. When he engaged in revolutionary measures, he was fully aware
of the dangers to which he exposed his person and estate ; yet in spite of
untoward events, his enthusiasm never abated, his firmness never rorsook
him. In times the most disastrous he never desponded, but sustained his
situation with increased intrepidity. t
* In 1789. t John Haywood, Treasurer of the State.
t These papers were written in 1823. Many of the peraooB mentioned as then livinc
have since died.
290 HI8T0BT OF NOaXH OA&OLIKA.
Archibald McLaine was a prominent member of the Committee of Safetj,
for Wilmington, in whom great confidence was reposed, and the author of
fleveral of the most important State papers. He was a man of learning,
talent, and eloquence. He was a member of the Congress at Hillsbor<r,
August 1775.
He was a member of the Committee of Safety, for Wilmington District,
in 1776. In the Convention at Uillsboro', which met June 1778, to delibe-
rate upon the Federal Constitution. He had no superior, except perhaps
Davie, Johnston, and Iredell.
From 1783 to 1786, he represented the town of Wilmington, in the House
of Commons.
He left one daughter, who married George Hooper of Wilmington. Of his
birth, family, and death, we have no further information.
f TiMOTHT Bloodworth is distinguished in the civil history of this County.
tOf his birth, education, life, or death, we know nothing but what we gather
Ifinom the records. He represented this County in the House of Commons,
lin 1779, and North Carolina in the Continental Congress, in 1786, 1787 ; was
Senator in the State Legislature in 1788, and in Congress under present Con-
stitution, 1790, and 1791. Senator in Congress 1795 to 1801.
Edward Jones, who represented the town of Wilmington in 1788 to 1791,
was a native of Lilburn, Ireland. He was brother to the celebrated William
Todd Jones, the Irish patriot. He was bred a merchant, and early emigrated
to the United States, and carried on trade in Philadelphia. In 17o6, he came
to Wilmington, and commenced merchandise ; but failed. He then turned
his attention to the study of the law, and soon rose to distinction. His benevo-
lent temper, generous sentiments, and commanding talents, won for him the
esteem of all. In 1788, he was elected a member of tlie House of Commons,
and in which capacity he served continuously until 1791, when he was
elected Solicitor-Qeneral of the State. He died in Pittsboro', on the 8th of
August, 1842. He was the friend and patron of
Johnson Blakelt, late Captain in the United States Navy.
In the year of 1783, the father of Blakely, with his wife and two youns
children, sailed from Ireland, and landed at Charleston. One of these obif
dren was Johnson Blakelv, who was born at Leaford, in the county of Down,
in Ireland, in October 1781. The next year after his arrival, his father moved
to Wilmington, where in a short time he died. With that instinctive gene-
rosity peculiar to the Irish character, Col. Jones took charge of the youth,
and directed his education. Bv him he was sent to the University.
On the 5th of February, 1800, he was appointed a Midshipman in the
United States Navy, and went with Commodore Preble to the Mediterranean,
and by his courage, exemplary conduct, and assiduity, won the esteem of his
officers and associates. He soon was promoted. Early in 1814, he sailed
from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in command of the U. S. ship of war the
Wasp ; in June of that year he appeared off the English coast ; he fell in with
his Mfyesty's sloop-of-war, the Reindeer, of eighteen guns, commanded bv
Captain Manners. A sharp action ensued, in which the Kieindeer surrendered,
her Captain being killed, and also her First Lieutenant, and many of the
orew. The skill with which Captain Blakely worked his ship, the gallantry
of his conduct, and his brilliant success, proves his value as a sailor. The
following is the official dispatch : —
Copy of a letter from Captain Blakely, to the Secretary of the
Navy, dated
U. S. Sloop Wasp, L'Orient, July 8, 1814.
Sir — On Tuesday the 28th ult., being then in latitude forty-eight degrees
and thirty-six minutes N,, and longitude eleven degrees and fifusen minutes
ISnSW HANOVER, COUlTrT. 291
W., we fell in with, en^ged, and after an action of nineteen minntes, cap-
tared his Britannic Majesty'a Sloop-of-War, the Reindeer, William Manners,
Esq., Commander. Annexed are the minutes of our proceedings prior to,
and during the continuance of the action. Where all did their duty, and
each appeared anxious to excel, it is very difficult to discriminate.
It i8> however, only rendering them their merited due, when it is declared
of Lieutenants Reilfy and Bury, first and third of this yessel, and whose
names will be among those of the conquerors of the Guerriere and Java; and
of Mr. Tilltnghast, Second Lieutenant, who was greatly instrumental in the
capture of the Boxer, that their conduct and courage on this occasion fulfilled
the highest expectations, and gratified every wish. Sailing Master Carr, is
also entitled to great credit for the zeal and lability with which he discharged
his various duties. The cool and patient conduct of every officer and man,
while exposed to the fire of the shifting guns of the enemy, and without an
opportunity of returning it, could only be equalled by the animation and
ardor exhibited, when actually engaged, or by the promptitude and firmness
with which every attempt of the enemy to board was met and successfolly
repelled. Such conduct may he seen, but cannot well be described.
The Reindeer mounted sixteen twenty-four pound carronades ; two long
six or nine pounders, and a shifting twelve pound carronade, with a comple-
ment on board of one hundred and eighteen men. Her crew were sala to
be the pride of Plymouth. Our loss in men has been severe, owing in part
to the proximity of the two vessels, and the extreme smoothness of sea ; but
chiefly in repelling boarders. That of the enemy, however, was infinitelj
more so, as will be seen by the list of killed ana wounded on both sides.
Six round shot struck our hull, and many grape which did not penetrate far.
The foremast received a twenty-four pound shot, which passed through its
centre, and our rigging and sails were a good deal injured. The Reindeer
was literally cut to pieces in a line with her ports ; her upper works, boats, and
spare spars were one complete wreck. A breeze springing up next afternoon,
her foremast went by the board. Having received all the prisoners on board,
which, from the number of wounded, occupied much time, together with their
bagsage, the Reindeer was on the evening of the 29th, set on fire, and in a
fewnours blew up.
I have the honor to be, &c.
J. BLAKELY.
Hon. William Jones, &c.
The prize was burnt for fear of recapture, and Captain Blakely repaired
to L'Orient, in France, to recruit his men and refit his ship.
He sailed in August on another cruise, and in a few days fell in with his
Britannic Majesty's ship the Avon, commanded by Captain Arbuthnot. Af-
ter a severe action she struck to Blakely. He was prevented from taking
possession of the prize by the appearance of several heavy English men-of-
war. From the Ist to the 15th of August Blakely met and took fifteen ships
of the English. In one of these, the brig Atlanta, he placed Midshipman
Oeizenger as prize master, with dispatches to the United States, who arrived
safe at Savannah on the 4th of November, 1814.
This is the last authentic intelligence that was ever received from the gal-
lant Blakely. From some heavy firing off the Charleston bar about the
time he was to have come home, a naval battle occurred at night, and an
American ship was sunk. This may have been the bravo Blakely and his
devoted crew, or he may have foundered at sea. Thus perished, at the early
age of 33, this meritorious officer. Ilis brilliant success, his chivalric daring
and generous character, and mournful fate, have thrown a halo of interest
around his name.
Captain Blakely was married (Dec, 1813) to Jane, daughter of his father's
old friend, Mr. nooper, of New York, and left one daughter, Udney. On
the 27th December, 1816, the Legislature of North Carolina resolved, unani-
mously, that the child should be educated at the expense of the State. This
292 HI8T0BT 07 NOBTH CAROUKA.
act was worthy of the State. She was married a few years after to a gentle-
man who resided in the West Indies, and there died.
The last official paper received from Captain Blakely: —
Copy of a letter from Ccniain Blakely to the Secretary of the Navy, dated United
l^aies Sloop^f'War Wasp^ at Sea, latitude 46 degrees north, longitude 16
degrees west, lith September, 1814.
Sir — After a nrotracted and tedious stay at L'Orient^ had at last the plea-
sure of leaving tnat place on Saturday, 27 th of August. On the 30 th, cap-
tured the British brig Lettice, Henry Cockbain, master ; and on the 31st of
August the British brig Bon Accord, Adam Durno, master. In the morning
of ue 1st of September discoyered a conyoy of ten sail to leeward, in charge
of the Armada, 74, and a bomb ship ; stood for them, and succeeded in cut-
ting out the British brig Mary, John D. Allan, master, laden with brass can-
non, taken from the Spaniards, iron cannon, and military stores, from Gibral-
tar to England ; remoyed the prisoners, set her on fire, and endeayored to
capture another of the conyoy, but was chased off by the Armada. On the
eyening of the same day, at half-past six, while going free, discoyered four
vessels nearly at the same time, two on the starboard and two on the larboard
bow, being the farthest to windward. At seyen, the chase, a brig, com-
menced making signals with flags, which could not be distinguished for want
of light, and soon after made yarious ones, with lanterns, rockets, and guns.
At twenty-nine minutes after nine, haying the chase under our lee bow, the
tweWe-pound carronade was directed to be fired into him, which he returned ;
ran unaer his lee bow to preyent his escaping, and commenced the action.
At ten o'clock, belieying the enemy to be silenced, orders were giyen to cease
firing, when I hailed, and asked if he had surrendered. No answer being
giyen to this, and his fire having recommenced, it was again returned. At
twelye minutes after ten, the enemy having suffered greatly, and having
made no return to our two last broadsides, I hailed him the second time to
know if he had surrendered, when he answered in the affirmative. The
gons were then ordered to be secured, and the boat lowered, to take posses-
sion. In the act of lowering the boat, a second brig was discoyered a little
distance astern, and standing for us. Sent the crew to their quarters, pre-
pared everything for another action, and awaited his coming up. At thirty-
six minutes after ten, discovered two more sails astern, standing towards us.
I now felt myself compelled to forego the satisfaction of destroying the prize.
Our braces having been cut away, we kept off the wind until others could be
rove, and with the expectation of drawing the second brig from his com-
panions ; but in this last we were disappointed. The second brig continued
to approach us until she came close to our stern, when she hauled by the
wind, fired her broadside, which cut our rigging and sails considerably, and
■hot away a lower main cross-tree, and retraced her steps to join her con-
sorts, when we were necessitated to abandon the prize. He appeared in
eyery respect a total wreck. He continued for some time firing guns of dis-
tress, until probably delivered by the two last vessels who made their appeal^
ance. The second brig could have engaged us if he thought proper, as he
seared us fast, but contented himself with firing a broadside, and immediately
retnrned to his companions.
It is with great satisfaction I have again the pleasure of bearing testimony
to the merits of Lieutenants Reilly, Tillinghast, Maury, and Sailing-master
Oarr, and to the good conduct of every officer and man on board of the Wasp.
Their divisions and departments were attended and supplied with the utmost
rejgularity and abundance, which, with the good order maintained, together
with the vivacity and precision of their fire, reflects on them the greatest
credit Our loss is two killed, and one slightly wounded with a wad. The
hull received four round shot, and the foremast many grape shot. Our
rigging and sails suffered a great deal. Every damage has been repaired the
day after, with the exception of our sails. Of the vessel with which we were
engaged, nothing positive can be said with regard to her name or force.
NSW HANOVBB COUNIT. 298
•
While baling bim preyioas to his being fired into, it wm blowing fresh f then
Sling ten knots), and the name was not distinctly understood.* Of her force,
e four shot which struck us, are all thirty-two pounds in weight, being a
pound and three-quarters heavier than any belonging to this vessel. From
this circumstance, the number of men in her tops, her general appearance,
and great length, she is believed to be one of the largest ships in the British
navy. I have the honor to be, very respectfully.
Your most obedient servant,
J. BLAKELT.
Hon. W. JoNis, &o.
P. S. — I am told the enemy, after his surrender, asked for assistance, and
said he was sinking. The probability of this is confirmed by his firing sin-
gle guns for some tune after his capture.
Joshua Qrangkr Wright was a native of New Hanover, and a member of
the House of Commons from 1791 to 1808, and Speaker of the House.
He was elected a Judge in 1808, of the Superior Courts of LawandEouity,
in which capacity he served faithfully the State, until his death in June,
1811.
OwxN Holmes, of this County, was a distinguished lawyer and statesman.
He was Elector of the State ii^ 1836, and cast his vote for Martin Yan
Bnren as President, and Richard M. Johnson as Vice-President.
He was eliected a Judee of the Superior Courts of Law in this State, by the
General Assembly, in 1836, but he declined accepting.
He died at Wilmington, 6Ui of June, 1841, of apoplexy, in his forty-fifth
year.f
Hon. Edward B. Dudley was the last representative fVom the Borough of
Wilmington (1834), and the first Governor of the State elected by the people
in 1836.
Ha was bom in Onslow ; son of a wealth v planter ; entered public life in
1816, as a member from the Town of Wilmington, and was re-elected in
1817.
In 1829, he was elected a member of Congress, and after serving one Con-
gress, declined a re-election.
In 1836, he was elected by the people Governor of the State, the first Go-
vernor ever elected b^ the people of North Carolina.
He was succeeded in 1841, by Hon. John M. Morehead.
He was the first President of the Raleigh and Wilmington Railroad, to the
0tock of which he subscribed twenty-five thousand dollars.
Hon. William S. Ashe is a native of Wilmington. He is a son of Colonel
Samuel Ashe, and the grandson of Governor Samuel Ashe. By profession a
lawyer. Entered public life as Senator in the General Assembly, in 1846,
and was re-elected in 1848.
In 1849, he was elected a member of Congress, to which distinguished post
he was again re-elected in 1851 without opposition.
Members of the House of Commons from Wilmington, from 1774
to 1836.
Years. Hoate of Commons.
1774. Francis Clayton.
1775. Cornelius Harnett
1776. William Hooper.
1778. WilHam Hooper.
Years. House of Commons.
1779. Wm. Hooper.
1780. Wm. Hooper.
1781. Wm. Hooper.
1782. Wm. Hooper.
* This vetsel proved to be the Britinh Sloop-of-War Avon.
t Amerieao Almanac for 1841, page 291.
294
HISTOBY OT NOBTH CAROUKA.
Years. House of Commons.
1783. Arch'd McLean.
1784. Arch'd McLean.
1785. Arch'd McLean.
1786. Arch'd McLean.
1787. Joshua Potts.
1788. Edward Jones.
1789. Edward Jones.
1790. Edward Jones.
1791. Edward Jones.
1792. Joshua 0. Wright
1793. J.G.Wright
1794. J.G.Wright
1795. J.O.Wright
1796. J.G.Wright
1797. J.G.Wright
1798. J.G.Wright
1799. J.G.Wright
180L J.G.Wright
1802. J.G.Wright
1803. J.G.Wright
1804. J.G.Wright
180^ J.G.Wright
1806. J.G.Wright
1807. J.G.Wright
1808. J.G.Wright
Yearn. Honse of Commoot.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
1816.
1817.
1818.
1819.
1820.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825.
1826.
1827.
1828.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
1834.
J. G. Wright
Wm. W. Jones.
Wm. W, Jones.
Wm. W. Jones.
Wm. W. Jones.
Wm. W. Jones.
Wm. W. Jones.
Edward B. Dudley.
Edward B. Dudley.
Wm. B. Meares.
John D. Jones.
John D. Jones.
John D. Jones.
John D. Jones.
M. W. Campbell.
Ilpbert H. Cowan.
Kobert H. Cowan.
Joseph A. Hill.
Joseph A. Hill.
John Walker.
Joseph A. Hill.
Daniel Sherwood.
Daniel Sherwood.
John D. Jones.
Edward B. Dudley.
The Convention of 1835 abolished the Borough representation.
Members of the General Assembly from New Hanover County.
House of Coromons.
Alexander Lillington, Samuel Swann.
John Devane, Timothy Bloodworth.
John A. Campbell, Timothy Bloodworth.
John A. Campbell, Timothy Bloodworth.
Thomas Blooaworth, Caleb Granger.
Timothy Bloodworth, Jas. Bloodworth.
Timothy Bloodworth, Jas. Bloodworth.
Timothy Bloodworth, Jas. Bloodworth.
Jas. Bloodworth, John Pugh Williams.
Jas. Bloodworth, John Pugh Williams.
Thomas Devane, Jr., Timothy Bloodworth.
John Pugh Williams, Thomas Devane.
John A. Campbell, John Pugh Williams.
John G. Scull, Timothy Bloodworth.
Thomas Devane, George Moore.
Timothy Bloodworth, James Larkins.
Timothy Bloodworth, James Larkins.
David Jones, John Gambier Scull.
Samuel Ashe, Alexander D. Moore.
Samuel Ashe, Alex. D. Moore.
Alex. D. Moore, James Larkins.
Thomas Hill, Samuel Ashe.
Alex. D. Moore, Samuel Ashe.
Timothv Bloodworth, Richard Nixon.
Kichard Nixon, James Larkins.
James Foy, Franklin T. Bloodworth.
Jas. Foy, F. T. Bloodworth.
Richard Nixon, F. T. Bloodworth.
Richard Nixon, Roger Moore.
Wm. W. Jones, Hi n ton James.
Veare. Senate.
1777. John Ashe,
1778. John Ashe,
1779. John Devane,
1780. John Devane,
1781. John Devane,
1782. Caleb Granger,
1783. John A. Campbell,
1784. John A. Campbell,
1785. John A. Campbell,
1786. John A. Campbell,
1787. John A. Campbell,
1788. Timothy Bloodworth,
1789. Timothy Bloodworth,
1791. John A. Campbell,
1792. John A. Campbell,
1793. John A. Campbell,
1794. William H. Hill,
1795. Jas. Bloodworth,
1796. Jas. Bloodworth,
1797. John Hill,
1798. John Hill,
1799. John Hill,
1800. John Hill,
1801. Samuel Ashe,
1802. Samuel Ashe,
1803. Samuel Ashe,
1804. John Bloodworth,
1805. John Hill,
1806. Samuel Ashe,
1807. Samuel Ashe,
KOBTHAMPTON coxnrrT.
295
Years. Senate.
1808. F. T. Bloodworth,
1809. F. T. Bloodworth,
1810. Thomas Devane,
1811. William Hill,
1812. David Jones,
1813. David Jones,
1814. David Jones,
1815. James Larkins,
1816. Richard Nixon,
1817. Samuel Ashe,
1818. M. W. Campbell,
1819. George Fennell,
1820. George Fennell,
1821. M. W. Campbell,
1822. Thomas Devane,
1823. Thomas Devane,
1824. Thomas Devane,
1825. Thomas Devane,
1826. Thomas Devane,
1827. Thomas Devane,
1828. Wm. B. Meares,
1829. Wm. B. Meares,
1830. Wm. B. Meares,
1831. M. W. Campbell,
1832. Jos. H. Lamb,
1833. Wm. B. Meares,
1834. Owen Holmes,
1835. L. U. Marsteller,
1836. JiOuis H. Marsteller,
1838. Charles Henrv,
1840. Wm. 8. Larkins,
1842. Wm. S. Larkins,
1844. Owen Holmes,
1846. Wm. S. Ashe,
1848. Wm. S. Ashe,
1850. N.N.Nixon,
Hou9e of Commons.
Wm* W. Jones, Hinton James.
Hinton James, David Jones.
David Jones, Joseph Lamb.
Joseph Lamb, John D. Jones.
Joseph Lamb, George Fennell.
Geo. Fennell, Joseph Parrish.
Joel Parrish, Geo. Fennell.
Geo. Fennell, Joel Parrish.
Owen Fillyaw, Joel Parrish.
Joseph Lamb, Ed. St. George.
Joseph Lamb, John Bunting..
Jos. Lamb, John Banting.
John Walker, Abel Morgan.
Abel Morgan, Eli L. Larkins.
Joseph Lamb, S. Sidbury.
Stokely Sidbury, Jos. A. Hill.
Jos. A. Hill, Jos. Lamb.
Jos. Lamb, Wm. Watts Jones.
Jphn Kerr, Wm. Watts Jones.
John Kerr, Wm. Watts Jones.
John Kerr, Wm. S. Larkins.
Wm. S. Larkins, Patrick Murphey.
Wm. S. Larkins, Thomas Hill.
Wm. S. Larkins, Wm. J. Wright.
Thomas Hill, Louis H. Marsteller.
L. H. Marsteller, Stephen Register.
L. H. Marsteller, Stephen Register.
Charles Henry, John R. Walker.
John R. Walker, Charles Henry.
Jos. T. Miller, Evans Larkins.
Jas. T. Miller, James Kerr.
Jeremiah Nixon, David Mclntire.
Jeremiah Nixon, David Mclntire.
Edward Hall, Thomas H. Williams.
Thomas H. Williams, N. N. Nixon.
Wm. Hill, J. D. Powers.
CHAPTER LVI.
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY.
Northampton County was formed in 1741, from Bertie ; but
history and tradition are alike silent as to the origin of its name.
Martin, in his History, merely states that the Legislature met " at
Wilmington, in the latter part of 1741, and the session was of short
duration; the county of Bertie was divided, and the upper part of
it established as a new county, to which the name of Northampton
was given."*
It is situated in the north-eastern part of the State ; and bounded
28
* Martia's History of North Carolina, ii. 96.
296 HISTOBT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
on the north by the Virginia line, east by Hertford, Bouth by Bertie
County, and west by the Roanoke River, which separates it from
Halifax.
Its capital is Jackson, and preserves the name of Andrew Jackson,
the hero of New Orleans, and sixth President of the United States.
Its population is 5»994 whites ; 830 free negroes ; 6,511 slaves ; 10,730 re-
presentative population.
Its products (annual) are 5,210,724 lbs. cotton; 716,050 bushels corn;
66,064 lbs. tobacco ; 78,650 bushels oats ; 20,308 bushels wheat ; 3,125 bushels
xje ; 5,970 lbs. wool ; 2,000 barrels turpentine.
To the Convention at Ncwbem, Aug. 25th, 1774, she sent Allkn Jones.
To the Convention at same place, April 3d, 1775, her delegates were Allen
Jones and Jeptha Atherton.
To the Convention atllillsboro', Aug. 21st, 1775, her delegates were the above
and Howell Edmunds, Drewry Gee, and Samuel Lockhart.
The delegates to Ualifax, April 4th, 1776, were Allen Jones, Jeptha
Atuerton, Eaton IIaynes, Deewrt Gee, Samuel Lockhart, and Howell
Edmunds.
Her delegates to Ilalifax, Nov. 12th, 1776 (to form the Constitution), were
Allen Jones, Jeptha Atherton, James Ingram,* IIowell Edmunds, and
Robert Peebles.
Of her Reeiment in 1776, William Eaton was Colonel, Jeptha Atherton
Lieutenant-Colonel, Howell Edmunds Mi\jor, Drewry Gee 2d M^jor.
Allen Jones was chosen Brigadier-General of the Halifax District in this
jear. Ho was a brother of Wilie Jones, of Halifax, and, like him, devoted
to the cause of the country.
Of his military services, birth, life, or character, sjre have but little informa-
tion. We trust that the services of so useful and public spirited a citizen
will be collected and presented to the country.
General Jones was elected a member of the Continental Congress in 1779,
and served until 1780.
He appeared as Senator in 1787, in the General Assembly.
He was a member of the Convention that met at Hillsboro', in 1788, which
rejected the United States Constitution, and while his brother was its strenu-
ous opponent, he Was with Davie, Johnston, and Iredell, its steady advocate.
Members of the General Assembly from Northampton County
from the adoption of the Constitution to last session : —
Tears. Senate. House of CommoDS.
1777. James Vaughan, Robert Peoples, Jeptha Atherton.
1778. James Vaughan, Robert Peoples, Joseph Bryan.
1779. James Vaughan, Robert Peoples, Joseph Bryan.
1780. James Vaughan, Robert Peoples, John Dawson.
1781. James Vaughan, John Dawson, Jas. Sikes.
1782. Samuel Lockhart, John Dawson, Jas. Sikes.
1783. Samuel Lockhart, James Vaughan, Drury Gee.
1784. Allen Jones, James Vaughan, Wm. R. Davie.
1785. Allen Jones, Howell Edmunds, Augustin Wood.
17 80. Allen Jones, Jaihes Vaughan, Xohemiah Long.
1787. Allen Jones, Robert Peebles, John Vaughan.
1788. John M. Benford, John Knox, Robert Peebles.
1789. John M. Benford, Samuel Peete, Haloott Briggs Pride.
1791. John M. Benford, William Amis, Samuel Tarver.
1792. John M. Benford, William Amis, Nicholas Edmunds.
1793. John M. Benford, William Amis, Nicholas Edmunds.
1794. John M. Benford, Benjamin Williamson, Nicholas Edmunds.
* James logram was Lieatenant-Colonel of the 8th Regiment of the Coatixiental Army.
voBTHAMPToir couimr.
297
Years. Senate.
1795. John M. Benford,
1796. John M. Benford,
1797. John M. Benford,
1798. John M. Benford,
1799. John M. Benford,
1800. John M. Benford,
1801. John M. Benford,
1802. John M. Benford,
1803. Henry Cotton,
1804. Richard W. Freear,
1805. John M. Benford,
1806. John M. Benford,
1807. John M. Benford,
1803. Wm. Edmunds,
1809. Wm. Edmunds,
1810. Wm. Edmunds,
1811. Wm. Edmunds,
1812. Wm. Edmunds,
1813. Francis Dancy,
1814. Howell Peebles,
1815. Howell Peebles,
1816. Howell Peebles,
1817. Cornelius Moore,
1818. Henry Boon,
1819. Henry Boon,
1820. Henry Boon,
1821. John Peebles,
1822. John Peebles,
1823. John Peebles,
1824. John Peebles,
1825. John Peebles,
1826. Exum Holliman,
1827. Exum Holliman,
1828. John H. Patterson,
1829. Collin W. Barnes,
1830. ColUn W. Barnes,
1831. James T. Hayley,
1832. Herod Faison,
1833. Herod Faison,
1834. Wm. B. Lockhart,
1835. William Moody,
1836. WiUiam Moody,
1838. William Moody,
1840. Herod Faison,
1842. Jos. M. S. Rogers,
1844. John M. Moody,
1846. John M. Moody,
1848. Jos. M. S. Rodgers,
1850. Jos. M. S. Rodgers,
House of Commons.
Benjamin Williamson, Henry Cotton.
Benjamin Williamson, Henry K. Peterson.
Benjamin Williamson, William Edmunds.
William Edmunds, James Benford.
Henry Cotten, James Long.
Howell Peebles, Henry Cotten.
Henry Cotten, Howell Peebles.
Henry Cotten, William Edmunds.
Peter WoodlicC William Edmunds.
Green Turner, William Edmunds.
Green Turner, Samuel Tarver.
William Edmunds, John Peebles.
Charles Harrison, Francis A. Bynnm.
Charles Harrison, Francis A. Bynum.
Green Turner, Andrew Jones.
Andrew Jones, John Peebles.
Peter Woodlief, Cornelius Moore.
Peter Woodlief, Cornelius Moore.
Henry Boon, Richard Freear.
Henry Boon, Jenkins.
John R. Moore, Henry Boon.
Henry Boon, John R. Moore.
Henry Boon, William Moody.
Henry Abingdon, B. C. Smith. '
W. Sandiford, A. Deberry.
Allen Deberry, T. Barrow.
Roderick B. Gary, Thomas Peete.
L. P. William^n, R. B. Gary.
R. B. Gary, L. P. Williamson.
R. B. Gary, Thomas Bynum.
Thomas Bynum, Roderick B. Gary.
R. B. Gary, J. H. Patterson.
R. B. Gary, J. H. Patterson.
R. B. Gary, Jos. M. S, Rogers.
Jas. T. Hayley, R. B. Gary.
R. B. Gary, James T. Hayley.
Richard Crump, John M. Moody.
R. B. Gary, Allen Pierce.
Allen Pierce, Samuel Calvert
A. B. Smith, Wm. B. Crump.
Wm. E. Crump, R. B. Gary,
R. B. Gary, Herod Faison.
Junius Amis, H. Faison.
Samuel B. Spruill, Edmund Jacobs.
John B. Odom, Thomas Bragg, Jr.
John B. Odem, David A. Barnes.
E. J. Peebles, David A. Barnes.
T. J. Person, P. J. Peebles.
T. J. Person, David A. Barnes.
298 HISTOBT OF KOBTH CABOLINA.
CHAPTER LVII.
ONSLOW COUNTY.
Onslow County was formed in 1734, from New Hanover
County, and named in honor of Arthur Onslow, then the Speaker
of the British House of Commons.*
Onslow is situated in the extreme eastern part of the State, and
is bounded on the north and east by Jones, east by Carteret, south
by Core Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, and west by New Hanover
and Duplin.
Its court house is one hundred and forty-five miles south-east
from Raleigh.
Its population in 1850, was 5,005 whites ; 170 free negroes ; 3,108 slaves ;
7,039 representative population.
Ite products in 1840, were 47,281 barrels of turpentine ; 3,200 bushels of
salt; 228,759 bushels of corn; 8,126 bushels of oats; 2,117 bushels of wheat;
218,104 pounds of cotton ; 6,981 pounds of wool.
To the General Meeting of the Deputies, held at Newborn, on the 25th of
Aueust, 1774, Onslow sent as their delegate William Cray.
To the same place, 3d of April, 1775, she sent Edward Starkey, Henry
Rhodes, and William Cray.
To Ilillsboro', 21st of August, 1775, she sent Isaac Guion, Henry Rhodes,
Edward Starkey, Jons Spicer, and John Kino.
To the same place, 4th of April, 1776, she sent George Mitchell, Benja-
min Doty, John Spicer, John King, and John Norman.
To the Congress at Halifax, to form a Constitution, she sent as delegates
John Spicer, Thomas Johnston, Benejah Doty, Edward Starkey, and
Henry Rhodes.
Her officers in 1776, were William Cray, Colonel; Henry Rhodes, Lieu-
tenant-Colonel; Thomas Johnson, Major; James Howard, 2d Major.
Johnston, once its Capital, was located in the southern part of the county,
where court was held ; but in September, 1752, a most terrific hurricane
swept away the court house, clerk's offices, and dwelling houses ; the records
were all destroyed, and the town was abandoned.!
List of Members of the General Assembly from Onslow County,
from the adoption of the Constitution^ 1776, to the last session,
1850-51 :—
Vean. Senate. Hou»e of Commons.
1777. Henry Rhodes, John King, Benejah Doty.
1778. Henry Rhodes, Benejah Doty, George Mitchell.
1779. Henry Rhodes, James Howard, £dward Starkey.
1780. Henry Rhodes, Edward Starkey, George Mitchell.
1781. Henry Rhodes, Edward Starkey, Lewis Williams.
1782. Henry Rhodes, Edward Starkey, Lewis 'Williams.
* Williamiion's History of North Carolina, ii. 14.
t Martin'tt HiAlury of North Carolina, li. 61.
ONSLOW COTJNTT.
2d9
Yeaw.
1783.
1784.
1785.
1786.
1787.
1788.
1789.
1790.
1791.
1792.
1793.
1794.
1795.
1796.
1797.
1798.
1799.
1800.
1801.
1802.
1803.
1804.
1805.
1806.
1807.
1808.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
1816.
1817.
"1818.
1819.
1820.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825.
1826.
1827.
1829.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
1834.
1835.
1836.
1838.
1840.
1842.
1844.
1846.
1848.
1850.
Senate.
John Spicer,
Thomas Johngon,
John Spicer,
George Mitchell,
George Mitchell,
Thomas Johnson,
David Yeates,
Robert W. Sneed,
Robert W. Sneed,
Reuben Grant,
Robert Sneed,
John Spicer,
John Spicer,
John Spicer,
John Spicer,
John Spicer,
John Spicer,
John Spicer,
Christopher Dudley,
George >V ard,
Christopher Dudley,
John Fullwood,
John Fullwood,
Wm. French,
Wm. French,
Stephen Williams,
Christopher Dudley,
John E. Spicer,
Edward Ward, Jr.
Edward Williams,
Brice Bender,
Edward B. Dudley,
Edward Ward,
Christopher Dudley,
Christopher Dudley,
Christopher Dudley,
Eli W. Ward,
Eli W. Ward,
Basil R. Smith,
Edward Ward,
Edward Ward,
Edward Ward,
Edward Ward,
Edward Ward,
Edward Ward,
Edward Ward,
Edward Ward,
Lewis Dishong,
Lewis Dishong,
Thomas Foy,
Thomas Ennett,
David W. Simmons,
Daniel S. Saunders,
Joshua Foy,
John B. Pollock,
Thomas Ennett,
W. Ennett,
William Ferrard,
John F. Spicer,
Geo. H. McMiUan,
House of Commons.
Edward Starkey, James Howard.
Edward Starkey, David Yeates.
Reuben Grant, Edward Starkey.
Daniel Yates, Reuben Grant.
Daniel Yates, Reuben Grant.
Daniel Yates, Reuben Grant.
Robert W. Sneed, John Spicer.
John Spicer, Christopher Dudley.
Reuben Grant, Christopher Dudley.
John Spicer, Joseph Scott Cray.
Joseph Scott Cray, Christopher Dudley.
Zachariah Barrow, Joseph S. Cray.
S^achariah Barrow, Joseph S. Cray.
Zachariah Barrow, Nathaniel Loomis.
Nathaniel Loomis, Joseph S. Cray.
Joseph Scott Cray, Nathaniel Loomis.
Jesse Williams, Nathaniel Loomis.
Jesse Williams, William Russell.
George W. Mitchell, George Ward.
Stephen Williams, George W. Mitchell.
George W. Mitchell, John Fullwood.
Stephen Williams. William French.
William French, Stephen Williams.'
Lemuel Doty, Edward Ward.
Edward Williams, Benjamin Famell.
Ddward Williams, John E. Spicer.
Edward Williams, William Jones.
Edward Ward, Edward Williams.
Edward B. Dudley, George W. Noble.
Lott Humphrey, William Jones.
Edward B. Dudley, James Thompson.
Jason Gregory, G. JE. Grant.
William Mitchell, Jason Gregory.
Eli W. Ward, Solomon E. Grant.
Eli W. Ward, Basil R. Smith.
Eli W. Ward, Basil R. Smith.
Basil R. Smith, Edward Williams.
Edward Williams, D. M. Dulany.
Daniel M. Dulany, W, D. Humphreys.
Eli W. Ward, Daniel M. Dulany.
L. T. Oliver, Eli W. Ward.
Frederick Foy, Lewis T. Oliver.
Edward Williams, Frederick Foy.
John Giles, Wm. P. Ferrand.
Edward Williams, Frederick Foy.
Richard II. Hatch, John B. Thompson.
Frederick Foy, James Rowe.
John B. Thompson, Geo. A. Thompson.
Geo. A. Thompson, Edward Ward.
Daniel Thompson, Thomas Ennett
Nathan'l L. Mitchell, Dan'l S. Saunders.
Dan'l S. Saunders, Dan'l Thompson.
John A. Averitt
John B. Pollock.
Thomas Ennett.
Timothy Haskins.
Edward W. Saunders.
Harry Cox.
C. II. Foy.
D. W. Fonyille.
800 BISTORT OF KOBTH CABOLINA.
CHAPTER LVIII.
ORANGE COUNTY.
Date of its formatioD — Origin of nnxnc — Situation and boundaries — Popula-
Intion and products — Colonial and Revolutionary History — Regulators;
Herman Husbands' book on this subject — Edmund Fanning; life and cha-
racter of — Thomas Burke, lato Governor of North Carolina; bis capture
by Fannen, and imprisonment — Francis Nash — Pleasant Henderson —
Archibald D. Murphy — William Norwood — Alexander Mebane — William
Montgomery — Frederick Nash — ^AVilliam A.Graham — WilieP. Mangum —
John Scott-— James Mebane, and others, and the Members of the Assembly
from Hillsboro', and the county of Orange.
Orange County was formed in 1751, from Granville, Jolinston,
and Bladen comities, and called in compliment to the House of
Orange, which, in the persons of William and Mary, in 1692, filled
the English throne.
It is located in the centre of the State, and bounded on the north
by Person and Caswell, on the east by Granville and Wake, south
by Chatham, and west by Alamance.
Its capital is Ilillsboro*, 40 miles north-west .of Raleigh.
Ilillsboro' was laid out in 1759, by W. Churton, and was first
called Childsburg, in honor of the Attorney-General of the Colony ;
but altered to Ilillsboro', in compliment to Earl of Ilillsboro',* the
English Secretary of State for America.
Population (1850), 11,330 whites; 481 free negroes; 5,244 slaves; 14,957
representative population.
Products (1840), 388,426 bushels com; 202,882 lbs. tobacco; 253,437 lbs.
cotton ; 12,086 lbs. wool ; 87,570 bushels wheat ; 81,613 bushels oats ; 2,643
bushels rye.
Orange County was early distinguished for the independence of
her citizens, and their indomitable opposition to tyranny. Long
before the Revolution, the people of this County rose in aruLs
against the crown ofiicers ; and a battle took place on the banks of
the Alamance, in 1771, between Qt)vemor Tryon and the insurgents.
That battle has been described in the first volume of these sketcnes^t
and in this volume (under the Chapter I. Alamance,) copious, rare,
and valuable documents are presented relative thereto. The life
and character of Herman Husbands, the chief leader of the Regu-
lators, is therein sketched (see Randolph, Chapter LXIII), and wo
have procured his pamphlet as to the cause of the difficulties, and
• Martin, ii. 104. f Vol. i. page 59.
ORANGE COUNTY. 801
the grievances that the people groaned under, by the fraud, extor-
tion, and oppression of the officers. This production, always rare,
now out of print, is here presented ; when the space it occupies
can illy be spared. But its value and importance in throwing light
upon these troubled times, will compensate for the space it occu-
pies, and is worthy the careful perusal and study of the reader.
THE REGULATION,
husbands' book.*
An Impartial Relation ofilie First Rise and Cause of the Present Difficulties in
Public Affairs in the province of North Carolinn.
In Oranj^c County the first disturbance is generally ascribed to have arisen ;
but Granville and Ilalifax Counties were deeply engaged in the same quarrel
many years before Orange : so that it may be necessary to give a few para-
graphs out of some of their papers, to show that it was the same grievance
and oppression that incensed all the counties, without corresponding with
each other. For though Granville County had been at war, as it were, some
years before the disturbance in Orange, yet we never heard of it till it broke
out in Orange.
[Here follows an extract, the title of which is mutilated ; but as we make it
out, reads nearly as follows :]
*' A serious address to the inhabitants of Granville County, containing an
account of our deplorable situation we suffer; * * and some necessary
hints with respect to a reformation.
" Save my country, Heaven, shall be my last." — Pope.
Then, after treating on the nature of law in general, and of our Constitu-
tion, in praise of it, ho [)rocceds thus: —
" Well, gentlemen, it is not our form or mode of government, nor yet the
body of our laws that we are quarreling ivith ; but with the malpractices of
the officers of our County Court, and the abuses that we suffer by those that
are impowered to manage our public affairs : This is the grievance, gentle-
men, that demands our serious attention. And I shall,
" Thirdly^ show the notorious and intolerable abuses that has crept into
the practice of the law in this county, and I doubt not but into other counties
also ; though that does not concern us: in the first place, there is a law that
provides that a lawyer shall take no more than fifteen shillings for their fee
in the County Court. Well, gentlemen, which of you has had your business
done for fifteen shillings ? They exact thirty for every cause : and three-
four — and five pounds for every cause attended with the least difficulty, and
laugh at us for our stupidity and tame submission to these d-m-d, &c.''
Anotlier paragraph runs thus in substance : —
** A poor man is supposed to have given his judgment bond for five pounds ;
and this bond is by his creditor thrown into court. The Clerk of the County
has to enter it on the docket, and issue execution, the work of one long
minute, fi)r which the poor man has to pay him the trifling sum of forty-one
shillings and five pence. The Clerk, in consideration he is a poor man,
takes it out in work, at eighteen pence a day. The poor man works some
more than twenty-seven days to pay for this one minute's writing.
" Well, the poor man reflects thus : At this rate, when shall 1 get to labor
for my family ? I have a wife and parcel of small children suffering at home,
and here I have lost a whole month, and I don't know for what; for my
merchant is as far from being paid yet as ever. However, I will go home
now, and try and do what I can. Stay, neighbor, you have not half done yet,
there is a d — d lawyer's mouth to stop yet — for you impowered him to confess
that you owed this five pounds, and you have thirty sliillings to pay him for
• PriDt«d in 1770.
802 HISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
that, or go and work ninetoen days more ; and then you must work as long to
pay the sheriff for his trouble ; and then you may go home and Bee jour
norses and cow Bold, and all your personal estate, for one-tenth part of the
value, to pay off your merchant. And lastly, if the debt is so great that all
your personal estate will not do to raise the money, which is not to be had —
then goes your lands the same way to satisfy these cursed hungry caterpillars
that will eat out tlie very bowels of our commonwealth, if they are not pulled
down from their nests m a very short time. And what need I say, to urge
a reformation. If these things were absolutely according to law, it were
enough to make us throw off all submission to such tyrannical laws ; for were
Buch .things tolerated, it would be better to die in defence of our privileges
than to perish for want of the means of subsistence. But as these practices
are contrary to law, it is our duty to put a stop to them before they quite
ruin our county, or that we become willing slaves to these lawless wretches,
and hug our chains of bondage, and remain contented under these accumu-
lated calamities."
** Oh, gentlemen, I hope better things of you. I believe there are but few
of you but has felt the weight of those iron fists. And I hope there are none
of you but will lend a hand towards bringing about this necessary work ;
and in order to bring it about effectually, we must proceed with circumspec-
tion ; not fearful, but careful. .
*' !«'/. Let us be careful to keep sober — nor do nothing rashly, but act with
deliberation.
*' 2dli/. Let us do nothing against the known established laws of our land,
that we appear not as a faction, endeavoring to subvert the laws, and over-
turn the system of our government ; but let us take care to appear what
really wo are, free subjects by birth, endeavoring to recover our lost native
rights, of reducing the malpractices of the officers of our Court down to the
standard of our law."
This paper was large, and deserved to have been printed at length, but
my ability would not afford it. It was dated, *' Nutbush, Granville County,
the 6th of June, Anno Pom. 17G5."
And though it was the adjacent county to Orange, yet the first that ever
we heard of it was in 17G7, at our August Court, after wo had tried to plead
our own cause at the bar against extortion. Then some persons who lived
adjoining Granville line told us they feared that matter would ruin some of
us, for that just such a case had been undertook in Granville County some
years ago, and that they were at law about it to that day. And by what I
have since learned, the method they proceeded in was by petitioning the
legislative body against the malpracticcB of the officers mentioned in the
paragraphs cited. And thereupon the officers sued the subscribers for a libel ;
indicted the author of the paper, and imprisoned him : which lawsuits have
remained to this day.
There were other counties, puch as Brunswick, Cumberland, and some
more had wholly declined paying taxes as early as 17G6, if not before, as
nearly as I could collect accounts ; but the Government made no noise about
all this till Orange could no longer be kept quiet— who never had knowledge
of the dissatisfaction of these counties : so that the thing did not spread by
industry of any in propagating or communicating the grievances, but the
same cause naturally produced the same effect.
But now I shall drop other counties and begin with Orange, having, as I
said before, as perfect a knowledge of the whole proceedings as any one man
in the province.
Some time in the latter part of summer, in the year 17GC, at an Inferior
Court, in the county of Orange, a paper was presented and read to the repre-
aentatives and magistrates ofthe County, as follows, viz : —
No. I.
" Whereas that great good may come of this great designed evil, the Stamp
Law, while the sons of liberty withstand the Lords in Parliament, in behalf
ORANGE COUNTT. 808
of true liberty ; let no officers under them carry on unjust oppression in our own
province ; in order thereto, as there is many evils of that nature complained
of in this County of Orange, in private amongst the inhabitants : Therefore,
let us remove them ; or if there is no cause, let us remove the jealousies out
of our minds. Honest rulers in power will be glad to see us examine this
matter freely. And certainly there is more honest men than rogues ;* yet
rogues is harbored among us sometimes almost publicly.
** Every honest man is willing to give part of his substance to support
rulers, and laws, to save the other part from rogues ; and it is his duty, as
well as right, to see and examine whether such rulers abuse such trust ;
otherwise that part so given may do more hurt than good.
"Even if we were all rogues, in that case we could not subsist; but would
be obliged to frame laws to make ourselves honest. And the same reasoning
holds good against the notion of a mason club.
** Thus, though it (meaning justice) must be desired by all, or the greatest
number of men, yet when grievances of such public nature are not rearessed,
the reason is, everybody's business is nobody's. Therefore, the following
proposal is submitted to the public, to wit : Let each neighborhood through-
out the county meet together, and appoint one or more men to attend a
general meeting on the Monday before next November Court, at a suitable
place, where there is no liquor (at Maddock's Mill, if no objection) ; at which
meeting,' let it be judiciously inquired into, whether the freemen of this
county labor under any abuses of power or not ; and let the same be notified
in writing, if any is found, and the matter freely conversed \ipon, and proper
measures used for amendment.
*' This method will certainly cause the wicked men in power to tremble ;
and there is no damage can attend such a meeting, nor nothing hinder it but
a cowardly dastardly spirit : which it does, at this time, while liberty prevaila,
we must mutter and grumble under any abuses of power until such a noble
spirit prevails in our posterity ; for, take this as a maxim, that while men are
men, though you should see all those sons of liberty (who has just now
redeemed us, from tyranny) set in offices, and vested with power, they would
soon corrupt again and oppress, if they were not called upon to give an ac-
count of their stewardship."
This paper being publicly read at court, in audience of our chiefs, Mr.
Loyd, one of our Assembly-men, declared his approbation of it, and the rest
acknowledged it was reasonable ; and Loyd altered the day of meeting to the
10th of October ; and we being thus encouraged, several neighborhoods held
meetings, and conjunctively drew up the following paper : —
No. II.
they are judiciously to examine whether the freemen in this couivfy labor un-
der any abuses of poxcer, awl in particular to examine into the public tax, and
inform themselves of every partiadar thereof by what laws and for what uses U
is laidy in order to remove some jealousies out ofotir minds,
** And the representatives, vestry-men, and other officers, are requested to
give the members of the said meeting what information and satisfaction they
can ; so far as they value the good will of every honest freeholder, and the
executing public offices, pleasant and delightsome."
In pursuance hereof, about twelve men met; but none of the officers
appeared, though they had frequently gave out word beforehand that they
would be there. Late in the day Mr. James Watson came alone, and brought
word from Colonel Fanning, the other representative, that he had always m-
* The author bad in view to carry elections by the majority, and wa» to confute a
general prevailing notion, that the combination ofrogueo, by meanH of a Ma»on club, was
so grunt, that it was in vain to Iry to out-vote tiicm at elections, which was the method
of redress proposed in conversation.
804 HISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
tended fully to meet us ; till, a day or two ago, he observed in one of our
papers the word judiciously*, which signified, he said, by a Court of Author-
ity ; and had some other objections, such as the mill being no suitable place.
And concluding that, in short, says ho, Colonel Fanning looks on it as an
insurrection, &o. &c.
Whereupon wc, in Watson's presence, drew up the following paper, and
read it to him, desiring his judgment ; and he said it was so just and reason-
able that no man could object to it, which was thus, to wit : —
No. III.
«
it a meeting of (he inhabifnnts of Orange county ^ on the lOih of October^
17GG, ybr conference on pnblic affairs ioith our representatives, vestry-men^ dx,
" It was the judgment of the said meeting, that, by reason of the extent
of the county, no one man in it, in a general way, was known by above one-
tenth man ot the inhabitants ; fi>r which reason, such a meeting for a public
and free conference, yearly, and as often as the case may require, was abso-
lutely necessary ; in order to reap the benefit designed us in that part of our
Constitution of choosing representatives, and knowing for what uses our
money is called for. Wo also conceive such a representative would find him-
self at an infinite loss to answer the design of his constituents, if deprived
of consulting their minds in matters of weight and moment.
**And whereas, at the said meeting, none of them appeared (though wo
think properly acquainted with our appointment and requests), yet, as the
thing is somewhat new in this county, though practiced in older governments,
they might not have duly considered the reasonableness of our requests.
" Wc therefore conclude, that if they hereafter are inclinable to answer it,
that we will attend them at some other time and place, on their giving us
proper notice.
" It is also our judgment, that, on further mature deliberation, the inhabit-
ants of the county will more generally see the necessity of such a conference,
and the num1)or increase in favor of it, to be continued yearly."
A copy of this was given to Mr. Watson, on his approbation of it ; and ho
promised to present each of our representatives with proper transcripts;
which we make not the least doubt but ho complied with.
But, however, instead of complying with our so reasonable proposals. Colo-
nel Fanning, the following court, or at a general muster, read a long piece of
writing in public, and among our justices, in repugnance to our request,
vaunting himself greatly in his performance : telling them, ho had served us
with copies thereof, and signified it would silence us or had silenced us. Bat
as to what it contained, I cannot inform the public, as we, nor any one of us
that ever I could find, ever saw it.
This, with the menaces thrown out by the bomb sheriffs against such as
were most active in this affair, so discouraged the people, that the affair drop-
ped ; after we had subscribed to a sum of fifty pounds, in order to commence
a suit at law against them on the penal laws, and was denied by the only
attorney we had any hopes of serving us to undertake it.
Some months a^er all was still, there happened to come out a new
collection of the laws in one book ; two of us U^ok a copy of the fees
out of it, for recording deeds of conveyances, and carried it to court in Au-
gust term, 17G7. These men offered the customary fees for the rect»rding
and proving their deeds that were taken in other counties, though that
exceeded the lawful due ; at the same time, offering to pay more, if any of
them could show any law for more.
This was before the bench ; when the man who spoke was asked, how long
it was since ho had commenced lawyer? But, as he did not regard, some of
the bench began to threaten him for standing in contempt of the court. t\WJi
which, they withdrew.
The person who had got this law-book being half owner of it, had it at
* By wliat I have leamt i^inoe, they pretended to have mistook the word for judicially;
bul our ori^iaal papers were in too maay bandit to nmke it take.
OEANOE COUNTT. 805
court, and it was handed about among the people ; which the other owner
knowing of, and he being one of the bench and on the bench at the time,
came immediately out of court, calling his partner in the book to one side,
desiring him to keep the knowledge of the book's being handed about a secret
from the rest of the court. The other replies, '* I have given them that I let
have the book that caution already, for I see how matters stand among you."
Which was, that an honest man could hardly live among them ; for those now
books were so scarce at that time, that they would have known who had let
it out among the people.
Thus we may see now he apprehended himself under a necessity to con-
ceal his good offices and honesty to secure himself in office ; but I suppose he
was found out, for ho was soon after put out of commission.
The bombs now grew more and more insulting, taking unusual distresses
for levies ; taking double, treble, and four times the value ; bearing all off to
town, thirty, forty, and sixty miles, and was remarkably cross, taking by-
paths, and other ways than they had promised ; so that those who followed,
mav be in a few hours, to redeem their things, could never overtake them.
"these things were all sold in town at under rates, and became ft constant
trade, so that roguish people began to depend on these sale;) to raise them
fortunes. And as to any overplus being returned to the parties, I never
could hear of any. Besides, among Dutch people, and such as were ignorant
of State affairs, they practised taking four pence, six pence, and a shilling in
a tax, more than from the more knowing.
The High Sheriff also sent out an insulting advertisement, which was set
up very early in the following year, to wit, 17C8 (may bo in first of Febru-
ary), as follows: —
" Whereas, by a late Act of Assembly, the sheriffs of the several counties in
this province are obliged to attend at live different places in tlieir county, at
least two days at each place, at some time between the first day of January
and the first day of March, in order to receive the public county and parish
taxes. I hereby inform the County of Orange, that 1 intend to comply with
my duty in attending, according to law, at times and places hereafler to be
advertised ; and that every man who fails paying their dues, at these times
and places, is by the same law, obliged to pay two shillings and eight pence
extraordinary. Which sum I shall demand without respect to persons.
Whereof every one concerned is desired to take notice.
*' And should any person imagine that it is sufficient if they have their
money ready when I or my deputy comes for it, I advise them to be provided
with two shillings and eight pence for the visit.
From their humble servant,
TYREE HARRIS."
Every one could see this was quite insulting as well as an attempt to make
asses of us ; for no (me but had sense enough to know this now law was cal-
culated for the Sherifi^s ease. And instead of being so careful to word his
a<lvcrtisement that " the Sheriffs were obliged to attend," as he might have
Baid, the asses were obliged to bring their burdens to him, in order that ono
of their de]>utics miglit collect tlie whole in ten days, sitting on his breach,
at ease, in five places only.
The rumrjr of giving the Governor fifteen thousand pounds to build him
a house, all happening together at this time, conspired to give rise to
what was commonly called the mob, which in a little time altered to that of
the Regulators.
This new association began in a different neighborhood, though they
always mentioned and espoused the former; and people had entered into
it by hundreds, and it spread every way like fire till it reached Sandy Creek,
where the principal men who were concerned in the papers No. 1, 2, and 3
lived. There this new scheme met with some opposition, on account that it
was too hot and rash, and in some things not legal. And though the Sandy
Creek people endeavored to show them the danger of their proceedings, yet
806 HISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
■
took care at the same time not to kill that zeal for justice and true liberty.
And at the second meeting they hod prevailed with them to form new arti-
cles, and censured their first ; jet, at tne first meeting they had sent a paper
to our officers, which paner was approved of, and bears the name Xumber V.,
though dated March 22a. The new articles being adopted at their second
meeting, held on April the fourth, being instead of the first articles, always
bore tho place of the first, which was Number IV., and is as follows, vis : —
No. IV.
*' Wo the subscribers do voluntarily agree to form ourselves into an asso-
ciation, to assemble ourselves for conference for regulating public grievances
and abuses of power, in tho following particulars, with others of the like
nature that may occur.
" Ist. That we will pay no more taxes until wo are satisfied they are agree-
able to law, and applied to the purposes therein mentioned, unless we cannot
help it, or are forced.
"2d. That wo will pay no officer any more fees than the law allows, unless
we are obliged to it, and then to show our dislike, and bear an open testimony
against it.
" 3d. That wo will attend our meetings of conference as often as we con-
veniently can, and is necessary, in order to consult our representatives of
the amendment of such laws as may be found grievous or unnecessary ; and
to choose more suitable men than we have done heretofore for burgesses and
vestrv-men ; and to petition the House of Assembly, Governor, Council, King,
and Parliament, &c., for redress in such grievances as in the course of the
undertaking may occur; and to inform one another, learn, know, and enjoy
all tho privileges and liborties that are allowed and were settled upon us by
cor worthy ancestors, the founders of our present constitution, in order to pre-
serve it on its ancient foundation, that it may stand firm and unshaken.
" 4th. That we will contribute to collections for defraying necessary ex-
penses attending the work, according to our abilities.
"5th. That, in case of difference in judgment, we will submit to the judg-
ment of tho mi\jority of our body.
" To all which we solemnly swear, or, being a Quaker, or otherwise scru-
pulous in conscience of the common oath, do solemnly affirm, that we will
stand true and ftiithfol to this cause, till we bring tilings to a true regulation,
according to the true intent and meaning hereof in the judgment of the ma-
jority of us."
Number five is as follows, viz : —
No. V.
" The 22(1 day of Marchf 1768. Tlie request of the inhabitants on the treM side
of Ilaw liiver, to the Assembly-men and Vestry-men of Orange County,
viz : —
" Whereas the taxes in this county are larger according to the number of
taxablcs than adjacent counties, and continues so year after year, and as the
jealousies still prevails amongst us that we are wronged ; and having tho
more reason to think so as we have been at the trou]>le of choosing men and
sending them, after the civilest manner that we could, to know what we paid
our levy for, but could receive no satisfaction ; for James Watson was sent
to Maddock's Mill, and said that Edmund Fanning looked on it that tbe
country called him ])y authority, or like as if they had a right to call him to
an account. Not allowing the country the right that they have been entitled
to as English subjects ; for the King requires no money from his subjects
but what they are made sensible what use it is for.
" We are obliged to seek redress by denving pa3'ing any more until we
have a full settlement for what is past, and have a true regulation with our
officers.
" As our grievances are too many to be notified in a small piece of writing,
we desire that you, our Assembly-men and Vestry-men, may appoint a time,
ORANGE COUNTY. 807
before next court, at the court house, and let us know by the bearer, and we
will choose men to act for us, and settle our grierances.
'* Until such time as you will settle with us, we desire the sheriffs will not
come this way to collect the levy ; for we will pay none before there is a settle-
ment to our satisfaction.
" And as the nature of an officer is a servant to the public, we are deter-
mined to have the officers of this county under a better and honester regula-
tion than they have been for some time past.
"Think not to frighten us (with rebellion) in this case, for if the inhabit-
ants of this province have not as good a right to inquire into the nature of
our constitution and disbursements of our funds as those of our mother
country, we think that it is by arbitrary proceedings that we are debarred
of that right. Therefore, to be plain with you, it is our intent to have a full
settlement of you in every particular point that is matter of doubt with us. So
fail not to send an answer by the bearer. If no answer, we shall take it for
granted that we are disregarded in this our request again from the pujl>lic.''
This was the first message this new society sent our officers. But no mas-
ter of abject slaves could be more exasperated — they were rebels, insurgents,
&c., to be shot, hanged, &c., as mad dogs, &c. And the Sandy Creek mentor
authors of No. 1, 2, and 3, were to be punished for it all ; for these refers to
their former papers. Now as they were so ignorant as actually to imprison,
fmd went through a course of law to make the authors of the first papers
culpable for these last, I will observe, the latter had a right to refer to the
former, because they had concurred and joined in the former, but that by no
means made all them who were concerned in the former, and scarcely had
heard of the latter, to bo anyways culpable. Indians now-a-days know this
distinction, that where a few bad people of a nation commit outrages the
whole is not blameable. However hard this distinction might have been to
our officers to conceive, I know it was the easiest and naturalest of all things
to be felt by the parties.
And further, because they styled themselves inhabitants of the west side
of Haw Kivcr ; therefore the whole body of the inhabitants on the west side
were so treated, that I can venture to say, that though not one third man on
the west side had yet concerned themselves, yet they were afterwards forced
to join as one man in defence of their lives.
On the whole, I do not think it needful to take much pains to show this dis-
tinction, for my opinion is, our officers' spleen against the authors of former
papers was fur that very reason, that they were pursuing a le^l and consti-
tutional plan to be redressed ; as also, when it came to be tried in the law, the
distinction was as clear as the day, and punished none but them who were
actually guilty.
I have said thus much on this head, the more as I observe by the newspa-
pers that men in higher stations than our officers attempted the same thing
on the town of Boston.
So, to proceed in order, on the said 4th of April, 1768, after the articles
were altered, and both parties joined on the former plan, they drew up the
following paper, viz : —
No. VI.
** At a general meeting of the Regulators,* held April the 4th, 1768, it was
agreed to send P C— — and J L to request the two late sheriffs
and our vestry-men to meet twelve men that we shall choose, on the Tuesday
after the next court, to produce to them a copy of the list of taxables for
each year, and a list of the number and names of the insolvents returned
each year, with an account how the money was applied, to whom paid, and
to what uses, both vcstry-men and sheriff's, and to request our representatives to
confer with them in our behalf, and show us law fur the customary fees that
* This new name, instead of mob, was necessary according to the nature of the busi-
ness of the day of altering; the articles.
808 BISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
has been taken for deeds, indentures, administrations, &c. If the time ap-
pointed don't suit them, lot them appoint anotlier more suitable."
Before these two men had time to perform this message, the officers, either
to try or cxnsperato the now enra<:;ed populace, took, bj way uf distress, a
mare, saddle and bridle, for one Ictv ; and they immediately rose to the num-
ber of sixty or seventy, and rescued the mare, and fired a few guns at the
roof of Colonel Fanning's house, to signify they blamed him for oil this
abuse.
The paper No. 6 was then deliTcred to the established minister of the
county, wlio undertook to try to accommodate the matter ; who accordingly
returned with an answer from the officers, and that they had appointed the
11th day of May for a settlement.
The Regulators hereupon called a meeting on the 30th of April, chose
twelve men to meet accordingly, and sent the officers an account thereof, but
the paper never was delivered by reason (as it was on Saturday) the Gover-
nor's secretary arrived the same day in the town, and brought a proclama-
tion from the Governor, desiring all rioters to disperse, and on their refusal,
commanding all officers to aid and assist to disperse them. And what I
think is the oddest thing I ever heard of, this proclamation was set up
on Saturday, the rioters ever since the riot all peaceable at homo ; yet the
officers assembled themselves on Sunday to the number of about tliirty,
with a tavern-keeper or two, and a man who had lately killed another, which
the jury of inquest had adjudged wilful murder, all armed with guns, pis-
tols and swords, and rode all the Sabbath night, the distance of forty milea,
and took one of the rioters prisoner, by virtue of a warrant, and also another
innocent person without any precept at all, by reason no precept could be
obtained, because no charge was or could be proven against him, though they
had made all the search and inquiry they were capable of doing, by reason,
as was hinted before, he was allowed to have been the author of the former
papers, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.
DQt the case was so among the inhabitants that every man know who was
and who was not joined into the Kegulation, by reason it was all the topic
of converse and inquiry. It being, therefore, so well known that this per-
son was innocent, that it alarmed and raised a fiery zeal in every one who
had or had not entered into the association. And I suppose not near half
'« ' the inhabitants had at this time entered into it
This alarm immediately so engaged almost every man, woman, and child,
that by daylight, next morning, some hundreds were assembled near the town ;
which number in an hour or two increased to odds of seven hundred armed men,
many of which had traveled forty odd miles on foot, some barefooted, and
some (at least one) had traveled thirty miles with his shoes slip-shod ; but
the most part were on horseback, llie whole was actuated by what the
world calls the spirit of enthusiasm, for I felt it myself as soon as I came
into the company ; it catched every man, good or bad, as Saul was catched
among the prophets. A man under the operation of this spirit, I am certain,
can do and undergo double what he can at another time. It is prodigiously
dangerous to raise this spirit, if it is nothing but natural, as some imagine*;
but I believed it was a work of providence, and therefore feared no evil.
The Governor's secretary met this company in sight of the town. But I
have to observe, first, that both the prisoners had given boil and had met this
company very early ; for we supposed the officers had got some word of their
being on the road, as some companies took up long before day, near the town,
or else the prisoners would, we suppose, have been sent to Newborn, tw(i
hundred miles. This would have been hard work for the inhabitants on the
east side of the town, who were also assembled in companies, laying in wait
to rescue the prisoners among inhabitants who harl not intermeddled be-
fore. The secretary read the proclamation and delivered a verbal message,
which he said he had from the Governor ; that if they should assemble while
he was up, to tell them, if they would petition the Governor, he would pro-
tect and redress them against any unlawful extortions or oppressions of any
officer or officers in the county ; provided they would disperse and go home.
No sooner was the word spoke, bat the whole multituacy as with one voice,
OBANQE COUNTT. 809
cried out, " AGREED ! That is aUwt want ; liberty to make our grievances
known."
It is admirable the quickness of the spirit in a |)eopIe, truly enga/red in a
cause, to apprehend and take anything offered that in truth has a tendency to
procure a remedy : we had felt ourselves shut out and denied a hearing ; and
wo sensibly felt the whole calculation and design of our enemies, was to pre-
vent our cries from reaching, as it were, the royal ear : or, which is the same
thing, the legislative body of the government.
A fatal blow was this to our adversaries ; but they saw it not till it was too
late. Had not this very accident happened, we never could have had a
hearing.
And, to mend the matter, the secretary was so pleased that he had hit
upon an expedient to make peace, that he sent for some bottles of wine, and,
with a loud voice, before officers and people, repeated the same thing over and
over, without variation, several times, and drank the wine as a testimony or
record that such an agreement was made, and that by express orders from
his Excellency.
The joy that wo returned home ^th on this occasion, was inexpressible,
for men can feel thincs of an oppressive nature, that they cannot make ap-
pear ; we could plainly feel we were debarred from complaining ; we coujd
feel we dared not petition the Governor unless we let our adversaries word the
petition; but now they had tied themselves- We immediately advertised the
agreement, and appointed a meeting, but this opened the eyes of our
officers to see their mistake. I call it a mistake and accident, because
the Governor denied afterwards that he gave such orders, as will be seen by
his answer to our petition, though some who do not like him, think he denied
it because he rued it
It is beyond my power to describe the pains that was taken to recall this
mistake, unless I was to print a copy of all their letters, and as much preach-
ing and arguments as a man could read in a week. We were told in
plain terms, and in writing, that no petition could nor would go down with
the Governor, but such a one as they had wrote for us, in which they made
us say, we had thought the officers wronged us, but had now found it was
owing to some mistake or defect in our proceeding, and told us if we }>er-
sisted. Colonel Fanning would represent our case to the Governor as high
treason, and not as a riot, and kept constantly at this work, till and on the day
appointed to meet, where and when a merchant and clergyman appeared to
influence and frighten us from proceeding, and, though they made the work
exceeding unpleasant, and much confus^ us, yet the following paper was
unanimously at last agreed to, viz ; —
No. VII.
**At a general meeting of the Regulators, Associators, and others, inhabitants
of the County of Orange, held at George S€Uly*s, on the 2lst of May,
1768,
*' It was unanimously agreed to continue our petition, a^ed on last meet-
ing, to the Governor, Council, and Assembly, for redressing very grievous,
cruel, iniquitous, and oppressive practices of our officers, which we gene-
rally conceive we have labored under this many vears, contrary to law.
** And in pursuance of a verbal message from the Governor, sent us express
by his secretary, delivered to us on the 3d of this instant, we agree to renew
our said petition. And as sundry forms have been read here this day, and
signed by sundry neighborhoods, we appoint W M , W 0 ,
II C , J L-— , J M , J II , R U , and
G II , to form one out of the whole, referring to the several com-
plaints for information of grievances.
** And being conscious of our loyalty to Ring George the third, on the pre-
sent throne, and our firm attachment to the present establishment and form
of government, which we sincerely believe all our grievances are quite oppo-
site and contrary to, by downright roguish practices of men who have crept
into posts of office, and have practiced upon our ignorance and new Mttivi4
situation.
810 HISTOET OF NOBTH CABOLINA.
" We therefore order the above committee to implore the Governor's pardon
and forgiveness, in the most submissive manner, for any errors that we may
have committed, that is or may be construed to derogate from the honor of
his Majesty's crown and dignity, or tending to obstruct the peace and good
order of government.
" And for the Governor's better information, we order the committee to pre-
pare copies of all our proceedings which was agreed on by our body even from
the first beginning ; — to ^o with our said petition — and a suitable number of
the said committee to wait on the Governor with them as soon as possible.
*' And as we have received a letter from Anson County, informing us of an
association there on the same account, and requesting our information of the
manner of our proceeding, we order a cop^ of this to be sent to them imme-
diately, to prevent speedily their running into any error — we believing their
scruples to be well grounded and their intention honest,*'
In June they waited on the Governor with the copies of all the foregoing
papers, and other attested complaints, and brought us back the following
answer, viz. : —
Gentlemen : — I received by the hands of Messrs. Hunter and Howell a peti-
tion, and other papers, subscribed by several of the inhabitants on the south
side of Haw River, in the county of Orange, under the borrowed title of Regu-
lators, assuming to themselves power and authorities (unknown to the Consti-
tution), of calling public officers to a settlement, together with a narrative of
their conduct, and detail of the grievances and complaints against the Clerk
of the county, Register, and other public officers, whose exactions and oppres-
sions its pretended has been the cause of the late insurrections which have
disturbed the peace of that part of the country."
These papers I have, agreeable to your desire, communicated to the members
of his Majesty's Council, who having taken the same into their deliberate
Consideration, unanimously concur with me in opinion. That the grievances
complained of by no means warrant the extraordinary steps you have taken,
in assembling yourselves toa;ether in arms, to the obstruction of the course of
justice, to the insult of public officers, and to the injury of private property;
measures, as they manifestly tend to the subversion of the constitution of this
government, would inevitably, if carried but a little farther, have been denomi-
nated, and must have been treated as high treason ; and consequently have
involved the abettors, most of whom I am satisfied were actuated by honest
motives, though incautiously drawn in to concur in acts that might Lave ter-
minated in the ruin and destruction of their families, while by illegal means '
they are intent on exempting themselves from evils, within the remedy of the
laws of their country.
These calamities, I trust, are now removed by the timely proclamation I
sent up to you by my Secretary, and jrour prudent determination to petition
me in council for the redress of the grievances complained of. The discreet
and steady behavior of Colonel Fanning, and the omcers and men under his
command, met not only with the entire approbation of myself and his Majesty's
Council, but will over be acknowledged with gratitude by every well wisher to
this province.
I take this opportunity to acquaint all those whose understandings have
been run away with, and whose passions have been led in captivity by some
evil desif^ning men, who, actuated by cowardice and a sense of that public
justice which is due to their crimes, have obscured themselves from public
view. That in consideration of a determination to abide by my decision in
Council, it is my direction, by the unanimous advice of that board, that you
do, from hence&rward, desist from any farther meetings, either by verbal
appointment or advertisement. That all titles of Regulators or. Associators
cease among you. That the Sheriff and other officers of the government are
permitted, without molestation, to execute the duties of their respective offices.
And that all breaches of the peace against his Majesty's government inay be
determined and examined in a due course of law.
It is by your strict and punctual adherence to these directions, that any
farther clemency, on my part, may be looked for.
OBANOE COUNTY. 811
This wa« the extent of what I authorized Mr. Edwards to declare on my
behalf. And now that I have signified to you the sense his Majesty's coun-
cil entertain of the nature of your proceedings, and the requisition I point
out by their advice for your future conduct —
I am to assure you, willing as I am to listen to the voice of distress, the
just complaints of his Majesty's subjects, and the hardships they may groan
under, tnat I shall give his Majesty's Attorney-General orders to prosecute
every officer who has been guilty of extortion or illegal practices in his office,
upon any application or information lodged with him by the parties injured,
or any others who shall be authorized to prosecute on this behalf. As also
set up a proclamation on my arrival at Hillsborough, forbidding all such dis-
honorable and illegal proceedings.
You may further depend upon it, I shall, at all times, endeavor to redress
every other grievance in my power that his Majesty's subjects may labor
tinder.
Xb you want to be satisfied what is the amount of the tax for the public
service for 1767, 1 am to inform you it is seven shillings a taxable, besides
the county and parish taxes, the particulars of which I will give to Mr.
Hunter.
I have only to add I shall be up at Hillsborough the beginning of next
month. In the mean time I rest in full confidence I shall again be made happy
by seeinz industry prevailing over factions, and peace and ht^^mony triumph-
ing over lealousics and murmuring in a soil and climate the most fertile in
the world, and among a people who, by a well-directed industry, may draw
down blessincs and prosperity to their families, and greatly contribute to the
honor of his Majesty's government, and the happiness of my administration.
WILLIAM TRYON.
At the Council-chamber,
Brunswick, the 21st of Junt, 1768.
Now to give some clear ideas in what li^ht we received this answer, and in
what condition we felt ourselves to be in, it is necessary to inform you of the
bottom of our jealousies, and the method we intended to prosecute for redress.
Our jealousies were not only against the officers of our own country, which
our papers are confined to, but, in our converse and inquiry by the best cal-
culations we could make, and by several hints and reports, we had reason to
believe we had already paid twenty or thirty thousand pounds over what
would sink the emission of our paper currency. And by accounts we had
still afioat sixty thousand pounds ; so that either our Assembly had been
deficient in burning it, or the treasurers in accounting ; or else our sheriffs
in paying the treasurers : otherwise some counties must be vastly in arrears.
As for our own county, we knew it had paid to the full. We were of opin-
ion there were not one hundred insolvents a year in our county out of from
three to four thousand. But to question the Assembly or treasurers, our
officers took care to chide us for, and hinted that it would be even criminal
to suppose such a thing, for they were men of such credit, and such a body,
as, were they guilty, more than one must be combined ; and such a thine
could not be supposed. Well, we could not help thinking ; so we intended
that if our own representatives would help us, and we could get a settlement
of our own officers, and if the deficiency did not lay there, to proceed and
lay the same before the Assembly, and have the treasurers' accounts exam-
ined. And if our Assembly-men refused to join with us, then to petition for
new elections, &c.
Now by the time we got this answer we found by the journals of the House,
that the public accounts were really unsettled, by a motion from the Governor
to them on that head ; and now we were yet more alarmed, for as we under-
stood the motion, he hinted, though in a delicate, soft manner, to have that
authority vested in the Governor.
Well, the more that we discovered things out of order, we were sensible
the stronger we should be opposed ; and we not only found by this answer
that the Governor inclined to the other side, multiplying all our faults ta tlaA
29
812 HISTOET OF KORTH OABOLIKA.
highest pitch he was capable of; and with as fpreat an extreme ])ainting the
other siae ; and without meeting together, which he strictly forbid, and con-
ferring together, we could make no hand either in carrying elections, or re-
1>re8enting our grievances. Our hands were fast tied from any relief but the
aw, and in that way had also excused himself from protecting or helping
us, any farther than to order the attorney to set up a proclamation.
Well, under this difficulty we stood still, and soon saw the proclamation
had no effect at all, for the register, or his clerk, raised in their fees four
pence or eieht pence, upon which all hopes of the law yanished, and every
channel and passage of redress was stopped and shut up. However, after
some time, as we thought, the Governor would expect some return to this let-
ter, and this we could not effect without breaking his orders, so we appointed
a meeting to agree upon an answer ; and at the meeting received the follow-
ing letter from the Governor, viz. :-^
'* Gentlemen — In strict conformity to the promise I made yon in my let-
ter, dated from the council-chamber, at Brunswick, I issued a proclamation
on my arrival at Hillsborough, a copy of which I herewith transmit to yon.
** I also gave Mr. Attorney-General orders to prosecute at law all public
officers in your county for abuses in their offices, on application made to him
by or in behalf of the parties injured.
*' It is now, therefore, my advice and consent that Mr. Tyree Harris wait
on you to proceed in the collection of the public county and parochial taxes
of Orange County for the year 1767.
** I have the fullest confidence that yon will, agreeable to the direction of
the above-mentioned letter to you, and in iustice to the principles of your
onga^ment to abide my decision in council, make it a matter ot honor and
conscience among yourselves, that Mr. Harris and his deputies shall not
meet with any interruption in so eaeential and an immediately necessary a
discharge of his duty, in obedience to the laws of this country.
WILLIAM TRYON.
HiLLSBORo', August 1, 1768.
Harris asked for his levy — and we told him we had agreed to lay the case
before the Assembly and the whole of the Council before we chose to pay ;
and nobody offered him the least insult.
We agreed upon an answer to the Governor's first letter, and ordered
two men to deliver it to him, which they did the 5th of August ; but we
have lost the copy. However, the purport of it may be seen by the Governor's
answer.
But on Harris's return the Governor's officers were out rusing the militia
round the town. And the militia kept sending messages to us one after
another, by night and by day, what orders they had received, which was
to meet such a day, which was in a few days, and to bring three days'
5 revision and nine charges of ammunition. These alarms run night and
ay, and caused multitudes of the people to gather together, who chose out
eight men, and sent them to the Governor. The men returned with the fol-
lowing answer, viz. : —
** In the first place, the Governor declares that he never had an intention to
bring down Indians, nor of raising the militia in order to break in upon any
settlement, as has been falsely represented ; and that he again repeats his
firm resolution to do justice to the people in everything wherein tney have
been injured, as far as is in his power.
** In the next place. Col. Fanning agrees that the dispute between him and
the people shall be settled at the next Supream Court ; that if the Chief
Justice and his Associates give judgment against him on the trial of Mr.
John Lowes, or any other deed, he is willing and shall refund the full sum,
over his lawful fees which he has taken, to every man who shall apply to
him, bringing his deed alon^ with him ; and that they shall pay no cost.
** In the next place Mr. >iash agrees to the same thing, with respect to his
clerk's fees, as he has ^ready wrote to the Regulators.
OBANGB OOUNTT. 818
" In the last place, the accounts of the sheriffs, with the yestry and the
coarts for the parish and county tax, have been examined and approved, and
when a settlement is made for the insolvents, the full State, in the same man-
ner, shall be pasted up in the court house.
" The Governor will give no directions for the sheriff to proceed in his col-
lection till after the Supream Court/'
At the same time he appointed the Regulators to meet on the 17th day of
August, at George Sally's, where the sheriffs were to attend with their settle-
ment, and give satisfaction to the public on the said 17th of Au^st.
We met, but none of the past sheriffs came. John Lea, the new sheriff,
came, and brought a letter from the Governor, viz. : —
" Augwt IZih, 1768.
'' Gentlemen — ^I had every reasonable hope that my letter to you from the
council-chamber, the 2Ist of June, would have given you not only the most
cordial satisfaction, but have prompted you with the most ardent zeal to
have immediately subscribed to every direction contained therein, conform-
able to the declared resolution in your address to me.
" It is with a sincere regret I at this time reflect on the disobedient and
ungrateful return you have made me, both by your disregard to every part
of direction in the above-mentioned letter, and your refusal to pay your
public levies to Mr. Harris, late sheriff, who demanded them of you on the
second of this month at a general meeting, in virtue of his legal powers,
and in compliance with the letter I sent you bj^ him, urging the immediate
payment thereof.
"The candor with which I treated the rash and precipitate steps of
your past conduct, and the just means and effectual measures I pointed
out for removing the causes of complaint, would have given ample satisfac-
tion to every man who petitioned me with an intention to be satisfied with
justice.
" By your letter delivered me the 5th instant by Messrs. Low and Hunter,
I have the mortification to find every lenient measure of mine has been per-
verted, and the friendly aid I offered to correct the abuses in public officers,
which it was my duty to tender, considered hj you as insufficient.
" The force of the proclamation was to caution public officers against, and
Ere vent as much as possible, extortion. It is the province of the Courts of
iw to judge and punish the extortioner. The dissatisfaction also you ex-
press, that your address and papers were not laid before the whole council,
18 equally groundless, with your declarations of the insufficiency of the pro«
clamation.
" By his Majesty's commission and instruction, three counsellors make a
board ; and with five members business may be transacted of the highest
dignity. Whereas six gentlemen of the council were present when your
address and papers were laid before that board.
** The resolutions you have taken to petition the legislative body is ex-
treamly agreeable to me ; my services on that occasion shall not be wanting
to redress any real grievance.*
" It is necessary I should now inform you, in humanity to your misguided
passion, and in justice to the integrity of my intentions, that you are pur^
suing measures highly criminal and illegal — and it is a circumstance of
real affliction to me, since I consider you as acting upon principles no
less void of faith and honor, than inconsistent with every moral and religious
duty.
'* You have given occasion to every man of property and probity by the
* This far relates to our letter, which copy we have lost, but the purport, as I hinted
before, may be gathered from the answer, and what I will now observe : That iit, we
did not complain that there was not a sufficient number to do business, but that our
thanks would been more had he called the whole council ; and we not only thought
•o, but likewise both thought and expected he would have called the Assembly on the
ocoatioa. Which we now recommend in order to ttreogthea him to help ut.
814 HISTORY OF KORTH OABOLHTA.
open, unreserved meDaces jovl have thrown oot against the lires and proper-
ties of many of the inhabitants of this country, to look on your designs
as bent rather upon destroying the peace of this goTemment, and the secu-
rity of its inhabitants, than a wish or intention to wart for any legal process
against those you imagine have abused their publick trusts.
*' Upon these alarming prospects I esteem it my duty to provide for the
safety of the government, and to take care that the publick receive no damage ;
to prevent, therefore, as much as possible the heavy expense that must ae-
cruo to the province, by providing against the insults that are intended to be
offered to his Majestv's Superior Court of Justice, I am peremptorily to re-
quire on your part that at least twelve of your principals, and those of the
first property, wait upon me at Salisbury, on Thursday the 25th of this
montn, and there in my presence execute a bond in the sum of one thou-
sand pounds, as a security that no rescue shall be made of William Butler
and Herman Husbands, at the Superior Court at Hillsborough, they being
under recognizance then to appear and take their trials.
WILLIAM TRYON."
"SVq sent him the following answer, viz. : —
August I9ih, 1768.
Mai/ it please your Excellency —
We received your letter by the hand of Mr. Lea, at the only time that ever
our officers showed any real intentions of informing ns to what use our
money is applied, and at a time when we had hopes and were perswaded
matters were likely to be settled to the peace and satisfaction of the publick.
But finding by your letter that your Excellency is displeased, and charges
ns with breach of honour, and that we have given occasion to be looked on
as rather bent upon destroying the peace of this government Uian to wait for
justice —
At all which we are truly affected with sorrow and concern at the tboogbts
of any difference arising between your Excellency and ns, and that (as
through false reports and alarms, the commonality, under oppression, have
been incensed, and occasion given) we determine to use our utmost en-
deavors to guard against such offences for the future.
Amidst our sorrow we are rejoiced in this to find that your Excellency is
agreeable to our resolutions to petition the legislative body, which is gene-
rally agreed on.
As to the demand for security not to rescue the prisoners, we beg that it
may be considered that the alarms or raising men and Indians to cut off the
inhabitants of this county as rebels, when they knew in their hearts and
consciences they were guilty of no other crime but endeavoring to obtain
justice, and detect fraudulent practices in the officers, which has been so
common in this province, that it is mentioned in many acts of Assembly
made to remedy the same, which constantly prove unsuccessful, and we con-
ceive over will be so — until the publick is encouraged to assist and help by
complaining and producing matters of fact against the particulars, rtow
these alarms were thought by the most considerate to be without good
j^ounds, and such interposed, moderated, and pacified the whole; and those,
it is likely, may be looked on as the principals or leading men. And such
as these will ever use the same care, and will, no doubt, be able to govern
the multitude by reason ; and yet not one of them would be willing to enter
into bonds, for the noise of such a step would be likely to hinder their in*
fluence.
Moreover there never was any intent to rescue the prisoners, but to beg
the Governor to dissolve the Assembly ; and so far as we know the minds <»
the people, in general, this one step alone would at once stop every month
and every complaint, but what would go through, and by way of such repre-
sentatives as snould then be chosen.
As the Governor may observe by the detail of all our proceedings that it
was the representatives refusing us a conference, and threatening us for re-
ouesting one, and frightening and deterring us from petitioning^ for redress,
tiiat first gare occasion for <UsoTd«r*, therefore as the stopping the free
OBANGB COUKTT. 815
pMsage of this chanoel for redress, has ocoasioDed the obstruction of good
order, so the opening of which passage will as assuredly restore it again.
Signed in behalf of the Regulators by
JAMES HUNTER,
PETER JULIAN,
TUOMAS WELBURN.
It was false before that the GoTernor did not attempt to raise the militia,
it was true now ; for finding ho could not trust the militia of our country,
he tried all over the proTince ; and with what pains and false representations
of us, is best known to the inhabitants everywhere among whom he applied.
It was said he represented us as a faction of Quakers and Baptists, who
aimed to overset the Church of England, &o.
This caused us to view ourselves, when we found our body to consist pro-
miscuously of all sects, and the men who we put most trust in were of the
Church 01 England communion. In short, every honest man who was not
deterred by fear and cowardice was on our side. The formality of sub-
aeribing articles or swearing had never been in use since the Governor's ^Z'
Secretary met us ; and to prevent mobs and riots was our chief study, as ^"^
the;^ were the only things we feared our enemies could get' an advantage
against us in, and what we believed they endeavored to drive the popu-
lace to.
All this preparation of the Governor's put us to it for a while to rule the
inconsiderate, they looking on it as the Governor chose the sword, that they
were at liberty to defend themselves ; and the prisoners they wore afraid to
trust to a trial, lest they might hang them by an arbitrary power ; so it was
at length agreed the prisoners should not appear, and every man to be left at
his li^rty to go to the court as well armed or not as he pleased ; but not to
use them nor offer the least insult, unless an attempt was made to massacre
us ; and that if they could not offer such terms as the Governor and country
could come to an agreement in peace, to return home, and leave the Gover-
nor to fight the air.
We haid very little good opinion of the Governor now ; for when the Sec-
retary agreed we should petition the Governor, and we had advertised it, and
for them who had material grievances to ^t them attested before a magis-
trate, yet the officers, when they found their mistake, as I mentioned before,
soon scared all the magistrates but one, that they would give no person his
Sualification. And though, when Hunter mentioned this in the council at
>runswick, the reply was that it was a weak thing in them to act so ; yet this
one who had served us was now so talked to by the Governor himself, that he
refused alao.
The Governor soon found he could not trust the militia, they were so gene-
rally attached to our side. So he swore every man with an odd kind of an
oath ; and in many places the inhabitants being so alarmed, took our me-
thod, and assembled themselves together to consult one another what to do ;
and some put their resolutions in writing, vis. : —
Orange County, August 19th, 1768.
" The critical affairs in public has caused us to meet to consult what is our
duty. We have been warned to go against a set of people called Regulators,
under the term of being enemies. We look on them as loyal subjects, actine
tor the good of our country. Until they are proved enemies, we don't think
it our duty to go against them. We hear a rumor of being fined for not ap-
pearing against these our brethren and neighbors, which we desire to oppose
until it can be made appear it is our duty — and their articles are provea con-
trary to law. And we design to apply to his Excellency, our Governor, to
hear our grievances in case we are fined."
By the date and purport of this paper, it looks as though there had been
truth in these alarms mentioned in our last letter dated this same day, which
we have therein allowed to have been false. I never observed this before I
preparing it for the press.
816 HISTOBT OF NOBTH OABOUKA.
Morris Moore, one of our Associate Judges, haviug encouraged the Regu-
lators to stand firm to the cause, in a manner I suppose every honest man in
the province would have desired to have done if they were not frightened out
of it, as was attempted on Moore, as may be seen by his letter to Colonel
Fanning.
Sfrinofibld, August the 12ih, 1768.
To Colonel Edmond Fani no :
Dear Sir — ** As much as I hate writing I am determined to scratch this
side down, with a bad pen and worse ink, on the subject of the insurrection
in your county, which I am sorry to hear has grown formidable, and much
more so that it is ascribed to me as its author and encourager.
" I have been calumniated before now, but never so capitally as in this
case.
** I assure you it gives me much concern, in spight of the consolation a clear
conscience affords me.
'* I never knew or even saw, as I know of, in all my life, any man or men
concerned in this unlucky affair, except Hunter and Howell ; and I made
you fully acquainted with the advice I gave them : but I shall say no more
on this head. I have blackened my page, and must conclude my letter with
assuring you, I esteem you, and am
Your most obedient, &c.
M. MOORE.
On the first day of the Supream Court which was at Hillsborough, on the
22d day of September, 1768, we appeared about three thousand seven hun-
dred, and took up about half a mile from the town, and sent our propo-
sals to the Governor ; which was, that if he would let us peaceably come
into town to complain of our officers, and pardon all past breaches of the
peace (except the two under bail, who would stand their trials), we would
pay our levies as usual, &c.
Now we knew of no other concession he could want of us. But the next
day he sent his answer that every man must give up his gun in pledge, till
the prisoners were tried ; upon which we immediately returned, except about
thirty, who carried him their guns.
As to the proceedings of the court, we being debarred from being there,
can ^ive you no better information than that one of the prisoners drew up in
vindication of his own case. Only, we may add, that a whole troop of Bomb
Sheriffs came after us next day to take such as they had orders for back, and
where they met with quiet peaceable men, they went along, but some of a
contrary disposition used some of them very rough. All those who went
along the bills were all found ignoramus.
The case of Herman'Husbands, prisoner aforesaid, is as follows : —
On the second day of May, a little after sunrise, ten or a dozen men, armed
with guns and pistols, entered the back door of my house ; and Thomas Hart
took hold of me, and said you are the king's prisoner.
I asked upon what account. He said on suspicion of having a hand in
the mob.
They hurried me off without letting my wife fetch me some money, when
I called to her for some. In about two miles they come up to where Colonel
Fanin^ was waiting for them. He asked me, stutteringly, and with visible
confusion, why I did not come to see him in so long a time. I told him I
knew no call I had. Ho said, well you'll come along now. I said I sup-
pose I must. He said ay ; well — and set off to town, where William Butler
and I were put into a fort, mounted with two swivel guns, under a strong
guard, and after some hours took me out before Thomas Lloyd, who read a
paper of somebody having informed there was cause of suspicion that I had
a band in the mob.
I told him I had not Then he swore Col. Faning, who said he formerly
had received a paper, summoning him to appear at a milU and he thought
O&AKaB OOUNTT. 817
it was my hand — and he had receired papers from the mob, which referred
to that paper.
Then Jotin Hogan was swore ; who said I had confessed I had been at
some meetings of the mob.
Thomas Llojd then ordered me to prison, and William Butler was put in
with me, where we lay till about midnight, when we were taken out and tied
hand and foot, and many telling us we would be hanged, Butler especially,
if I escaped. It came into my mind that if I made Col. Faning some pro-
mises he would let me go. So on my motion he was sent for, who signified to
me he had been asleep, and was called and told I wanted to see him, and
he had come to see what I wanted with him.
Says I if I may go home, I will promise not to concern myself any more
whether you take too large fees or not, &c. It took with him, and, after huming
a little, he repeated over what I must promise, which, as near as I can re-
member, was to this effect: —
'* You promise never to give your opinion of the laws, nor frequent as-
sembling yourself among people, nor show any jealousies of the officers
taking extortionary fees ; and if vou hear any others speaking disrespect-
fully, or hinting any jealousies of that nature of officers, that you reprove and
caution them, and that you will tell the people you are satisfied all the
taxes are agreeable to law, and do everything in your power to moderate and
pacify them."
All which I promised, with a particular exception, that when any election
was on hand, I reserved liberty to assemble myself among people, and to
have liberty to converse, and to this he said, to be sure.
This WAS so barefaced, that as there was twenty or thirty of the country peo-
ple to ^ard us, I looked every minute for them to crj^ out and release us.*
But Faning went and walked to and fro a few minutes by himself, then
came to us and said, we must enter into bail ; so some of themselves bailed
me, and took me for Butler's bail. They had exceeding hard work before
Butler would consent, when they told him very seriously, that if he went to
Newborn, he actually would be hanged. He paused awhile, and said, I have
but one life, and I freely can five that up for this cause, for God above
knows, our cause is just; and he did not consent at last, till Fanning promised
to clear him at the court without cost.
It was now daybreak, and about sunrise we got the recognisances done,
and was hurried away to stop the people from coming after us.
Now, when the Governor and country fell out, and he got to enlisting and
Bwearine men, and Morris Moore's letter was handed about to show he was
scared, I concluded to sell my land-, and raise money to clear my bail, and so
leave the Province, for I was now left alone ; the Regulators, some of them
insulted me, that if I did not join now, they would let the Governor do as he
pleased with me.
I was for my safety obliged to abscond from them as well as the Governor,
and took the woods for two weeks, and had got fifleen miles from my habita-
tion, and had sent for my horse, clothes, and money, to set off in a day or
* I WB» not no much mistaken here in the people as I way afterwards informed, for
Ihpy had messengers coming and going all night, carrying intelligence to the country be-
low town, who were gathering in companies on every part of the road, to watch their
motions, for there were people below town who had been led into the secret of their de-
signs, which was absolntelv to hang two or three of us, at all events, to scare the rest.
And these plans were laid down below, and these orders sent up for our officers to bring
down two or three of us. They had attempted this same thing before, while Faning
was below, in a more formidable manner, for they had ordered several captains below
town, tu have companies under them on the road at several stages, and appointed a mus-
ter above town, at which mui^ter they were to pick out such a number as were suitable, and
go and take two or three, and with all speed convey them below town, and deliver them
to these fresh companies staged there, to prevent bein^ overtaken. Nothing but the
baseness of their design could nave given them such sw^picions of being followed. How-
ever, some cute fellows at the muster above town, raised a report tnat three hundred
Kegiilators were seen to cross Haw River that morning, and the companies, officers and
all, each took his own road, and made the best of their way home.
818 HISTOET OF NOBTH CABOUNA.
two. This messenger, lackily for the Province, met John Wilcocks at mj
house, and my wife ventured to inform him where he might see me. Tie
gave me encouragement to stand trial, by assuring me a great number of
good honest gentlemen was coming up to see that justice should be done, and
amone the rest a lawyer.
Wikocks left me at John Pyle's, while he and Pyle went to town to see
if the lawyer, or any of them had come ; but Faning could tell them the law-
yer was nut a coming, and ordered him and Pyle out of town.
Upon this, WilcocKs was almost outdone, but engaged me to stay till he
rid aown to Cross Creek, to meet or hear what had Income of them. He
never returned till the ni^ht before court, and heard nothing of his lawyer or
friends ; but by fair promises from some of the council and head officers, and
the king's attorney, that I should get justice, he would have me venture, and
had orders from the Attorney-General for me not to come into town, but stay
among the Regulators till he came out to us.
Af^r the Attorney-General had come out, the Regulators would not let me
go into town, unless everybody had liberty to go, as usual in all courts, and
wilcocks being discouraged, consented to let me go off, and when it was dark,
he accompanied mo some of the way, but as soon as we got from among the
crowd, he rid on before very silent for some time, apd clapped his hand on
his thigh, and cried out aloud, ** The Lord have mercy on me, the whole Pro-
vince is undone ! Good God — that ever I was born !"
This, and the like, he repeated several times, after intervals of silence.
I wanted to hear if he would reflect anything on me, but when I found he
had not, and being convinced his sight of the advantage my going away
would ^ive our enemies, I consulted in myself what to do ; I had no point to
determine, but whether to risk my life or not; here was the ruin of the
Province for certain put in one scale, a risk of losing my life by false arbi-
trary proceedings in the other; and the safety of the privileges, and the
liberties of the people soon outweighed. So I rid up a little nearer to Wil-
cocks, and waited till he gave another cry to lament the case ; then I asked
him if ho was of the mind I had best stand trial yet ; he says yes, and I irill
go with you, and stand by you to the last — which I sincerely believe he was
confident at that time to perform, as Fster ever was. And I also confided in
him that I had one friena.
But now again, after we took up Camp, and spent great part of the night
in telling him how they had carried on matters, and he viewing, I suppose,
what he had seen, got a sight that a snare was laid for my life, which ne put
to mo to let him know if I had any apprehension that way, that he would by
no means bo the causo of persuading me into any danger of that kind.
I told him not to say a word on that head, for my resolutions were fixed,
and had I more than one life to lose, they were unalterable.
When we came into town next morning, before an hour, I dearly dis-
covered by Wilcocks* countenance that ho was scared ; but death nor nothing
else could now alter my resolutions to stand the test ; and Wilcocks made a
motion to me to fee a lawyer. And when I went to them in this condition,
for though my senses remained good, yet property felt to me of no value, for
(it is a verv true saying, that all a man has he will give for his life) they
soon got all the money I had, and bonds and notes for £150 more.
But when Wilcocks came to know I had given so much, he called me fool,
and seemed grieved, from which I was in hopes ho had got over his fright.
But the next mornin^I received the following letter from him, by the hand
of a ragged boy, whom I knew not, viz. : —
lb Mr. JIusbaiid.
September 23, at Mr. Catb's.
Sir — I have been ordered out of town under pretence of being concerned
with the Regulators, which probably mav surprise you again ; but I hope
you will take resolution, and not be scared by our enemy, which b their only
OBANGB COUKTT. 819
Bcheme to defeat us ; but you may depend I shall send somebody in to be
your security in case a bill should be found against you.
Sir, your sincere friend and humble servant,
JOHN WILCOCKS.
Now I had not one friend left, and I rid some miles out into the country to
get some word sent to my own neighborhood, if possible, to get some of them
to come and be evidences for me, as well as to prosecute officers ; for I equally
saw our cause lost, if we did not make something appear this Court against
them.
There I met with another letter from WUcocks to the Attorney-General, by
which I found I need look for no help from that quarter, for any trust that
he put in the Attorney-General, I was now persuaded would fail. The letter
was as follows : — ^
Th Mr, JirGuire, Attorney- General,
September^ 1768.
Sir — This serves to inform you there was occasion for my leaving town
in a few minutes warning. I must think I am ver^ ill rewarded for all the
fatigue and care, with the risk of my life and estate, m order, and for no other
end but to accommodate so dangerous a dispute.
As I had no other occasion to be security ioT Husbands^ but to prevent mis-
chief, you, with the Court, cannot be unacquainted with my industry in the
matter, and of their encouragement to me for that purpose, which I faithfully
acted as far as capable. However envy and malice may represent me to the
Governor or Court, I am ready to answer for when called on. That you
wont let me suffer for my good intent, and encourage Husbands to stand his
ground till I am released of his security; and if lie is found guilty, that
security may be found for him till trial.
Sir, your humble servant,
JOHN WILCOCKS.
it was on a Sunday that I got this letter, having, as I said, rid out some
miles to send to my own neighborhood, but was obliged to get a pass before
I could get out of town. I could not even walk the streets about the Court-
house without bein^ insulted at every turn. The soldiers thrusting their
bayonets at me within a few inches of my body, and dragging me once into
a public house, setting me upon a table, and surrounding me with a ring,
made sport of me, which, after a half or Quarter of an hour at least, I observed
John Ash, who was the commanding omcer, reach forth his hand to push
some of them from me, and says, ** Uold, don-t carrv the joke too far.''
I catched hold of his sleeve, and when he looked on me, I asked him if I
was at liberty. Says he, ** You have been under no confinement." Then I
Sushed my way through them ; and to help Mr. Ash's memory, as I hear he
enies this, he came to me in the street, and asked me why I had asked him
if 1 was at liberty. Because, says I, John IFilcocks had told me thou was
the Commanding Officer.
The pass was as follows, viz. : —
Sir — Permit Mr. Herman Husbands to pass your guard and sentinels.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
THOMAS LLOYD, Mqfor- General,
To ilie Officer oftlie Guard at the West End of Hillsboro*, Saturday noon,
■
The following is the qualification of Feter Savory, who, at this campaign
bore the title of Captain Savory, for I had observed him to look at some of
the soldiers.
His evidence is as follows, viz : —
Orange County, ss: —
This day came Ftter Savory before me, and made oath, that at last Sqftem-'
320 BISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
her Superior Coart, he saw several young men a pushing their bayonets
towards fferman Husbands^ but did not know them to touch him.
Certified under my hand, this 25th day of March, 1769.
JOHN PRYOR.
On Mondy morning two or three of my neighbors had come, and as soon
as Court sat, Colonel Fanning accused me of crimes committed since I had
entered into the recognizances, and signified they were of so high a nature as
concerned my life.
Hereupon I was committed to prison. And the first salutation I receired
from the prisoners, was their pointing to a gallows, erected between two
Joyces of the prison, right over the middle of the floor ; and the prison was
new built, of a higher pitch than usual, and forted round.
Here were nine or ten prisoners. Most on account of the regulation, and
the prison so little, that we could not all lay down at once. The remembrance
of what I had read of Inquisitions, East Iiidia Imprisonments, &o., was now
very fresh in my mind.
At night, William Butler and me was sent for, and there were some men
procured to be our bail; but when I got out I found my neighbors and
evidences were all gone. If property was of no value to me before, it was
less now ; I looked on myself as a captive among enemy Indians, Nabobs or
Lord Inquisitors. I tried the lawyers whether they were fond of greater
obligations, and, as I hinted before, my senses was good enough ; and \ re-
membered the story of the beaver, that when he was chased for his stones,
out theui out, and threw them away. So I gave them what notes or bonds
they pleased to write, for I never read or examined a word in them.
At next Superior Court, before my trial came on, these obligations were
demanded of me ; but I denied payment of them, as I looked on them to be
of no force, and the lawyers urged honor in the case.
Upon which I told them to quit the obligations, and I would pay them as
' much as I could do with honor, and without being laughed at for a fool.
However, they have sued for the obligations ; and for the information of
the public, and all concerned for justice, I would inform them that our Law,
by Chap. IV. in Section the 2d, of volume i. page 3, allows an attorney thirty
snillings for a suit in the General Court, and fifleen shillings in the County
Courts, which, as by the preamble to the said law, may be seen, was thought
sufficient to compensate an attorney for his trouble for prosecuting or defend-
ing any suit or cause in any of the said Courts in this Province.
And in page the 10th, of volume iii. in 44th section, a lawyer's fee is de-
clared to be thirty shillings in the Superior Court; and in the Fee Bill,
Attorney-Generars fee is to be in common suits the same as another attorney,
which implies other attorneys' fees were ascertained. Neither are they author-
ized b^ any law to take more ; nor is there any other larger fees anywhere
established.
And by the Law, in page 140, section 2, any person or persons whatsoever,
are debarred from creating, making, demanding or receiving any other fees
than such as shall bo established by the Governor, Council, and General
Assembly.
Here is no exception mado of lawyers. The lawyers will attempt to ur^e
that any tradesman has a liberty to make a bargain, and set a price on his
own woric, according as he does his work ; for, say they, if we must be con-
fined to the lawful fee, we 'will do no more for that fee than the law obliges
us to do.
To the first I say, no tradesman could be at such liberty were there the
same laws prohibiting them, and setting bounds to the prices of their work
as there is to lawyers fees. Neither is there the same reason to sot bounds
to the one as there is to the other; for if one man will have finery and super-
fluity on a piece of work, and pay a high price for it, this does not oblige
his neighbor to do so too. Whereas, by giving a larger fee to a lawyer than
is sufficient to compensate him, taking one action with another for his trouble
and expense in prosecuting or defending any suit or cause, so far as is neces-
OBAKGB COUNTT. 821
iary and just, so far the law obliges him to : (in answer to the last part of
the*^ objection.) I say, by one man's gi^ng more, it is attended with this
evil ; such attorney can afford, and wul study so much sophistry and false
arguments and glosses, that will blind influence and confuse the jury, as
makes it necessary for the other honest man to ran to the same expense, just
to unravel and undo the false unnecessary work the other has done ; and in all
this cost and expense (which is not only their fees) there is not the least
benefit, nor is it in the least conducive to come at truth and justice, but quite
contrarily renders it obscure and dark. And at best, where the parties are
equally yoked, it makes the same justice costly and hard to be come at, and
serves to increase an unnecessary number of men as lawyers, who might be
useful members of society, in following other necessary business. And this
evil has always been foreseen by all le^slative bodies, who have bounded
their fees by the laws. But man's ambition, who are contentious one against
another, has prompted them to such a willing compliance to the lawyer's
avarice, in violation of those laws, that in this Province, and perhaps all
others, this evil has grown so that it affects the peaceable, honest man so
much, that the lawyers has become the ^eatest burden and bane of society
that we have to struggle under ; which instances are so numerous, it would
be tedious to mention more than a few instances.
First, they have by these unlawful means been empowered to calculate the
laws to suit their purposes ; and where a contentious fellow owes an honest
man a just debt, we will suppose it but five pounds, a lawyer will have thirty
shillings for this cause in tne County Court, and five pounds in the Superior,
if he appeals ; where, if the honest man gains his action, he recovers seven
pounds five shillings, and is six pounds ten shillings out of pocket, and so
recovers just fifteen shillings for his five pounds.
And where an honest man is indicted by a rogue, he must pay a lawyer at
least five pounds ; and if he is acouitted or not, the cost, besides five pounds, is
the least they will look at now-a-days ; and this every year growing higher, ten
pounds and fifty pounds in difficult cases. And if a lawyer may extort of
me five pounds, why not three hundred or five hundred ? as in my own case ;
for I was aoqnitted, as will be. seen hereafter.
When a man is guilty of a crime, and pays dear for it, he has a remedy
wherewith to guard himself for the future, that is, to take care and not be guilly
a second time ; but an honest man has no rpfuge, but is liable to the same
cost every year.
If a man owes me a debt of twenty pounds, I am sure to be three pounds
ten shillings out of pocket, for no lawyer will touch my cause for less
than five pounds, and I can recover but thirty shillings ; and many times
the^ ask ten pounds ; and why not, in time, grow as generally to ten.
N ow, is it not strange what custom will do ; it is a secona nature, as it is
justly called, for in this case the lawyers have practiced taking extraordinary
fees so lon^, without being punished either by the penal laws or indictments,
both of which they are liable to, that they now are hardy enough to attempt
to recover extraordinary fees by the law.
I hope the Province will not be long so grossly blinded. Suppose I suffer
now through the stupidity which custom has blinded us with.
The following is a copy off the docket relating to the indictments at this
court against the principal persons, one on each side, vis : —
North Carouna,
EiUsbort/ District.
At a Superior Court of Justice, began and held for the District of Hills-
boro', at the court-house, in the Town of Hillsboro', on the 22d day of Sep-
tember, 1768.
Present, the Honorable Martin Edwards, Esq., Chief Justice, and Mau-
rice Moore and Richard Henderson, Esqrs., His Majesty's Associates, &o.
The Kino vs, Herman Husbands. Indictment for a rout. lenoramus.
Witnesses, — ^Edmund Faning, Qeorge Henry, John Butler, John Lea, Zach.
Rogers.
822 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Same vs, same. Indictment for a rout. Ignoramus.
Witnesses. — William Holmes, George Henry.
Same vs. same. Indictment for a rout. Ignoramus.
Witnesses. — Same.
Same vs, same. Indictment for a rout. A true bill.
WUnesses.^^me.
And the defendant, by his attorney, comes and defends the force and in-
jury, when and where, &c., and saith, that he is not guilty in manner and
form as the plaintiff against him hath declared ; and of this he puts himself
upon God and the country: Therefore, let a jury come agreeably to Act of
-Assembly, to recognize, &c.
' The same day came the defendant by his attorney, whereupon, came also
jury, viz : J M , B W , J K , M R , A-
A W . W D , R K . G R . J-
B , J M , and R W , who being elected, tried, and sworn
the truth to speak upon the issue joined, upon their oaths do say. That the
defendant is not guilty in manner and form set forth in the indictment:
Therefore, it is the opinion of the court, that the defendant be discharged by
proclamation, &c. True copy. — Test. J. WATSON, Clerk.
North Carolina,
HOlsboro' District.
At a Superior Court of Justice, began and held for the District of Ilills-
boro', at the court-house, in Ilillsboro' Town, on the 22d day of September,
1768—
Present, the Honorable Martin Howard, Esq., Chief Justice, Maurice
Moore, and Ricuard Henderson, Esqrs., His Majesty^s Associates.
Tub King vs. Edmond Faning. Indictment for extortion. Pleads not guilty.
Jury impanneled and sworn, find the defendant guilty: Fined one penny
and costs.
Same vs. same. Indictment for extor. Same plea. Same entry.
Same vs, same. Indictment for extor. Same plea-. Same entry.
Same t;^. same. Indictment for extor. Same plea. Same entry.
Same vs. same. Indictment for extor. Same plea. Same entry.
Same vs. same. Indictment for extor. Same plea. Same entry.
Same vs. same. Indictment tor extor. Aute fau Convict.
There are many more, but these may suffice, &c.
William Butler and two others were tried, and found guilty, and sentenced
to lay in prison some months, and pay a large fine, but at the close of the court,
two of tne prisoners broke out, and the third, though the door was open,
would not go till he got a discharge.
The Governor's men began to die with the flux, and the officers being found
guilty, they grew generally very discontented and angry. The Governor sent
a discharge after the two other prisoners, and a general pardon, excepting a
few in a county, and disbanded all his men. Nor did ever men look more
sheepish and ashamed than they did as the^ returned, endeavoring to keep
up their countenance by hooping and hooraying for the Regulators.
On the trial of one of the prisoners for rescuing the mare taken for the
taxes, the attornevs mentioned that the legality of the said tax was disputed,
and one of the judges, in answer, said that was not a legal way to dispute it;
but if any one thought the tax not legal, they ought to indict the sheriff.
This being observed by Herman Husbands, he consulted the Attorney-Gene-
ral, observing it to him, who not only remembered the advice, but concurred
therewith. Whereupon, Herman Husbands indicted one of the sheriffs, who,
being found not guilty, sued the said Husbands for a malicious prosecution.
But the Assembly being soon called, and this being a material point, and having
received no satisfaction either from the Governor's answer on this head, nor
yet from the proceedings and examinations the court made thereon, we par-
ticularly laid it again before the Assembly, who thereupon resolved, That
ORANGE COUNTY. 826
three shillings of the public tax was wrong, or no more to be collected, jet,
DotwithstandiDg, the sneriffs continued to demand it of os.
At the next Superior Court, which was on the 22d of March, 17C9, we made
some farther trials at the law, but met with less encouragement of obtaining
redress in that way, than we had the court before.
We minuted down some of the trials, which was in substance as follows : —
On a trial, the King af^inst £ F , for extortion in his having taken
viz shillings for registenng a deed. He urged in his plea, that he was igno*
rant of the law, in that he put another construction on the words, &c., and
that he did apply to the County Court, and they adjudged there was two and
eight pence for the deed, and two and eight pence for any other writing, and
seven pence for the certificate, and seven pence more for recording the certifi-
cate, in all, six shillings and six pence, but that he had generously quit the six
pence.
^ow, he had pleaded this like cause several times before, in one of which
he had took nine shillings and two pence, pleading in that one case, there
were two other pieces of writing.
Attorney-General, as he had done before, showed the other piece of writing,
mentioned in the table of fees, to have no relation to deeds at all, but bills of
sale or other papers that might happen to want to be recorded ; and before,
he had observed that there was no certainty in the matter at all if it was al-
lowed to make another piece of writing out of the deed, for, with as good
reason, it might be divided into two or ten pieces of writing.
When Attorney-General was goin^ to reply to the plea of the Inferior
Court's judgment, F g stopped him, saying, I give up that, and lay no
stress at all on it.
Then rose np and gave a charge to the jury to this effect. That
though his own Judgment was one with Attomey-iG^eneral, and the same
he had given on tne nke occasion twice before, yet he would remind them of
what C— — F ^g alleged in his own. favor, and so recounted over how he
had obtained the judgment of the said Inferior Court, who made the fees out
thus : for recording a deed, two shillings and eight pence ; for the other piece
of writing, two shillings and eight pence ; and for recording the certificate,
seven pence, which makes, says he, six shillings and one penny, so that in
the way they constructed the words of the law, he took one penny less.
Here, Attorney-General says it comes to but five shillings and eleven
pence that way ; this putting him to a stand, F ^g says, tnere was two
other pieces' of writing : ay, says , there was two other pieces of writing,
which, at two shillings and ei^ht pence a piece, with the deed and certificate,
comes to (here he figured a little) eight and seven pence, and so according
to this way. Colonel F — -— g took two shillin|;s and seven pence less, &c.
I have mentioned this to show the difinculty and uncertainty of these
methods, by which like method all our officers make out their extortionary
bills, and scarce one of them can make out a bill twice the same way, or any
two to make out a bill to come to the same sum. I have seen them pinched here
manv a time, and not only in this, but when they have had a bill in their
hand, with the sum in lumps, they could not make it answer when they un-
dertook to divide it into particulars; in which extremity, they generally tell
me that it takes a good lawyer to make out a fee-bill, and that few men in
the Province could do it but Major M , and Mr. B— - — guin, and intimated
it as vain and a crime for any common man to pretend to understand the
fee-bill.
Bui they have been put to it what to answer me, when I reminded them,
that the legislative body calculated it for, and supposed every man to under-
. stand it, ami that it was a pity every officer could not carry Mf^or M or
Mr. B— - — ^guin in their pooketo.
However, to proceed to the minutes of trials, &c.
On a trial, the King against John Wood, &c : —
The King proved that Stephen Jones, having a writ served on John Erwin
for a debt of six pounds, that on serving the writ, Jones and Erwin agreed;
824 HISTORY 07 NOBTH OABOLIKA.
but neither of them paying the cost, this sheriff, John Wood, served an exe-
cution on Jones for the cost, and took thereupon, fifty shillings and eight
pence, exclusive of thirty shillings which Jones paid a lawyer.
Attorney-General told the court and jury that he had examined the laws,
and could make out no such fees.
The Jud^ ordered the defendant to make them out, whereupon the bill
was handed up to the judge, and he separated the clerk's bill from the
sheriff's, and ordered them to make out the sheriff's fees, he being only the
defendant. The clerk's bill was twenty-six shillings and eight pence, and
when the separate bill was handed up, the judge asked, what is Uiis ten shil-
lings and eight ^ence for? And when the defendant's attorney says, for so
and so, &c., the jud^e said, that is already charged in the clerk's bill, and is
part of the twenty-six shillings and eight |>ence which I have separated.
After some time, they handed it up again, but he returned it in the same
manner, saying, some other part of the twenty-six shillings and eight pence
was still charged over again.
The defendant's attornies, for he had two or three, took the law-book into
the bar, and kept working at it so long as tired the judge so that he began
to complain.
Then one of the attorneys began to read oyer the bill or say it over by
head, thus ; " there is one shilling for a bail bond, and one shilling and four
pence, for serving a declaration," and was going on, when Attorney-General
says, "there was no bail taken, nor no decluration ; the case was immediately
agreed, &c."
After awhile, one of them again gets up and says ; "and please your honor,
I have found a way to make it out ; there was two shillings and eight pence
for commitment, and two shillings and eight pence for releasement. But
Attorney-General sa^s there was no commitment in the case, nor bail, I am
sensible. Where bail is necessary, though a Sheriff don't take bail, yet, as
be then stands culpable himself, he mi^ht with some reason charge for the
bond ; but no bail was necessary in this case ; the action was immediately
agreed."
The defendant's attorney replies, addressing himself to the court ; " in the
ordinary course of practice, bail is necessary. And, Mr. Attorney (looking
at him), you allow all fees to be due which should or ought to have been
done."
Attorney-General replies, " for my part, I tell you I have examined the
law, and can make out no such fees. But let the jury take the law-book with
them, and if they can make out such fees, it is nothing to me ; for my part I
can't The action was immediately agreed."
Upon this, the judge gave the jury their charge, and told them they had
to consider how much terror sheriffs must be under from the late disturbances,
&c. And that he had been informed that salaries were low ; so that they had
this to consider, that whether, if the sheriffs are too much discouraged, it
would not be hard to get any to officiate.
The jury found the defendant not guilty, and sealed up their verdict till
court sat next morning. But we being alarmed at such proceeding, showed
the aforesaid minutes to the jury, and also to Attorney-General ; with the fol-
lowing supposition ; upon which the jury disagreed to their verdict, and the
matter being debated over again, they found him guilty.
The supposition was thus, with a little amendment, viz. : —
Let us suppose this case had been between a farmer, plaintiff, and a black-
smith, defenaant. The farmer proves that he sent to the blacksmith for a
colter ; that he got one which was not steeled, and that the smith dying im-
mediately, his executors sent to the farmer and demanded and received thirty
four shilling and sixpence, which he had paid; but now had sued them for
wronging him.
The plaintiff's attorney informed the court that, by the smith's book, no
such account was to be found. The judge then desired the defendant to
make it out. He produced his account stated, thus : —
OEANGB comnr. 825
To a new colteir, weight ten pounds £0 15 0
To six sharps, . . . 0 3 0
To eight, do. . . . 0 4 0
To laying the colter, . . 0 5 0
To the forge for fifteen pounds iron, 0 7 6
£1 14 6
The Judge soon separated the last seyen shilling and six pence, being
twice charged, it being included in the first fifleeh shillings. So then the de-
fendant's attorney, allowing the sharpings and layings for granted, had to
make out that seven shillings and sixpence ; and they kept searching the
book till the judge's patience was tired, and he complained. Then one be-
gins to say over die account. There is a shilling for a key to every colter,
and one shilling and sixpence for steel. But the plaintiff's attorney says,
there was no key nor steel in the case. Then afler some time, says one of
them, and please your honor I have found a way to make it out ; here is i^^e
shillings for making a shear to the colter, and two shillings and sixpence for
steel, which is charged in most people's accounts. But the plaintiff's attor-
ney says, " we had no shear, no steel, nor key. The blacksmith died imme-
diately before ever the colter was used, as has been proven. I am sensible
that by a bad heat a blacksmith might put steel on a colter, which, possibly,
might drop off before it came into the owner's hands, and it might possibly
be chargea ; but then the blacksmith stands liable to put it on, and make it
good."
The defendant's attorney replies, " and please the court, in the ordinary
course of practice there is always a shear to every colter, and they are gene-
rally steeled ; and, Mr. Attorney Hooking at the plaintiff's attorney), yon
allow that steeling may be chargea, though so badly put on as to come off;
and with as good reason it may be charged, though not done at all ; because
in the general course of practice it ought to have been done, &c. &c. &c.'^
A word to the wise is sufficient.
By the fee-bill, the whole cost of this suit oame to but fourteen shillings
and one penny, after reckoning up every service that possibly could have
been done, viz. :-^
To entering Jones and Irwin on Docket £0 0 7
Entering an attorney; the law allows
nothing, but, suppose
To a writ, ....
To serving the writ.
To calling the action in court, .
Sheriff returning it agreed ; no allow-
ance in law ; suppose
Entering the action asreed,
Calling it over agreed, .
Drawing bill of cost, .
Issuing execution.
Serving execution, one shilling in pound
Tax fee, if due.
n
7
1
0 5
4
0 0
4
0 0
4
0 0
7
0 0
4
0 9
2
0 0
7
0 1
4
0 0
6
0 2
6
£0 14
1
The Governor had dissolved our Assembly and granted us a new election,
on the 10th of July, 1768 ; a little before which the Regulators wrote the fol-
lowing address to the inhabitants in general.
To the Inhabitanis ofiht Province of North Carolina,
DiAR Brithren : — Nothing is more common than for persons who look
upon themselves to be ii^ured than to resent and complain. These are sounded
826 HISTOBT OF NORTH CABOLIKA«
aloud, and plain in proportion to the apprehension of it. Oar fearful nesa too,
frequently augment our real as well as apparent dang;er8. Let as adjust our
complaints or resentments to the reality as well as the nature of the injury
received.
Excess in any matter breeds contempt; whereas strict propriety obtains
the suffrage of every class. The oppression of inferior individuals must only
demand tutelage of superiors ; and m civil matters our cries should reach the
aathorative ear, when the weight that crusheth descendeth from the higher
powers. But when imposed by populace, to the populace oar complaints
must extend. When tnerefore tne cry of any city, province, or nation is
general, it must.be generally directed to the source from whence the cry is
oaused.
The late commotions and crying dissatisfactions among the common people
of this province, is not unknown or unfelt by any thinking person. No pier-
son among you could be at a loss to find out the true cause. I dare venture
to assert you all advised to the application of the public money ; these yoa
saw misapplied to the enriching of individuals, or at least embezzled in some
way, without defraying the public expenses. Have not year parses been pil-
laged by the exorbitant and unlawful fees taken by officers, clerks, &e. I
need not mention the intolerable expensive method of recovery by law, occa-
sioned by the narrow limits of the inferior court's jurisdiction. Have yon
not been grieved to find the powers of our county courts so curtailed, that
scarce the shadow of power is left. This body, however respectable, is in-
trusted with little more than might pertain to the jurisdiction of a single
magistrate, or at least two or three justices of the peaoe in conjunction. In
consequence of this, very small sums dracs us to Superior Courts. These
must be attended with all our evidences, although many at the distance of one
hundred and fifty miles. Add to this a double fee to all officers; hence we
are made feelingly sensible, that our necessary expenses, with the additional
costs, are equal, if not surpass the original sum.
For what end was the jurisdiction of the courts reduced to such narrow
limits ? Is it not to fill the superior houses with business 7 Why has the
authority fallen upon this wonderful expedient? Is it not evident that this
was calculated for the emolument of lawyers, clerks, &c. What other reason
can be assigned for this amazing scheme? — none brethren, none I
Has not the charges of Qovernment been unnecessarily raised, to the great
increase of thcpublic tax? Has not the public mone;^ been entrusted in the
hands of insufflbiont persons, without sufficient securities, or due care taken
in accounting for, and recovering the same ? Has not this often reduced us
to the disagreeable necessity of contributing or paying by tax the sum once
raised — but through carelessness or neglect, or something worse, uselessly
consumed? To what does this tend? Is not the issue manifestly the im-
poverishment of the country ? — fatal consequences.
The exorbitant, not to say unlawful fees, required and assumed by officers —
the unnecessary, not to say destructive, abridgement of a court's jurisdiction
— the enormous increase of the provincial tax unnecessarily ; these are evils
of which no person can be insensible, and which I doubt not has been lamented
by each of you. It must have obliged you to examine from what quarter relief
might be found against these sad calamities : — In vain will you search for a
remedy until you find out the disease.
Many are accusing the legislative body as the source of all these woful
calamities. These, it must be confessed, are the instrumental cause ; they
can, yea do inipose some of these heavy burdens. But whence received they
this power? is not their power delegated from the populace? The original
principal cause is our own blind stupid conduct.
If it be queried, how docs our conduct contribute to this ? Answer presents
itself — we have chosen persons to represent us to make laws, &c., whose former
conduct and circumstance mi^ht have given us the highest reason to expect
they would sacrifice the true interest oftheir country to avarice, or ambition,
or both.
I need not inform yon, that a minority of our Assembly is composed of law-
O&ANGB OOUNTT. 827
yen, clerks, and others in eonnection with them, while by our own voice we
have excluded the planter. Is it not evident their own private interest is de-
signed in the whole tndn of our laws ? We have not the least reason to expect
the eood of the farmer, and consequently of the community, will be consulted
by those who hang on favor, or depend on the intricacies of the laws. What
can be expected from those who have ever discovered a want of good princi-
ples, and whose highest studj is the promotion of their wealth; and with
whom the interest of the public, when it comes in competition with their pri-
vate advantages, is sufiered to sink? — nothing less than the ruin of the public.
Have we not nitlierto, in a great degree, chosen such men as have been de-
scribed f Nay, have they not been such as are dependent in their fortunes,
with great expectation from others, or enjoy places of benefit and trust in the
government? Does not reason declare we might expect such cringing vassals
would readily sacrifice the interest of the community to idol self? — ^Are not
such persons utterly disqualified for supporting our rights and properties ?
Is it not high time to seex an antidote against such deadly poison before it
utterly destrovs us ?
But vou will say : What is the remedy against this malignant disease ?
I will venture to describe a sovereign one if duly applied : that is, as you
have now a fit opportunity, choose for your representatives or bureesses such
men as have given you the strongest reason to believe they are tru^ honest-
such as are disinterested, public-spirited, who will not allow their private
advantage once to come in competition with the public good.
You grant the prescription is sovereign ; but how ehtul vou obtain such*?
I answer: Let your judgment be formM on their past conauct ; let them be
such as have been unblamable in life, independent in their fortunes, without
expectations from others ; let them be such as eigoy no places of benefit under
the government ; such as do not depend upon favor for their living, nor do
derive profit or advantage from the intricate perplexity of the law. in short,
let them be men whose private interest neither doth nor can clash with the
interest or special ^ood of their country.
Are you not sensible, brethren, that we have too long groaned in secret
under the weight of these crushing mischiefs ? How long will ye in this
servile manner sul^ect yourselves to slavery ? Now show yourselves to be
freemen, and for once assert your liberty and maintain your rights. This
election let us exert ourselves, and show that we will not though fear,
favor, ori^ection, bow and subject ourselves to those who, under the mask
of friendship, have long drawn calamities upon us.
Should we now, through fear or favor, act as we have done, contrary to
duty and interest, so far as we do this we contribute to all the mischief con-
sequent upon it Where, then, is that moving principle, self-preservation ?
WiU you, can you, voluntarily submit yourselves to ignominy and want?
These will aggrandize themselves and swim in opulence.
Have they not monopolised your properties, and what is wanting but time
to draw from you the last farthing ? who that has the least spirit of a man
could endure this ? who that has the least spark of love to his country or to
himself would bear the delusion ?
In a specidi manner, then, let us at this election arouse all our powers to
act like tree public-spirited men, knowing that he that betrays the cause now
betrays his country, and must sink in the general ruin.
And as the inhabitants of Rowan could get no indictments preferred
asainst their officers in Salisbury District, they had sent to us, and J
IL ^r went to their assistance, and, by the letter following, you may form
some idea how matters were carried on, viz. : —
Sausdury, September lith, 1769.
To Mr, Husband, Rqiresentaiivefor Orange Counti/,
Sir : Agreeable to the resolutions of a committee, held at Joshua T 's
last month, about six or seven of us attended Salisbury General Court to
30
328 HISTOBT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
indict onr officers, when, to our astonishment, we found the grand-jorj to he
composed of our inveterate enemies, and of such as had heen our greatest
oppressors. No less than five of them were old sheriffs. In fine, there were
but two or three but what were limbs of the law. However, we were resolved
to try what justice could be obtained, as we have been so often referred
thereto by the Governor and others of the first rank in the Province, who had
so repeatedly urged us to legal steps, assuring us we should everywhere
obtain the highest justice ; and one had told us he always would be there and
see that we had justice. So, reiving on these promises, and being eonscious
the laws was against them who had so repeatedly broke them ; besides, the
cries of the people was so great, and oppressions so many, that we durst hardly
return home before trial made. We applied to Mr. H r, deputy under
Attorney-General ; he appeared well pleased with our design, and assured as
he would do all in his pnower to serve us.
A bill was preferred against F k* for extortion, in taking eight poundi
five shillings of the Widow C , for the cost of an indictment acainst her.
And the bill found ignoramus, it was proved by the oath of J -h H ^n,
that he paid the money to the Sub-Sheriff for the use of the said F ^k; and
proved by the oath of J D , a lawyer, that he got the receipt of the
widow some time ago, in order to procure redress for her ; but that he had
lost it ; but that it was for eight pounds five shillings. And A m C ^n
proved that F k asked him, when he was making out the bill against the
widow, what circumstances she was in ; he said in very good, and had money
by her. If that be the case, says F k, I must doable the bill.
However, the bill was found ignoramus, &o.
This letter was longer. After giving an account of several more trials,
and all found ignoramus, they were informed by one of the magistrates,
which was confirmed by an Assembly-man, that tne jury was not uie same
men which was appointed bv authority.
This letter was read beu>re our Assembly, and is in the Clerk's Office
there.
Another petition went from Hillsborough Court, which, after reciting over
how much the Governor and authority had recommended us to the law, comes
to the matter in hand thus, viz. : —
So that to the law we must go to find redress. Accordingly to law we
went, and the present design of this paper is, in as brief a manner as possible,
to lay before you our proceedings and success therein.
Before the first court happened, troops were raising in all quarters, as was
said, to guard the court. The effect of these troops was that every man
coming into court was examined what business he had. And everr one who
dared to own that it was to complain of officers, was ill used by the guards
and soldiery, and scared away home ; but some few who would not be scared
away, was ordered out of town by the commanding officers at a few minutes'
warning. None could stay but prisoners, and them denied of attorneys,
unless tney would give bonds for nfty and to three hundred pounds to each
attorney.
But notwithstanding all which, by the industry of one of the prisoners,
some was encouraged to come bacli, and three or four actions against an
officer was tried, and the officer convicted, who was fined one penny, &c.
During the time to the next court, all other officers, except this one, con-
tinued to take the same extortionary fees as before ; and no troops being
raised against us, at the next court people flocked in to make informations.
But besides the difficulty of attending courts from thirty to sixty miles, and
the officers threatening to sue for malicious prosecutions, and take all other
advantages of the law. Besides all this, the Attorney-General did not attend
the two or three first days of court, so that most of the people had gone home.
Some informations, however, was made after he came, and a few of them
tried, in which the officers was all convicted, except in one instance, and im-
♦ FrohociE.
ORANGE COUNTT. 829
mediately that one prosecutor was sued. Minutes of some of those trials
were took down in writing, in which are matters so curioas, that we suppose
instances of that kind are not to be found elsewhere.
Among other thines, that the jury was picked, and calculated of such weak
and low capacities, that when they had agreed on a yerdict, and mixed among
men before they gaye it in, by hearing others' sentiments they disagreed to
it when giyen in. And this was reported so often, with such marks of in-
oafmcity mixed with honest principles, that the consequence was such con-
fusion and contradiction that the jury was discharged at the bar after a yerdiot
agreed to and then disa^eed ; and other confessions that two of the jurj
oyerruled the rest, and uie action was continued to the next court, and this
court adjourned.
yfe found, afterwards, these two men of the jury that oyerruled were much
prejudiced in fayor of the officers. This discoyery put us on examining how
the juries were appointed, and finding that to be the proyince of the Justices
of the Inferior Court, we made some complaints of the usage of our justices.
But hearing of the proceedings at Salisbury before our general court came
on, we chiefly prepared ourselyes for obseryations, and we first we had to
make was that the Chief-Justice and Attomey-Qeneral, in whom only we had
much confidence, that neither of them was at this court.
2d. We obseryed the Deputy- Attorney and both Associate-Judges lodged
with him whom we looked on as our chief enemy and cause of our oppressions,
80 that men of common modesty was deterred from applying to him.
3d. We obseryed the petty-jury was not picked this court, but the grand-
jury was to all intents.
4th. We obseryed no petty-jury causes were tried this court against officers,
80 that poor men who had attended all last court and most of this (before it
was known) and thirty or forty miles from home, must attend a third court.
Some, who had more boldness than others, applied to Deputy , and
made information against the Clerk of the Inferior Court for taking three
S rands four shillings and sixpence for his own fee on a common attadiment.
e told them he must haye the informations in writing. They found a clerk,
and carries it in writing. Then it wanted a date or name, and then some-
thing else, till, at length, they got one almost right; but had gone from office
to office so often that one of the clerks d— d them for a pack of sons of b— s,
and denied serying them.
Deputy-Attorney came also out of his fortification into the street and com-
plained he had been so much harassed that he was almost sick.
The bill against the clerk, and some more, being at length preferred, was
all ignoramus.
Next day. Deputy told W B r he would hear no more of us, and,
as W B r made compl^nt of this to the Court, Deputy said it was a
lie, and that he only refused him on hi^ ill behayior, and saia he was an ill
person, running about taking other people's business to do. But in this he
was mistaken, for Butler's business was nis own ; though some of the other,
nccordine to the Goyernor's directions, was willing to make informations in
behalf of the injured. Some made informations to single justices for petty
fines, the consequence of which was, judgment went against the defendant
for the fine and against the plaintiff for the cost, and the justice, with a loud
.voice, berating him for a mean pitiful infbrmer.
Others applied to attorneys to bring suit on the the penal laws, when they
not only found, by a late law, that the clerks of courts were hedged in from
the force of the penal laws b^ ordering suit to be brought against them by a
motion to court, and the justices to fine them at discretion, if it appeared they
bad wilfully extorted, &c. By all which we could understand the prosecutor,
as matters now stand, would get his labor for his pains, and the clerks clear
of any cost, &c.
This letter, which contained much more, was also read before the Assembly
in October, 1769, and is in the clerk's office there.
We draw now near to an end, for our Assembly was dissolyed before they
could do any business of consequence, so that all thiiigs were left in confu-
830 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLHTA.
sion and disorder. We had thirty odd new members this Bession, and we
hope a few more of the old ones will be left out against another.
« * « *
[Here followed the outlines of a speech (or plea), doubtless of Husbands,
made in the House last session, in favor of pre-emption rights of settlers on
Lord Granville's lands, and two sermons, ("beine from a pamphlet of a name-
less author,'') one from Genesis, xlix. 14, " Issachar is a strong ass, couching
down between two burdens ;" the other from Numbers, zxii. 21, "And Balaam
rose up in the morning and saddled his ass, and went with the Princes of
Moab,'' in which the troubles of the times, and the injustice of the rulers, are
strongly depicted much in the style of John Bunyan, and the spirit of the
people roused to resistance.]
P. S. There is one thing more that I thinlc necessary to inform the public
of, which is this. When we were so discouraged and attacked by our offi-
cers, Scotch merchants, and Balaams, as you maj see before, and at the
meeting of 21st of May, No. YII ; we at that meeting came to a resolution,
ijhat if the Governor was against us, and we could get no redress no way, we
would, rather than rise in riots, agree not to go to law at all, but leave our
differences to arbitrations ; and, accordingly, we had a subscription paper for
that purpose. But when it was read, our opposers seemed to resent it as
more criminal than all we ever had done before. Howel, who waited on the
Governor at Brunswick, had this paper with him; and as he was compliun-
ing of the court, &c., the Governor says to him, " Why does the people go to
law one with another? If they get so little justice at the law, can't they
leave their differences to arbitration V
Howel replies,^ ** We intend to do so, and have a paper drawn up for that
purpose ; which, if your excellency pleases, you may peruse, and give it your
approbation." The Governor read it, and got in as great a passion wi^ it as
our officers did, and ordered Howel to burn it, which I suppose he did ; for
it was never seen among us since. But at our last sitting in assembly, we
having sent a bill to the upper house for a single justice to try five pounds,
and a bill laying greater penalties on lawyers for extortion, and for better
explaining the former law m that case. But as the bills were detained, the
same expedient presented itself to the members, and a large number out of
the house concluded to enter into such a resolution, to recommend it to their
constituents not to trouble the law at all, and so starve out our adversaries,
similar to the general resolutions of non-importation of British goods. Bat
many beiuff taken sick, and the Governor oissolring them, every one being
in ahurry nome, I suppose it was forgot.
I beine informed that the very same thing was on foot in several counties
in Maryland, and on my relation of these motions with us, the Marylanders
begged me to push that motion, for that if ever it took place in one province
it would take immediately in all. For, that the oppression we sustun by
the lawyers' combinations and usurpations over the law, and engrossing the
whole business of the courts into their own power, is one of the greater
evils we labor under, and are in danger of; tnerefore I have accordingly
added this to remind our members and their constituents to give them in
charge, not to forget this another time.
.^^ The reader may easily observe the foregoing piece to be an un-
finished work, not only because the scene is not ended, out, even so far as we
have gone, it is like a rich ladv stripped of her rich attire and ornaments,
and reduced to the habit of a slave ; or like a confused handful of rich ker-
nels, picked out of the shells. The occasion of which was the necessity we
.were in to pick out only the most material parts of what would have aJbrded
a much larger and necessary piece, and that not only to save the expense,
but, in realit^r, because we were pinched for time and opportunity. So that
we expect this affair will not end without further particulars worthy of no-
tice ; which, perhaps, will be hereafter published with a second edition of
this, with an addition of its ornaments and attire.
OBANGB COVJXtl. 881
To fill up this last half sheet, we will add so much of a piece that our
Goyemor sent to our last Assemhlj as we can insert in it ; which will show
that our jealousies of the bad application of the public money were well-
grounded ; the piece is as fbUows, viz. : —
North Carolina, Nbwberk, October 31, 1769.
The fact is too well known to admit of a denial, that in a long course of
years past, great sums of the public money have been lost by the negligence
or insolvency of sheriffs and other collectors, with their sureties.
And it is presumed, that in the same course of time, considerable sums
have sunk, auer they were lodged in the public treasury, whereof no account
has hitherto been made.
A law of this province lately passed will, if executed with vigor, probably
in a great measure prevent, for the time to come, the first of these mischiefs,
and a law to prevent the latter might be of great public utility ; for mankind
never part with their money, either for private or public benefit, so readily, as
when assured that it must be honestly applied for the purposes intended.
A constant, regular, plain, and uniform method of Keeping the books of
accounts of the public revenue, and of stating and settling these accounts,
may prevent such abuses, and make it extremely difficult, if not impracticable,
to embezsle the public money.
The above pages of Husbands' book, give, in minute detail, and
in the simplicity of truth, an impartial relation of the rise and
causes of this public commotion.
These troubles ended in violence and blood. The reader is
referred to the chapter on "Alamance," for the conclusion of this
matter, and an official account of the battle of Alamance, fought
16th May, 1771.
This is the only perfect copy of Husbands' book extant ; I found
it in the Library of Philadelphia, and for its use I am indebted
to the courtesy of Lloyd P^ Smith, the intelligent and urbane libra-
rian of the company.
Colonel Edmund Fanning, who was the chief cause of these troubles, and
a distinguished Tory afterwards, was a native of New York. He was talent-
ed and well educated. He was graduated in 1757, at Yale College, with dis-
tinction, and in after years the degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him by
that renowned institution. He held the rank of Colonel in the British army.
He was member of the Legislature for many years, under the Colonial go-
Temment, and Register of the County.
It was his extortions, more than those of any other person, that caused the
rising of the people of Orange. In their fury, they did not respect the per-
son or property of Fanning; for they whipped him severely, and destroyed
his house, which stood near where the Masonic Hall now stands, in Hillsboro'.
Gov. Martin presented his losses to the Assembly; but that body refused
even to consider the petition; and rebuked the Governor for thus trifling
with the house.
He followed Governor Try on to New York. In 1777 he raised a corps of
Tories, and called them " the King's American Regiment.^'
1779 his property was confiscated in this State.
In 1782 he was Surveyor-General of New York, but was soon forced to Nova
Scotia, and on Sept. 23d, 1783, was sworn in as Councillor and Lieutenant of
that Province.
In 178C ho was appointed Governor of Prince Edward Island, which he held
for nineteen years, and a General in the British army. The distinguished
lawyer, John Wickham, of Richmond, was his nephew.
lie married in Nova Scotia a lady of fine personal appearance, who still
survives him. He died in 1818 in London, leaving a son, Frederick Angus-
832 HISTORY OF NORTH. CAROLINA.
tas (who became a Captain in the British Army and died without issue), and
three daughters, two of whom married to gentlemen of rank in England. One
is Lady Wood, a widow ; the other the wife of Captain Bentwick Cnmberlandy
of the British army, nephew of Lord Bentwick.
Under the advice of nis uncle, Mr. Wickham, when quite young, had ac-
cepted a commission in the Royal army. This gave a blow to his popularly
in '*the Old Dominion^' which neither the force of his talents, his extraordi-
nary eloquence, or profound learning was able to resist. Although distin-
guished as a lawyer, Mr. Wickham never enjoyed any popular favor from the
people of Virginia.
Lieutenant Nathaniel Fannins;, late of the U. S. Navy, who commanded
several privateers in the war of 1812, and the author of Fannino's Memoirt^
and Captain Edmund Fanning, who projected the South Sea Exploring Expe-
dition by Captain Wilkes, were residents of New York, natives of Connecti-
cut, and nepnews of Edmund Fanning. The late Col. Alex. Fanning, of the
U. S. Artillery, was also his nephew.*
The remark in a recent publication that Colonel Fanning suffered " the
loss of his ears,'' from the Kegulators, is an error.f As also the statement
relative to him in another production, that he married the daughter of Gover-
nor Tryon.t Upon what authority these statements are made, is not stated.
The violence of the Regulators towards Fanning was doubtless extreme, but
that his ears were taken off is not only violence to the integrity of history,
but a reflection upon the people of Orange. It is not for a moment to be
supposed that after such a disgraceful mutilation. Fanning would have been
elevated to the command of a Brigade in the English Army, or honored for a
long series of years as Governor of so important a dependency to the British
Crown as Prince Edward's Island. The connections of General Fanning,
however erroneous his ideas may have been, or however culpable his conduct
towards the colonists, are still among us. This statement that he bore on his
personr so humiliating a mark of disgrace, is not only painful to their feelings,
but incorrect, in point of fact.
Thomas Burkb, Governor of the State, member of Congress, distinguished
lawyer, and able statesman, lived and died in Orange County. No public
functionary was ever employed by the State in more troubled times, none
more active or talented, and none suffered more ; none is less known to pos-
terity. He was a native of Ireland ; of most finished education, and by pro-
fession a physician. lie emigrated long before the Revolution to America,
and settled at Norfolk, Ya., where he practiced his profession. A deep cloud
hangs over his early history; the mystery of his leaving his native land has
never been penetrated. He removed about 1774 to Ilillsboro'.
Ho abandoned the profession of medicine and studied law, which ho prao-
ticed with great success in Yirginia. One of his compeers was Thomas Jef-
ferson. Letters are extant from Mr. Jefferson to him.
In 1775 with Thomas Hart he represented Orange in the Convention at
Newbern (4th April).
At the meeting in Hillsboro', August 21st, 1775, he represented Orange
with John Kinchen, Thomas Hart, John Atkikson, and John Williams, and
Francis Nash, Wm. Armstrong, and Nathaniel Roghester,^ from the town
of Hillsboro'.
To the Provincial Congress at Halifax, on 4th of April, 1776, Thos. Bitree,
John Kinchbn, James Saunders, John Butler, Nathaniel Rochester;
and from the town of Ilillsboro', William Johnston were delegates.
The seats of the delegates in the Congress at Halifax, in Nov. 1776, which
formed the Constitution, being vacated for irregularity, the journals show,
that on the 16th December, 1776, Thomas Burke, Nathaniel Rochester,
♦ Watson*8 Annals of Philadelphia, ii. 341.
t "Traditions and Reminiscences of the American Revolution io the South,*' by Joseph
Johnson, M. D., page 573.
I Sabine's History of the Loyalists.
j After this person the town of Rochester, in New York, was called.
OBAKGB OOUNTT. 888
Alexandbr Mbbane, John Butler, and John McCabb, were duly retarned,
and took their seats.
He took a distinguished part in the formation of the Constitution, and on
20th Dec. 1776, he was appointed (with William Hoopir and Josiph Hbwxs)
delegate to the Continental Congress at Philadelphia. They were allowea
two thousand dollars a year, paid by the State Treasurer. He continued to
serye at Halifax until thb body adjourned, 23d December, 1776. This body
sat on Sundays: ^ There are no Sabbaths in Revolutions.''
He attended the Congress at Philadelphia, and continued his seryice until
July, 1781, when, by acclamation, he was chosen Governor of the State by
the General Assembly.
^ While at Hillsboro' in the actual discharge of his important duties, at a
time of eminent responsibility, he was seized in his house at night, by that
notorious marauder and ferocious bandit, David Fannin (for a sketch of whose
exploits and character see Chatham County), on 13th September, 1781, and
carried prisoner to Wilmington, then in possession of the British under
Major Craig (afterwards Sir James Craig, uovernor-General of Canada). At
the same time, John Huskx,* of Fayetteville, who was private secretary to
Governor Burke, and James Read his aide-de^^amp, and others, were taJLen
by Fannin, and carried to Wilmington.
He was sent a prisoner to Charleston and there confined, on St. James'
Island. General Butler endeavored to intercept these kidnappers, and over-
took them at Linsly's Mills, on Cane Creek ; here a sharp conflict ensued,
in which Fannin was severely wounded. But he made good his retreat with
his booty. Alexander Martin, who was Speaker of the Senate, exercised,
during the captivity of Governor Burke, the executive functions of the Go-
vernment.
Governor Burke escaped. In April, 1782, he resumed the reins of Govern-
ment at Salem.
In December, 1782, he was defeated for Governor by Alexander Martin.
The circumstances under which Gbvemor Burke regained his liberty, and
other causes, prevented his re-election. This doubtless threw a gloom over his
spirits. He died the next year (1783), at Hillsboro', leaving a ^ife and one
daughter. Miss Mary M. Burke, who now resides in Greene County, Alabama.
" Duncan is in his grave I
AAer life's fitful fever, be sleeps well !"
Alexander Mebanb was a native resident and representative of Oranee in
the Legislature and in Congress. He was of Irish descent, and born in Haw-
fields, 26th November, 1767.
In 1776 he was with Governor Burke and others, a member of the Con-
vention that met at Halifax to form the Constitution.
In 1783 he was a member of the House of Commons, and repeatedly
afterwards.
In 1793 he was elected a member of Congress, and attended at Philadel-
phia, where he married a Miss Claypole. He died soon afterwards, 5th July,
1795, leaving, bv a former marriage, several sons, among whom are William
Mebane, Esq., of Mason Hall, and James Mebane, Esq., now of Caswell, who
often represented Orange in the General Assembly, and who was Speaker in
1821 ; the father of Giles Mebane, Esq.
Alexander Mebane was distinguished for his sound practical sense, his
unblemished integrity, and unflinching firmness.
General Francis Nash was a resident of Orange County, Clerk of the
County Court, and representative in the Assembly. He was the brother of
Governor Abner Nash, and uncle to Hon. Frederick Nash, now of the Su-
preme Court.
He was Clerk of Orange Superior Court under the Royal Governor.
* Father of Rev. Mr. Huske, oow Reetor at Morgantoa.
334 BISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
On 22d April, 1776, he was appointed Colonel of the Ist Regiment of
North Carolina troops ; and subsequently promoted to be Brigadier-General.
He was ordered to join General Washington at the North, and commanded
a Brigade at the battle of Germantown (on 4th October, 1777), when from
a desperate wound he received from a cannon ball, his life was offered up on
the attar of his country's liberty.
His thigh was shattered b^ a cannon ball, and the same shot killed his
horse and his aid, Mi^jor Witherspoon, son of Rer. Dr. Witherspoon, Presi-
dent of Nassau Hall.
Mr. De Haven assisted in carrying General Nash to his brother's house,
where he died. He suffered much ; the bleeding of his wound was so pro-
fuse that two feather beds on which he lay were saturated with blood.*
He lies buried in the Mennonist burying eround at Kulpsville, Montgomery
County, Pa., twenty-six miles from Phiiadelphia. A monument has been
erected over his remains by the patriotic liberality of the oitiiens of Ger-
mantown and Norristown, through John F. Watson, Esq., of Germantown,
to wlioso disinterested kindness North Carolina should oe deeply grateful.
The following is a correct delineation of the monument and a copy of the
inscription.
" YOTA YIA XEA JuS PaTRIA.
In Memory of
General Nash, of North Carolina,
Mortally wounded
at the Battle of Germantown,
Here interred, October 1777, in the presence
of the Army, here encamped
J. F. W."
Major Pleasant Henderson for a long time lived at Chapel Hill, in this
County. He was a son of Samuel Henderson and Elizabeth Williams, and
born in Hanover County, Virginia, 9th January, 1756, the youngest of their
children. His brother Richardf was a Judge under the Colonial Govern-
ment, and a man of distinguished enterprise and intellect, and the father
of late Judge Leonard Henderson, Chief Justice of our Supreme Court, and
late Archibald Henderson, Esq. of Salisbury. Pleasant Henderson had a fair
education. He commenced the study of the law under his brother, but on
the breaking out of the war joined the army, in Granville County, as Sergeant-
Miyor, and marched in 1775 to Cross Creek, in an expedition against the
Tories, but a few days before they were defeated at Moore's Bridge, and the
troops returned.
• Watson's Annals of Philadelphia, ii. 53.
t For a sketch of his life, see i^. 1. 108.
OBANGB OOUNTT. 886
In 1776, he accompanied his brother Nathaniel, and went to Boonsboro',
Kentucky. After simering much privation and danger he returned home.
In 1779 he volunteered at Charlotte, and vraa appointed a Lieutenant ; with
his company he marched to Charleston. On their arrival they were ordered
to Savannah. Thence they proceeded to Brier Creek on the Savannah River.
Lieutenant Henderson was dispatched, by General Ashe, as messenger to
Purysburg, and while on this mission, Gieneral Ashe was attacked and routed
by the enemy. His time of service having expired, ho returned home.
In 1781, the Legislature ordered a Regiment of two hundred mounted in-
&ntry to be raised, and eave the command to a French officer, Colonel Mal-
maledy, and appointed Henderson, Major. Their duty was to harass the
advance of Lord Cornwallis.
After the war closed, M%jor Henderson (in 1782) was appointed Clerk of
the Superior Court of Orange.
When Alexander Martin was elected Governor, he offered Major Hender-
son the post of private secretary, which he accepted and served during the
whole or Governor Martin's administration.
In 1789, he succeeded Judge John Haywood, late of Tennessee, as Reading
Clerk to the House of Commons, in which he continued until 1830, without
ever soliciting the support of anv man or party, but relying on his own merit
and <)ualifications. He removed in 1831 to Tennessee, and died at Hunting-
don, m that State, December 10th, 1842.
In 1786 he married Sarah, the daughter of Colonel James Martin, of Stokes
County, by whom he had several children. Among them are Mrs. Hamilton
C.Jones, of Rowan, Dr. Pleasant Henderson of Salbbury, (born 1802,) Dr.
Alexander Martin Henderson, of Davie, (bom 1807.)
Archibald Dkbrow Murpht was bom in Caswell County, and was edo-
cated at the University, at which he was graduated in 1799. He was tutor for
some time in the University, and Professor of languf^es.
He entered public life in 1812, as a member of the State Senate, and served
until 1818, at which session he was elected a judge of the Superior Court
of Law and Equity, which he resigned in 18S»). He was for a period the
reporter of the Supreme Court ; and was distineuished for his inquiring mind,
laborious habits, and public spirit. He died about 1829.
Hon. WiLLiAx Norwood, late a Judge of the Superior Courts, was a native
of Orange. He was bom in 1767.
He entered public life in 1806, as a member of the House of Commons,
from Hillsboro', and was re-elected in 1^7. He was elected Judge of the
Superior Courts, in 1820, which he resigned in 1836. He died about 1840,
and was distinguished for his patience, teaming, and firmness.
Hon. William Montgomrrt was long a representative of Orange Coun^.
He was bom in Guilford County, on Bimalo ; oy profession a physician. He
entered public life as Senator in the General Assembly, in 1824, and served,
with but one intermission, until 1834, when he was the next year elected to
Congress, in which he served with great fidelity, until 1841, when he declined.
He died 27th November, 1844, aged 53, leaving seven children, one of
whom (Dr. D. A. Montgomery) was a member of the House of Commons last
session.
Hon. Fredxrick Nash, now a judge of our Supreme Court, is a resident of
Hillsboro'. His father was Abner Nash, Governor of the State in 1799.
Judge Nash was bom in Newborn, in 1781 ; his father married the widow of
late Gov. Dobbs. He represented Newbem in the House of Commons, in
1804, and again in 1805.
In 1818 he was elected a judge of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity,
which he resigned in 1819.
In 1827 he represented the town of Hillsboro', in the House of Commons,
and again in 1828.
886 HISTOBT OF NOBTH CAROLINA.
In 1836 he wae elected again a judge of the Superior Court, from which
in 1844, he was transferred to the oupreme Bench, which dignified position
he now occupies, with great satbfaotion to the State, and credit to himself.
Hon. JoHK Lancaster Bailt resides in Hillshoro' ; for a sketch of whom,
the reader is referred to Pasquotank County, in which he was bom, and
which he represented for many years in the General Assembly.
Hon. WiLLiAX Alexander Graham, now Secretary of the Navy, resides
in Hillsboro', and has been the representative from Orange for scTeral years
in the Legislature.
He was born in Lincoln County on the 5th Sept., 1804. He is the son of
Gen. Joseph Graham, distinguished for his revolutionary services ; the reader
is referred to Chapter XLYI., upon Lincoln County.
He was graduated at Chapel Hill, in 1824 ; studied law in Newbem.
Entered public life in 1833, as a member from Hillsboro' ; re-elected in
1834 and 1835, and from the County in 1836, 1838, and 1840. He was oaen
Speaker of the House.
In 1841 he was elected Senator to Congress, and in 1845, Governor of the
State.
On the election of General Taylor, Governor Graham was tendered the
mission to Spain, which he declined ; and on the accession of Mr. Fillmore,
he was appointed Secretary of the Navy, which elevated post he now occu-
pies.
He married Susan Washington, by whom he has an interesting family.
Hon. WiLiE Person Manqitm, at present one of the Senators in the United
States, from North Carolina, is a native and resident of Orange. He was
born in 1792, and educated at the University, at which he graduated in 1815.
He studied law, and soon rose to eminence in the profession.
He entered the stormv sea of politics, in which he has enjoyed so brilliant
a career as a member of the House of Commons from Orange County, in 1818.
In 1819 he was elected a judge of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity.
In 1823 elected a member of Congress, in the House of Representatives,
and served until 1826, when he was again appointed a judge of the Superior
Courts.
In 1831 he was elected Senator in Congress, and served until 1837. He
was again elected Senator in 1841, and re-elected in 1848.
In 1837 he received eleven electoral votes (South Carolina) for President
of the United States ; and on the death of Gen. Harrison, in 1841, on the
accession of Mr. Tvler, he was elected President of the Senate, and served
through the term of Mr. Tvler, in this dignified office.
Ho married Miss Cain, of Orange County, and has several children. Being
now on the theatre of public action, wo can only say, that the appreciation
of the talents of Judge Mangum, and his character, is fully evinced by the
dignified stations it has been nis fortune to fill, and he has always been equal
to every station he has occupied.
Dr. James S. Shith represented the town of Hillsboro', in the House of
Commons, in 1821, and the District, in Congress, in 1817, in which he served
untU 1821.
Hon. John Scott represented Hillsboro' in 1825, 1826, and 1827, at which
session he was elected Solicitor-General. Several years ago he removed to
Texas, where he was elected a judge, and where he died, learicg a wife and
a most interesting family, one of whom married J. W. Lancaster, Esq., of
Graham.
Hon. David L. Swain resides at Chapel Hill ; President of the University
of North Carolina, and is a native of IBuncombe, for whose biography, see
Buncombe, Chapter IX.
OBAHfiB OOUKTT.
887
Hon. William H. Battle resides at same place, and is a natiTO of Edge-
combe, for whose biography see Edgecombe, Chapter XXYIII.
List of Members of the House of GommonS) from the adoption of
the Constitution in 1776 to 1835.
HILLSBOBO*.
fears. House of Commons.
1777. William Courtney.
1778. William Courtney.
1779. Thomas Tullock.
1780. Thomas Tullock.
1781. Thomas Tullock.
1782. Thomas Farmer.
1783. Thomas Farmer.
1784. Archibald Lytic.
1785. John Taylor.
1786. John Taylor.
1787. John Taylor.
1788. Absalom Tatom.
1789. Wm. Nash.
1790. Wm. Nash.
1791. David Ray.
1792. Samuel ^nton.
1793. Alexander D. Moore.
1794. John Hoeg.
1795. Samuel Benton.
1796. JohnHoffff.
1797. Absalom Tatom.
1798. Absalom Tatom.
1799. Absalom Tatom.
1800. Absalom Tatom.
1801. Absalom Tatom.
1802. Absalom Tatom.
1803. Barnaby OTarrel (Catlett
Campbell resigned).
1804. Catlett Campbell.
1805. Catlett Campbell.
Years. House of Commont.
1806. William Norwood.
1807. William Norwood.
1808. Catlett Campbell.
1809. Catlett Campbell.
1810. Henry Thompson.
1811. Henry Thompson.
1812. John Street.
1813. Thomas Ruffin.
1814. James Child.
1815. Thomas Ruffin.
1816. Thomas Ruffin.
1817. William Lockhart.
1818. John Scott.
1819. John Spott
1820. John Scott.
1821. James S. Smith.
1822. Thomas Clancy.
1823. Thomas Clancy.
1824. John Scott.
1825. John Scott.
1826. John Scott.
1827. John Scott
1828. Frederick Nash.
1829. Frederick Nash.
.1830. Wm. H. Phillips.
1831. Thomas J. Faddis.
1832. Thomas J. Faddis.
1833. William A. Graham.
1834. William A. Graham.
1835. William A. Graham.
In 1885 the Convention abolished the Borough representation.
List of Members of the General Assembly from Orange County,
from the adoption of the Constitution to the last session.
years.
1777.
1778.
1779.
1780.
1781.
1782.
1783.
1784.
1785.
1786.
1787.
1788.
1789.
1790.
1791.
1792.
Senate.
John Butler,
William Mebane,
William McCauley,
Wm. MoCauley,
Wm. McCauley,
Wm. McCauley,
Wm. McCauley>
Wm. McCauley,
Joseph Hodge,
William Courtney,
Joseph Hodge,
Wm. F. Strudwick,
House of Commoni.
Thomas Burke, John Butler.
John Butler, Wm. McCauley.
Wm. McCauley, Mark Patterson.
Wm. McCauley, Mark Patterson.
Jesse Benton, Robert Campbell.
Wm. McCauley, Mark Patterson.
Alexander Mebane, Thomas Burke.
Alexander Mebane, Thomas Burke.
William Courtney, William Cain.
Jonathan Lindlay, Wm* Hooper.
Alexander Mebane, Jonathan Lindlay.
Alexander Mebane, Jonathan Lindlay.
Alexander Mebane, Jonathan Lindlay.
Alexander Mebane, John Carrington.
Alexander Mebane, Jonathan Lindlay.
Alexander Mebane, William Nash.
338
HISTOBT OF NOBTH CABOUNA.
fears. Senate.
1793. William Sheppard,
1794. William Cain,
1795. William Gain,
1796. WiUiamCain,
1797. Wm. F. Strudwick,'
1798. David Ray,
1799. David Ray,
1800. David Ray,
1801. William Sheppard,
1802. WiUiamCain.
1803. William Sheppard,
1804. David Ray, ^
1805. Jonathan Lindlay,
1806. David Ray,
1807. David Ray,
1808. James Mebane,
1809. James Mebane,
1810. James Mebane,
1811. James Mebane,
1812. Arch'd D. Murphey,
1813. A. D. Murphey,
1814. A. D. Murphey,
1815. A. D. Murphey,
1816. A. D. Murphey,
1817. A. D. Murphey,
1818. A. D. Murphey,
1819. Duncan Cameron,
1820. Michael Holt,
1821. Michael Holt,
1822. Duncan Cameron,
1823. Duncan Cameron,
1824. Wm. Montgomery,
1825. Wm. Montgomery,
1826. Wm. Montgomery,
1827. Wm. Montgomery,
1828. James Mebane,
1829. Wm. Montgomery,
1830. Wm. Montgomery,
1831. Wm. Montgomery,
1832. Wm. Montgomery,
1833. Wm. Montgomery,
1834. Wm. Montgomery,
1835. James Alhson,
1836. HughWaddell,
1838. Joseph Allison,
1840. WiUe P. Mangum,
1842. Joseph Allison,
1844. HughWaddeU,
1846. HughWaddell,
1848. John Berry,
1850. John Berry,
House of Commons.
Walter Alves, Wm. Nash.
William Lytle, Walter Alves.
Walter Alves, Wm. Lytle.
Samuel Benton, John Cabe.
Samuel Benton, John Cabe.
James Mebane, John Cabe.
Samuel Benton, William F. Strudwick.
Samuel Benton, John Cabe.
Wm. F. Strudwick, James Mebane.
Wm. F. Strudwick, Duncan Cameron.
James Mebane, Wm. F. Strudwick.
John Thompson, Michael Holt.
John Thompson, David Mebane.
Duncan Cameron, David Mebane.
Duncan Cameron, John Thompson.
John Thompson, David Mebane.
John Thompson, David Mebane.
John Thompson, David Mebane.
John Craig, John Thompson.
Duncan Cameron, John Craig.
Duncan Cameron, John Cndg.
J. Craig, Frederick Nash.
Frederick Nash, John Craig.
William Holt, Frederick Nash.
William Holt, Frederick Nash.
James Mebane, Wilie P. Mangum.
W. Barbee, Wilie P. Mangum.
Willie Shaw, James Mebane.
Willie Shaw, James Mebane.
James Mebane, John McCauley.
James Mebane, John McCauley.
William McCauley, James Mebane.
William McCauley, John Boon.
John Boon, John Stockard.
John Boon, John Stockard.
Hugh Waddell, John Stockard.
Thomas H. Taylor, John Stockard.
John Stockard, Joseph Allison.
Joseph Allison.
Joseph Allison, Priestley H. Mangam.
Joseph Allison, John Stockard.
Joseph Allison, John Stockard.
John Stockard, James Forest.
Wm. A. Graham, Nathaniel J. King, Jno.
Boon, John Stockard.
B. Trollinger, J. Stockard, H. Sims, Wm.
A. Qraham.
Wm. A. Graham, Nathan. J. King, M. W.
Holt, Cadwallader Jones, Jr.
Cadwallader Jones, Jr., J. S. Bracken, John
Stockard, Henry K. Nash.
J. B. Leathers, Loften K. Pratt, Giles Me-
bane, C. F. Faucett.
Giles Mebane, C. F. Faucett, J. B. Leathers,
Sidney Smith.
Cadwallader Jones, Jr., G. H. MoDade, J.
Stockard, Giles Mebane.
Cadwallader Jones, Jr., D. A. Montgomery,
B. L. Durban, George Patterson.
PASQUOTANK OOUNTT. 889
CHAPTER LIX.
PASQUOTANK COUNTY.
Pasquotank County existed in 1729, one of the original
precincts of ancient Albemarle.
It derives its name from the tribe of Indians who once owned the
soil.
It is situated in the north-«astem part of the State, and bounded
on the north by the Virginia line, east by Camden, south by the
Albemarle Sound, and west by Perquimans and Grates.
Its capital is Elizabeth City, which is two hundred and fifteen
miles north-east of Baleigh.
Its population in 1850, was 4,611 whites; 1,234 free negroes ; 3,105 slayes ;
7,708 representatiTe population.
Its products in 18^, was 473,970 bushels of com; 45,101 bushels of oats ;
19,130 bushels of wheat ; 5,778 pounds of wool.
Pasquotank sent to the Assembly at Newbem, on 25ih August, 1774, Joseph
Jones, Edward Eyerioin, and Joseph Redding.
To the Assembly at same place, April 3d, 1775, she sent Jonathan Hear-
ing, Edward Eyerioen, Isaac Gregort, Joseph Jones, and Joseph Redding.
To the Congress at Halifax, on April 4th, 1776, Thoxas Botd, Joseph
Jones, William Gumming, Dexpset Burgess, and Henrt Abi|ot.
To the Convention at Halifax, Not. 12th, 1776, Henrt Abbot, Detotion
Datis, Isaac Gregort, Dexpset Burgess and Lemuel Sawter.
Two Regiments were created in 1776, Thomas Botd, Colonel of the 1st ;
Spencer Riplet Lieutenant-Colonel, Othniel Lascelles M^jor, John Caset
2d Major.
Isaac Gregort Colonel of the 2d, Dempset Burgess Lieutenant-Colonel,
Joshua Campbell M%jor, Peter Dauge 2d Mcgor.
Hon. John L. Bailet, son of (Gabriel Bailey, was bom in Pasquotank,
Aue. 13th, 1795. Educated at Chapel Hill, and studied law under Hon. James
Iredell, in Edenton.
Entered public life in 1824, in the House of Commons, and elected in 1827
in the Senate, and re-elected in 1828. Elected a Judge of the Superior Courts
in 1836, which dignified position he now holds.
He married, in 1821, tne daughter of Thomas Browrigg, Esq., of Chowan.
Hon. William Biddle Shepard resides in Elizabeth City. Ho was bom
in Newbern in 1799, educated at Chapel Hill, studied law, elected to Congress
in 1829 and served until 1837, when he declined a re-election. In 1838 he
was elected a member of the State Senate, whic^i position he now occupies.
Members of the General Assembly from Pasquotank County,
from 1776 to last session.
340
BISTORT OF SrOBTH CABOUNA.
Years.
1777.
1778.
1779.
1780.
1781.
1782.
1783.
1784.
1785.
1786.
1787.
1788.
1790.
1791.
1792.
1793.
1794.
1795.
1796.
1797.
1798.
1799.
1800.
1801.
1802.
1803.
1804.
1805.
1806.
1807.
1808.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
1816.
1817.
1818.
1819.
1820.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825.
1826.
1827.
1828.
1829.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
1834.
1835.
1836.
1838.
Senate.
Edward Everigen,
Edward Everigen,
Thomas Relfe,
Thomas Kelfe,
Thomas Relfe,
Thomas Relfe,
Joseph Keaton,
Joseph Keaton,
Joseph Keaton,
John Swann,
Thomas Reading,
Joseph Keaton,
Joseph Keaton,
Thomas Banks,
Thomas Banks,
Thomas Banks,
Bailey Jackson,
Bailey Jackson,
Bailey Jackson,
Thomas Banks,
Timothy Cotter,
Timothy Cotter,
ThaddeuB Freshwater,
Wm. S. Hinton,
Wm. S. Ilinton,
Wm. S. Hinton,
Wm. S. Hinton,
Thaddeus Freshwater,
Thaddeus Freshwater,
Samuel Warner,
Wm. S. Hinton,
Wm. S. Hinton,
Win. T. Relfe,
Wm. Martin,
Asa Sanderlin,
Wm. Martin,
Wm. Martin,
Wm. Martin,
John Pool,
Wm. C. George,
John Pool,
John Pool,
John Pool,
Thomas Bell,
John L. Bailey,
John L. Bailey,
John Pool,
Lemuel Jennings,
John Pool,
John L. Bailey,
John M. Skinner,
Frederick Whitehurst,
Frederick Whitehurst,
John M. Skinner,
Wm. B. Shepard,
House of Commons.
James Ferebee, Thos. Harvey.
Thos. Harvey, Thos. Relfe.
John Blackstock, Thos. Reading.
John Blackstock, Thos. Harvey.
Thomas Reading, Wm. Lane.
Thomas Reading, Wm. Lane.
Thomas Reading, John Smithson.
Edward Everigen, Abraham Jones.
Thomas Reading, Edward Everigen.
Caleb H. Keen, Edward Everigen.
Edward Everigen, Devotion Davis.
Edward Everigen, Reading.
Thaddeus Fresnwater.
Thomas Harvey, Devotion Davis.
John Lane, John Hamilton.
Devotion Davis, Thomas Banks.
Bailey Jackson, John Lane.
John Lane, Bailey Jackson.
Wm. Ferange, BaileyJackson.
John Shaw, Wm. S. Hinton.
John Shaw, Wm. S. Hinton.
Thomas Banks, Wm. S. Hinton.
Thomas Banks, Wm. S. Hinton.
Timothy Cotter, F. B. Sawyer.
F. B. Sawyer, Jesse Reading.
F. B. Sawyer, Jesse Reading.
F. B. Sawyer, Marmadnke Scott.
F. B. Sawyer, Marmaduke Scott.
John Hamilton, Marmadnke Scott
Marmaduke Scott, John Mullen.
Wm. T. Relfe, James Carver.
Wm. T. Relfe, Marmaduke Scott.
Marmaduke Scott, Wm. T. Relfe.
Wm. T. Relfe, James Carver.
Wm. T. Relfe, Thos. Jordan.
Wm. T. Relfe, Wm. Martin.
John Mullen, James Jennings.
Leonard Martin, Thomas Jordan.
John Pool, Jr., Henry P. Overman.
John Pool, Jr., Leonard Martin.
John C. Eringhaus, Leonard Martin.
John C. Eringhaus, Leonard Martin.
Leonard Martin, Thomas Bell.
Thomas Bell, Leonard Martin.
Carter Barnard, Thomas Bell.
John L. Bailey, Carter Barnard.
Wm. J. Hardy, Thomas Bell.
Wm. J. Hardr, Thomas Jordan.
John Pool, William J. Hardy.
John Pool, Wm. Gregory.
Thomas Jordan, Thomas Boll.
Thomas Bell, John M. Skinner.
Thomas Bell, John M. Skinner.
Wm. T. Relfe, Frederick A. Sawyer.
Wm. T. Relfe, Nathan M. Roper.
John C. Blatchford, Thos. C. Matthews.
Thomas Bell, John B. Muse.
David H. Kenyan.
A, G. Proctor.
PEBQUIMANS COUNTY. 841
Years. Senate. House of Common ■•
1840. Wm. B. Shepard, A. G. Proctor.
1842. Jona. H. Jacocks, John G. B. Eringhaas.
1844. Wm. B. Shepard, John C. B. Eringhaus.
1846. J. C. B. Eringhaas, William Charles.
1848. Wm. B. Shepard, A. G. Proctor.
1850. Wm. B. Shepard, George D. Poole.
CHAPTER LX.
PERQUIMANS COUNTY.
Perquimans County was the earliest settlement in North Caro-
lina, and derives its name from the tribe of Indians who once were
owners of the soil.
It is situated in the north-eastern part of the State, and bounded
on the north l^ Gates, east bj Pasquotank, south by Albemarle
Sound, and west by Chowan County.
Hertford is the county town, and distant north-east from Raleigh
one hundred and ninety-four miles.
Its population (1850) 3,629 whites ; 450 free negroes ; 3,252 slaves ; 6,030
representative population.
Itsproduots (1840) 369,032 bushels com; 35,649 bushels wheat ; 22,068
bushels oats ; 65,216 lbs. cotton ; 8,627 lbs. wool ; 9,083 bbls. fish.
Although the English ships landed in 1584 on the shores of
North Carolina, after repeated attempts the settlement was aban-
doned at the time. The first permanent settlement was formed
after the expulsion of the Quakers from Virginia in 1662.*
In that year the King of Yeopim Indians granted to George
Durant, the neck of land between the Little River and the Per-
quimans River. This is the oldest land title in North Carolina ;
and this the earliest permanent settlement in the State.
The first representatives from this county (independent of the authority
of the crown), at Newbem, 25th Aue. 1774, were Jobn Hakvet, Benjamin
IIarvzv, Thomas Harvkt, Anbrbw £noz and John Whidbh, Jr.
The same attended at Newborn, on 3d April, 1775.
At Halifax, on 4th April, 1776, Miles Harvey, William Skinner, Thos.
Harvey, Charles Blount, and Charles Moore.
The field-officers were Miles Harvey, Colonel ; William Skinner, Lieut-
Colonel ; Thomas Harvey, Mcjor ; Richard Clayton, Second M^or.
To the Congress at Halifax, 12th Nov., 1776, Benjamin Harvey, Miles
Harvey, Thomas Harvey, and William Hooper.
The character of John Harvey is dear to the State. He succeeded John
Ashe, in 1766, as Speaker of the House. Ashe had succeeded Samuel
Swann.
In 1767, ^68, and '69, he presided with great dignitVi and received, at the
• BcncroA's United 3l«!te«, U.
842
HISTO&T OP NORTH CABOLINA.
close of each sessioD, the uDanimous thanks of the House for his impartialitr.
He was chosen Moderator of the first ConTention of the people in 1774. Ue
was distinguished for his intellectual power, decision of character, and firm-
ness of principles. He died just as the Revolution, in which he had so active
an agency, had burst forth, and his name and services deserve a grateful
remembrance.
Members of the General Assembly from Perquimans County,
from 1777 to 1850-51.
Years. Senate.
1777. Jesse Eason,
1778. Jesse Eason,
1779. Jesse Eason,
1780. Jesse Eason,
1781. Jesse Eason,
1782. Jesse Eason,
1783. Jesse Eason,
1784. John Skinner,
1785. John Skinner,
1786. John Skinner,
1787. John Skinner,
1788. Thomas Harvey,
1790. Joshua Skinner,
1791. Joshua Skinner,
1792. Joshua Skinner,
1793. Joshua Skinner,
1794. Robert Reddick,
1795. Robert Reddick,
1796. Joseph Harvey,
1797. Joseph Harvey,
1798. Joseph Harvey,
1799. Joseph Harvey,
1800. Joseph Harvey,
1801. Joseph White,
1802. Joseph White,
1803. Joseph White,
1804. Joseph White,
1805. Joseph White,
1806. William Blount,
1807. Joseph White,
1808. Willis Reddick,
1809. Willis Reddick,
1810. Willis Reddick,
1811. Willis Reddick,
1812. Willis Reddick,
1813. Willis Reddick,
1814. Willis Reddick,
1815. Willis Reddick,
1816. WilUs Reddick,
1817. Willis Reddick,
1818. Willis Reddick,
1819. Willis Reddick,
1820. Willis Reddick,
1821. Willis Reddick,
1822. Jona. II. Jacocks,
1823. Willis Reddick,
1824. Willis Roddick,
1825. Willis Reddick,
1.S26. Willis Reddick,
1827. Willis Reddick,
1828. WiUiB Reddick,
House of Commons.
Benj. Harvey, John Harvey.
Charles Blount, John Harvey.
John Whedbee, Jonathan Skinner.
John Whedbee, Jonathan Skinner.
John Whedbee, Jonathan Skinner.
Jonathan Skinner, Richard Whedbee.
John Skinner, John Reed.
John Reed, Robert Reddick.
Robert Reddick, Jonathan Skinner.
Foster Toms, Thomas Harvey.
ThomaiS Harvey, Joseph Skinner.
Joshua Skinner, Joseph Harvey.
Ashbury Sutton, Perry.
Robert Keddick, Ashburv Sutton.
Robert Reddick, Gosby Toms.
Charles Harvey, Robert Reddick.
John Skinner, Joseph Harvey.
Francis Newby, Joseph Harvey.
Charles Harvey, William Blount.
John Skinner, Joseph White.
Charles Harvey, Joseph White.
Charles Harvey, Chs. W. Blount.
John Nixon, dharles W. Blount.
William Blount, Josiah Jordan.
Wm. Robinson, Wm. Blount.
Jos. B. Skinner, Thomas Harvey.
Erie Barrow, Thos. H. Harvey.
Willis Reddick, Thos. Nicholson.
Thos. Nicholson. Willis Reddick.
Willis Reddick, Josiah Townsend.
Isaac Barber, Josiah Townsend.
Isaac Barber, John Clary.
Isaac Barber, Jesse Copeland.
Isaac Barber, Jesse Copeland.
Isaac Barber, Henry Copeland.
Isaac Barber, Henry Copeland.
William Jones, F. Toms.
Francis Toms, William Jones.
William Jones, F. Toms.
Robert Perry, William Reddick.
Robert Pernr, James Leigh.
T. Barrow, Robert Perry.
Tbeopbilus Barrow, J. Nixon.
John Nixon, Matthew Jordan.
Thco. Barrow, II. Skinner.
Thoo. Barrow, M. Elliott.
Theo. Barrow, Henry Skinner.
Henry Skinner, Elisha Burke.
Elisha Burke, Robert Perry.
Elisha Burke, Robert Perry.
Thos. Wilson, Daniel Rogerson.
PEBSON COUNTT. 848
Yeare. Senate. House of Commons.
1829. WiUis Reddick, Thos. Wilson, Benjamin Mullen.
1830. Henry Skinner, Jos. W. Townsend, Thomas Wilson,
1831. Henry Skinner, Benjamin Mullen, Thomas Wilson.
1832. Henry Skinner, Jos. W. Townsend, Benjamin Mulle^.
1833. Henry Skinner, Benjamin Mullen, Thos. Wilson.
1834. Jesse Wilson, Benjamin Mullen, Josiah Perry.
1835. Jesse Wilson, Jona. H. Jacocks, J. T. Qranberry.
1836. John M. Skinner, Josiah T. Qranberry.
1838. Wm. B. Shepard, Thomas Wilson.
1840. Wm. B. Shepard, Thomas Wilson.
1842. Jona. H. Jacooks, • Thomas Wilson.
1844. Wm. B. Shepard, Thomas Wilson.
1846. J. C. B. Eringhaus, T. L. Skinner.
1848, Wm. B. Shepard, T. L. Skinner.
1850. Wm. B. Shepard, Thomas Wilson.
CHAPTER LXI.
PERSON COUNTY.
Peeson Couktt was formed in 1791 from Caswell, and Called
in honor of General Thomas Person, of Granville County, who
was a distinguished friend of popular rights. (For a sketch of
whom see Granville, Chapter XXaIU.)
It is located in the northern part of the State, bounded on the
north by the Virginia line, east by Granville, south by Orange, and
west by Caswell.
Roxboro*, its county seat, is fifty-four miles north of Raleigh.
Population, 1850, 5,593 whites; 295 free negroes; 4,893 slaves; 8,823 re-
presentative population.
Products, 1840, 1,030,303 lbs. tobacco ; 120,038 bushels oom ; 107,200 lbs.
cotton ; 7,057 lbs. wool ; 18,712 bushels wheat; 36,610 bushds oats.
Hon. Jamss Gustaycs AnoLPHUS Williamson was a native of Person, a
lawyer by profession, and in 1823 represented this county in the General
Assembly in the House of Commons. He was Consul of the United States
at Venezuela, and about 1830 appointed Charee d'Affairs at Caraecas. He
died at Puerto Cabello 7th August, 1842. ifis widow resides in Philadel-
phia.
Members of the General Assembly from Person County, from
date of its erection to last session, 1850-51.
Yean. Senate. House of Commons.
1792. James Jones, John Womack, George Lea.
1793. William Cocke, George Lea, Herndon Harralson.
1794. James Jones, Herndon Harralson, George Lea.
1795. James Jones, Edward Atkinson, Herndon Harralson.
1796. John Campbell, Edward Atkinson, George Lea.
1797. John Campbell. George Lea, John Hall.
81
344
HISTOBT OF KOBTH OAEOUNA.
Yean. Senate.
1798. John Campbell,
1799. John Campbell,
1800. John Womack,
1801. Samuel Smith,
1802. Samuel Smith,
1803. Samuel Smith,
1804. George Lea,
1805. George Lea,
1806. George Lea,
1807. James Cochran,
1808. Richard Atkinson,
1809. Richard Atkinson,
1810. Richard Atkinson,
1811. Alex. Cunningham,
1812. Richard Atkinson,
1813. Richard Atkinson,
1814. Richard Atkinson,
1815. Robert Vanhook,
1816. Robert Vanhook,
1817. Richard Atkinson,
1818. Richard Atkinson,
1819. Richard Atkinson,
1820. Richard Atkinson,
1821. Robert Vanhook,
1822. Robert Vanhook,
1823. Robert Vanhook,
1824. Robert Vanhook,
1825. Robert Vanhook,
1826. Robert Vanhook,
1827. Robert Vanhook,
1828. Maurice Smith,
1829. Maurice Smith,
1830. Robert Vanhook,
1831. Robert Vanhook,
1832. Robert Vanhook,
1833. Robert Vanhook,
1834. Isham Edwards,
1835. Isham Edwards,
1836. John Barnett,
1838. John W. Williams,
1840. John W. Williams,
1842. John W. Williams,
1844. Robert XL Hester,
1846. Robert II. Hester,
1848. Robert H. Hester,
1850. Robert H. Hester,
House of Commons.
George Lea, Jos. D. McFarland.
George Lea, John Hall.
George Lea, Hemdon Harralson,
James Williamson, Wm. Mitchell.
James Williamson, James Cochran.
James Cochran, William Mitchell.
James Cochran, William Mitchell.
James Cochran, William Mitchell.
James Cochran, Richard Atkinson.
Robert Vanhook, Richard Atkinson.
Robert Vanhook, John Paine.
Robert Vanhook, Benjamin Chambers.
Robert Vanhook, John Paine.
Robert Vanhook, Benjamin Chambers.
Robert Vanhook, Lawrence Vanhook.
Benjamin Chambers, Samuel Dickens.
Samuel Dickens, R. Vanhook.
Sampson M. Glenn, Samuel Dickens.
Thomas Webb, Sampson M. Glenn.
Thomas Webb, Ira Lea.
William A. Lea, Samuel Dickens.
L. Rainey, B. Chambers.
Benjamin Chambers, Thomas Sneed.
Thomas Webb, Thomas Sneed.
Thomas Sneed, Thomas Webb.
Thomas Webb, J. G. A. Williamson.
J. G. A. Williamson, T. Webb.
Thomas Webb, J. G. A. Williamson.
Thomas McGehee, Thomas Webb.
Thomas Lawson, Thomas Webb.
Thomas Webb, Elijah Hester.
Thomas Webb, Thomas M. McGehee.
Thomas McGehee, Thomas Lawson.
Benjamin Sumner, Thomas McGehee.
Benjamin Sumner, Robert Jones.
Robert Jones, Thomas McGehee.
Robert Jones, Jas. M. Williamson.
Jas. M. Williamson, Robert Jones.
Moses Chambers, Jas. M. Williamson.
Robert Jones, Moses Chambers.
Robert Jones, Moses Chambers.
John A. Hollo way, Hiram Satterfield.
John Cunningham.
James Holeman.
C. H. K. Taylor.
C. S. Winstead.
PITT oouiraT. 846
CHAPTER LXII
PITT COUNTY.
Pitt CouiirrT was formed from Beaufort as early as 1760, and
called in compliment to William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, who was
so distinguished and devoted a friend to America in the English
Parliament.
It is situated in the eastern part of the State, and bounded on
the north by Edgecombe and Martin, east by Hjde and Beaufort,
south by Craven, and west by Greene and Lenoir.
Greenville, its capital, is one hundred and two miles east of Ra-
leigh.
Its population (1850) 6,664 whites ; 100 free negroes ; 6,633 slayes ; 10 J43
representative population.
Its products (1840) 376,455 bushels com; 9J51 bushels wheat; 6,424
bushels oats ; 2,574 bushels rye ; 510,259 pounds cotton ; 4,040 pounds wool ;
500 bbls. fish ; 55,769 bbls. turpentine.
Pitt sent to Newborn, 25th August, 1774, Edward Saltsr and John Sixp-
SON.
To the same place in April, 1775, she sent the same, and Jahbs Gorhax,
Jambs Lanier and William Robkson.
To Hillsboro' 2l8t August, 1775, John Bimpson, Robert Salter, William
Brtan, James Qorham, James Latham.
To Halifax 4th April, 1776, John Simpson, Edward Saltib and William
Robeson.
Her officers were John Simpson, Colonel; Robert Salter, Lieutenant-
Colonel ; George Eyans, Mcgor ; James Armstrong, 2d Mcgor.
The following letter will evince the spirit of Pitt. From the
Proceedings of the Committee of Safety for Pitt County.
Martinborough, My Istf 1775.
The committee of the county met according to order as before mentioned,
and has entered into the following association.
We, the subscribers, freeholders, and inhabitants of the county of Pitt
and town of Martinborough, beine deeply affected with the present alarming
state of this province and of all America —
Do resolve, that we will pay all due allegiance to his Majesty Kins George
the Third, and endeavor to continue the succession of his crown, in me illus-
trious house of Hanover, as by law established against the present or any
future wicked ministry or arbitrary set of men whatsoever, at the same time
we are determined to assert our rights as men, and sensible that by the late
acts of Parliament, the most valuable liberties and privileges of America
are invaded, and endeavored to be violated and destined, and that under
God the reservation of them depends on a firm union of the inhabitants, and
a steadv, spirited observation of the resolutions of the General Congress,
being snocked at the cruel scene now acting in the Massachusetts Bay, and
determined never to beoome slaves to any power upon earth.
846 HISTOKY OF NOBTH GAROUKA.
We do hereby agree and associate under all the ties of religion, honor,
and regard for posterity, that we will adopt and endearor to execute the
measures which the General Congress, now sitting at Philadelphia, mar
conclude on for preserving our constitution, and opposing the execution of
the several arbitrary, illegal acts of the British Parliament, and that we
will readily obserre the direction of our general committee for the purposes
aforesaid, the preservation of peace and good order, and security of indi-
viduals and private property.
Signed by John Simpson, Chairman, and 92 others.
" The subscribers professing our allegiance to the king, and acknowledging
the constitutional executive power of government, do solemnly profess and
testify and declare, that we do absolutely believe that neither the parliament
of Great Britain, nor any member or constituent branch thereof, luave a right
to impose taxes upon these colonies to regulate the Internal policy thereof,
and tnat all attempts, by fraud or force, to establish and exercise such claims
and powers are violations of the peace and securitT of the people, and ought
to be resisted to the utmost, and that the people of this province, singly and
collectively, are bound by the acts and resolutions of the continental and
provincial Congresses, because in both they are freely represented by per-
sons chosen by themselves, and we do solemnly and sinoeFely promiae and
engage, under the sanction of virtue, honor, and the sacred love of liberty
and our country, to maintain and support all and every the acts, resolutions,
and regulations of the continental and provincial Congresses to the utmost
of our power and abilities. In testimony whereof we have hereto set our'
lumds, this 23d day of August, 1775."
Signed by 77 persons.
The members from Pitt at Halifax on 12th November, 1776, were Ben-
jamin Mat, Wiluam Robson, Jamss Gorham, Gmorob Evans and £dwar]»
Salter.
The county of Pitt was early distinguished for its devotion to liberty, and
its citizens were odious to the minions of royalty.
From the council book of Governor Martin the following is extracted : —
** At a council held at Newbem on 24th April, 1775, present. His Excel-
lency, James Hassell, Martin Howard, Samuel Strudwick, and James Cor-
nell—
*' Ordered, that a new commission of the peace be issued for the county
of Pitt, wherein the names of John Simpson, Robert Salter, Robert La-
nier, Daniel Charles Forbe6, Saxon Pearce and Peter Reeves, are to be
omitted."
Dr. Robert Williams, of' this county, was a surgeon of the Revolutionary
Army. After this service he rendered constant and important civil services.
He was a member of the Convention at Hillsboro', 2l8t July, 1778, to de-
liberate upon the Constitution of the United States, which body rejected that
instrument, and voted against its ratification with a m^'ority of one hundred.
He was also a member of the Convention at Raleigh, 4th June, 1835, to
amend the State Constitution ; and a member of either the House of Com-
mons or Senate from 1786 to 1814.
He died 12th November, 1842, loved for his virtues and respected for his
services.
Members of the General Assembly from Pitt Goimty from the
adoption of the Constitution to the last session.
Years. Senate. House o€ Commons.
1777. Edward Salter, William Robeson, John Williams.
1778. Edward Salter, William Robeson, John Williams.
1779. Edward Salter, James Gorham, John Williams.
PnSC OOUNTT.
847
Tears. Senate.
1780. Edward Salter,
1781. £dward Salter,
1782. John Williams,
1783. John Williams,
1784. John Williams,
1785. John Williams,
1786. John Simpson,
1787. John Williams,
1788. William Blount,
1789. William Blount,
1790. William Blount,
1791. John Move,
1792. Stephen Brooks,
1793. Robert Williams,
1794. Robert WilUams,
1795. Robert Williams,
1796. Samuel Simpson,
1797. Samuel Simpson,
1798. Frederick Bryan,
1799. Frederick Bryan,
1800. Frederick Bryan,
1801. Frederick Bryan,
1802. Robert Williams,
1803. Robert Williams,
1804. Robert Williams,
1805. Robert Williams,
1806. Robert Williams,
1807. William Moye,
1808. Robert Williams,
1809. Benjamin May,
1810. Benjamin May,
1811. Benjamin May,
1812. Benjamin May,
1813. Robert Williams,
1814. Robert Williams,
1815. Hardy Smith,
1816. Luke Albritton,
1817. Luke Albritton,
1818. Luke Albritton,
1819. Luke Albritton,
1820. Robert Williams,
182L Luke Albritton,
1822. Luke Albritton,
1823. Luke Albritton,
1824. John Joyner,
1825. John Joyner,
1826. John Joyner,
1827. John Joyner,
1828. John Joyner,
1829. Marshall Dickinson,
1830. Marshall Dickinson,
1831. Alfred Moye,
1832. Alfred Moye,
1833. Alfred Moye,
1834. Alfred Moye,
1835. Alfred Moye,
1836. Alfred Moye,
1838. Alfred Moye,
1840. Alfred Moye,
li^. Alfred Moye,
House of CommoDS.
George Move, John Williams.
James Gorham, George Evans.
James Gorham, John Simpson.
John Jordan, Richard Moye.
John Jordan, Richard Moye.
Richard Moye, John Jordan.
Reading Blount, Robert Williams.
Reading Blount, Robert Williams.
John Moye, Shadrach Allen.
James Amstrong, Shadrach Allen.
John Moye, Robert Williams.
Robert Williams, Richard Moye.
Benjamin Bell, Samuel Simpson.
Wm. Grimes, Richard Move.
Benjamin Bell, William Grimes.
Holland Johnston, Frederick Bryan.
Frederick Bryan, Holland Johnston*
Holland Johnston, Frederick Bryan.
Richard Evans, Holland Johnston.
William Moye, Holland Johnston.
William Moye, Richard Evans.
William Moye, Wm. Eastwood.
William Moye, Wm. Eastwood.
Wm. Eastwood, George Eason.
John Mooring, Benjamin May. '
John Mooring, Benjamin May.
Benjamin May, John Mooring.
John Mooring, Benjamin May.
John Mooring, Benjamin May.
Benjamin Maj, John Mooring.
Elias Carr, Hardy Smith.
Franklin Gorham, Hardy Smith.
Hardy Smith, James Sheppard.
Hardy Smith, James Sheppard.
Hardy Smith, James Sheppard.
Oliver Prince, Luke Albritton.
Roderick Cherry, Oliver Prince.
Roderick Cherry, Oliver Prince.
Oliver Prince, Roderick Cherry.
Joel Patrick, Marshall Dickinson.
Wm. Clark, Gideon Bynum.
Lanier Daniel, John Joyner.
John Cherry, Lanier Daniel.
John Cherry, Wilkes Brooks.
8. P. Allen, Jno. C. Gorham.
John C. Gorham, Shadrach P. Allen.
Marshall Dickinson, Wm. W. Andrews.
John Cherrj, Marshall Dickinson.
Marshall Dickinson, Alfred Moye.
Alfred Move, William Clark.
William Clark, William Clemmons.
Henry Toole, Roderick Cherry.
Thomas Jordan, James Blow.
J. L. Foreman, Roderick Cherry.
Luke Albritton, J. L. Foreman.
J. L. Forman, Macon Moye.
Macon Moye, John Spiers.
J. L. Foreman, John C. Gorham.
J. L, Foreman, Isaac Joyner.
J. L. Foreman, Uaao Joyner.
S48 HISTORY OF KOBTH CABOUNA.
Years. Senate. Hoow of CommoBB.
1844. J. L. Foreman,* H. F. Harris,! C. Perkins.
1846. 6. F. Ebora, Elias J. Bloant, H. F. Harris.
1848. B. F. Ebom, Satterthwait, Wm. J. Blow.
1850. William Eboni, Marshall Dickerson, Wm. J. Blow.
CHAPTER LXIII. ^
RANDOLPH COUNTY.
Randolph County was formed, in 1779, from Guilford and
Rowan, and named in compliment to the Randolph family in Vir-
ginia, distinguished for patriotism and talents.
It presents on the map, in nearly the centre of the State, a
beautiful compact square, and is bounded on the north by Ouilford
County, east by Chatham, south by Moore and Montgomery, and
west by Davidson.
Its capital is ASHBORO', called in compliment to Governor Samuel
. Ashe, and is nearly due west from Raleigh, seventy-two miles distant.
Its population, in 1850, was 13,795 whites; 397 free negroes; 1640 slaves;
15,17o representative population.
Its products, in 1840, were 295,828 bushels com; 47,671 bushels oats;
78,095 bushels wheat ; 80,709 lbs. tobacco ; 81,533 lbs. cotton ; 17,636 lbs.
wool.
In the troubles of 1771, of the Regulation, this section was
deeply involved.
Herman Husbands, who was a leader in these troubles, resided in this
county, on Sandy Creek. He was a native of Pennsylvania, raised a Quaker,
and was said to be a relative of Dr. Benjamin Franklin. The documents
published under the chapter Alamance, and LVIU. Orange* in which his book
IS published, and the account of the battle (vol. i. p. 61), render any allusion
to this matter here unnecessary.
He represented this county when a part of Orange, and was a favorite with
the people from his devotion to popular rights, opposition to extortion, and
his natural shrewdness of character. He enjoyed their confidence in a great
degree, for when he was elected to the Assembly, and the people had renised
to pay to Tyree Harris, the sheriff, the unlawful extortions by way of taxes,
he appeared at Newbern as a member ; the Governor (Try on) asked for the
taxes ; Husbands threw the amount down, stating " We pay to honest men,
not to swindlers."
After the battle of Alamance (16th May, 1771), Husbands retreated to
Pennsylvania, and, although a reward was offered by Governor Tryon for
him, he escaped, and settled near Pittsburg. He returned to North Carolina
afler the Revolution, and remained only a short time.
From the journal of the Congress of Halifax, 1776, Dec. 23d, I find the
following : —
*' Resolved, That the lands said to be the property of Herman Hasbands,
• Died in the Legislatnre. f FeU in a duel with Mr. YeUowIy.
BAKDOLPH coTnfmr.
849
OB whioh there is pit-coal, hearthstone, &o.» be purchased or otherwise
secured for the use of the publio.
"Besolvcd, That if John Wilcox and William England refuse to part
with the mortgaged premises, it will be necessary to make a new agreement
with them.
" Resolved, If they will neither sell nor lease, that they be precluded firom
using any ore or timber from the vacant land of the State adjacent."
Husbands' two sons settled on a large tract of land on Deep River, near
Buffalo Ford. His daughter married a Wright.
It is stated that he was concerned in the Whisky Insurrection, in 1794, in
Pennsylvania, and was associated with Albert Gallatin, Breckenridge, and
others, as a committee of safety. For this he was apprehended and carried
to Philadelphia. Bv the influence of Rev. David Caldwell, who happened at
the time to be in Philadelphia, Dr. Benjamin Rush, and others, he was re-
leased, and he died, on his return home, near Philadelphia.
Thus the career of Husbands terminated. His character has been the
subject of much investigation and difference of opinion. His neighbors
speak of him as a man of strict integrity, a firm advocate of popular rights,
and a determined foe to oppression, Sraud, and extortion.
Hon. John Long resides in this county. By profession a farmer. He
entered public life as Senator in the General Assembly in 1815, and, in 1821
he was elected a member of Congress, in which he served until 1829.
Members of the General Assembly from Randolph County, from
its formation to the present date.
Years. Senate.
1780. John Collier,
1781. John Collier,
1782. John Collier,
1783. Thomas Dougan,
1784. Thomas Dougan,
1785. Edward Sharpe,
1786. Edward Sharpe,
1787. Jesse Hendley,
1788. Thomas Dougan,
1789. John Arnold,
1791. ZebedeeWood,
1792. ZebedeeWood,
1793. Edmund WaddeU,
1794. Edmund Waddell,
1795. Edmund Waddell,
1796. Edmund Waddell,
1797. Edmund Waddell,
1798. Edmund Waddell,
1799. Alexander Gray,
1800. Henry Branson,
1801. Henry Branson,
1802. Henry Branson,
1803. Henry Branson,
1804. Alexander Gray,
1805. Alexander Gray,
1806. Alexander Gray,
1807. Alexander Gray,
1808. Colin Steed,
1809. Michael Harvey,
1810. Michael Harvey,
1811. Lewis Spinks,
1812. Alexander Gray,
House of Commont.
Andrew Balfour, Jeduthan Harper.
J. Harper, Absalom Tatom.
Edward Williams, A. Tatom.
Robert McLean, J. Harper.
James Robins, Aaron HilL
Aaron Hill, Joseph Robbins.
William Bell, Zebedee Wood.
John Stanfield, Edmund Waddell.
Zebedee Wood, William BeU.
Zebedee Wood, Aaron Hill,
William Bell, Reuben Wood.
William Bailey, Henry Branson.
William Bailey, Henry Branson.
Henry Branson, William Bailey.
William Bailey, Henry Branson.
William Bailey, Henry Branson.
William Bailey, Henry Branson.
William Bailey, Michael Harvey.
William Bailey, Simon Green.
William Bailey, Michael Harvey.
Michael Harvey, John Brower.
William Bailey, Michael Harvey.
John Brower, Michael Harvey.
WhiUock Arnold, Colin Sneed.
John Brower, Michael Harvey.
Colin Steed, Whitlock Arnold.
Whitlook Arnold, Seth Wade.
Whitlock Arnold Seth Wade.
John Brower, Solo. K. Goodman.
Solo. K. Goodman, Josiah Lyndon.
John Long, Josiah Lyndon.
John Long, Josiah Lyndon.
dso
HISTORY OF NOBTfi CABOIJKA.
Yean. Senate.
1813. Whitlock Arnold,
1814. John Long, Jr.
1815. John Lon^, Jr.
1816. Seth Wade,
1817. Seth Wade,
1818. Charles Steed,
1819. Seth Wade,
1820. William Hogan,
1821. Seth Wade,
1822. Seth Wade,
1823. Alexander Gray,
1824. William Hogan,
1825. WiUiam Hogan,
1826. Alexander Gray,
1827. Alexander Gray,
1828. Alexander Gray,
1829. Abraham Brower,
1830. Abraham Brower,
1831. Benjamin Elliott,
1832. Hugh Moffitt,
1833. Henry B. Elliott,
1834. Alfred Staley.
1835. Alfred Staley,
1836. Jonathan Redding,
1838. Jonathan Redding,
1840. Jonathan Worth,
1842. Henry B. Elliott,
1844. Henry B. Elliott,
1846. Alexander Hogan,
1848. Dr. Wm. B. Lane,
1850. Dr. Wm. B. Lane,
House of Commons.
William Hoean, Seth Wade.
Josiah Lyndon, John Lane, Jr.
Solo. K. Goodman, Joshua Craren.
Joshua Craven, Shubal Gardner.
Joshua Craven, West Armistead.
Shubal Gardner, West Armistead.
Shubal Gardner, J. Brower.
Charles Steed, Joshua Craven.
Abraham Brower, Frederick Lane.
A. Brower, Benjamin Marmon.
A. Brower, George Hoover.
A. Brower, George Hoover.
Georee Hoover, Abraham Brower.
Abranam Brower, Robert Walker.
Hugh Walker, John B. Troy.
Thomas Hancock, Hugh Walker.
Alexander Cunningham, A. Brower.
Jonathan Worth, A. Brower.
Jona. Worth, Alex. Cunningham.
A. Cunningham, A. Brower.
A. Brower, Benjamin Hawkins.
Zebedee Rush, Bemamin Hawkins.
William B. Lane, Zebedee Rush.
Michael Cox, William B. Lane.
Zebedee Rush, Wm. B. Lane.
William B. Lane, Alfred Brower.
Alfred Brower, Julian £. Leach.
Alfred Brower, Zebedee Rush.
A. Brower, Isaac White.
Allen Skinner, Isaac White. ,
Jesse Thornberg, J. M. A. Dnkke.
CHAPTER LXIV.
RICHMOND COUNTY.
Richmond County was formed in 1779 from Anson. It is called
in honor of the Duke of Richmond, who was an able advocate of
the cause of America in the House of Lords.
It is located in the southern part of the State, and bounded on
the north by Montgomery County, east by Moore, Cumberland,
and Robeson, south by the South Carolina line, and west by the
Pee Dee River, which separates it from Anson County.
Its capital is Rockingham, distant one hundred and thirty-five
miles south-west of Raleigh.
Population, 1850, 4,890 whites; 224 free negroes; 4,704 slaves; 7,936
representative population.
Products, 1840, 295,818 bushels corn; 81,533 lbs. cotton; 80,709 lbs. to-
bacco ; 17,636 lbs. wool; 78,095 bushels wheat; 47,671 busheb oats ; 1,952
bashels rje.
BIOHUOIID C0imT7.
851
Hon. Duncan McFarlavd represented this district in Congress from 1805
to 1807, and the Ooantyof Richmond in the Senate in 1807-^ and 9.
Hon. Alfiled Bockirt was bom the 11th December, 1797. He is by pro-
fession a planter. He entered public life as member of the House of Com-
mons in 1822, and was elected Senator from this County in 1836, and served
continuously until 1844.
In 1845 he was elected a member of Congress, and serred one Congress,
when he declined. He is again elected (1851) in this district to the next
(32d) Congress.
Members of the General Assembly from Richmond County, from
its formation to the last session.
Years. Senate.
1780. Charles Medlock,
1781. Charles Medlock,
1782. Charles Medlock,
1783. Charles Medlock,
1784. Charles Medlock,
1785. Charles Medlock,
1786. Charles Medlock,
1787. William Crawford,
1788. Robert Webb,
1789. Robert Webb,
1790. Robert Webb,
1791. Edward Williams,
1792. James Terry,
1793. Duncan McFarland,
1794. William Wall,
1795. William Wall,
1796. Robert Webb,
1797. Robert Webb,
1798. Robert Webb,
1800. Duncan McFarland,
1801. Peter H. Cole,
1802. James Stewart,
1803. John Wall, Jr.,
1804. James Stewart,
1805. Thomas Biewitt,
1806. Moses Knight,
1807. Duncan McFarland,
1808. Duncan McFarland,
1809. Duncan McFarland,
1810. Alex. McMillan,
1811. Ales. McMillan,
1812. Alex. McMillan,
1813. James Stewart,
1814. James Stewart,
1815. James Stewart,
1816. Thomas Steele,
1817. Thomas Steele,
1818. WmrMcLeod,
1819. Thomas Steele,
1820. Wm.McLood,
1821. William Thomas,
1822. Stephen Wall,
1823. Stephen Wall,
1824. Wm. L. Cole,
1825. Francis T. Leak,
1826. Francis T. Leak,
HouM of Commons.
Henry William Harrington, Robt. Webb.
Edward Williams, Robt. Webb.
Robert Webb, Thomas Crawford.
John Childs, Robt. Webb,
Robt. Webb, Charles Robertson.
Robert Webb, Benjamin Covitagton.
Robert Webb, Benjamin Covington.
Wm. Pickett, Robert Webb.
Miles King, Edward Williams.
Wm. Robeson, Thomas Biewitt.
Wm. Robeson, Thos. Biewitt.
Thomas Biewitt, John McAllister.
James Coleman, Duncan McFarland.
Malcolm Smith, Wm. Robinson.
Malcolm Smith, William Robinson.
Malcolm Smith, Joseph Hines.
James Coleman, James Sandford.
William RobinsoU, James T. Sandford.
Lauchlin McKenan, Jas. Stewart.
John Speed, Stephen Cole.
John Clarke, Moses Knight.
John Clarke, Moses Knight.
Moses Knight, John Clarke.
Moses Knight, Robert Webb.
John Clarke, John McFarland.
John Clarke, Robert Webb.
James Speed, John Smith, Jr.
John Smith, Jas. A. Harrin^n.
John Smith, Thoroughgood Fate.
William Thomas, NeiU Smith.
John Buie, Neill Smith.
Allen Stewart, Wm. P. Leake.
Robert Powell, Wm. McLeod.
Edward Williams, Wm. Thomas.
Thomas Steele, Wm. McLeod.
HeniT W. Harrington, Wm. Thomas.
H. W. Harrington, Neill McNair.
J. L. Vaughan, S. McAllister, Jr.
J. L. Vaughan, W. Thomas.
Robt. Powell, Wm. Thomas.
J. L. Vaughan, W. H. Leake.
Duncan >icLaurin, A. Dockery.
John Cole, Tryan McFarland.
Tryan McFarland, S. Meredith.
Henry Dockery, Arch. McNair.
Arch. McNair, Henry Dockery.
852 HISTORY OF KOBTfl CABOLOrA.
Years. Senate. House of Commons.
1827. Erasmas Love, George Thomas, Aroh. McNair.
1828. Tryan McFarland, Neill Nicholson, Nathan Gibson.
1829. Tryan McFarland, Neill Nicholson, James Murphej.
1830. Tryan McFarland, James Marphey, Isham A. Dumas.
1831. Tryan McFarland, Walter F. Leake, Duncan McLaurin.
1832. Walter F. Leake, Isaac Dockery, Duncan McLaurin.
1833. Alexander Martin, James Williams, Duncan Malloy.
1834. John Fairley, James Williams, Isaac Dockery.
1835. Alex. Martin, Geo. Thomas, John R. Buie.
1836. Alfred Dockery, John McAllister, Geo. Thomas.
1838. Alfred Dockery, Duncan McLaurin, George Thomas.
1840. Alfred Dockery, Duncan McLaurin, John W. Covington.
1842. Alfred Dockery, Alexander Martin, Isaac Dockery,
1844. Alfred Dockery, Neil MoNair.
1846. John Gilchrist, Walter Leake Steele.
1848. H. W. Covington, Walter Leake Steele.
1850. J. Mallory, Walter Leake Steele.
CHAPTER LXV.
ROBESON COUNTY.
Robeson County was formed in 1786, from Bladon County, and
called in compliment of Colonel Robeson, who distinguished him-
self in the battle of Elizabethtown, in Bladen County, (fought in
July, 1781,) for the particulars of which reference is made to
Chapter VII., on Bladen County.
It is situated in the southern part of the State, and bounded on
the north by Cumberland, east by Bladen and Columbus, south by
the South Carolina line, and west by Richmond County.
Its capital is LuMBERTON, on Lumber River, and is ninety-one
miles south-west of Raleigh.
At this place died, in 1813, the Hon. Edward Harris, one of the Judges of
the Superior Courts of Law, and is buried here.
Its population (1850) is 7,290 whites; 1,171 free negroes; 4,365 slaves;
11,080 representative population.
Itsjbroducts (1840) are 248,195 bushels of corn ; 547,596 pounds of cotton;
16,346 pounds of wool ; 5,541 barrels of turpentine ; 2,646 bushels of wheat ;
1,579 bushels of oats.
Members of the General Assembly from Robeson County, from
its formation to 1851.
Years. Senate. House of Commons.
1787. John Willis, Ellas Barnes, Neill Brown.
1788. John Willis, £lias Barnes, Neill Brown.
1789. John Willis, Elias Barnes, Neill Brown.
1791. John Willis,' Elias Barnes, Jacob Alford.
1792. Elias Barnes, Kalph Rogan, John Gilchrist
1793. Elias Barnes, Jacob Alford, John Gilchrist.
BOBBSOK ooxnxn.
868
Yean. Senate.
1794. Elias Barnes,
1795. Elias Barnes,
1796. John Gilchrist,
1797. John Gilchrist,
1799. Elias Barnes,
1800. Elias Barnes,
1801. Elias Barnes,
1802. Elias Barnes,
1803. Elias Barnes,
1804. Benjamin Lee,
1805. Benjamin Lee,
1806. Benjamin Lee,
1807. Benjamin Lee,
1808. Benjamin Lee,
1809. Benjamin Lee,
1810. Benjamin Lee,
1811. Alfred Rowland,
1812. Alfred Rowland,
1813. Alfred Rowland,
1814. Alfred Rowland,
1815. Kenneth Black,
1816. Kenneth Black,
1817. William Brown,
1818. William Brown,
1819. William Sterling,
1820. Kenneth Black,
1821. Kenneth Black,
1822. Isaac Sulliyan,
1823. M. D. Murphey,
1824. Isaac Sullivan,
1825. John Gilchrist,
1826. John Gilchrist,
1827. Aroh'd McEachin,
1828. Arch'd McEaohin,
1829. Neill B, Johnson,
1830. Shadrach Howell,
1831. Shadrach Howell,
1832. Shadrach Howell,
1833. Shadrach Howell,
1834. Shadrach Howell,
1835. Malcolm Patterson,
1836. Alftred Dockery,
1838. Alfred Dockery,
1840. Alfred Dockery,
1842. Alfred Dockery,
1844. Alfred Dockery,
1846. John Gilchrist,
1848. IL W. Covington,
1850. J. Malloy,
House of Commoiw.
•
James McQueen, John Willis.
John Willis, Joseph Wade.
Joseph Wood, James McQueen.
John Regan, Joseph Wood.
John Rezan, Neill Brown.
Robert Haills, Hugh Brown.
Hugh Brown, James McQueen.
Benjamin Lee, James McQueen.
Beniamin Lee, James McQueen.
Zachari&h Jordan, Hugh Brown.
Zachariah Jordan, Duncan McNeilL
Zachariah Jordan, Duncan McNeilL
Hugh Brown, Alexander Rowland.
Alexander Rowland, Hu^h Brown.
Hugh Brown, Wm. Sterling.
Hugh Brown, John Gilchrist.
John Gilchrist. Duncan McAlpin.
Duncan McAlpin, Isaac Sullivan.
Archibald S. Brown, Kenneth Black.
Murdock McLean, Wm. Sterling.
Archibald S. Brown, Murdock McLean.
John Gilchrist, Wm. Sterling.
John Gilchrist, Francis L. Havnes.
Francis L. Ilaynes, Kenneth Black.
John Guinn, I^saac Sullivan.
Archibald McEachin, Willis Pope.
Jacob Alford, Archibald McEachin.
John Gilchrist, Jacob Alford.
Jacob Alford, Shad. Howell.
Warren Alford, Shad. Howell.
Shadrach Howell, Warren Alford.
Shadrach Howell, Warren Alford.
R. C. Rhodes, Malcolm Purcell.
Warren Alford, Malcolm Purcell.
John Purcell, John Brown.
John Purcell, John Brown.
Wm. L. Miller, Alexander Watson.
Alexander Watson, Benjamin Lee.
Alexander Watson, Giles S. McLean.
Benjamin Lee, Giles S. McLean.
Oliver K. Tuton, Alexander Watson.
Alexander Watson, 0. K. Tuton.
0. K. Tuton, James Blount.
Daniel A. Graham, Neill Regan.
Neill Regan. Alexander Watson.
Neill Regan, John McNeill.
Neill Regan, John McNeill.
Neill Regan, John McNeill.
Wm. McNeil, Neol McNoiU.
854 BISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER LXVI.
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY.
Rockingham County was formed, in 1785, from Guilford County,
and derives its name from Charles Watson Wentworth, Marquis of
Rockingham, who was a distinguished friend of America in the
English Parliament, and acted in concert with William Pitt, Earl
of Chatham, in opposition to Lord North. In 178ii he was the
Premier of England.*
It is located in the north-western part of the State ; and hounded
on the north by the Virginia line, east by Caswell, south by Guil-
ford, and west by Stokes.
Its capital is Wentworth, in honor of the family name of the
House of Rockingham, and is distant one hundred and sixteen miles
north-west of Raleigh.
Its population in 1850, was 8,747 whites ; 419 free negroes ; 5,329 slaves ;
12,363 representative population.
Its proaucts in 1850, was 1,777,205 pounds of tobacco; 431,085 bushels oi
com ; 149,402 bushels of oats ; 61,015 bushels pf wheat; 4,805 bushels of rye ;
23,947 pounds of cotton ; 8,355 pounds of wool ; 20 tons of iron.
Hon. Thok AS Sbttli, at present one of the Judges of the Superior Courts,
was bom in this county about the year 1791.
He entered public life in 1816, as a member of the House of Commons, and
was elected in 1817 and 1819, a member of Congress from this District, when
he declined a reflection.
He appeared again in public life in 1826, as a member of the House of
Commons, and was re-elected in 1827 and 1828. This last year he was the
Speaker of the House, and by voting with the minority saved the Banks from
the prosecution threatened by Robert Potter. In 1832, he was elected a Judge
of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity, which elevated position he now
holds with great satisfaction to the country and dignity to himself.
He married a sister of Hon. Calvin Graves, bv whom he has been blest with
several children, one of whom is the wife of Governor Reid, and a son who
is his private Secretary.
David Settle Reid, the present Governor of North Carolina, is a native of
Rockingham. He was born April 19th, 1813. He studied law and was ad-
mitted to practice in 1843. His first appearance in public was in 1835, as
Senator from Rockingham ; and he was re-elected, continuously, until 1840.
In 1843 he was elected a member of Congress, and served until 1847, with
great acceptability to his constituents.
In 1848, without his concurrence or knowledse, he was nominated for
Governor, and was defeated by a small majority. In 1850, when he had posi-
* Encyclopeedia Americana, vol. xi. p. 55.
BOOKINOHAM OOCITTT.
855
tively, by a letter pnblished, declined the nomination, he was a^ain nominated
by the l)emooratic Convention and was elected, and is now toe GpTernor of
the State ; the first Democratio Governor ever elected by the people in North
Carolina.
The distingnishing act that has marked Governor Reid's career, has been
his saccessfnl advocacy of the canse of free suffrage, which he successfully
vindicated, and which has eventually triumphed over the most powerful
opposition.
Daniel W. Courts represented this county in 1846, '48, in the Commons,
and in 1850 in Senate ; for his biography see Wake, Chapter LXV.
Members of the General Assembly from Rockingham County,
from its formation to the last session.
Years. Senate.
1786. James Galloway,
1787. James Galloway,
1788. James Galloway,
1789. James Galloway,
1790. William Bethell,
1791. Charles Galloway,
1792. Robert Williams,
1793. Robert Williams,
1794. Robert Williams,
1795. Robert Williams,
1796. Thomas Henderson,
1797. Abraham Phillips,
1798.
1799.
1800. Henry Scales,
1801. Abraham Phillips,
1802. Abraham Phillips,
1803. Abraham Phillips,
1804. Alexander Martin,
1805. Alexander Martin,
1806. Nathl. Scales,
1807. Nathl. Scales,
1808. Nathl. Scales,
1809. Nathl. Scales,
1810. Nathl. Scales,
1811. Nathl. Scales,
1812. Abraham Phillips,
1813. Abraham Phillips,
1814. Abraham PhiUips,
1815. Wra. Bethell,
1816. Wm. Douglas,
1817. Wm. Bethell.
1818. Wm. Bethell,
1819. Wm. BetheU,
1820. Wm. Bethell,
1821. Nathaniel Scales,
1822. Thos. Blackweli,
1823. Nathl. Scales,
1824. Thomas Blackweli,
1825. Henry Baughn,
1826. Thomas Blackweli,
1827. Thomas Blackweli,
1828. Edwd. T. Broadnaz,
1829. Robert Martin,
1830. Robert Martin,
1831. Robert
House of Commons.
William Bethell, Peter Perkins.
William Bethell, Peter Perkins.
William Bethell, Abram Phillips.
Wm. Bethell, Abram Phillips.
Abram Phillips, James Taylor.
Henry Scales, John Leak.
Thomas Henderson, James Taylor.
Henry Scales, George Peay.
Thomas Henderson, George Peay.
George Peay, Alexander Joyce.
Alexander Jovce, Henry Scales.
John Peay, Henry Scales.
Drury Smith, Joshua Smith.
Theo. Lacev, Nathl. Williams.
Samuel HiU, Nathaniel Williams.
Nathl. Scales, Alexander Sneed.
Alexander Sneed, Joseph Gentry.
Ahz. Sneed, Sampson Lanier.
Alex. Sneed, Mark Harden.
Mark Harden, Sampson Lanier.
Thos. Wortham, Mark Harden.
Mark Harden, Hugh C. Mills.
William Douglas, Jos. S. Gentry.
William Douglas, Jos. S. Gentry.
Samuel Hill, John Odeneal.
Samuel Hill, Wm. Douglas.
Wm. Douglas, Thomas Blackweli.
Wm. Douelas, Thomas Blackweli.
Thos. SetUe, Thomas Blackweli.
Thomas Hill, Nathaniel Scales.
Richd. W. Micheaux, Nathl. Scales, Jr.
H. Baughn, W. Donnell.
Thomas Blackweli, W. Donnell.
John M. Moorehead, James Miller.
Robert Martin, £. T. Broadnax.
£. T. Broadnax, Robert Martin.
Wm. Donnell, Robt. Martin.
Robert Martin, James Barnett.
James Barnett, Thomas Settle.
James Barnett, Thomas Settle.
Thomas Settle, Wm. Bethell.
Wiison S. Hill, Wm. Bethell.
Philip Irion, William Donnell.
Wilson S. HiU, Bei^amiii SetUe.
856 HI8T0BY OF NOETH CAEOLDTA.
Years. Senate. Home of Commoni.
1832. Robert Martin, Benjamin Settle, Philip Irion.
1833. Robert Martin, Benjamin Settle, Philip Irion.
1834. Robert Martin, Philip Irion,^ Blake W. Brasswell.
1835. David S. Reid, Philip Irion, Blake W. Bnuswell.
1836. David S. Reid, Philip Irion, Blake W. Braaswell.
1838. David S. Reid, R. P. Cardwell, B. W. Brasswell.
1840. David S. Reid, R. P. Cardwell, Geo. D. Boyd.
1842. Geo. D. Boyd, R. P. Cardwell, Peter Scales.
1844. George D. fioyd, Peter Scales, R. P. Williamson.
1846. George D. Boyd, Danl. W. Courts, Joseph Neal.
1848. Wm. D. Bethell, Danl. W. Courts, T. W. Keen.
1850. Daniel W. Courts, ThOmas Ruffin, Jr., Horatio Kallam.
CHAPTER LXVII.
ROWAN county;
Date of formation — Origin of name — Situation and boundaries — Population
and products — ^B^ whom settled — Colonial history — Regulation troubles —
' Governor Tryon in Salisbury (1768) — General naddcll driven back with
bis troops (1771), by the people — Committee of Safety for Rowan — Their
Journal from li74 to 1776 — The seizure and abduction of Booths and
Dunn, two Tory lawyers— Their petition to be restored — Affair at Tor-
Fences', now Iredell — Character of the distin^ished citizens, Griffith
Rutherford, John Steele, Jesse A. Pearson, Archibald Henderson, Charles
Fisher, Richmond M. Pearson, David F. Caldwell, John W. Ellis, Nathaniel
Boyden, II. C. Jones, and others, and t\^Q Members of the General Assembly.
There is no county in tlie State whose early history and whose
distinguished sons, afford so fair and ample subjects of history
as Rowan. This material of itself, amplified as it deserves, would
fill a volume. Is it an idle hope that some son of hers will under-
take this pious and patriotic duty? It is due to the memory
of the past ; it is worthy of the emulation and imitation of the
future.
Rowan County was formed in 1753 from Anson County. Until
Surry (in 1770) and Burke (in 1777) were taken oflF, this county
comprehended most of the western part of the State of North
Carolina and Tennessee. The history of Rowan, then, is the his-
tory of Western Carolina.
Rowan is situated in the western part of the State ; bounded
on the north by Davie County, one of her daughters ; east by the
Yadkin River, which separates her from Davidson (another
daughter) ; south by Stanly, and Cabarrus ; and west by Iredell,
another (laughter.
Like a venerable mother, she sits with her children comfortably
settled around her.
BOWASr OOUNTT* €67
Salisbury, her capital, is nearly west from Raleigh one hnndred
and eighteen miles. It derives its name from a town in England
about seventy miles west from London. It is a word of Sucon
origin, meaning a dry Umn.*
This name during the past summer (1851) was most appropriate.
Its population (1850) 9,901 whites; 115 free negroes; 3,854 slayes; 12,328
representative population.
Rowan was early settled (about 1720), by the Protestants from
Moravia, fleeing from the persecutions of Ferdinand the Second; and
by the Scotch, who, after the unsuccessful attempts of Charles Ed-
ward, grandson of James the Second, to ascend the English throne,
and whose fortunes were destroyed on the fatal field of Gulloden,
(16th April, 1746), had fled to this country ; and by the Irish, who
after the rebellion of the Earls of Tyrone and Tyrconnell, in the
times of James the First, were forced to leave their country.
These, or their ancestors, previously had come from Scotland, and
hence the term of Scotch Irish.
I have in my possession a petition from Rowan County to
Governor Dobbs (in 1754), which states that " the inhahitanU of
Rowan were composed of almost all the nations of Europe.**
The prudence of the German, the sagacity of the Scotch, and
fiery ardor of the Irish, here united ; and were fit ' materials to
form an industrious, thrifty, and gallant nation.
'* Tantee molis erat condere gentium.'^
In the beautiful description of the ablest historian of his age,
" Here was a colony of men from civilized life, scattered among forests,
hermits with wives and children, resting upon the bosom of nature, in per-
fect harmony with the wilderness of their gentle clime.
'* Careless of religions sects, or unmolested by oppressive laws, the early
settlers enjoyed literty of conscience and personal independence. Free-
dom of the ^rest and of the river. The children of nature listened to the
inspirations of nature. They desired no greater happiness than they en*
joyed. North Carolina was setUed by the freest of the free "'f
Such a people were truly happy, until the wily serpent of ty-
ranny entered their paradise.
Fleeing from reli^ous persecutions and powers, in the full en-
joyment of unrestramed liberty, such a people were little fitted to
be the passive subjects of either priestly or Kingly power. Hence
their early history is rife with incidents of qmck perception of
wrong, active resistance, and steady and sturdy advocacy of
liberty.
In the struggles of the Regulators against the extortions of
Governor Tryon and the crown officers in 1769, 1770, and 1771,
the spirit of Rowan was manifested.
tn March, 1770, Mauricb Moorb, one of the Judges of the colony, at-
tended Salisbury to hold the Superior Court. He reported to (Governor
* See Bailejr'B Dictionary,
t BaocroA, ii. 154.
858 HISTOET OV NOETH CAEOLINa.
Trjon at Newbem, that ** from the opposition of the people to the taxes, no
process of the law could be executed among them." Doubtless Judge Moore
sympathized with these people, for soon after he became the sturdy opponent
of the Qovernor, and was active as the friend of liberty, and died in tae ser-
vice of the State.*
Governor Tryon repaired in person to Salisbury. In his ori-
ginal journal, published now for the first time, procured from the
archives of the English government (see Alamance), we can see
his actions, and admire the spirit of a Knox (maternal ancestor
of James Knox Polk), who refused to join him with his troops.
Violent as the acts of the Regulators were, the subsequent op-
pressive conduct of the crown officers justified their conduct.
The clerk of Rowan County (Thomas Frohawk) was allowed to
charge fifteen dollars for a marriage license; I have one of these
ancient docimients in my hands. It is signed by the Governor,
with the great seal of State, and countersigned by the Clerk of the
Superior Court. . What can we think in this free age, " in the open
light of the nineteenth century," of such official conduct, when
a royal governor condescends to use such means to swell Yna reve-
nues ; and
" wrinff
From the hard hands of peasants, their vile trash
By any indirection."t
The efiect of this conduct was, says a late interesting and ac-
curate writer on this age,| ^' that some of the inhabitants on the
head waters of the Yadkin took a Bhort cut,**
This can be no reproach, since the institution of marriage is of
God, not of man. In Pennsylvania, in this enlightened age, no
license of law is necessary to celebrate marriage.
The legal fee for recording a deed was one dollar. The high
price of the court fees shut the door of the court house against
the poor man.
The indignation of the people of Rowan was roused. On the 7th March,
1771, a public meeting was held at Salisbury, and a committee consiBting of
James Hunter, John Invard, Williak Wellborn, Thomas Flaks, Johx
Curry, James Wilson, Samuel Wagner, David Gillespie, Jambs Graham,
Henry Wade, Peter Julian, Jeremiah Fields, John Vickney, Samuel Jones,
and Joshua Zagur, who, armed with the authority of the people, met the clerk,
;[)heriff8, and other offix:ers of the crown, and compelled them to disgorge their
ill-gotten extortions.
By a writing signed by these officers, they agreed to settle and pay oyer all
moneys, over and above their lawful fees.}
This was ** indemnity for the past." ** The security for the future" was,
that " when any doubt should arise as to fees, they should not be paid U> the
officers f but to such officers as were appointed by the people,*'
Matthew Locke and Herman Husbands were among those selected to re-
* See bin life in Chapter VIII, Brunswick, and Husbands' book in the Chapter Onuue,
Chapter LVIII.
t Jiiliua Ceesar, Act iv, Scene 2d.
t Caruthers life of Her. David Caldwell.
^ Martin, ii. 274
BOWAN C0UHT7. 859
eeive these fees. An instance of more determined resistance, or of purer
democracy, is not to be foand in the annals of an j people.
The power of the government was exercised to put down this moTcment. The
military spirit of the Royal Governor (Tryon) resolved to appeal to the sword.
He sent General Waddell to Salisbury to raise troops, and ordered muni-
tions of war from Charleston. We have seen how the brave spirits of Oa-
barrus intercepted the wagons at Phifer's mill (now Long's tavern), and
destroyed the powder, leaS, flints, &c. ;* and when Waddell advanced his
troops from Salisbury to join Tryon, the bold sons of Rowan rose in arms,
and ordered him back. At Potf s Greek, on 10th May, 1771, he held a coun-
cil of his officers, and they wisely fell back and re-crossed the Yadkin. But
for thia, Waddell would have been at the battle of Alamance on the 16th.
After that disastrous events in which, for want of skill in their leaders
and concert among their men, the Regulators were subdued, the bloody
" Wolf of North Carolina," as Tryon was called hj the Indians, advanced
in all " the pomp and circumstance" of official station, and joined Waddell
on 4th June, near Salisbury, about eight miles east of the Yadkin River.
He marched then to the Moravian setUements in Stokes, through Rocking-
ham, Guilford, and Orange on the High Rock^road, to Hillsboro', where he
had court held, to trr the Regulators, by his pliant tool. Judge Howard.
On the 20th he left Hillsboro', and reached Newbem on Uie 24th ; and, on
the 30th, left North Carolina for the colony of New York, to which he had
just been appointed governor. Thus was our State rid of one who had been
her -most oppressive ruler, and bloodthirsty tyrant.
This record, too, settles the point never before known, and about which
Caruthers doubted, that Tryon did not advance as far as Salisbury afler the
battle of Alamance. He dispatched General Waddell with his troops, con-
sisting of three hundred and forty men, reinforced with four companies from
Oran^, the light infantry from Cumberland, and the artillery company from
Wilmington, with a brass cannon and six half-swivel guns, to the north-west
of Rowan (now Iredell), Mecklenburg, and Tryon (now Lincoln), in order to
suppress the people of that region, and compel the inhabitants to take the
oath prescribed, and put down any insurrection. When this duty had been
performed, Waddell was to disband the troops.
We now approach a more serious insurrection (as Governor Tr^ron would
have called lu among the people of Rowan — the Revolution — which termi-
nated in our Liberty and Independence.
The efforts of Tryon had been too successful, for, with all his faults, he
was a soldier, and a determined one. To this quality he added the address
of a statesman, for he had enlisted under his banners, before the designs of
the British were openly discovered, many of the bravest and best officers of
his day. Richard Caswell was one of his Colonels at Alamance ; Waddell
was a true patriot, and so was Rutherford.
When the designs of the mother country were known, and it was seen that
the total subjugation of the people was the object, Rowan did not hesitate to
throw herself, in that dark and dubious struggle, on the side of liberty.
To the first assemblage of patriots, adverse to the oppressions of the British
Crown, at Nevbern, August 25th, 1774, she sent as delegates, Wm. Ksknon,
MosEs WiNSLOw, and Samuel Young.
To the same place, in April, 1775, she sent Griffith Ruth£RF0RD, Wm.
Sharp, and Wm. Kennan.
To Hillsboro', on 21st August, 1775, Matthew Locke, James Smith, Moses
WiNSLow, Saml. Young, Wm. Kennon, and Wm. Sharp.
This Congress appointed as Field Officers and Minute Men, for Salisbury
District, Tuos. Wade, of Anson, Colonel ; Adlai Osborne, of Rowan, Lieut.-
Colonel ; Joseph Harben, M^or.
To Halifax, on the 22d April, 1776, Griffith Rutherford and Matthew
Locke.
At this Assembly Griffith Rutherford was appointed Brigadier-General
• See page 65.
82
860 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
of the Salisbury District ; Francis Locke, Colonel of Rowan ; Alix. Dobbists,
lieutenant-Oofonel ; Jakes Brannon, Major ; Jabes Smith, 2d Ms^or.
Officers of the Battalion, Wm. Tebpls Cole, Captain ; Jakes Carr, Ist
Lieutenant ; David Craige,* 2d Lieutenant.
Members from Rowan to the Congress at Halifax, which formed the Con-
stitution, November 12, 1776 — Griffith Rutherford, Matthew Locke, Wk.
Sharfe, Jakes Smith, John Brevard.
In 1775, the Royal Government had ceased, bj the retreat of Governor
Martin. The Civil Government of North Carolina vested in
1. A Provincial Council for the whole State, composed of two members
fh>m each Judicial District, and one for the State at large, who was chair-
man and d€ facto Governor. They had power to caU out troops, apnoint
officers, draw upon the treasurv« and do all things necessary for the derence
and protection of the State. The members from the Salisbury District were
Sakl. Spencer, of Anson, and Waightstill Avert, of Mecklenburg.
2. Committees of Safety for the towns were composed of a President and
twelve members, who were to sit in the principal town in each district, re-
oeive information, and transmit it to the Provincial Council, and had appel-
late poWer over ,
3. County Committees of Safety, who were elected by the freeholders of
each county, who were to correspond with the Committee of Safety for the
Town, who, if necessary, referred the communication to the Provincial Conn-
oil ; had power to examine all suspected persons ; arrest, imprison and pun-
ish ; prevent persons in debt from absconaing, and compel otners to pay their
debts ; and to take especial care that the public interest suffered no detri-
ment
For Rowan County were appointed Jas. McCat, Andrew Nbal, Gboroe
Catht, Alexander Dobbins, Francis Mackorkle, Matthew Locke, Max-
T WELL Chambers, Henrt IIarkon, Abrahak Denton, Wk^ Davidson^ Saml.
Young, John Brevard, Wm. Kennon, Geo. Henrt Barbinger, Robt. Bell,
John Bickerstaff, John Cowden, John Lewis Beard, John Nbsbit, Chas.
McDowell, Robt. Blackburn, Christopher Beekkan, Wm. Sharpr, John
Johnson, and Morgan Brtan.
The journal of this committee, from 8th August, 1774, to May 7th, 1776,
has been preserved.
I am indebted to the research of Professor Rockwell, of Davidson College,
and the activity of my agent, Oapt. Thomas L. Tucker, of Iredell, and Sie
kindness of Davidson Sharpo, for the record. It is authentic, and throws such
a flood of light on the acts and actors of that day, that I present its pages
entire.
Journal of the Committee of Safety for Rowan County^ If. C,
from 1774 to 1776.
«
At a meeting of the committee, August Sth, 1774, the following
resolves were unanimously agreed to : —
Resolved, That we will at all times, whenever we are called upon for that
Surpose, maintain and defend, at the expense of our lives and lortunes, his
Iiyesty's right and title to the Crown of Great Britain and his dominions in
America, to whose royal person and government we profess all due obedience
and fidelity.
Besolvea, That the right to impose taxes or duties, to be paid by the in-
habitants within this province, for any purpose whatsoever, is peculiar and
essential to the General Assembly, in whom the legislative authority of the
colony is vested.
Resolved, That every attempt to impose such taxes or duties by any other
authority, is an arbitrary exertion of power, and an infringement of the con-
stitutional rights and liberties of the colony.
Resolved, That to impose a tax or duty on tea by the British Parliament,
in which the North American Colonies can have no representation, to be
* Father of Burton Craige, Esq., of Salisbury.
BOWAN COUNTT. 861
paid apon importation by the inhabitants of the said colonies, is an act of
power without right It is subversive to the liberties of the said colonies,
deprives them of their property without their own consent, and thereby re-
duces them to a state of slavery.
Eewlcedt That the late cruel and sanguinary acts of. Parliament, to be
executed by military force and ships of war upon our sister colony of the
Massachusetts Bay and town of Boston, is a strong evidence of the corrupt
influence obtained hj the British Ministry in Parliament, and a convincing
proof of their fixed intention to deprive the colonies of their constitutional
rights and liberties.
Resolved, That the ewUB of the town of Boston is the eommon cause of the
American Colonies. '^
Resolved, That it is the dulr and interest of all the American Colonies
firmly to unite in an indissoluble union and association to oppose by every
just and proper means the infringement of their common rights and privileges.
Resolved, That a general association between all the American Colonies
not to import from Qreat Britain any commodity whatsoever (except such
things as shall be hereafter excepted by the General Congress of this Pro-
vince], ought to be entered into, and not dissolved till the just rights of the
colonies are restored to them, and the cruel acts of the British Parliament
against the Massachusetts Bay and town of Boston are repealed.
Resolved^ That no friend to the rights and liberties or America ought to
purchase any commc^ty whatsoever, except such as shall be excepted, which
shall be imported from Great Britain after the General Association shall be
agreed upon.
Resolved, That every kind of luxury, dissipation, and extravagance ought
to be banished from among us.
Resolved, That manufactures ought to be encouraged by opening subscrip-
tions for that purpose, or by any other proper moans.
Resolved, Tnat the African trade is injurious to this colony, obstructs the
population of it by freemen, prevents manufacturers and other useful emi-
grants from Europe from settlme among us, and occasions an annual inoreaae
of the balance of trade against the colonies.
Resolved, That the raising sheep, hemp, and flax ought to be encouraged.
Resolved, That to be clothed in manufactures fabricated in the colonies
ought to be considered as a badge of distinction, of respect, and true patriotism.
Resolved, That Messrs. Samuel Young and Moses Winslow, for the county
of Kowan, and for the town of Salisbury, William Kennon, £sq., be, and they
are hereby nominated and appointed Deputies upon the part of the inhabit-
ants and freeholders of this county and town of Salisbury, to meet such
Deputies as shall be appointed by the other counties and corporations within
this colony, at Johnston Court Ilouse, the 20th of this instant.
Resolved, That, at this important and alarming crisis, it be earnestly re-
commended to the said Deputies at their general Convention, that they
nominate and appoint one proper person out of each district of this province,
to meet such Deputies in a General Congress, as shall be appointed upon the
part of the other Continental Colonies in America, to consult and agree upon
a firm and indissoluble union and association for preserving, by the best and
most proper means, their common rights and liberties.
Resolved, That this colony ought not to trade with any colony which shall
refuse to join in any union and association that shall be agreed upon by the
greater part of the other colonies on this continent, for preserving their com-
mon rights and liberties. ^
At a meeting of the committee at Salisbury, on the 23d day of September,
1774, William Kexnon', Esq., in the chair, Adlai Osborne, Esq., Clerk —
The resolves of the Provincial Congress met at Newborn, on the 25th day
of August last, were read and unanimously agreed to.
Resolved, That twenty-five persons be appointed a committee to correspond
with the Provincial Congress, and to see that the resolutions of the donti-
nental and Provincial Congress be carried into execution by the inhabitants
of this country.
Resolved, Ijiat in case of the death of any of the said committee, or reins-
362 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLOTA.
ing to act, the sarvivors or residae hare power to elect others to maintain the
number of twenty-flTe.
Besolvedf That the following persons constitute the said Committee, yis. :
James McCay, Andrew Neal, George Cathy, Alexander Dobbins, Francis
McKorkle, Matthew Locke, Maxwell Chambers, Henry Harmon^ Abraham
Dinton, William Dayidson, Samuel Young, John Breyard, William Kennon,
G^rge Henry Barrin^er, Robert Bell, John Bickerstaff, John Cowden, John
Lewis Beard, John Nisbet, Charles McDowel, Robert Blackbom, Christopher
Beekman, William Sharpe, John Johnson, Morgan Bryan.
Resolved, That this Committee meet at Salisbury on the second day of each
County Court, or on the second day of the week on which the County Court
used to be held.
Resolved, That thirteen of the members of said Committee be a board to
transact business.
Resolved, That William Kennon, Esq., be Chairman of said Committee, and
in his absence Maxwell Chambers, and that the Chairman, for the time being,
haye power to conyene the said Committee occasionally.
Resolved, That the Clerk of the Meeting transmit a copy of the resolyes to
each member of said Committee.
Resolved, That the people of this county will break off all trade, commerce,
and dealing, and will not maintain the least trade, dealine, or intercourse
with any person or persons resident in this county, who sfaaU refuse, decline,
or neglect to carry into execution the resolyes made at the general meeting
of Deputies of this proyince at Newbem, the 25th of August last, and thai
those who offend herein shall be deemed enemies to their countij and treated
accordingly.
Resolwa, That the thanks of the county be giyen to the Deputies of the said
County and Town of Salisbury, for their faithful attendance on the Proyincial
Congress.
Resolved, That each Company of Rowan militia raise £20 nroc., to be pud
into the hands of Mr. Maxwell Chambers. The sum of £20, which collec-
tion is to be transmitted to Colonel Richard Caswell, and the remainder to
remain in the hands of Mr. Maxwell Chambers, for defraying future contin-
gencies, to be disposed of by this Committee.
Resolved, That the Chairman of this Committee, as soon as conyenient,
write to the Provincial Committee of Correspondence, informing them that
there is a committee elected for the county, ready to correspond with said
committee, and also a letter to Richard Caswell, Esq., requesting an account
of the proceedings in the Continental Congress.
Resolved, That William Dayidson, John Beckerstaff, and Robert Bell, wait
on Messrs. Jno. and William Kelly, to desire their attendance on this com-
mittee, in order to answer a charge of haying infringed the proyincial resolyes
by selling powder at a higher rate than it nad been sold for three months
past. Messrs. John and William Kelly attended accordingly, and being ex-
amined with regard to powder which they acknowledged to haye sold for ten
shillings per nound.
Resolved, That fiye shillings is a sufficient price for powder at this time.
Resolved, That any person who shall sell or buy powder for more than fiye
shillings, shall be deemed an enemy to his country and treated accordingly.
Be it remembered, that Will. Kelly acknowledged that ten shillings per
pound was too great a price for powder, and that his intention was to sell
six pence cheaper per pound, than any other merchant in the county. Bat
that John Kelly, to whom the poWder belonged, would not permit him, and
that the said John Kelly declared, that he would not sell his powder for five
shillings, proc.
An advertisement, signed by John Dunn and Bezgamin Booth Boote, being
read in this Committee,
Resolved, That the said advertisement contains sundry allegations alto^ther
false, scandalous, wicked and impertinent, and that the authors tiiereof justly
merit the censure and detestation of the county.
A paper being read in the committee, known to be a copy of a paper called
EOWAN COUHTT. 868
a protest referred to in the aboye adyertisement, composed by the said John
Dann and Benjamin Booth Boote,
Rtiolvedi That the said paper is in the highest degree false and contempt-
ible, and even bordering on olasphemy, and that the authors thereof ought
to be treated with the contempt which the authors of so infamous a perform-
ance deserye, and as enemies to their country.
JReMolved, That a copy of the aboye resolyes, respecting an adyertisement
and paper called a protest, composed by John Dunn and Benjamin Booth Boote,
be put up against the two posts of the gallows and the whipping-post, to de-
monstrato the contempt in which the committee hold the authors of so in&-
mous a performance.
This Committee then adjourned.
WILLIAM KENNOX, Chairman.
Adlai Osborne, Clerk,
Noyember 2d, 1774^ being appointed for a meeting of the County Commitr
tee, a sufficient number of toe gentlemen appointed to constitute the Count/
Committee not attending, this meeting was acyourned till to-morrow, nine
o^clock.
Noyember 3d. The Committee met this morning according to adjournment.
WILLIAM KENNON, Esq., Chairman.
James Macat, Clerk.
Information being made to the Committee, by Samuel Young, that John
Johnson refused to serye as member of the Committee,
Resolvedy That Adlai Osborne, Esq., be chosen in his stead. Mr. Osborne
was accordingly admitted a member of the Committee.
The members of the Committee finding it extremely inconyenient upon any
special emergency to assemble thirteen members,
lUiolved, That fiye members be a sufficient Committee, for the time being,
to act upon extraordinary occasions, and that whatsoeyer shall be done by
these shall be considered as the act of the whole Committee.
Besolvedf That the resolution of this Committee, entered into the 23d of
September last, relatiye to Mr. Dunn, and Mr. Boote, be executed this day by
Jonn Bone, Town Constable.
William Spurgin appearing before the Committee, to answer a charge against
his conduct relatiye to the protest and adyertisement of Dunn and Boote, he
denied his haying signed them, yet the Committee judged he had not giyen
entire satisfaction.
Resoltedf Therefore, that William Spurgin, Esq., by disayowing all con-
nection with his Country, in the present measures, has as far as in liis power
relinquished the rights of the people and opposed them, to be illegally and
unconstitutionally taxed by the British Ministry, which has a tendency to
spread sedition amount Ilis Majesty's loyal sulgects in the County of
Rowan, for which he is justly deemed by this Committee an enemy to his
country, and should be treated as such by all Ilis Miyosty's loyal subjects in
America.
Besolved, That the Chairman, with three or more members of Committee,
request a meeting of the people of that neighborhood at Spraiker's, as they
differ in opinion from this Committee, in the present unhappy dispute be-
tween America and the British Parliament, there to confer together for their
mutual benefit.
Then this committee adjourned.
WM. KENNON, Esq., Chairman.
Jambs Macat, Clerk.
At a meeting of the County Committee on the 8th day of February, 1775,
Will. Kennon, Esq., Chairman, Adlai Osbornb, Esq., Clerk —
Reeolved, That it be recommended to the inhabitants of Rowan County that
the seyeral militia companies meet together, and each choose committee-men,
864 HISTOET OV NOETH CAILOLINA.
which Cominittee so chosen shall meet at Salisbury the first of March next,
and then have power to elect deputies, who are to meet at Newbern or else-
where, and vote for delegates for the General Congress, to meet at Philadel-
phia the 10th of May next ; and that it be recommended to the inhabitants of
Rowan to impower their Committee at their first meeting to resolve what num-
ber of said Committee may proceed upon business, and particularly that the
said Committee make such resolves and adopt such measures as may enforce
the observation of the resolves of the General Con^i^ess, and nM)St effectually
preserve to America her natural and political privileges.
ADLAI OSBORNE, Clerk.
At a meeting of the Committee on the 1st of June, 1775, Samuel Youxg,
Chairman, Jambs Macay, Clerk —
Resolved, That Messrs. George Cathy and John Montgomery carry an ex-
press to Col. Walker, rec^uesting him to take into his possession a certain
quantity of powder now in possession of Conrad Ileldebrand, and on his
refusal to act according to Uis Majesty's proclamation and the act of As-
sembly of this Province, that the bearer of this request immediately return
his answer to Will. Berry, that he return it to Christ'r Beakman, and in case
of refusal he do forthwith take in possession the said powder, or take suffi-
cient security of said Ileldebrand that he will not remove said powder out
of the County, or sell it to our enemies, nor take any advantage of the pre-
sent difficulties by raising the price on those who purchase of him.
Resolved, That Messrs. Sam. Young, Christ'r Beakman and James Macay
be a committee to draw up an address to the several militia companies of the
County, to bo signed by them.
Resolved, That llobert King, John Oliphant, and David Caldwell settle with
Maxwell Chambers, former treasurer.
Resolved, That the sum of two pounds be allowed from each company to
defray the expenses of the delegates for the Continental and Provincial
Congresses, and that the overplus money be applied to contingent expenses of
the common cause.
Resolved, That Mr. Samuel Young be treasurer ; that he receive the sums
raised of each company, and that he pay the several delegates for their ser-
vices.
Resolved, That Maxwell Chambers be publicly advertised in the Sonlh
Carolina Gazette as an enemy to the common cause of liberty, for raising the
price of his goods higher than he sold at a year past, contrary to the direc-
tion of the Continental Congress.
Resolved, That Hugh Montgomery be brought before this Committee, to
answer a charge of selling powder at a higher prioe than had been set on it
by this Committee.
Let it be remembered that Mr. Montgomery, on his appearance, generous-
ly acknowledged his trespass of the resolve, and declarea his intention to do
80 no more.
Resolved, That the several militia companies raise such sums of money as
may serve their several purposes in case of any emergency ; that part of said
sums bo applied in providing powder and lead, that they may be provided
against the invasion of the Indians on the frontier, which seems at present
probable.
Resolved, That James Macay be clerk of this Committee, and act as such
during pleasure.
An Address to the several Militia Captains and their Companies.
** We, Ilis Majesty's loyal subjects, the Committee of the County of Rowan,
propose to your consideration and assent the following things : —
"That Ilis Majesty, George the Third, is lawful and rightful King of Great
Britain and the dominions thereunto belonging.
" That by the Constitution of our Government we are a free people, not sub-
ject to be taxed by any power but that of the happy Constitution, which
BOWAN COUNTY. 865
limiU both Bovereignty and allegiaiice, which defends us from being taxed
hy any man, or set of men, without representation and consent, and declares
it illegal for any to dispose of others' property in a different way.
"That it is our duty to defend the succession of his present M^^esty and the
illastrious Hanoverian line ; likewise the happy Constitution under which
we live ; and that it is our duty to surrender our lives before our consUtu-
tional privileges to any set of men u|)on earth. We beseech such of you as
may be of a different opinion to consider the bill of rights and the compact
on which the Constitution is founded, that you may see to what end different
principles may lead.
'* Each captain and such of his company as think it their duty to hand down
unimpaired to posterity the rights and privileges their ancestors, through
seas ,of blood, handed down to Uiem, are desired to join their hands hereto.''
To the Committee of the County of Mecklenburg.
Gentlemex — The alarming state of American freedom being in the con-
sideration of all committees, from the Continental Congress, now sitting at
Philadelphia, to the smaller kind through the province ; we, a committee for
the County of Rowan now met at Salisbury, desiring a communication to be
held up betwixt the several committees, that the greater unity may be in
supporting the common cause ; in particular, desiring the correspondence of
your committee, considering our profession and intentions for Protestantism
are the same — we request that we may have an account of your proceedings,
promising you a like return.
We beseech you likewise that with us you would lift your hearts in un-
dissembled prayers to, the Disposer of all Events, that he would by his
Providence interpose against the counsels of designing men. That we may
have our Constitution as contained in the Magna Charta, the Charter of the
Forest, the Habeas Corpus Act, and the Charter we brought over with us,
handed down unsullied to posterity ; and that, under God, the present House
of Hanover, in legal succession, may be the defenders of it.
By order of the Committee, signed by
JAMES MACAY, Clerk.
•
At a meeting of the Committee, July 18th, 1775 —
A proclamation bein^r read from his Excellency Josiah Martin, dated June
16th, 1775 — the Committee judging it entirely false in its tenure, and in
its nature, of mischievous consequence ; a corrupt gloss upon the diabolical
measures of a debauched ministry, tending to seduce the minds of the popu-
lace and bring them off from their true interest in opposing the cruel mea-
sures of an unjust ministry —
Resolved, therefore, unanimously. That an advertisement be made setting
forth the dangerous tendency of said proclamation, and that a copy of the
same be transmitted to the several militia captains of this county.
Information being made to the Committee there was a strong suspicion
Benjamin Booth Boote had received letters from his Excellency of same
tenure with said proclamation,
Resolved, theretbre, unanimously. That Benjamin B. Boote be summoned
before the Committee and demanded to produce said letters.
Resoeled, That if he refuses to produce said lettei^s, or denies the receiving
them, force shall be used and diligent search made in order to procure them.
Benjamin B. Boote being first invited and afterward summoned to appear
before the Committee, and continuing obstinate, declaring his resolution
neither to appear, nor to deliver the letters.
Resolved, in consequence whereof. That Wm. Temple Coles be Captain of
the youth in Salisbury to guard the house of Benjamin B. Boote, and that
they prevent the conveyance of all sustenance to him until he deliver the
aforesaid letters, and that they search all other places suspected to conceal
said letters. He acknowledged the receipt of letters from the Governor.
And that the letters, if received, be given into the hands of Adlai Osborne,
Esq., or John Lewis Beard, until the next sitting of the Committee.
866 HISTOBT OF NORTH CABOUNA.
At a meeting of the Committee for the County of Rowan, Augost 1, 1775,
Moses Winsiow, Chairman, James Macaj, Clerk. On motion,
Jiesohed, That Col. Kennon, Mr. Avery, and Mr. Coles, be admitted to
seats in this Committee.
Besolved, That a friendly address be sent to the inhabitants of the Fork of
Yadkin, in order that a conference may be had with them on Friday next.
Resolved, That Messrs. Avory, Samuel Young, and Wm. Sharp, be a Com-
mittee to draw up said address. Mr. Cook, the Baptist preacher, appearing
before the Committee, and in the most explicit and humiliating terms pro-
fessing his sorrow for signing the protest against the cause of liberty, which
lately circulated in the l^ork of the Yadkin ; and other parts of his conduct
in opposing the just rights and liberties of the nation in general, and
American liberty in particular, and entreating for information relative to the
present unhappy disturbance.
Resolved, That Messrs. Samuel Young and William Sharp wait on Mr.
Cook, and give him all the information in their power.
Resolved, That one thousand yolunteers be] immediately embodied in this
County, elect their stafif officers, and be ready at the shortest notice to march
out to action.
Resolved, That Messrs. Samuel Young, James Maca^, and Wm. Sharp, be a
Committee to draw up an address to the several Militia Companies. Which
being done was read, and is as follows : —
Gentlemen — We, the Committee for the County of Rowan and town of Salis-
bury, having received a letter from the honorable Continental Congress, re-
commending to this County, immediately, to form a part of the men able to
bear arms into regular companies, for the defence of the Province against
the tyranny and designs of the King's ministers, to undo him and us. Thus
far the recommendation of the Congress, which we are farther led most anxious-
ly to engage in, from having now in our possession letters directed by Lord
Dartmouth, the Kind's Secretary, and General Gage, his commander at Bos-
ton, declaring their intention to attack this province, by arming one part of
us under British officers against the other; by which cruel means each neigh-
borhood would be engaged in bloody massacre with its adjacent, in that bitter
scourge to humanity, a civil war. Brother against brother, and son against
the father, letting loose upon our defenceless frontier a torrent of blood, by the
savage rage of Indian barbarity ; who are ordered a supply of arms and am-
munition, by Lord North, immediately to attack us, and resent the inhuman
cruelties of the last war. Kipping infants from the wombs of their expiring
mothers ; roasting Christians to death by slow fire. But let us quit a sub-
ject disgraceful to Christianity, and rouse like one man in defence of our
religion from popery, of our liberty from slavery, and our lives from torment-
ins death.
We exhort that each captain do enlist as many men within his company,
or elsewhere, as in his power ; who arc to form themselves into companies of
fifty men, or more, choose their officers, and be supplied with ammunition for
the purposes abovesaid, witliin their County and frontiers. And it is most
earnestly recommended that they do, as quick as possible, improve themselves
in the discipline and exercise.
Resolved, That all powder in this town be taken into the possession of this
Committee.
Resolved, That Hugh Montgomery, Maxwell Chambers, William Nisbet,
Matthew Troy, and >ir. Mitchell, bo required to declare on oath to this Com-
mittee, what quantity of powder, lead, and flints, in their possession ; and
that they deliver the same to the order of this Committee.
Resohed, That Mr. Matthew Troy do deliver unto this Committee all the
powder in his custody, the property of John Kelly, and that the Committee
indemnify Mr. Troy for saia action.
Resolved, That a copy of tlie above resolve signed by all the members be
given to Mr. Troy, as the obligation of this Committee.
Resolved, That John Work deliver to the order of the Committee, one quarter
cask of powder, and all the lead and flints in his possession, and that the
Committee pay for the Bttoae the ptiee aet uyon these articles.
ROWAN COUNTY. 867
Besohedf That George Henry Barringer, Esq., Dayid Woodson, and Richard
Shaver, attend on Lewis Jefre, and by order of the Committee, require him
to deliver to them the powder and ammunition in his possession, and that
this Committee obligate themselves to pay for the same. Also, that they
wait on Frederick Fisher for the same purpose.
Be it remembered that the day before, a petition was presented by Doctor
Newman, and others, against the seeming arbitrary conduct of Col. Kennon,
and others, in the case of Dunn and Boote.
Resolved, That the petition presented by Doctor Newman, be considered.
After a long debate, the questions were put: —
1. Whether the malice, &o., as charged in the petition, was proved?
Answered in the negative.
2. Whether there was a necessity for taking Dunn and Boote?
Answered in the affirmative.
3. When taken, whether to be removed ?
Answered in the affirmative.
4. And if removed, whether to South Carolina?
Answered in the affirmative.
5. Whether the conduct of Col. Martin, and others, be a precedent for the
future in all cases of. the like nature?
Answered in the negative.
6. Whether the conduct of Col. Martin, and others, merited the thanks of
this Committee, considering the alarming situation of the Province in general?
Afiswered in the affirmative.
Resolved, That John Olyphant, James Patterson, William Neal, and Gil-
braith Falls, declare in open Committee, that the determination relative to
their dispute falling in favor of either party, shall be no let or cause of divi-
sion with them in support of right and liberty.
Whereas, From the late contradictory and equivocal behaviour of Captain
Olyphant, it appears he cannot be entrusted to execute the late resolve of Uiis
Committee with respect to embodying volunteers. And, said captain refusing
to act any longer in that capacity —
Reserved, That Captain Olyphant's company meet as soon as possible, elect
proper officers, and that the captain so appointed, is hereby directed to exe-
cute the resolve of this Committee relative to raising and embodying volun-
teers.
Resolved, That the 8th day of this instant, a poll be opened for the election
of the Town of Salisbury, and that they elect one or more delegates to sit in
Provincial Congress.
Resolved, That the poll open immediately, and that the county choose their
delegates.
Resolved, That the 14th of this instant, Jonathan Hunt and Samue) Bryans,
meet this Committee, and make oath to the signers of the papers by them
produced.
Resolved, That Sassinfield, and company, come before this Committee, the
14th instant, in the same manner and on the same terms that Jonathan Hunt,
the Bryans, and others, came before this Committee on the 4th instant.
Ordered, That Mr. James Macay serve Sassinfield's company with a copy
of the foregoing resolve.
Resolved, That Captain William Davidson take into his custody the pow-
der, lead, and flints m the possession of John Work, and dispose of the same
according to the order of the Committee.
Resolved, That Christopher Beekman take into his custody the powder, lead,
and flints now in the possession of Conrad Ileldebrand, and dispose of the
same at the order of tne committee, and for the security of payment to Con-
rad Heldebrand, he deliver to him, at the receiving of it, an order on this Com-
mittee, which shall be accepted by us.
Resolved, That for the time being, each militia company pay their quota of
expense according to the number of taxables.
Resolved, That for the time being, each militia company shall send two
members to Committee.
368 HISTOBT 07 NORTH OABOUNA.
Resolved, That Robert King, William Sharpe, and James Wallace, be a
Committee to make a register of the past reBoWes of this County Committee.
JAMES MACAY, Clerk.
Salisbury, September 20, 1775.
The Committee for the Coanty of Rowan met according to adjournment
Present,
Sam'i Young, in the Chair, David Caldwell, Robert Moore,
James Brandon, Clerkf John Nisbett, John Hardin,
Alexander Osborne, James Smith, Josias Black,
John Brevard, George Davidson, Jacob Nicholas,
Griffith Rutherford, William Davidson, Matthias Baringer,
William Alexander, William Grant, Peter Ayer,
Francis McKorkle, Samuel Harris, Thomas Blackshcir,
James Wilson, Peter Mull, Isaac Wilcockson,
Joseph Dixon, Joseph Lawrence, Hugh Brevard,
Ninian Steel, Ephraim McLain, John Lewis Beard,
John Montgomery, John Davidson, Christopher Beekman.
William Cowan, Jr.,
Josiah Black and John Hardin contending fo^ the captain's commission of
a vacancy on the Catawba River —
Resolved^ That they return home and give public notice to the inhabitants
of the district, to meet at William Walker's, on the 5th day of October next,
to choose and elect their officers, and that Christopher Beekman is directed
to see the election regularly and justly carried on ; and that James Greenlee
and Andrew Woods Vjo the clerks for said election, who are directed to de-
liver the polls of said election to Christopher Beekman, who shall make due
return thereof to the Committee, in Salisbury. And, that the bounds of the
district shall be as follows, viz: To start upon the Catawba River, half a mile
above Joseph Dobson's, running thence to John Kennedy's, on Silver Creek,
thence up said creek to the Tryon line, thence down said line opposite to
Whitnor's bottom on Jacobs River, thence to Silver Creek Road, thence
to Jacob Tcrriberrj's, upon the main Catawba River, thence up said river to
the beginning.
Nuipber of taxablcs given in by the following captains, viz : —
Captain McCrary's, Company, . 91 Captain Robinson's Company, 113
Captain Archibald's " . 144 Captain Matthias Baringer's, . ^^
Captain Berkley's " . 180 Captain Beekman's ** . 114
Captain Wm. Davidson's " .118 Captain Dixon's " . 116
Captain McCorcle's ** . 64
Adjourned to the 21st, half past six o'clock in the morning.
The House met according to adjournment.
John Work complained that David Vance is indebted to him by note near
fourteen pounds proc.
Resolved, That the said John Work demand his debt of the said David
Vance, and upon the non-payment thereof, to demand security for the pay-
ment of the same in three months from the date thereof, and upon refusal to
apply to the Clerk of the Court for the ordinary process for the recovery of
the same.
Whereas, Captain George Davidson hath been charged by some persons
with supplying the Cherokee Indians with ammunition —
But, upon examination of the evidences, find that the accusation is false
and groundless ; the said Capt. Davidson is by this house thought clear of
the above charge.
Whereas, Robert Latta complained to this Committee that sundry persons
are indebted to him and will not pay their accounts —
ROWAN COUNTY. 869
Raolvedt That the said Robert Latta again make demand of each person
his debt, and, upon non-payment, to demand security for the payment of the
same on the first day of November next. Upon failure thereof, he is hereby
authorized to sue for the same.
Resolved^ That Oapt. Brevard cite John Perkins to appear before the next
Committee, in Salisbury, to give an account of his political sentiments relative
to American freedom. ^^*
Resolvedf That Capt. Dickson, John Brevard, Capt. Davidson, Ool. Osbom,
Col. Rutherford, James Kerr, William Alexander, and James Brandon, be a
committee to attend at Adam Torreuce's, on the 25th instant, before vrhom a
certain James Qanier shall be caused to appear bv Capt. William Davidson,
to render an account of his political sentiments relative to American liberty,
and be subject to the determination of said committee.
Resolved, That Capt. William Davidson give notice to John Olyphani to
appear before next Committee, in Salisbury, to render an account of some
late conduct in opposition to American measures.
Resoivedj That tne Chairman of this Committee address to the Committee
of Safety in Charles Town, requesting them to send us as large a quantity of
gunpowder as they can conveniently BptLve for the safety and defence of this
county. And the credit of this Committee is hereby pledged for the pay-
ment of the prime cost, and a reasonable advance, to Afatthew Locke, Wm.
Nishett, or James Brandon, for purchasing and bringing up the same.
Resolved J That this Committee will pay John Work the sum of five shillings
per pound for the gunpowder, and 10a. per lb. for the lead mentioned in last
committee resolve, against the first of Feb. next.
SAMUEL YOUNG, Chairman.
James Brandon, Secretary,
Pursuant to order of last Committee, the following members met at Adam
Torrence's, on the 25th of Sept., 1775, viz;, John Brevard, chairman, Griffith
Rutherford, Geo. Davidson, Joseph Dickson, Wm. Alexander, and James
Kerr.
After maturely examining and hearing the culprit, James Gamer,
Resolved, That although the said James Garner has said some things
disrespectfully of the measures pursuing for the preservation of American
freedom, he has honestly professed his sorrow for the same, and has signed
the test proposed by Provincial Congress.
Signed by JOIIN BREVAJID, Chairman.
Pursuant to a resolve of Congress, held at Ilillsboro', in the Province of
North Carolina, on the 20th of Augt., 1775, the freeholders and householders
in the county of Rowan ai)peared at the Court House, in Salisbury, on Tues-
day, the 17th of October, in the same year, when the following gentlemen
were duly elected members for the Committee in said county, viz., William
Alexander, Josiah Rouncifer, Samuel Young, John Archibald, John Purvi-
ance, Christopher Beekman, Matthew Locke, Moses Winsley, John Ilardin,
Hugh Brevard, David Smith, Israel Cox, Jonathan Ilunt, Charles McDowell,
Matliias Barin^er, Robert Moore, John Brevard, John Dickey, Robert
Holmes, Gilbraith Falls, Griffith Rutherford, Robt. Kings, Samuel Reed,
John Lopp, William Sharpe, James Smith, Hugh Montgomerv, John Lewis
Beard, David Rpbison, Francis McCorcle, William Moore, Wilham Davidson,
Thomas Whitson, Geo. Henry Baringer, John Sloan, JoEn "Mo'fitgomery,
Alexander Dobbins.
The said Committee met on Tuesday evening, the 17th of October, 1775,
when the following members were present : —
Griffith Rutherford, Wm. Alexander, Robert King, Josiah Rounoifer,
Samuel Rood, Samuel Young, William Sharpe, James Smith, John Archibald,
John Purviance, Hugh Montgomery, John Lewis Beard, Christopher Beek-
man, David Robison, John Hardin, John Sloan, Robert Moore, John Brevard,
John Montgomery, John Dickey, Alexander Dobbins.
870
HISTORT OF KOBTH CAROLINA.
The Committee proceeded to choose a chairman and secretary, when Mr.
Samuel Young was chosen chairman, and Mr. William Sharpe secretary.
Pursuant to a resolve of last Committee, John Perkins appeared.
Resolved^ That the said John Perkins has given such an accoant of his
political sentiments relative to American freedom as is satisfactory.
Resolved^ That the principles upon which, and the measures Christopher
Beekman pursued in obtaining the appearance of John Perkins before this
Committee, was reasonable and justinable.
The Committee adjourned till to-morrow morning at seven o'clock.
The Committee met according to adjournment.
Pursuant to resolve of last Congress, the number of souls in Rowan Coanty
appears as followeth : —
Companies' Names.
Capt. Knox-
Capt. Dickson
Capt. Davidson, Up River
Capt. McCrary's,
Snow and Rocky Creeks,
CO
Above 60
under 16.
Women,
white.
Female
children.
Male
slaves
taxable.
Female
slaves
taxable.
Slaves
not tax-
able.
165
209
169
142
33
32 1 66
76
104
77
81
15
16
29
71
129
74
104
12
9
5
85
123
77
98
10
10
9
27
47
34
33
1
1
2
A letter from William McBride, Esq., directed to the Chairman and gen-
tlemen of the Committee in Rowan County, being read, ordered that the letter
lie on the table for consideration one hour. On motion,
Resolved, That when a creditor makes it appear on oath that he hath, by
advertising or otherwise, given sufiGicient notice to his debtor or debtors for
all sums under five pounds, to come in and make payment, or give sufficient
security for the same ; and it appearing that the debtor or debtors refusing
or neglecting to comply, it is the opinion of this Committee that it will be
sufficient evidence to give leave to bring suits.
The order of the day being read for taking into consideration Mr. McBride's
letter.
Resolved, That Mr. Locke, by letter addressed to him and the people up
the river, inform them of the proceedings of last Provincial Congress.
Pursuant to order of last Committee, Samuel Lowrie appeared.
Resolved, That he have till the first Tuesday in next month to determine
on his political sentiments relative to American freedom, and that he appear
before the Committee at that time.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the several militia companies who
have not yet cordially embodied themselves and chosen officers, to adhere as
near as may be to the districts prescribed by last court-martial.
Resolved, That the several militia companies in this county be sufficiently
notified by their old officers when there nas been no election, and by their
new ones when they are appointed, to meet some day before the next Com-
mittee to sign this test, appointed by Congress, and all persons neglecting or
refusing to sign the test aroresaid shall be noticed by one of the officers to
appear before the said Committee to show cause for such refusal or neglect,
and return the test signed to committee.
A petition signed by twenty-two members of the South Division, of Captain
Berkley's Company, praying a new election of officers, being proposed and
read,
Resolved, That the prayer of said petition be granted.
On motion, Resolvea, That the Secretary of this Committee provide paper,
write certificates (leaving a blank for the date and bearer's name), for such
friends of liberty who may apply for the same ; affix the Committee's seal
liiereto and distribute a sufficient number amongst Samuel Toung, John Bre-
Tard, John Purvianoe, Matthew Locke, Charles McDowell, James Smith,
Christopher Beekman, Hugh Montgomery, John Archibald, who shall be ao-
• ROWAN COUNTY. 8T1
eonntable to the Secretary for the sam of eight pence for each certificate,
otherwise return the same, which is the sum allowed the Secretary for said
service.
Hesolved, That Messrs. Samuel Young, John Archibald, John Montgomery,
Jonathan Hunt, Robert King, Matthew Locke, Samuel Reed, James Smith
and William Sharpe, shall attend at Mr. Jonathan Hunt's, on Tuesday, the
last instant, to confer with the inhabitants of the Forks of the Yadkin, on the
subject of American freedom.
Resolved, That the Chairman of this Committee, by letter addressed to the
several Committees of Petersborough, Camblctown, Cheraw, Qeorgetown,
Camden, and Charlestown, desiring them by no means to purchase any sort
of produce, or other articles, nor sell any manner of article, or necessary to
any person or persons, from the county of Rowan, unless they first produce a
certificate signed by the Secretary, and impressed with the seal of the Com-
mittee in said county.
Resolved, That Mr. Samuel Young have leave to bring suit against James
Fitxpatrick, debt above five pounds.
The Committee adjourned till Tuesday, 7th of next month. Minutes read
ftnd signed by order of Committee.
SAMUEL YOUNG, Chairman.
William Sharps, Secretary.
The Committee of the County of Rowan met 7th of Nov., 1775, according
to acyournment. Present,
Mr. Samuel Young, Ch\ John Brevard, John Archibald,
Qriffith Rutherford, John Loss, Robert King,
Jonathan Hunt, Matthew Locke, William Moore,
David Smith, John Lewis Beard, Samuel Reed,
James Smith, Hugh Montgomery, John Purviance,
Josiah Rouncifer, William Sharpe, Alexander Dobbins.
John Dickey, Robert Moore,
Pursuant to resolve of last Committee, a number of Captain James Smith's
Company bcine cited appeared, three of whom signed the test. Ordered that
the remainder nave till to-morrow morning to consider of the matter.
The Committee adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o'clock.
Wednesday, Nov. 8th, 1775.
The Committee met according to adjournment.
James Hemphill has leave to bring suit aeainst Francis Bishop, debt under
five pounds. James Hamilton has leave to bring suit against Tnomas Bailie
for assault and battery.
Resolved, That Mr. Joseph Hughes be admitted to the same privileges as
those who sign the test, on account of some extraordinary circumstances
attending him.
Resold, That all suits now depending in the Inferior Court, in the County
of Rowan, ought to be tried as soon as possible ; but no execution issue with-
out leave.
Resolved, That anj three members of this Committee may give leave to
creditors to bring suits and issue orders, to detain the bodies or goods of such
as are about to remove out of the county, in the same manner as this Com-
mittee could do when constituted. And any three members proceeding as
aforesaid, shall make due return in writing to the next ensuing Committee.
Robert Wilson has leave to bring suit against William Martin, for debt
under five pounds. William Denham, agreeable to citation, appeared before
the bar of this Committee, to render an account of his political sentiments
relative to American freedom. Ordered that he have till to-morrow morning,
at eight o'clock, to consider of the matter, and that he then appear before the
Committee. Mr. James Smith, Chairman of the Committee appointed to set
at Colonel Hunt's the last of last month,
R^mis, That either through disaffection to American measures, or waat
372 HISTORY OF NOBTH OAROUNA.
of notice or neglect, the people failed to appear, whereby the design of jour
Committee is prostrated.
Resolved f Tnat Mr. John Brevard, John Dickey, Moses Winsley and Hueh
Brevard, or any three of them, attend at Captain William Davidson's, on the
20th instant, to see that the company of minute men, whom he has enlisted,
are embodied, and able effective men, and make report to the next Committee.
Besolvedf That Mr. Thomas McGuire raise a sufficient guard of men, and
compel the appearance of Alexander Allison and John HaU, before this Com-
mittee, at next session, to render an account of their political sentiments rela-
tive to American freedom.
Wherecu, William Spurgeon and Matthias Sassinjidd continue inoorri^ble
enemies to American measures for the defence of their freedom —
Therefore resolved^ That Colonel Martin dispatch two officers, with a suffi-
cient number of soldiers, and take the bodies of the said Spurgeon and Sassin-
field, and them or either of them bring before this session o? Committee, or
otherwise have them confined in the common gaol in this county, until the
next sitting of the same. Jacob Beck being brought to the bar of this Com-
mittee to give an account of his political sentiments, ordered that he have
till to-morrow morning to consider the matter, and Captain David Smith is
security for his appearance.
Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock.
Tuesday, Nov. 9th, 1775.
The Committee met according to adjournment.
Dennis Burgin has leave to take possession of a sufficient quantity of the
goods of Thomas Bidwell (who has absented himself from this coanty), as
security for a debt under twenty pounds.
Eesolvedf That it is the opinion of this Committee, that it was not the design
of the Provincial Congress to restrain plaintiffs from bringing suits fo( tres-
pass with force and arms, assaults, batteries, slanders, and such like torts and
injuries, or compel the plaintiff, in such cases, to make previous application
to the Committee. We do therefore allow such suits to be commenced and
proceeded upon as far as judgment without such application.
Resolved, That John Bones be appointed door-keeper for this Committee,
and that he be paid by the members thereof three shillings per day.
Ordered, that Colonel Adlai Osborne deliver to Colonel Martin, a quarter
cask of gunpowder, and fifty pounds of lead,, out of the public magazine of
this county, and take a receipt for the same in behalf uf this Committee.
Resolved, That Captain David Smith have leave to absent himself from this
Committee, and take and bring back the body of Jacob Beck, who failed to
appear agreeable to the order of the day.
Ordered, that Col. Adlai Osborne deliver Captain David Smith one pound of
powder and two pounds of lead, out of the magazine, and take his receipt.
Resolved, That Captain Dickson's company choose proper officers, and
return their names to next Committee for approbation, and the company be
snl^ected to the officers so elected.
Resolved, That the Chairman of this committee, by letter addressed to Col.
Andrew Hunt, James Bryaus, Jr., and John Johnston, directing them to adver-
tise all the friends of American Liberty in the forks of Yadkin, to meet at
John Johnston's on the last Friday of this month, to elect proper officers for
one or more militia companies ; and that it be recommended to Col. Ruther-
ford to attend at the same time, to render all the friendly services in his
power to obtain so desirable an end.
Resolved, That Mr. Moses Winsley take into his possession the gunpowder
and other ammunition in the hands of John Work, and give him an obliga-
tion in bohalf of. this Committee, for the payment of the same at the price
directed by Congress. And this Committee does obligate themselves to in-
demnifv Mr. Winsley for the same.
Resolved, That Colonel Kutherford, Matthew Locke, Maxwell Chambers,
Matthew Troy, Samuel Young, James Smith, and William Nisbett, be a
BOWAN COUNTY. 878
Committee of Secreoy, Intelligence, and Obseryation for the County of Rowan
and Town of Salisbury.
A letter from Benjamin Booth Boote, dated Charlestown, October 31, 1775,
directed to this Committee, purporting that the General Committee of Charles-
town has offered to release the said B. Booth Booto and John Dunn, Esq., on
condition that the said Boote and Dunn would promise to observe a strict
neutrality with respect to the common cause, and also indemnify the persons
most active in sending the said Boote and Dunn into South Carolina ; and
further purporting that said Boote and Dunn would not agree to the latter
condition : Also, desiring this Committee to make provision for his family
in case he is not released —
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that the resolve of the
Provincial Congress, communicated to the Committee of Intelligence of South
Carolina, respecting said B. Booth Boote, should be observed. That the con-
dition mentioned in said Boote's letter is unnecessary, since this Committee
consider the honor not only of this county, but the Province engaged to in-
demnify those who conveyed the said Boote out of the Province.
Resolvedj That the said Boote's family be provided for at the discretion of
the Town Committee of Salisbury.
Ordered, that the Secretary of this Committee certify a copy of the afore-
said letter and order thereon, and direct the same to the General Committee
in Charlestown.
A letter from the Hon. Alexander McCulloh, Esq., dated Halifax County,
September 28th, 1775, directed to the Chairman of this Committee, express-
ing the most generous sentiments in support of American freedom, and
defending himself against a charge of undue influence on the minds and
conduct of Messrs. Frohock and Kerr, being read —
Resolved, That this Committee entertain the most grateful sense of the
kindness of the author of so friendly and spirited a per^rmance, and esteems
Messrs. Frohock and Kerr nothing the less on account of the calumny of
wicked and designing persons.
The Committee adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock.
Friduy, Nov. 10th, 1775.
The Committee met according to adjournment.
Ordered, that Charles Purviance have leave to bring suit against John
Olyphant ; debt under £5.
jResolcedj That this Committee will be accountable to Mr. Troy for twenty
pounds of lead at lOc^., bought by Mr. Osborne in behalf of this Committee.
Whereas, by virtue of sundry executions, the Sheriff has executed goods
before the returns to November Term, and the same still remain unsold —
Resolved, That the Clerk have leave to issue orders of sale, that the Sheriff
may sell such goods as were under execution before said term.
Ordered, that Nathaniel Tenpenny have leave to get execution against
Henry Sibley, Hermon Butner, and Isaac Enocks.
Captain David Smith returned with the body of Jacob Beck before this
Committee ; from his notorious contempt of this Committee and opposition to
American measures —
Resolved, Th&t he be immediately committed to gaol, and that the Secretary
draw and sign his mittimus in the name of this Committee.
Resolved, That Samuel Wilson and Samuel Hob lis have leave to take into
their possession a sufficient quantity of the effects of John Chambers, if to be
found in this county, as security for a debt of £2 ISs,
Ordered, that Joseph Irvin have leave to obtain a summons from a magis-
trate, to cause German Baxter to appear and make oath what part of the
estate of Joshua Todd (who is out of the county) is in his possession ; and
Joseph Irvin may take the same into his possession as security for a debt of
ten pounds.
Ordered, that Joseph Irvin have leave to bring suit against the adminis-
trators on the estate of Robert Luckie, deceased, for a debt of £5 6s, Zd.
Resolved, That the Chairman of this Committee, by letter addressed to the
Committee of Brunswick, Wilmington, and Cross CYe«k^T«eoisaD«^^&Bk!^\c^
them to use evexy endeavor to prevent every ^exBOn ^m^StoB^ ^t ^^ ^qkv^
374 HISTOBT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
boring counties, communicating with the Goyemor, or traveling that way
without a proper permission.
Resolved, That James Carrall has leave to bring suit against James Brooks
for a debt under £5.
Resolved, That James Inrin has leave to bring suit against Abm. Little
for a debt under £20.
Col. Martin brought Mathias Saninfield to the bar of this Committee, and
after some time spent, he cheerfully signed the Test, professed his hearty
approbation of the American measures, and also signed and swore to the same
declaration that was signed and sworn by John Colson, in Provincial Con-
gress.
Jacob Beck being again brought ta the Committee bar, cheerfully signed
and swore as above.
Resolved, That the said Sassinfield and Beck be discharged from their a^
tendance on this Committee.
Resolved, That it be recommended to Col. Martin, or the Commander of the
regular troops in the District of Salisbury, that so long as they continue in
Rowan County, in all cases of impressments of horses or other necessaries,
that application be first made to a Justice of the Peace, or any three mem-
bers of Committee.
The Committee adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock.
Nov. 11th, 1775.
The Committee met according to adjournment.
Robert Latta came into Committee, and acknowledged the receipt of
£14 iOs,, supposed to be counterfeit, from CoL Adlai Osborne, agreeable to
order of Committee.
A petition was preferred, signed by eight inhabitants of the South Fork of
Yadkin, part of Capt. Morrison's company, and read.
Resolved, That the said petition and oraer of the last Committee be con-
tinued until next Committee and the parties appear.
William McBride being sent for, appeared under guard at the bar of this
Committee, for contempt offered to the same.
Ordered, that he be reproved in the name of this Committee by Mr. Chair-
man. From the contradictory and equivocal behavior of William McBride
before this Committee —
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee that the advertisement
charging Captain Thomas Whitson with falsehood, &c., and signed William
McBride, is a false and scurrilous performance, and the author thereof ought
to be treated with every mark of disrespect
The following is the state of the accounts of the several Militia Compa-
nies that have contributed towards defraying the contingent expenses, vu.,
paying delegates, &c.
Ordered, that each Militia Company as soon as possible pay up their ar-
rears, so as to make four pounds each, agreeable to order of Committee, and
that a farther tax be immediately collected of sixpence from each taxable,
to pay delegates for going to Hillsborough, and other small contingencies.
A list of officers nominated by this Committee, to be retarned
to Provincial Congress, agreeable to resolve of Congress.
Captains, — Jas. Purviance, Christ. Beekman, David Caldwell, Charles
McDowell, John Harden, John Graham, John Work, Jesse Harris, David
Smith, Patrick Morrison, George H. Barringer, Rudolph Conrod, Jacob
Eaele.
Lieutenants. — John Purviance, Wm. Beekman, Hugh Hall, Wm. Pend-
land, Georee Walker, Francis Ross, William Neil, Bei\jamin Davis, Peter
Frederick, Walter Sharpe, Windel Miller, John Sigman, Henry Miller.
Ensigns, — William Waugh, Bolser Sigman, John Rosebrough, John Simp-
son, Benjamin Baker, Paul Cunningham ; Richard Quick and John Couger,
commissions made out ; James McGahey, Henry Fulwidcr, John Sigman, B.
Smith, Evan Davis.
Alexander Al^on, \)em^ ciVa^. \>«Iqix^ ^Sb^ ^\&m\\JuM^ freely signed the
BOFAN COUNTT. S76
Test and is disobarged. Alexander Osborne bas leave to brine suit ag^ainst
Andrew Allison in a case of a tbree pound Proc. Bill counterfeit, mlliam
Franklin being in prison bounds was brought to the bar of this Committee,
and was admitted to take the following oath, viz. : —
I, WiUiatn Franklin, do freely and solemnly swear on the Holy Evangelists
of Almighty Qod, that IwiUnoi take up arms against the friends <\f American
Liberty; nor will I directly or indirectly aid or assist, comfort, or encourage any
person opposing in any manner the measures pursuing by the Americans in de-
jence of their liberty.
Resolved, That the said Wm. Franklin be discharged from his attendance
on this Committee.
Ordered that James Fitzpatrick has leave to bring suit against Daniel Rusk
for a debt under £20.
The Committee a4]oumed till to-morrow morning nine o'clock. Wednesdaj
the Committee met according to adjournment.
Resolved, That Captain FaUs and Captain Work are hereby required with-
out delay, and immediately to demand and receive of James Cook, on oath
if necessary, all the gunpowder and other ammunition in his possession: or
by him lent or lodged in the hands of any other person or place : and in case
be or they to whom it is lent, or in whose hanos it is lodged, refuse or ne-
glect to deliver the same immediately, the said captains are hereby required
to raise a sufficient number of militia to take the powder and the ammunition
and safely convey it to Salisbury, and also to take the body of the said Cook,
and all others opposing the dehvery of the said powder, and him or them
convey, and have confined in the common jail of this county, until further
order is given concerning them. And this Committee doth hereby engage
to see the aforesaid powder paid at a future day.
Ordered, if James Cqok deliver the powder without being brought into con-
finement, that he be notified to appear before the next Committee, to answer
for his former contempt of a respectable body of this Committee.
Ordered, that James Gamon has leave to bring suit against John Robinson
for a debt under £20.
The Committee adjourned one hour. Met accordinjg to a^oumment. Or-
dered, that John Mackie has leave to bring suit against George Russel for
debt under £20.
John Marrah having made it appear on oath before this Committee, that
'William Roberts is indebted to him the sum of £9 10«., and that said
Roberts proposes to remove himself and effects out of this province,
Resolved, That John Marrah has leave to take into his possession effects of
the said Roberts equivalent to the debt, or for want thereof, the body of the
said Roberts, until the debt is paid, or sufficient security given for the same.
Whereas, Messrs. James and Thomas Smith have made it appear before this
Committee, that sundrv debtors to the estate of Andrew Smith, deceased,
after being properly advertised, have failed to pay or give security for their
dues.
Ordered, that James and Thomas Smith have leave to bring suit against all
persons so advertised, and indebted in sums not exceeding five pounds.
Resolved, That Mr. Chairman, Mr. Sharp, Mr. King, Mr. Winslow, Mr.
Smith, Mr. Archibald, be a Committee to answer the people from the Forks
of the Tadkin, and report to-morrow morning.
Inasmuch as the juagments of God are at this present in an extraordinary
manner impending over this province, therefore,
Resolved, That Monday, the 14th instant, be and is hereby appointed a day
of publio fasting, humiliation, and prayer in this country. And it is recom-
mended that the same be religiously observed.
The Committee adjourned till to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. The
Committee met according to adjournment.
John Orton has leave to bring' suit against Margaret Johnston, widow, for
a debt under £5.
Charles Adams has leave to bring suit against Michael Wilson for a debt
88
876 HISTORY Of HOETH CABOLIHA.
under £20. James Weston has leaTe to bring suit against William Johnson
for a debt under £5.
Resolved^ That John Lawrence has leave to bring salt agunst Alexander
Brown in a case concerning base gold.
Ordered, that Richard Johnston has leave to take into his possession a
sufficient (^uantitj of the effects of Peter Kettle as security for a debt of
£17 7«., said debtor having absconded himself.
The Committee appointed to answer the people in Forks of the Yadkin
made the following report : —
Gbntlemkn — This Committee, with singular pleasure, receive the assur-
ances of your pacific dispositions towards your neighbors and countrymen ;
bot would have been much more satisfied had your names been sent us by
Mr. Brown ; that we might have distinguished our friends from our enemies,
and afforded that protection and friendship to the peaceable they have a
right to claim, at a time when the friends of American liberty in these
Southern Colonies are determined, by the assistance of Almighty Ood, at
the hazard of their lives and fox tunes, to quell an insurrection of the black-
est nature, fomented and supported by the arts of wicked and abandoned
men, in the very bosom of this County.
Ordered, that the above answer be transmitted to the people in the Forks
of the Yadkin, who have declared their peaceable disposition .to this Com-
mittee, in this day of alarm.
The Committee adjourned till Committee in course.
SAMUEL YOUNG, Chairman.
William Sharps, Secretary,
May lih, 1776.
The Committee met according to adjournment Present, Samuel Young,
Chairman, James Smith, G. II. Baringer, Alexander Dobbins, Josiah Boon-
cifer, John Dickey, Samuel Reed, Gilbraith Falls, William Alexander, John
Purviance, William Sharpe, Jonathan Hunt, Robert Moore, John Archibald,
John Montgomery, John Sloan, John Lewis Beard.
A petition signed by thirty-seven of Captain Work's company, praying a
nomination of other officers in said company, or otherwise a new election,
being read,
Eesolved, That on Saturday the 11th instant, the said company, commanded
by Captain Work, shall meet at their common muster ground and elect pro-
per officers to command the same ; and it is recommended that the said com-
pany, or such part as is required, hold themselves in readiness to march on
the shortest notice, in case of an invasion in this province.
Ordered, That Martin Huckleberry has leave to take into his possession as
much of the goods and chattels of Thomas Carris, as shall be equal to the
sum of £6 Os. lid. duo to him, the debtor being removed out of the province.
Andrew Shields has leave to take into his possession the goods ana chattels
of Hugh Cunningham, absconded, or demand a hat worth 40«., assumed by
Thomud McGuire ; the whole equal to £4 lO^., and as securitv for said debt
Samuel Young has leave to retain the cash due to Hugh Cunningham,
absconded from the public, as a satisfaction for a debt of £o l&f., and, if an
overplus, deliver it to Shields to indemnify him.
The Committee adjourned till to-morrow, six o'clock.
May Bth, 1776.
The Committee met according to adjournment. A letter of Colonel Arm-
strong, of Surrv, to this Committee, purporting that a number of runs were
taken during the expedition from the inhabitants of Muddy Creek, in said
County, by the officers of Rowan, and requiring a restoration of the same.
Resolved, as the taking originated from the Committee of Safety, together
with a subsequent order of General Court-martial, at Cross Creek, the said
guns are to be retained until further order be given thereon by the Committee
of Safety. Information bein^ made, that Tnonias Uaggains has lately ex-
pressed some things very unfriendly to American liberty ; therefore,
Resolved, That Captain Wm. Frohock immediately take his fireanns, if any,
and cause his appeartmc^ Wot« \&^ Committee at their next sitting, to
^ ROWAN COUNTY. 877
answer such things as skalVbe objected against him, and have then and there
Joseph Renchor and Benjamin Wilgore, evidences.
Resolved, in case onr delegates return from Congress without having made
provision of gunpowder for this County, that the chairman of this Com-
mittee apply to some of the neighboring colonies for five hundred weight of
powder and flints in proportion, and pledge the credit of this Committee for
payment of the same.
A letter from a number of young ladies in the County, directed to the
chairman, requesting the approbation of the Committee to a number of reso-
lutions enclosed, entered into and signed by the same young ladies, being
read,
Resolvedf That this Committee present their cordial thanks to the said
young ladies for so spirited a performance ; look upon these resolutions to be
sensible and polite ; that they merit the honor and are worthy the imitation
of every young lady in America.
The Committee adjourned till Committee in course.
SAMUEL YOUNG, Chairman.
William Sharps, Secretary,
The fate of Boote and Dunn, alluded to in the foregoing, is more
exemplified in the petition herewith presented, procured from the
archives of the Historical Society at the University.
They never returned to North Carolina, but, after the war was
over, settled in Florida.
To the Honorable Samuel Aahe, Esq., President, and to the Honorable Members
qf Council now in Salisbury assembled :
The humble remonstrance of John Dunn showeth,
That on the last day of July, in the year one thousand seven hundred and
seventy-five, your remonstrant, in consequence of a premeditated scheme and
combination previously entered into by William Kennon, Adlai Osborne,
Samuel Spencer, and others, this association oaused your remonstrant to be
taken into custody by a number of armed persons, who were first illegally
sworn in private for that purpose, and by force was compelled from his own
house in Salisbury, to the house of Matthew Look, Esq., where he was de-
tained many hours in the night as prisoner, under a specious pretext that some
gentlemen from South Carolina were desirous of seeins him. That after
some time, a body of other armed men arrived from the Counties of Tryon
«nd Mecklenburg, to whom your remonstrant was delivered over in custody,
who conveyed him to Mecklenburg, it being pretended that the Committee of
that county were desirous to examine him with regard to some matters which
should be by them inquired into.
That, notwithstanding the importunities and earnest solicitations of several
gentlemen from Salisbury, members of the Committee and the then Council
of Safety, who offered tliemselves as security, and to be bound in any sum
for my appearanee the next day before the Committee in Salisbury — nov-
withstanaing, I was forced away the same night to Charlotte, where we ar-
rived the next day, and having petitioned to have a hearing before the Com-
mittee of that county, which was likewise refused, and an armed force of
about sixty horsemen were ordered to convey me to Camden, from thence to
the Congress in South Carolina, and thence to Charles Town, where your re-
monstrant hath been detained a prisoner for upwards of twelve months, con-
trary to every principle of justice and humanity, and contrary to certain re-
solves of the General Congress, and in direct violation of those rights and
privileges which Americans contend with Great Britain for at this time.
Your remonstrant now prays that you would, in Justice to himself and
family, who have suffered greatly on account of this unwarrantable and arbi-
trary treatment, inquire into the same, your remonstrant bein^ desirous to
acquit himself of those false and groundless charges laid against nim previous
to any oath being tendered to him. In order to satisfy yoar Hongcu axl<l^»VL<^
878 HISTOBT OF HOBTH CABOLnTA.
world, that he is not in any wise guilty of such matters as hare been falsely
Ruf^gested or alleged against him, by which he hopes to appear in a different
light than what has been represented of him, and for a further confirmation
of his innocence, your remonstrant is ready and willing to be interrogated,
to answer on oath, if the Ilonorable Board thinks it necessary, and your re-
monstrant will pray. JOHN DUNN.
September 11, 1776.
Sir — Pursuant to your request of me, I haye drawn np the following state
of matters and facts as they are with regard to my person being seised upon
in my own province, and sent prisoner to Charles Town, together with Mr.
Benjamin Boote, where I now am, and have been for twelve months, wanting
a few days.
Some time about the last of August or beginning of September, in the year
1774, and previous to the meeting or assembling of any Confess or Committee
in any of the southern provinces, or their having entered into any particular
resolves with regard to the eeneral laws of American liberties, so far as at
that time I had any knowledge of, a certain William Temple Coles, then ma-
gistrate, came to me at the yard in Salisbury, where I then was lookingover
some hands who were there at work for me about making of bricks, Mr. Boote
and others present. Mr. Coles pulled out of his pocket a northern newspaper,
where printed I do not recollect, and among other things he read certain re-
solves or protests entered into by the people of New York, and declaring their
disapprobation to the measures then carrying on by the people of Boston, &e.,
in opposition to the British acts of Parliament, touching the Tea Act, and
other acts. That as soon as he had read those resolves, he seemed to approve
of them very much, and then said he thought it very necessary and becoming
the people of our province, especially Crown-officers, to enter into such like
resolves, or resolves similar to those, and then prevailed on Mr. Boote to
draw up something of that nature. That in a few days after, I being at Mr.
Cole's house, in Salisbury, Mr. Boote produced a paper containing a declaration
of allegiance, fidelity, and obedience to His Miijesty, and submission to the
British acts of Parliament in general, &c. That this paper being similar to
that published at New York, it was approved of by Mr. Coles, Mr. Walter
Lindsay (who also was magistrate) and myself, and was then signed by Mr.
Lindsay, Mr. Boote, and myself^ and I believe, one person more. Mr. Boote
then kept the paper, and it was then concluded upon by us, not to offer it to
any other person to be signed, neither have I been privy to its being signed,
nor no copy thereof, by any other person, to this hour, nor have I made
any inquiry about it since. Shortly afterwards, I being at Mecklenbura;
Court, I had learned that Mr. Avery had by some means procured a copy m
Mr. Robinson, a schoolmaster in Salisbury, who had copied it fair from the
original rough drafl. I was also told that Mr. Avery haa read it to the whole
Presbyterian congregation, at their meetinz at Mecklenburg. I being asked
at that court, by some persons who showed me a copy (given, I presume, by
Mr. Avery), whether or no I knew anything of it? to which question I an-
swered in the affirmative. In September or October following, and on a day
when a general muster was held in Salisbury, some of the inhabitants in
Salisbury and adjacent neighborhoods, formed themselves into a Committee,
and amongst other matters then deliberated and considered upon, the above
paper or copy, and after some time, it was (as I had been informed) voted
seditious, libelous, and inflammatory, &c. I heard no more of the matter
from that time until the last of July following, which was almost a year,
durine which time many Committees and Councils of Safety and Commit-
tees of Intelligence sat in Salisbury, where I lived. I was never examined
or brought to any account before them, neither had I to this day been asked
to associate with them, nor join in their deliberations, neither' have I ever
seen an association paper, nor do I believe they had any until I procured one
since my confinement m Charles Town, which I enclosed to them as a pre-
cedent to adopt another by it, suitable to the genius of the back inhabitants
of North Carolina. 1 recollect that at a time whea the people were met at
BOWAK COUNTY. 879
the ooart house, in order to choose new different Committees, and a Gonncil
of Safety, my assistance was asked for by some gentleman. I attended, and told
I could not act myself in an^ public capacity, from mere principle and mat-
ter of conscience, have at divers times, and on many occasions before then,
taken the several oaths of government, as also being then the sworn and acting
attorney for the Crown, m Rowan County Court, as also a notary-public in
the province, but that I was readv at any time to assist them in choosing of
fit members for Committees, and proper persons to attend as delegates to
serve in General Concrress, and assist them with my advice or opinion upon any
special occasion, with which they seemed well satisfied, and accordingly I
did, which gave great umbrage to a certain person then present, he having
missed being elected himself, owing, as he imagined, to my fault, and
wondered what right I had to interfere in the matter, and swore, as I after-
wards was told, if 1 ever came there, I should be kicked out of doors. I then
desisted from concerning myself further, either on the one side or the other.
On Monday, being the last day of July, or the first day of August, 1775,
being just recovering out of a fit of sickness, and at my own house in Salis-
bury, it being the day before the sitting of the court, as also the meeting of
the Committee for the county, I being busy preparing mv papers relative
to the Crown, as well as civil business, a number of armed persons entered
into my house, and after having seized upon my person, I was forced away
to Lewis Coffer's house, in Salisbury, and in a ^w minutes I saw Mr. Boots
conducted in the same manner to the same house. Shortly afterwards,
William Kennon, Attorney at Law, and Adiai Osborne, entered the room,
ftnd they being asked by several gentlemen, merchants and others, the chief
of whom were members of the Town Committee and Council of Safety, why
we were restrained from our liberty, for what reason, or by what authority,
or whose order we were taken into custody ? Kennon and Osborne seemed to
signify it was the desire of some gentlemen from the southward, and who
were then waiting at Mr. Lock's, about five miles from town, in order to exa-
mine us with regard to our political sentiments with regard to American
laws of liberty, &c., and that we would be detained but a ^w minutes before
we should be set at large in order to return home. Those gentlemen replied
and told them that they looked upon it that they were the only proper judges
of our conduct on those occasions, and they only had the best right to exa-
mine into these affairs, as nothing could be transacted by us to the prejudice
of the common laws, but they, of course, must have their notice thereof, and
reflected very much on the arbitrary conduct of those busy and intermeddling
men, and looked upon it as an insult offered to them, and prohibition of that
liberty which Americans in general were then contending for with Great
Britain.
Notwithstanding every argument which could be offered from reason and
common justice by Messrs. Troy, Chambers, Nesbit, Beard, and Little, mem-
bers of the Council of Safety, and Doctor Anthony, we were sent off under a
ffuard of men whom a few minutes before then, those two conspirators had
Ead out into the woods. They caused them to be first sworn to secrecy
and fidelity (as the men themselves told us afterwards), and then ordered
them to take us into safe custody. Thus were we exposed and drove to Mr.
Lock's that evening, as felons. When we arrived there, I saw no gentlemen
from the southward or elsewhere, but there we were kept under strong guard
until about eleven o'clock at night, at which time, those gentlemen above
mentioned, who went with us to learn the event of such treatment, grew im-
patient, and proposed entering themselves security in any sum of money
whatever, so for as their respective estates were worth, for our appearance
before our own Committee the next day, who were then to meet at Salisbury,
according to appointment, and if any such matter which as they could lay to
our charge, be fairly and impartially inquired into, but all to no purpose.
Li the meantime, Mr. Avery, Mr. Willis, who was Kennon's brother-in-law^
and a negro fellow, were sent off above the road leading to Mecklenburg, and
in some time returned with near thirty or forty armed men from Mecklen-
burg and Tryon Counties, who were engaged in the same mAAviAT^ V^^
880 EISTOBT OV HOBTB CABOLDTA.
•uant to an unjust scheme and plan adopted bj the said Kennon, Osbornev
Polk, and others, a few days before. That about two o'clock in the morning,
we were forced away from Mr. Lock's, escorted bj this euard to Mecklen*
burg Court House, where we arrived in the e?enine of £q next day. The
•aid Kennon and Osborne having signified that the Meoklenbnrs: Committee
would examine into those affairs, we made application to Mr. rolk to call
upon the members of that Committee, many ot whom were then in town, and
that we were ready to answer to any charge that any one could accuse us
with, and would give them any reasonable satisfaction, with regard to our
conduct, which they in reason could expect or desire, to which reauest he
teemed to have some thoughts of complying, but, instead thereof, the next
morning, he, at the head of about sixty horsemen, all armed, signified to us
that we were to be sent to Camden Jail, in South Carolina, and accord-
ingly, we were forced to comply. From Camden we were sent to the Con-
gress, and from thence to Charles Town, without a shift of any kind of ap-
parel, nor a shilling in our pockets to buy us the least necessary of life, and
previous to any examination, trial, or Convention, or any legal or just charge,
Dut such as those cruel and unmst persecutors pleased to suggest in order to
justify their conduct, having violated of principle, honor, justice, and humanity,
and even one of the established maxims and rules of the Qeneral Congress
before that time made and directed to be observed throughout the whole con-
tinent. And now, here we still remain prisoners, in exile from the enjoy-
ment and society of our wives, children, and fiamilies, who have Buffered
great distress and hardships, on many occasions, contrary to every principle
of humanity and Christian virtue, and without any just cause whatever, un-
less it be to gratify the malice and envy of wicked, artful and designing per-
sons, who in order to gratify their own ambition, and carry their pemicioos
and wicked designs into execution, would sacrifice their own honor, and the
repose of their innocent neighbors, and happiness of their families, to answer
their pernicious views. It has been proposed to us several months ago, bv
the gentlemen of this place, that if we would release those men, and indemnify
them from all actions or causes of actions arising to us on account of our
sufferings, we should be released and permitted to go home to our families.
Aj to myself, I answered and told them that I was ready and willing to re-
lease and indemnify every person belonging to any Congress, Committee, or
Council of Safety, or any person who had been invested to act in any wise by
any authority of the people, but those who had treated me with cruelt;^ and
barbarity in an arbitrarv and unjustifiable manner, I could not, injustice to
myself, family, and fellow subjects, forgive. Having suffered near twelve
months false imprisonment, and was also indebted near one hundred
pounds procl. money, to physicians who attended my son, who was sent
uither with a certificate by the gentlemen of Salisbury, in order to show the
falsity of the charge laid against me, ho being sick of a violent fever for some
weeks, exclusive of his board and attendance, and keeping his horse, as also
another debt owing from myself to the doctor who -attended myself when
taken with the yellow-jaundcrs and a fever, and now cannot command a shil-
ling to pay off those just debts.
South Carolina.
John Dunn, Attorney at Law, late of Salisbury Town, in North Caro-
lina, personally appeared before me, the subscriber, one of the Justices as-
signed to keep the peace for the district of Charles Town, and being first
sworn UDon tne Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, deponeth that the accu-
sation wberewith he stands charged by William Kennon and Adlai Osborne,
Samuel Spencer, and others, of and concerning his bein^ inimical to Ameri-
can liberties, and of his holding of correspondence with Gov. Martin, of
North Carolina, and other government officers, and actine and doin^ other
matters and things to the prejudice of the people of North Carolina m par-
ticular, and America in general, is false, and without foundation, and further
declareth on his oath aforesaid, that he has not at an? time heretofore, di-
rectly or indirectly, wrote any letter or letters to Gov. Martin, or any Crown
BOWAK COUHTT. 881
officera, or throufl;h any person whateyer, of or concerning the present dis-
pDtes between Great Britain and the American Colonies ; neitner was he
privj to any letters being wrote or sent by other persons on that account ;
neither did he ever write, dictate, or cause any petition, remonstrance, plan,
or scheme, either for himself or other person or persons, nor has he at any
time been privy to any combination or meeting of any number of people
whatever, in order to oppose or frustrate the views or designs of the Ameri-
cans ; neither has he at any time aided or assisted in any of the above
schemes, nor has he ever been solicited by any person or more on that head
but once (which he then positively refused), that of drawing what was called
a petition, and would not, and further that he has never exhibited nor read
to others, nor even so much as carried about him a certain paper called a pro-
test, nor wrote or caused to be wrote any copies thereof, nor tendered sucn to
be signed by others ; neither has he at any time set his name to any other
paper, remonstrant or petition, other than the paper mentioned in the fore-
^mg state of facts mentioned in this paper ; but whatever his private opin-
ion or sentiments ma^ be with regard to those matters, he has not aidea at
any time, directly or indirectly, by any act of his or others deeds, to the pre-
judice of the common laws.
Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 27th day of July, 1776.
B0I7TI or THE BRITISH ARMT TBR0I7GH THIS COUNTY, IN THE RKYOLUTION — GBNK-
RAL N. GREENE AT SALISBURY, 1781.
The extracts from the Journal of Lord Cornwallis (see Lincoln Coujpty) will
show the march of the British army from the first of February, 1781, when
they crossed the Catawba Kiver, to the 7th February, when he crossed the
Taakin at Shallow Ford, and to the 9th, when he reached Salem. The maps
in the quarto edition of Tarleton's Campaifjns lay down the topography of the
country, the different creeks, roads, and rivers, far more accurate than any
modern Atlas. The course of the armies of both sides are traced with great
precision and accuracy.
At Torrence's, where Alfred D. Kerr now lives, about seven miles from Beat-
tie's Ford, Tarleton and his light horse attacked, about two o'clock in the after-
noon, a party of three hundred militia. The day was wet and rainy, and unfa-
vorable to the use of firearms. The militia retreated; few were killed, and
none taken. The militia gave the British one fire, by which seven of the horse-
men were killed, and twenty horses; they then broke and ran in all direo-
tions.* This was just after Tarleton's defeat at the Cowpens, and in his
Journal he vaunts this as a splendid victory .f But a cotemporaryt writer of
the British side says ** that this is Tarleton's account. But a British officer
who rode over the ground not long after the action, says that he did not see
ten bodies of the provincialists in the whole."
. General Greene arrived at Salisbury that night. His prospects and his feel-
incs, and the generous conduct of Mrs. Steele, will be found in her biography.
After a hasty meal, he and the body of his troops passed the Yadkin, at the
Trading ford, on that night and the next day (the 2d of February]. The
light horse forded, and toe infantry and baggage were carried over in flats.
Here a direct interposition of Divine Providence saved Greene and the Ameri-
can army, as before at the Catawba. Flushed with hope, and burning for con-
test, the British, after the death of Davidson, and the dispersion at Torrence's,
advanced rapidly on Greene. They arrived at the Trading ford at midnight,
on the 2d of February. Some baggage of the Americans, and wi^ns, had
yet to cross, under guard of some riflemen. The advance of the British troops
under O'Hara, attacked them, and took the wagons ; the riflemen retreated
under the cover of night. Greene and his little army on the one side of the
Yadkin, and tlie whole body of British on the other. The position was criti-
cal ; but Heaven was propitious. It rained hard all night, and the river be-
came impassable. Cornwallis opened a furious cannonade upon the Ameri-
cans across the Trading ford.
. ^ Tarletoo's Campaigns, 226. f Tarieton, 226. % aietoiM\^vL.3aft%
882 mSTOBT 07 kobth oaboldta.
The Burgeon of ihe Amerioan arm j, Dr. Read, has left this record of tiie
Boene: —
"At a little distance from the river was a small cahin, in which General
Greene had taken up his quarters. At this the enemy directed their fire,
and the balls rebounded iVom the rocks in the rear of it. But little of the
roof was visible to the enemy. The General was preparing his orders for the
army, and his dispatches to the Congress. In a short time the balls began to
Btrike the roof, and clapboards were flying in all directions. But the Gene-
ral's pen neyer stopped, only when a new visitor arrived, or some officer for
orders ; and then toe answer was given with calmness and precision, and
Greene resumed his pen."*
The British had to fall back to Salisbury ; while Greene proceeded on his
retreat to Virginia. Ilad the enemy been enabled to encounter Greene at
this time, defeat would have been certain to Greene, and to the cause of
America in the South.
Connected with Rowan and this deeply exciting period of her history, is
ihe name of Elizabeth Steele, who was distinguished among the "Women of
the Revolution," not only for her attachment to the cause of America, but
for her prudence, piety, and virtue. It was at her house, in the evening of
the Ist of February, 1781, that " the Fabius of America," General Greene,
after riding hard all day, in the rain, arrived, " fatigued, hungry, alone, and
penniless," as he expressed himself to Dr. Read, who had charge of the sick
and wounded prisoners at that place. Mrs. Steele heard this, and the fire of
patriotism was augmented by that deep sympathy which woman's heart ever
feels for distress. Hardly had General Greene seated himself at a vrell-spread
table, before a cheerful fire, when Mrs. Steele entered, and reminded her dis-
tinguished guest that she had overheard his desponding remark to Dr. Read;
she drew from under her apron two small bags of specie, her earning for
years. " Take these," she said, " for you will want tnem ; I can do without
them." " Never," says his biographer, " did relief come at a more needy
moment," and the hero resumed his dangerous journey that night, with a
heart lightened by woman's kindness, and her devotion to the cause of her
country." Can any son of North Carolina read such an occurrence without
feeling his blood flow in more rapid currents at the patriotism of Rowan ?
and wherever this liberty has advanced, let the self-sacrificing act of this
noble woman be named in remembrance of her ; or, may we not, without any
impiety, say in the inspired words of the Scripture : " Verilv I say unto you,
wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also
this, that this woman hath done, be told as a memorial of her."t
On the wall of the room hung a portrait of George III., which had been
Bent as a present from England, from a friend at court, to one of Mrs. Steele's
connections.
Filled with the mournful recollection of the sufierings of his country, and
the innocent blood that even that day had been spilled by the myrmidons of
royalty. General Greene took it from the wall and wrote on the back: "0
George ! hide thy face and mourn," and replaced it, with the face to the wall.
This picture, with the writing still visible, I have seen. It is in possession
of Governor Swain, at Chapel Hill. The recollection of the events of this pe-
riod, and the circumstances, caused it to possess a deep interest to my mind.
Mrs. Steele died on the 22d of November, 1790, at Salisbury. She was
twice married ; her first husband was a Gillespie, by whom she bad a daugh-
ter, who married Rev. Samuel McCorkle ; and a son, Richard Gillespie, wno
was a Captain in the Revolution, and died unmarried. By her second hus-
band, William Steele, she had an only son.
General John Steele, who was born in Salisbury, on the 1st November,
1764. lie was educated in that place, and commenced life a merchant, but
Boon turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he was skillful,
prudent, and successful. In 1787 he appeared in public life, as a member of
the Uouse of Commons, and was re-elected in 1788.
* Dr. Read's letter in Johnson's life of Qreene, vol. L p. 418.
t MKltheW|Xxv\.4^ '
SOWAH OOUNTT. t8B
He was a member of the ConTendon that assembled at Hillsboro' on the
Slst of Jalj, 1788, to consider the Constitution of the United States, and with
Johnston, Davie, and Iredell, made active but ineffectual efforts in its defence.
In 1790 he was elected a member of the first Congress under the Constitu-
tion, from the Salisbury district, and served until 1793.
In 1794 he was again elected a member of the House of Commons, and
served, with some intermissions, until 1813, of which he was often speaker.
On Uie removal of General Davie to the State of South Carolina, m 1806,
General Steele succeeded him as commissioner for North Carolina, to adjust
the boundaries between the two States. There is ample documentary evi-
dence that he conducted this delicate, protracted, and difficult negotiation,
with consummate ability and skill.
He was appointed by General Washington first Comptroller of the Trea-
Bury, which he held throughout the remainder of Wasnington's and John
Adams' administration, ana resigned in 1802, in opposition to the earnest and
repeated remonstrances of Mr. Jefferson.
On the 14th of August, 1815, he was again elected to the House of Com-
mons, but on that day he died.
He is buried at. his residence, now the seat of Archibald Henderson, Esq.,
near town.
He married, in 1783, Mary Nesfield, who survived him many years, and by
whom he left three daughters : Ann, who married Gen. Jesse A. Pearson ;
Margaret, who married Dr. Stephen L. Ferrand, and Eliza, who married Col.
Robert MacNamara. The following is a copy of his tombstone : —
On the West side.
In the memory of
General John Steele.
Died Aug. 14th, 1815,
Age 50.
On the East side.
Consecrated by Conjugal
and
Filial Affection.
An enlightened Statesman,
A vigilant Patriot,
An accomplished Gentleman.
The archives of the country testify the services of his short but useful life.
Long will that Country deplore his loss ; but when will this
sequestered spot cease to witness the sacred
sorrow of his family and friends.
The name of Griffith Rutherford is associated with the Revolutionary
hbtory of Rowan.
We regret that we know so little of the birth, life, services, and death of a
man so distinguished in the annals of the State, and from whom so large
and populous a county derives its name.
lie was an Irishman by birth, and uncultivated in mind or manners, but
brave, ardent, and patriotic.
He resided west of Salisburv, in the Locke settlement, and represented
Rowan County at Newbem in 1775.
In 1776 he commanded an army of two thousand four hundred men to sub-
due the "Over-hill" Cherokee Indians. lie marched to the territory, de-
stroved thirty-six towns, cut up their standing com, and drove off their cattle.
The Guilford Regiment, who joined General Rutherford, rendezvoused at
Martinsville on 23d July, 1776. It was commanded by James Martin, as
Colonel, and John Paisley, as Lieutenant-Colonel. Rutherford crossed the
Blue Ridge at Swannanoa Gap, and passed down the French Broad, and
crossed the river at the ford, which passes to this day by the name of the
''War Ford," then up the valley of Hominy Creek, then croaainf^ Plf^Mti^^
884 EISTOBT 07 VOBTH OABOLINA.
the Tuckasege. From thenoe tbey oroMed the Cowee Mountain to the Ten-
nessee River. In the valley of the Tennessee River they burned the Indian
towns of Watauga, Eptoetoa, and Ellajay. Here, on the 14th of September,
they met General Williamson, with troops, from South Carolina, who had
crossed the Blue Ridge at the sources of the Tennessee River. In hia march
for the valley towns, General Williamson was attacked in a narrow pass near
the present town of Franklin by a body of Indians in ambush. He lost
thirteen men killed and thirty wounded. The Indians were rented with
great slaughter.
Rutherford lost in a skirmish at Valley Town, Ellajay, and near Franklin,
three men ; but he completely subdued the Indians, and, turning his larj^
stock of cattle, which he had for subsistence along with the army, on their
S-owing crops, destroyed their means, and with his troops burned their towns,
e returned in October, and at Salisbury disbanded his troops.
The uniform of the officers was a hunung-shirt of domestic, trimmed with
colored cotton ; the arms were rifles.
The Rev. James Hall, of Iredell, accompanied this espedition as chaplain.
William Lenoir, of Wilkes, was a captain in this expedition, and many
others of our hardy sons of the west here witnessed their first essay in arms.
On the 22d of April, 1776, he was appointed Brigadier-General. He com-
manded a brigade in the ill-fated battle of Camden (August, 1780), and was
taken prisoner by the British. When exchanged, he took the field, and com-
manded at Wilmington when that place was evacuated by the British.
In 1786 he was Senator from Rowan, and soon after removed to Tennessee:
The KnoxvUle Gazette of the 6th of September, 1794, contains the follow-
ing :—
" On Monday last the General Assembly of this Territory commenced their
session in this town. General Rutherford, long distinguished for his ser-
vices in the Legislature of North Carolina, is appointed President of the
Legislative Council."
North Carolina and Tennessee have preserved his name by calling in each
State, Counties after him.
Hon. Matthew Locke, of this County, was an early and devoted friend of
the rights of the people. He was bom in 1730.
In 1771 he was selected by the people, with Herman Husbands, to receive
the fees of the Sheriffs and Court officers of the Crown. In 1h5 he was a
member of the popular Assembly, and in 1776 member of the Congress at
Halifax which formed the Constitution.
In 1793 to 1799 he was a member of Congress, and was succeeded by Hon.
Archibald Henderson. He died in 1801. He married the daughter of
Richard Brandon, and lefl a large family, now chiefly extinct or removed.
He had four sons at one time in the Revolutionary War, one of whom
(George) was killed by the British near Charlotte in 1780.
Hon. Francis Locke, son of Francis, the hero of Ramsour's Mill, and
nephew of the above, was bom on the Slst of October, 1766. He was
elected Judge of the Superior Courts in 1803, and resigned in 1814, when he
was elected a Senator in Congress in 1814-15. He never married. He died
in January, 1823.
Hon. Spruce McCat resided in this county. He was educated bv Rev.
David Caldwell, appointed Judge of the Superior Courts of Law and £quitT
in 1790, and died in 1808.
He married Fanny, daughter of George Richard Henderson. William S.
McCay, of Salisbury, is the only son of this union.
Hon. James Martin, son of Colonel James Martin, resided for many years
in Salisbury. He was elected Senator from Rowan County in 18^, and
Judge of the Superior Courts in 1826, and resigned in 1835. Bfe married Miss
Alexander, and removed to Mobile, Alabama, where he died a few years ago.
BOWAN OOITNTT, 88ft
Hon. Oborqs Muvford repreteoted this County in 1810 and 1811, and this
District in Congrees in 1817, and died at Washington City in 1819, while in
Congress.
riARSON FAXILT.
Richmond Pearson, late of Davie, when it was Rowan, was born in Din-
widdie County, Yireinia, in 1770, and at the age of nineteen came to North
Carolina and settled in the forks of the Tadkin.
When the war of the Revolution broke out he was a Lieutenant in Captain
Bryan's company (afterwards thfe celebrated Colonel Bryan, of Tory memory).
After the Declaration of Independence, at the first muster which occurred,
he requested some in whom he could rely to load their guns. When Capt.
Bryan came on the ground, he ordered all the men into ranks. Pearson
renised, and tendered his commission to Bryan. Bryan ordered him under
arrest. This was resisted, and he was told that the men had their guns
loaded. Whereupon they came to a parley, and it was agreed by the crowd^
as matters then stood, that Bryan and Pearson, on a day fixed, should settle
this national affair by a fair fist fight, and whichever whipped, the company
should belong to the side of the conqueror, Whig or Tory. At the time and
place the parties met, and the Lieutenant was victor.
From this time the Fork company was for liberty, and Bryan's crowd, on
Dutchman's Creek, were Loyalists. The anecdote illustrates by what slight
circumstances events of this period were affected.
When Cornwallis came south, Pearson, with his company, endeavored to
harass his advance. He was present on the first of February, 1781, when
General Davidson fell, and witnessed the fall of that brave and meritorious
officer. lie was a successful merchant and enterprising planter. He effect-
ed the navigation of the Yadkin, from his mills, on South Yadkin, to the
narrows, and from thence, by land, below Grassy Islands, thence, by water,
to Sneedsboro', which was then a rival to Cheraw. He died in 1819.
By his first wife. Miss Hayden, he had three sons, Jesse A. Pearson,
Joseph and Richmond Pearson, and Betsey, who married.
Hon. John Stokes, who was a colonel in the Revolutionary War, and who
lost an arm in the affair of Buford's defeat, was U. S. District Judge, and
after whom Stokes County was called ; and eldest brother of the late Gover-
nor Montford Stokes.
Jksse a. Pearson was a member of the General Assembly in the House
of Commons in 1808, 1809, and in 1813 and 1814, from Rowan. He marched
in 1814, as colonel of a regiment, to the Creek nation, under General Joseph
Graham, and was aflerwaras elected Major-General of the State.
He had a duel with General Montford Stokes at Mason's old field, near
Salisbury.
He married, first, a daughter of General John Steele, and, second, Mrs.
Wilson, whose daughter, by a former husband, married Archibald G. Carter,
Esq., of Davie County. He died in 1823 without issue.
Hon. Joseph Pearson, who was a member of the House of Commons in
1804 and 1805, from Salisbury, was a lawyer by profession. He was mem-
ber of Congress from 1809 to 1815.
He had a duel, while in Congress, with Hon. John J. Jackson, about 1811,
on political grounds.
He died at Salisbury on the 27th of October, 1834.
He was thrice married. By his first wife, Miss M. Linn, he had no issue ;
by the second. Miss Ellen Brent, he had two daughters, one the wife of Ro-
bert Wash, of Philadelphia, the other wife of Lieat Farly, of the U. S. Navy ;
and by the tliird wife (Miss Worthington, of Georgetown), he left four chil-
dren, one of whom married John Jay.
Richmond married Miss McLinn. He WM never in public lifb, bat an
886 HISTOBT OV NORTH OA&OLIKA.
active, enterprising man. He, with George Fisher and a negro, passed the
ftdls of the ladkin in a boat — a feat never performed before, or since. By
his second wife. Col. Pearson left
1. Sarah, who married Isaac Groom, of Alabama.
2. Eliza, who married W. Q. Bently, of Bladen.
3. Charles, who died without issuo.
4. Hon. Richmond MaiiFORD Pearson, now one of the Judges of the Supreme
Court of North Carolina, who was bom in June 1803, educated at Statesville
bj John Mushat, and was graduated at Chapel Hill in June 1823. Studied
law under Judge Henderson ; licensed in 1826. He entered public life in
1829 as a member of the House of Commons from Rowan, and continued
until 1832 ; elected Judge of the Superior Courts of Law in 1836, and trans-
ferred to the Supreme Court in 1848, which elevated position he now occupies.
5. Giles N. Pearson, who was by profession a lawyer, married Miss Ellis,
and died in 1847, leaving a wife and five children.
6. John Stokes Pearson, who married Miss Beattie in Bladen County, died
in 1848, leaving four children.
HON. ARCHIBALD HENDERSON
Was long a resident and representative of Salisbury, one of her brightest
ornaments and distinguished sons. He was the son of a distinguished lather,
late Judge Richard Henderson (for whose biography see Vol. I. 116), and
was born in Granville County 7th Aug. 1768, and was educated in that
county; studied law with Judge Williams, his relative, and was pronounced
by one well qualified to judge, "the most perfect model of a lawyer that our
bar has produced."*
This sKetch was published soon after Mr. Henderson's death, by one who
knew him well ; and as it is far more accurate than anything I could offer, I
here present it.
" I became acquainted with Archibald Henderson in the year 1803, and from
that time to the time of his death, I looked to him as a model of that perfect
character in the profession of the law, which all his brethren should be am-
bitious to imitate. From him, judses might learn wisdom and discretion,
and lawyers the dignity of their profession and the high duties which it im-
poses. 1 here speak only of his professional character; that which he exhi-
nited to his country for more than twenty years, with a force and effect that
ought to be remembered as long as a reverence for our civil institutions shall
be cherished. No man could look upon him without pronouncing him one of
tiie great men of the age. The impress of greatness w'as upon his counte-
nance ; not that greatness which is the offspring of any single talent, or mo-
ral (quality ; but a greatness which is made up by blending the faculties of a
fine intellect vnth exalted moral feelings. Although he was at all times ac-
cessible, and entirely free from austerity, he seemed to live and move in an
atmosphere of dienity. He exacted nothing by his manner; yet all ap-
proached him with reverence, and lefl him with respect. The little quarrels
and contests of men were beneath him ; their bickerings, their envyings, their
slanderings, and all the workings of their little passions, kept at a distance
from him ; and I have often seen him discomfitea at the bar, when contend-
ing for his clients, in cases where the little passions onlv, had play. His
was the region of high sentiment ; and there he occupied a standing that
was pre-eminent in North Carolina. He contributed more than any man,
since the time of General Davie and Alfred Moore, to give character to the
bar of the State, and to impress upon the people a reverence for their Courts
of Justice. His career at the bar has become identified with the history of
North Carolina ; and his life and his example furnish themes for instruction
to gentlemen of the bench and to his brethren of the bar. May they study
his life and profit by his example !
''The Constitution and jurisprudence of his country were his favorite sta-
^ * Judge A. D. Murphy, (Oratiuo at Chapel Hill, 1827.)
, BOWAK OOUKTT. 887
dies. Profonnd reflection had generalized his ideas, and giren to his political
and legal learning a scientific cast. No man of the age better unaerstood
the theory of oor government; no man more admired it; and no man gave
more practical proofs of his admiration. The sublime idea that he lirea on-
der a goTemment of laws, was forever uppermost in his mind, and seemed to
give a coloring to all his actions. As he acknowledged no dominion bat that
of the laws, he bowed with reverence to their authority, and taught obedience
no less by his example than by his precept. To the humblest officer of ius-
tice, he was respecttul ; the vices of private character were overlooked, when
the individual stood before him clothed with judicial authority. In the
county courts, when the iustices of the peace administered the law, he was
no less respectful in his deportment and submission to their decisions, than
in the highest tribunal of tne State. lie considered obedience to the laws to
be the first duty -of a citizen ; and it seemed to be the great object of his pro-
fessional life, to inculcate a sense of this duty, and to give to the administra-
tion of the laws an impressive character. To understand his character, and
profit by that understanding, we should consider it first in its relation to the
court ; and, secondly, in its relation to the bar.
"1. In its relation to the Court. — In North Carolina the courts of justice
are the principal schools of instruction to the people. The discussions which
there take place, and the contestations which are there carried on, and lis-
tened to with eagerness, by people who attend, sharpen their understandings,
and improve their general stock of knowledge ; while the lashings which vice
receives, and the praise and commendation given to virtue, make moral im-
pressions of the most salutary kind. There is taught the ereat lesson of«
obedience to the laws, and of reverence for their administration. The men
who administer the law in courts of justice, act under a responsibility that
is not often appreciated. Neither a jud^e nor a lawver should ever enter a
court of justice without a due sense of this responsibility ; and when there»
each should act his part with decorum and firmness. The duties of each are
well defined ; the rights of each well ascertained. No man understood the
one or the other better than Archibald Henderson. To inspire a reverence
for the laws, an impression must be made and continually enrorced by every-
thing that passes, tnat they are administered with purity, without favor, pas-
sion, or caprice ; and as to the criminal law, that it is administered in mercy.
Whatever may be. the character of the judge, this impression cannot be made
and enforced without the aid of the bar. The lawyers are the pillars which
support the respectability and authority of the judge. A conviction of this
truth regulated Mr. Henderson's conduct to the court.
** He often said he had known bat few men who were suited for the bench :
he had known many good lawyers, and but few good judges. There were
so many qualifications requisite for a good judge, that they were rarely found
combined. At the head of these qualifications, legal learning is generally
placed, and is chiefly looked to in making appointments to the bench. Mr.
Henderson was of opinion that good common sense and discretion of mind
were the first qualifications; an intimate acquaintance with mankind, and
particularly witn the middle and lower classes of people, their passions, feel-
ings, prejudices, modes of thinking, and motives of action, was the second;
a good moral character, with chastened feeliugs and subdned passions, the
third ; independence of mind and energy of will, the fourth ; and leg^ learn-
ing, the fifth. For this reason, he thought it unwise tu appoint young men
to the bench, let their legal acquirements be ever so great ; or men advanced
in years, who were either too proud or too indolent to mix with the great
mass of the people, whose society is the school of that common sense and
sound discretion, so neoessary in a judge; and the want of which makes the
administration of the laws fall most heavy upon the lower classes of the peo-
ple, where it ought to be the lightest. This is most severely felt in the ad-
ministration of the criminal law, where the obscurity of the individual excites
no interest in his favor, and the ignorance of the judge of his character, hit
education, his passions, prejudices, and motives of action, subjects him to a
punishment which he does not deserve. It is on this account wat the obs cur*
888 HISTOBT OF NORTH CABOLIKA.
and hambl« in life bsye peculiar olaims npon the sjmpatbj of the bar; and
BOY bosom has often swelled with emotion when I have witnessed the efforts
of Mr. Henderson in their faTor.
'*The want of this common sense and discretion of mind is most commonly
perceiyed in the infliction of punishments; in imposing unreasonable fines,
Mad in inflicting imprisonment where there is no deprayity of heart. Upon
this subject Mr. Henderson entertained the opinion, that imprisonment, in
our government, was a punishment so infamous, that it should be inflicted
but seldom, except for offences ^owine out of the depravity of the heart;
that it ought never to be inflicted for oSbuccs proceeding from the ordinary
passions of our nature: that these were weaknesses, rather than crimes.
** The history of North Carolina furnishes no instance of direct oorruption
on the bench ; yet there is a weakness in human nature, from which the beet
of men is sometimes not free, and which, when it finds its way to the bench,
is attended, perhaps, with worse consequences than direct corruption. It is
that weakness in a judge, which induces him to lean upon a particular law-
yer, a weakness of which the judge himself is often unconscious, but which
IS soon perceived and felt by the bar and the people. There is no weakness
in a juage so much to be deplored as this; inasmuch as it not only leads to
error, but gives to the particular lawyer an improper advantage over his breth-
ren, and subverts the reverence of the people for the court. It is a weakness
infinitely worse than favoritism to particular men who are parties in suits ;
for favoritism may be diseuised, but leaning upon a lawyer is obvious to all
who attend court Mr. Henderson's great character at the bar, bia acknow-
• lodged legal learning, his known candor, all conspired to make him the object
of tnis weakness; and I have seen him more than once shake off a judge who
wished to lean on him. He scorned to help his client's cause by mvoring a
weakness which, in the judgment of common people, pollutes the streams of
justice as much as downright corruption. He entertained the most profound
contempt for that class of men, who, being appointed to the bench, are fond
of dlspla^ngthe powers of their official stations, " cutting caperi" as the vul-
gar call It Those men generally claim a consequence to which they are not
entitled, and seek to operate on the fears of the bar and the people, instead
of trying to gain their respect and reverence ; commit men to jail for imagi-
nary contempt, and treat with insolence bystanders, parties, and witnesses.
Mr. Henderson detested judicial insolence as much as he abhorred judicial
^anny, and delighted to dwell upoh an anecdote of the late Judge Wilds,
of South Carolina, who, upon calling a cause for trial and learning that a
material witness of one or the parties was intoxicated and unable to give
testimony, with a benevolence and good nature that adorned him, adjourned
the trial until the witness could beconie sober. Some men that I have seen
on the bench, would have committed the witness to pail. These men do not
know the difference between inspiring terror and mspirinc respect. It is
beneath the dignity of the court, and unworthy of the spirit of our institu-
tions, to address a freeman's ^ear*. Nobler motives should {^vem him, and
nobler passions should be addressed, to bring him back to his duty, if he go
astray. There is no disposition in the people of North Carolina to treat their
officers of justice with disrespect They are obedient to the laws, and delight
to cherish a respect for men in authority. This disposition on their part
should never meet with anything that savored of judicial insolence. There
is a dignity of deportment which becomes the majesty of tiie laws, and that
dignity every judge should strive to acquire, and uniformly exhibit it when
discharging his official duties. That dignity so necessary on the bench, and
jud^, felt himself honored and sustained by his deoorum and respectful be-
navior. But if his conduct to the court was exemplary, his oonanct to his
brethren of the bar was still more so. To them all he was kind and indul-
gent; to the young men of the profession, who did not stand aloof firom him.
&OWAN COUNTT. 889
he was literally a father, encouraging them to nerscTere, advising them as to
their eourse of stadies, instructing them and aiaing them in the management
of their causes. Some stood in awe of him and seldom approached him ; his
age, bis yenerable appearance, his majesty of character, seemed to intimidate
them and keep them at a distance. He was conscious of his high standing,
and never committed himself, nor put his reputation at risk. He always
oame to the trial of his causes well prepared ; and if the state of his health
or his want of preparation seemed likely to jeopardixe bis reputation in the
management or his client's cause, he would decline the trial until a more
favorable time. The courts in which he practiced, and his brother lawyers,
understood the delicacy of his feelings upon this point so well, that they ex-
tended to him the indulgence he reouired ; and a knowledge of this part of
his character gave confidence to his clients, and attracted crowds of people to
hear his speeches. When he rose at the bar, no one expected to hear com-
mon-place matter ; no one looked for a cold, vapid, or phlegmatic harangue.
Ilis great excellence as a speaker consisted in an earnestness and dignity of
manner, and strong powers of reasoning. He seized one or two strong points,
and these he illustrated and enforced. He avoided refinement in argument,
both to the court and to the jury. His exordium was generally short, and
^ways appropriate. He despised the apologedc exordium so fashionable
with some speakers ; an exordium that suits one case as well as another, and
never fails, when persevered in, to make the speaker appear ridiculous. He
quickly marched up to the great point in controversy, making no manoeuvre
as if he were afraid to" approach it, or was desirous of attacking it by surprise.
The confidence be exhibited of success, he gradually imparted to his hearers ;
he grew more warm and earnest as he advanced in his argument, and seising
the critical moment for enforciqe conviction, he brought forth his main argu-
ment, pressed it home, and ouickly sat dowDi In great causes, bis eloquenoe
and manner were irresistible. He despised long speeches, and abhorred
petty altercation and wrangling at the bar. The great object of his profes-
sional life, as has been before stated, was to inspire a reverence for the ad-
ministration of the laws. Nothing detracts more from this reverence, than a
want of dignity in the gentlemen of the bar. Altercation and wrangling are
the reverse of*^ dignity; and although they gratify the appetites of vulgar
clients, they are a reproach upon the lawyers who indulge in them, and upon
the court that tolerates them. Instead of being a tribunal for the exalted
and sacred purpose of administering justice, the court becomes an arena into
which the lawyers descend to vrield the weapons of little and contemptible
passions. They ought, upon all occasions, to bear in mind, that they are
officers of justice, and that upon them, more than any other class of society,
is imposed the high duty of impressing upon the community a reverence for
the laws, and for the courts in which those laws are administered.
'* There was one trait in Mr. Henderson's manner of conducting a cause in
court, which I greatly admired; it was his manner of examining witnesses.
He was as polite and decorous to them as to the court. He asked no un-
necessary questions, and every witness that came into court, felt a confidence
that from him he should receive no insolent or impertinent treatment. He
disliked excessively the never ending interrogatories that are frequently put
to witnesses ; and he disliked still more the noisy and boisterous manner in
which these interrogatories are sometimes put. He said this manner was not
only undignified, and had a tendency to lessen the respect of the people for
their courts, but that it often prevented the course of justice by intimidating
witnessess, and thereby either suppressing material facts, or giving them an
improper coloring.
'* As he advanced in life, he seemed more and more anxious that the laws
should be interpreted and administered by the rules of common sense. He,
in a great degree, lost his reverence for artificial rules. He said the laws
were made for the people, and they should be interpreted and administered
by rules which they understood, whenever it was practicable. That com-
mon sense belonged to the people in a higher degree than to learned men,
890 HIST0B7 OF KOBTH OA&OLIKA.
and that to interpret laws by rules which were at Tariance with the rales
of common sense, necessarily lessened the respect of the people for the laws ;
indaced them to belieye, that courts and lawyers contriyed unintelligible
mysteries in the science, merely for the purpose of supporting the profes-
sion of lawyers. He said the rules of pedantry did not suit this country
nor this age ; that common sense had acquired dominion in politics and re-
ligion, and was fast acquiring an absolute dominion in the law. That
judges and lawyers should have the indebendence and magnanimity to strip
off the yeil of mystery from eyery brancn of the law, and root oat all the
remains of a ridiculous pedantry, simplify the science, and make it intelligi-
ble, as far as possible, to the understanding of the common people.
"In his professional character, Mr. Ilenderson resembled the late Mr. Jen-
kins Whitesides, of Tennessee, more than any man I haye seen. Each stood
at the head of the bar of his respective State ; they were about the same ase,
and size— both large men — they died about the same time ; and those who
know how to appreciate the usefulness of such men in professional life, will
long remember their example, and regret their death.
" The respect and affection which a long and intimate acc^naintance with
Mr. Henderson produced and cherished, has induced me to write this account
of his professional character. I hope the brethren of the bar in the western
Eart of this State will erect a monument to his memory uiat shall perpetuate
is name long after this humble tribute of hb friend shall be forgotten. I
did not sit down to write a memoir of his life, nor to exhibit his priyate yii^
toes. Some more able hand will do justice to his priyate character."
He represented this District in Congress in 1799 to 1803, and represented
the town of Salisbury in the Assembly in 1807, 1808, and 1819. He died 2l8t
October, 1822. He left, by his marriage with Sarah, daughter of William
Alexander, and sister of n illiam Alexander and Goyernor Nathaniel Alex-
ander, two children, Archibald Henderson, of Salisbury, who now resides
near Salisbury, and a member of the Council of State, and Mrs. Boyden, wife
of Hon. Nathaniel Boyden. *
The following is a copy of his Monument in the Lutheran Churchyard at
Salisbury.
In Memory of
Archibald Henderson,
to whom his associates at the Bar haye erected
this Monument
to mark their yeneration for the character of
a Lawyer
who illustrated their profession by the extent of his learning
and the
unblench'd integrity of his life:
of a man
who sustained and embellished all the relations
of Social Life
with rectitude and beneyolence:
of a Citizen
who, eleyated by the natiye dignity of his mind aboye the
atmosphere of selfishness and party, pursued
calmly, yet zealously, the true interest of his country.
His loss was felt with a sincere, general and
unmixed Sorrow.
Decissit xxi Die Octobris,
Anno Domini cio,dccc,xxii, ^t. susD uy.
John Giles was born in Rowan County; educated at the Uniyersity ;
graduated in 1808 ; studied law, and was its honored member for more than
thirty years; for a long time Clerk of Rowan County Conrt^ and in 1829 was
&OWAN COUFTT. 891
elected to Congress, but declined on account of ill health. He died a few
years since, loved and esteemed foy all who knew him.
Hon. Dayid Franklin Caldwell resides now in Salisbury, and is a native
of Iredell County, for a sketch of whom see Iredell County, page 217.
Hon. Wm. C. Love resided in this county: he was a native of Yirffinia;
reared at the University, at which in 1799 his father was Steward. He was
a lawyer by profession, and in 1815 represented this District in Congress.
Hon. Charles Fisher.*
"What eotutitiUes a Stats?
Not high raised battlements or labored mound ^
Thick tcail or motUed ^tej
Not Cities prottdj with spires and turrets erofcn^df
Nor bays and broad arm' a ports^
Where^ laughing at the storm^ rich navies ride,
Nor starred nor spangled courts^
Where louf-brow d baseness wafts perfums to pride !
Noy Men, high-minded men —
li/fen, who their duties htow,
But know their rights, and /knowing dare maintain J**
Sib Wiluaii Jonbs.
The deep sensation which pervades our State, caused by the recent death
of Charles Fisher, is evidence of the high appreciation with which his cha-
racter, services, and talents were regarded.
Associated as have been his services, with the history of the State for the
last thirty years, it is alike due to such services, as well as a tribute to his
talents and virtues, that some memorial should be preserved which should
truthfully present them to the country.
Such is a grateful oblation to departed worth. Not only is this a duty dis-
charged to the dead, but a moral benefit may result to the living. It acts as
an incentive to others, while they admire his services and brilliant career, to
emulate his patriotic example.
(( O, who shall lightly say thai Fams
Is nothing but an empty name,
While in that name there is a eharm
The nerves to brace, the heart to warm^
■ When, thinking on the mighty deadj
The youth shau rouse from slothful bed,
And vow with uplift hand and neart^
Like him to art a noble part.**
A record of such services acts directlv on others. Sallust informs os that
Maximus and Scipio, whenever they beheld the marble statues of their illus-
trious countrymen, were violently excited. " It could not," he said, " be the
cold marble that possessed this mighty power. It was the recollection of
noble actions which kindled this generous flame in their breasts, only to be
quenched when they also, by their actions and virtues, had acquired equal
mutation."
The character of her sons chiefly constitutes the character of a State. They
elevate or degrade her.
North Carolina, in the death of Charles Fisher, has lost one of her most
enterprising citizens ; Rowan CCunty, one of its brightest ornaments ; society,
one of its most useful members.
An untiring energy of character, a clear and comprehensive intellect, a
penetrating and persuasive (if not commanding) eloquence, knowledge, deep
and varied, both of men and books, elevated him to high and responsible
Btations in our republic; and his merits were always equsa to his position.
* This sketch was prepared soon a(\er the death of Mr. Fisher, and as it was collated
from documents and authentic sources, and written by the author, it is here inserted.
34
892 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
As a statesman, He was patriotio, liberal and undaonted ; as a citisen, be
was public spirited, generous, and aotiye ; and as a friend, be was devoted,
unflincbing, and sincere.
To say tbat be bad no faults, would be to say tbat be wiu more than man.
Actively engaged, as be often was, by circumstances in tbe angry conflicts of
party, it is not to be disguised that wbile a warm and sanguine temperament
produces " troops of friends," it ^so, sometimes, creates enemies. But Mr.
tisber cberisbed no malice. If be neyer forgot bis friends, be forgate his
enemies. Even those who felt tbe energy of bis character, and tbe power of his
intellect in discussion, when the contest was over, acknowledged the gene-
rosity of his temper, fairness and candor of his argument, and the nobleness
of his disposition. When the news of his death reached Salisbury, a public
meeting was held on the melancholy occasion ; many who were always politi-
oally opposed to him, united in it, and one of the most active in that meeting
was a gentleman who was bis opponent for Congress, in a heated and violent
contest, in 1830.*
It is a redeeming and noble feature in bnman character, not to war against
the powerless, or the dead. In the beat of contest,
** J%at 8t«m joy which warriors fetlt
In finding foemen worthy ofthtir stetl^^^
animates us ; but the contest once over, the merits and virtues of a generous
adversary are appreciated and acknowledged.
This was the case with Charles Fisher. Such men are alike tbe ornament and
defence of a State. Their character and memory are its peculiar property, to
be cherished as the Roman matron did her brave sons, as ner brightest jewels.
If there be some among us, who knew well tbe original, and with whom the
excitement of party and personal conflicts are still f^h ; this feeble portrait,
although truthfully sketcned, ma^ seem too highly colored ; it should oe recol-
lected, that the most faithful artist often feels at liberty to bide some minor
defects of countenance, by the light or shade of some bold, prominent, and
commendable traits of feature.
Let us all cherish the recollection of talents, services and virtues, of departed
worth, and such faults as are inseparable from our nature, be buried m ^e
grave with the relics of fallen humaniW I
Charles Fisher was bom in Rowan County on the 20th October, 1789. His
father removed from Shenandoah County, Vir^nia, to Rowan County, before
the Revolution, and was a sturdy republican in 1776, and served in the war
as a militia officer.
His education was conducted under the care of the Rev. Dr. John Robinson,
at Poplar Tent, in Cabarrus County ; and finished by the Rev. Dr. McPheeters,
of RaJeigh. It never extended beyond this.
He studied the law, and obtained a license to praotioe, but such was the
demand made on his time by other pursuits, he never practised it to any ex-
tent. Doubtless, had his exclusive attention been devoted to the profession,
from bis natural quickness of perception, his ready tact, his strong and com-
prehensive reason, and laborious research, he would have obtained the highest
eminence.
Fortune had marked out for him another career, to which his elementary
knowledge of the law was an important aid ; and in this, he shone oonspieaous.
His first appearance in public life was in 1818, as a Senator in the -State
Legislature trom Rowan, in 1819, on the death of the Hon. George Momford,
he was elected as a member of the House of Representatives, in Congress, by
.a majority of three hundred and five votes, over Ih, W. Jones. In 1820, he
was a^n re-elected to Cong^ss, for a fiill term, by a large m^ority over
Hon. John Long. After serving throughout this Congress, he retired from
the toils and fatigues of its services, to attend to the welfiue and happiness
of bis young and rising family. But the people did not Ulow him to remain
entirely abstracted from their service. In 1821, he was elected a member of
* Dr. Pleasant Henderaoo.
ROWAN COUNTY. 898
tbe Ilouse of Commons, from Rowan County. From this time to 1836, he
served in the Honse of Commons, almost oontinnonsly, as a member, either
from the County of Rowan or the Borough of Salisbury, a long and unusual
period of public service. In 1831-32, he was chosen Speaker of the House
of Commons. Those who served with him (among whom was the writer of
this) recollect with great satisfaction, the dignity and ease with which he pre-
sided over the deliberations of the House, composed of such men as Gaston,
Nash, Henry, Eocles, Hill, Bragg, and others.
The readiness with which he perceived, and the promptness with which he
decided all parliamentary questions, his urbanity, and impartiality, elicited
universal approbation.
In 1835, ne, with the late Hon. John Giles, was a delegate, from Rowan,
in the Convention, called to amend the Constitution of the State. This was
an important occasion. This was the first Convention that had set in the
State after her Independence had been achieved.
Important (questions had arisen — conflicting interests were to be reconciled,
and great principles discussed. The people felt this, and sent their ablest
m^n, such as Nathaniel Macon, Wm. Gaston, John Branch, J. J. Daniel, D.
L. Swain, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Jesse Speight, Samuel P. Carson, Weldon
N. Edwards, and others to this Convention.
Here, Mr. Fisher's industry, talents, and acquirements, shone conspicu-
ously. The debates of this body show that he took a most active part in its
proceedings.
His views on the Freedom of Suffrage, Religious Toleration, and Popular
Rifl^ts, were liberal and statesmanlike. 4
He was one of the Committee hj whom the present Constitution, as it now
exists, was drafted, and was one of the most uscfhl members of the Conven-
tion.
In 1839 he was again brought forward as a candidate for Congress. This
campaign will be long remembered.
His principles and nis party were in a laree minority. The opposition was
active, and its candidate (Dr. Pleasant Henderson) was talented and popular.
Mr. Fisher was elected by a migority of 183 votes. His minority of 300 votes
at Salisbury, among his neighbors and daily associates, proved their high
appreciation of his worth as a man, and as a faithful friend.
After serring through this Coneress, he retired to give his undivided atten-
tion to his private concerns, whidi from his constant and unremitting labors
in poblic life, demanded all his energy and talents. Here he displayed the
same qualities in private, as he had in public life ; it was soon manifest
in his success. But it was not his destiny to be allowed by the people to
remain in retirement. In 1845, while absent from the State, he was nomi-
nated by a District Convention of the Democratic party, as a candidate for
Congress, in the district then represented by Hon. D. M. Barrlnger. He
refused, at first, to allow his name to be used ; but finally he consented, much
against his wishes, interests, and private matters.
He engaged in the canvass as he did in everything else, with all his heart
and mind. The District was large; he addressed his fellow-citizens at every
place he possibly could, at great length, and often twice a day, sometimes
riding more than fiity miles without rest ; and when he could not so, he was
active in writing and sending printed addresses to the people. Such were his
exertions, such the force ana ingenuity of his arguments, that he only lost his
election by 27 votes in a district, which, when he commenced the canvass was
supposed to contain an overwhelming minority against him. This is the only
eledion in which he ever failed b^ore the people ; and such was the effect of
bis efforts, that his political opponents did not think the district any longer
reliable, and altered it at the next session of the Legislature.
At various times he was balloted for in the Legislature, as Senator in
Congress. At one time (1839) only a few votes would have elected him.
In 1846 he was the unanimous choice of his party in the State for Governor.
He was compelled to decline it, on account of his private affairs. He wrote
a letter to the Convention, he being absent from the State, declining for the
394 HIBTOBT, OF KOBTH OAROLIKA.
reason stated, and the Hon. G. W. Caldwell was nominated. He also declined
on account of ill-health, and his private affairs ; and Mr. Sheppard (James
B.) was chosen by the Central Committee.
Deeply imbued in the principles of republicanism, Mr. Fisher was the
strong advocate of the rights ot the people, against the encroachments of
privileges and power.
Welfversed m the history and theory of our Constitation, he was the firm,
undaunted, and unyielding friend of state-rights against federal encroach-
ments and usurpations. The last effort he ever made in public that the
writer of this recollects, was in 1848, on the invitation of the citiaens of
Catawba County, when he with the Hon. H. W. Conner, Burton Craige,
Esq., and others, addressed them on the true principles (as he conceived) of
the Government.
It would swell this sketch far beyond the proper limits, to discuss, or even
allude to the various public measures that he originated and advocated among
the people, in the Legislature, or in Congress ; or to make extracts from his
various reports, or copy his various speeches. These belong ta some other
pen. When some future Plutarch shall endeavor to present to North Carolina
the names, services, and labors of her sons, he can find ample material in the
records of the State, and the nation, to do justice to Mr. Fisher's reputa^n
and memory.
He died at Hillsboro', Scott County, Mississippi, on his way home, after
an illness of some ten or twelve days, on 7th May, 1849, in the 6Dth year of
his ase. He married, in April, 1814, Christina Beard, daughter of Lewis
Beard, of Salisbury, by whom he had several children, three of whom survive,
a son and two daughters. His wife died June, 1848, on her return from Flo-
rida. Although he lies buried Car away, his name and fame belong to
Nprth Carolina.
Hon. John Willis Ellis, now one of our judges of the Superior Courts,
resides in Salisbury. He was bom in Rowan, now Davidson County, 23d
Nov. 1820. His early education was conducted under Robert Allison, Esq.,
at Beattie's Ford, and was continued at Randolph Macon College, in Virginia;
and finished at the University, where he graduated in 1841. He studied law
with Judge Pearson.
His entrance into public life was as a member of the House of Commons,
in 1844, from Rowan, and he continued until 1848, at which session he was
elected a judge of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity, which elevated
position he at present occupies.
Hon. Nathaniel Botden resides in Salisbury. He was bom in Franklin
township, Massachusetts, eighteen miles from Northampton, on 16th August,
1796, where his father, John Bovden, now resides, at the advanced itfe of
eighty-eight years. He graduated at Union College, Schenectady, New York,
in 18^1, and the next year he removed to North Carolina. He settled in
Stokes County, where ne taught school. He studied law, and married Ruth,
the daughter of Hugh Martin of this county. In 1838 he represented Stokes
in the House of Commons, and again in 1840.
On the death of Mrs. Bovden he removed to Salisbury in 1842, and in 1844
represented Rowan in the Senate. He married in this county the daughter
of the late Hon. Archibald Henderson, in Dec. 1845, and in 1847 was
elected to Congress from this District, which, after serving one Congress,
he declined for the more lucrative and germane duties of his profession.
Hamilton C. Jokes resides in Rowan County, and has been often the re-
presentative from this county. He was born in 1798, in Greenville, Virginia,
educated at our University, anQ was graduated in 1818, in the same class
with James K. Polk, Bishop Green, of Mississippi, Rev. Dr. Robert H. Mor-
rison, Governor William D. Mosely, Hugh Waddell, Esq., Robert Donaldson,
and others. He read law with Jud^ Gaaton, in Newbera, and entered pub-
lic life in 1827, as a member of the House of Commons, and again in 1^,
and in 1838 and U40.
• BOWAK COUKTY. 895
He was elected Solicitor in 1840, and re-elected in 1844. He has estab-
lished a reputation as a writer, of great wit and fancy in his tales of
" Cousin SaJly Dillard," " McAlpin's Trip to Charleston/' and other pro-
ductions.
His efforts in the Legislature in 1828 on the bill of Robbrt Pottbr to reduce
the salary of the Judges, was considered as fatal to that agrarian project; his
speech on the bill to prosecute the banks took a view of that question that
excited the admiration of some of the ablest men in the House ; and his
speech on the bill to locate the Judgbs, was unanswerable in its argument,
withering in its satire, and triumphant in its humor.
Burton Craig resides in Salisbury, who has been a representative from
this town, and a prominent member of the bar. His ancestors are of genuine
revolutionary stock. His father, David Craig, as will be seen by the record,
was an officer in the company of Captain William Temple Coles, and was
distinguished for his bravery and patriotic daring.
Burton Craig was born in Kowan, 13th March, 1811. He was prepared
for college by Reverend Jonathan Otis Freeman, and was graduated at
Chapel Hill in 1829. In 1832 Mr. Craig was a member from the town of Salis-
bury in the House of Commons, and in 1834 from the County of Rowan. In
1836 he visited Europe for his health, which was then very feeble, and was
much benefited, and since he has returned he has devoted himself entirely
to the law.
Mr. Craig married Elizabeth, daughter of Colonel James Erwin, of Burke,
in 1836.
John B. Lord, who recently died (June 1851), amid the lamentations
of his fond family and friends, was a patriotic and useful citizen of Salis-
bury. He was a native of Wilmington, of good family, fine acquirements,
and benevolent feelings. In 1842 and 1844 he was a member of the
House of Commons, and at the time of his death a Director of the Central
Railroad.
Gold Hill
Is situated in the County of Rowan, fourteen miles south of Salisbury,
near the public road leading to Cheraw, S. C, and immediately north of the
Cabarrus line, adjoining that county.
The name of this place originated in the following manner. In the month
of March, 1843, a public meeting was called by the miners for the purpose
of giving the place a name, and petitioning to the Post Office Department for
the establishment of a Post Office.
The meeting was held at the Cross Roads in the woods. A variety of names
were suggested, some after the persons holding the mines, others after the
discoverers, &c., but none of thom being agreed upon, on the suggestion of
the chairman (Col. George Barnhart), Gold Hill was finally adopted.
The mining operations commenced in September, 1842, on the lands of
Andrew Troutman, under the management of A. Honeycutt and Culps.
They confined their operations to washing the surface, on the head of a drain
near the place now called the Honeycutt Mine.
On the 7th of Dec. 1842, John Peck, N. K. Barrineer, and others, a com-
pany of ten, commenced operations on the land of John Troutman, and sunk
several shafts. They were the first that discovered the gold ores, and opened
veins, some of which were very rich, but their large veins were generally
poor. This mine was worked to the depth of one hundred and fifty-five feet,
and yielded $40,000 of sold.
In the latter part of Dec. 1842, A. Honeycutt, Culps, and Co., (above
mentioned,) discovered their veins, the ores of which were very rich. This
mine is worked to the depth of one hundred and eighty-five feet, and has
yielded $101,665.
In Jan. 1843, John Barnhart and Co., knowp as the Barnhart Company,
made Uieir dlBCoyeries on the land of George Heiliok. They opened two
896 HISTOBT OF NORTH CA20LINA.
Teins, running parallel about a hundred yards apart, and are from one foot
to four feet thicK.
This ore has general! j been rich. This company had a lease for six yean,
worked the mine two hundred and sixty feet deep, and for two years used &
steam engine. During the last two years sixty (o ninety hancu hare been
worked in this mine. The length of the pocket of ore, at its longest point,
was two hundred feet. This vein had an inclination of ten feet to the one
hundred, and yielded two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000). After this
the vein was worked by Heilick, Bamhart, and Co., and yielded $10,000.
In Feb. 1843, Peter Eamhart, Eagner and Co., opened a large vein (a part
of it Tery rich), which is worked to the depth of two hundred and eighty feet
by the aid of a steam engine. This mine is on the land of Philip Eamhart,
and the books of the company show that it yielded from 1846 to July, 1851,
993,000 worth of gold. The estimates between the years 1843 and 1847
cannot be correctly ascertained, as the ores were ground in small mills and
divided out.
In March, 1843, David McMaokin, Miller and Co., discoyered a vein on the
land of Jacob Troutman, in Cabarrus County, within one mile of Gold Hill,
which is very rich, has been worked to the depth of one hundred feet, and
yielded $20,000 worth of gold.
In July, 1843, Jennings, Crowell and Co., opened a large yein on the land
of David Troutman, which contains a large mass of ore, and is from thirty
to forty feet thick, but is poor. This mine is very near the Cabarrus line,
and is now owned by a company from Philadelphia, who have lately pat
up a fine steam engine and a number of stamps, and bids fair to do well.
Immediately souUi of this in Cabarrus, is a mine worked about one bun*
dred feet deep, known as " McMackin's Silver Mine." This has been prin-
cipally worked by men not experienced in that kind of ore, who have never
used any machinery by which to work to advantage. From appearances
this ore must be very abundant. It has been tested by a number of chemists,
who all concur in saying the ore is valuable, and would pay well if the proper
means were used to get it out.
There are also other veins here, containing, in combination, ores of lead,
silver, and gold, which have never been opened more than one or two feet in
depth. There is also a small vein of copper ore, which has been worked
some few feet in depth, and is said to yiela in assaying seventy-five per cent.
As long since as 1825, Prof. Olmsted, while on a geological survey, yisited
this country, and expressed the opinion that it was rich in minerals. And
in his report to the Legislature ot '27, he made the following reference to
this particular land, under the head of ** Manganese:" " The best bed of it
(manganese), however, hitherto noticed, is in the north-eastern comer of
Cabarrus, on the lands of Mr. McMaokin, which is, perhaps, sufficiently pare
and abundant to make it worth carrying to market."
The usual rates given to the proprietor, as toll or rent for the privilege of
working the mines, is one-seventh of what the mine yields.
Between the years 1843 and 1847, there were about thirty or forty horse-
power mills at this place, such as cast-iron circular runners and drag-mills,
the operators of which kept no books, and many of them have left the place,
consequently I shall lose a large amount in making my estimates.
The gold veins, in some places, point above the surface, and always form
immediately below. As soon as you strike the rock« the formation is slate,
and the ore is called slate-ore, though the ore differs in appearance from the
slate formation on the sides of the veins, being of a redaish-brown color to
the depth of sixty, eighty, and, in some instances, one hundred feet.
It then appears in the form of pyrites, combined vrith iron and sulphur,
becoming very heavy. The formation is one mile wide, and contains many
veins.
^ Many of these veins which have been worked, have produced a large quan-
tity of gold ; but as they are not of sufficient importance to note singly^ will
be taken together with those small mills and set down at $100,000 worth.
Gold Hill is situated on a fine level plain, running from nortii-east to sooth-
BOWAH COTTim.
88T
west, on the diyiding ridge between Dutch Buffalo and Long Creek. Its
population, in 1848, was between 800 and 1000.
The health of the locality is equal to any village in the State.
Its water possesses mineral properties not surpassed in the United States,
and many persons afflicted with chronic diseases, such as dyspepsia, rheu-
matism, &c., have been relieved by visiting the place and using the water.
There are seven steam-engines, five stores, one tavern, four doctors, besides
different mechanics, as blacksmiths, carriage-makers, boot and shoemakers,
saddle and harness-makers, brick and stonemasons, silversmiths, &c. Gold
Hill is one of the best markets in the middle or western part of the State,
and all country ]^roduce will bring good prices and ready sale.
The following is the aggregate of gold round in and about Gold Hill by the
different companies, from Jan., 1843, to July, 1851, viz. : —
Honey cutt. Gulp, and Co., ------ $101,665
Field Company, 40,000
Barnhart, Mauney, and Co., ----- 200,000
Heilick, Barnhart, and Co., 10,000
Holmes, Earnhart, and Co., 95,000
Troutman and McMackin, 20,000
Walls and Houston, 30,000
E. and N. Mauny, 30,000
Carter, Honeycutt, and Co., - - - - - 20,000
Coffin, Worth, and Co., 150,000
A. Miller and Co., 5,000
Miscellaneous, 100,000
$801,665
Members of the House of Commons from Salisbury from 1777
to 1835.
Years. Hoose of Commons.
1777. David Nesbett.
1778. Matthew Troy.
1779. Maxwell Chambers.
1780. Anthony Newman.
1781. Anthony Newman.
1782. Anthony Newman.
1783. Anthony Newman.
1784. Anthony Newman.
1785. Thomas Frohock.
1786. Thomas Frohock.
1787. John Steele.
1788. John Steele.
1789. Maxwell Chambers.
1791. Lewis Beard.
1792. Lewis Beard.
1793. Lewis Beard.
1794. John Steele.
1795. John Steele.
1796. Evan Alexander.
179T. John Newman.
1798. Evan Alexander.
1799. Evan Alexander.
1800. Evan Alexander.
1801. Evan Alexander.
1802. Evan Alexander.
1803. Evan Alexander.
1804. Joseph Pearson.
1805. Joseph Pearson.
1806. John Steele.
Years. House of Commons.
1807. Archibald Henderson.
1808. Archibald Henderson.
1809. Archibald Henderson.
1810. Joseph Chambers.
1811. John Steele.
1812. John Steele.
1813. John Steele.
1814. Archibald Henderson.
1815. John L. Henderson.
1816. John L. Henderson.
1817. Stephen L. Ferrand.
1818. John Beard, Jr.
1819. Archibald Henderson.
1820. Archibald Henderson.
1821. Charles Fisher.
1822. Alfred McKay.
1823. John L. Henderson.
1824. John L. Henderson.
1825. David F. CaldweU.
1826. Charles Fisher.
1827. Charles Fisher.
1828. Charles Fisher.
1829. Charles Fisher.
1830. Charles Fisher.
1831. Charles Fisher.
1832. Burton Craie.
1833. Kichd. H. Alexander.
1834. Kichd. H. Alexander.
1835. William Chambers.
398
HISTORY OF NORTH OAEOLINA.
The Borough representation was abolished by the Convention of
1835, assembled at Raleigh to amend the Constitution.
Members of the General Assembly from Rowan County.
years. Senate.
1777. Griffith Rutherford,
1778. Griffith Rutherford,
1779. Griffith Rutherford,
1780. Griffith Rutherford,
1781. Matthew Lock,
1782. Matthew Lock,
1783. Griffith Rutherford,
1784. Griffith Rutherford,
1785. Griffith Rutherford,
1786. Griffith Rutherford,
1787. Geo. II. Berger,
1788. Basil Gaither,
1789. Geo. H. Berger,
1790. Geo. H. Berger,
1791. Geo. II. Berger,
1792. Geo. H. Berger,
1793. Lewis Beard,
1794. William Cathey,
1795. William Cathey,
1796. Basil Gaither,
1797. Basil Gaither,
1798. Basil Gaither,
1799. Basil Gaither,
1800. Basil Gaither,
1801. Basil GaiUicr,
1802. Basil Gaither,
1803. George Fisher,
1804. Jacob Fisher,
1805. Matthew Brandon,
1806. Jacob Fisher,
1807. Jacob Fisher,
1808. Jacob Fisher,
1809. Jacob Fisher,
1810. Jacob Fisher,
1811. Jacob Fisher,
1812. Wm. Bodenhamer,
1813. Wm. Bodenhamer,
1814. Wm. Bodenhamer,
1815. Wm. Bodenhamer,
1816. Jesse A. Pearson,
1817. Danl. Leatherman,
1818. Charles Fisher,
1819. Francis Locke,
1820. Francis Locke,
1821. John Lindsay,
1822. Joseph Spurgen,
1823. James Martin, Jr.
1824. Jacob Fisher,
1825. Samuel Jones,
1826. John Beard,
1827. John Scott,
1828. John Scott,
1829. David F. Caldwell,
1830. David F. Caldwell,
1831. David F. Caldwell,
House of CommoDS.
Matthew Lock, James Smith.
Matthew Lock, Moses Winslow.
Matthew Lock, Moses Winslow.
Matthew Lock, Geo. Henry Berger.
Wm. Sharpe, Samuel Young.
William Sharpe, Samuel Young.
Matthew Lock, Geo. H. Berger.
Wm. Sharpe, James Kerr.
Matthew Locke, Geo. H. Berger.
Thomas Carson, Richard Pearson.
Richmond Pearson, Thomaa Carson.
David Caldwell, Thomas Carson.
Matthew Lock, John Stokes.
Matthew Lock, Basil Gaither.
Matthew Lock, Basil Gaither.
Matthew Lock, Basil Gaither.
Thomas Carson, Basil Gaither.
Basil Gaither, Thomas Carson.
Basil Gaither, Thomas Carson.
Matthew Brandon, Thos. Carson.
Matthew Brandon, Thos. Carson.
Samuel Dusenbury, George Fisher.
Matthew Brandon, George Fisher.
George Fisher, Saml. Dusenbury.
George Fisher, John Monro.
Matthew Brandon, Danl. Leatherman.
Danl. Leatherman, Danl. Hunt.
John Hunt, George Fisher.
Danl. Leatherman, Danl. Hunt.
Danl. Leatherman, Danl. Hunt.
Danl. Leatherman, Jesse A. Pearson.
Jesse A. Pearson, John Smith.
Jesse A. Pearson, Wm. Wellborn.
Alexander Cladclcugh, George Mumford.
Danl. Leatlierman, George Mumfoxd.
Jesse A* Pearson, John Lindsay.
Geo. McCulloh, Jesse A. Pearson.
Jesse A. Pearson, George McCulloh.
Geo. McCulloh, Jesse A. Pearson.
Henry Chambers, Joel McCorkle.
Michael Iloldshouser, Ransom Powell.
Michael Holdshouser, Ransom Powell.
George Smith, Saml. Jones.
Saml. Jones, Thomas Hampton.
John Clements, Henry Rats.
Charles Fisher, George Smith.
Charles Fisher, John Clements.
John Linn, George Andrews.
George Andrews, John Clements.
John Clements, John Linn.
Hamilton C. Jones, John Clements.
John Clements, H. C. Jones.
Thos. G. Polk, Richmond M. Pearson.
Thos. G. Polk, Richmond M. Pearson.
Thos. G. Polk, Richmond M. Pearson.
EUTHBRPORD COUITIT. 899
Tean. Senate. House of Commons.
1832. Archd. G. Carter, Thos. G. Polk, Richmond M. Pearson.
1833. John Beard, Jr. John Clements, Charles Fisher.
1834. John Beard, Jr. Barton Craig, John Clements.
1835. Thos. G. Polk, John Clements, Jesse W. Wharton.
1836. Thomas G. Polk, John Clements, Charles Fisher, Wm. D.
Crawford.
1838. Samuel Ribelin, Wm. D. Crawford, H. Q. Jones, J. A. Cle-
ments.
1840. Samuel Ribelin, H. C. Jones, Isaac Burns, Francis Williams.
1842. Samuel Ribelin, Alex. W. Brandon, F. Williams, Jno. B.
Lord.
1844. Nathaniel Bojden, John B. Lord, Jno. W. Ellis.
1846. Samuel £. Kerr, Isaac Ribelin, Jno. W. Ellis.
1848. John A. Lillington, John W. Ellis, — McCorkle.
1850. John A. Lillington, A. K. Caldwell, O. G. Foard.
CHAPTER LXVIII,
RUTHERFORD COUNTY.
Rutherford County was erected, in 1779, out of Tryon
County, wliich was in this year abolished, and its territory divided
into Lincoln and Rutherford, and called in honor of Griffith
Rutherford, who was a Brigadier-General in the Revolutionary
war, for whose character and services see Ro^an County. /
It is located in the westei^n part of the State ; and bounded on
the north by McDowell ; east by Cleaveland ; south by the South
Carolina line ; and west by Henderson and Buncombe.
Its capital, Rutherfordton, is two hundred and sixteen miles west
of Raleigh.
Its population (1850), 10,425 whites ; 220 free negroes ; 2,005 slaves ;
12,388 representative population.
Its products (1840), 1,090,388 bushels corn ; 76,663 bushels wheat : 57,955
bushels oats; 6,030 bushels rje ; 250,325 lbs. cotton; 4,983 lbs. wool; 4,653
lbs. tobacco.
Hon. John Paxtow, late Judge of the Superior Court, resided in this
county. Ue was a native of Virginia, settled at Morrainton as a merchant,
unsuccessful, and failed. Commenced study of law Tate in life, and prac-
ticed with ^eat success. He was elected Judge of the Superior Courts of
Law in 1818, and was remarkable for his firmness, honesty, and patience.
He died in 1826 at Judge Hall's, in Warren, on his return from the £denton
Circuit
Joshua Foreman settled in this county in 1826. He was a native of New
York, an active, intelligent, and enterprising citizen. He was the founder
of the town of Syracuse, in New York, and patron of the Erie Canal. He
died 4th Aug. 1849.
400
HISTO&T OF NO&TH GAEQLIHA.
Hon. Fblix Walksr was a resident of this coontr, and represented it in
the House of Commons in 1799, and often aflerwaros.
In 1817 he was elected to Congress, and continued until 1823. He remored
to Tennessee, where he died.
General John Gray Btnum is the present Senator from this Conntr. He
is a native of Stokes. He was educated at the University, where ne wis
graduated in 1833. He studied law with Judge Gaston.
In 1836 he married the daughter of Colonel Charles McDowell, of Burke;
and in 1840 represented this oounty in the Senate, and again in 1850.
Members of the General Assembly from Rutherford Goontj,
from its formation to the last Session.
Years. Senate.
1780. William Porter,
1781. William Porter,
1782. James Miller,
1783. James Holland,
1784. James Miller,
1785. James Miller,
1786. James Whiteside,
1787. James Miller,
1788. Richard Singleton,
1789. Richard Singleton,
1790. Richard Singleton,
1791. Richard Singleton,
1792. Richard Singleton,
1793. Richard Singleton,
1794. Richard Singleton,
1795. Charles Wilkins,
1796. William Porter,
1797. James Holland,
1798. Samuel Carpenter,
1799. Samuel Carpenter,
1800. William Greene,
1801. William Greene,
1802. Jonathan Hampton,
1803. William Greene,
1804. Jonathan Hampton,
1805. Jonathan Hampton,
1806. William Greene,
1807. William Greene,
1808. William Greene,
1809. William Greene,
1810. William Carson,
1811. WUliam Greene,
1812. Jonathan Hampton,
1813. Jonathan Hampton,
1814. William Greene,
1815. William Greene,
1816. John Moore,
1817. William Greene,
1818. William Greene,
1819. George Walton,
1820. George Walton,
1821. Benj. H. Bradley,
1822. William Greene,
1823. Elias Alexander,
1824. William Greene,
HoQM of Commons.
David Whitesides, Wm. Gilbert.
James Withrow, David Miller.
William Gilbert, David Dickey.
William Gilbert, Richard Singleton.
Richard Singleton, James Withrow.
George Moore, Richard Singleton.
James Withrow, James Hofland.
Richard Singleton, James Withrow.
William Porter, James Withrow. ^
William Porter, James Holland.
Wm. Porter, Wm. Davidson.
Wm. Davidson, Wm, Porter.
Wm. Porter, Felix Walker.
Felix Walker, Wm. Porter.
William Porter, Samuel Carpenter.
Samuel Carpenter, Jonas Bedford.
Jonas Bedford, Samuel Carpenter.
Samuel Carpenter, Jonas Bedford.
William Greene, Chas. Lewis.
Wm. Porter, Felix Walker.
Felix Walker, Arthur Clarke.
Felix Walker, John Miller.
Felix Walker, James Withrow.
William Porter, John Miller.
James Withrow, Housen HarrelL
Wm. Porter, James Withrow.
Felix Walker, James Terrell.
Wm. Porter, James L. Terrell.
James L. Terrell, John Carson.
Daniel Gold, George Camp.
Daniel Gold, George Camp.
WiUiam Porter, Daniel Gold.
William Porter, Joseph Carson.
Jos. M. Carson, Abram Crow.
J. M. D. Carson, William Porter.
William Porter, John Carson.
William Porter, John Carson.
John H. Alley, Robert 11. Taylor.
John H. Alley, James L. TerrelL
Daniel Gold, John Carson. .
John Carson, John McDowell.
John Carson, John McDowelL *
James Graham, John Carson.
John Carson, James Graham.
John Carson, James Graham.
9
SAMPSON GOUKTT.
401
Senate.
fears.
1825. Martin Shaford,
1826. Martin Shuford,
1827. Martin Shufbrcl,
1828. Martin P. Shuford,
1829. John Mclntyre,
1830. John Mclntyre,
1831. John Mclntyre,
1832. Jos. I^I. D. Carson,
1833. Martin P. Shuford,
1834. Bremen H. Durham,
1835. Alanson W. Moore,
1836. Jos. M. D. Carson,
1838. Jos. M. D. Carson,
1840. John G. Bynum,
1842. W.J. T. Miller,
1844. Thomas Jefferson,
1846. Columbus Mills,
1848. Wm. J. T. Miller,
1850. John G. Bjnum,
House of CommoBS.
John Carson, Joseph Greene.
John Carson, Wm. Richardson.
Daniel Gold, Joseph Greene.
James Graham, James Webb.
James Graham, James M. Carson.
Robert. MoAffee, Jameft Webb.
James M. Webb, Joseph Greene.
Thomas Dewes, A. B. Iryine.
A. B. Iryine, Alanson W. Moore.
Dayid Hannick, John H. Bedford.
J. H. Bedford, Jos. M. D. Carson.
W. J. T. Miller, T. Jefferson, J. H. Bedford.
W. J. T. Miller, W. E. Mills, J. H. Bedford.
W. J. T. Miller, W. E. Mills, Thos. Jefferson.
Thos. Jefierson, W. S. Mills, John Baxter.
Wm. E. Mills, — Davis.
Wm. F. Jones, Simon McCurry.
A. G. Logan, Wm. Wilkins.
C. J. Webb, Jesse B. Sloan.
CHAPTER LXIX.
SAMPSON COUNTY.
Sampson County was formed in 1784, from Duplin, named in
compliment to Colonel John Sampson.
It is situated in the eastern part of the State ; and bounded on
the north by Johnson and Wayne; on the east by Duplin ; south by
Bladen ; and west by Cumberland.
Its capital is Clinton, and ninety-four miles south from Raleigh.
Its popolation in 1850, was 8,424 whites; 476 free negroes; 5,685 slaves;
12,311 representative population.
Its proaucts in 1840, was 342,300 pounds of cotton ; 2,833 pounds of wool ;
130,951 bushels of com ; 3,872 bushels of wheat ; 2,126 bushels of oats ; 14,751
dollars worth of lumber.
lion. Gabriel HoLinss was a native of Sampson. He was educated under
Rev. Dr. McGorkle, in Iredell County, and was at Harvard University. Read
law with Judge Taylor, in Raleigh. In 1807 he represented Sampson in the
Senate. Governor of the State m 1821. He was elected a member of Con-
gress in 1825 and served until 1829: an amiable and excellent man. He died
several years ago.
H^ William Rufcs Kino, now President of the Senate of the United
Stat4^and Senator from Alabama, is a native of Sampson.
In 1808 and 1809, he represented this county in the House of Commons.
In 1811 to 1816, he represented this district in Congress.
In 1816, he was appointed Secretary of Legation to Russia, Hon. William
402
HIBTOBT OF NORTH OABOLINA*
Pinkneji of Maryland, being the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Pleni-
potentiary. But he poon returned and removed to Alabama.
In 1819 to 1844, he was Senator in Congress from Alabama, and in 1844,
vras appointed, by President Tyler, Envoy Extraordinaij to France. He is
now in the Senate of the United States, and its Presiding officer, since the
translation of Mr. Fillmore to the Presidencv.
Although his services have chiefly enured to the honor of Alabama, yet it
was in North Carolina he was born ; in her Councils he first entered pablic
life. She is proud of her son.
Members of the General Assembly from Sampson Conntj.
Yeam. Senate.
' 1785. Richard Clinton,
1786. Richard Clinton,
1787. Richard Clinton,
1788. Uardy Holmes,
1789. Richard Clinton,
1790. Richard Clinton,
1791. Richard Clinton,
1792. Richard Clinton,
1793. Richard Clinton,
1794. Richard Clinton,
1795. Richard Clinton,
1790. Josiah Blackman,
1797. Gabriel Holmes,
1798. Gabriel Holmes,
1799. Gabriel Holmes,
1800. Gabriel Holmes,
1801. Gabriel Holmes,
1802. Gabriel Holmes,
1803. Joab Blackman,
1804. Joab Blackman,
1805. Joab Blackman,
1806. Joab Blackman,
1807. Joab Blackman,
1808. Joab Blackman,
1809. Joab Blackman,
1810. Joab Blackman,
1811. Allen Mobley,
1812. Gabriel Holmes,
1813. Gabriel Holmes,
1814. Allen Mobley,
1815. Allen Mobley,
1816. John Ingram,
1817. Michael J. Kenan,
1818. Michael J. Kenan,
1819. James Holmes,
1820. Edward C. Gavin,
1821. Edward C. Gavin,
1822. AVilliam Robinson,
1823. Edward C. Gavin,
1824. Thomas Boykin,
1825. Thomas Boykin,
1826. Thomas Boykin,
1827. Hardy Royal,
1828. liardy Royal,
1829. David Underwood,
1830. Edward C. Gavin,
1831. Thomas Boykin,
1832. Edward C. Gavin,
House of Commons.
John Hay, David Dodd.
David Dodd, Lewis Holmes.
David Dodd, Lewis Holmes.
Lewis Holmes, William King.
James Speller, James Thompson.
William King, James Thompson.
William King, James Thompson.
James Thompson, Wm. King.
Laban Taylor, Gabriel Holmes.
Gabriel Hfolmes, James Thompson.
James Thompson, Gabriel Holmes.
Claibom Ivey, James Thompson.
James Thompson, Kedar Bryan.
Kedar Bryan, James Thompson.
Wm. S. Clinton, James Thompson.
Wm. S. Clinton, James Thompson.
Wm. Robeson, Joab Blackman.
Joab Blackman,' Wm. Robeson.
Raiford Grumpier, Allen Mobley.
Thomas King, Allen Mobley.
Allen Mobley, Thomas King. ^
Thomas D. King, Allen Mobley.
John Bryan, William Blackman.
Wm. R. King, Jesse Darden.
James Matthews, Wm. R. King.
James Matthews, Hardy Royal.
Hardy Royal, James Matthews.
James Matthews, Thomas King.
James Matthews, William Blackman.
Wm. Blackman, J. Matthews.
Wm. Blackman, J. Matthews.
Wm. Blackman, J. Matthews.
James Matthews, Wm. Blackman.
James Matthews, Thomas Sutton.
Thomas Sutton, John Sellers.
J. Grumpier, D. Underwood.
John Sellers, Thomas Boykin.
Alexander Fleming, Thomas Boykin.
John Sellers, D. Underwood.
J. Grumpier, D. Underwood.
Daniel Joyner, D. Underwood.
D. Underwood, Thomas Sutton.
D. Underwood, Thomas Boykin.
D. Underwood, Thomas Boykin.
Dickson Sloan, Arch'd Monk.
Aroh'd C. Monk, Dickson Sloan.
Arch'd C. Monk, Dickson Sloan.
Arch'd C. Monk, Dickson Sloan.
SAMPSON COUNTT.
408
Yemra. Senate.
1833. Edward C. Gayin,
1834. Edward G. Gavin,
1835. Edward C. Gavin,
1836. Thomas iSunting,
1838. Thomas Bunting,
1840. Dickson Sloan,
1842. JohnBojkin,
1844. Edward C. Gavin,
1846. Edward C. Gavin,
1848. Matthew J. Faison,
1850. Thomas Bunting,
House of Commons.
Arch'd C. Monk, Dickson Sloan.
Arch'd C. Monk, Dickson Sloan.
Dickson Sloan, Isaac W. Lane.
Isaao W. Lane, Dickson Sloan.
Timothy Underwood, Dickson Sloan.
Joseph Herring, Isaao W. Lane.
Joseph Herring, E. C. Gavin.
— Beaman, David Murphy.
David Murphy, Arthur Brown.
Arthur Brown, Amos Herring.
Amos Herring, J. L. Boykin.
CHAPTER LXX.
STANLY COUNTY.
Stanly County was formed, in 1841, from the western portion
of 'Montgomery, as divided by the Pee Dee River, and is called in
honor of Hon. John Stanly, of Newbem. ^ee Craven.)
It is situated in the western part of the otate, and bounded on
the north by Rowan County, east by Montgomery, south by Anson
and Union, and west by Cabarrus.
Its capital is Albemarle, and preserves the name of one of its
Lords Proprietors. (See Chowan.)
Her population, in 1850, was 5437 whites ; 49 free negroes ; 1436 slaves ;
6347 representative population.
Members of the General Assembly from Stanly.
Years. Senate.
1844. Walter F. Pharr,
1846. Christopher Melchor,
1848. R. Kendall,
1850. Rufus Barringer,
House of Commoni.
Francis J. Looke.
D. A. G. Palmer.
D. A. G. Palmer.
Francis Locke.
CHAPTER LXXI.
STOKES COUNTY.
Stokes County was formed, in 1789, from Surry County, and
called in honor of Hon. John Stokes.
John Stores was a colonel in the Revolution, and fought gallantly in the
404 HISTOBT OF NOBTH OAEOUHA*
cause of his country. He was with Colonel Buford at Wazhaw, about fortj
miles from Charlotte, when he was attacked by Colonel Tarleton, on 29th May.
1780, when Buford was defeated and the prisoners cruelly murdeted aflter
surrendering to the cruel foe. Colonel stokes fell covered with wounds.
His right hand was out off by a sabre, and his life despaired of for a long
time. His bravery in battle, his benevolence of character, and elevated mind,
endeared him to the affections of his country.
He was appointed, by General Washington, District Judge of the United
States for the District of North Carolina. He married a daughter of Colonel
Richmond Pearson, and died at Fayetteville, in Oct, 1790, on his return from
Newborn, where he had been to hold the first court ever held in the State
for the United States.* He was the elder brother of Governor Montford
Stokes.
Stokes County is located in the north-western part of the State,
and bounded on the north by the Virginia line, east by Rocking-
ham, south by Forsyth, and west by Surry.
Its capital is Crawfqrd, one hundred and ten miles north-west
from Balcigh.
Its population, in 1850, was 7264 whites ; 149 free negroes ; 1793 slaves ;
8492 representative population.
Its products, in 1840, were 596,103 lbs. tobacco ; 56,481 lbs. cotton ; 3481
lbs* wool ; 74,989 bushels wheat ; 107,756 bushels oats ; 8347 bushels rye ;
423,970 bushels com.
This county, about the beginning of the seventeenth century,
was peopled by Moravians from Europe, fleeing from religious per-
secution. "There is not,'* says Williamson, in his Hittory of
North Carolinaj " a more industrious or temperate body of men
than the Moravians who live between the Dan and Yadkin." The
land, seventy thousand acres at first, to which thirty thousand acres
has been adaed, was conveyed by the Government to James Hutton
in use for the Unitas FrcUrum (united brethren). This was se-
cured by an act of Assembly, 1782. The first colony arrived No-
vember, 1763, from Pennsylvania, by Winchester, Virginia, and
the Upper Saura towns. Their salt was brought from Virginia;
their first beehive was carried from Tar River.
In 1768 they built a church. The property is held somewhat
in common, and the clear profits, after paying expenses, are ex-
pended for other public buddings, maintaining ministers, and the
support of aged widows and poor orphans.
One of the most celebrated female schools in the State is at
Salem, carried on by the Moravians on their principles.
Hon. Joseph Winston was the first Senator in the Legislature from Stokes
County. He lived near Qermantown.
He formed the treaty of the Long Island of Holston, as Commissioner from
North Carolina, with Waiehtstill Avery and Robert Lanier, in July, 1777.
He was a major at the battle of King's Mountain (Oct., 1780).
He was a member of Congress from 1793 to 1795, and from 1803 to 1807.
. He was a man of fine personal appearance, and not remarkable either for his
acquirements or intellect. He died in 1814, leaving a large f^Uy.
Colonel Benjamin Forsythe lived and represented Stokes County. He
was a member of Assembly in 1807, and livea in Gcrmantown. He entered
* Nonti GaroUna Chronicle and Fayetteville Gasette.
8T0K^ COUNTT. 405
the nxmjt in the war of 1812, as a captaiDi and marched to Canada. He fell
in a skirmish in 1814, leaving one son, whom the State adopted, hut who
perished at sea in a hurricane, as a midshipman on hoard the sloop-of-war
*• The Hornet"
Colonel James Mabtin resided in this county. He was horn in New Jer-
sey in 1742, and, in 1774 he removed to this county, then Guilford. He
was the hrother of Alexander Martin, who was afterwards Governor of the
State, with whom, in 1775, he marched as Colonel of the Guilford Militia
against the Tories at Favetteville. In 1776 he accompanied General Ruther-
ford with his command on the expedition against the Cherokees. John
Paisly was lieutenant-colonel of the regiment. On his return, the Tories in
Randolph, under Colonel William Fields, emhodied and endeavored to join
the British at Wilmington. Col. Martin directed Captain Gillaspie, with his
light horse, to intercept him, which was done, and Fields was captured.
He was with the North Carolina troops at the hattle of Guilford Court
House (15th March, 1781). After this he marched with two hundred troops,
with General Rutherford, to dislodge the English under Major Craig, then in
Wilmington, who, on hearing of the capture of Lord Comwallis, evacuated
the place. This terminated his military career. He died a few years ago.
The late Judge James Martin was one of his sons.
Colonel Martin received a pension from the United States, for his services
in the Revolution. His application, a copy of which is hefore me, procured
from the records of the War Office, shows his active service and chivalrio
bearing, in *'days that tried men's souls."
Colonel John Martin lived near the Saura Mountain, in this county. He
was a native of Essex County, Virginia, and removed in 1768, when onl^
twelve years of age, to this county. He was a man of great energy, indomi-
table couragiB, ana of infinite humor. He was distinguisned for his patriotism,
spirit and independence, in the Revolutionary war, and his dangerous con-
flMts with the Tories. He, and his **Jidus Achates/' Joshua Cox, raised a
small force and attacked them, and routed them out of the country. On one
occasion, in a hard skirmish, old Joshua, his friend and comrade, was shot
and left for dead, and his horse shot also lying by him. Much joy was caused
among the Royalists ; but it was subdued when they learned that both man
and horse had recovered so far as to be able to reach the camp. In one of
these skirmishes Colonel Martin received a buck shot in the temple, which
he carried to his grave.
He was the very man for such forays ; bold, ardent, active and impnlsiye,
he did much to subdue the Tory influence.
After the independence of our country was established, he continued to
serve his county as a Representative in the Assembly, and as a Ma^strate.
He was in the House of Uommons in 1798. For thirty years he presided in
the County Court, that ** eternal comedy of errors" as it has been termed by
Julian Picot. Many occurrences are remembered illustrative of his droll
humor, and his keen perception of the ludicrous. His mind, naturally acute,
perceived the points of the case before the court, and his firmness always
maintained the right without respect of persons. He wielded his powers
sometimes without much ceremony.
On one occasion, while selecUng jurors for the Superior Court, the name of
Jacob Salmons was drawn. ** He won't do for a juror/' says Martin. It was
replied, that he was a Justice of the Peace. " I know that," says Martin,
" but I say, he wonH do." Then it was stated that he was a member of the
Legislature. " I know that, too," replied Martin, " Salmons may do to try
little cases in his neighborhood, and to sit in the County Court, and eyen go to
Raleigh ; but we shiJl have a Judgb around among us at the Superior Court,
and he will make a bad show before a Judge. His name goes out," and out
the name wenL
It was the remark of a distinguished Judge, that this county was remark-
able for the intelligence of its juries.
406 mSTOBT OF NORTH OABOLINA.
In politics as in war, he was active, ardent, and impulsive. His fre-
quent contests with Gotleib Shober, Esq., are still remembered in Stokes.
Shober had the industry and tenacity of the German; Martin, the ener^
and humor of the Cavalier. Shober was a lawyer, and took much satis-
faction in managing cases in court, adverse to Colonel Martin, in which
he sometimes came off second best. On one occasion he had a writ served on
Martin, as he vras on his way to Raleigh. Martin wrote to a friend to attend
the County Court, which would occur in his absence, and enter his plea to
the suit. It was an action of deceit, in a horse swap. His orders were to
plead "I deny the fact J*
At court, when Shober saw the plea, he said nothing, knowing the plea
was wrong, and he was confident of victory on the trial of the issue at the
next court. The court came, and Martin appeared in proper person aiding
his lawyer to defend the wrong. His counsel moved to amend his plea, but
Shober objected. Martin then proposed that he would go to trial on this issue,
and no other counsel but Shober and he should appear. Like the gallant
Douglas, in the famed battle of Chevy Chase—
" Let's you and I this battle try,
And set our men acide.
< Accureed be be/ the Percy said,
< By whom this is denied.' "
They went into the trial, and the facts being with Martin in his defence,
from his peculiar manner, and severe irony, he completely demolished Shober,
fained his cause, convulsing the Court, bar, and Jury, with his inimitable
umor. Thus settling in the annals of jurisprudence of Stokes, that the plea
of non est factum is a proper plea to an action for deceit, and means that it is
not a fact.
Nor were his efforts at the bar confined to the County Courts. On one occa-
sion he had an important suit involving a land title. His Honor, Judge
Paxton, of Rutherford, was on the bench. After the witnesses had been ex-
amined, in which he showed his tact and perfect knowledge of his case, he com-
menced his argument by alluding to the fact that he had employed no counsel,
relying on the justice of his cause, and the integrity of the court, for His
Honor, he said, ** was like himself, a backwoods Judge" Judge Paxton was
fnrious at this aaucherie of poor Martin. Nothing but the interposition of the
bar (by whom he was idolized) saved him from fine and imprisonment for a
contempt of Court
He died in April, 1822, and lefl many children to inherit his virtues, and
emulate his example. The mother of General John Gray Bynum, of Ruther-
fordton, and of W illian Preston Bynum, of Lincoln, was his daughter.
Hon. John Hill resides in Stokes. He entered public life in 1819, as a
member of the House of Commons, and continiled until 1823, when he was
elected to the Senate, in which capacity he served several years.
In 1839 he was elected a member of Congress, and served until 1841.
In 1850 he was the Reading Clerk of the Senate.
Hon. AuousTiNB H. SHSPPiRn is a resident of Stokes. He was bom in Surry.
V He is by profession a lawyer, and entered public life in 1822, as a member
of the House of Commons, and continued until 1826.
In 1827 he was elected to Congress, and served until 1839.
He was again elected in 1841, and served until 1843.
And again in 1847, and served until March 4th, 1851, when be declined a
re-election.
He married Miss Turner, of Washington, by whom he has a lovely family.
An anecdote is narrated, the wit of which mar relieve the dry detail of
facts and figures, as regards Mr. Shepperd and his friend, John F. Poindexter,
Esq., late Solicitor-General. When married, Mr. Shepperd was of rather an
uncertain age ; and on introducing his young and blooming bride to his old
BTOKBB oouimr.
407
fiiend, " I am glad to see/' said Mn. S., " an old friend of Mr. Shepperd's, for
now I shall know, what he neTor will tell, hU exact age, " How ola, praji Mr.
Poindexter, is Mr. Shepperd ? he declares to me he is only thirty," The Sohcitor-
Qeneral was in a dilemma, bat, like all good generals he came off yictorious.
** Madam, I am sure you should belieye him, for he has told me the sd/same
tale/or these twenty years,"
List of members of the Greneral Assembly firom Stokes County
from its formation to the last session.
YetLTs, Senate.
1790. Joseph Winston,
1791. Joseph Winston,
1792. Peter Ilarston,
1793. Matthew Brooks,
1794. Matthew Brooks,
1795. Matthew Brooks,
1796. Peter Harston,
1797. Matthew Brooks,
1798. Matthew Brooks,
1799. Peter Harston,
1800. Peter Harston,
1801. Wm. T. Hughlett,
1802. Joseph Winston,
1803. Joseph Cloud,
1804. Wm. Hughlett,
1805. Gotlieb Shober,
1806. Johnston Clements,
1807. Joseph Winston,
1808. Gotleib Shober,
1809. Henry B. Dobson,
1810. Henry B. Dobson,
1811. Henry B. Dobson,
1812. Joseph Winston,
1813. Edward Moore,
1814. Andrew Bowman,
1815. Andrew Bowman,
1816. Isaac Nelson,
1817. Joseph Allen,
1818. Chanes Banner,
1819. Emmanuel Shober,
1820. Emmanuel Shober,
1821. Arch'd R. Ruffin,
1822. Emmanuel Shober,
1823. John Hill,
1824. Emmanuel Shober,
1825. John Hill,
1826. John Hill,
1827. Emmanuel Shober,
1828. Emmanuel Shober,
1829. Gab. T. Moore,
1830. John Hill,
1831. JohnHUl,
1832. Gab. T. Moore,
1833. Matthew R. Moore,
1834. William Flynt,
1835. Matthew R. Moore,
1836. Matthew R. Moore,
1838. Matthew R. Moore,
86
House of Commons.
George Hauser, Absalom Bostick.
James Martin, Absalom Bostick.
James Martin, George Houser.
Georee Houser, Absalom Bostick.
Absalom Bostick, George Houser.
Absalom Bostick, George Houser.
Wm. Hughlet, Georee Houser.
Wm. Hughlet, Charles Banner.
John Martin, Charles Banner.
John Martin, Charles Banner.
Henry B. Dobson, Charles Banner.
John Bostick, Charles Banner.
Charles Banner, Henry B. Dobson.
Henry B. Dobson, John Bostick.
John Bostick, Henry B. Dobson.
Henry B. Dobson, Isaac Dalton.
John Bostick, Isaac Dalton.
Jacob Salmons, Benjamin Forsythe.
Jona. Dalton, Benjamin Forsythe.
Jona. Dalton, Charles Banner.
Joseph Wilson, Isaac Nelson.
James Martin, Joseph Wilson.
James Martin, Joseph Wilson.
Thos. Longina, Charles F. Bagge.
Wm. P. Dobson, Isaac Dalton.
Isaac Dalton, Joseph Allen.
Joseph Allen, William Hushes.
John L. Hauser, Joseph Winston.
Jacob Salmons, Sam'l Welch.
Edward Tatum, John HiU.
John Hill, Salathiel Stone.
John Hill, Jos. M. Flynt
Augustine H. Shepperd, John Hill.
Augustine H. Shepperd, Jos. M. Flynt.
Augustine II. Shepperd, Jos. M. Flynt,
A. H. Shepperd, Wm. Carter.
A. H. Shepperd, Wm. Carter.
Jacob Salmons, Elisha Plummer.
Gab. T. Moore, Henry A. Martin.
John Banner, John Butner.
Leonard Zigler, Jos. W. Winston.
Jos. W. Winston, Leonard Zider.
John F. Poindexter, Leonard %gler.
Leonard Zigler, Jno. F. Poindexter.
John F. Pomdexter, Leonard Zigler.
Caleb H. Matthews, John F. Poindexter.
Caleb H. Matthews, Jas. M. Coyingtoo,
Peter Critz.
Caleb. H. Matthews, Jas. M. CoriDgton,
Jas. Stafford.
408 mSTORT OF KOBTH CABOUNA.
Years. Senate. House of Commons.
1840. Matthew R. Moore, J. M. Covington, Leon. Zigler^ WillUm
Withers.
1842. Jas. Stafford, Jacob Shuize, John F. Nelson, Wm. A.
MitcheU.
1846. John F. Poindexter, R. Goldins, H. Marshall Mardn.
1848. John Hill, Andrew Gamble, John Blackbnm, Ajider-
son Nicholson.
1850. Philip Barrow, Allen Flynt, Henry Marshall, Jesse A.
Waugh.
CHAPTER LXXII.
SURRY COUNTY.
Surry County was formed, in 1770, from Rowan Comity;
which until this date comprehended a large portion of Western
North Carolina, from beyond the Yadkin to the Mississippi River.
It derives its name from the County of Surry in the south of
England. Its name is Saxon, and signifies ^^ the South River."
Surry County is situated in the north-western portion of North
Carolina.
It is bounded on the north by the Virginia line, east by Stokes
County, south by Yadkin, and west by Wilkes and Ashe.
Its capital is Koceford, and is distant from Raleigh one hundred
and ten miles north-west.
Its population (1850), 16,171 whites; 272 free negroes; 2,000 slavefl;
17,643 representative population.
Its products (1840), 484,976 bushels com ; 20,542 bushels ire ; 48,804
bushels wheat ; 115,018 bushels oats ; 83,070 lbs. tobacco ; 67,228 lbs. cot-
ton ; 16,839 lbs. wool ; 108 tons iron.
In 1775 Surry was a frontier county. The Mulberry Field
Meeting House* in the upper end was the only place of meeting.
The men generally dressed in hunting shirts, short breeches, leg-
gings and moccasons, and the women in linsey petticoats and bed-
gowns, and in summer often without shoes. Some had bonnets
made of calico, and others wore men's hats.t
The patriotism of the women of this region deserves a perpetual
record. It was their heroic conduct that inspired their husbands
and sons in the cause of liberty. They urged the men to leave
home, and to prefer to die than be slaves; while they staid at home
and worked with their own hands at the plough and with the hoc,
by day, to provide sustenance for their families, and at night with
the spinning-wheel and loom they made the clothing.];
* Where the town of Wilkesboro' now stands.
t MSS. of General Lenoir, furnished by W. W. Lenoir. | MSS, of General Lenoir.
8UKBT oovmr. 409
In this county is the celebrated Ararat, or Pilot Mountain.
It rises gradually to the height of several hundred feet, and termi-
nates in a flat surface, from the summit of which there is a noble
view of the surrounding country. This mountain can be seen for
sixty or seventy miles, and was called Pilot Mountain by the In-
dians, as it served as a guide in their hunting and war routes.
The delegates from Surrv to the CoDvention at Hillsboro', in 1775, were,
Robert Lanier, Joseph Williams, William Hill, Martin Armstrong, Jo-
seph Winston.
The officers appointed from Surry, 1776, were, Mart^I Armstrong, Co-
lonel ; Joseph Williams, Lieatenant^olonel ; William Hall^ Mi^or; Joseph
Winston, 2d Migor.
Colonel Joseph Williams settled in this county near Shallow Ford, before
the Revolutionary war. He was distin^ished for his enterprise, activity,
and patriotism. He was a Colonel of militia in the Revolution, and was ac-
tive m subduing the Tories. He died at a good old age, loved and respected
by all who knew him.
He married Miss Lanier, a woman of strong mind and exemplary virtues.
From this marriage, sprang,
1. General Robert Williams, a man of distinguished attainments, great
research, and acute intellect. The only copy of the acts, public and private,
of the General Assembly now extant, was collected by Lis labor. I have
been so fortunate as to procure them, and have filed them on the Archives of
the Historical Society at Chapel Hill.
He was a member of Congress from 1797 to 1803. He was the Ac^utant-
General of the State durins the war, when this office was no sinecure, and
he faithfully discharged its laborious duties. He moved to Tennessee, where
he died.
2. John Williams, who was distinguished in Tennessee as a Colonel at
the battles of Tohopeka or Horse Shoe, on the Tallapoosa, between General
Jackson and the Creek Indians. A long and desperate battle. He died in
Tennessee. He married a sister of Honorable Hugh Lawson White, leaving
a son, Joseph L. Williams, whose daughter is the wife of Hon. R. M. Pear-
son, one of our Supreme Court Judges.
3. Lewis Williams, of this county, who is well known in the history of
this county as a distinguished and patriotic statesman. He entered public
life in 1813, as a member of the House of Commons, and was re-elected in 1814.
In 1815 he was elected a member of Congress, and served continuously
until 1842 ; a long career in one place proves the sincerity of his character,
and the confidence of his constituents. His life, compiled from his papers,
would form a most valuable addition to our history. Ue was much respected
in Congress, for his sound jud^ent, inflexible inte^ty, and unwaverinff
consistency ; and received by universal consent the tide of " the Father of
the House." If he was by fortune childless, this noisy brood doubUess more
than filled his paternal anxieties. He died in Congress on the 23d February,
1842.
His twin brother, Thomas Lanier Williams, is equally distinguished.
Ue is now Chancellor of the State of Tennessee.
4. Dr. Alexander Williams, of Greenville, Tennessee.
5. Nicholas Lakhi Williams, of this county.
410 HISTOBY OF lirOBTH CAROLINA.
6. Rebecca, who married John Winbash of Halifax, Yirginis.
7. Fannt, who married John P. Irwin, of NashTiUe, Tennesiee ; and
8. Major Joseph Williams, of Sarrj county, who is now dead ; leariog
several sons and three daughters, one of whom is Mrs. James R. Dodge,
wife of Col. Dodge, now Clerk of our Supreme Court, at Morganton.
Hon. Jesse Franklin was of Surry county. He was distiDgaished for his
sincere patriotism, sound sense, and unassuming deportment.
In 1794 he was elected a member of the House of Commons.
In 1795 he wasiplected a member of Congress, and serTod in the House un-
til 1797.
In 1797 he was aeain a member of the House of Commons.
In 1799 he was elected Senator in Congress, and serred until 1805. In
1805 and 1806 he was Senator from Surry, and was elected again to the Se-
nate of the United States in 1807, and serred until 1813.
In 1820 he succeeded John Branch as Go?emor of the State.
A long and successful career, which evinces his personal worth and popu-
larity.
Hon. Mesrach Franklin was a member of the House of Commons in 1800,
a member of Congress from 1807 to 1815, and Senator from this county in
1828 and 1829. He died in December, 1841.
Thomas J. Word was a native of Surry, and represented the coanty in the
House of Commons in 1832. He moved to Mississippi, and was a member of
Congress in 1838 from that State.
Members of the General Assembly from Surry County, from the
formation of the Constitution in 1776 to the last Session, ISSO-ol.
Years. Senate. House of Commons.
1777. Wm. Sheppard, Jos. Winston, Charles Gordon.
1778. Wm. Sheppard, Matthew Brooks, Frederick Miller.
1779. "Wm. Sheppard, Gray Bynum, Frederick Miller.
1780. Wm. Sheppard, Samuel Cummings, Samuel Freeman.
1781. Wm. Sheppard, Samuel Cummings, Wm. T. Lewis.
1782. Wm. Sheppard, Samuel Cumminas, Trangott Bogge.
1783. Martin Armstrong, Wm. T. Lewis, tiames Martin.
1784. John Armstrong, Joel Lewis, James Martin.
1785. John Armstrong, James Martin, William Lewis.
1786. John Armstrong, James Martin, William Lewis.
1787. Joseph Winston, Jas. Gaines, Seth Coffee.
1788. John Armstrong, George Houser, Wm. T. Lewis.
1789. Joseph Winston, Gideon Edwards, Absalom Bostick.
1790. Joseph Winston, Jonathan Haines, Jacob Sheppard.
1791. Gideon Edwards, Jonathan Haines, Jacob Sheppard.
1792. Gideon Edwards, Jonathan Haines, Jacob Sheppard.
1793. Gideon Edwards, Henry Speer, Jesse Franklin.
1794. Gideon Edwards, Jesse Franklin, Mic^ah Oglesby.
1795. Gideon Edwards, Micajah Oglesby, Hug^ Armstrong.
1796. Gideon Edwards, Hugh Armstrong, Francis Poindexter.
1797. Gideon Edwards, Jesse Franklin, Hugh Armstrong.
1798. Gideon Edwards, Jesse Franklin, Thomas Wright.
1799. Gideon Edwards, Martin Armstrong, Joseph Williams, Jr.
1800. Gideon Edwards, Meshach Franklin, Thomas Wright.
1801. Gideon Edwards, Thomas Wright, Meshach Franklin.
1802. Gideon Edwards, Thomas Wright, Nicholas Horn.
1803. Gideon Edwards, Thomas Wright, Nicholas Horn.
1804. Peter Eaton, Micuiah Oglesby, Nicholas Horn.
1805. Jesse Franklin, Nicholas Horn, Darid Davis.
1806. JoMe Franklin, Nicholas Horn, Nathan Chaffin.
TnaBUt QOUHTT.
4U
Yean. Senate.
1807. Thomas Wright,
1808. Thomas Wright,
1809. Gideon Edwards,
1810. Thomas Wright,
1811. Thomas Wright,
1812. Thomas Wright,
1813. Thomas Wright,
1814. Thomas Wright,
1815. Thomas Wright,
1816. Thomas Wright,
1817. Thomas Wright,
1818. Wm. P. Dohson,
1819. Wm. P. Dobson,
1820. Solomon Graves,
182L Solomon Graves,
1822. Solomon Graves,
1823. Solomon Graves,
1824. Pleasant B. Roberts,
1825. Henry B. Poindexter,
1826. Pleasant B. Roberts,
1827. Wm. P. Dobson,
1828. Meshach Franklin,
1829. Meshach Franklin,
1830. Wm. P. Dobson,
1831. Wm. P. Dobson,
1832. Wm. P. Dobson,
1833. Wm. P. Dobson,
1834 Wm. P. DobsoB,
1835. Harrison M. Waugh,
1836. Wm. P. Dobson,
1838. Meshach Franklip,
1840. R. C. Puryear,
1842. Wm. P. Dobson,
1844. A. B.McMUlan,
1846. A. B. MoMiUan,
1848. George Bower,
1850. George Bower,
House of Commons.
Nicholas Horn, Daniel Soott.
Nicholas Horn, Micajah Oglesby.
Nicholas Horn, William Dowling.
Nicholas Horn, Matthew M. Hughes.
Nicholas Horn, Charles Taliaferro.
Nicholas Horp, Charles Taliaferro.
Lewis Williams, Charles Taliafelrro.
Lewis Williams, Nicholas Horn.
Edward Sweatt, Gabriel Hanbj.
Gabriel Hanbj, Josiah Hatley.
Josiah Hatley, Edward Sweatt
Solomon Graves, H. B. Poindexter.
Solomon Graves, Edward Lovell.
Henry B. Poindexter, P. B. Roberts.
Thomas Hampton, Pleasant B. Roberts.
E. Thompson, P. B. Roberts.
T. B. Wright, E. Thompson.
David Durretty W. C. Martin.
David Dnrrett, Golihu Moore.
Elisha Arnold, Golihu Moore.
Wm. Douelas, Ephraim Hough.
MordecaiFlemine, Alfred C. Moore.
Alfred C. Moore, Ephraim Hough.
Mordecai Fleming, Alfred C. Moore.
Daniel W, Courts, Mordecai Fleming.
Thomas J. Word, Daniel W. Courts.
Daniel W. Courts, Harrison M. Waugh.
H. M. Waugh, Pleasant Henderson.
Thomas L. Clingman, Mordecai Fleming.
Daniel W. Courts, P. B. Roberts, James
Calloway.
R. C. Puryear, Nathaniel Boy den, M.
Oglesby.
Nathaniel Boyden, Columbus Franklin, H.
B. Poindexter. .
Dickson Taliaferro, Theo. C. Honser, Jno*
J. Conrad.
R, C. Puryear, ——Brown, Ta-
liaferro.
R. C. Puryear,
Sheek.
James Sheek, -
Oelesby.
Gwynn, James
Williams,
J. R. McLean, James Sheek, Joseph Cock-
erhan.
CHAPTER LXXIII.
TYRRELL COUNTY.
Ttrrell Coi7KX7 is one of the oldest counties in the State, and
one of the ori^Jial precincts of the Lords Proprietors.
k
412 HISTORY OT KORTH CAROLINA.
It derives its name from Sir John Tyrrkll, who owned that
part of the province originally granted to Lord Ashly.*
Tyrrell County is located in the eastern part of the State, and
is bounded on the north by the Albemarle Sound, east by the
Pamlico Sound and Atlantic ocean, south by Hyde, and west by
Washington County.
Its capital, Columbia, is two hundred miles east of Raleigh.
Its population (1850), 3,296 whites ; 130 free negroes ; 1,702 aUves ;
4,448 representative popnlation.
Products (1840), 108,641 bushels of com ; 22,961 pounds of cotton ; 8.081
bushels of wheat; 2,517 bushels of oAts ; 2,928 pounds of wool ; 4,149 btf-
rels of fish ; 74,194 dollars worth of lumber.
CoLONiL Richard Buncombe resided in this Conntj. He was a natiTe of
St. Kitts, one of the islands of the West Indies.
He was educated in England, and a man of superior natlTe intellect and
fine personal appearance. His uncle, Joseph Buncombe, of TyrreU, djinc,
left his estate to his nephew, and, in 1776, he removed widi his family to this
County.
Bein]^ a man of large fortune, he brought to North Carolina much wealth,
which, in the struggles of his adopted country for independence, he fearlessly
placed on the sid^ ofHberiy,
In April, 1776, he was appointed to command the 5th regiment of the North
Carolina line in the Continental Army. lie raised, upon his own resources,
a regiment from the territory now composed of Tyrrell and Washington, and
kept them for more than twelve months on his individual charge, preparing
them in the arts of war. He joined his regiment, and marched to the north.
In the battle of Germantovm (1777), he was severely wounded and taken
prisoner. He died soon after at Philadelphia, while on parole, from the
effects of his wounds. He left three children ; one son, wno died without
issue, and two daughters, one who married Dr. Goellet, of Washington, and
the other married Mr, Clark, of Bertie County.
Colonel Buncombe was distinguished for his martial appearance, his chi-
valric daring, and unbounded hospitality. Worthily is his name preserved
to North Carolina in one of her mountain counties, for he died to secni«
that liberty she now enjoys.
General Hezekiah G. Spruill resides in Tyrrell.
He entered the Legislature in 1836, as Senator from Tyrrell, and served
continuously until 1842.
He is now a member of the Board of Internal Improvements of the State.
Members of the General Assembly from Tyrrell County, from
adoption of the Constitution, 1776, to last session, 1850-51.
Years. Senate. House of Commons.
1777. Archibald Currie, Benjamin Spruill, John Hooker.
1778. Jeremiah Frazier, Joshua Swain, Benjamin Spruill.
1779. Jeremiah Frazier, Benjamin Spruill, Joshua owain.
1780. Jeremiah Frazier, John Warrington, Edmund Blount.
1781. Jeremiah Frazier, Isham Webb, Nehemiah Norman.
1782. Jeremiah Frazier, Nehemiah Norman, Nathan Hooker.
1783. Jeremiah Frazier, Nehemiah Norman, Nathan Hooker.
1784. Jeremiah Frazier, Benjamin Sprqill, Nathan Hooker.
178o. John AVarrington, Nehemiah Norman, Nathan Hooker.
1786. John Warrington, Simon Spruill, Nathan Hooker.
1787. John Warrington, Simon Spruill, Benjamin Spruill.
* Williamson's History of North CaroUnS, i. 301.
TTBBSLL GOUNTT.
418
Yean. Senate.
1788. Thomas Stewart,
1790. Thomas Stewart,
1791. Thomas SteWart,
1792. John Warrington,
1793. John Warrington,
1794. Richard Howett,
1795. Richard Howett,
1796. Richard Howett,
1797. Charles Spruill,
1798. Charles Spruill,
1799. Charles Spruill,
1800. Samuel Spruill,
1801. Samuel Spruill,
1802. Richard Davis,
1803. Richard Davis,
1804. Richard Davis,
1805. Richard Davis,
1806. Richard Davis,
1807. Richard Davis,
1808. Jesse Alexander,
1809. James Alexander,
1810. Jesse Alexander,
1811. Zebulon Tarkington,
1812. Zebulon Tarkington,
1813. Charles Hoskins,
1814. Charles Hoskins,
1815. Charles Hoskins,
1816. Charles Hoskins,
1817. Zebulon Tarkington,
1818. Zebulon Tarkington,
1819. Richard Davis,
1820. Richard Davis,
1821. John B. Beasley,
1822. John B. Beasley,
1823. John B. Beasley,
1824. John B. Beasley,
1825. John B. Beasley,
1826. John B. Beasley,
1827. John B, Beasley,
1828. John B. Beasley,
1829. John B. Beasley,
1830. John B. Beasley,
1831. Daniel N. Bateman,
1832. Daniel N. Bateman,
1833. Ephraim Mann,
1834. Ephraim Mann,
1835. George H. Alexander,
1836. Hez. G. Spruill.
1838. Ilez. G. Spruill,
1840. Hez. G. Spruill,
1842. Hez. G. Spruill,
1844. Joseph Halsy,
1846. Joseph Halsy,
1848. Joseph Halsy,
1850. Thomas £. Pender,
House of CommoDS.
Simon Spruill, Samuel Chesson.
Simon Spruill, Samuel Chesson.
Hezekian Spruill, Richard Howett.
Simon Spruill, Charles Spruill.
Simon Spruill, Charles Spruill.
Charles Spruill, Levi Blount.
Charles Spruill, Robert Gushing.
Charles Spruill, John Guyther.
John Guyther, James Hoskins.
Martin R. Byrd, James Hoskins.
John Clayton, Samuel Spruill.
John Clayton, Thomas Hoskins.
John Clayton, Thomas Hoskins.
Elijah Warrington, John Clayton.
John Clayton, Jesse Alex^^nder.
Jesse Alexander, Moses £. Cator.
Jeremiah Wynne, Beiyamin Spruill.
Jeremiah Wynne, Levi Bateman.
Jeremiah Wynne, Moses £. Cator.
Levi Bateman, Moses £. Cator.
Thomas Garrett, Moses £. Cator.
Levi Bateman, Solomon Hassell.
Solomon Hassell, Levi Bateman.
Solomon Hassell, Daniel Sawyer.
Solomon Hassell, Daniel Sawyer.
Solomon Hassell, Daniel Sawyer.
Daniel Bateman, Daniel Sawyer.
Solomon Hassell, Thomas Leigh.
Thomas Leigh, Daniel Bateman.
Thomas Leigh, Daniel Bateman.
Daniel Bateman, £noch Hassell.
Daniel Bateman, Enoch Hassell.
Daniel Bateman, Enoch Hassell.
Daniel Bateman, Enoch Hassell.
Enoch Hassell, Ephraim Mann.
Frederick Davenport, £noch Hassell.
Daniel N. Bateman, Frederick Davenport.
Daniel N. Bateman, Frederick Davenport.
Daniel N. Bateman, Frederick Davenport.
Daniel N. Bateman, Frederick Davenport.
Daniel N. Bateman, Frederick Davenport.
Daniel N. Bateman, Benjamin Sikes.
II. G. Spruill, Charles McCleese.
Charles McCleese, Samuel B. Spruill.
Charles McCleese, George II. Alexander.
Charles McCleese, George H. Alexander.
Charles McCleese, Thomas Hassell.
Silas Davenport.
Charles McCleese.
Charles McCleese.
Joseph Halsey.
Silas Davenport.
Silas Davenport.
Charles McCleese.
Joseph McCleese.
414 HISIOBY OV HOKTH CAEOLDf A.
CHAPTER LXXIV
UNION COUNTY.
Union County was formed in 1842, from the south-eastern put
of Mecklenburg:, and western part of Anson County.
It is situated in the south-western part of the State, and is
bounded on the north by Mecklenburg and Stanly; east, bj Anson;
south, by South Carolina line; and west, by Mecklenburg.
Its capital, MuNROE, is one hundred and sixty miles south-west
frem Raleigh ; named in compliment to James Munroe, fifth Presi-
dent of the United States.
tts population, in 1850, was 8,018 whites ; 51 firee negroes; 1,982 slaves;
9,258 representative population.
Its early history belongs to Mecklenburg and Anson, and it is
entitled to a share in the spirit-stirring and chivalric history of
these counties.
It votes, until after the next session, with Mecklenburg and
Anson. That is, the part of the territory taken from Mecklen-
burg, votes with that County ; and the other with Anson, until
after the next General Assembly, when she will have a distinct and
separate representative.
CHAPTER LXXV.
WAKE COUNTY.
Wake County was erected in 1770, from Orange, Johnston, and
Cumberland.
The troubles arising from the oppression and extortion in this
year, induced Governor Tryon to divide Orange County into three
(iivisions ; Guilford, Chatham, and Wake ; Wake was so called
in compliment to the maiden name of Governor Tryon's wife.*
Wake is bounded on the north by Granville and jFranklin Coun-
ties; on the east, by Franklin and Johnston; on the souths by Johns-
ton and Cumberland; and on the west, by Chatham and Orange.
* Martin, 241. Jones contradicts this, but gives no authority.
WAKB 00DNT7. 415
In this County is Ralsiqh, the capital of the State of North
Carolina.
Most appropriately does it preserve the name of the Btatesmao and soldier,
under whose auepioes was fitted out the first expedition that ever landed in
the United States. Uis naine is illnstrioue as » f^lant vanrior; as a sa^n-
cioDs statesman; and as a faithful and accurate historian, lie was horn in
1552. Under the smiles of the " Virgin Queen" Elizabeth, be rose to faTor
and honors : but after her death, from the pusillanimous policy of James I,
he was condemned for offences of which he was innocent; and was beheaded
in 1G18.*
Its population, in 1850, was 14, 177 whitee ; 1,301 free negroes ; 9,409 ilaTe* ;
21,123 representatiTe population.
Its products, in 1S40, were 2,391,996 pounds of cotton ; 535^4 bushels of
com; 38,379 bushels of wheat; 79,011 bushels of oats; 54,247 pound* of
tobacco; 12,178 pounds of wool.
By an ordinance of the Convention that assembled at Hillsboro'
in 1788, to deliberate upon the Constitution of the United States,
the seat of Government was fixed on the plantation of Joel Lane,
in Wake County. Five public squareB were fixed; in the centre of
which, the Capitol was located, and called Union Square, and the
other four arc Caswell, Burke, Nasu, and Moore.
Before this, the sessions of the General Asseroblj had been held
at different places; at Tarboro', Hillsboro', Fayetteville, and else-
where. Tliis was inconvenient on many accounts. A State House,
Governor's house, and other public edifices were ordered to be
erected.
A fire, in June 1831, destroyed tho old Capitol. The Governor's
house at one time, and the large brick building, owned then by
Benjamin B. Smith, in Fayetteville street, at another, was used for
the sessions of tlie General Assembly.
An edifice has been erected at a cost of 520,000 dollars, which,
416 HISTORY OF KOBTH CABOLDTA.
for durability of structure, correctness of architecture, and perfect
adaptation to its intended purposes, has no superior in these United
States*
The greatest calamity that followed the fire in 1831 was the
total destruction of the marble statue of George Washington, firom
the unrivaled chisel of Canova, of Rome — a loss that cannot be
repaired.
The full-length portrait of Washington, after the original, by
Sully, was preserved, and still hangs in the House of Commons.
A destructive fire, on the 7th of January, 1831, laid the princi-
pal part of Raleigh in ashes.
To the meeting of Delegates of the ProYinoe of .North Carolina, held at
Hillsboro' 2 let Augast, 1^75, from Wake, Joel Lans, John Hlnton, Thio-
PHILUS IIUNTER, MlCHAEL RODOERS, TiGNAL J0NE8, JOHX RaND, and ThOIUS
Hikes.
To the Oonf^ess at Halifax, 12th Nov. 1776, Tional Jokxs, Jaxis Joins,
Michael Rodgers, John Rice, and Britain Fuller.
Of the Wake Regiment, John Hunter, Colonel ; Thvophilus HuimK,
Lieatenant-Colonel ; John Hinton, Jr., Major ; Thomas Hinbs, 2d Major.
'Colonel William Polk lived and died in Raleigh. He was bom in Meck-
lenburg County, and was present, when but a youth of nineteen, at the cele-
brated meeting on 20th May, 1775, when this county declared its independence
of the English Government. It was fVom this hallowed altar that his youth-
ful heart caught the inspirations of patriotism. He joined the army of this
county, and served through the Revolution. He was with General Washing-
ton at Brandy wine fSept. 1777), and Germontown (Oct. 4, 1777), where he
was wounded. He then was ordered South, and was with General Gates in
the battle of Camden (August 1780), and with Greene at Guilford (March
15, 1781), and at the hard-fought battle of the Eutaw Springs (8th Sept. 1781),
at which battle he received a severe wound, the effects of which he carried
to his grave. He held the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the army at the
close of the war. After the war ended, he retired from the army, and re-
turned to Charlotte, his native place.
In 1787, he represented the county of Mecklenburg in the House of Com-
mons.
He removed to Raleigh, and was for a long time President of one of the
Banks.
In 1812, he was offered a commission of Brigadier-General in the Amv
by the President, which he declined. Subsequently, however, stung by the
repeated wrongs of his country, and the degrading conditions demanded by
the British commissioners as the price of peace, in a letter to the Governor of
the State (Hawkins), dated 17th October, 1814, he offered his services to the
State in any situation that the Governor might deem useful.
He died about 1830, leaving a widow (the daughter of Col. Hawkins), and
several children — anions them are General Thomas G. Polk, now of Missie-
sippi, Bishop Leonidas Polk, of Louisiana, and Mrs. Kenneth llayner.
Hon. John Louis Tatlor died in Raleigh, January, 1829 ; a sketch of his
life appears in the chapter on Cumberland County (pase 200), which he
represented in 1792, '93, and '94 — (Fayetteville) — in the House of Commons,
James F. Taylor, late Attorney-General, lived, and died in Raleigh. He
was born in Chatham (which see).
Joseph Gales, Esq. (who for a long series of years lived, and died in Raleigh),
was born in Derbyshire, in England. He was a Bookseller and Printer in
WAKB GOUlfTY. 417
Sheffield, and established, in 1787, the " Sheffield Register." He was forced
to flee for his political principles, and in 1794 came to the United States, and
settled in Philadelphia. There he published for a period *' The Independent
Gazette,'' and in 1799 he removed to Raleigh, and established '' The Regis-
ter,'' which he conducted for forty years. He gave to Mr. Madison, dunng
the war in 1812, a firm, vigorous, and independent support ; and was amiable
and kind in all the relations of life. He died 24th May, 1842. He was suc-
ceeded in the editorial chair by his son, Weston R. Gales, who conducted it
until his death, (July, 1848,) when his son, Seaton Gales, Esq., the present
editor, succeeded. l!ne present editor deserves the credit of starting tne first
dail^ paper ever publisned in North Carolina — the '* Bulletin" — published
dunng tne session of the last General Assembly.
Hon. Henrt Seawell, late a Judge of the Superior Court, lived and died
in Raleigh. He was bom 24th December, 17722, in Franklin County ; self-
educated ; a vigorous and capacious intellect. He was elected to the House
of Commons of the General Assembly from Wake County in 18Q0, and
again in 1810, when he was appointed a Judge of the Superior Courts, but
the appointment of the Governor was not confirmed by the Uencral Assembly.
In 1812, he was elected to the House of Commons, and in 1813 a^ain ap-
pointed a Judge, which was confirmed, but which he resigned in 1819.
About 1820, he was appointed by the President of the United States a com-
missioner under the treaty of (ihent with Great Britain, to award for tho
slaves taken during the war of 1812 ; to this Commission, Charles Manly,
Esq., was clerk.
In 1821, he was elected to the Senate of the State Legiplature, and con-
tinued until 1826. In 1831 and '32 he was again in the Senate, when he
was for the third time elected Judge of the Superior Court, which he held
until he died, 11th October, 1835.
By his marriage with the daughter of Col. John Hinton, seven children
survived him, six sons, and one daughter, who married Warner Lewis, Esq.,
of Caswell County.
Hon. Daniel L. Barringer represented Wake County in the House of
Commons as early as 1813. He was a son of John Paul Barringer, late of
Cabarrus County. He married Miss AVhite, of Raleigh, granddaughter of
Richard Caswell ; represented Wake County in 1813, 1819, 1820, and 1821 ;
and from 1826 to 1835 was a member of Congress.
He removed to Tennessee, and has been in public life while there — Speaker
of tho House of Representatives.
Hon. Duncan Cameron, who resides in Raleigh, was bom in Meeklenburg
County, Virginia, in 1777, son of an Episcopalian clergyman.
He studied law, and came to North Carolina in 1797.
In ISOO, he was appointed Clerk of tho Supreme Court, then called Court
of Conference.
In 1806, he was elected a member of the House of Commons from Orange
CoHuty, and again 1807, '12, and '13, when ho was a firm and decided advocate
for the war.
In 1814, he was elected Judge of the Superior Court, which he resigned
in 1816.
In 1819, he was elected to tho Senate from Orange County, and in 1822
and 1823.
In 1829, ho was elected President of the old State Bank.
On the organization of the present Bank of the State of North Carolina, in
September, 1834, he was chosen its President, over whose afiairs he presided
with unexampled financial skill and fidelity until a few years since, when he
resigned (January, 1849), and was succeeded by George W. Mordecai, Esq.
Moses Mordecai, who lived and died near Raleigh, a distinguished lawyer*
was born in the city of New York, on 4th April, 1785.
418 HISTOBT OF NOBTH GABOLIKA.
His father, Jacob, removed to Richmond, Virginia, when he was about fire
years old, and finally to Warrenton in this State, where he established him-
self first as a merchant, and afterwards kept a large and respectable female
school.
Moses Mordecai was educated in Warrenton by Marcus George, who was
justly renowned as one of the best teachers of nis day. lie aided in the
school of his father for a time after arriving at maturity. He then studied
law, obtained license, and settled in Greenville, Pitt County. He subse-
quently removed to Raleigh, where he practiced with great success in the
Federal and Supreme Courts, and where he lived at the time of his death.
The evidence or his ability and talents is, that with such compeers as Gaston,
Ruffin, Seawell, Stanley, and others, his practice was lucrative, and his suc-
cess complete.
He died at the Sweet Springs, in Virginia, September, 1824, whither be
had resorted to restore his healui, shattered by the fall diseases of our lower
country climate. He left four children, two sons, Henry and Jacob, and two
daughters, Ellen and Margaret.
His brother, George W. Mordecai, Esq., resides now in Raleigh, and is
President of the Bank of the State of North Carolina.
Hon. John H. Bryan resides in Raleigh. He is a native of Craven:
for his biography, see Craven, Chapter XXU.
Hon. R. M. Saunders resides in Raleigh. Ho is a native of Caswell: for
his biography, see Caswell, Chapter XV.
Hon. William H. Haywood, Jr., is a resident and native of this county.
He was born in 1801 ; educated at the University of North Carolina, at
which he was graduated in 1819 ; studied law, entered public life in 1831 as
a member of the House of Commons, and served in 1834, '35, and '36.
He was Speaker in 1836. He was elected to the Senate of the United States
in 1B42, which he resigned in 1846, when he was succeeded by Hon, George
E. Badger.
Hon. Gkoboe E. Badger resides in Raleigh. He is a native of Craven
County: for his biography, see Craven, Chapter XXU.
Hon. Richard Hines resides in Raleigh. He is a native of Edgecombe, for
which, see Edgecombe, Chapter XXVIII.
Major Gaston H. Wilder resides in this county ; son of the late Hillory
Wilder, who represented Johnston County for many years.
Major Wilder was educated at the University, and graduated in 1838. He
was a member of the House of Commons in 1842, '44, and '46. This year
he was appointed Paymaster of the North Carolina Regiment, in the service
of the United States, vice David W. Stone. He went to Mexico, and sensed
through the war with credit to himself and fidelity to the government.
Major Charles L. Hinton is a native of Wake ; educated at the University,
at which he graduated in 1814. In 1820 and '21, he was elected a member
of the House of Commons, from Wake. In 1827, he was elected to the
Senate, in which he served, with some intermission, until 1833. In 1839, he
succeeded Mr. Courts as Treasurer of the State, and in 1850, Mr. Courts
succeeded him.
Major William F. Collins, who was Comptroller from 1836 to 1851, also
resides in this county. He is a native of Nash.
The Executive Officers of North Carolina reside at Raleigh.
His Excellency, David Settle Reid, is a native of Rockingham ; for whose
biography, see Chapter LXVI.
WAKEcoumnr. 41ft
WiLLiAX IIiLL (Secretary of State), is a native of Stokes. He was bom in
September, 1773. He came to Raleiffh in Jnlj, 1795, as clerk to James Glaft-
fow, who went out of office in 1798, wnen William White was elected. On the
eath of William White, in October, 1811, Mr. Hill was elected, in NoTember
following, his successor, which office he has held to this day. His first wife
was Sally Geddy, by whom he has several children. His second wife is Fran-
ces Conner Blount, who is alluded to as a descendant of Governor Archdale,
in vol. i., page 82, of these sketches.
Daniei. W. Courts is a native of Culpepper County, Ya.; bom November
26th, 1800; by profession a lawver; educated at the University, at which he
mduated in 1823. In 1831, ^2, and '33, he was a member from Surry
County. In the session of 1836 he was again a member, and at ^is session
he was elected Treasurer of the State, and re-elected 1838, by a Legislature
differing in politics. In 1839, he was appointed Consul of the United States
at Matanzas, which he accepted, and repaired to his post; but resigned in a
short time. He removed to Rockingham, the cou;ity in which he Was raised,
and in 1846, was elected from this county to the House of Commons, and
again in 1848. In 1850, he was elected, without opposition, Senator from
I&ekingham, and at the session of 1850-51, elected Treasurer of the State,
which position he now occupies.
William J. Clarkb is a native of Wake Countv; was educated at the Uni-
versity, and graduated in 1841 ; a Lawyer bv profession.
In 1846, volunteered to go to Mexico, and was appointed a Captain in the
12th Regiment of United States Infantry. His company, I, was in several
engagements, and at the Battle of the National Bridge, in which he con-
duct^ himself with great bravery, and received a severe wound.
He was promoted to be Ma^or, by the President and Senate, for his gal-
lantry. At the disbanding of the army after the war, he returned to his pro-
fession, and in 1850, was elected Comptroller of the State, which position he
now holds.
The roll of his company, which he led to battle and to victory in Mexico,
is as follows: —
ROLL OF COMPANY "I," 12th REGIMENT U. S. INFANTRY.
William J. Clarke, Captain.
John F. Hoke, 1st Lieutenant; promoted to Captaincy, June 27, 1847.
Charles M. Creanor (Texas), promoted 1st Lieutenant vice Hoke.
James F. Waddell, 2d Lieutenant.
John J. Wheeden, 2d Lieut.; died January 14, 1848, at Raleigh, having re-
returned.
Charles Manly, Jr., appointed vice Wheeden.
Sergeants.
1. Richard H. Rogers, killed in action, at National Bridge, Mexico, 12th
of August, 1847.
2. Thomas B. Jones, transferred to dragoons.
3. Thomas F. Elliot, died at Vera Cruz, September 14, 1847.
4. Merritt D. Crocker, died at Encerro, June 27, 1848.
1. Lawson Maunej, appointed 1st Sergeant, March 1, 1848.
2. Joseph F. Williamson.
3. Richard H. Riddick.
4. John Huffman.
Corporals,
1. Christopher G. Love. 3. Joseph A. Thomas.
2. David S. Wells. 4. Andrew Summey.
Musicians*
Frederick A. Stauffer, Drummer.
Henry Tevepaugh, Fifer; died at Jalapa, September 26, 1847.
420
HISTOBT OT NORTH OABOLIVA.
1. Akenford, Endemeon R.
2. Bell, Eli
3. Bell, Georee R.
4. Bell, Morns 0.
5. Ba^, Jacob
6. Briggs, Alexander
7. Bowen, Wm. D. S.
8. Brooks, Henry
9. Bumgamer, Thomas L.
10. Barbee, Young W.
11. Bradley, Wm.
12. Campton, James
13. Carpenter, Jacob Q.
14. Carpenter^ Peter W.
15. Cline, Laban L. M.
16. Cody, Turner .
17. Davis, Benjamin F.
18. Durand, Addington S.
19. Eaker, Michael
20. Evans, James R.
31. Kirksey, William, (wounded at
National Bridge. )
-32. Kirksey, Eliiah, (wounded at Na-
tional Bridge.)
33. Lawrence, George W. H.
34. Lee. William w!
35. Martin, Jason
36. Martin, William
37. Medlin, WilKe
38. McGoniffle, Peter
39. Mabry, Josiah
40. Nowlin, David M. C.
41. Nowlin, Thomas D.
42. Rains, Beniamin
43. Ramsey, Thomas G.
44. Runnels, Moses
45. Rafferty, Daniel A.
46. Risen, George
47. Sims, James
48. Slade, David M.
21. Ford, Rick, wounded at National 49. Salter, David W.
Bridge. 50. Salter^ Warren
22. Fretwell, Jefferson 51. Smith, Nathaniel
23. Gpeen, Simon G. 52. Wells, David
24. Greer, John F. 53. Wells, Hueh S.
25. Hallman, Noah 54. Wheeler, Junius B., (promoted to
26. Ilargraves, James E. Lieutenant, 11th Inuintry.)
27. Heam, Pemal 55. White, Benjamin £.
28. Henderson, Robert F. 56. Williams, Lisbon W.
29. Hoke, Philo P. 57. Williams, James
30. Justis, Benj., (wounded at Cerro 58. Wright, Silas J.
Gordo.) 59. Wolf, John
60. Young, Laton
HonoTcMy Discharged.
1. Brown, Thomas G. . Disability.
2. Fye, Abel M.
3. Huff, John .
4. Justis, Beniamin
5. Kirksey, Elijah
6. Mitchell, Wm. A. J.
7. No well, Jonathan
8. Stevens, Wm. G.
<i
u
u
<l
«
<*
wounds.
do.
injuries in battle.
«<
«
«
«
<4
«
(<
«
«
Transfsrred.
1. William Conyers, to Company "G," 12th Infantry.
2. Dixon, Ferdinand,
3. Dyson, George W.
4. Harris, Andrew J.
5. Jones, Henry S.
6. Jones, Thomas B., to 2d Dragoons.
7. PhUlips, John G., to Company "G," 12th Inftintry.
Deserted,
Jacob Hogue, Fort Moultrie, S. C, May 29, 1847.
Henry M. Wyatt, Vera Cruz, Mexico, July 6, 1848,
Casualties,
1. Medicus A. Alfred, died at Perote, Mexico, Nov., 1847.
2. James M. Bandy, <* sea, July 15, 1847.
WAKE oouisrTT. 4Sl
3. Richard E. Barrow, died at Perote, Oct 15, 1^47.
4. Jesse Boytt, " City of Mexico, Jan. 28, 1848.
5. Arthur Cfampbell, . " Encerro, Mexico, June 25, 1848.
6. William Champion, " N. C, April 8, 1847.
7. William J. Clark, " City of Mexico, March 6, 1848.
8. Abner Cooper, " New Orleans, July 17, 1848.
9. James Crabtree, " Puebla, Jan. 2, 1848.
10. Merrit D. Crocker, died near Jalapa, June 17, 1848.
11. Benjamin Dickerson, died at Encerro, June 27, 1847.
12. William Dickerson, •* Vera Cruz, Sept. 14, 1847.
13. Thomas F. Elliott, " Vera Cruz, Aug. 22, 1847.
14. Seth Etheridge, " Encerro, June 25, 1848.
15. Fenner Finch, " sea, July 18, 1847.
16. Farnifold Grey,
17. George A. Gentle, " Cerro Gordo, Aug. 16, 1847, wounds in battle.
18. Elijah Harris, " Encerro, June 28, 1848.
19. William Haughton, ** Puebla, Dec. 8, 1847.
20. William W. Horton, " Puebla, Not. 21, 1847.
21. Asa Hurley.
22. Joseph Horsends.
23. George N. Ireland.
24. Daniel Jarral.
25. James J. Love.
26. John May.
27. Edward McMillan, died Oct. 5, 1847, wounds receiTed in battle.
28. James McKnight.
29. Nathan Perry.
30. Anderson Peace.
31. Albert G. Powers. .
32. Richard H. Roeers, killed in battle at National Bridge.
33. Wesley Richards.
34. William H. Roles.
35. Joseph T. Rudisoal.
36. Benjamin S. Rust, iniuries received in battle at National Bridge.
37. Henry Stamey, killed at National Bridge.
38. Hardy T. W. Shadrach, died of wounds receiTed at National Bridge.
39. WUliam Sikes.
40. James Spain.
41. Henry Tevepaugh.
42. Absalom Taylor.
43. James W. Underwood.
44. Charles Vowell, died of wounds receiyed at National Bridge.
45. Wm. F. Waoaster.
46. Benjamin F. Wadkins.
47. James H. Wall.
48. Samuel P. Weathers.
49. John B. Warrick.
50. Christopher Wells.
51. Daniel Wiggs.
62. John Woodfiff.
53. Barzillai Winfield.
Members of the General Assembly from Wake County, from the
first meeting, in 1777, to the last session, 1850-51.
years. Senate. Uoose of Commons.
1777. James Jones, John Rand, Tienal Jones.
1778. Michael Rodgen, Lodwiok Alford, Hardy Saunders.
1779. Michael Rodgers, Thomas Hines, John Hinton, Jr.
1780. Michael Rodgers, Nathl. Jones, John Humphries.
1781. Michael Rodgers, Bnnrell Pope, J»mei Hinton.
422
HISTOBT OF NOBTH OABOLINA.
Years. Senate.
1782. Joel Lane,
1783. Joel Lane,
1784. Joel Lane,
1785. Joel Lane,
1786. Joel Lane,
1787. Joel Lane,
1788. Joel Lane,
1789. Joel Lane,
1790. Joel Lane,
1791. Joel Lane,
1792. Joel Lane,
1793. James Hinton,
1794. Joel Lane,
1795. Joel Lane,
1796. Thomas Hines,
1797. Tignall Jones,
1799. Thomas Hines,
1800. Nathl. Jones,
1801. Nathl. Jones,
1802. William Hinton,
1803. William Hinton,
1804. William Hinton,
1805. Nathaniel Jones,
1806. Allen Rogers,
1807. Allen Rogers,
1808. Allen Rogers,
1809. William Hinton,
1810. William Hinton,
1811. WiUiam Hinton,
1812. Allen Rogers,
1813. John Hinton, Jr.,
1814. John Hinton,
1815. John Hinton,
1816. John Hinton, Jr.,
1817. Nathaniel Jones,
1818. Nathaniel Jones,
1819. Stephen Haywood,
1820. Josiah Caedup,
1821. Henry Seawell,
1822. Henry Seawell,
1823. Henry Seawell,
1824. Henry Seawell,
1825. Henry Seawell,
1826. Henry Seawell,
1827. Charles L. Hinton,
1828. Charles L. Hinton,
1829. Charles L. Hinton,
1830. Charles L. Hinton,
1831. Henry Seawell,
1832. Henry Seawell,
1833. Charles L. Hinton,
1834. Samuel Whitaker,
1835. Samuel Whitaker,
1836. Samuel Whitaker,
1838. Samuel Whitaker,
1840. Samuel Whitaker,
1842. James B. Shepard,
House of Commons.
James Hinton, Burwell Pope.
Theophilus Hinton, Hardy Saunders.
James Hinton, William Hayes.
James Hinton, William Hayes.
John Humphries, James Hinton.
Nathaniel Jones, Brittain Saunders.
James Hinton, Brittain Saunders.
Brittain Saunders, Thomas Hines.
Brittain Saunders, Ransom Sutherland.
Ransom Sutherland, Brittain Saunders.
Brittain Saunders, William Hinton.
Wyatt Hawkins, Wm. Person.
William Hinton, Michael Rogers.
Nathaniel Jones, William Hinton.
Nathaniel Jones, John Rogers.
Wm. Hinton, Solomon Rogers.
Wm. Hinton, Henry Seawell.
Matthew McCuUers, Htnry Seawell.
Henry Seawell, Matthew McCullers.
Henry H. Cook, Henry Seawell.
Allen Rogers, Henry H. Cooke.
Nathl. Jones, Henry H. Cooke.
Nathl. Jones, Henry H. Cooke.
Walter Rand, Henry H. Cooke.
Calyin Jones, Henry H. Cooke.
Nathl. Jones, Allen Gilchrist.
Nathl. Jones, Kimbro' Jones.
Henry Seawell, Kimbro' Jones.
Nathl. Jones, Kimbro^ Jones.
Henry Seawell, Kimbro' Jones.
Wm. Boylan, DanL L. Barringer.
Wm. Boylan, Seth Jones.
Wm. Boylan, Seth Jones.
William Boylan, Seth Jones.
Seth Jones, Stephen Haywood.
Seth Jones, Stephen Haywood.
Kimbro' Jones, D. L. Barringer.
Danl. L. Barringer, C. L. Hinton.
Chas. L. Hinton, D. L. Barringer.
D. L. Barringer, Samuel Whitaker.
Jas. F. Tajlor, Samuel Whitaker.
Saml. AVhitaker, Johnson Bnsbee.
Samuel Whitaker, Nathl. G. R&nd.
Saml. Whitaker, N. G. Rand.
Saml. Whitaker, Johnson Busbee.
Saml. Whitaker, Wesley Jones.
Wesley Jones, Saml. Whitaker.
Saml. Whitaker, N. &. Rand.
Wm. H. Haywood, Jr., N, G. Rand.
Nathl. G. Rand, Chas. L. Hinton.
Nathl. G. Rand, Wesley Jones.
Wm. H. Haywood, Jr., Wesley Jones.
Wm. H. Haywood, Jr., Allen Rogers.
Weston R. Gales, Wm. H. Haywood, Jr.,
N. G. Rand.
N. G. Rand, D. B. Massey, J. M. Mangum.
N. G. Rand, D. B. Massey, J. M. Mangum.
N. G. Rand, Gaston H. Wilder, D. B.
Massey.
WABRBN oouirnr. 488
Yean. Senate. House of Comtnons.
1844. Geo. W. Thompson, J. M. Mangum, Gaston H. Wilder, James
B. Shepard.
1846. Goo. W. Thompson, Benj. D. Sims, G. H. Wilder, W. W. Holden.
1848. Geo. W. Thompson, Beiy. D. Sims, Jas. D. Newcome, Rufas
H. Jones.
1^50. Wesley Jones, B. M. Saunders, James D. Newcome, Bar^
well Rollins.
CHAPTER LXXVI.
WARREN COUNTY.
Warren County was formed in 1779. In this year Bute
County was divided, and the counties of Franklin and Warren
formed from it.
Warren is bounded on the north by the Virginia line, on the
east by Northampton and Halifax Counties, on the south by
Franklin County, on the west by Granville.
Its population (1850) was 4604 whites; 441 free negroes; 8867 slaves;
10,305 representative piopulation.
. Its products (1840) were 3,574,296 lbs. tobacco ; 380,954 lbs. Cotton ; 9584
lbs. wool; 395,351 bushels corn:; 80,193 bushels oats ; 25,551 bushels wheat;
1641 dollars worth of lumber.
It derives its name from Joseph Warren, of Massachusetts.
Dr. Joseph Warkbn was a Mi^or-General in the Provincial forces, and
fell in battle at Bunker Hill, on 17th June, 1775. He was bom in Roxburj,
in the State of Massachusetts, in 1741. After leaTine college, he' studied
medicine with Dr. Lloyd, an eminent physician of his day, and commenced
practice with great success. His personal appearance, his kind address, and
numanity, won his way to the hearts of all, while his intellectual superiority
gare him power among his countrvmen. When Great Britain, declared her
power to tax and ^vem the colonies without representation, Warren, far
in advance of pubhc opinion, openly denounced it as tyranhv in its most
odious forms — ^this, too, m the very teeth of the myrmidons of the Grown.
The massacre of the Colonists, on the 5th of March, 1770, had been held as
a sacred festival by ,the people of Boston. Orations were delivered on each
anniversary, setting form tnis murder legalized by the Crown. Twice was
Warren the orator on this deeply exciting subject So patriotic were his
sentiments — so hostile to British power — that the officers of the army under
General Gage, then quartered in Boston, declared that no more such orations
ahould be delivered. It was openly stated that it would cost the life of any
man who attempted it. Warren took fire at a threat so openly and Igrranni-
cally made. He solicited the honor of delivering the oration in 1775. For
this post he had few rivals, and it became well Known that Warren was to
Seat. The day came, and the weather was remarkably fine. The old South
eeting House was crowded at an early hour. The British officers, armed,
filled the house and aisles, and some even occupied the pulpit. All entrance
to the house was prevented. But Warren reached the pulpit by a ladder
from the outside. He pressed forward to hb post. In tne bloom of man-
86
424 HISTO&T OT NORTH GABOLIKA.
hood, flushed with the spirit of liberty, the youthful orator advanced. The
British officers, seeing his coolness and intrenidit/, made way for him. An
awful stillness, like that which, in the convulsions of nature, oflen precedes
the fell tornado of the Indies, prevailed. £ach man felt the rapid palpita-
tions of his own heart, and saw in the pale determined face, ana closed lips
of his neighbor, the peril of the occasion. The daring spirit of Warren
arose, and, in '* thoughts thafr breathed and words that burned/' he spoke of
the early history of the colonists, their rights, and the claims of justice ; how
their rights had been trampled down, how violated by the tyrant power of
England. His descriptions of suffering, agony, and blood of the colonists,
chilled even the spirits of the British. The scene was sublime-^the cause
of truth prevailed. The day passed without any violence. Warren and hit
friends were prepared to chastise insolence, prevent disgrace, and avenge
any attempt at assassination.
This is a scene of moral courage and sublimity worthy of the pencil of the
painter or the chisel of the sculptor. The thunder of Demosthenes rolled at
a distance from Philip and his hosts ; Cicero poured forth his invective when
surrounded by the Senate and free from danger of the dagger of Cataline ; boft
Warren spoke to the very teeth of the proud oppressors of This country, restinj;
on their loaded arms, whose errand was to overawe, and whose business it
was to conouer. No example in Roman history exceeds this in moral courage
or in moral sublimity.
«' Is there in the ab3rs8, *
I» there, among the adamantine f^pherefi,
Wheeling unfthaken through the boandless void,
Aught that with half Hueh majesty can fill
The human bosom?"*
If ancient Rome placed the statue of Brutus among those of her heroes
and her gods, shoula not one rise to the memory of Warren, to perpetuate
the remembrance of this heroic act?
In June 14th, 1775, the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts made him
Major-General of their forces. But he was not destined Ions to wear these
honors. At Breed's Hill, when the Provincials, under Colonel Prescott, were
attacked by the English troops on the 17th, General Warren appeared. CoL
Prescott offered him the command, but he declined,, and with a musket took
his place in the ranks. He was killed as the Provincials were slowly retreat-
ing from the superior forces of the British. This place has now become
sacred gonnd. A tall monument marks the consecrated spot, '* to meet the
sun in his coming ; the early light of Uie morning gilds it, and partiDg day
lingers on its summit.''
Strangers from distant lands visit it, for it is associated in their memories
with the Marathon and Platasas of former ages, and with all the miehty strug-
gles of determined freedom for its long lost liberty. Meet is it that Norm
Carolina, in one of her fairest counties, has preserved the name of this
noble son of patriotism, whose life-blood cemented the foundations of her
liberty, and wno died battling in her sacred cause I
" Tliere were no Tories in JBute^** says her historian, and the re-
cords of truth.
When the Provincial Congress recommended that Committees of
Safety be chosen in 1775, for each county, Bute rose as one man,
and, on motion of Bei\jamin Ward, ^^ one of each kin was selected
to act as one of the Committee," thus connecting with living linh
the chain of freedom.
She sent to the General Meeting, on the 25Ui of Angost, 1774, at Newbern,
William Person and Qreen Hill.
• Akemtide's Pleasures of the Imsginatioo, book ii. p. 47.
WABBSN COITNTT. 426
To same place, on the 3d of April, 1775, William Person, Green Hill,
James Ransume, and Thomas Eaton.
To Uillaboro', on the 2l8t of August, 1775, she sent William Person,
Green Hill, Jeturo Sumner, Thomas £aton, Kev. Henry Pattillo, and
JosiAH Keddick.
To Halifax, on the 4th of April, 1776, William Person, Green Hill, Wil-
liam Alston, Thomas' Sherrod, and Philemon Hawkins.
At this Congress, Thomas Person was appointed Brigadier-General of the
Hillsboro' District ; Jethro Sumner, Colonel of the 3d Regiment of Conti-
nental Troops. And of the Bute Regiment, Thomas Eaton, Colonel; Wil-
liam Alston, Lieutenant-Colonel; Thomas Sherrod, Mt^or; Green Hill, 2d
Mfuor.
To the Congress at Halifax, on the 12th of November, 1776, James Den-
ton, Thomas Eaton, Philemon Hawkins, Benjamin Sbwell, and Benjamin
Ward,
The character of William Person is one of great interest We regret that
our efforts have been thus far unavailing, to ascertain the birth, family, edu-
cation, and death of this worthy patriot. But the records afford ample testi-
mony of his devotion to the principles of liberty, and the magnanimity of
hifl character.
General Jethro Sumner was of Warren Countv, an early, active, and
patriotic soldier of the Revolution. His father, William Sumner, emigrated
nrom England about 1690, and settled near Suffolk, Virginia.
On the 8th of Mav, 1760, he was ordered " by the Hon. William Byrd,
Eso., Colonel of the Virginia Regiment, and Commander-in-chief of the Vir-
flnia forces," to proceed (with Sergeant Nash) with all convenient speed to
ort Cumberland, to act as Paymaster. During this year he was the com-
manding officer of Fort Cumberland.
He was appointed in April, 1776, by the Provincial Congress, Colonel of
the 3d Regiment of Continental Troops. Wiluam Alston was Lieutenant-
Colonel ; Samuel Lockhart, M%jor.
He joined the army of the North, under Washington, and, after that cam-
paign, came South with General Gates, and behaved with great bravery on
the fatal field of Camden (August, 1780).
In October following he was at Yadkin's Ford, from which General Sumner,
in oamn, reports on tb^ 10th of October, 1780, the defeat of Ferguson on
King's Mountain to General GateSt ftod by General Gates sent to Congress.
He joined General Greene, and with him was in the hard-fought battle of
Eutaw Springs, 8th of September, 1781, and Commanded the Continental
Troops from North Carolina ; their bravery, in charging the enemy with
trailed arms, contributed ^eatly to the success of the day.
He continued to serve in the South until the daring feat of Fannin, In
the abduction of the Governor of North Carolina, September, 1781 ,* General
Greene, alarmed at the effect of such an outrage, ordered General Sumner
to North Carolina, to tranqnilixe the public mind, encourage the friends of
liberty, and to subdue the Tory influence. He traversed the eastern section
of North Carolina, and waq in the State at the close of the war.
A letter from General Greene, dated at Charleston, 2d February, 1783, to
General Sumner, says : "Were there any probability of action soon, I should
be anxious to have your services in this army. But from tho situation of
▼our line, and the probable inactivity of the army for some time to come, I
have no objection to your remaining m North Carolina, where you can attend
to the recruiting service and your own private concerns at the same time.''
After the war was over, he resigned, and married a wealthy widow (Heiss)
of Newborn, by whom he had two children, Thomas Edward, who died with-
out issue, and Jacky, who married Hon. Thomaa Blount, of Edgecombe, who
died in Congress in 1812, without issue.
« See Biography of Gov. Burke, 333.
426 HISTORY OF KORTft CAROLINA.
General Sumner lies buried in Warren County, near the road from Lcwif-
burg to Warrenton, near old Shocco Chapel and Bate old court house, sod
bears this inscription : —
To the memorj
of
GkNIRAL JxTHRO S(JMN£R,
one of the Heroes of ^6.
HAWKINS VAiriLT.
Of Philsmon Hawkins, who was delegate from Bute in 1776, the reader
will find a history in the sketch of Colonel Benjamin Hawkins, for which I
am indebted to the kindness of John D. Hawkins, Esq., of Franklin Countf,
and from whose pen it proceeded.
CoL. Benjamin Hawkins was bom in Bute (which was changed to Warren
County in 1779) on the 15th of August, 1754^ and he died at hie residence is
the Creek Nation, in the exercise of nis functions as Superintendent of Indiai
Affairs, on the 6th of June, 1816. A narticular record to this effect was made
at the time of his death by his elder brother. Colonel Philemon Hawkins, ii
his family Bible, with the additional remark, that he had been in public life
thirty-six years.
His parents were Colonel Philemon Hawkins, Sr., and Delia Hawkins,
both of whom lived and died in the same county, at advanced ages. Hii
father was bom in Gloucester County, Virginia, on the 28th of September;
1717, the county where the Hawkins family seems to have first settled oi
their arrival in this country from England. He was a remarkable rasa.
Born to small fortune, raised to hard Ubor, with but aoonunon education,
in obscurity, and without the patronage of friends. He migrated from Qlom-
oester at the a^e of twenty years, leaving behind him^ a name for indostxy
and energy ofcnaracter. Bute County was then inhabited* mostly by Indians,
and the semi-savage whites who always crowd the borders of a new oountiy.
Here he sat down with the resolute purpose to make hia fortune, and
his indomitable perseverance soon gave him a start, upon which he buib
a fortune and a fame, that outstripped all his cotemporaries. He wns of
distinction in 1772. He was then tne chief aid to (Governor Tryon in the
Battle of Alamance, fought with the Regulators in that year. Possessing
the means, he advanced his family to the first station in Bocietr, and he
lived in the enjoyment of a well spent life, and died in 1801, in the eigh^-
third year of his age. He had six children ; four sons and two dauehten.
His sons were, in the order of their ages. Colonel John Hawkins, Coiood
Philemon Hawkins, Jr., Colonel Benjamin Hawkins, and Colonel Josepk
Hawkins. His daughters were, Delia, who married L. Bollock, and Ann,
who married Mici^ah Thomas, a man of respectable character in Ntsk
County. The daughters were short-lived, and left no living children. And
of the sons. Colonel Joseph Hawkins was an officer in the Continental serriee,
and died in 1785. The other sons, John, Philemon, and Benjamin, survived
their parents ; and the two first left numerous fiunilies. Their descendants
were noted men, and held respectable stations in life. Colonel John Haw-
kins had five sons ; four of them served many years in the Assembly ; Phile-
mon, now of Louisburg, General John H. Hawkins, and General Mici^
Thomas Hawkins, who now live in Warren, and Colonel Joseph Hawkins,
who died filling the office of Comptroller of the State. General M. T. Hai^
kins served many years in Congress.
Colonel Philemon Hawkins, Jr., had seven sons and five dangjhters, who
all lived to be grown. The sons were William, John D., Joseph W., Benisr
min F., Philemon, Frank, and Oeorge W. The six youngest sons all grado-
atcd at the University of North Carolina. The daughters were Eleanor, who
is now the widow of the late Sherwood Haywood, of Kaleigh ; Ann, who ma^
ried William P. Little, late of Warren ; Delia, now the widow of the late
WABBEN COUNTY. 427
Stephen Ilaywood, of Raleigh ; Sarah, who was the widow of the late Colonel
William Polk, of Raleigh, and Lucy Davis Ruffin, who was Uie first wife of
the late Louis D. Henry, of Raleigh.
Colonel Benjamin Hawkins leu one son and five daughters; only three
daughters are now living. He was raised to habits of industry and economy,
but he possessed a liberal spirit, which he inherited from his parents, who
possessed and practiced it in an eminent degree. No private house in North
Carolina was more extensively known, and none where more enlarged hospi-
tality was dispensed, than at the house of the late Colonel Philemon Haw-
kins, Sr.
In the early education of Bbnjamin Hawkins, he was sent to the best
schools the country afforded. There were then no academies near at hi^id,
and no college in the State. The nearest college was William and Mary, in
Virginia, but in the estimation of his father, Princeton College had the pre-
fbrence, and, therefore, he and his younger brother, Joseph, were sent to that
institution. There they remained until the war of the Revolution suspended
the exercises, at which time, Benjamin and his brother Joseph were members
of the Senior Class. Colonel Hawkins, when he left college was a ripe scho-
lar of his grade, and understood and spoke French well. The intercourse
which General Washington had with the French officers, and not being able
himself to speak French, rendered it necessary he should have some mem-
ber of his family to aid him in that particular. He formed an acquaintance
with Colonel Hawkins and pressed him into his service as a member of his
family, where he remained some time. He was at the Battle of Monmouth
with NVashington, in 1779, and in many other situations before and after that
battle. The servant who attended upon and belonged to Colonel Hawkins
at that battle, was freed in 1801, and lived upwards of forty years afterwards.
In 1780, Colonel Hawkins was chosen by the North Carolina Legislature,
commercial agent to procure all things needful, home or abroad, for the use
and support of the war, and defence of the State. During this time ho acted
as aide^e camp to Governor Nash. As commercial agent, he repaired to the
island of St. Lustatia, to procure arms and munitions of war. In that cha-
Iracter he purchased many articles, and put them on board the vessels of a
then rich merchant of Newborn, North Carolina ; John Wright Stanly, father
of the late John Stanly. These vessels and cargoes were captured by the Bri-
tish vessels of war, and that capture ruined the great fortune of the unfortunate
Stanly, who sought redress at the hands of the State of North Carolina, but
was refused it, when it should have been allowed him. Mr. Stanly then
brought suit against Colonel Hawkins in his individual character, which took
its turn in the courts, creating some excitement. But the court decided (1st
Haywood) that the purchases and contracts of the State's agent, did not bind
him individually.
On the 13th of May, 1782, Colonel Hawkins was elected by the General
Assembly a member of Congress to the old confedera,tion for ono year^ and
was re-elected on the 14th of May, 1783, for a like term, and was present at
Annapolis in that year, being the memorable Congress before whom General
Washington appeared, to lay down his commission as Commander-in-chief of
the American armies.
On the 2l8t of March, 1785, being then a member of Congress, he was ap-
pointed by Congress, having been unanimously nominated by the whole
North Carolina delegation in Congress, a Commissioner, together with Daniel
Carrol and AViliiam Perry, to treat with the Cherokees and all other Indians
south of them. He was also appointed by Congress, same year, as a commis-
sioner, associated with Gen. Andrew Pickens, Joseph Martin, and Lauchlin
Mcintosh, to negotiate with the Creek Indians. They concluded the treaty
of Galphinton, and in the same commission they concluded the treaty of
Hopewell with the Cherokees. He was again elected a member of Congress
in 178C, to serve until the first Monday of March, 1787. In 1789, he was
elected to the Senate of the United States, together with Samuel Johnston,
Esq., the two first Senators chosen by North Carolina under the Federal
Constitution, and he was qualified and took his seat the 13th of Jana-
428 HISTOBT OF NORTH CABOUNA*
ary, 1790. In the classification be was allotted to seire six jean. By
the General Assembly, who elected these two Senators, Governor John-
ston was elected on the first ballot, and the contest for the other was be-
tween Colonel Benjamin Hawkins and Colonel William Blount, afterwards
Governor Blount of Tennessee, and Senator from that State in the Congrai
of the United States. These two gentlemen, before this conflict, had been pt^
ticularly friendly, had served together freqaentlj in the Congress of the Con-
federation, and in other stations. This contest was waged by their friendi,
not by themselves. In fact, each had a brother in the Assembly, and they
were both men of influence in that bod^. When Colonel Hawkins wu
elected, it was against his wishes, as he disliked strife, sach as he saw thii
contest would lead to. But his elder brother. Colonel Philemon Hawkins, Jr.,
willed it otherwise, and so the election was decided. This election produced
a breach among old friends, that was never after healed. 'I^hey never
after looked witn a friendly eye upon the elder members of the HawkiDS
family. The after generations of ooth families inculcated a warm friend-
ship for each other, which ripened into marriages. That friendship still
exists, and is miuch valued on both sides.
Colonel Benjamin Hawkins served out his full term of six years in the
Senate, but it was known for some time before the end of that period, among
his friends, that General Washington was importuning him to accept the
agency of superintending all the Indians south of the Ohio. He by no meant
solicited that appointment. On the contrary, he was induced to accept it only
at the particular desire of the President, and much against the wishes of hu
friends and relatives, who never doubted his ability, but they believed it
would be such an abstraction from civilized life, and such a close connection
with savages, that, although his purpose was predicated upon patriotism
and an extended benevolence, yet the task for a man of refinement, in the
possession of an ample fortune, would be so onerous as to render his sitntr
tion extremely uncomfortable. During the time of his service in the Senate
and before, when at home he lived with his father and mother (their only
child), he was the delight of their declining years, and his father's boose
being the scat of hospitality,' it was much frequented by visitors of all sorts,
and from various parts of the world. Exiled Frenchmen of distinction, dnring
their Revolution and the reign of Robespierre, sought an asylum in the
United States, and in this agreeable and hospitable retreat their sorrows found
sympathy and repose.
Being then a man of fortune, surrounded by all the comforts of life, he
was the idol of his parents and relatives, and particularly acceptable to eveiy-
body. Their regrets at his acceptance of the agency may be estimated by
their reflection of his transfer from the Senate of the United States to a
dweller among savages. Ilis admiListration as agent is left to history, and
fortunately, enough of his writings were preserved from the flames which
burnt, accidentallv, his house, shortly after his death, as well as that there
are yet living in Georgia, and elsewhere, men who shared his munificence,
and witnessed his rare and transccndant attainments, his high and amiable
qualifications, and his unbounded philanthropy and patriotism, to enable
history to perpetuate hia name. He has done much to establish the topo-
fraphy of Georgia, and left many valuable materials for her history, which
ave been embodied to that end. Many volumes of his manuscript writings
were destroyed, it is supposed, when his house was burnt, but the indefati-
gable antiquarian, J. K. Teft, Esq., Corresponding Secretary to the Georgia
Historical Society, writes to a relative of Colonel H. in North Carolina, that
the Society have in their possession eleven volumes in manuscript, of his
writings, which are in preparation for publication, which were procured with
great earnestness and solicitude as valuable monuments to the renown of
the author, and use to the history of Georgia. And that part of the series
relating to topography, has been published at the private expense of Mr.
William B. Hodgson, a member of the Society, and a gentleman of profound
erudition, who says, their intrinsic worth, coming from a manof sucn Roman
yirtoes, made it a labor of love to him.
VAERSN COUNTY, 429
To show his lack of solicitude for office, the archives at Washington show
that he tendered his resignation to every President, from Gen. Washington
to the time of his death, bat not one of them would accept it, telling him he
must remain, that his services were indispensable. These flattering replies
made by all the Presidents of his time, caused him to continue to bear the
burdens of holding on, the easier, and thereby only was he kept so long in
the arduous duties of Indian Agent. It was extensively known for many
Sears he wished to leave the Agency, and during the administration of Mr.
efferson, a recommendation was got up in favor of another person to be his
•uccessor, which was presented to him. Mr. Jefferson replied he saw there
was no difficulty to get a successor, but the difficulty was to induce him to
hold on, and so long as that could be done, no successor would be appointed:
In the year 1801, the first year of Mr. Jefferson's administration. Colonel
Hawkins previous commission having expired by its limitation, he whs reap-
pointed, and as joint commissioner with General Wilkinson and General
Andrew Pickens, to negotiate treaties with the Chickasaws, Choctaws, and
Katchex.
He had long been in bad health, from exposure, and had so often deter-
mined to resign, and leave the burdensome charge of Indian responsibilities,
that at the close of his life, Government seemed willing, from his declining
health, to give him up. But when he died he was still the agent, having
ealled to his assistance his nephew, Capt. Philemon Hawkins, son of Colonel
Philemon Hawkins, of Warren County, North Carolina, who at the close of
the war in 1815, resigned his commission in the army as Captain of Artillery,
and at the particular request of his uncle had joined him as assistant agent.
Captain Hawkins was also in bad health, having taken cold in the military
service, which settled on his lungs. He lived some months only after the death
of his uncle, discharging the duties of agent. Goi'ernor Mitchell, of Georgia,
was then appointed, and before his installation. Captain Hawkins died. And
subsequently, when Governor Mitchell took charge of the Agency it was neces-
sary he should have reference to and possession of some documents among the
Supers of Captain Hawkins, then at the Agencv, in his trunks ; and Governor
itchell wrote to Governor Hawkins in North Carolina, who was the executor
of Captain Hawkins, as also of Colonel Benjamin Hawkins, for permission to
SI among the papers to procure them, which request was complied with. Gov.
itchelldid not remain long in the Agency, and was succeeded by Colonel John
Crowell. Against his administration there were objections and remonstrances
made to the Government by the Indians and others, in 1825 ; one of these was
signed by Benjamin Hawkins. This caused the misconception that it was
Colonel Benjamin Hawkins, and that he was alive at that time. Whereas
the Benjamin Hawkins who signed the romonstranoe was a half-breed Indian
who assumed the name. There was also a William Hawkins and a John
Hawkins, names assumed by the Indians out of veneration and affection for
Colonel Hawkins, possessing not a drop of his blood in their veins. It is
well vouched for tnat he would never permit an intercourse of that sort, for
many reasons, well known to his friends. He was of opinion it was Cbsential
to Indian government that no such familiarity should be tolerated.
No man was more exemplary in many respects, and particularly for eco*
nomy and judicious management of his pecuniary affairs. By this means
he always had a moneyed ability to administer to his munificence, and to
keep within his income. He inculcated and practiced the maxim that,
any article was too costly to be purchased at any price, however small, if it
was not needed for use or speculation.
When Colonel Hawkins resolved to accept the Agencj in 1796, he cast
about in his mind how he should dispose of portions of his estate to be left
behind him. He hod understood that his youngest brother, Joseph, who had
S'ven him his estate, had intimated in his lifetime a desire in some shape
at his elder brother Philemon, should have a lea^e body of land he owned
in the adjoining county of Franklin at a mere nominal price. This land he
would and did convey to his brother Philemon, and for the nominal consider-
430 HISTOET OF NORTH CAROLDTA.
ation only, though his brother by no means desired it ; for the mere legtl
consider atioQ was too far short for a fair equivalent, and the moral indace-
ment insufficient to compel such a course. But so it was done, and nothing
short of it would satisfy Colonel Benjamin Hawkins.
Ho had a niece married to a man in moderate circumstances. He mored him
and his family to his larfi^e Roanoke estate, and put them in possession of ereir-
thing there as they stood, negroes and all, and gave them the free use of all nnnl
called for. They kept the estate in this way for many years, until Colonel Haw-
kins concluded to remove his negroes to his residence in the Creek nation,
where he established a model farm. There he cultivated extensively, made
large crops of grain, which had become in great demand to supply the immense
emigration to the Territory, now the States of Alabama and Mississippi, asd
on to New Orleans. He owned mechanics of various kinds ; he built miU«,
houses, wagons, fixtures, and implements of all sorts suited to the demands
of the country. He had a large stock of cattle, which the Indians were scru-
pulous to protect while he was alive, but when he died they stole them with-
out limit. He built a bridge across the river at the Agency, and had a |rtte
upon it to separate his cows and calves. He had at one time upwards of fire
hundred calves. The milk was extensively taken from the cows, and the
butter taken from it by a machine operated by horse power. Colonel Haw-
kins possessed in a high degree not only science to coooeiye anything be
desired, but practical common sense necessary to its full achievementw This
addition to his great energy of character created success.
Col. Benjamin Hawkins, in the ^ear 1797, wrote to his brother. Colonel
Philemon Hawkins, and desired him to send him his son William, then a
law student under Judge Williams at Williamsboro', to aid him in his
Indian department ; and intimated as he had no family, he wished him as
one to share his toils, and to profit by their joint efforts in the character of a
son. William Hawkins accepted the call and aided his uncle in the depart-
ment for two years, as assistant agent, when Colonel Hawkins was of opinion
that a young man living so long among Indians, might acquire a manner
unsuited to polished life. He therefore prevailed with his nephew to visit
Philadelphia, and live in that fashionable cit^, and renew some of his former
studies, particularly his French, in a society where the opportunity for
conversation in that language, would enable him the better to accom-
plish it. After remaining there near two years he returned to North Caro-
lina, and circumstances and incidents occurring, he, in the meantime, got
married, and, of course, declined to join his uncle in the Indian deroit-
ment. After awhile. Colonel Hawkins married and had children. Willism
Hawkins knowing the extreme punctiliousness of his uncle never to create
an expectation without fulfilling to the letter its object, he wrote him that he
remembered with grateful recollection all his past favors, and his intima-
tions to give him all his property, but since that time ciroumstances had
greatly changed ; he now nad children of his own, who were the naturd
objects of his bounty; the promise to him was at a time anterior to that,
and predicated upon the assumption of his never having children ; that he
understood it in this light, and would view it in no other, and desired espe-
cially that his uncle would view it in the same light, protesting a total on-
willingness to have any part of his estate, and released him from all moral
obligation growine out of that promise. Nevertheless when Colonel Haw-
kins diod, who haiTnot seen his nephew for many years, he left a will dividin];
his estate equally between his wife, his six children, and his nephew, giving
each an eighth part, and leaving him, moreover, his sole executor. His estate
was worth about One Hundred and Sixty Thousand Dollars. As additiosal
evidence of his disinterestedness, Mic^jah Thomas, who had married his
sister Ann, and recei>^d by her a handsome patrimony, and who had died
long before, leaving no child, and was a man of very large fortune, he sent
especially for Col. ilawkins when upon his deathbed to visit him. He told
him on his arrival he had sent for him to write his will and to give him a
large portion of his estate. Mr. Thomas was surrounded by many respectable
^ WAR&BN OOUNTT. 481
iiriends at the time. Colonel Hawkins told him he would write no such will;
that he Talued his friendlj feelings thus expressed, but that he was sufficiently
provided for, and as Mr. Thomas had blood relations he advised him to give
nis estate to them. When Mr. .Thomas found he could not get him to accept
of the offered legacy he entreated him to accept of five hundred guineas,
which he also positively refused, and vnrote his will giving his property to
his relatives.
Colonel Hawkins possessed in a high degree the happy turn of character
to make himself acceptable, and a favorite with everybody. He stood par-
tioularly in that relation with General Nathaniel Greene, and when that dis-
tinguished officer desired to go South to look out for a new residence in the
year 1785, he went to see Col. Hawkins, and staid with him until he prevailed
with him to accompSny him. They explored as far South as St. Augustine,
and General Greene finally selected a residence upon one of the sea Islands
upon the southern coast of Georeia.
It is a well known trait in the Indian character, that whenever war is
waged in their neighborhood, their restless temperament will cause them to
take part. When General Jackson was carrying on the Creek war, it was
thought by the Government, and so advised by Colonel Hawkins, that a regi-
ment should be raised of the friendly Indians to keep them in check and
from going over to the enemy. Colonel Hawkins was Colonel-commandant,
and the celebrated half-breed, Mcintosh, was Lieutenant-Colonel of the regi-
ment.
This regiment was in the service of the Government a considerable time.
Colonel Hawkins, at his own private expense, relying to be remunerated
by Government, provisioned and supplied it, in great part, with provi-
sions, munitions, &o. He had largo nerds of cattle, large quantities of
grain to furnish needful supplies, and doubtless had and kept necessary and
proper vouchers, as he was a man of ^roat system, to cover and set forth his
expenditures. But his house was accidentally burnt, shortly after his death,
destroying many of his vouchers. Hod be been alive to settle his own mat-
ters, his knowledge might have supplied, in a degree, the loss of his papers.
This worked a great loss to his estate. His executor had great trouble
to settle his accounts, owing to this loss of papers, making a loss to his
estate of many thousand dollars. His accounts had to pass tlio scrutiny
of the First Auditor of the Treasury,* who had filled that appointment
firom the time the Government first went to Washington, and who was so
watchful of the people's money, he was of opinion, in the construction of
8 statute, he must look to the letter, and not at all to the equity, or common
sense meaning of it. For instance, in construing the act of Congress, giving
pay for the loss of horses in the Florida war, he decided it did not extend to
mules, because a horse was not a mule. Before this gentleman, the executor
of Colonel Benjamin Hawkins had to appear for a settlement, and hj that
settlement his estate did lose, owing to the loss of papers and this rigid ex-
actness, a large amount expended in behalf of the American people. Thus
ended the career of a man who may well be said to have filled, in the stations
to which he vras called, and in private life, the measure of his duty ; and
after passing through the many scenes of a long, a laborious, and active life,
closea his career of usefulness to his country, and to his fellow man with an
honor and a reputation which deserves to be recorded for future example to
the living. '* History is philosophy teaching by example."
The celebrated French General, Moreau, when an exile in this country, had
to pass, on his visit to New Orleans, the residence of Colonel Hawkins, and
thereby made his acquaintance at the Agency. He became suddenly so
impressed with him, and captivated by his powers in conversation, beau-
tifully expressed in French, tnat he sojournea with him a long time, and
after leaving him he pronounced him the most remarkable man he had found
in America.
• The late Peter Hagner, £#q.
432 HI8T0BT OF NOBTH OABOLINA.
The publication of the writiDgs of Colonel Hawkins, are in progress under
the guidance of the Georgia Historical Society. His writings a pen the subject
of Topography and the Indian character, and his writings called '* A Sketch
of the OrecK Country/' haye attracted particular admiration. The latter has
been published under the name of the Georgia Historical Society, but at the
Iiriyate expense of William B. Hodgson, Esq., a gentleman of fortune and great
earning, >vho remarks that its usefulness may be estimated by its baying
been copied in manuscript, in these times when printing has so many facili-
ties, into live copies.
Colonel Hawkins' treatise upon the subject of Indian Language, sent by
him to Mr. Jefferson and by him to Mr. Gallatin, was held by both of these
eentlemen in the highest estimation, and is expected substantially to «>pear
in the writings of Mr. Gallatin, which occupied him to the time of his aeatfa,
upon the character of the Aborigines of America. But Mr. Jefferson knew
and appreciated Colonel Hawkins at a yery early period. It is known that
he kept a journal, systematically arranged, and headed by the name of every
State in the Union« beginning with Massachusetts in which, among other
things, he recorded the names of the persons, and their recommendations, for
appointment to office. In 1789, under the head of North Carolina, upon the
Bol^ect of the appointment of Federal Judge for the State, Mr. Jefferson
remarks, '* Hawkins recommended John Sitgreayes as a yery cleyer gentle-
man, of good deportment, well skilled in the law for a man of his ace, and,
should he live long enough, will be an ornament to his profession. He was
appointed, Spaight and Blount concurring."
This scrap-book of Mr. Jefferson's was purchased of his executor the last
year of President Polk's administration, and by him shown to the author of
this Memoir.
Nathaniel Macon was born, lived, and died in Warren county. His long
and successful career in public life has rendered his name known in the
annals of the State and nation ; and his peculiar course of policy has been
stamped upon her history.
His ancestors were from Virginia. He was born in this county in 1757.
His early youth was marked by diligence ; a generous frankness of cha-
racter ; an inquiring mind for information ; and a sturdy independenee in
thought and action.
He was sent to Princeton College to complete his education ; the tronbles
of the Revolution closed the halls of science ; he returned home, and yolun-
teered as a private^ in the service of his country, in a company commanded
by his brother.*
This position he preferred to that of an officer, which was tendered to hinu
This perversion from the ordinary ambition, so natural to men, was remark-
able in his whole after life ; he seemed as free from this, as from the thirst
for gain ; since for his services in the field, he refused and never received a
cent from his suffering country. f It would seem by his whole career, that
neither the love of fame, nor the acquisition of wealth, bad any influence
upon his well-balanced mind. His country was in danger ; her liberies in
peril. This he knew, and to her services he devoted all the energies of his
mind and body. He loved his country as a fond son loves his venerated
mother ; and what son would require any reward for defending this mother,
in poverty and in distress, from injury or insult, beyond the consciousness of
having done his duty ?
While in the army, he was elected by the people, a member of the Le^s-
lature, without his knowledge or consent. Such was bis patriotism, and
his attachment to his companions in arms, that for a time he resisted all
allurements to leave the army ; but by the persuasions of his commanding
officers, he left this for a different service ; and here he was destined to a
* Infferpoll's History of the War of 1812, p. 209.
t CoTton's LiTe oi Macoo, p. 47.
WABBBN GOUNTTv 4SS
long and brilliant career. He served several years as a member of the
General Assembly.
About this time, he married Miss Hannah Plammer, an accomplished ladj,
and of one of the most excellent families in the State. In this, lie had oppo-
sition ; for she was an object worthy of the richest affections. It is recorded,
that while on a visit to her, he met one of her suitors at her house. With his
characteristic frankness, he proposed to his rival, in the presence of Miss
Plummer, that they should play a game of cards for her hand, as that was
the shortest and an amicable way to decide the controversy. This was agreed
to ; and they played. Macon lost ; upon which, raising his hands, with his
eyes beaming with affection, he exclaimed, ** Hannah^ 7 have lost you fairly ^
Imt love is superior to fortune I I cannot give you up ; I love you yet J*
This frank conduct, it is said, secured him the hand of the lady. A life of
uninterrupted domestic felicity to her, proved the wisdom of her conduct.
He was happy in the wife of his love, and she was proud of the husband of
her choice.
The sublime idea of the Roman poet was more than realized :
" FelicoA ter et ampliun
Q1108 irnipta tenet copula; nee malis
I)ivulsuH querimoaiia
Suprcmd citiufl Bolvet amor die."*
Horace.
He now devoted himself to the improvement of his farm and the happiness
of his family. But fortune had not destined him to remain in retirement.
In 1791, he was elected a member of Congress from this District : so accept-
able were his services, and so patriotic his efforts, that he was continujed from
the same district until 1815, when, without his solicitation or consent, he
was transferred to the Senate of the United States, where he served until 1828.
In 1824 he received the vote of Virginia (twenty-four electoral votes), as
Vice-President of the United States,
In 1825, '26 and '27, he was chosen President, pro, tem,, of the Senate.
Warned by the advances of age, in 1828, after a service of thirty-seven
years in Congress, he voluntarily resigned all his public trusts to the Ueneral
Assembly.
A longer period of continuous service in the public councils is not presented
by any one individual in the annals of our republic.
Froiu 1801 to 1800, he was the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
the onlv individual from North Carolina who has ever enjoyed this distin-
guished honor.
His career (embracing the whole period of the war with Great Britain) was
in the most excited times of the country. Yet with such acceptability did Mr.
Macon pursue ** the oven tenor" of his way, uninfluenced by parties, and
unmoved by persuasions from any quarter, that he was regarded as one of
the safcBt depositaries of popular power. He was emphatically and radically
a democrat. Early he was opposed to the Federal Constitution, organizeu
upon the model of the Englisn Government, adapted to our republican insti-
tutions, and in the language of one who was in Congress with him,t and knew
well his motives of action, Macon was willing to trust the people "further
than Jefferson would have ventured, far beyond Washington, and to an extent
that Hamilton would have pronounced anarchical."
He believed, implicitly and cordially in the people, and the people knew
it. This was the sesame which threw open the door of promotion. He
never held any office but from them ; and they, *' the people, loved him because
he first loved them." He looked upon a seat in Congress, from the people,
as the end of his desires ; not to be used for his own aggrandizement, or tnat
of his family or friends, but to serve them and their real interest, and true
* Happy, and tbrioe happy, are thoM who enjoy an uninterrupted union ; and whoso
loves unbroken by any m:>ur complaints, shall continue until disaolved by death,
t Hon. Charles Jared In^rsoH, of Pa.
434 HISTOBT OV NOETH OAEOUKA*
welfare. To bim this was the goal, not the stepping-stone in his careeiv-tbe
penultimate of his political sentiments. Hence when a seat in the Cabins
and foreign missions, at different times, were offered to hinL, thej were re-
fused with a pertinacity hardly respectful.
To the people^ and the people alone, he devoted all the faculties of his mind,
and the warmest inspirations of bis heart. Though the friend of the people,
he was not their flatterer. He used no arts of the demaj^gue to secure his
election, no undue means to ingratiate himself in their favor. In his inter-
course, he was frank and sincere ; and in his correspondence, rare and laconic.
The following is a copy of one of his circulars to every postmaster in his
district.
" Washington, June 18^*, 1812.
Sir : War was declared against Great Britain yesterday.
Yours, &c.,
NATHANIEL MACON."
In 1805, his speech to the House on his taking the chair, when elected
Speaker, was : —
Gentlemen : Accept my sincere thanks for the honor yon have conferred
upon me. Permit me to assure you that my utmost endeavors will be exerted to
discharge the duties of the Chair ^ with fidelity ^ impartiality, and industry^ and
that I rely with confidence on the liberal and candid support of the House,
This is recorded as a model for our days, when the same ideas, and no more,
are conveyed in a lengthy address, as to honors unexpected (which have been
eagerly sought and desired], as to want of qualification (which may be too
true), and protestations of impartiality and fairness (which are evinced by
packing every Committee of a particular party).
His belief in politics was, that** the world is governed too much ; that society
in every state is a blessing ; but government in its best state but a necessary
evil, for when we suffer from the miseries of a government our calamity is
heightened by the reflection that we furnish the means by which we suffer.
Government, like dress, is a badge of fallen innocence ; the palaces of kings
are built on the ruins of the bowers of paradise/' Macon's course is marked
throughout his whole career in Congress by this principle. His constant
effort was to let the power remain with the people where it belonged, and
for the government to protect the people in their rights, liberties, and lives,
and do no more. Hence, during his service, he was in much of the eight
years of Washington's administration, all of John Adams', in most of Jeffer-
son's, and part of Madison's, in the opposition. Although he voted during
Mr. Madison's administration, for the war, yet many measures of this admin-
istration he did not support. **In the nearly forty years he served in Con-
gress; no ten members gave as many negative votes." He was told once in
ongress, by an intimate friend, that *' if Mr. Macon should happen to be
drowned, he would not look down the current for his body,6tt^ up the strtamJ'
No plan, however specious, no device however artfully contrived, no scheme
however plausible, swerved his steady mind from its firm purpose. Yet this
opposition was not ascetic, or his course factious ; his opposition was open, his
reasons plain, and his intercourse frank and pleasant. He often spoke in
Congress, alwavs agreeable and amiable, but firm and always opinionated.
He was the lather of a sect of politicians ** strict, severe, and stringent,"
of which Cave Johnson, Henry W. Conner, and James J. McKay were
disciples, and which, ** in these pursy times of peace," are so much needed
in our public councils. Viewed by the naked eye of truth, their principles
will appear the more sound the more they are examined. They nave been
adopted as the landmarks of our government ; and the more a government
is administered upon these principles, the safer will be the honor of the nation
and more secure the liberties of the people.
Such was Nathaniel Macon, in Congress. John Randolph declares in his
WABREN COUNTT. 485
will, that " Mr. Macon was the wieest and best man he ever knew ;** and
Mr. Jefferson said, that when Nathaniel Macon died, that the '* last of the
Jiamarut'* of our Republic would have departed.
In 1828, he resigned to the General Assembly all his public trusts, then in
his seventy-first year ; feeling, like the wise captain of Charles V., that some
period should intervene between the active duties of life and the time of
leaving it. He resigned, in a short note to the Legblature, his office as
Senator in Congress, as Trustee of the University, and as Justice of the Peao^
for Warren County.
But this did not terminate his public career.
In 1-835, a Convention was assembled at Raleigh to amend the Consti-
tution, and the people desired the aid of his experience, wisdom, and
judgment.
Of this respectable and talented body, Mr. Macon was chosen President.
The Journal of that body, and its debates, show the experience of this
distinguished patriot
lie did not approve of land qudlificaiion for voters. In an able, but short
speech, he supposed the case of two respectable neighbors, having each a son.
One of them had fifty acres of poor land, not worth twenty-five cents an
acre ; the other had no land, but was a good blacksmith or shoemaker, and
of equal good character. Why allow one to vote and not the other ?
How trulv subsequent political events in our State have proved the wisdom
of this, and established jree mffragt as a part of our Constitution.
He opposed biennial sessions, and declared " Mohert annual elections end,
tyranny begins,"
In every one of the ** old thirteen ^ate^* the Legislatures sit annually.
On the subject of rdi^ous toleration he said, that the article of our Con-
stitution (the 32d) prohibiting all but Protestants from serving as members
of the Legislature, was a singular idea in any government, and erroneous ;
it exceeded the province of the law maker ; his province was only to re-
gulate between man and man, and not between man and his Maker. If
this be not correct, in course of time spiritual courts will be necessary to sit
in judgment to rule what is the true belief. No human power had any right
to interpose, or prescribe any religious opinions as a test of office. A mix-
ture of politics and religion, was tne very essence of hypocrisy. Religion is
founded on " peace on earth and good will to man." Read the sermon of
the Saviour of mankind on the Mount. There is no persecution there. We
had as well try to bind the air we breathe, as men's consciences. All religionf
united in the establishment of our free Government. Ro^er Williams, the
first man to establish toleration in North America, was a Puritan ; Charles
Carroll was a Catholic ; Mr. Macon said that he inclined to the Baptist faith ;
but he was far from believing all their doctrines. He did not believe it essen-
tial, that a man should attach himself to any church. He who feared God,
and loved bis brother man, and faithfully discharged to his country every
duty, and obeyed the precepts of the Gospel, would not be asked, when he
reached heaven, to what church he belonged.
The odious article was altered.
On Saturday, the 11th July, Mr. Easton called np the resolution, which,
on the day previous, he had laid on the table. It read thus : —
** Resolved unanimously^ That the thanks of this Convention are due, and
hereby respectfully and affectionately tendered to the Honorable Nathaniel Maeon^
their venerable President, for the distinguished ability^ dignity , and impartialiiy,
with which he has discharged the duties of his station,"
This was passed unanimously ; the members all rising on their feet, on
motion of Hon. Samuel P. Carson, of Burke. The venerable Macon was deeply
affected, and made a short and appropriate valedictory, and they separated
forever. — Gaston — Macon — Carson — all gone I
But once more did Mr. Mncon appear in public. In 1836, he was Elector
on the Democratic ticket, which succeeded ; and ho presided at the College of
436 HISTOBT OF HOBTH OABOLDTA.
Electors and gave the Tote of Xorth Carolina to the Democratic partr. This
was bis last public act. IIo had commenced life fighting in actaal battle, for
the true principles of Qovemment; his last act was in perfect c«insiMeiifj
with its long, eventful, and important career. He never appeared again ia
public, and went rarely from home.
Such were his public services, and such was the sjvtem of policy he pa^
Bued. Let as now go into the retirement of home, and view bim in the pri-
vate relations of social life, as a husband, father, and master ; neighbor and
friend.
The great Roman author,* in his celebrated work on the " Offices of Life,"
has left for our study the minutest particulars as to oar duty and condvcL
He has even described the kind of awellinfic a man of a magnanimous miad
should occupy. Neither too large, yet sufficient for the accommodation of
his family ancl friends, and adapted to his means and their wants.
The minute detail of Mr. Macon, by a neighbor, has not permitted ui to be
at a loss in this respect.
'* He occupied a neat little single storied frame house sixteen feet squan,
with an upstairs and a cellar, furnished in the plainest style for his own dwell-
ing, with a sufficient number of outhouses to accommodate comfortably hii
visitors.!
*' The dwellings of his slaves, instead of the smoky hovels of dirt, and
gloom, and discontent, were about the same sise of his ovm house, furnished
with all the common neoessaries of convenient living."
He had not the felicity of enjoying the condition of married life but for a
few years, but his union with Miss Plummer was as
" One long summer day of innooence and joy."
Educated and raised in the same sphere of life, their thoaghts, feelings, asso-
ciations, tastes, and hopes were the same, and how could their union be bat
happy and contented? It was the will of Heaven to take earlv from him
this most valued of all earthly blessings. He bore this severe calamity with
that calm resignation to the hand of Providence that " does not willinglv
afflict the children of men," but whose reasons, if inscrutable now, will all
be made known hereafter. She left bim two daughters ; in these pledges of
the love of his departed wife " he garnered up all the richest affections of
his heart." They were taught both by the precept and example of their
father, the value of truth and the importance of sincerity.
" Sincerity !
Thou Ant of virtues ! Let no mortal leave
Thy onward path ! although the earth should gape,
And from the gulf of heli, destruction cry,
To take dissimulation's winding way."
He inculcated upon them habits of industry and rigid fimgality. Xo
tawdry ornament, no French frippery ever was seen on their persons. Like
Portia of Rome, thev were fit to be the daughters of our Oato. On the max^
riage of the eldest daughter, Mr. Macon divided his estate into three parts.
One to each, and one he retained to do with as he pleased hereafter. His eon-
duct here deserves the imitation of all parents. The rules of English primo-
geniture are not only unjust, but often renders a fool of the one, while it
makes knaves of the rest. He regarded the claims of his children as alike
and equal. The affection of a parent should be equal, his duty equal, and
their equal wants demanded his equal care.
As a neighbor, master, and friend, Mr. Macon's conduct was guided by
the same rules of philanthropv and justice. He was ever ready to oUige
and aid ; he was exact in his duty, and required the same of others. One
• Cicero dc Officiis.
t Liie of Nathaniel Macon, by Edward R. Colton.
WABBEN C0UKT7. 487
anecdote left of him exemplifies this : one of his neighbors borrowed his
cart and oxen; and promised, of his own accord, to return. them by a certain
specified time. The time came and passed, but they were not returned.
When they were returned (some time afterwards), Macon said nothing of
the blunder in the neighbor's calculation of time.
The same neighbor came subsequently, and had occasion to use the cart
and oxen again, which he requested the loan of. lie was told by Mr. Macon
that " he oouid not have them ; that he could have his wagon and horses,
but never the cart and oxen again, as he had told him one falsehood about
the return of them, and he did not wish him to have it in his power to re-
peat it."
This anecdote is obtained from the person who is the subject of it, and he
said that he had rather borrow of Mr. Macon than any man he ever saw, for
the request was granted or refused without hesitation.
While he treated all with justice and kindness, he required the same of
them. His invariable rule was to rise early when at home, see his stock
fed himself, and his people at their work before he ate his breakfast. He
had a rule for everrtbing, and had that rule well digested, we|} understood
by all, and faithfully carried out. One of his rules was that nothing about
him was allowed to suffer for food. His negroes were well fed. His horses,
and even his dogs came within this benevolent plan. He was inflexible in
the enforcing of his orders. His. habit was to attend to his own farm.
When in Congress he had to employ an agent or overseer, as it is termed.
His practice was to write down his instructions, which were not tg be de-
TiatcKi from under any circumstances. An anecdote is narrated of the rigid
fidelity of one of his overseers.
Mr. Macon had left the order in writing that his flock of sheep should be
kept in a certain enclosure, and there to remain until his return from Con-
gress the ensuing spring. Mr. Eaton, his son-in-law, happened during the
winter to be passing by, and told Mr. Shearen, the overseer, that the sheep
were dying for want of better pasturage, and suggested to him to turn them
out in the woods. The sturdy old man said " No I Mr. Macon directed the
sheep to remain in that place, and there they must remain ; he had rather
lose every sheep than disobey Mr. Macon." The sheep nearly all died.
When Macon returned home Mr. Eaton told at dinner-table the tale to
him, and he seemed pleased, and replied that ** he was more delighted with the
fidelity of his old friend Lewis Shearen, than to own a hundred flocks of
sheep ; that he never knew him to disobey him, tell him a lie, or guilty of
any dishonesty. If he had disobeyed and saved the sheep ibis time, he
might disobey him at another time, and lose him five times as much more.''
His rule was to understand well what he ordered, and see that order faith-
fully obeyed.
The same principle guided an equally successful man in his line of life.
It is recorded of Stephen Girard, that he ordered the captain of one of his
ships loaded with grain, to go to a certain island of the West Indies, and
dispose of the cargo. The Captain, when he arrived at this island, found
the market glutted with grain ; and sailed to another island, where he miade
a most advantageous sale. He took memorandums of the price at the island
he was ordered to, and an account of the prices obtainea, which he faith-
fully delivered to Mr. Qirard.
' CTirard looked over the accounts, and drew the check for the surplus, which
be presented to his captain, and told him that he could not longer serve him ;
** Obey orders if you break owners," is the rule of sailors,
Macon was passionately fond of agriculture. An able writer has said
tiiat there appears to be a congeniality between all good and ereat minds
and the pursuits of agriculture. We do not pretend to divine tne cause or
the philosophy of it, but it is proved in the history of our Washington, Jef-
ferson, Jackson, Macon, and others. We do not know why it is that patriot-
ism exists with more elevation and fervent devotion in the retirement of a
farm, than in the busy throng of crowded cities. Whether the Dftct be so or
438 HI8T0ET OF NORTH GAEOLINA.
not, certain it is, that many of the noblest instances of sterlhig patriotif m
that have ever figured on the drama of human actions, bare been found
among those devoted to agricultural pursuits. Far removed from thie vice
of towns and the intrigue of courts ; far removed from the dark catalogue of
frailty and misdeeds so usual in crowded communities, the good and great of
every age have delighted in agriculture.
« God made the country, man makes the town."
This Mr. Macon felt, believed, and practiced. Towns he thought nnfavor-
able to the free exercise of mind or body. He said once jocosely to a city
member of Congress (C. J. IngersoU, of Philadelphia), " / iike youv rinrt.
What a pity you were horn arwi brought up in town. But for thai you might
Kave come to something*^ Even a crowded neighborhood he disliked. He
often has been heflrd to say that '* no man ought to live so near another as
to hear his neighbor's dog bark."
His hospitality was most open and unobtrusive. His manners were so
frank and easj, that all felt at nome under his roof. The taste, talents and
pursuits of his guests seemed to be intuitively discovered by him, and to this
point his conversation was directed. He was particularly fond of the society
of the young, and they were equally fond of him. In this county (Warren),
the voung persons of the neighborhood used often to visit him, and it was
really a spectacle worth a day's ride to see the kind welcome and cordial
reception that he gave them. In company he was not remarkable for loqua-
city, seldom, if ever, considered himself the orator of the company he was
in. He seemed to think that he was only entitled to a common share of the
conversation, and preferred to be entertained by others than talking himself.
The writer of this sketch was for five ^ears at school within a mue of Mr.
Macon ; and he took peculiar pleasure in listening, and carefully treasured up
his lessons of practical wisdom, and the remarks on the principles of govern-
ment that fell from his honored lips.
Mr. Macon rarely indulged in wit; but when he did, it was of that
shrewd, dry kind, that gave no offence to any, and always produced mirth.
I well recollect the last time that I ever saw him. It was in November,
1836. The electoral college had ac^ourned, and met in Qovernor Spaight's
office, who had asked me to aid in casting up the scrolls of each countv.
Hon. Abraham W. Venable was there. All who enjoy the honor of this
gentleman's acquaintance Jluow that where he is there is some talking.
The topic was the cause of the success of the democratic ticket, which was
rather unexpected ; since Governor Dudley had been elected only the August
before, by a handsome majority. Some gave one reason, and some gave
others. The venerable Macon listened for awhile, as well as his years and
deafness would allow ; at length he said, with a smile playing on his venera-
ble, round, and amiable face, *' Gentlemen, I will tell you we real reason
why the Whig ticket did not carry in the State," and then he paused:
every one listened for something worthy of remembrance. ** The real reason
why the Whig ticket was not elected, t^ did not get votes enoughs* This was
the truth, as for the causes they were not easily analysed.
He was as free from the sordid love of wealth as he was deaf to the allure-
ments of unhallowed ambition.
In contemplating his character either as a soldier or as a statesman, as a
husband, father, or neighbor, it is worthy of our highest admiration, con-
stant study, and imitation. In the purity of his morals, scandal was deprived
of its venom ; and by the sincerity of nis patriotism, party spirit was awed
into respect and veneration.
His course was run. The " silver cord was now loosened, and the golden
bowl was broken." Full of years and full of honors, our aged statesman
sinks to the tomb. He had been subject to spasms in the stomach and chest
On the morning of 29th June, 1837, he rose at the usual early hour, dressed,
shaved, and changed his clothes ; was cheerful as usual, when, about ten
o'clock, he was seized with a spasm, and carried to his bed, where in a short
time he expired without a struggle or groan. He exchanged " a world of
WAKBEN COUKTT. 439
^oom for an eternity of glory.'' His fame belongs to North Carolina. She
18 proud of his reputation, and has inscribed his name on the mountain tops
of one of her beautiful counties. Long may his character and name be
cherished as a source of pride and emulation.
His daughters, whom ne surrived, one had married William Martin, £sq.,
of Granville ; the other, William Eaton, Esq., of Warren, a son of whom was
a member of the Honse in 1838, '40, and '50, and is now the Attorney-General
of the State.
He appointed as his Executor Hon, Wddon N. Edwards, and to leave him
as little trouble as possible, when satisfied that his disease was beyond all
medical skill, and was so informed by his physicians, he inquired for their
bills, and ascertained their amounts, and paid them.
He selected his burial place, on the way side, manj years before his death ;
a spot of land, from its poverty, least likely to be cultivated, and employed two
of his neighbors to make his coffin, of the plainest material, and directed that
they should be paid for it before it was usea. He ordered that a parcel of rock
should be brought from a certain field, and piled upon his grave^ so as to keep
the cattle from molesting it. And there he sleeps 'till the resurrection of the
just I
« They carved not a line, they raised not a stone,
But left him alone in his glory."
James Turner was a resident and representative of this county. ,
He was born in Southampton County, Virginia, in the year 1766. His
father, Thomas Turner, removed with his family to Bute County (since di-
vided into Franklin and Warren), when this son was quite a youth.
His early education was as good as the state of the countv afforded. The
elevated positions he was called upon in subsequent life to fill, and the ability
with which he discharged his duty, is more to be attributed to his native
strength of mind, than to the advantages of education.
Young as he was, he was not an idle or indifferent spectator to the trials
of his country in her Revolutionary stru^les. He joined, as a private, the
army, and served in that humble capacity. In the same company, and in
the same capacity, was Nathaniel Macon.
He entered public life in 1800 as a member of the House of Commons, and
in 1801 and 1802 as Senator, at which session he was elected Governor of the
State.
In 1805, he was elected Senator in Congress, and served until 1816.
He was in Congress during a troubled and excited period, and gave the
war of 1812 a firm and vigorous support, while his colleague, Gov. Stone
(see Bertie), differed from him, which conduct of Stone received the disappro-
bation of the General Assembly of the State. He was a man of great personal
worth, a faithful representative, and a sincere friend.
He died on the loth of January, 1824, at Bloomsbury, his residence in this
county, in the 58th year of his age.
Governor Turner was thrice married ; first, to Mary Anderson, of Warrenton,
in 1793, who died in 1802, leaving him four children, Thomas, Daniel, Rebecca,
(who married George E. Badger), and Mary. Second, to Mrs. Ann Cochran,
who died in 1806, leaving no issue; and thirdly, to Mrs. Elisabeth Johnson,'
who survived him, and who bore him two daughters, Sally P. (wife of Hon.
Mark Alexander, of Virginia), and Ann (wite of Henry Coleman, Esq., of
Virginia).
His son, Hon. Daniel Turner, was bom in Warren County, 26th Septem-
ber, 1796. His early education was conducted at the Warrenton Aoaaemr,
which he left in 1813 to join the Military Academy at West Point, New York,
In 1814 he was promoted to a Lieutenancy of Artillery. He was stationed
on Long Island, under General Swift, who was superintending the lines on
Brooklyn Heights for defence of New York City. Ho was then ordered to
Plattsburg, under General McComb. The war being over, he was retained on
the peace establishment, but he resigned, in September, 1815, his oommiMioD.
87
440 mSTOBT OF NORTH OABOLINA.
Ader leaving the army, he spent two years at William and Mary College,
in Virginia.
From 1819 to 1823, he was in the House of Commons, and was elected,
from this district, as a member of Con stress, from 1827 to 1829. He married
in 1829, Anna Arnold, daughter of lion. Francis S. Key, of Washington
City, an able lawyer, of distinguished literary attainments, and the author of
the *' Star Spangled Banner," written during the war of 1812 with England.
Mr. Turner has now charge of the Warrenton Female Seminary.
Governor William Hawkins was a son of Philemon Hawkins, who was the
brother of Colonel Benjamin Hawkins, whose biography we have already re-
corded. He was elected member of the Assembly in 1805, and Speaker of the
House of Commons. In 1811, he was elected Governor of the State, and took
an active and prominent part for the war. He died in 1812, leaving several
children, one of whom married, the second time, Hon. Henry W. Conner, of
Catawba County.
General Micajah Thomas Hawkins, who has also been already referred to
in the sketch of Colonel Benjamin Hawkins, son of John Hawkins, entered
public life in 1819, as a member of the House of Commons, and from 1823 to
1827, as member of the Senate. From 1831 to 1841, he was a member of
Congress.
In 1846, he was again elected to the Senate of the Legislature.
Kemp Plummer, Esq. was born in Gloucester County, Virginia, in 1769 ;
educated at William and Mary College, and read law with Chancellor Wythe.
He entered the Legislature in 1794, as a member of the House of Commons,
and in 1815 and 1810, was a member of the Senate.
He married Susan Martin, by whom he has had a large family, one of whom
is wife of Hon. William H. BatUe, of Chapel HUl.
Hon. John Hall, late of Warren County, was a native of Virginia. He
removed early to North Carolina, and was appointed a Judge of the Superior
Courts of Law in 1809, and a Judge of the Supreme Court in 1818, which he
resigned in 1832, and died soon after. He was distinguished for his patience,
learning, and purity of character. He left a large family, among wnom is
Hon. Edward Hall, now a resident of Warren. He was educated at the
University, and graduated in 1815, in the same class with Judge Mangum
and Gov. Spaight. He studied law, and was appointed Judge in 1840. His
commission expired in 1841.
Hon. Blake Baker represented Warren Coun^ in the House of Commons
in 1807. He was the Attorney-General of the State from 1794 to 1803. In
1808, he was appointed a Judge of the Superior Court, and his commission
expired in the same year. He was again appointed in 1818, and died that
year.
Hon. William Miller, late of this county, represented it in 1810, in the
House of Commons, and in 1811 to 1814, at wnich session he was elected
Governor of the State. He served until 1817. He was appointed by the
President of the United States Charg^ d' Affaires to Guatemala (Central Ame-
rica), in March, 1825, and died while on this mission.
Hon. Weldon Nathaniel Edwards was bom in 1788, and was educated
at the Warrenton Academy. He read law with Judge Hall and came to the
bar in 1810 ; succeeded Governor Miller in the House of Commons in 1814;
reelected to the House of Commons in 1815.
In 1816 he was elected to Congress, and served until 1827, when he retired
from Congress.
In 1833 he was elected Senator in the Legislatare, in which he served oon-
tinuoosly until 1844.
WARBBN COUNTT. 441
In 1835, with the venerable and distinguished Nathaniel Macon, he was a
delegate from Warren, to amend the Constitution of the State.
In 1850 he was again elected to the Senate, and was chosen to preside over
its deliberations ; a compliment well deserved, fbr hb long and uiithfal ser-
vices in the councils of the State.
Hon. John Braoo, now of Mobile, Alabama, is a native of Warren. He
was educated at the Universitv of North Carolina, and graduated in 1824, in
a distinguished class, of which James W. Bryan, Thomas Dews, William A.
Graham, Matthias £. Manly, David Outlaw, and others, were members. He
read law with Judge Hall, and entered the Legislature in 1830 and served
continuously to 1834.
He removed to Mobile^ Alabama, and has been Judge of the Superior Courts
there for many years ; presiding with great credit to himself and satisfaction
to the citizens or his adopted State. He is now a member of Congress from
the Mobile District.
He is brother of Colonel Braxton Bra^g, who with his Artillery saved the
battle of Buena Vista, and distinguished himself in the Mexican war ; and
also brother of Thomss Bragg, Esq., of Jackson, Northampton Coun^, mem-
ber of the House of Commons in 1842 ; and now a member of the Board of
Internal Improvements of this State.
North Carolina may bragg of these sons.
Members of the General Assembly from Warren County.
Years. Senate. House of Commons.
1780. Nathaniel Maoon, John Macon, Jason Hawkins.
1781. Nathaniel Macon, Jason Hawkins, John Macon.
1782. Nathaniel Macon, Joseph Hawkins, John Macon.
1783. Herbert Havnes, Joseph Hawkins, John Macon.
1784. Nathaniel Macon, James Paine, John Macon.
1785. Nathaniel Macon, Henry Montfort, Wvatt Hawkins.
1786. John Macon, Wyatt Hawkins, Sol. Oreen. '
1787. John Macon, Philemon Hawkins.
1788. John Macon, Wyatt Hawkins, Henry Montfort.
1789. John Macon, Philemon Hawkins, Wyatt Hawkins.
1790. John Macon, Ransome Southerland, Brittain Sanders.
1791. John Macon, Wyatt Hawkins, Sol. Green.
1792. John Macon, Wyatt Hawkins, Henry^Montfort
1793. John Macon, Wyatt Hawkins, William Person.
1794. John Macon, William Person, Kemp Plummer.
1795. John Macon, William Person, Wyatt Hawkins.
1796. James Payne, James Collier, William Person.
1797. Solomon Green, James Collier, William Person.
1798. James Collier, James Turner, Oliver Fitts.
1799. James Collier, James Turner, Oliver Fitts.
1800. Jamer Collier, James Turner, Thos. £. Sumner.
1801. James Turner, Thos. £. Sumner, Robert Parke.
1802. James Turner, John Maclin, Robert Parke.
1803. Solomon Green, Philemon Hawkins, John Harwell.
1804. William P. Little, William Hawkins, John Harwell.
1805. Wm. P. Little, William Hawkins, Philemon Hawkins.
1806. Wm. P. Little, Philemon Hawkins. John Harwell.
1807. Philemon Hawkins, Blake Baker, Wm. R. Johnson.
1808. Philemon Hawkins, Wm. R. Johnson, John Harwell.
1809. Henry Fitts, John H. Hawkins, Wm. Miller.
1810. Philemon Hawkins, William Miller, Wm. R. Johnson.
1811. Philemon Hawkins, William Miller, Wm. R. Johnson.
1812. Joseph Hawkins, Wm. R. Johnson, William Miller.
1813. Joseph Hawkins, Wm. Miller, Wm. R. Johnson.
1814. Wm. Williams, Wm. Miller, Wm. R. Johnson.
1815. Kemp Plammer, Weldon N. Edwards, John H. Walker.
442 HI8T0RT OF NORTH CABOLINA.
Years. Senate. House of Commoiw.
1816. Kemp Plummer, Robt. H. Jones, John H. Walker.
1817. Robert R. Johnson, Robt. H. Jones, Philemon Hawkins.
1818. Robert R. Johnson, Robt. II. Jones, Philemon Hawkins.
1819. Robert R. Johnson, Daniel Turner, M. T. Hawkins.
1820. Robert R. Johnson, Micajah T. Hawkins, I>aniel Turner.
1821. William Miller, Francis A. Thornton, Daniel Turner.
1822. William Miller, Daniel Turner, F. A. Thornton.
1823. M. T. Hawkins, Daniel Turner, Robt. H. Jones.
1824. M. T. Hawkins, Gideon Alston, R. H. Jones.
1825. M. T. Hawkins, Gideon Alston, Ransom Walker.
1826. M. T. Hawkins, Robt. H. Jones Thomas J. Green.
1827. M. T. Hawkins, Robt. H. Jones, Ransom Walker.
1828. Richard Davis, Wm. G. Jones, Ransom Walker.
1829. Richard Davis, Wm. G. Jones, John H. Green.
1830. John H. Hawkins, John Bragg, Ransom Walker.
1831. John H. Hawkins, John Bragg, Thomas J. Jodkins.
1832. John H. Hawkins, John Bragg, Thos. J. Judkins.
1833. Weld. N. Edwards, John Bragg, Thos. J. Judkins.
1834. W. N. Edwards, John Bragg, Thos. J. Judkins.
1835. W. N. Edwards, John H. Hawkins, Thos. J. Judkins.
1836. W. N. Edwards, John H. Hawkins, Thos. J. Judkins.
1838. W. N. Edwards, Wm. Eaton, jr., Samuel A. Williams.
1840. W. N. Edwards, Wm. Eaton, jr., John H. Hawkins.
1842. W. N. Edwards, John H. Hawkins, Oliver D. Fitts.
1844. W. N. Edwards, John H. Hawkins, A. 0. Brame.
1846. M. T. Hawkins, A. A. Austin, John H. Hawkins.
1848. A. B. Hawkins, J. L. Mosely, F. A. Thornton.
1850. W. N. Edwards, F. A. Thornton, Wm. Eaton, jr.
CHAPTER LXXVII.
WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Washington County was formed in 1799, from Tyrrell County,
and called in honor of the Father of his Country, General George
Washington, who was bom on the 22d of February, 1732, and who
died on the 13th December, 1799.
It is located in the north-eastern part of the State, on the south
side of the Albemarle Sound ; and is bounded on the north by the
Sound ; east, by Tyrrell County ; south, by Hyde and Beaufort ;
and west, by Martin and Bertie counties.
Its capital is Plymouth, and is distant one hundred and sixty-
two miles from Raleigh.
Its population in 1850 was 3,216 whites, 235 free negroes, and 2,215 slaves ;
representative population, 4780.
Its products in 1840 were 155,023 bushels of com ; 79,925 pounds of cot-
ton; 3,425 pounds of wool ; 4,760 barrelsoffish; 2,257 barrels of turpentine ;
25,328 dollars' worth of lumber.
Members of the General Assembly from Washington County,
from the formation of the County to 1851.
'WASBJSaTQV OOUBTT.
448
Years. Senate.
1800. Benj. Davenport,
1801. Samuel Chesson,
1802. Samuel Chesson,
1803. Daniel Davenport,
1804. Daniel Davenport,
1805. Daniel Davenport,
1806. Daniel Davenport,
1807. Daniel Davenport,
1808. Miles Hardy,
1809. Ebenezer Pettigrew,
1810. Ebenezer Pettigrew,
1811. Levin Bovman,
1812. Thomas tJobnson,
1813. William Garrett,
1814. Thomas Johnspn,
1815. Thomas Normanf,
1816. Thomas Norman,
1817. Downing Leary,
1818. Downing Leary,
1819. CharlesPhelps,
1820. Charles Phelps,
1821. Thomas Walker,
1822. Benjamin Phelps,
1823. Thomas Cox,
1824. Thomas Johnson,
1825. Samuel Davenport,
1826. Samuel Davenport,
1827. Samuel Davenport,
1828. Samuel Davenport,
1829. Samuel Davenport,
1830. Samuel Davenport,
1831. Samuel Davenport,
1832. Josiah Collins,
1833. Josiah Collins,
1834. Charles Phelps,
1835. John B. Beasley,
1836. Hezekiah G. Spruill,
1838. Hezekiah G. Spruill,
1840. Hezekiah G. Spruill,
1842. Hezekiah G. Spruill,
1844. Joseph Halsy,
1846. Joseph Halsy,
1848. Joseph Halsy,
1850. Thomas E. Pender,
House of Commons.
Miles Hardy, Isaac Long.
John Guyther, Miles Hardy.
Miles Hardy, John Guyther.
Edmund Blount, Miles Hardy.
Levin Bozman, Joseph Christopher.
Levin Bozman, Joseph Christopher.
Levin Bozman, Joseph Christopher.
Levin Bozman, John Frazer.
Joseph Christopher, Edmund Blount
James Freeman, Josiah Flowers.
Josiah Flowers, Samuel Blount.
Samuel Blount, William Garrett.
James Freeman, Daniel Bateman.
Esekiel Hardison, Daniel Bateman.
Miles Hardy, Daniel Bateman.
James Freeman, Daniel Bateman.
Daniel Bateman, Taylor H. Walker.
Daniel Bateman, Thos . B. Haughton.
Daniel Bateman, Thos. B. Haughton.
B. Tarkinton, Thos. B. Haughton.
Benj. Tarkinton, Aaron Harrison.
Wm. A. Bozman, Abner N. Vail.
T. IL Walker, S. Davenport
T. H. Walker, S. Davenport
A. N. Vail, P. 0. Picott
Peter 0. Picott, Wm. A. Bozman.
Wm. A. Bozman, Wm. J. Armistead.
Wm. A. Bozman, Abner N. Vail.
Abner N. Vail, Thos. Sanderson.
James A. Chesson, Uriah W. Swanner.
James A. Chesson, U. W. Swanner.
Watrus Beokwith, U. W. Swanner.
Samuel Hardison, Jos. A. Norman.
Samuel Hardison, Charles Phelps.
U. W. Swanner, A. Davenport.
U. W. Swanner, A. Davenport
Joshua T. Swift
David C. Guyther.
David C. Guyther.
Joseph C. Norcum.
David C. Guyther.
Thomas B. Nichols.
Thomas B. Nichols.
Uriah W. Swanner.
444 HISTORY OF NORTH OAROUNA.
CHAPTER LXXVIII.
WATAUGA COUNTY,
Watauoa County was formed, in 1849, from Ashe, Caldwell,
Wilkes, and Yancey, and derives its name from the river that runs
through it, which is an Indian name, and signifies ** tJie Jttver of
It is situated in the extreme north-western part of the Stat^
and is bounded on the north by Ashe County, east by Wilkes, south
by Yancey and McDowell, and west by the Yellow Mountain, which
separates it from the State of Tennessee.
Its population in 1850, was 3,242 whites ; 29 free negroes ; 129 bUt» ;
3,348 representative population.
Riddle Knob, in this county, derives its name from a circumstance of the
capture of Colonel Benjamin Oleaveland, during the Revolution, bv a partj
of Tories headed by men of this name, and adds the charm of heroic associa-
tion to the loveliness of its unrivaled -scenery. Cleaveland had been a terror
to the Tories. Two notorious of their band (Jones and Coil) had been ap-
prehended by him, and hung. Cleaveland had gone alone, on some private
Dusiness, to New River, and was taken prisoner by the Tories at the old Fields,
on New River. They demanded that he should furnish passes for them.
Being but an indifferent penman he was some time preparing these papers,
and he was in no hurry, as he believed that they would kill him when they
had obtained them. While thus engaged, Captain Robert Cleaveland, his
brother, with a party, followed him, knowing the dangerous proximity of
the Tories. They came up with the Tories and fired on them. Colonel
Cleaveland slid off the log to prevent being shot, while the Tories fled, and he
thus escaped certain destruction.
Some time after this, this same Riddle and his son, and another was taken,
and brought before Cleaveland, and he hung all three of them near the Mul-
berry Meeting-house, now Wilkesboro'.
The depredations of the Tories were so frequent, and their conduct so savage,
that summary punishment was demanded by the exigencies of the times. This
Cleaveland inflicted without ceremony. General Lenoir relates a circumstance
that occurred at Mulberry Meeting-house. While there, on some public occa-
sion, the rumor was that mischief was going on by the Tories. Lenoir went
to his horse, tied at some distance from the house, and as he approached, a
man ran off from the opposite side of the horse. Lenoir hailed him, but he
did not stop ; he pursued him and found that he had stolen one of the stirrup^i
of his saddle. He carried the pilferer to Colonel Cleaveland, who ordered
him to place his two thumbs in a notch for that purpose in an arbor fork, and
hold them there while ho ordered him to receive fifteen lashes. This was his
peculiar manner of inflicting the law, and gave origin to the phrase, " 7b
thumb the notch,'* The punishment on the offender above was well inflicted
* Haywood's Tennessee (p. 29).
WATAUGA COUNTT. 446
by Captain John Beverly, wbose ardor did not stop at the ordered number.
After the fifteen had been given, Colonel Herndon ordered him to stop, but
Beverly continued to whip the wincing culprit Colonel Uemdon drew hia
Bword and struck Beverly. Captain Beverly drew also, and they had a tilt
which, but for friends, would have terminated fatally.
There is a tree on the public road in Wilkes, which to this day bears the
name of *' Shad Laws' Oak," on which the notches, thnmbed by said Laws
under the sentence of Cleaveland, are distinctly visible.!
Its capital is Boone, and is called in remembrance of the celebrated
Daniel Boone, who once lived near Holeman's Ford, on the Yadkin
River, about eight miles from Wilkesboro'.
♦
Daniel Boonb was bom, in 1746, in Bucks County, Pennsylvanilft, near
Bristol, about twenty miles from Philadelphia. When he was but a child, his
&ther emigrated to North Carolina, and settled in one of the valleys of tl\e
South Tadkin. Here Boone was reared, and here he married Miss Bryan.
In May, 1769, Boone informs us himself, " accompanied by John Findley,
John Stuart, Joseph Holden, James Monay, and William Cool,'' left his home
and quiet ioys for ** the dark and bloody ground'' of Kentucky, then inhabited
only by wild animals and savages. But in the boundless forests he seemed
to be in his appropriate sphere. Here he pursued the deer, buffalo, and wild
beasts. After a hard days' hunt, as Boone and Stuart were returning to their
camp, they were seized by a horde of savages, who made them prisoners: that
night they escaped, but what was their surprise when they came to their
camp, they found that their comrades were gone, either prisoners or murdered ;
for the camp was deserted. But the spirit of Boone knew no despair. He
called all his resources into action, husbanded his game and ammunition, and
prepared to return to North Carolina. At this time Boone's brother, fired by
the same ardor for wild excitement, came out to their camp with one com-
panion. This infused fresh joy and new hopes. But soon after Stuart fell
in a foray with the Indians, no persuasions could induce their companion to
remain, and he left Boone and his brother alone in the vast wilderness. They
erected a house to protect them, and supplied plentifully with game, they
passed the winter in comfort. But their ammunition and salt becoming scant,
the brother of Boone returned for a supply, and Daniel Boone was left alone
in the wild forests of Kentucky. This voluntary exile was not unpleasant
to his temper. In his Journal he assures us, that his mind was filled with
admiration of the boundless beauties of nature. The magnificent forest
was clothing itself in the rich attire of sprine, the gorgeous flowers were un-
folding their glories to his eye alone, the wild deer and buffklo were not fear-
ful of his presence.
He continued in these solitary quarters until the 27th of July, when his
brother returned loaded with ammunition and salt, to them more precious
than the mines of California. They made an expedition to the Cumberland
River, naming the rivers they passed, and making such observations as might
be of future use.
In March, 1771, they returned to North Carolina. He was so charmed with
the rich soil, the bountiful productions of nature, and the abundant game,
that he sold his farm on the i adkin, and by his representations, five families
and his own, set out for their return to Kentucky on the 25th of September,
1773 ; as they passed Powell's valley, then one hundred and forty miles from
the settled parts of Virginia, forty hardy sons of the forest joined him. They
pursued their journey until the 10th of October, when they were furiously
attacked by a large body of Indians. By their skill, unflinching courage,
and resolution, the superior force of the savages was beaten off, but Boone's
party lost six men killed and one wounded. Among the killed was Boone's
eldest son, a youth of much promise and daring.
t MS3. of General Wm. Leooir.
446 mSTOBY OF north CAROLINA.
This repulse forced them to retreat to the settlement on Clinch River.
Here be remained with his family until the 6th of Jane, 1774, when tht
t}ovemor of Virginia (Dunmore) engaged him and an adventurer bj the
name of Storer, to conduct a party of surveyors to the falls of the Ohio, near
eight hundred miles ; this be performed on foot in sixty-two days. On his
return, Dunmore gave him the command of the garrisons on the frontier,
which he maintained during the war at this period against the Shawnee
Indians.
In March, 1775, he attended, at request of Judge Richard Henderson and
others, a council of the Cberokees, by which they ceded their lands south of
Kentucky River.
In April, he erected a fort at the spot where the town of Boonesboro' now
stands ; the Indians were very much dissatisfied at the erection of this fort
After it was finished, he returned in June for his family on Clinch River.
Mrs. Boone and her daughter were the first white women that ever stood on
the banks of the Kentucky River.
In December, the Indians made a furious assault upon this fort, by whidi
Boone lost one man killed and another wounded ; but the Indians were re-
pulsed with great slaughter. This defeat was so severe that the Indians
treacl^erously appeared reconciled, and seemed to give up all ideas of assault-
ing the'fort or molesting the whites. This caused the inhabitants of the fort
to be less guarded, and they made frequent visits and excursions into the
forests ar(ftind. On the 14tn of July, 1776 (just seven months from their
last attack), as three young ladies, two, daughters of Colonel Caloway, and
the third, of Colonel Boone, were leisurely strolling in the woods, they were
pursued by the Indians and caught before they could reach the gates of the
fort. At this moment, Boone was off hunting, but when he returned, without
any aid, he followed alone the tracks of the Indians. He knew that if he
waited to collect a force, the cunning robbers would be entirely be^vond pur-
suit. With a sagacity peculiar to hunters, he followed their trail without
the least deviation, while the girls had the presence of mind to snap off small
twigs, from time to time, as they passed through the shrubbery in their
route. At last, he came in sight of them, and by the aid of his unerring
rifle, killed two of the Indians and recovered these young ladies, and reached
the fort safely ; one of these, Elizabeth Calloway, married Samuel Henderson,
the brother of Judge Henderson and Major Pleasant Henderson. This ro-
mantic incident afforded Mr. Cooper, in his *VLast of the Mohicans," an inci-
dent in his tale.
The crafty foe now made open war. On the 15th of April, 1777, the
united tribes made an attack on the fort, but it was unsuccessful.
In July, twenty-five men arrived from North Carolina, and in August,
Captain Bowman, with one hundred men, arrived from Virginia. By this
powerful reinforcement they no longer dreaded the savages, but sallied out
and made attacks on the Indians and drove them from the vicinity.
On the Ist of January, 1778, Colonel Boone, with thirty men, commenced
making salt for the first time in that region, at the Blue Licks on Licking
River ; and he made enough of this essential of life for all the civilized inha-
bitants of the infant community.
On the 7th of February, as Colonel Boone was hunting alone, he was sur-
prised bv one hundred Indians and two Frenchmen. They took him pri-
soner. He learned then, that a furious attack was to be made by a strong
force on Boonesborough. He capitulated for the fort, knowing its weak state,
as it had only twenty-seven men, the rest had gone with salt into the settle-
ments in Virginia.
The Indians, according to their treaty, carried their prisoners to old Chili-
oothe, the principal town of the Miami, where they arrived on the 18th of
February, and, according to their terms, the Indians used them kindly.
In March, they carried Boone to Detroit, to offer him for ransom to the
Governor ; but on the route the Indians became so much attached to him,
that they refused to part with him ; and, after leaving at Detroit the other
prisoners, they returned with Boone to Chiiicothe. He was adopted as one
WATAUGA couirnr. 44T
of the tribe, and pretended to be very fond of hie new father and mother,
and take great interest in their sports and hunting. His plan of escape was
hurried by an alarming circumstanoe ; while meditating upon it, he was
astonished to see an assemblage of four hundred warriors at Chilicothe. An
attack on Boonesboro' was planned.
On 16th June he escaped, and reached Boonesboro' on the 20th, a distance
of one hundred and sixty miles, durine which he ate but one meal. He found
the fort in bad condition, and set all hands about to repair it The Indians,
finding that he had escaped, postponed the attack.
On the 1st August, with nineteen men, Boone sets out to attack an Indian
town, called Point Creek, on the Sciota. Within four miles of the fort they
met forty Indians on their way to attack them. A desperate fight ensues, in
which Boone conquered, without the loss of a man.
On the 8th August, the largest force that ever appeared before Boonesboro'
orders it to surrender. The assailants were four hundred and forty-foar
Indians, and eleven Frenchmen, commanded by Captain Duquesne. Boone
requests a parley of three days, during which he made every preparation for
an active and vigorous defence.
On the 9th, Boone informs the French Commander, that " he would defend
the fort as long as a man could raise a rifle."
The wily Frenchman, knowing the prowess of his opponent, seeks to effect
by stratagem what he dares not attempt by arms. A treaty is agreed to.
Boone, with the required number, go forth to sign the documents. He is
informed, after signing, that it was an Indian custom from time immemorial,
for two Indians to shake the hand of one white man. This he reluctantly
consented to, and the moment the savages took hold of each white man, they
endeavored to hold him fast Boone ^ols the sinewy grasp of two athletic
Indians, and his companions are betrayed into a like perilous condition.
Now arose the mighty struggle for liberty and for life.
" Now, gallant Boone ! now bold thy own.
No maiden arm i» round thee thrown ;
That desperate grasp thy frame would feel.
Through bars of brass, and triple steel.*'
Fortune favors at this moment of peril her gallant son; the knife of Boone
finds a bloody sheath in one of his opponents, the other is thrown down, and
Boone and his men escape to the fort.
His name can never die. The memory of this chivalrio exploit, and the name
of Boone will live as long as the Kentucky Iliver rolls its troubled tribute to
" the Great Father of Waters \** and when the marble in our National Capitol*
which commemorates this deed, shall have crumbled to its original elements.
The Indians, after an unsuccessful attack, raised the siege, after a loss of
several killed and wounded.
During the absence of Colonel Boone in captivity among the ShawncM, his
wife, thinking her husband was killed, returned with her family to her father,
on the Yadkin, in Nortii Carolina. Boone came to North Carolina after them.
He returned with them in about two years, to Boonesboro', during which
time, many battles had been lost and won.
As he and his brother were returning from the Salt Licks, they were
attacked by the Indians ; his brother was killed by a shot from the Indians.
Boone only escaped by rapid flight, killing the dog the Indians had sent on
his trail.
Such was the life Boone led until the defeat of the Indians by Wayne
(1792) introduced peace and quiet in this dark and dangerous country.
Between this time, and the time when (1792) the new territory came into
the Union, Virginia had enacted so many laws, which Boone in the simplicity
of his nature had failed to comply with, or his business was done so loosely,
that the very land that he had bought and paid for, in the sacrifices of him-
* In the rotunda at Waftfaington, in FCiilptnre, over the door as you enter the House of
Represoatativet, is this scene, by an eminent sculptor.
448 HISTORY OF NOKTH OABOUKA.
self, and the blood of his son, and his brother, was wrested from him. How
sad a commentarj upon human nature I How mournfully true the Latin
adage : — Homo homini iupua,*
In 1798 he shoulders his rifle and goes to iiie wilds of Missouri. Here
was a country as wild and unclaimed as his heart desired. The republic was
that of the forest, the rifle, and the hunter ; and Boone was commander-in-
chief. He never sighed for what was lost. He said " Kentucky was too
crowded, he wanted more elbow-room."
Here he lived until 1813, when he lost his wife ; the faithful companion of
all his trials and troubles exchanged this for a brighter World. This was
the severest blow Boone ever received. He left Missouri, and came to his
son. Major Nathan Boone ; where he lived, employing his leisure with his
favorite rifle, and trapping beavers, until 1818, when he calmly and resignedly
breathed his last, in the eightv-foUrth year of his age, surrounded by attection
and love. It was stated in the papers at the time of his death, that he was
fbund dead at a stand, watching for deer, with his rifle sprung, and raised
ready to fire. In the Indian idea, the great hunter had gone to the hunting
grounds of the warrior above, where bis spirit would be happy, when the
stars would cease to give their light.
The character of Boone is so peculiar, that it marks the age in which he
lived; and his name has been celebrated in the verses of the immortal
Byron : —
" of all men
Who passes for in life and death most lucky,
Of ihe great names which in our faces starie,
Ih Daniel Boone, backwoodsman of Kentucky.
Crime came not near him — she is not the child
Of solitude. Health shrank not from him, for
Her home is in the rarely trodden wild."t
And tall and strong and swiA on foot were they,
Beyond the dwarfing city's pale abortions,
Because their thoughts had never been the prey
Of care or gain ; the green woods were their portions :
No sinking spirits told them they grew gray,
No fashion made thekn apes ol her dii^tortions :
Simple they were, not savage ; and their rifles,
Though very true, were not yet used for trifles.
Motion was in their days, rest in their slumbers.
And cheerfulness the handmaid of their toil;
Nor yet too many, nor too few their number:) ;
Corruption could not make their heartii her soil :
The last which stings, the splendor which encumbers,
With the free foresters divide no spoil;
Ji^erene, no! sullen, even the solitudes
Of this unsighing people of the woods."
In North Carolina was Boone reared. Here his youthful days were spent;
and here that bold spirit was trained, which so fearlessly encountered the
perils through which he passed in after life. His fame is a part of her pro-
perty, and she has inscribed his name on a town in the region where his
youth was spent.
I am indebted to a sketch in the National Portrat Gallery, by TV. A. C, for
the leading facts and dates in the life of Boone.
It may not be indelicate or improper to state, that much of it is extracted
from a public thesis, that as earl^ as 1823, the author delivered as an original
oratorial exercise at college, which proves at this day, the course of his stu-
dies, and the tendency of his research.
Watauga County continues to vote with the counties from which
* Man is a wolf to man. f Don Juan, Canto "VTII, LVL.
WATAUGA COUNTY. 449
she was taken, until 1853, when she will be entitled to a separate
representative.
It has given us pleasure to meet, in a late number of the Nash-
ville True Whig, the subjoined sketch of the life of John Sevieb,
of Tennessee. He was a cotemporary of Boone, and, as the reader
will learn by his history, a man " of high emprise," and of heroic
enterprise and courage, which his aspect and port strikinglv in-
dicated ; his character was adorned also by highly social and amiable
qualities.
Monument to General John Sevier, First Governor of Tennessee,
W^ have been much interested within the past few days in viewing a hand-
dome marble monument, recently constructea at the marble works or Messrs.
Shelton & Ham, in this city, in honor of the memory of General John Seyibs,
the distinguished pioneer, and first Governor of Tennessee. The monument
consists of a beautiful marble shaft, mounted upon a plynth ; the shaft illus-
trated with a very striking and appropriate design, neatly carved out of solid
marble, representing two swords crossed, surmounted by a wreath, and be-
neath an Indian tomahawk and quiver of arrows, emblematic of the triumph
of our arms under the heroic auspices of General Sevier, and the blessings of
pea6e and the arts of civilization succeeding the bloody and protracted Indian
wars which illustrate the early history of our State, in whicn he acted a most
arduous, responsible, and distinguished [)art. Underneath this beautiful and
appropriate device is the following inscription : —
SEVIER,
Noble and successful Defender of the early settlers of Ten-
nessee ;
The first, and
For twelve years Governor;
Representative in Congress ;
Commissioner in many treaties with the Indians,
lie served his country faithfully for forty years, and in that
service died.
An admirer of patriotism and merit unrequited erects this
cenotaph.
nistory has been strangely neglectful of the memory of this, one of the
most distinguished pioneers of our State, whose early annals are adorned by
the records of his prowess in arms and his wisdom as a civilian. His remains
lie buried in a neighboring State, where he died more than thirty years ago
in the service of his country, without a stone to mark the place of their repose*
or an inclosure to protect them from unhallowed intrusion. But we are glad
to see that some amends are about to be made for the injustice of the past.
This monument to his memory is erected in the Nashville Cemetery, to the left
of tho new gate, inside the northern enclosure — a worthy tribute of individaal
munificence and patriotism to *' merit unrequited.'' We learn also that a
work is now nearly ready for the press by a member of the State Historical
Society, entitled *' the Life and Times of General John Sevier, or incidents in
the early settlement of East Tennessee." A gentleman familiar with his his-
tory has favored us with the following brief biographical sketch, which can-
not fail to be read with lively interest. Should not the State of Tennessee
take an early opportunity to give some enduring mark of her grateful appre-
ciation of one to whose labors, services, and sacrifices, she is so mucn in-
de]>tcd?
General Sevier descended from an ancient family in France, whose name
was Xavier ; and his own uniform, bold and uni(}ue signature is something
like that orthography. The chirograph^ is a specimen JcMdaotiful and curious.
His father, Valentine Xavier, was born in Lonaon, and emigrated to Amerioa
450 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
in the first part of the last century — settled on the Shenandoah, in Virginia,
where John Sevier was horn about 1740.
When but a young man he married Miss Ilawkins, by whom he had six
children.
She was delicate and never moved from Eastern Virginia, but died there
/Mon after the birth of her sixth child.
With an exploring and emigrating party he came to the Ilolston River (in
East Tennessee, then a part of Nortn Carolina), about 1769. He directed
and aided in the construction of the first fort on the Watauga River, where
his father, his brother Valentine, himself, and others settled. Whilst in de-
fence of the Watauga Fort, in conjunction with Captain James Robertson (so
favorably distinguished in early Middle Tennessee history), he discovered a
young lady of tall and erect stature coming with the flectness of the roe to-
wards the fort, closely pursued by Indians, and her approach to the gate cut
off by the enemy, who aoubtless were confident of a captive or of a vicdm to
their guns and arrows ; but turning suddenly she eluded her pursuers, and
leaped the palisades at another point, and fell into the arms of Captain John
Sevier. This remarkably active and resolute woman was Miss Calharine
Sherrill, who, in a few years after this sudden leap into the arms of the Cap-
tain, became the devoted wife of the Colonel, and the bosom companion of the
General, tlie Governor, the People's man, and the patriot, John Sevier, and
the mother often children, who could rise up and call her blessed.
During Sevier's visit to his family in 1773, Lord Dunmore, the Governor of
Virginia, then fitting out an expedition against the Shawness and other tribes
north of the Ohio River, presented to Sevien the commission of Captain, to
command a company raised under his own eje and care in the county of Dun-
more. This expedition ended with the perilous and fearful battle of Point
Pleasant, where James Robertson and Valentine Sevier entitled themselves
to much honor and acknowledgments.
The settlers on the Ilolston, Watauga, and Nolachucka, were beyond the
influence and power of the State laws and Executivcofficers of North Carolina,
and, therefore, as wise men, who knew the advantages of laws and officers,
acknowledged as authoritative, they, in 1772, adopted a form of government,
called the ** Watauga Government," and they elected John Sevier as one of
four delegates to a Convention at Halifax, North Carolina. He attended a
session of the General Assemblv, and in 1777 procured the establishment of
a district and the extension of State laws, establishment of Courts, &c. The
patriotic sentiments of the man were avowed in the selection of the name for
this district where he had cast his lot, and where were the bold and hardy
Sioneers with whom he was associated. This was ** Washington District,"
forth Carolina. The people had enjoyed the advantages of their inchoate
and infant government of Watauga from 1772 to this date, and had accom-
plished many things worthy of note. They opened paths across the moun-
tains, felled the forests, opened fields, built forts and houses, " subdued the
earth," and began rapidly to "replenish it," for "they married, and were
given to marriage ;" and the State of North Carolina, some years afterwards,
eemed a good opportunity presented for her to gain the credit of an act of
''supererogation," and passed laws to confirm marriages and other deeds and
doings of these waywanl " children in the woods." ■
In June, 1776, " Old Abraham," in command of a band of Cherokees from
Ghilhowee Mountains, attacked the Watauga Fort, commanded by Sevier and
Robertson ; and, as the best feat performed, he chased the " lovely Catharine
to the Captain's arms ;" and we have heard her say she used to feel ready to
have another such a race and leap over the pickets to enjoy another such an
introduction.
On this same day was fought the battle of the Flats. Other skirmishes
occurred here and there at different times.
Captain Sevier was activolv engaged in the expedition of Colonel Christian,
ordered out by Virginia, and joined the Virginia troops at "Double Springs,"
and he neglected no opportunity to pursue the Indians or chastise them for
ADj of their insults or outrages. He promptly united with others, without
WATAUaA OOflNTT. 461
envy, or jealonsy, or reserration, and he as readily fitted oot expeditions Irom
his own neighborhoods and with his own means, without boasting, without
fear, and with never a failure, . In 1777 he was made Lieutenant-Colonel.
In 1778, it is probable that his first wife died, for in 1779, we belie?e, he wa»
married to Miss Sherrill, of whom it is truly and handsomely said, '*she could
outrun, outjump, walk more erect, and ride more gracefully and skillfully
than any other female in all the mountains round about or on the continent
at laree.''
In 1779 Captain Sevier raised troops, entered the Indian territory, burnt
their towns, made prisoners, and fought the sucoessfui battle of ** Boyd's
Creek."
A few days after the battle of Boyd's Creek, Colonel Sevier was joined by
Colonel Arthur Campbell, with a Virginia regiment, and by Colonel Isaac
Shelby, with his troops from Sullivan County, North Carolina, and these three
Colonels, in harmony, scoured the Cherokee country, scattered hostile bands,
destroyed the homes of the Indians, and then returned to their own, in better
security and some more confidence of peace.
1780. This was the critical year of the American Revolution — certainly so
as regarded the Southern States. Charleston surrendered, Gates defeated,
reverses here and there ; money exhausted — ^provisions, clothing, wad ammu-
nition scarce — many hearts fainting, fearful, and desponding — Uiking shelter
under British protection-certificates (happily not reliable) — tories multiplying,
daring, and savage-— the British troops over-running South Carolina, Georgia,
parts of Virginia, and advancing to the mountain regions of North CaroUna-^
the Indians upon the borders of all our settlements bribed, instigated, and
inflamed against the Americans — ^the sun of American Independence was
obscured, hidden behind accumulating clouds.
But soon and suddenly it beamed forth and sent its cheering rays through
all the land, as it rose over the summit of King's Mountain.
Colonel Sevier is entitled to a full share of all the credit and all the glory
won on the 7th day of October, 1780. The sword and vote of thanks mm
the Legislature of North Carolina, were earned — ^well earned, and were
creditable to the State.
But when we review the deeds of this man's life, and ask for the evidenoea
of due appreciation, we wonder and are sad that a people intelligent, so rich,
so prosperous, so proud, so honorable — a people ready to applaud the spirit
of patriotism and independence, and to glory m deeds of daring, and to give
hearty expressions of praise to a devotea public servant — should build up no
beautiful and durable monument or proud cenotaph to teach their children
and the world that such a one deserved this, and more than this, and shall
not be forgotten, but ever honored — highly honored. What is the sehUment
of East Tennessee ? What of the County of Sevier, and of Hawkins, with
her beautiful marble? — Of Sevier and Hawkins — hewed out of the Indian
quarry, chiseled and fashioned and adopted and organized under the State oif
Franklin ; one honored by and honoring the name of the Governor of that in-
teresting State, the other rejoicing in the name of her who was the honored
and honpring first wife of that model architect and statesman, hero and
civilian I
Consult, combine, contribute ; construct a cenotaph worthy of him — ^worthy
of vourselves !
In the fall of this year. Dykes, a noted and infamous Tory, laid his plan
with his associates to seize Colonel Sevier, and put him to a cruel and igno-
minious death, and would have accomplished his purpose, had not his wife
divulged to Mrs. Sevier the plan. She had often received favors from the
family (as did all others who applied), and she came with her apron held out
to ask for a quart of meal and a slice of meat, and near the smoke-house re-
vealed the scneme, and thus foiled the wicked purpose of her husband.
In June of this year, Colonel Sevier had marched into South Carolina to
aid Colonel McDowell and others against the Qherokees and Creeks. The
battle of Musgrove's Mills was one of several fought during this tour.
In February, 1781, Lieut-Colonel. Sevier was honored by a communic^UoA
452 HISTOfiT OF NORTH CAROLINA.
from Gov. Caswell, of North Carolina, enclosing to him a commission as Colonel
of the County of Washington (the district having been changed to a county),
and within a few days uiereafter, Gen. Greene's appointment of him as a
eommissioner to treat with the chiefs of the Cherokees, Chickasaws, and
other tribes, was received, and he discharged the trust satisfactorily.
In this year. Colonel Sevier conducted several important enterprises
affainst the Indians, in one of which a considerable number of women and
children were captured, and, owing to their exposed condition, he had some
thirty of them conducted to his own home, where ten of them remained/or three
years, living upon his individual bounty at their ease, working not at all, or
not enough " to pay for their salt,'' at the high prices of those days. But
the kind treatment these prisoners received from Colonel Sevier and his
family, was one of the best victories ever gained by him, and the entire ex-
pense of this was individual and his own, as were the costs of equipments
and provisions of more warlike and hazardous deeds. For these, neither the
State nor the Government ever made him any remuneration.
In this very year, too. North Carolina had, by solemn resolution, compli-
mented Sevier and Shelby for volunteer services and noble deeds, and then
urged them to '* fight away on their own hook," defend the frontiers, and
'* please make our best bow and politest acknowledgments to Colonels Camp-
bell and Preston, of Virginia, for their spirited exertions in behalf of the
Southern States," &o.
Compliments and petitions of this kind came not only from the State, hot
from individuals and the inhabitants of frontier settlements, and in some of
them Colonel Sevier is addressed as ''His Excellency" — already.
In September, Gen. Greene urged Sevier to advance to his aid — he did so
with two hundred men, to ''rouse the Whigs and whip the Tories," and so
went on.
Sevier and Shelby were attached to Marion's command, with five hundred
mounted men.
. Cornwallis having surrendered in October, Sevier and Shelby wished the
privilege to attack the Hessians at Monk's Corner, but had to go under the
command of Colonel Mayhew, of South Carolina. They had a share in other
movements. Shelby returned home to attend as a member of the Legisla-
ture, but Sevier remained till near the end of the year 1781.
1781-82. Colonel Sevier conducted several expeditions into the Cherokee
country, to the Chiccamauga towns, to Citico, Chota, &c.
1783. News of peace with England received in March ; and here the Whigs
"rejoiced with them that did rejoice;" but the warfare here was not ended.
1784. And now came on the scenes of the " State of Franklin ;" an anoma-
lous State ; stirring scenes and strangely-commingled events — ^personal, civil,
legislative, judicial, executive, and military motion and commotion, conten-
tion and strife, and continuing for several years, and much of it with, and
aimed at the very man who had done, was doing, and continued to do more
to defend the people and promote their peace and prosperity, than any other
man in all the country. Sevier was tendered a commission as Brigadier-Gene-
ral, by vote of the General Assembly of North Carolina, and, as some sus-
pected, with the view of withdrawing him from any participation in the move-
ment for a new State, but, as has been said, "he, like Moses, chose rather to
suffer affliction with his people, than be flattered with the writing on sheep-
skin ;" and he did suffer. But out of it all the Lord delivered him, and the
people finally shouted paaans and amen.
In the contests of that day, each party was ambitious for his friendship ;
each desired him as a leader, and so did the State of North Carolina. And
soon he had to contend with "Old Rip Van Winkle" at arm's length, with
active and vigilant political opponents hand-to-hand, with the Indians hip
and thigh, and from tree to tree. But he feared not, faltered not, and he
failed not. To him the "coon-skin money" of the State of Franklin was of
more esteem than the parchiqent roll with the Great Seal of North Carolina
attached. He had in a trunk at his log-cabin, on the Nolachucka, more than
two hundred thousand dollars of North Carolina currency — her " ootUinetUal
pilfer" — whioh waa *' not NfOT\k ^ Q<>iv\Aix«ii\fi^' — vxAVaaiation I
WATAUGA COUNTY. 458
In the several treaties he negotiated with the Indians while Governor of
Franklin, and at other times prior and subsequent, "the pipe ^' was lighted
with North Carolina notes — -punk, the meanest kind oi fungus — worthless,
rotten stuff.
In 1786, the Cherokees disregarded the treaty of Hopewell, and Gov.
Sevier had to pursue their marauding parties, and punish them in their
towns on the Iliwassee and elsewhere.*
1787-88. The measures proposed and adopted to satisfy the people of
Franklin, and the anxiety of North Carolina to yield up the territory to the
General Government, and be relieved of the many urgent demands upon her
treasury for these western counties, induced Gov. Sevier, and the supporters,
of the State of Franklin, to come into measures of a^ustment. The territory
was ceded to the United States— organized as the territory south of the Ohio
River.
1788-96. The State of Franklin quietly died. The stage of Territorial
Government was passed through ; the State of Tennessee was established,
admitted into the Union, and Gen. Sevier was chosen the^r^^ Governor, In
all the period, from the beginning of Franklin to Tennessee, Sevier was in-
cessantly engaged in the defence of the settlements exposed to depredations
from the Indians, and in whatsoever public duty could be performed by un-
wearied attention and invincible devotion.
The people living south of Tennessee and Holston, and west of Big Pigeon
and French Broad, regarded Gen. Sevier as their father, friend, and protector ;
and so in other settlements, and through all the years from '87 to '95, they
were virtually left to his care ; and for them, and with them, his word and
will was *' law and gospel."
~ lie was engaged in almost every treaty or negotiation with the Cherokees,
and they were many, as also in treaties with other tribes, insomuch thai
he acquired the honorable distinction of " the Treaty-Maker." His more
familiar sobriquet '* among the people" and with the Vidians, was '* Chucky
Jack."t
1794. After Gen. Wayne's victory on the Miami River, the southern In-
dians began to manifest a disposition less warlike ; but they and their white
neighbors did not all, and altogether, and all the time, '* keep the peace."
Gov. Sevier's second term closed in September, 1801, when Archibald
Roane was sworn into office. Roane was Governor for one term, and was
succeeded by Sevier, who took the oath of office in September, 1803, and was
succeeded by Willie Blount in the fall of 1809.
1811. He was elected a representative in Congress, together with Felix
Grundy and John Rhea.
1813. He was re-elected to Congress.
During the war he served as a member of the Military Committee, to which
was entrusted more business, and from which was required more labor, than
any other in Congress. His opinions, especially in regard to western affiftirs,
and relations with the southern Indians, were earnestly sought for, and were
highly respected.
At the close of the session of Congress in 1815, he was persuaded by Presi-
dent Madison (against the advice of friends who regaraed his age and in^-
paired health) to accept an important mission to adjust difficulties with the
Creek Indians. He engaged in the duties of a commissioner, was taken sick,
and died at an encampment on the east side of the Tallapoosa River, near
Fort Decatur, on the 24th of September, 1815, and was buried with the
honors of war. Gen. Gaines was in command of regular troops near there,
and, though himself quite sick, paid the last sad tribute of respect to a brave
fellow soldier.
* In 17SS, Sevier wu arrested by a bench-warrant from North Carolina. He was
taken to Morgantoa as a prisoner. Vol. i. iH.
t In 1790 be was a member of Coo^ress from North Carolina (Vol. i. Ill), from
the portion now Tennessee, and this year Tennessee was admitted into the Usioii. Vol.
i.97.
454 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Durine the time he was engaged in this service, at such a distance from
his family and constituents, he was re-elected to Congress without opposition.
He had been elected Governor by a unanimous vote, and seldom had he to
encounter any formidable opposition.
From President Washington he received the commission of Brigadier-Gene-
ral of the territory south of the Ohio River, or rather, of one district, Briga-
dier-General Robertson commandinjg the other, until he threw up the com-
mission because censured for the Nickajack expedition.
In this hasty summary, no mention has been made of the battle of Heigh-
tower, or of some of the military enterprises by G«n. Sevier, for which he and
his troops were for a long time refused the approval of the General Govern-
ment and any pay whatsoever. He was nearly ruined by his engagements
and the supplies toi some of the most useful tours he made into the Indian
country.
His was a busy life ; never at rest, never a retired man or private citizen.
And, cU last, with high commission from his Government, with purposes of
peace, he zoes down among the warlike nations, and there he dies, and is
Duried, and there his State and country let him lie, and no stone to tell his
resting place ; and near his side is the grave of that good captain who fired
the last sad volley over the sleeping dust of Uie patriot hero. And the gasing,
thoughtful Indians question with tnemselves, ** Is this the goal of ambition?
Such the climax of glory I What now will his people do V* Pass resolu-
tions, wear crape on the arm a few days, talk much of his deeds and his
sacrifices for the country, but leave him atoay, and '* alone in his glory."
CHAPTER LXXIX.
WAYNE COUNTY.
Wayne County was formed in 1779, from Dobbs County, (now
divided into Greene and Lenoir.)
Wayne is bounded on the north by Edgecombe and Nash Coun-
ties, on the east by Greene and Lenoir, on the south by Duplin and
Sampson, on the west by Johnston County.
Its population in 1850, 7,802 whites ; 664 free negroes ; 5,020 slaves ; 11,478
representative population.
Products (1840), 461,165 bushels corn ; 12,744 bushels wheat ;8,855 bushels
oats ; 402,175 lbs. cotton ; 8,987 lbs. wool ; 3,499 barrels turpentine.
Its capital is Waynesboro*, fifty-one miles south-east of Raleigh.
Its name is derived from Anthony Wayne, of Pennsylvania,
distinguished in the Revolutionary War.
From his daring spirit, and fearless temper, he received the
sobriquet of " Mad Anthony."
General Wayne was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1745. His
familjr had been distinguished, llis grandfather had borne a commission of
Captain, and fought in the battle of Boyne ; which elevated the House of
Orange to the English Throne. His father was a respectable farmer, and had
represented Chester County in the Assembly before the Revolution.
in 1773 he succeeded his father as representative from the county of Ches-
WATKE COUNTY. ^66
ter, and from his ^rst appearance in pablio Hfe, was distinguished for his firm
and patriotic conduct.
, In 1775 he was appointed to command a regiment. In the same joar he
marched with General Thompson into Canada. In the defeat which followed,
General Thompson was taken prisoner ; Wayne behaved with great gallantry
and was severely wounded.
In 1776 he served under General Gat^s, at Ticonderoga, and was highly
esteemed by that officer as a skillful engineer.
At the close of the campaign he was promoted to be a Brigadier-General.
At the battle of Brandywine, in 1777, he behaved with lion courage, and
for a long time kept at bay the superior force of the enemy at Chad's Ford.
After this battle ho was detached by General Washington to harass the
enemy with his brigade W every means in his power. The British were en-
camped at Tredyffnn, and General Wayne about three miles off, near Paoli
Tavern. On the night of the 20th September, 1777, the enemy, under Major-
General Gray, having driven in Wayne's pickets, suddenly attacked him with
fixed bayonets. The superior force of the British compelled Wayne to re-
treat, but he formed again at. a small distance, having lost about one hundred
and fifty men killed and wounded.
Some blame having been attached to him by certain officers for this affair,
Wayne demanded a court-martial. After examining the evidence, the Court
declared that General Wayne had done evervthin^ that could be expected
from an active, brave, and vigilant officer, and acquitted him with honor.
A marble monument has been erected over the remains of the bravo men,
who fell at Paoli, not far from Philadelphia.
At the battle of Germantown, fought a few days after, he greatly distin-
guished himself. He had one horse shot under him, another killed as he
was about to mount, and he received several wounds on his own person. It
was at this battle that North Carolina lost her brave General Nash, of Orange
County, and the heroic Col. Henry Irwin, of Edgecombe County. He and
General Cadwallader, in the Council of war, were the only two officers that
favored the attack. The American officers were influenced by the opinions
of the Europeans. Baron Steuben^ Geoterals Lee and JDu Portail warmly op-
posed the engagement as too hazardous. Bat Washington bad determined
to attack the enemy, and Wayne was conspicuous in the attack. In his let-
ter to Congress, reporting this battle, General Washington says : —
''The catalogue of the officers who distinguished themselves is too long
to admit of particularizing individuals. . They seem to vie with each other
in manifesting their zeal and bravery. ** 1 cannot," adds he, ** however, for-
bear mentioning Brigadier-General Wayne, whose conduct and bravery
throughout the whole action deserves particular commendation.''
In July, 1779, the commander-in-cnief conceived the design of attacking
Stony Point.
Stony Point is a considerable height, the base of which is washed on one
side by the Hudson River, and on the other by a deep morass, over which
there was but one crossing place. On the top of the height was the fort,
with .batteries of heavy artillery ; in front were advanced breastworks, and
half way down was a double row of abattis. The cannon commanded the
beach and the crossing place. It was strongly garrisoned by six hundred
Highlanders, commanoea by Colonel Johnson, ^veral British ships of war
lay in the river, whose guns commanded the hill.
To approach this fort was dangerous, to attack it hazardous, and to take
it seemed impracticable.
General Washington communicated his design to General Wayne, and
his heroic spirit gloried in the attempt. He was detached for this purpose.
On the 15th July, 1779, Wayne left the main body of the army, ana with
his command, arrived at eight o'clock at night within a mile and a half of
the fort, where he halted his troops. He reoonnoitered the situation of the
enemy, and then made the necessary disposition for the assault. At half
past eleven at night, with unbaded guna and fixed bayonets, he made a silent
as
456 BISTORT OF NORTH CAROLINA*
but steady assault, took the fort without a gun being fired from one of his
men, and made the garrison prisoners, amounting to five hundred and forty-
three, (the rest being killed.) While at the head of the regiment (Febiger)
Wayne received in the head a musket ball and he fell. The enemy was
S'ving way, and Wayne desired his aids to carry him into the fort to die. But
e wound was not mortal, and he lived to receive the thanks of his country,
and the plaudits of the nation for this daring display of gallantry. He was
awarded bv Congress a gold medal for this brilliant battle.
Here is his report of the battle.
" Stony Point, July 16^, 1779,
2 o'clock in the morning.
Dear General — The fort and garrison, with Colonel Johnson, arc ours.
Our officers and men behaved likd men determined to be free.
Yours most sincerely,
ANTHONY WAYNE,"
To General Washington.
The effect of this victory, while it enlivened the fiends of liberty, dis-
heartened the British. They had been whipped with their own favorite
weapon, the bayonet, which they alleged was invincible in their hands, and
one that the Americans could never stand. The report of Wayne was as
modest as it is laconic. Like the letter of Caesar to the Roman Senate,* or
in more recent times the gallant Perry from the Lakes, '* We have met the
enemy and they are ours."
In the closing campaign of the Revolution in 1781, when Comwallis had
to surrender at xorktown, Wayne bore a conspicuous part with Washington.
He was after this dispatched to Georgia to take command in that State,
where the enemy had made some head, and after some sanguinary conflicts
established peace, security, and order. For these services Georgia presented
him with a valuable farm. The fatigues of war beiqg over, he retired to his
farm.
In 1789 he was a member of the Convention of Pennsylvania for consider-
ing the Constitution of the United States.
In 1792 he was called again to the field of Mars. The Indians on our western
frontier had become very dangerous, and had committed ravages and murders.
They had defeated General St. Clair. At Miami, in August, he met the sa-
vages in strong force, and after a sanguinary conflict routed them.
His work was now done. ** He had finished his course ; he had fought the
good fight.'' He had materially aided in establishing the liberties of his
country; he had shielded her from the savage foe ; he had seen her free, in-
dependent, glorious ; and, like Simeon of old, he was ready to depart in peace.
He died in December 1796, on Presque Isle, on Lake Erie.
A few years since, with filial affection, his son. Honorable Isaac Wayne
(who was in Congress in 1823 to 1825, from Pennsylvania), removed his bones
to his native county, Chester ; and, by direction of the Pennsylvania State
Society of the Cincinnati, a monument of white marble has been erected
unto his memory, in Saint David's Church, in that county, which bears the
following inscription :
In honor of the distinguished
military services of
M^jor-General
Anthony Wayne;
And as an affectionate ^ibute
of respect to his memory,
this stone was erected by his
companions in arms.
The Pennsylvania State Society of
The Cincinnati,
July 4th, A. D. 1809,
■ ^
• « Veni, vidi, vici." I came, saw, coaqaottd.
WAYNB COUNTY. 46T
thirty-fourth anniversary of
the Independence of
the United States of America;
an event which constitutes the most
appropriate eulogium of an American
Soldier and Patriot.
The north front exhibits the following inscription :
Major-General
Anthony Wayne
was born at Waynesborough,
in Chester County,
State of Pennsylvania,
A. D. 1745.
After a life of honor and usefulness,
he died in December, 1796,
at a military post
on the shore of Lake Erie,
Commander-in-chief of the army of
the United States.
His military achievements
are consecrated
in the history of his country,
and in
the hearts of his countrymen.
His remains
are here deposited.
The revolutionary times in this section of our State have recently received
notice from the graphic pen of Mrs. Elizabeth F. EUet, in The Women of the
Revolution,
EzEKiEL Slocuhb was a member of the House of Commons in 1812, '14,
'15, '16, and 1818. His wife was Mary Hooks, and the sister of Hon. Charles
Hooks, who was a member of Congress from the Wilmington District in 1816,
and in 1819 to 1825, and who removed to Alabama and recently died there.
She was bom in Bertie* County in 1760. When both were only eighteen
years old, she and Ezekiel Slocumb were married, whose mother, a widow
Slocumb, had married her father.
But their honeymoon was disturbed by the ravages of war, for their Revolu-
tion had broken out, and North Carolina for a time was the theatre of hostile
and sanguinary scenes. Her *' boy-husband" joined a troop of light horse,
and performed severe duty in keeping down the Royalists. During these
absences, Mrs. Slocumb took entire charge of the farm, and she used to say
that she did as much and all the work a man ever did, except '* maulioir
rails," and to do that exception away, she went out " one day and«pZi^ afewP
She was skilled in all the female accomplishments of sewing, spinning, weav-
ing, and washing, and perfect in horsemanship. * The following circumstances
will show her noble spirit, and her more than feminine courage. Just before
the battle of Moore's Creek (1776), the men had all gone under Caswell to
fight the Tories under MacDonald. Colonel Slocumb was in the battle which
occurred on 27th February, 1776, and his recollection of the part he bore in
that was too vivid ever to be forgotten. " And," he would say, " my wife was
there /"♦ She was, indeed ; but the story is best told in her own words : —
" The men all left on Sunday morning. More than eighty went from this
house with my husband. I looked at them well, and I could see that every
man had mischief in him. I knew a coward as soon as I set my eyes upon
him. The Tories more than once tried to frighten me, but tney always
• See Mrs. EUett's "Women of the Revolufion."
458 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
showed coward at the bare insinuation that our troops were about Well,
they sot off in high spirits, every man stepping high and light, and I slept
soundly and quietly that night and worked hard all the next day ; but I
kept thinking where they had got to, how far, where and how many of the
regulars and tories they would meet ; and I could not keep myself from that
study. I went to bed at the usual time, but could not sleep. As I lay —
whether waking or sleeping I know not — " I had a dream," yet it ** was not
all a dream." (She used the words unconsciously, of the poet, who was not
then in being.) I saw distinctly a body wrapped in my husband's guard-
cloak, bloody, dead, and others dead and wounded on the ground about him.
I saw them plainly and distinctly. I uttered a cry and sprang to my feet on
the floor ; and so strong was the impression on my mind, that I rushed in
the direction the vision appeared, and came up asainst the side of the house.
Tne fire in the room ^ave little lijght, and I gazed in every direction to catch
another glimpse of the scone, i raised the light; everything was still and
quiet. My cnild was sleeping, but my woman was awakened by my crying
out, or jumping on the floor. If ever I felt fear it was at that moment
Seated on the bed, I reflected a few moments and said aloud ; * I must go to
him.' I told the woman I could not sleep and would ride down the road.
She appeared in great alarm ; but I merely told her to lock the door after me
and look after the child. I went to the stable, saddled my mare, as fleet and
easy a nag as ever traveled, and in one moment I was tearing down the
road at full speed. The cool night seemed, after a mile or two's gallop, to
bring reflection with it ; and I asked myself where I was going, and for what
purpose. Again and again I was tempted to turn back ; but I was soon ten
miles from home. I knew the general route our little army expected to take,
and at daybreak I was thirty miles from home, and had followed them with-
out hesitation. About sunrise, I came upon a group of women and children,
standing and sittins by the roadside, each one of them showing the same
an'xietv of mind I felt. Stopping a few minutes, I inquired if the battle had
b6en K)ught. They knew nothing, but were assembled on the road to catch
intelligence. They thought Caswell had taken the right of the Wilmington
road and gone towards the north-west (CSape Fear). Again was I skim-
ming over the ground, through a country thinly settled and very poor
and swampy; but neither my own spirits nor my beautiful nag's failed
in the least. Wo followed the well-marked trail of the troops. The
sun must have been well up, sfiy eight or nine o'clock, when 1 heard a
sound like thunder which I knew must be cannon. It was the first time
I ever heard a cannon. I stopped still. Presently the cannon thundered
again ; the battle was then fighting. * What a fool !' thought I, ' my husband
could not be dead last night, and the battle Only fighting now I Still, as I
am so near, I will go on and sde ho\i( they come on and see how they come
out.' So away we went, faster than ever, and soon I found by the noise of
the guns that I was near the fight.* Again I stopped ; I could hear muskets,
I could hear rifles, and I could hear shouting. I spoke to my mare and
dashed on in the direction of the firing and shouts, now, louder than ever.
The blind path I had been following brought me into the Wilmington road
leading to Moore's Creek Bridge, a few hundred yards below the bridge.
A few yards from the road, under a cluster of trees, were lying, perhaps,
twenty men. They wore the wounded. I knew the spot ; the very trees ;
and the position of'^the men I knew, as if I had seen it a thousand times. I
had seen it in my dream all night I I saw all at once ; but, in an instant
my whole soul was centered in one spot ; for there, wrapped in his bloody
guard-cloak, was my husband's body ! How I passed the few yards from my
saddle to this place I never knew. I remember uncovering his head and
seeing a face clothed with gore from a dreadful wound across the temple. I
put my hand on the bloody face ; 'twas warm, and an unknown voice begged
for water, A small camp kettle was lying near, and a stream of water was
close by. I brought it poured some into his mouth, washed his face, and
behold it was Frank Cogdell 1 ' He soon revived and could speak. I was
washing the wound in his head. Said he, < if if not that; it is thai hoU in my
WAYNE COUNTY. 459
leg that is killing me.' A puddle of blood was standing on the ground about
his feet. I took his knife, cut away his trousers and stocking, and found
the blood came from a shot hole throujrh and through the Hcshy part of his
leg. I looked about and could see nothing that looked as if it would do for
dressing wounds but some heart leaves. I gathered a handful and bound
them tight to the holes, and the bleeding stopped. I then nfent to the others,
and, doctor I I dressed the wounds of many a brave fellow who did good fight-
ing long after that day. I had not inquired for my husband ; but, while 1
was busy, Caswell came up. He appeared very much surprised to see me,
and was, with his hat in hand, about to pay some compliment ; but I inter-
rupted him by asking * AVhcre is my husband ?' * Wnere he ought to be,
madam ; in pursuit of tjhe enemy. But pray,' said he, * how came you here V
• Oh, I thought,* replied I, * you would need nurses as well as soldiers. See !
I have dressed many of those good follows ; and hero is one' (going to Frank
and lifting him up with my arm under his head so that he could drink some
more water) * would have died before any of you men could have helped him.'
* I believe you,' said Frank. Just then I looked up and my husband, as
bloody as a butcher and as muddy as a ditcher,* stood before me. * Why
Mary !' he exclaimed, * what are you doing there ? Hugging Frank Cogdell,
the greatest reprobate in the army?' * I don't care,' 1 cried, 'Frank is a
brave fellow, a good soldier, and a true friend to Congress.' * True, true,
everv word of it,' said Caswell. * You are right, madam ;' with the lowest
possible bow. I could not tell my husband what brought me there. I was
so happy, and so were all. It was a glorious victory ; I came just at the
height of the enjoyment. I know my husband was surprised, but I could
see he was not displeased with me. It was night again before our excite-
ment had all subsided. Many prisoners were brought in, and among them,
some very obnoxious ; but the worst of the Tories were not taken prisoners.
They were, for the most part, left in the woods and swamps wherever they
were overtaken. I begged for some of the poor prisoners, and Caswell
readily told me none should be hurt but such as haa been guilty of murder
or house burning. In the middle of the night I again mounted my mare
and started home. Caswell and my husband wanted mo to stay till next
morning and they would send a party with inc ; but no ! I wanted to see
my child, and told them they could send no party who could keep up with
me. What a happy ride I had back I and with what joy did I embrace my
child as he ran to meet me !"
When the British marched from Wilmington to Virginia, under Lord
Cornwallis, in 1781, Colonel Slocumb's farm was right in the rear of their
march. One beautiful Spring morning. Colonel Tarleton, accompanied by
two aides-de-cam|> and followed by a guard, dashed up to the piazza. Colonel
Slocumb (then Lieutenant) was from home, and Mrs. Slocumb, with her
little boy and a near female relative (afterwards wife of Major Williams), were
sitting in the niazza. Colonel Tarleton informed her that he was under the
necessity of taking quarters in her house, in a tone that admitted of no denial
or controversy. Ilis legion, consisting of nearly two hundred and fifty men,
and many others, then filled the avenue. Their tents were pitched in the
orchard, and Tarleton and his officers occupied the house.
Mrs. Slocumb with cheerfulness now performed the duties of hospitality
so unceremoniously forced upon her. She prepared them an excellent din-
ner and refreshments. While the British were there, the repeated and rapid
report of fire-arms was heard in the distance. A contest was going on be-
tween a party of the Americans and the Tories. This startled the British ;
but in a few moments her husband, with Charles Hooks, her brother, then
about thirteen, and others, returned home. They had been engaged in the
skirmish with the Tories, and bad nearly reached the house wh^ a faithful
slave (Big George), who had been posted by his mistress, warned them of
their peril. Quick as thought they wheeled, at one bound cleared the garden
* It was his company that forded the creek and, penetrating the swamp, made the furi-
ous charge on the British left and rear, which decided the fate of the day.
460
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
fence, and leaped the next amid a shower of balls from the guards, and thus
escaped.
" The Dead Men's Field," to this day, marks the spot where the skirmish
took place.
The British returned to their dinner and peach brandy, while Slocumb and
his companions passed around the plantation where the skirmish had occur-
red with the Tories ; and there he found the brother of the Tory Captain
hanging by a bridle-rein from a sapling bent down, struggling in the agonies
of death. Slocumb hastened to the spot, cut the rein with his swora, and
with much difficulty restored him to life. Many in this county recollect an
old man who with protruded eyes and suffused countenance bore evidence of
this fearful scene. He owed his life and liberty to his generous foe.
When the British army moved, the encampment was broken up at Mrs.
Slocumb's, and she saw them depart with tears of joy. Her husband re-
turned in a few days to her arms, and they lived to see the independence of
their country established, their liberties secured, and he honored by the free
suffrages of his fellow-citizens. Their son, Jesse, was elected a member of
Congress in 1817, and served until 1821, when he died in Congress, and was
buried at "Washington, in the Congressional burying ground. She died on
the 6th of March, 1836, and her venerable husband a few years afterwards.
As long as patriotism is cherished or virtue honored, so long shall their
memories survive.
Members of the General Assembly from Wayne County, from
its formation to the last session.
Years.
1780.
1781.
1782.
1783.
1784.
1785.
1786.
1787.
1788.
1789.
1790.
1791.
1792.
1793.
1794.
1795.
1796.
1797.
1798.
1799.
1800.
1801.
1802.
1803.
1804.
1805.
1806.
1807.
1808.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812,
1813.
Senate.
Burwell Mooring,
Burwell Mooring,
Burwell Mooring,
Burwell Mooring,
Burwell Mooring,
Richard McKinnie,
llichard McKinnie,
Burwell Mooring,
Kichard McKinnie,
Richard McKinnie,
Richard McKinnie,
Richard McKinnie,
Richard McKinnie,
Richard McKinnie,
Richard McKinnie,
Richard McKinnie,
Richard McKinnie,
Richard Croom,
Richard Croom,
John C. Pender,
Needham AVhitfield,
Richard McKinnie,
Richard McKinnie,
Richard McKinnie,
James Rhodes,
Ji^es Rhodes,
James Rhodes,
John Davis,
John Davis,
Barnabas McKinnie,
Baruabaa McKinnie,
House of Commons.
Stephen Cobb, Burwell Mooring.
Joseph Green, Burwell Mooring.
Burwell Mooring, Richard McKinnie.
Richard McKinnie, Needham Whitfield.
William Alford, John Handley.
William Taylor, John Ilandley.
William Taylor, Richard McKinnie.
Richard McKinnie, William Taylor.
William Taylor, James Handley.
James Handley, Burwell Mooring.
John Coor Pender, Richard McKmnie.
John Coor Pender, Benjamin Fort.
John Coor Pender, William Taylor.
John Coor Pender, William Taylor.
William Taylor, John Coor Pender.
John Garland, John Coor Pender.
John Garland, Benjamin Fort,
John Coor Pender, Richard Croom.
John Coor Pender, Richard Croom.
Joseph Everett, Barnabas McKinnie.
Joseph Everett, Barnabas McKinnie.
Abram Simons, Ezekiel Slocumb.
William Smith, James Rhodes.
James Rhodes, William Smith.
James Rhodes, William Smith.
William Smith, James Rhodes,
James Rhodes, William Smith.
William Smith, James Deans.
William Smith, Eaekiel Slocumb.
William Smith, James Deans.
Cullen Blackman, James Deans.
Cullen Blackman, James Deans.
Joab Newsom, Ezekiel Slocumb.
Ezekiel Slocumb, Stephen Cook«
N
WILKES COUIirTT.
461
Yean. Senate.
1814. Barnabas McKinnie,
1815. Barnabas McKinnie,
1816. Barnabas McKinnie, Jr.
1817. Barnabas McKinnie,
1818. Michael J. Kennan,
1819. Barnabas McKinnie,
1821. £phraim Daniel,
1822. Jethro Howell,
1823. Richard B. Hatch,
1824. Gabriel Sherard,
1825. Jethro Howell,
1826. John Wasden,
1827. Gabriel Sherard,
1828. Gabriel Sherard,
1829. Gabriel Sherard,
1830. Gabriel Sherard,
1831. Gabriel Sherard,
1832. James Rhodes,
1833. Gabriel Sherard,
1834. Gabriel Sherard,
1835. John Exum,
1836. John £xum,
1838. John Exum,
1840. John Exum,
1842. John Exum,
1844. John Exum,
1846. John Exum,
1848. John Exum,
1850. William Thompson,
House of Commons.
Ezekiel Slocumb, J. Cook.
Ezekiel Slocumb, Stephen Cook.
Ezekiel Slocumb, Stephen Cook.
Stephen Smith, Ezekiel Slocumb.
Ezexiel Slocumb, Lewis C. Pender.
Ephraim Daniel, Sampson Lane.
Joshua Hastings, Artnur Barden.
Joshua Hastings, Stephen Smith.
Joshua Hastings, Stephen Smith.
Philip B. Raiford, Arthur Barden.
Philip B. Raiford, John Wasden.
Philip B. Raiford, Joshua Hastings.
Joshua Hastings, James Rhodes.
James Rhodes, John W. Sasser.
James Rhodes, John W. Sasser.
James Rhodes, John W. Sasser.
John W. Sasser, John Broadhurst.
John B. Hurst, P. S. Cromwell.
Cullen A. Blackman, P. S. Cromwell.
Calvin Coor, William B. Frost.
Calvin Coor, Giles Smith.
Calvin Coor, Raiford Whitney.
Curtis H. Brogden, Elias Barnes.
Curtis H. Brogden, Elias Barnes.
Curtis H. Brogden, Elias Barnes.
Curtis H. Brogden, Elias Barnes.
Curtis H. Brogden, Elias Barnes.
Curtis H. Brogden, John V. Sherard.
Curtis H. Brogden, John V. Sherard.
CHAPTER LXXX.
WILKES COUNTY.
Wilkes County was formed in the year 1777 from Surry, and
called in honor of John Wilkes, a dLstinguished English statesman,
and member of Parliament. He was ejected by the ministerial
party from Parliament on account of his liberal political views;
and as often he was returned by the people. He died in 1797.
Wilkes County is situated in the extreme north-west portion of
our State ; and bounded on the north by the Blue Ridge, which
separates it from Ashe County; east, by Surry; south, by Alex-
ander; and west, by Ashe and Watauga Counties.
Its capital, Wilkesboro', is one himdred and seventy-two miles
north-west of Raleigh.
Its population in 1850, was 10,746 whites; 211 free negroes ; 1,142 slaves;
11,642/cpresentatiye population.
Its p'roaucts in 1840, was 463,793 bushels of corn'; 64,210 bushels of oats ;
30,268 bushels of wheat ; 24,567 pounds of tobacco ; 12,468 pounds of cotton ;
19»634 poundfl of wool.
462 HISTORY OF NOETH CAROLINA.
Gov. Mont FORD Stokes, long a resident of this County, waa born about 1760 ;
he entered the revolutionary army, was taken prisoner near Norfolk in 1776,
and was confined for seven months on board a prison ship.
For a number of years he was Clerk of Rowan Superior Court, and Clerk
of the Senate, Avhcre he enjoyed such popularity as to be elected Senator in
Congress, which, at the time, he declined.
In L^IO, ho was again elected Senator in Congress, and served until 1S23.
In 1826, he was elected Senator in the General Assembly, and in 1829» a
member of the House of Commons from AVilkes County, and again in 1830,
wlien he was elected Governor of the State.
In 1831, ho was appointed, by General Jackson, Indian Agent in Arkansas,
where he removed, and lived until his death in 1842.
On the 17th of December, 1842, Hon. D. M. Barringer (our present Envoy
to Spain), introduced the following resolution: —
** Whereas^ the Hause of Commons have, heard with regret of the death of Ex-
Governor Montford Stokes^ whose life has been connected with, for more ilian kalj
a century, the history of North Carolina, and has occupied many distinguisJicd
stafio7is in her gift. Therefore resolved unanimously —
** That as a mark of respect to the memory of Montford Stokes, this House do
now adjourn until Monday momingy U^i o^ clock.*'
Governor Stokes married Mary, the daughter of Colonel Henry Irwin, of
Edgecombe, who fell at Germantown 1777 (see Edgecr/mbe), by which mar-
riage he had several children. Of these, is Major Montfort S. Stokes, now
of Wilkes County. Major Stokes was appointed Major of the North Carolina
Regiment in the late war with Mexico, llis conduct was so acceptable to his
regiment, that on their return they voted and presented to him a splendid
sword. He is now one of the Councillors of State.
Colonel Benjamin Cleaveland, the hero of King's Mountain, and after
whom Cleaveland County is called, lived and died in Wilkes County. He
was a brave and meritorious officer. A serious impediment in his speech
prevented his ever entering political life. He was, in 1775, appointed an
ensign in 2d Regiment of troops, and served at King's Mountain and the
battle of Guilford Court House, and the hero of a hundred fights with the
Tories. He was the Surveyor of AVilkes, and lived at the place where Little
Hickerson now resides ; some incidents of his life, his dangers, and daring
conduct, are recorded under Watauga, their scene of action.
General William Lenoir resided in "Wilkes County.
His life, character, and services have been recorded by an able and fami-
liar hand.
The following is extracted from the Raleigh Register of June 22d, 1839: —
This venerable patriot and soldier died at his residence at Fort Defiance,
in Wilkes County, on Monday, the Gth of May, 1839, aged eighty-eight years.
Perhaps no individual now remains in the State of North Carolina, who bore
a more distinguished part during our Revolutionary struggle, or who was
more closely identified with the early history of our government, than the
venerable man whose history and public services it is our purpose to sketch.
General Lenoir was bom in Brunswick County. Va., on the 20th of May,
1751, 0. S., and was descended from poor but respectable French ancestry.
He was the youngest of a family of ten children. W^hen about eight years
old his father removed to Tar Kiver, near Tarboro', N. C, where he resided
until his death, which happened shortly after. The opportunities of obtain-
ing even an ordinary English education, at that day, were extremely limited,
and General Lenoir received no other than such as his own personal exertions
permitted him to acquire after his father's death. W^hen about twenty years
of age he was married to Ann Ballard, of Halifax, N. C. — a lady possessing
in an eminent degree those domestic and heroic virtues which qualified her
for sustaining the privations and hardships of a frontier life, which it was
her destiny afterwards to encounter.
WILKES COUNTY. 468
In jJHarch, 1775, Gen. L.Temoved with his family to the County of Wilkes
(then a portion of Surry), and settled near the place whore the village of
AVilkesboro' now stiinds. Previous to his leaving Halifax, however, he
signed what was then familiarly called ** The Association Paper," which
contained a declaration of the sentiments of the people of the Colonies in
regard to the relations existing between them and the crown of Great Britain,
and which their scattered condition rendered it necessary to circulate for
signatures, in order to ascertain the wishes and determination of the people.
Soon after his removal to Surry, he was appointed a member of the Commit-
tee of Safety for that county, and continued to discharge his duty as such,
and as clerk to the Committee, until their authority was superseued by the
adoption of the Constitution of the State. On the commencement of hos-
tilities with Groat Britain, Gen. L. very early took a decided and active part.
It is well known to all those acquainted with the history of the times, that
about the beginning of the war of the Kevolution, the Cherokee Indians
were exceedingly annoying and troublesome to the white settlements in the
western part of North Carolina. The AVhigs, therefore, in that section of
the country, were obliged at the yory outset to be constantly on the alert — they
were frequently called on to inarch at a moment's warning, in small detach-
ments, in pursuit of marauding bands of Indians, in the hope of chastising
tliem for depredations committed on the settlements — they wore also com-
pelled to keep up scouting and ranging parties, and to station guards at the
most accessible passes in the mountains. In this service Gen. L. bore a con-
spicuous part, wliich was continued until the celebrated expedition of Gen.
Kutherford and Gen. Williamscm in 1776, put an end to the difficulties with
the Cherokees. In this expedition Gen. L. served as a lieutenant under the
distinguished Col. Cleaveland, who was then a captain, and frequently has he
been heard to recount the many hardships and sufferings whicn they had to
undergo. They were often entirely destitute of provisions — there was not
a tent of any kind in the whole army — very few blankets, and those only
such as could be spared from their houses for the occasion, and their clothing
consisted principally of rude cloth made from hemp, tow, and wild nettle-
bark — and as a sample of the uniform worn by the General officers, it may
be mentioned that Gen. Kutherford's consisted of a tow hunting-shirt, dyed
black, and trimmed with white fringe. From the termination of this cam-
great confidence and exhibiting much boldness. Indeed, such was the cha-
racter of the times, that the AV'higs considered themselves, their families and
property in continual and imminent danger. No man ventured from home
without his rifle, and no one, unless his character was well known, was per-
mitted to travel without undergoing the strictest examination. Gen. L. nas
frequently been heard to say that, owing to his perilous situation, he has
often been compelled on retiring at night, to place his rifle on one side of him
in bed, while his wife occupied the other. In the expedition to King's
Mountain ho held the appointment of captain in Col. Cleaveland's regiment,
but on ascertivining that it would be impossible for the footmen to reach the
desired point in time, it was determined by a council of officers that all who
had horses, or could propuro them, should advance forthwith. Accordingly
Gen. Lenoir and his company officers volunteered their services as privates,
and proceeded with the horsemen by a severe forced march to the scene of
action. In the brilliant achievement on King's Mountain he was wounded
in the arm, and also in the side,1hough not severely — and a third ball passed
through his hair, just above where it was tied. He was also at the defeat of
the cele]>rated Tory, Col. Pyles, near Haw River, and in this engagement had
his horse shot and his sword broken. He also raised a company and marched
towards Dan Kiver, with the hope of joining Gen. Greene, previous to the
battle of Guilford, but was unable to effect a junction in time. Many other
services of a minor character wore performed by him, which it would be
tedious to enumerate. In the militia of the State he was also an active and
464 HISTORY Ot NORTH CAROLINA.
efficient officer, having passed through different grades, from that of an Orderly
Sergeant to a Major-Ueneral, in which latter office he served for aknit
eighteen years. In a civil capacity also Gen. L. discharged many high and
responsible duties. He was appointed a Justice of the Peftce by the Con-
vention which met to form the otate Constitution, and was reapp>ointed bvtbe
first General Assembly which met under its authority. He continued to dis-
charge the duties of this office until his death, with the exception of a tem-
porary suspension of about two years, whilst he acted as clerk of the County
Court of Wilkes. It is, therefore, more than probable that at the time hi
died he was the oldest magistrate in the State, or perhaps in the United
States. He also filled at different periods the various offices of Register,
Surveyor, Commissioner of Affidavits, Chairman of the County Court, and
Clerk of the Superior. Court for the County of Wilkes. He was one of the
original trustees of the University of N. C, and was the first President of
the Board. He served many years in both branches of the State Legislature,
Embracing nearly the whole period of our early legislative history, and
during the last five years of his service in the Senate was unanimously
chosen Speaker of that body. It may also be remarked that he performed
the duties of that important statioji with as much general satisfaction, pro-
bably, as was ever given by the presiding officer of any deliberative assembly.
He was for several years electea a member of the Council of State, and when
convened was chosen President of the Board. He was also a member of both
the State Conventions, which met for the purpose of considering the Con-
stitution of the United States ; and in the discussion of those bodies he took
an active and distinguished part — insisting strenuously on the adoption of
the amendments proposed to the Constitution, and guarding with great
jealousy the rights of the States. Owing to the difficulties which exifted
among the States in the adoption of the Federal Constitution, an opinion
prevailed that another General Convention would be called to revise and
amend it. The Convention of North Carolina, acting upon this supposition,
proceeded to elect five delegates to represent the State in the proposed
General Convention, of which number General Lenoir was one. It is abo
in honor of him that the respectable County of Lenoir bears its name.
These, together with many other services of a minor character, though
important in themselves, or in furtherance of the due execution of the law,
constitute the sum of that portion of the public burdens which has been borne
by this venerable man, for many of which he declined to receive any compen-
sation. Those who knew Gen. L. will readily concur in the opinion that it ia
que8tk)nable whether any man ever performed a public duty with a more punc-
tilious regard to the promotion of the public wellare, or in more strict accord-
ance with the requirements of the authority under which he acted.
For the last several years of his life, he devoted much of his time to read-
ing and reflection on public affairs, and manifested great concern, and
expressed much apprehension, lest, from the signs of the times, our inesti-
mablo government, which cost so much blood and treasure, hardship and
suffering, was destined, at no distant period, to share the fate of the repub-
lics of other days. Indeed,' so great were his fears on this subject, that it
was a source of real disquietude and unhappiness to him.
In private life. General L. was no less distinguished for his moral worth
and generous hospitality than in public life for his unbending integrity,
firmness and patriotism. His mansion was open at all times, not only to a
large and extensive circle of friends and acquaintances, but to the stranger
and traveler. Although he lived for many years upon a public highway,
and received and entertained all persons who chose to call upon him, he was
never known in a single instance to make a charge, or receive compensation
for accommodations thus furnished.
In his manners and habits of life he was plain and unostentatious. Stea-
dily acting himself upon principles of temperance and frugalitv in all tilings,
he endeavored, both by example and precept, to inculcate similar principles
upon others. To the poor he was kind and charitable, and by his will mad«
liberal provision for those of his own neighborhood. He had long ei\joyed
WILKBS COUNTY. 465
almost uninterrupted health, which he waff careful to preserve bj moderate
but almost constant exercise either on horseback or in his workshop, of
which he was very fond. As evidence of his physical ability, it may be
mentioned that ho attended the Superior Court of Ashe County, a distance
of more than fifty miles from his residence, traveling the whole distance on
horseback, and crossing the Blue Ridge, and also attended the Court of his
own County, a distance of twenty-four miles, not more than three weeks
before his death. During his last illness he suffered much pain, and often
expressed a desire that the Supreme Disposer of all things would terminate
his sufferings. He often said '* Death had no terrors for him — he did not
fear to die." His remains were interred in the family burying-eround, which
occupies the spot where Fort Defiance was erected during the Revolutionary
War. S. F. P.
Hon. Anderson Mitchell resides in this County. He was bom in Caswell
County in 1800, educated by Mr. Bingham, in Orange, and finished at the
University, at which he graduated in 1821, and read law with George Hen-
derson, in Granville.
He removed to Wilkes, and in 1840 represented this county in the Senate
of the State Legislature.
In 1842 he was elected a member of Congress, and served until 1843. He
now resides in Wilkesboro', and finds, like Titian, the law is so jealous a mis-
tress, that she allows no rival in her affections. She ha3 never allowed him
to marry, and has made him quit politics.
That celebrated Ittsus ntUurcRj the Siamese Twins, Chano and Eno, ceside
in this County. After wandering over the whole globe, they have sought the
quiet glens of Wilkes County as the loveliest spot for retirement and repose.
The twins were bom in Alay, 1811, at Maklong, in Siam.
In 1829 they left their country for America, and since which they have
traveled over the whole of this continent, England, France, and other coun-
tries, exciting the admiration of the crowd, and the investigations of the
scientific Sir Astley Cooper, of London, Dr. Samuel L. Mitchell, of New
York, and others, who have reported upon this singular phenomenon in the
natural world.
They are united together as one by an ensiform cartilage froia the side.
The blood-vessels and nerves of each communicate. There seems to be a
perfect sympathy, for when one is sick so is the other ; the^ go to sleep at the
same moment, and wake at the same. So when Chang dies, Eng may make
his will.
They are wealthy, well settled, both happily married, and have interesting
families around them.
Members of the General Assembly from Wilkes County, from
1778 to 1850-51.
Years. Senate. House of Commons.
1778. Benjamin Cleaveland, Elisha Isaacs.
1779. Benj. Cleaveland, Benjamin Thornton, Elisha Isaacs.
1781. Charles Gordon, Joseph Herndon, William Lenoir.
1782. Elijah Isaacs, William Lenoir, Joseph Uemdon.
1783. Elijah Isaacs, Bexyamin Herndon, William Lenoir.
1784. Elijah Isaacs, Benjamin Herndon, Jesse Franklin.
1785. Benjamin Herndon, Jesse Franklin, Wm. T. Lewis.
1786. Beniamin Herndon, Jesse Franklin, John Brown.
1787. William Lenoir, Jesse Franklin, John Brown.
1788. William Lenoir, John Brown, Joseph Herndon.
1791. William Lenoir, Jesse Franklin, Benjamin Jones.
1792. William Lenoir, Jesse Franklin, Benjamin Jones.
1793. William Lenoir, Richard Allen, Joseph Herndon.
1794. William Lenoir, Beigamin Jones, Theophiliin Evana.
466
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years.
1795.
1796.
1797.
1798.
1799.
1800.
1801.
1802.
1803.
1804.
1805.
1800.
1807.
1808.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
1810.
1817.
1818.
1819.
1820.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
18-25.
1826.
1827.
1828.
1829.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
1834.
1835.
1836.
1838.
1840.
1842.
1844.
1846.
1848.
1850.
Senate.
William Lenoir,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Waugh,
James Waugh,
Wm. Ilulme,
Wm. Hulme,
Wm. Ilulme,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
Edmund Jones,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
Edmund Jones,
Montford Stokes,
Edmund Jones,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
Edmund Jones,
John Martin,
James Wellborn,
Edmund Jones,
James Wellborn,
James Wellborn,
Edmund Jones,
Edmund Jones,
Anderson Mitchell,
Edmund W. Jones,
A. B. McMillan,
A. B. McMillan,
George Bower,
George Bower,
House of Commons.
Jesse Robinctt, David Witherspoon.
David Witherspoon, Jesse Robiuett.
Jesse Robinett, James Burgarncr.
Jesse Robinctt, Edmund Jones.
Jesse Robinett, George Koonce.
Andrew Erwin, William Ilulme.
William Hulme, Andrew Erwin.
Edmund Jones, William Hulme.
Robert Martin, Edmund Jones.
Edmund Jones, William Hulme.
Edmund Jones, William Hulme.
William Ilulme, John Martin.
William Ilulme, Edmund Jones.
William Hulme, Edmund Jones.
Edmund Jones, Benjamin Parks,
^mund Jones, William Hulme.
Jesse Allen, Edmund Jones.
Edmund Jones, Jesse Allen.
John Martin, Wm. Davenport.
Jesse Allen, John Saint«lair.
Jesse Allen, John Saintclair.
John Saintclair, Jesse Allen.
John Saintclair, John Witherspoon.
John Saintclair, John Witherspoon.
II. M. Stokes, Nathaniel Gordon.
William Hampton, John Isbell.
John Isbell, Nathaniel Gordon.
William Horton, Nathaniel Gordon.
Nathaniel Gordon, William Horton.
William xMiller, Thomas W. Wilson.
Thomas W. Wilson, Nathaniel Gordon.
Nathaniel Gordon, John Saintclair.
Malachi Roberts, Nathaniel Gordon.
John Saintclair, Nathaniel Gordon.
William Horton, Montfort Stokes.
William Horton, Montfort Stokes.
Eli Petty, William C. Emmett.
William G. Emmett, John Sinclair.
Benjamin F. Martin, William Horton.
William Horton, Benjamin F. Martin.
William Horton, John Watts.
William Horton, Eli Petty.
Eli Petty, William W. Pedcn,
John J. Bryan, David Gray.
Robert J. Steel, John J. Bryan.
J. J. Gambill, Church.
James Welborn, J. J. Gambill.
L. B. Carmichael, J. J. Gambill.
J. B. Gordon, A. M. Forster.
TADKIN AND YANCEY COUNTIBS. 46T
CHAPTER LXXXI.
YADKIN COUNTY.
Yadkin County was formed in 1850-51, from the southern
portion of Surry, and derives its name from the river which runs
through it.
It is situated in the north-western part of the State, and bounded
on the north by Surry, east by Forsythe, 'south by Davie and Alex-
ander, and west by Wilkes.
It being so recently formed, is not yet organized ; but will con-
tinue to vote with Surry until after the next election (1852), when
it will have a distinct and separate representation.
Its capital is called Wilson, in honor of Louis D. W1L8ON, late
of Edgecombe, for whose life and services, see Chapter XXVIII.
CHAPTER LXXXII.
YANCEY COUNTY.
Yancey County was formed in .1833, from Burke and Buncombe,
and called in honor of Hon. Bartlett Yancey, for whoso biography
see Caswell, Chapter XV.
It is an extreme western county, boimded on the north by the
Iron Mountains, which separate it from Tennessee ; west by the
Blue Ridge, which separates it from Burke and McDowell, south
by Buncombe, and west by Madison County.
Its population (1850), 7,800 whites; 50 free negroes; 346 slavee; 8,086
representative population.
Its products (lo40), 405,300 bushels com ; 33,G70 bushels oats ; 6,320 bush-
els wheat ; 2,848 bushels rjo ; 4,830 lbs. tobacco ; '2,931 lbs. wool.
Its capital is Burasville, and called in honor of Captain Otway
Burns, who resided at Beaufort, Carteret County.
Capt. Burns was a brave old sailor in the war of 1812, and commanded
a privateer called ''The Snap-dragon,'' which did much mischief to the
British, and was in several severe engagements. Captain Burns was often
in the General Assembly, from Carteret, from 1822 to 1834, and was a mem-
ber when this County was established.
468
HISTORY OF KORTH CAROLINA.
He was keeper of t^e Light-hoase in 1836, and died in Aagnst, 1850.
Members of the General Assembly from Yancey County.
Years. Senate.
1834. Thomas Baker,
1835. Thomas Baker,
1836. Thomas Baker,
1838. Thomas Baker,
1840. Bargees S. Graither,
18 (2. Alney Burgen,
1844. N.W.Woodfin,
1846. N.W.Woodfin,
1848. N. W. Woodfin,
1850. N.W.Woodfin,
House of Common s.
Tilman Blalock« Wm. Dayton.
May JerviB, Samnel Byrd.
Samuel Byrd.
Tilman Blalock.
Samuel Fleming.
Samnel Byrd.
Samuel Fleming.
Samuel Fleming.
Calvin Edney.
Samuel Fleming.
CONCLUSION.
I have done. I have finished my work. I am conscious that
it contains errors, omissions, and imperfections. These will be in
time discovered and corrected.
I cannot say with Ovid —
" Jamque opu3 exegi, quod nee Jovis ira nee ignes.
Nee poturit ferrumy nee edax abolere veiusias.'**
But I can trust to the indulgence of my countrymen. I hope
that they will see and appreciate the labor I have faithfully and
cheerfully encountered, and that they will read and study the
materials I have here collected.
To North Carolina, in whose borders I was born, and in whose
territory the bones of my ancestors for two generations are depo-
sited, and who has honored me with her confidence, I feel the duty
of a citizen and all the affection of a son.
In my studies at school and in the pursuits of manhood, I have
sought anxiously for her history. But I have sought in vain.
Our young men at college can tell us about the histories
of Greece and Rome, and England and France ; yet if you ask
our most practised statesman about North Carolina, he may not
be able to tell you how many counties the State has, and perhaps
not know the date of formation or origin of his own.
This is similar to that philanthropy which is ready to send food
to the suffering heathen, while our own household are crying for
bread.
Of the History of North Carolina, full of deep interest and pa-
triotism, but little is known within her own borders, and nothing
out of them.
I have proven that North Carolina was the first State of " the
Old Thirteen," on which the English landed. That here (on
Roanoake Island, 1584) was the cradle in which this infant Empire
was rocked, whose gigantic limbs now stretch from the Atlantic to
the Pacific. I have shown that in the borders of North Carolina
the blood of the colonists first flowed for liberty, (at Alamance,
May, 1771,) and no doubt now exists that her sons at Charlotte
in May, 1775, were the first to throw off" the yoke of English op-
pression.
I have shown the valor of her sons, and recorded the purity
and patriotism of her daughters.
Free from the shackles o{ parties and sects, t have tried to divest
* I havo now completed a work which neither the anger of Jove, nor fire,
nor the sword, nor the corroding tooth of time shall be able to destroy.
470 CONCLUSION.
myself of all partialities or prejudice ; and present her and her
sons as Cromwell would have Lely to paint Lis portrait, '' True,
as it IS.
Yet after all much remains yet to be done. I feel, like Newton,
" that I have been but as a boy playing on the beach with pebbles,
while the great ocean of truth lay undiscovered before me." Ii
is to be hoped that some future hand, with bolder heart, more ad-
venturous spirit, and more gifted intellect, will enter this brilliant
career, and achieve for himself and her honor the bright rewards
her history presents.
And yet it is believed, that in the attempt here made, the
kind and attentive reader of these sketches wrill say that on this
beach of time some
" Gems of purest ray serene"
are discovered, that had nearly been covered by the waves of ob-
Uvion.
To some an objection may be that this work is chiefly a compi-
lation from records, authorities, and tradition. If admitted, this
should not detract from its merit. The honey of the bee is not
less prized because by diligence and labor it has been
** Tolled from the scattered sweets of nature."
Ilis work now launches on the uncertain sea of public favor.
It may seem temerity (not to use a harsher term), in one so httle
known in the republic of letters to attempt so hazardous a voyage,
and his barque may meet with adverse winds and unfriendly gales.
But to drop all metaphor and speak plain, he can only say t:>
those who may feel disposed to find fault, or criticise this work :
that when this disposition may arise, instead of attacking these
labors, take and examine them carefully, and improve on them for
the benefit of North Carohna.
With a heart glowing with State pride, spend (as the author of
these sketches has) ten years of the meridian of life in collecting
and collating materials of her history, ^ procure from home and
abroad everv author or authority which presents a line in her his-
tory, from Amidas and Barlow (in 1584) and Lawson (in 1714), to
the latest ephemeral notice in the newspapers of the day ; examine
the records of the oflSces of the Board of Trade in the mother
country, and our own archives at home ; correspond with some
intelUgent individual in every section of North Carolina ; traverse
every county, from Currituck to Cherokee, and then improve upon
the labors here shown.
No one will more heartily welcome their work to the public, and
none rejoice more sincerely in their success than
THE AUTHOR.
INDEX.
Abbot, Henry (Pasquotank), i. 78, 66
Abercronibie, Robert (Orange), i. 81
Abernathy, Robert (Tryon), i. 86
Alamance, Battle of, i. 59. Official account
of, ii. 16
Albemarle (George, Duke oO» i* 30 ; ii. 89
Alderson, Wm. Hyde, i. 80
Alexander, Robert (Tryon), i. 66
, Abraham (t6.)» chairman of Con-
vention at Charlotte, May '75,
i. 69; ii.267
— — , John McKnitt (Mecklenburg),
i. 69, 78
, Eira (t6.), i. 70
— , George A. (t6.)i »• 89
, Uezekiah (t6.), i.70, 74, 79,82,
85
, Adam (i6.), i. 70, 74, 81
, Charles (i6.)» >• 70
, Wm. Julius (t6.), ii. 267
Allen, John (Craven, (Lt. 1776), i. 80
, Thomas (Capt. '76), i. 71
Alston, Wm. (Bute), i. 78, 79, 81
, Willis (Halifax), i. 78, 81, 85
, Willis, Jr. (t6.), u. 199
Alumni of University, i. 119
Amidas, Philip (lands in N. C. 1584), i. 23
Amis, Thomas (Bladen), i. 78
Anderson, Joseph (Judge, 1765), i. 47
Archdale, John (Quaker Gov), i. 32
Armstrong, John (Capt. '75), i. 71
, Thomas (Lt. »76), i. 80
, Andrew (Lt. '76), i. 80
, James (Cornet of Horse, '76), i.
80
Arrington, Hon. Archibald, ii. 275
, Samuel L. (Nash), ii. 275
Ashe, John Baptist (Counsellor, 1731), i.
42; ii. 279
, Samuel, i. 73, 74, 78, 79, 82, 85; ii.
280
— , Samuel, Jr. (Lt. of Light Horse), i.
90; ii. 281
, John, i,50, 51, 58, 65, 74, 78, 79,
85
— , John, Jr., i. 79, 80
— 1-, John B. (Halifax), i. 80; ii. 199, 281
— — , William S. (New Hanover), sketch ot,
ii. 293
Ashly, Lord, i. 29, 32
Atherton, Col. Jeptha, (Northampton), i.
78, 81, 85
89
Atkinson, John (Orange), i. 74, 85
Attorney-Generals, list of, 1777 to 1851. i.
107
Auld, James, i. 74
Avery, WaighUtill, i. 70, 73, 85 ; ii. 56
Averytt, Alex. (Johnston), i. 85
Backhouse, John (Carteret, Cong. >76), i. 78
Badger, George £. (Wake), sketch of life
and services, ii. 121
Baily, John L. (Judge), ii. 339
, Benjamin (Ensign '76), i. 80
Baker, Lawrence (Hertford), i. 73, 78, 85
, Blake (Warren), ii. 440
Balch, Hex. James (Mecklenburg), i. 69
Ballard, Kedar (Gates), i. 80
Barber, John (Tryon), i. 86
Barlow, Arthur, 1584, i. 23
Barrat, Wm. (Capt. '76), i. 79
Barringer, John Paul (Cabarrus), ii. 67
, Paul (i6.), ii. 67
, Daniel L. (Wake), sketch of, ii.
67,417
, Daniel Morean (Cabarrus), ii. 67
Barrow, John (Beaufort), i. 85
Barry, Richard (Mecklenburg), i. 70
Bass, Andrew (Dobbs), i. 85
Banle, Elisha (Edgecombe), i. 78, 85 ; ii.
146
Beard, Valentine (Comet of Horse), i. 80
Beasly, John B. (Chowan), i. 78
Beetty, Thos. (Tryon), i. 81
Beckman, C. (Rowan), i. 81
Bellamy, Wm., i. 74
Benbury, Thomas (Chowan), i. 65, 73, 79,
85
Berry, Charles, i. 47, 53
Berryhill, Wm., (Lt. '75), i. 71
Berkley, Sir Wm., i. 30
Bethune, Lauchlin (Cumberland), ii. 130
Biggs, Asa (Martin), ii. 252
Birdsong, John {Chatham), i. 85
Blackbeard (Pirate), i. 39
Black Boys of Cabarrus, ii. 65
Blair, Thomas, sketch of (Guilford), i. 81
Blakely Johnson (U. 8. N.), ii. 290
Blake, Thomas (Regulator), i. 57
Bloodworth, Thomas (New Hanover), i. 81
Blount, Whitmel (Lt. '76), i. 80
, James (Chowan), i. 71, 85
, Reading, i. 80
1 Benjamin (Tyrrell), i. 86
472
INDEX.
BlooDt, Wm. (Craven), life and ■errices of,
U. Ill
, Charles (Perquimans), i. 78
, Jacob (Bute), Cong. »76, i. 78, 79
, Thomas (Knsign »76;, i. 80
i , Thomas (Edgecombe), sketch of,
ii. 143
Boddie, Nathan (Edgecombe), Congress >76,
i. 78
Boone, Daniel (Watauga), ii. 445
Borden, Wm. (Carteret), i. 85
Bonner, Henry (Beaffort), i. 81
Boyd, Thomas (Pasquotank), i. 78
— , Dr. Hugh (surgeon 4tb reg.), i. 79
Boyden, Hon. NathM (Rowan), ii. 394
Bradford, John (Halifax), i. 74, 78, 85
Bragg, Thomas (Northampton), ii. 441
Brickie, Matthias (Hertford), Congress '76,
i. 78
Branch (Sheriff of Halifak), i. 75
, John (Halifax), Governor, Senator,
Sec'y of Navy, sketch of, ii. 201
Brandon, Wm. (Lt. >75), i. 71
Brannon, James (Rowan), i. 81
Brevard, Dr. Ephraim, i. 69
— — , John (Rowan), i. 74, 86
, Hugh (i6.), i. 81
Brier Creek, battle at, ii. 279
Brinkly, Wm. (Capt. »76), i. 78, 80
Browder, Isham (Guilford), i. 86
Brown, Wm. (Bath), i. 66, 73, 78, 81, 86
, Bedford (Caswell), ii. 79
Bryan, Col. Needham (Johnston), i. 58, 65;
sketch of, ii. 221
-, CoJ. Needham, Jr. (Johnston), i. 78,
85
-, Wm. (Bute), Col. »75, i. 72, 78
-, John (t6.), Cong. »76, i. 78
-, William (Craven), i. 85
-, John (Craven), i. 81, 85
-, John, Jr., i. 81
-, John H. sketch of, ii. 120
— , Francis, U. S. A., ii. 120
, William (Johnaton), i. 81
Bryant, Simon (Regulator), i. 57
Buncombe, Edward, i. 79
Burgess, Dempsy (Pasquotank), i. 78, 81,
86
Burke, Thomas (Orange), i. 78, 85; sketch
of his life, ii. 332.
Burrow, Geo. (Cong. »76,) i. 73
Burton, Hutchins G., ii. 200
, Robert H. (Lincoln), ii. 246
, Robert (Granville), ii. 163
Burgwynn, J. H. K. (U. S. A.), death of, ii.
121
Burrington, George (Gov. 1724), i. 40, 42
Burns, Otway (Carteret), ii. 467
Bush, John (Ensign '76), i. 80
Burton, John (Orange), Cong. '75, i. 74. 78,
81,85
Bynum, Jesse A., (Halifax), sketch of, ii. 201
, John Gray (Rutherford), ii. 400
, William (Dividing line Va. 1725), i.
41.
Oabarrns, Stephen (Chowan), life, character,
and services, ii. 94
Cabot, John, i. 23
Cain, EHsha (Chatham, Cong. '76), i. 79
Caldwell, Wm. (Lt. »76), i. SO
, David (Iredell), ii. 217
, David Franklin (i5.), ii. 217
, Rev. David (Gujlford), i. S5;
sketch ofhia life and character,
ii. 181
, Greene W. (Mecklg.), ii. 267
, Joseph Pearson (Irodell), ii. 217
, Dr. Joseph (Oran^ie), Frestdeot
of University of N. C, life of,
i. 118
Calloway, Miss (seized by the Indians aad
is rescued by Daniel Boooe;,
ii. 446
Campbell, John (Bertie), i. 64, 7S
, Farqnard (Cumhd.), i. 65, 78
— , Ld. William, i. 76
— , Joshua (Pasquo.), i. 81
Cameron, Duncan, ii. 417
, John A. (Coraberland), ii. 130
, Thos. N. (ib.), ii. 130
Cannon, Henry (Lt. >76), i. SO
Carr, James (Lt. '76), i. SO
Carson, S. P. (Borke), ii. 61
Carteret, Sir Geo. (Gov. of N. C), i. 29, 30
Cary, Thos. (Gov. 1710), i. 36, 36
Cassel, Wm. (Capt. >76), i. 80
Caswell, Richd., i. 58, 65, 66, 72, 74, 78,
79, 85 ; life, character, and ser-
vices, 87 ; parallel with Wasb-
inirton, 90; (elected Gov. Dec.,
1776), i. 86
, Wm. (Ensign '75), i. 72
, Martin (Dobbs), i. 81
Casey, John (Pasquo.), i. 81
Cavendish visits No. Ca., i. 25
Cedar Spring, battle of, ii. 99
Chambers, Maxwell, i. 74
Charles II. (charter of)* i. 29
Chang and Eng (Wilkes), ii. 465
Cherokee Indians in N. C, ii. 205
Cherry, Wm. (Bertie), ii. 33
, W. W. (ih.), ii. 33
Childs, Thomas (Atty.-Genl.), i. 47
Child, Francis (Lt. '76), i. SO
, James (Ensign '75), i. 71
, John (Congress »76), i. 77
Chronicle, Maj. Wm. (Gaston), li. 156
Clarke, Henry S. (Beaufort), ii. 29
, Jas. W. (Edgecombe), ii. 144
, Thomas (Msj. »75), i. 71, 79
, Wm. F. (Comptroller), ii. 419
, Henry (Provost-Marshal 1725), i. 40
Clayton, Jos. (Lt. '76), i. 80
, Francis (Wilmington), i. 66
ClemenU, Wm.(Lt. >76), i. SO
Cleaveland, Brnj. (Ensign '75), i. 72, S3
Clingman, Thos. L. (Buncombe), ii. 53.
Cogdell, Richd. (Cong. '75), i. 64, 73, 74
Cole, Wm. Temple (Rowan), i. 79, 80
Collins, Wm. F., ii. 418
Columbus (discovers America 1492), i. 23
Colvill, Maturin (Cong. '76), i. 78
Comptrollers of No. Ca., from 1783 to 1851,
i. lOS
Congress, list of members from N. C, Con-
tinental, from 1774 to 1788, i.
109
IKDEX.
478
Conner, Henry W. (Catawba), ii. 82
Cook, Jamea (Craven), i. 64, 72, 79, 80
Cooper, John (Cong. »76), i. 77
Coor, Jamea (Craven), 64, 78, 82, 83
Cooley, Dr. Saml. (Surg. 6th Reg.), i. 79
Corbin, Francia (Agent of Ld. Granville),
i. 47
Cornwallia, Ld., i. 75, 77 ; life of, ii. 180 ;
march through Lincoln Co.,
ii. 233
Correy, Archd. (Cong. »76), i. 78
Coatner, Jacob (Try on, Maj. *76), i. 81
Coulie, John (Regulator), i. 57
Council, Auatin (Capt. *76), i. 80
CourU, Danl. W. (Treasurer), ii. 419
Craig, Col. (Onslow), i. 58.
-, David • Lt. '76), i. 80
-, Burton (Rowan), aketch of, ii. 395
Crawford, Charles (Capt. '75), i. 71
, John (Cong. »75), i. 74, 77
Cromwell, Oliver, ii. 199
Croom, Major (Cong. '75j, i. 73
, Hardy (Lenoir), ii. 223
Crowell family, ii. 199
Culpepper, John (Rebellion of 1678), i. 31
— — , John (Montgomery), ii. 271
Cumming, Wm. (Pasquotank), i. 78
Cttsten, John (Lt. *76), i. 80
Dallaa, George M., ii. 151
Dandridge, Wm. (dividing line Va., 1725),
i. 41
Daniel, Robt. (Gov*r. 1704), i. 34
, Job. J. (Halifax), Judge of Supreme
Court of N. C., life and character
of, ii. 200
— , J. R.J. (i6.), Attomey-Genl., Mem-
ber of Congreaa, ii. 201 ^
Davidson College, i. 129 . ^* ^
, George (Capt. >75), i. 71 'iU'^
, Willinm (Meckg.), i. 79; ii. 267
, George (Anson), i. 81, 85
, John (Meckg. Dec. »75), i. 70, 81
Davie, Wm. Richardson; sketch of life,
character, and services, ii. 188
Davia, Thos. (Com. »76), i. 74
DavJB, Wm. (Capt. »75), i. 71
Dawson, John ((/ouncillor), i. 47
— — , Levi ^Maj.), i. 79
Dare, Eleanor, child of (first-boro Ameri-
can), i. 25
Darnell, Henry (Lt. '76), i. 80
Daugh, Peter (Pasqno.), i. 81
Davis, Wm. (Capt. '75), i.7l, 79
, Devotion (Capt. '76), Pasquo., i. 86
Day, Wm. (Councillor), i. 47, 86
Deberry, Edmund (Montgomery), life and
character of, ii. 270
De Kalb, Baron (his death, by an eye-wit-
ness,) ii. 164
Dent, William (GuilTord), i. 74, 78
— — , Jr. (Lt.), i. 80
Denton, Jamea (Bute), i. 85
De Roaaett, Lewis H. (Councillor, 1760),
i. 47
Devanc, John (New Hanover), i. 78, 85
Dick, John M. (Guilford), ii. 183
Dickerson, John (Capt. '76 of Light Uorte),
i. 90
Dickson, Henry (Capt. '75), i. 71
, William (Duplin), i. 65, 78, 85
, Robert, (i7>.), i. 81
Dobbin, James C. (Cumberland), aketch of,
ii. 131
Dobba, Arthur (Gov. 1754), i. 46
, Edward B. (Councillor 1765), i. 47
Donoho, Thoa. (Lt. '76), i. 80
Donnell, John R. (Craven), ii. 120
, Richard Spaight (Guilford), ii. 120
Doty, Benijah (Onslow, Cong. »76), i. 78
Dougherty, Geo. (Lt. ^76), i. 80
Downe, Henry (Mecklenburg), i. 70
Drake, James (Naah), attack of tones up-
on, ii. 274
Drummond, Wm. (1st Gov. of N. C. 1681),
i. 30
Duels between Simpson and Whitechurft,
i. 53
Wilkes and Martin, i. 63
SUnly and Spaight, ii. 1 13
Stanly and Henry, ii. 129
—-Carson and Vance, ii. 61
Duffy, Wm. (Cumberland), aketch of, ii. 128
Duke, And. (Lt. »76), i. 80
Dunn, John (Rowan), petition of, ii. 377
Dupre, Lewis (Brunswick), i. 85
Durant, Geo., i. 29
Eaaton, John (Carteret), i. 73, 85
, Eaton, Wm. (Con. »75), i. 74, 82, 86
, Thos. (Bute), i. 81, 85
, Charlea A. (Granville, Cong. »76), i.
78
jPinkinthan, (Capt. »76), i. 79
, Wm. (Northampton), i. 81
Eborn, John (Hyde), i. 80
Eden, Charles (Govr. 1713), i. 38, 40
■ , Penelope, i. 40
Edwards, Isaac (Newborn), i. 66
, Weldon N. (Warren), aketch of,
ii. 441
Elixabethtown, battle of, ii. 36
Elliot, Charlea (Judge '65), i. 47
Ellia, Robert (Lt. Col., '75), i. 72.
, Richard (Com., '75), i. 73
, John W. (Rowan), Judge, aketch of,
ii. 394
Emmet, Jamea (Cap. *76), i. 80
Enloe, John (Captain, '76), i.SO
Ennot, James (CapUin, '76), i. 79
Etheridge, Wm. (Enaign, *76), i. 80
Evana, George (Pitt), i. 86
Everigin, Edward (Paaquo.), i. 65
Everhard, Sir Richard (Gov., >25), i. 41
Ewert, Robert (Com., '75), i. 74
! Ezum, Benjamin (Dobba), i. 85
Fannen, David (Chatham), a detperato ma-
rauder and Tory, ii. 84
Fanning, Edmund (Orange), i. 50, 56, 57, 58 ;
life, services, and death, ii. 331
Farr, Jamea (Lieutenant, '76), i. 80
Fay, Joshua (Com. Va. line), i. 44
Fenner, Wm. (Lieutenant, '75), i. 72
Ferguson, Colonel Patrick, biography of,
ii. 102
Fiaher, Hon. Charlea (Rowan), aketch of
life of, ii. 391
474
INDEX.
Fishing Creek (Sampter surprised at), ii. 194
Fitzwilliams, Richard (dividing line, Va.,
»25),i. 41
Fiat Rock, battle at, ii. 190
Flennigen, John ('Mecklenburg), i. 70
Foisoroe, Ebenezer (Cumberland), i. 81
Ford, John (Mecklenburg), i. 70
Foreman, Joshua (Rutherford), sketch of,
U. 399
Forney, Jacob (Lincoln), sketch of, ii. 241
, Peter (i6.), ib., 244
, Daniel M. (ib.), ib., 245
, Abram (i6.), i6., 245
Forsythe, Benj. (Stokes), ii. 147, 404
Frankland, state of its rise, progress, and
fall, i. 91
Fraser, Jeremiah (Tyrrell), i. 66, 86
Frohawk, John (Salisbury), i. 50
Fuller, Brinain (Wake), i. 86
Gale, Christopher (Chief Justice, '24), i. 40
Gales, Joseph (Wake), ii. 416
, Weston R. (i6.), ii. 417
, Seaton (t6.), ii. 417
Galloway, Charles (Com., '75), i. 74
Gardiner, Wm. (Ensign, '75), i. 72
Gaston, Alexander (Craven), i. 73
, William (tb.), life, character and
services of, ii. 114
Gates, General Horatio, life, services, and
character, ii. 159
Geddy, John (Halifax), i. 66
Gee, Drury (Northampton), i. 78, 81
Gibson, Walter (Bladen), i. 64
Gilbert, Sir Humphrey, i. 23
Giles, Jno. (Rowan), sketch of, ii. 390
Gillaspie, James (Duplin), i. 85
Gilliam, Robert B. (Granville), ii. 65
Glasgow, James (Dobbs), i. 73,81 ; elected
Sec. of Sute, i. 86
Glover, Wm. and Thos. Carey, i. 35
Goffe, Arthur (Receiver-Gen. 1725), i. 40
Gold mines of N. C. (first discovery of), ii.
63
Gold Hill (Rowan), ii. 395
Gooding, Christ. (Lt. '76), i. 80
Goodman, Wm. (Capt. '76), i. 80
Gorham, James (Pitt), i. 72, 86
Gorrel, Ralph (Congress, Guilford, '76), i.
78,85
Governors of N. C, list of, (from Richard
Caswell, 1776, to David S.
Reid, 1851), i. 98
Graaffenreidt, Baron de, i. 36, 37
Graham, Wm. (Meck'e), i. 70
, George (i6.)i|f 71 ; |. 265
, Gen. Joseph (Lincoln), life and
character, ii. 233
, James (i6.)» >'• 247
, William A. (i6.). Speaker of House,
Senator, Sec. of Navy, ii, 337
, William (Tryon), i. 86
Granbury, Geo. (Lt. '76), i. 79
, Thos. (Capt. '76), i. 80
, John (Lt.), i. 80
Granganimeo, (native Indian), i. 24
Granger, Caleb (Capt. »75), i. 71
Grant, Reuben (Onslow), i. 80
, Thomas, (Ensign '76), i. 80
Granrille, Lord, i. 34, 41
Gray, John (Capt. '76), i. 79, 80
, William (Bertie), i. 85
, Thos. (Duplin), i. 65, 78, 85
, Simon (Edgecombe), i. 81
, William (Id.), i. 73, 74
, William (Onslow), i. 65
Greene^ Gen. Nathl., life and character of,
ii. 167
Green, Roger, i. 29
, James (Clerk to Council), i. 74
, William (Capt. '75), i. 71
Greenville, Sir Richd., i. 25
Gregory, Isaac (Pasquo.), i. 73, 81, 86
Groves, Wm. (Lt. '76), i. 80
Guilford Court House, battle at, ii. 173
Guion, Dr. Isaac (1st Rgt.), i. 73
Guthrie, John 8. (Chatham), ii. 86
Hadley, Joshua (Ensign '76), i. 80
, Thomas (Campbellton), i. 86
Haines, Thos. (Capt. '76), i. 80
Hall, Clement (Lt. '75), i. 72
, Robt. (Dr. 3d Regt.), i. 79
— ^, Spence (Currituck), ii. 134
— ^, Hon. John (Warren), ii. 440
, Hon. Edwd. (ifr.), ii. 440
*^, Thos. H. (Edgecombe), ii. 144
Hamilton, Hanson (Regulator), i. 57
Hamilton, John (Com. '75), i. 74
Hampton, Adam (Tryon, Lieut. '76), i. 80,
81
Hancock, Jos. (Hyde), i. 78, 85
Hanffing Rock, battle at, ii. 192
Harden, Jos.\Tryon), i. 72, 86
Hardison, John (Martin), i. 85
Harnett, Cornelius, i. 42, 73, 74, 79, 82, 85,
86; sketch of, ii. 281
Harriott, (Historian), visits N. C, i. 25
Harris, Thos. (Capt. »76), i. 79
, Edward (Judge), ii. 352
, Dr. Charles (Cabarrus), ii. 68
, James (Meck'g), i. 70
Harrison, Thomas (Orange), i. 81
Hart, Thos. (Orange), i. 65, 79
Harvey, John (Gov. 1680), i. 31,65
, Thos. (Gov. 1693), i. 32, 65
, John (Perquimans), i. 64; ii. 341
, Benjamin (i6.), i. 65, 86
, Thos. (t6.), i. 78, 86
, Miles (t6.), i. 73, 78, 86
Uassell, James (Judge and Councillor — Gov.
1771), i. 61
Hatch, Lemuel (Craven), i. 64, 78, 81
Hawkins, Philemon (Bute), i. 59, 78, 85, ii.
426
, Wm. (ib.), Gov. in 1811, ii. 440
, Benjamin (f6.), sketch of, ii. 426
, M*cajah Thomas (ib.), ii. 440
Haynes, Eaton (Northampton), Coiig. '76,
i. 78
Haywood, Wm. (Eklgecombe), i. 74, 78, 85,
86; ii. 143
, Judge John (Halifax), ii. 200
, Wm. H.,jr. (Wake). ii.418
Heath, Wm. (Craven), Tory, ii. 122
Henderson, Judge Richard, bis life and
character, i. 102
, Pleasant (Orange), i. 80; ii. 334
iin>EX.
475
Hendenon, Archibald (Rowan), ii. 386
, Leonard (Granville), ii. 163
Henly, Peter (Judge 1747), i. 47
Herritage, John (Lt. *75), i. 71
Herron, Benj. (Councillor 1765), i. 47
Henry, Jacob (Carteret), ii. 74
, Louia D. (Cumberland), aketch of,
ii. 129
Hewea, Joa. (Edenton), i. 66,74, 79,82, 87;
life, character, and aerviceayii. 94
Hicka, Tboa. (Duplin), i. 66
High, Alaop (Lt. '76), i. 80
Hill, Green (Bute), i. 64, 78, 81
, William (Com. >76), i. 74
, William (Lt. »76), i. 71
, William (Sec. ofSute), ii. 419
, Hon. John (Stokea), ii. 406
, Whilmel (Martin), i. 78, 82, 85; aketch
of life of, ii. 252
Hinds, Richard (Edgecombe), ii. 144
Hinea, Joa. (Guilford), i. 85
Hinton, Noah (Bertie), i. 85
, Chart ea L. (Wake), ii. 418
, Col. John (Wake), i. 5, 9, 74, 78
Hogan, Jamea (Halifai), i. 79, 81| 85
, Isaiah (Chatham), i. 85
Hogg, Thos. (Lieut. '75), i. 71
Hoke, Michael (Lincoln), aketch of, Ii. 246
, John F. (t6.), ii. 246
Hollingaworth, John (New Hanover), i. 78,
85
, Charlea (Lieut »76), i. 89
Holmea, Owen (New Hanover), aketch of,
ii. 293
Hoiton, Robt. (Com. 8. C. Line), i. 43
Hooks, Charlea (Duplin), ii. 139
Hooper, William (New Hanover, Congreaa
>75),i. 65, 66,74^ 82,86; aketch
of, ii. 282
— — , Wm. (Perquimana), i. 86
, Wm. (Wake), i. 78
Hopson, John (Ens. '76), i. 80
Hoskina, Charlea (U. S. A ), ii. 95
Howard, Martin (Judge), hia life, character,
and aervicea, i. 100
Howe, Robt. (Brunswick), i. 64, 71
Howell, Rednak (Regulator), i. 63
Hunt, Memucan (Granville), i. 65, 78, 85
Hunter, Wm. (Regulator), i. 56, 67
, Thomaa (Chowan), i. 65, 78
, Jacob (Chowan), i. 86
— — , Thomaa (Eldgecombe), i. 81
, Humphrey (Gaaton), sketch of life
of, ii. 151
, Thos. (Martin), i. 86
Husbands, Herman, i. 65, 63. (Hia book,
containing <*An impartial ac-
count of the riae of the Regu-
lators in Orange)," ii« 301 ;
sketch of his life, ii. 348
Hyde, Edward (Gov'r 1710), i. 36 ; death, 38
Indians, Massacre in N. C. (1711), i. 37
, Cherokees in N. C, ii. 206
Ingram, James (Northampton), i. 85
Innes, Col. James (New Hanover), i. 46
Insane Hospital of N. C, i. 136
Insurrection of Slaves, ii. 210
Iredell, James (Chowan), life, character and
services, ii. 93
Iredell, Jamea, jr. (Chowan), ii. 94
Irwin, Henry (Edgecombe), i. 72, 78;
aketch of life and services, ii.
142
, Robt, (Meckg.), i. 70, 78, 86
Irvine, Thos. P. (Newborn), ii. 120
Jamea, John (Capt. *76), i. 80
Jarvis, Sam'l (Currituck), i. 66, 78, 85
Jefferson, Peter (Ya.), i. 44
Jaycocks, Chs. (Cbng. '76), i. 78
Jenkins, John (Gov. 1680), i. 31
Johnson, Charles (Chowan), ii. 94
, Jonaa (Edgecombe), i. 81, 86;
aketch of; ii. 143
, Gabriel (Gov. 1734), i. 43
, Wm. (Hillaboro'), i. 74, 79, 86
, John (Bertie), i. 73, 78, 85
, Samuel (i6.), i. 65, 74, 76, 78; life,
character and services of, ii. 91
, Thomas (Onslow), i. 86
Joyce, Nathan (Currituck), i. 66
Jones, Mrs. Wilie, ii. 186
, David (Enaign '76), i. 80
, Mra. Allan, ii. 186
, Daniel (Lt. '76), i. 80
, Thos. (Chowan), i. 66, 73, 78, 82,
85
-, Reuben P. (Craven), ii. 94
, Frederick (Com. '75), i. 73
, James (Capt '76), i. 80
, Francis (Beaufort), i. 86
, Matthew (Chatham), i. 81
, Thomaa (Edenton), i. 76
, WUie (Halifai), i. 65, 79, 86 ; ii.
188
-, William (t'6.), i. 73
•, Abram (Hyde), i. 85
-, Allen (Northampton), i. 65, 74, 78,
79, 86 ; sketch of, ii. 296
-, Joseph (Paaquo.), i. 66, 78
, Hamilton C. (Rowan), sketch of, iL
396
, Edward (Wilmington), aketch of life
of, ii. 290
, James (Wake), i. 86
, Tignal (ib.), i. 78, 86
Jordan, John (Hyde), i. 78
, Dillon (Cumberland), ii. 130
Judiciary of N. C, i. 33, 47, 63, 99
Judges, list of, from 1777 to 1851, i. 106
Keais, Nathan (Capt. '75), i. 71
Kenan, James (Duplin), i. 65, 74, 86
, Thomas (t6.), ii. 139
, Felix (ft.), ii. 139
Kennon, Wm. (Rowan), i. 66, 69, 79
Kenhawa, battle of, ii. 99
Kidd, (Pirate), i. 34
Kinchen, John (Orange), i. 73, 76, 78
King's MonnUin, battle of, ii. 69, 98, 101
King, Wm. Rufus (Sampson), aketch of, ii.
401
— , John (Onslow), i. 78
Knott, Wm. (Ensign '76), i. 80
Knox, Andrew (Perquimans), i. 66, 72,
74
Lamb, Gideon (Carritack), i. 73, 78, 79
89*
476
INDEX.
Lamb, Walter (Tory), i. 75.
Lamon, Duncan (Com. '75), i. 25, 74
Lane, Sir Ralph (1585) ii. 25
, Joel (Wake), i. 74, 78
Lark, John (Com. >75), i. 74
Latham, Rothias (Hyde, Cong. '75), i. 65, 78
Lawson, John (Historian;, i. 26
Lea, John (Shfi*. of Orange), beaten by the
Regulators, i. 57
Leach, Col. Jos. (Craven), i. 58, 64, 86
Lee, Stevens (Tyrrell), i. 73, 86
Lemon, Duncan (Edgecombe), i. 78
Lenoir, Wro. (Wilkes), i. 83 ; sketch of his
life and services, ii. 462
Leslie, James (Com. *75), i. 74
Lewis, Micajah (Lt. '76), i. 80
, Ezum (Edgecombe), i. 81
, Robert (Granville), i. 85
Liberty Hall College (Charlotte in 1777), i.
117
Lillington, John (Lt. '75), i. 71
— — , Geo. (son of)> i. 34
, Alexander (Col. '75), i. 72, 76,
79
Lincoln, Gen. Beiyamin (sketch of life and
character), ii. 225
, County (Assooiation in 1775), ii.
226
Linton, Wm. (Ensign '76), i. 80
Literary Institutions of North Carolina, i.
116
Locke, John (Philosopher), forms a Constito-
tion for Carolina, i. 30 ; abrogated,
32
Lock, Matthew (Rowan), i. 78, 86 ;'sketch
of, ii. 384
, Francis (t6.), i. 81 ; sketch of, ii. 384
Lockhart, Samuel (Northampton), i. 78, 79
Long, Nehemiah (Lt. '76), i. 80
, Mrs. Nicholas (Halifax), ii. 186
, James (Tyrrell), i. 81
, Andrew (i6.)> «• 81
, Hon. John (Randolph), ii. 349
Lord, Wm. (Brunswick), i. 85
, John B. (Rowan), ii. 395
Love, Amos (Lt. '76), i. 80
, David (Anson, Cong. '76), i. 77, 81,
85
, Wm. C. (Rowan, Cong. 1815), ii. 391
Lowe, Philip (Ensign '75), i. 72
Lowrie, Samuel (Meck'g), Judge, life of, ii.
266
Lucky, Christ. (Lt. '76), i. 80
Ludwell, Philip (Gov. 1693), i. 32
Lynaugh, Francis, i. 79
Lytic, Arch'd (Capt. '76), i. 80
, Wm. (Ensign '76), i. 80
McAllister, Alexander (Cumberland), i. 74,
78,81
McBride, Archibald (Moore), ii. 272
McCabe, John (Orange), i. 85
McCan, John (Lt. »76), i. 80
McCay, Spruce (Rowan), ii. 384
McCoy, Alex. (Cumberland), i. 78
McClure, Matthew (Mcck'g) i. 70
, Dr. Wm. (6th Regiment), i. 79.
, Thomas (Ensign '76), i. 80.
McCullock, H. E., i. 47-50
, Alexander, i. 47
McCullock, Benj. (Halifax), i. 85
McDonald, Donald (Gen. >75), i. 76, 77.
, Flora (Cumberland), romantic
life of, ii. 125;
McDowell, Joseph (Burke), ii. 57, 247
McFaden, Adam (Ensign '76), i. 80
McFarland, Hon. Duncan (Richmond), ii.
351.
McKay, Jas. J. (Bladen), ii. 43
McLainy, Mark (Lt. '76), i. 180
McLaine, Archibald (Brunswick), i. 74, 85;
sketch of, ii. 290
McNeil, Hector (Lu >75), i. 71
, Archibald (Moore), ii. 272
McKinnie, William (Dobbs), i. 65, 7S, 81
McKinzie, Kenneth (Martin), i. 73, 78
McLean, Charles (Maj. '75), i. 75
, Jerome (Capt. »76), I. 79
McQueen, Hugh (Chatham), ii. 86
McRee, Griffiths J. (Capt. 76), i. 80
Macon, Nathaniel (Warren), sketch of bis
life, character, both public and
private, his aervicea and death),
li. 432
Madaris, John (Lu '76), i. 80
Madacy, Cosimo (Lt '76 of Horse), i. 80
Mallet, Peter (Commissary), i. 79
Mangum, Wilie P. (Orange), Judge, Sena-
tor in Congress, life of, ii. 336
Manly, Matthias E. (Craven), sketch of life,
ii.l21
, Charles (Wake), ii. 86
Manteo and Manchese (native Indians),'i. 24
, Lord of Roanoke, i. 25
Marchant, Kedar (Currituck), i. 85
Martin, Josiah (Gov. 1771), i. 61 , 67, 68, 77
, Alexander (Guilford), i. 71 ; ii. 181
, James (Stokes), ii. 405
, James, Jr. (Rowan), ii. 384
, Francis X. (Craven), ii. 110
, James (Guilford) i. 81
, John (Stokes), sketch of, ii. 405
, Alexander (Rockingham), i. 79
Mattocks, John (Lincoln), ii. 149
May, Benjamin (Pitt), i. 86
Maynard, Lt. (kills Black Beard), i. 39
Mebane, Alexander (Orange), i. 85 ; sketch
of, ii.333
Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence
(May, 1775), i. 69
, resolves of. May '75, ii. 255
, ladies' resolves of, ii. 268
Medlock, Charles (Anson), i. 81
Meredith, William (Ensign), i. 80.
Miller, (SecreUry of Colony), i. 30
, George (Dobbs), i. 65, 78.
, William (Warren), Gov. 1814, ii. 440
Mills, James (Cong. 1775), i. 74
Mint, U. S. Branch (CharloUe), ii. 268
Mitchell, George (Onslow), i. 78, 80
—-—, Hon. Anderson (Wilkes), sketch
of, ii. 465
Montgomery, John (Attorney-General, '31),
i. 42
, Gen. Richard, life and ser-
vices of, ii. 270
, Hon. William (Orange), sketch
of, ii. 335.
Moore's Creek, battle of, i. 76
Moore, Roger (Capt. '76), i. 79, 80
nroiz.
477
Moore, Dempsey (Lt. >76), i. 80
, Mtarice (Braoswick), ii. 47 ; his life
and character, i. 57, 74, 85, 101
, Maurice, Jr. (e&.)» i. 71.
■, James (t6.), i. 71, 72, 77
-, Capt. Alfred (tb.)y i« 71 ; life and ser-
vices of, ii. 47
-, Augustus (Chowan), ii. 95
-, Batholomew (Halifax), ii. 203
■, William (Oraoge), i. 85
Montford, Lt. Jos. (Halifax), i. 80
Monk, George (Duke of Albemarle), i. 30 j
ii. 89
MoraTians, ii. 404
Mordecai, Moses, ii. 417
Morgan, Benjamin (Ensign '76), i. 80
— — , General Daniel, ii. 55
Morpis, John (Ensign '76), i. 80
Morrison, Robert H. (Lincoln), sketch of,
ii.247
, Neil (Mecklenburg), i. 70
Moslander, Abel (Lt. '76), i. 80
Mosely, Edward, i. 39,40, 43
— , Madame Anne, tomb of, i. 34
, Wm. D. (Lenoir), ii. 223
— — , Sampson (New Hanover), i. 73, 78,
85.
Munford, George (Rowan), ii. 385
Murfree, Hardy (Hertford), Capt. '75, i. 71 ;
ii. 208.
, Wm. H. {ib.)f sketch of, ii. 208
Murphey, Judge A. D. (Orange), life of, ii.
335.
Musgrove Mill, battle of, ii. 57, 100
Murray, James (Counsellor), i. 47.
Mylne, Geo. (Com. '75), i. 74
Nash, Abner (Newbem), i. 66, 73, 76, 78,
87 ; biography of, ii. Ill
, Caleb (Msj. '75,) i. 72
, Francis (Lt. Colonel, 1775), i. 71, 79 ;
biography of, ii. 333
, Frederick, Judge of 8upr. court, bi-
ography of, ii. 335
Neale, Christo. (Craven), i. 85
Neil, Henry (Ensign '75), i. 71
Nelson, John (Capt. '76), i. 79, 90
, Alex. (Ensign), i. 80
Nesbitt, David (Salisbury), i. 78, 86
Newspapers, i. 34
Nicholas, Geo. (Judge, 1765), i. 47
Norman, John (Onslow), i. 78
North Carolina, first landing by English, in
1584, i. 23
-, divided into North and South
Carolina, i. 32
, (first Legisl. Assembly '69),
i. 30
, first Church (1705), i. 35;
issues paper 1712, i. 38
, disfranchises all dissenters
from office, i. 34
, divisions, in 1729, i. 42
, Gov. Burrington's opinions
of the people of, i. 40 ; ef-
fect of stamp act, 51
, population in 1729, i. 41 ;
exports in 1752 i. 45
, first Assembly of represeot-
ativet of the people, (New
bern, 25 Aug. 1774), i. 64.
North Carolina, second, at same place, 4th
April 1775, i. 67
, third, at Hillsboro', 23d
Aug. 1775
, fourth, at Halifax, 4th April,
1776, i. 77
, fifth, at same place, 12tb
Nov. 1776 (constitution
formed), t. 84
Norwood, John (Com. '75), i. 74
, William (Orange) life of, ii. 335
Oliver, John (Granville), i. 72, 85
Ormond, Roger (Beaufort), i. 73,77
Osborne, Alex. (Iredell), ii. 216
, Adlai (Rowan), i. 72; ii. 216
Outlaw, Edward (Ensign '76), i. 80
, David (Bertie), ii. 33
Owen, Thomas (Bladen), i. 81
— — , John (i6.), ii. 43
, James {ib.) ii. 43
Pacolet, post of, surrenders to Shelby, ii. 67,
99
Paine, Robert T. (Chowan), ii. 95
, John (Orange), i. 81 , 85
Paisly, John (Guilford), i. 75, 81
Palmer, Robt. (Councillor), i. 47
Parmelly, Benj. (Hvde), i. 78, 85
Patton, Benj. (Meek.), i. 47
, John (Col. »76), i. 79
Patillo, Rev. H., i. 74
Patton, John (Major '75), i. 71
, Benj. (Com. '75), i. 65, 70
, Jos. (Ensign '76), i. 80
, James (Bunc), ii. 53
Paxton, Judge John (Rutherford), sketch of,
ii. 399
Payne, Michael (Capt. '75), i. 71
Pearson, Richmond M., Judge of Sop. court,
sketch of, ii. 386
— — -, Richard (Rowan), ii. 385
— — -, Joseph (i6.), ii. 385
, Jesse A. {ib.), ii. 385
Peebles, Robert (Northampion), i. 85
Penn, John (Granville, appointed delegate to
Congress), i. 74, 78, 82 ; ii. 162
Person, Wm. (Bute), i. 64, 79 ; ii. 425
, Thos. (Granville), i. 75, 73, 76, 78,
79, 82, 85, 86
Perkins, Solo. (Currituck), i. 65, 78, 81
Phifer, John (Cabarrus), i. 70, 75, 78, 81, 85;
ii. 67
, Martin (»6.), i. 80
Phillips, Jos. (Capt. '76), i. 79, 80
Pickens, Israel (Burke), ii. 61
Picket, Wm. (Anson, Capt. '75), i. 71, 81,
85
Pike, Benj. (Lt. '76), i. 80
Pitt, Wm. (Lord Chatham), i. 50; life and
character, ii. 53
— — County, resolves of July, 1775, ii. 345
Plummer, Kemp (Warren), ii. 440
Pocahontas, i. 27
Pollock, Geo. (Gov., '72), i. 38
Potter, Robert (Granville), ii. 164
— , Hon. Henry (sketch of), ii. 129
Powell, Mrs. (Halifai ;, courage of, ii. 1S6
Pope, Willis (Lieutenant, '76), i. 80
/
^
4T8
INDBX.
Pope, Henrj (Enngn, >76), i. 71
Polk, James K. (Mecklenburg), ii. 266
, Thomat (t6.)» »• 70, 75, 79
, William (Wake), ii. 416
Porterfield, Denny (Ensign, >76), i. 80
Porter, Edmund (Judge of Adm. '31)^ i. 42
Pogh, John (Regulator), i. 57
, Thos. Whitmel (Ensign, >75), i. 72, 80,
85
Press ol North Carolina (first introduced by
Da?is, »49), i. 44 ; list of Newspa-
pers and Editors, i. 112
Prirat, Isaac (Lieutenant, '76), i. 80
Proprietors of North Carolina (charter of
Charles II. to, 1663), i. 29 ;
surrender their charter 1729,
i.41
Queary, John (Mecklenburg), i. 70
(Quince, Richard (Com., '75), i. 74
, Parker (Bath), i. 86
Rains, Henry (Johnston), i.78, 85
Raleigh, Sir Walter, i. 23, 26, 27
, city of, foundations laid in 1587, i.
25
Ralston, Robert (Ensign, '75), i. 71
Ramsay, Ambrose (Chatham^, i. 74, 79, 85
Ramsour's Mill (Battle of), ii. 227
Rand, John (Wake), i. 78, 82
Rayner, Kenneth (Hertford), sketch of, ii.
209
Reading, Joseph (Pasquotank), i. 65
Regulators (Battle o(), ii. 16
paper at Orange County Court
(»66), i. 54
Reese, David (Mecklenburg), i. 70
Rencher, Abraham (Chatham), ii. 85
Reid, David Settle, Governor of North
Carolina, sketch of, ii. 354
Respiss, Thomas (Beaufort), i. 64, 85
Rhodes, Henry (Onslow), i. 74, 85
, Eiisha (Lieutenant, '76), i. 80
Rice, Nath. (Secr'y of Province, '31), i. 42;
Gov., '34), i. 43
Richardson, Nath. (Con. '76), i. 78
Ridly, Day (Hertford), i. 73, 85
Riddle Knob, ii. 444
Rieusett, John (Councillor), i. 47
Riply, Spencer (Pasquotank), i. 81
Robards, Wm. (Grnnviile), ii. 163
Robeson, Wm. (Pitt), i. 78, 86
Robertson, Charles (Anson), i. 85
, Thomas (Bladen, Con., '76), i.
78
Rochester, Nathaniel (Orange), i.78, 79, 81,
85
Rodgers, Michael, i. 74
Rosser, Joshua (Chatham), i. 78
Rowan County (Journal of the Cora, of
Safety oO,ii. 360
Rnffin, Thomas (Alamance), sketch of, ii.
19
Russell, Wm. (Hyde), i. 85
Rutherford, T. (Cumberland), i. 65, 78
, Griffith (Rowan), i. 74, 75, 78,
79, 82, 86 ; sketch of, ii. 383
Rutledge, Thomas (Duplin, Com. '75), i. 74,
81
Ryan, James (Currituck), i. 78
Salter, Wm. (Bleden), i. 64
Salter, Edward (Pitt), i. 65, 73, 78, 86
, Robert, i. 79
Sampson, John (Cooncillor, '65), i. 47
Saunders, Jamea (Oraoge), i. 78, 81, 85
, Jesse (CapUin, »76), i. 80
, Romulus M. (CsswelJ), ii. 79
Sawyer, Lemuel (Pasqoo.)> i- 86
— — ^— ^— (Camden), ii. 71
Saml. T. (Chowan), ii. 95
Scott, John (HiJIsboro*), ii. 336
Scurlock, Mial (Chatham), i. 74, 85
Secretaries of State of N. Ca., i. 107
Selwyn, Geo. A., i. 50
Sessums, Isaac (Edgecombe), i. 85
Sewall, Henry (Wake), sketch of life of,
a. 417
Sevier, John (GoTr.), ii. 449
Shaftesbury, Lord, i. 31
Sharpe, Wm. (Iredell), i. S3, 86; dketcb ot
life and services, ii. 216
Shelby, Isaac, life, services, and charuter,
ii.98
Shemll, Catharine, chased bj the Teaoes-
see Indians, leaps the palisades
of the Fort, falls io the arms of
John Sevier, and becomes kis
wife, ii. 450
Sherwood, Thos. (Bute), i. 81
Sheppard, Solo. (Carteret), i. 78, 85
, Abm. )Dobbs), i. 78, S5
, James (Lt. '76), i. 80
, Charles B. (Craven), bioeraphTof,
ii. 120
, Wm. Biddle (Pasqoo.), ii. 339
Shepperd, A. H. (Stokes), sketch of, ii. 40$
Sherwood, Thos. (Bute), i. 78
Siamese Twins (Wilkes), ii. 465
Simmons, Asahel, (Currituck), i. 81
Simon, Peter (Capt. '76), i. 80
Simpson, Alexander (Capt., duel of)> i*33
Singletary, Richard (Ens. '76), i. 80
Sitgreaves, John (Newborn), i. 80; life asd
serrices of, i. 119
Slocumb, Jesse (Wayne), ii. 460
, Mrs. (<*.)» ii. 457
, Ezekiel (t*.), ii. 457
Smith, Benj. (Brunswick), life and serrieet
of, ii. 49
, Wm. (Chief Justice, 1731), i. 42
, Captain John, i. 27
, Thos. (GoT'r. 1693), i. 27, 32
, Saml. Hyde (Com. »75), i. 65, 74
, John (Com. '76), i. 74
, Robt (Lt. '75), i. 71, 79, 80
, David (Cumberland), i. 78, 81
. , Samuel (Johnston), i. 78, 81, 85
, John, (i6.), i. 81
, James 8. (Orange, Congress in 1S17:,
ii. 336
, James (Rowan), i. 81, 86
Smithwick, Samuel (Martin), i. 85
, Edmund (i6.), i. 65, 78
SoUiell, Seth (Gov'r. 1683), i. 31, 33
Southerland, Ransome (Guilford), i. 7S,79
South Carolina Line, i. 43
Spruill, Hex. G. (Tyrrell), ii. 412
, George (i6.), i. 66
, Joseph (f6.), i. 81
Spiccr, John (Onslow), i. 78, S5
IKDBZ.
479
Spaight, Richard (Coancillor, 1765), i. 47
— — , R. D. (Craven), life and character,
ii. 111,130
Speight, Jesae (Greened, ii. 168
Spencer, Samuel (Anaoo), i. 64, 73, 77;
aketch of, ii. 24
Spottawood, Alex., i. 36
Stan way, Jamea (Attorney-General, 1725),
i. 40
Surky, Mr. (Treaaorer, 1757), i. 46
, Edward (Onalow), i. 85, 86
Sunley, Edward (Beaufort), ii. 29
, John (Craven), ii. 112
Steele, Mra. Elixabeth, patriotic conduct of,
and her biography, ii. 382
, Genl. John, Sketch of, ii. 382
Sterrett, Jamea (Lt. *76), i. 80
Stevena (2d Gov'r of N. C, 1667), i. 30
, John (Johnaton), i. 81, 85
Stokea, Montford (Wilkea), ii. 462
, John (i6.)» Judge, ii. 403
,H.M. (<&.)»»». 462
Strange, Robert (Fayetteville), aketch of,
ii. 130
Stone, Benj. (Com. >75), i. 74
, Zedekiah (Bertie), i. 85; ii. 32
, David, ii. 32
Stono, battle of, ii. 189
Sugga, Geo. (Lt. '76), i. 80
Sumner, Jamea (Lt. '76), i. 80
, Luke (Chowan), i. 73, 85
, David (Halifai), i. 74, 78, 81
, Robert (Hertford), i. 78, 85
, Genl. Jeihro (Warren), i. 72, 79
Swain, David L. (Buncombe), ii. 53
Swann, John (Councillor), i. 47
, Saml. (Maj. »75), i. 72
Tarleton, Col. Banniater (aketch of hia life
and character), ii. 180
Tate, Jos. (Lt. '75), i. 72
Tatum, Abr. (Cong. 1795, Randolph), i. 71
, Howell (Lt. »75), i. 71
Taylor, John Louia (Fayetteville), dketch
of life of, ii. 129
— — , John (Orange, Lt. '75), i. 71
, Joaeph (Com. »75), i. 74
, Wm. (Duplin), i. 85
, Wro. (Com. '75), i. 74, 79
, Philip (Capt. '76), i. 80
, Jaa. F. (Chatham), ii. 85
, John (Granville), i. 78
Teach, Edwd. (Pirate), i. 39
Teach'a Hole, i. 39
Tennen, Hugh (Orange), i.8l
Thackaton, Jamea (Cumberland, Lt. Col.
'76), i. 72, 79
Thomas, Wm. (Anaon), i. 64
Thompson, Wm. (Carteret), i. 58, 73, 78, 80
, John (Chatham), i. 74, 78
, Lawrence (Lt. '75), i. 71.
— — •, Jacob (Caawell), ii. 79
Tilman, John (Craven), i. 81
Tilghman, John (Craven), i. 85
Tiadale, Wm. (Com. »75), i. 73
Toomer, John D. (Cumberland), ii. 86, 129
Torrence, Battle at, ii. 381
Toole, Henry J. (Eklgecombe), i. 71
Treasurera of the Sute of N. C, i. 107, 108
Tripp, Robt. (Beaufort), i. 85
Tryon, Wm. (Lt. Gov. 1765), i. 48 ; (Got.
1766), i. 49, 52, 63
Tamer, Benijah (Lt. *76), i. 80
— , Berryman, (Enaign »75), i. 71
, Jacob (Capt. »76), i. 79
, Robt. (Lt. »76), i. 80
— — , Jamea (Warren), Gov. in 1802, Sen-
ator in Congress, &c.. Sketch of,
ii. 430
— , Daniel (Warren), aketch of, ii. 439
Tuscarora Indians, i. 38
United Brethren (Stokes), i. 44
Univeraity of N. C. (iu graduates from 1798
to 1851), i. 119
Vail, Edward (Col. »75), i. 72, 79
Venable, A. W. (Granville), ii. 165
Vipon, Henry (Enaign '75), i. 72
Wade, Thoa. (Anaon), i. 72, 85
Waddell, John, i. 51
, Hugh (Rowan), i. 46
Walker, Hendereon (Gov.), i. 33, 34
, John (Capt. »75), i. 71, 80
, Sol. (Enaign '76), i. 80
Walton, Jeaae (Surry), i. 81
Waahington and Caawell compared, i. 90
, Geo. (Va. firat appt.), i. 45
, Robt. (Lt. >76), i. 80
, Wm. H. (Craven), aketch of
life, ii. 121
Ward, Wm. (Capt. '76), i. 80
— , Benin. (Bute), i. 85
, Anthony (New Ham.), i. 81
Warren, Jos., sketch of life and heroic
death, ii. 429 ; (county called in
honor of), ii. 429
Wayne, Genl. Anthony, life and character
of, ii. 454
Wheeler, John (Hertford), ii. 209
, John Jr. (i&.), ii. 209
; , John H. (t6.), ii. 210
Whidbee, J. (Perquimans), i. 65
Webb, John (Com. '75), i. 74, 79
, Isham (Tyrrell), i. 86
Weldon, Danl., i. 44
, Saml. (Halifax), i. 81, 85
White, John (Gov. 1587), i. 25
, Thomaa (Lt. 1776), i. 80
, John (Capt. '76), i. 71 ; (Maj. *76;,
i. 79
, James (Currituck), 178
, Hugh L. (Iredell), sketch of life,
character, and aervicea, ii. 215
Whitechuret, Thoa. (killed in duel), i. 53
Whitaker, Spear (Halifax), ii. 202
Whitley, John (Lt. '76), i. 80
Wiggina, Thomaa (Martin), i. 78,
Wilder, Gaston U. (Wake), aketch of, ii.
418
Wilfong, George (Rowan), i. 81.
Williama, Daniel (Lt. '76), i. SO
, Benjamin (Cong. 1775), i. 73
, John (Lt. '75), i. 72
, Benjamin (Lt. »76), i. 72
, Brice (Carteret), i. 85
, John (Lt. Col.), i. 72
480
INBSZ*
Williamt, Willitm (AdjoUnt >75), i. 71
, John, Pugh (Ctpt. »76), i. 80
, Marmaduke (Caawell), ii. 79
, Hollowell (Curritock;, i. 81, 86
, Thomas (t&.)i i- 85
, Benjamin (Johnaton), i. 65
, John (Gran? ille), i. 58 ; ii. 163
, Joaeph John (Halifax, i. 78,83
, William (Martin), i. 78, 85
, Benjamin (Moore), aketch of, ii.
272
, Dr. Robert (i5.)> ii* 346
■ , Joeeph (Surry), ii. 409
, Thomaa (i6.), ii. 409
, Gen. Robert (ib.)> ii* 409
, Lewis, John (ifr.), ii. 409
, Thomas Lanier (ib.)* ii* 409
Williamson, Hngh (Chowan), life, character,
and senrices, ii. 91
, J. G. ▲. (Person), ii. 343
Winston, Joseph (Sarrj), i. 81 ; ii. 148, 404
Wilson, Louis D. (Kdgecombe), ii. 144
, Joseph (Mecklenburg), ii. 266
, Zaccneus (i6.), i. 85
Winslow, Moses (Rowan), i. 66
Wooten, Shad. (Ensign >76), i. 80
Wood, MatL (Lt. >76), i. SO
Woodhonse, John (Ensign ^75), i. 73
Wright, James (Hertford), i. 86
, Joshua G. (New HanoveO* sketch
of, u. 293
Wynns, Thomas (Hertford), sketch of, ii.
209
Yancey, Bartlett (Caswell), ii. 79
, Thorton (Granville), i. 85
Yellow Jacket (Compiled, 1752), i. 44
Young, Samnel (Rowan), i. 66
, Henry (New Hanover), i. 81
THE END
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