IT)
F
254
W56
1851
v. 1-2
c.l
ROBARTS
;.
.*
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
NOBTH 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.
JOHN TC. WHEELER,
LATE TREASURER OF THE STATE.
"Truth is stranger than Fiction."
ILLUSTRATED WITH E NG-RAVING-S.
VOL. I.
PHILADELPHIA:
LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO AND CO.
SUCCESSORS TO GRIGG, ELLIOT AND CO.
1851.
HISTORY maketh a young man to be old, without either wrinkles or gray hairs ; privileging
him with the experience of age, without either the infirmities or inconvenience thereof.
FULLER'S Holy War.
Ill fares it with a State, whose history is written by others than her own sons.
PRESCOTT.
The archive? 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 surrounds it.
Such are the inducements of this publication.
JOHES.
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 atruggle, and the succeeding years of prosperity. Then will North
Carolina be respected as she is known.
FOOTK.
,!*/
Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1851, by
JOHN H. WHEELER,
in the Office of the Clerk of the District Court in and for the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania.
PHILADELPHIA :
T. K. AND P. G. COLLINS, PRINTERS.
TO
GEORGE BANCROFT, LL.D.,
WHOSE WRITINGS HAVE MARKED THE AGE IN WHICH HE LIVES, AND THE ONLY HISTORIAN
WHO HAS DONE JUSTICE TO NORTH CAROLINA ;
TO
PETER FORCE,
OP WASHINGTON CITY,
WHOSE PATIENT LABOR AND INDEFATIGABLE RESEARCH HAVE PROVED HER EARLY
PATRIOTISM J
AND TO
DAVID L. SWAIN, LL.D.,
WHOSE NATIVE WORTH, WHOSE SERVICES AND WHOSE TALENTS, ARE ALIKE HER PRIDE AND
ORNAMENT J
TO THESE,
BY WHOSE COUNSEL THESE SKETCHES HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKEN, WHOSE EXAMPLE HAS
ENCOURAGED, AND WHOSE tABORS HAVE AIDED ;
AND TO
THE YOUNG MEN
OF THE
itnh of JJnrtlj (Carnlinn ;
THIS WORK
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED.
THE FOLLOWING OPINIONS RELATIVE TO THE MERITS
OF THIS WORK HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED.
EXTRACT from the Report of the Joint Select Committee of the Library
of the General Assembly of North Carolina, at the last session (1851), through
Hon. Wm. H. 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 State; 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.
"CHAPEL HILL, February 22, 1851.
"The Sketches of Col. Wheeler, in relation to this State, contain a great
amount of useful 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 the
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 work 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."
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 valuable, and ought to be in the hands of every North
Carolinian." Patriot, "
Greensboro*.
" Too little is known of our history. When the important information
that Col. Wheeler will impart, can be procured, every family ought to own
a copy of this work." Mountain Banner,
Rutherford ton.
" We hesitate not to say, that this work will turn out one of the most
valuable books to the citizens of the State ever yet published."
Watchman,
Salisbury.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERIES I.
THE COLONY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER I.
* 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 Raleigh, which landed on Roanoake Island, in
North Carolina.
CHAPTER II.
FROM 1585 TO 1589.
Second expedition under Sir Richard Greenville in 1585, and the third under
the same in 1586 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 Sketch 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 Drummond, first governor,
in 1603, a Scotchman Succeeded by Governor Stephens on his death,
1667 Who was succeeded at his death (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 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 1683 His character and life; exiled by the people and death
Succeeded by 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 Smith ap-
X CONTENTS.
pointed governor On his advice, John Archdale, " the Quaker Governor,"
is appointed (1604); his sagacious and prudent administration On
his return to England (1699) Thomas Harvey governor On his death
in 1699, Henderson Walker is governor On his death (1704) Robert
Daniel succeeds at governor Difficulties between the Church of England
and the Dissenters First church in North Carolina (1705) First news-
paper in the United States (1705) Contest between Gary and Glover for
the government Cary prevails Gary sent to England "for examination
(1711 ) Edward Hyde governor in 1712 De Graaffenreidt's patent Indian
murders Lawson, first historian of North Carolina, killed by 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 j 724, 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 betwoen Virginia and North
Carolina, 1727 Th.; 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 G overnor Burrington, 1729 His
character, conduct, life, and death in 1734 Nathaniel Rice, the Secretary,
governor in 1734, who was succeeded by Gabriel Johnston, as governor
Line between North and South Carolina Computation of time altered
by 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, for a time, by Nathaniel Rice ; and, on his death, in Janu-
ary 1753, by Matthew Rowan Population of North Carolina in 1754
Aid sent to Virginia against the French by 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 On the death of Dobbs (17G5) Tryon succeeds.
CHAPTER VIII.
FROM 1765 TO 1771.
Tryon's administration from April 1765 to July 1771 His character Early
resistance of the Mecklenburg people John Ashe and the Stamp Act,
1755 Paper seized Conduct of the people of New Hanover, 1766 Duel
between Captain 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 Repeal of the Stamp Act-
Palace fur the governor A description of its splendor Regulation troubles
CONTENTS. XI
commence, 1766 Herman Husbands; his character Colonel Edmund
Fanning, of Orange ; his character People of Anson County and Rowan
sympathize with the Regulators Tryon's expedition to Mecklenburg and
Rowan He raises a body of troops, and marches to Hillsboro' Fanning
indicted and convicted 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
Governor marches against 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 Regulators are hanged Tryon em-
barks, June 30, 1771, to New York, to which colony he had been appointed
governor.
V' J
CHAPTER IX.
FROM 1771 TO JULY 4, 1776.
Administration of Josial^ 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 Newbern, on the 25th of August, 1774 Johu
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
Continental Congress, at Philadelphia, then in agitation, as highly inju-
rious and "particularly offensive to the king" The Assembly reply that
" the right of 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 The 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, 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 exercised by a
Provincial Council District Committees of Safety; and County 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 Adjourned 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.
xii CONTENTS.
SERIES II.
THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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 Constitu-
tion Names of committee Richard Caswell elected governor, and the
names of the Council of State.
CHAPTER II.
Life, character, services, and death of RICHARD CASWELL, first Governor of
North Carolina, under the Constitution.
CHAPTER III.
State of FRANKLAND, its rise, progress, and fall.
CHAPTER IV.
Governors of North Carolina, from RICHARD 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
Judges, under the royal government The Judges of North Carolina, from
1776 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 of 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 Present Congressional
districts by act of 1846, and the members of each.
CHAPTER VII.
PRESS OF NORTH CAROLINA, from 1749 to 1851 Account of some of the editors,
and list of the papers now published in North Carolina (1851).
CHAPTER VIII.
Literary institutions of North Carolina Their history, progress, and pre-
sent condition Queen's Museum, at Charlotte, 1770 University, incor-
porated in 1789, and located at Chapel Hill, 1792 Corner-stone laid in
CONTENTS. X1U
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 1840 Wake Forest College, in Wake County Its trustees
and faculty Female institutions, common schools, 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.
Date. English Sovereigns.
1492,
Oct. 12.
Henry VIII.
1584.
July 4.
Elizabeth.
1663. Charles II.
1678.
1693. Wm. and Mary
1705. Anne.
1710.
1729. George I.
1765. George III.
1771, May 16.
1774, August 25.
1775, May 20.
June.
June 17.
August.
December 9.
1776, February 27.
August 27.
December 12.
December 26.
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.
September 3.
1787, May.
1788, July.
1789, November.
Events.
Columbus discovers America.
Armidas and Barlow approach the coast of N. C.
f Charter of Charles II. William Drummond, Go-
| vernor of Carolina.
John Culpeoper's rebellion.
% Carolina divided into North and South.
First church in North Carolina.
First newspaper in the United States.
Carey's rebellion.
Charter of Charles II. surrendered.
Stamp Act passed.
Battle of Alamance.
Popular Assembly at Newbern, N. C.
Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.
General Washington, Commander-in-chief.
Battle of Bunker's Hill.
Royal governor retreats. Martin.
Battle of Great Bridge, near Norfolk, Va.
" Moore's Creek.
" Long Island.
Constitution of North Carolina formed at Halifax.
Battle of Trenton.
Gen. Rutherford subdues the Cherokees.
Battle of Princeton.
" Brandywine.
" Germantown.
" Saratoga.
" Monmouth.
f " Brier Creek, on Savannah River. Ashe
{ defeated.
" Stono.
Surrender of Charleston.
Battle of Rainsour's Mill, in North Carolina.
Gates defeated at Camden.
Battle of King's Mountain.
" Cowpens.
Guildford Court House.
" Eutaw.
Yorktown.
Treaty of peace at Versailles.
England recognizes the independence of America.
Constitution of the United States formed.
| North Carolina, by a convention at Hillsboro', re-
( jects the Constitution.
Convention at Fayetteville adopt it.
PREFACE.
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, now 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, Dray ton, $imms, an.d 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 mas,s of
official documents in the offices of the Board of Trade and Planta-
tions in London; and her history only shadowed forth in "the
heaty pages" of Martin, who was a foreigner by birth, and the citi-
zen of another State by adoption ; and by Williamson, whose labors
terminated by an elaborated 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
study, 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
XV111 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 monu-
ment in Westminster Abbey
" Qui nullum fere scribendi genus
non tetijspt,
Nullum quod tetigit non ornavit,"
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 tTie 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
the 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 arid 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;
and the British authorities promptly afforded all the aid in their
power. Such a mass of documents was discovered, that Lord
Dudley, then at the head of the Foreign Office, could only present
indexes ; but, at the same time, most kindly offering to an author-
ized agent of our Government access to, and copies of, these papers.
These indexes, by a resolution of 26th January, 1843, were or-
dered, by the General Assembly of our State, to fee 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 rare 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 touched upon every subject, and touched no subject that he did not
adorn.
PREFACE. XIX
tesy of the present venerable Secretary of State (Wm. Hill), free
access was obtained ; aided, also, by gentlemen not only of our own
State, but 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 who 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."
If 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
is the labor of years and patient research. That it will be read by
all, is 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 by 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 our ears, God, our fathers have told us, what
work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.
" How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, * * * * *
" For they got not the land in possession by 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 efforts 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. 1, 2, 3.
XX PREFACE.
Sallust informs us that Scipio 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 offering 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 efforts 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.
i , /'
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 Governors, Judges, and Executive
officers, 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.
PREFACE. XXI
Resources of the State ; her expenses and liabilities ; her Popu-
lation.
III. 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
State.
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 comprehends 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 I 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 ? Let 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's Miscellanies, 310.
PREFACE.
This work is written, collated and published, by a native North
Carolinian.
Errors, it doubtless contains, omissions unavoidable, and many
imperfections.
But he trusts that his labors will not 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.
ELLANGOWAN,
BEATTY'S FORD, N. C.
1st July, 1851.
SERIES I
HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF NORTH
CAROLINA, FROM 1584 TO THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR IN 1776.
CHAPTER I.
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 Raleigh, which landed on Roanoake Island, in
North Carolina.
THE renown acquired for 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 VII. 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 discovery 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 VIII., Edward VI.,
Mary and Elizabeth. Added to this feeling was the thirst for gold,
which it was believed abounded in this western world.
In 1584, Sir Walter Kaleigh, 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 Hakluyt, iii. 25, 26.
f Bancroft, i. 9. J Hakluyt, iii. 297.
24 HISTORY OF NORTH 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-
nighted 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
day, is characteristic 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 Barlow returned to Eng-
land, where they arrived safely in the following September, accom-
panied, in the guileless simplicity of their nature, by Manteo and
Manchese, 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. Hakluyt, iii. 301, 307.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 25
CHAPTER II.
FROM 1585 TO 1589.
Second expedition under Sir Richard Greenville in 1585, and the third under
the same in 1586 The fourth under Governor White, Governor of the City
of Raleigh.
THIS adventure of Amidas and Barlow was most gratifying to
the spirit of the English nation. Believing with popular credulity
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, sailed(19th
April, 1585) from Plymouth, under the auspices of Sir Walter
Raleigh, with 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 Sir 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
26 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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 CROATAN, but without the sign of distress.
No trace of these colonists has ever been disco vered.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.
f^ t
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 Sketch of
the life, character, and services of John Smith His rescue by Pocahontas,
daughter of Powhatan Her life, character, and services.
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 Green ville.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
assigned (7th 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 fame 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. f Lawson, 62.
Purchas, iv. 1653. \ Williamson, ii. 58.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 27
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 lofty 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 Sir 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 for the genius, courage, and skill of Smith, they
had shared the fate of the colony of Roanoake. But Providence
destined otherwise.
"Tantooioliserat,
1* condere gentium."f
Guided by his talents, influenced by his example, under the wise
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.
Rome 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 himself in the wars with the Turks ; and, in
single combat, met (1607) before the walls of Alba Regis, 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 such material to form a nation.
j Life of Captain John Smith, by W. Gilmore Simms.
28 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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 v
give the word to the executioners, whose war dubs are raised. But
the youthful daughter of Powhatan, Pocahontas, rushes between the
victim and his fate
" 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 corn and other supplies 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
so 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, f 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 Eldridge,
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
Capitol, shall have mouldered to its original elements.
* " A true relation of such occurrences and accidents of note as have hap-
pened in Virginia since the first planting of the colony, by John Smith, 1608."
f This interesting event forms the subject of the national picture in the
capitol at Washington, by Chapman.
I Stith, 46. Simms' Life of Captain John Smith, 366.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 29
CHAPTER IV.
FROM 1653 TO 1712.
Permanent settlement of North Carolina William Drummond, first Governor,
in 1663, a Scotchman Succeeded by Governor Stephens on his death,
1667 \\rfao was succeeded at his death (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 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 1683 His character and life ; exiled by the people, and death
Succeeded by 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 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 (1699), Thomas Harvey, governor On his death in
1699, Henderson Walker is governor---0n his death (1704) 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. (1705) Contest between Cary and Glover for the govern-
ment Cary prevails Gary 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
Hyde dies with yellow fever (1712), and George Pollock succeeds him
First emission of paper money in North Carolina.
SIXTY-NINE 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 Roanoake, 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, in 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
* Henning, Statutes at Large, 380, 381.
t Smith's Virginia, ii. 64.
30 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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.J
No freer country was ever organized by man. Freedom of con-
science, 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 in 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-
sive."
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 JInder standing ^ 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,
and on his return to England soon after, Eastchurch, who then was
in England, was appointed governor, and Miller secretary.
* Williamson, i. 93. t Chalmers, 533. Bancroft, ii. 157.
% Chalmers. 525. \ Bancroft, ii. 158.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 31
The governor being detained, Miller proceeded to North Carolina,
" holding the triple office 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 by 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 1 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 suc-
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 Receiver 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
* Williamson, i. 132. t Ibid. i. 140.
32 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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 Office at Raleigh, see chap, xix., Chowan county,
in the following pages.
PHILIP LUDWELL succeeded as governor, 1693. 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
Effingham as Governor of Virginia. After some time spent in vain
efforts 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. Im-
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 Archdale,
through his daughter Ann, who married (July, 1688) Emmanuel
* Williamson, i. 147. t Ibid. i. 143.
I Marten, i. 195. I Williamson, i. 158.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 33
Lowe, whose daughter Anne married Pendleton, whose daughter
Mary married Dempsy Conner, the father of Mrs. Hill.
An advocate for the freedom of conscience, he wisely avoided the
religious n 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 the prices of lands, and allowing the payment in produce in
lieu of money. To cultivate the friendship of the Indians, he es-
tablished a Board 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 in 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 great
principle that those, who, from conscientious scruples, refused to
bear arms, should be Exempted therefrom on a certificate from the
Governor.*
Roads 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.'^
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 Rice, 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
When 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 office ;
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
Supreme 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. J. Martin, i. 198.
2 See Martin, i. 265. Williamson, i. 189. Bancroft, iii. 20.
3
34 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 rule 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 e body of
HENDERSON WALKER, ESQ.,
President of the Council and Commander-in-Chief of North Carolina,
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 e body of
GEORGE LILLINGTON,
Son of Major Alexander Lillington,
who died in ye 15 year of hig age, Anno 1706."
Over the other side is the following inscription :
"Here lyes y e body of
MADAM ANN MOSELY,
Wife of Edward Mosely, Esq.
She was y e daughter of Maj. Alex. Lillington, Esq., and y e
Widow of the Hon. Henderson Walker, 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 office 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.
In the year 1705, the first church in North Carolina was built
HISTORY OP NORTH CAROLINA. 35
in Chowan County.* Quakers were not allowed to give evidence
in any criminal case, or serve on a jury, or hold any office.
The Governor (Daniel) and the people, immediately opposed
these laws. A petition was introduced into Parliament, and, on
hearing the evidence, the House of Lordsf 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, by her simple and
patriotic people, the great principle of divorce of church and state.
This year (1705) was printed the first American newspaper,
called the Boston News Letter.
In this year, so severe was the cold, that Albemarle Sound, at
Edenton, was frozen over. J
Peacefully as was this important principle (separation of church
and state) maintained and established, North Carolina was not
free from tumult. Tke 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, and 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 of anarchy ; the laws were suspended,
and justice fled. The respectable portion of the colony adhered to
Glover; while Cary possessed the force. A genera/1 assembly was
called, which met at Captain Heckelfield'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. f Martin, i. 223.
J Williamson, i. 177. Spotewood MSS.
36 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.*
"KEQUOTAN, July 31, mi.
" 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 tranquillity in your Government ; and that
I have brought this about without effusion 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 number of Palatines,
and fifteen hundred Swiss, followed the Baron, and settled at the
confluence of the Trent and Neuse. The town was called New Bern,
after Bern in Switzerland, the birth-place of Graaffenreidt.
It had been the boast of one of the earliest historians! 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 with blood, North Carolina was
quietly pursuing her course, unmolested by the Indians, and respect-
ing their rights.
* Extracts from "Letters of the HOD. 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 Office of North Carolina by Alexander Martin, late Gover-
nor, to serve as materials for some future historian of said State."
t Lawson's History of North Carolina.
HISTORY OP NORTH CAROLINA. 37
The Indians viewed with jealousy the increasing numbers of the
whites. The first blow was struck by them. The Tuscaroras, a
powerful tribe, formed a conspiracy with the Pamplico Indians, to
attack the planters on the Roanoake. 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 Matchepungoes.
On the llth 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. Gale, 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, after 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 Graaffenriedt were taken while exploring the Neuse.
Lawson, the Surveyor-General of the province, and its earliest
historian, was murdered by the savages ; De Graaffenreidt only
escaped by humiliating stipulations. Such was the effect upon
Graaffenreidt, 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. Barn well; 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
Indians were fortified on the banks of the Neuse, in the present
County of Craven, about eighteen miles west of Newbern. 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 fo? this letter to the excellent address of Professor Ilub-
bard, of the University, at the last commencement, on the " Early Historians
of North Carolina."
38 HISTORY 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 Indian 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.
CHAPTER Y.
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 v 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, 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, the 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 denned
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 BlacJc
Beard, lived in North Carolina. So daring were his adventures,
that he defied the government; he had a ship of forty guns welj
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 be 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 Teach's Hole, and again sallied forth on
piratical adventures. Such was the annoyance of his depredations,
that the Assembly of Virginia offered 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 one
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 hand, ensues. The two commanders meet. They
rush tp combat, and the pirate Teach falls covered with blood.
Eight of his fourteen men were killed, and the other six wounded,
so that they could no longer fight. Maynard sailed up to the town
of Bath with the head of Teach hung 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 office
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 H6use in Chowan. At this session, a town which had
been some time before established, was called, in honor to the
Governor, Edenton.
'. Jv, tv .' 1 . ' '
* Williamson, ii. 11. f Martin, i. 286,
40 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Governor Eden died 17th March, 1722, aged forty-nine.
On Salmon Creek, in Bertie County, the stone that marks his
grave has this inscription :
" Here lyes y e body of
CHARLES EDEN, ESQ.,
who governed this Province eight years to the great satisfaction of the Lords
Proprietors, and y" ease and happiness of y e people.
He brought the country into a flourishing condition, and died much
lamented, March y e 26, 1722, aetatis 49.
And near this place, lyes also y c body of
PENELOPE EDEN,
his virtuous consort, who died Jan. the 4th, 1716, aetatis 39.
Vivit
post funera,
Ille
Quern virtus non mamor
in aeternum
sacrat."
Thomas Pollock (March 30th, 1722) again succeeded as Presi-
dent 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, GEORGE BURRINGTON, 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 of 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
Goffe, 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
1662 to 1769, procured through kindness of Honorable Geo. Bancroft.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 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 Richard Everhard
was appointed. He qualified at Edenton, on 17th July, 1725.
The legislature met at Edenton on 6th November following, and
the boundary 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 complimentary 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 Caesar."
The people of South Carolina had already revolted from the
feudal sway of the Lords Proprietors, and Governor Johnston was
compelled to leave his government, and this 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 province, 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
(who 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 1748, for him, adjoining Virginia. Five commissioners were
appointed by the crown, and five by Lord Granville. His terri-
tory f was bounded on the north by the Virginia line, on the east
by the Atlantic, on -the south by a line in latitude 35 34" 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.
* Westover MSS. Petersburg, 1841.
f Martin, vol. ii. 43.
42 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
1st. ALBEMARLE ; which was subdivided into six precincts, Curri-
tuck, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Chowan, Bertie, and Tyrrell.
2d. BATH, into four precincts, Beaufort, Hyde, Craven, and
Carteret.
3d. CLARENDON, one precinct, New Hanover.
CHAPTER VI,
FROM 1729 TO 1754.
North Carolina under the royal governors Governor Burrington, 1729 His
character, conduct, life, and death, in 1734 Nathanief Rice, the Secretary,
governor in 1734; who was succeeded by Gabriel Johnston, as governor
Line between North and South Carolina Computation of time altered by
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, for 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 I.). He
arrived in February 1731, and qualified as governor, at Edenton,
on the 25th of that month. William Smith was Chief Justice ; Ed-
mund Porter, Judge of Admiralty; John Montgomery, Attorney-
General ; 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 breaches 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 Walk, in the corner of St.
James' Park, in London.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 43
The government 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 Compton, Baron of
Wilmington, GABRIEL JOHNSTON was appointed governor. He
arrived in 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 political writer, and figured in u the Craftsman," a
periodical for which Lord Bolingbroke, Pulteney and others wrote.
He met the Legislature at Edenton. His addresses to them show
that he fully appreciated the lamentable condition of the colony,
by the imprudence and yicious conduct of his predecessor, and has
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, "that 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 Holton, Matthew Rowan, and Edward Mosely.
The commissioners began at a cedar stake on the sea shore, by the
mouth of Little River, and having run a north-west line until they
arrived, as they conceived to 35, 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 In-
* Manuscripts from ofUces of Board of Trade in London.
44 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
dians, thence leaving those lands to the south, to the Catawba
River, then due west. The ridiculous zigzag that our southern
line presents, was the effect of private intrigue.*
The primary division of the province into three counties, Albe-
marle, 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 Newbern 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. J
The people known as Unitas Fratrum, 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 Yadkin,
and named it Wachovia, after an estate of Count Zinzendorff in
Austria. This land was conveyed to James Hutton, 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 run 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 (1752)
in a small folio volume; it received the nickname of "Yellow
Jacket," from the yellow hue of its binding.
* Williamson, ii. 54.
f Manuscript documents from office of Board of Trade in London; pro-
cured through Hon. George Bancroft, Late envoy at that court.
% Martin, ii. 54.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 45
Governor Johnston's official dispatch to the Duke of New Castle,
dated April, 1739, states u that 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
corn ; 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-
cillor, who qualified at Wilmington on the 1st of February, 1754,
and met the Legislature at Newbern, on the 23d of March following.
Nothing of exciting 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 hundred and fifty effective men.
The colony then had a population, as stated by Rowan, of
militia, 15,400; exempts, 1,000; outposts, 1,500; slaves, 10,000.
Governor Dinwiddie, of Virginia, sent an express to President
Rowan of the alarming movements of the French on the Ohio, and
that GEORGE 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 1662 to 1769,
procured by kindness of Hon.. George Bancroft, late envoy from United States
to England.
46 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
and appropriated one thousand pounds to the raising and paying
such troops as might 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 Cranville's agent Courts of law held in each district,
1762 On the death of Dobbs (1765) Tryon succeeds.
ARTHUR DOBBS was appointed Governor by the crown in 1754,
and in the fall he arrived at Newbern.
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. Rice, 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, and a
curious record of "Mr. Starky, the treasurer, who governs many in
the Assembly by lending them money."*
Governor Dobbs was qualified at Newbern 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
following, but raged with most violence on the 23d.
"Many houses were thrown down, and all the vessels, except one,
* MS. papers relative to Carolina (tempus Geo. II.) procured from offices
in London, through Hon. George Bancroft, late envoy to that court.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 47
in Cape Fear River, driven on shore. It forced open a new chan-
riel 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 he 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
office, and of no such duty.f
Superior courts of justice were established in the districts of
Edenton, Newbern, Wilmington, Halifax, and Salisbury, to be
held semi-annually by the chief justice and one associate.
The people were much oppressed by Lord Granville's agents.
They seized Corbin, his agent, 1 who lived below Edenton, and brought
him 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 Berry, John Sampson, Henry E. McCullock, 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. 17G1. f Martin, ii. 189.
\
48 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER VIII.
FROM 1765 TO 1771.
Tryon's administration from April, 1765 to July, 1771 ; his character Early
resistance of the Mecklenburg people John Ashe and the Stamp Act,
1765 Paper seized Conduct of the people of New Hanover, 1766 Duel
between Captain Simpson, of his majesty's, sloop-of-war the Viper, and
Lieutenant Whitechurst, a relative of Mrs. Try.on, 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 Orange ; his character People of Anson County and Rowan
sympathize with the Regulators Tryon's expedition to Mecklenburg and
Rowan He raises a body of troops, and marches to Hillsboro' Fanning
indicted and convicted 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 retreats Fanning and John Williams beaten by the Regulators
Governor marches against 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 Regulators are hanged Tryon em-
barks, June 30, 1771, to New York, to which colony he had been appointed
governor.
j? v ' * - ' " ' ' - i-
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 every 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, 17,64.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 49
Governor 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, and
all the appliances of generous hospitality. While his character
shows that on the banks of the Alamance, when " the blast of war
blew 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,
burn 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 effect 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.
Thetfee of a clergyman for marrying was ten shillings, by license ;
* Sabine's History of the Loyalists, 653.
50 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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."*
Governor Try on 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 Church
of England of the folly of attempting to establish it by legal enact-
ments. Under such recommendations, a law was passed legalizing
the marriages (which before were denounced as illegal) performed
by Presbyterian ministers, and authorizing them and other dissent-
ing clergymen to perform that rite.
Governor Try on entered upon his duties at a stormy period.
The cloud, which was 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 office, the people of the chivalric county of Mecklenburg, so
distinguished, as we shall soon see, during the administration of his
successor, for independence, opposed Henry 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 them.
The people of Mecklenburg, in arms, seized the surveyor and com-
pelled him to desist. f This was the first buzzing of that "Hornets'
Nest" 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 absolutely, totally and imme-
diately^ 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 body
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 fury. He did not allow the Legislature to meet
* Williamson, ii. 117. f Martin, ii. 193.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 51
during the existence of this act. But faithful to the government, he
condescended to use the arts of the demagogue, to avoid the odium
of its measures. He mingled freely with the people, displaying
profuse hospitality, and prepared dinners and feasts. But unawed
by power, the people were not to be seduced by blandishments.
Early in the year 1765, the Diligence, a sloop-of-war, arrived in
the 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 aot, 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
power, 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-
ple gave three cheers and quietly 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 tongue 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 decided 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 barbecued,
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 effect of
this was electrical, Tryon and his suite retired from the ground!
deeply mortified and chagrined. This behavior was not confined
to private citizens, but extended to even the officers 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. H. Foote, of Romney, Virginia.
New York, 1846, p. 83.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 53
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 killed in the aifair. 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 sq 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, 1766, 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 additional 10,000 sterling.
1 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 Newbern, and was said to be superior to any-
* Martin, vol. ii. 212. Jones, in his defence (30), says that the survivor
was condemned, but escaped, and fled to England.
54 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
thing of the kind in America. Judge Martin* says that he visited
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 pio, dira inimica tyrannis
Vertuti has sedes libera terra dedit.
Sint domus et dominus sseclis exempla futuris
Hie artes, mores, jura legesque eolant."f
But its princely halls afforded hut 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.
f Translated thus: "A free and happy people, opposed to cruel tyrants,
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 laws."
How complete a burlesque upon its origin, object, and tendency 1
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 55
solved, " 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
power. Hence the name given to them of Regulators. 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 Starte, 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 his 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 Haddock'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 hi* 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 Hampdens, 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 palacjes 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..
x HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
popular will. From a condition of poverty, he became wealthy.
His 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 sheriff
being unwilling to submit to this tribunal, or to exasperate and defy
its power, took, by way of distress, a mare, 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, 1768, 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
Newbern, in June ; the Governor laid the papers 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 Hillsboro', and issue a procla-
mation forbidding such dishonorable practices."
The Governor attended at Hillsboro', summoned his council, and
issued the 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 llth 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
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 57
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 HillsboroV 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
him 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 protectec^ 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
grievancesy 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 Newbern.
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 Hillsboro', 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, Rednap 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 Newbern 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 Grazette, 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 Regulators, 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 Rowan, called GUILDFORD,
and the southern part was cut off and called CHATHAM.
To prevent the Regulators 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 Regulators, 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 Richard Caswell ;
from Onslow, under Colonel Craig ; from Carteret, under Colonel
Win. Thompson ; from Johnston, under Colonel Needham Bryan ; a
company of artillery, under Captain Moore ; a company of rangers,
* Martin, ii. 271.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 59
under Captain Neale ; a detachment from Wake, under Colonel
John Hinton ; a company of cavalry, under Captain Bullock.
Governor Try on 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
say that " they defied him, and battle was all they wanted."
The Governor then sent a magistrate and officer 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 warm.
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 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
temper, by acts of revenge, cruelty, and barbarity. He hung Cap-
tain Few the next day, without a trial, on a tree.
Tryon marched on the 21st 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 Newbern
on the 24th, and on the 30th 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. He
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 Regulators
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 Mr. Bancroft, and the State of North Carolina deeply feels her
obligations to him as the only historian who has done her justice.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 61
CHAPTER IX.
PROM 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 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 Governor 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 attend a
Continental Congress, at Philadelphia, then in agitation, as highly inju-
rious and "particularly offensive to the King" The Assembly reply that
"the right of 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 The 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, 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 exercised by 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, in 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, burns 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.
JAMES HASEL, 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 Newbern, on tbe llth 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 NORTH 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
have 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 Newbern, in Nov., 1771.
To this age, the forms of electing and assembling the legislative
body, the homage paid to the Governor, as the representative of
the Sovereign, and the power and influence of the governor are
curious, 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 sovereign,
" aye, every inch a king." By his order, writs were issued by the
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 Tyere 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 NORTH CAROLINA. 63
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 house in all their just rights and privileges," 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 1776, 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
Regulators under sentence of death received the king's absolute
pardon.
An angry and protracted conflict between the Governor and
the legislative body 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 Richard 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 NORTH CAROLINA.
be established among 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, Richard Caswell, Edward Vail, John Ashe, Joseph
Hewes, and Samuel 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 officers 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 Newbern 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 Newbern, 25th August, 1774.
Counties. Members.
f Sam'l Spencer,
, l ' Amon >; \ Wm. Thomas.
rt T> ,, f Roger Ormond,
2. Beaufort . Respisg
T>1 j ( William Salter,
3. Bladen . . WaUer
^ . f Wm. r Person,
4 - Bute ^ : \ Green Hill.
5. Brunswick \ > . . Robt. Howe.
6. Bertie . . . John Campbell.
{James Cook,
Lemuel Hatch,
Joseph Leech,
Rich'd Cogdell.
* See Journals of 1773. Martin, vol. ii. 305.
f Divided in 1799 into Franklin and Warren.
HISTORY OP NORTH CAROLINA.
65
Counties.
8. Carteret .. ,
9. Currituck .
10. Chowan .
11. Cumberland
12. Dobbs* .
13. Duplin
14. Qranville
15. Hyde
16. Halifax .
17. Johnston .
18. Mecklenburg
19.
20. New Hanover
21. Northampton
22. Orange
23.
24. Perquimans '. .
25. Pasquotank
26.
Members.
Wm. Thompson,
Sol. Perkins.
Nathan Joyce,
Sam'l Jar vis.
Samuel Johnston,
Thomas Oldham,
Thomas Benbury,
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, \
Benj. Williams.
Benj. Patton.
E. Smithwick.
John Ashe,
Wm. Hooper.
Allen Jones.
Thos. Hart.
Wm. Gray.
C John Harvey,
Benj. Harvey,
<J Thos. Harvey,
; Andrew Knox,
J. Whidbee, Jr.
Jos. Jones,
Edw'd Everigin,
Joseph Reading.
John Simpson,
Edw'd Salter.
v
* Divided in 1791 into Lenoir and Glasgow, which latter in 1799 was
changed to Greene.
5
66 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA,
Counties. Members.
( Will. Kennon,
27. Rowan . . < Moses Winslow,
( Sam'l Young.
no m f David Jenkins.
28 ' l* ' Robert Alexander,
Geo *
29
\ Jeremiah Fraser.
TOWNS.
on TIT z ( ,t,Abner Nash,
80,jrwfcni . . cfsaac Edwards.
31. Edenton . . . Jos. Hewes.
32. Wilmington * . Francis Clayton.
33. Bath ... Wm. Brown.
34. Halifax . . . . John Geddy.
Of this body, JOHN HARVEY 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 ; RICHARI>
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
* Divided into Lincoln and Rutherford in 1791.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 67
daring. A short sketch of the life of many will appear in another
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 Judge Henderson from the Cherokee Indians of
certain lands, as being in violation of law.
The Colonial Assembly was called in April, 1775, at Newbern ;
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 power." Particularly did he
inform them that " the unwarrantable manner of appointing dele-
gates 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 they 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 Caswell, 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 States, f 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," and 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.
The 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 Loyalists. f See page 24.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 69
'wrong. 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, o 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 dan-
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
harmony in said county, to use every exertion to spread the love
70 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
of country and fire of freedom throughout America, until a more
general and organized government be established in this province.
ABRAHAM ALEXANDER, Chairman.
JOHN McKNiTT ALEXANDER, Secretary.
Ephraim Brevard, Charles Alexander,
Hezekiah J. Balch, Zaccheus Wilson,
John Phifer, Waightstill Avery,
James Harris, Benjamin Patton,
Willia.ni 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 7 , and was laid before
that body by him, on the 25th Aug. 1775.
Gov. Martin issued his proclamation on the 8th of August, 1775,
on board of his Majesty's 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 evidence 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 die. 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
monument 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 County, from the citizens
of this section of the State to the General Assembly.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 71
Samuel Johnston, of Chowan County (the late moderator, John
Harvey having died), summoned a meeting of the delegates at
Hillsboro', on 21st August, 17T5.
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 Richard Caswell, SAMUEL 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. Il75, 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, malicious 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 William Davis, William Picket, Henry Dickson,
Thomas Allen, Robert Rowan, George Davidson, Alfred Moore,
John Walker, Wm. Green, Caleb Grainger.
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., Henry NeiJl, -Robert Ralston, John Taylor,
Berryman Turner, Henry Popo, Howell Taturn.
""-.. - I -.-..:
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. ';i t "!
Lieutenants J ohn Graingej, Robert Smith, John Herritage,
72 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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. Cleaveland, Jas. Cook, William Cas-
well, Jos. Clinch, John Woodhouse.
Dr. Isaac Guion, Chirurgeon to the 1st Reg.
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.
Edenton District. Edward Vail, Col. ; Andrew Knox, Lt.
Col. ; Caleb Nash, Major.
Newlern 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, Newbern 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 PROVINCIAL COUNCIL for the whole State.
II. A DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF SAFETY for each district.
III. 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 facto, 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 officers, fill vacancies, draw on the treasury
for all moneys necessary for the service ; and, in fact, to do all such
things as were necessary to secure, protect, and defend the colony.
The court house, in Johnston County, was the first place of
their assembling, and they had power to fix other tim.es and places.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 73
The members of this council were SAMUEL JOHNSTON, chairman,
(chosen by the Congress.)
Cornelius Harnett,- and Samuel Ashe, Wilmington District.
Abner Nash, and James Coor, Newbern District.
Thomas Jones, and Whitmel Hill, Edenton District.
William Jones, and Thomas Jones, Halifax District.
Thomas Person, and John Kinchen, ffillsboro' 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 towns of Ederiton, Newbern 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 and ex-
amine all suspected persons, and to exercise a general and particular
care over the interests 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 disrespectful language towards the cause of American
liberty. 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 persons
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, Richard Cogdell, John
Easton, Major Croora, Roger Ormond, Edward Salter, George
Burrow, William Thompson, William Tisdale, Benjamin Williams,
Richard Ellis, William Brown, James Glasgow.
Wilmington District. Frederick Jones, Sampson Mosely,
74 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Archibald McLaine, Richard Quince, 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, Drury Lee,
John Norwood, James Mills, William Haywood, Duncan Lamon,
William Bellamy, John Webb.
Hillsboro 1 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. Griffith Rutherford, John Brevard, John
Crawford, Hezekiah 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.
The public finances were in much disorder. The Convention
ordered, on the 7th Sept., $125,000 in bills of credit. Richard
Caswell, Samuel Johnston, Andrew Knox, and Richard 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 throw off the foreign yoke and be free in every respect.
After a session of a. month, this Congress adjourned 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
HISTORY OP NORTH CAROLINA. , 75
Hanover had assembled in a large body and protested against the
proceedings of the late Provincial Congress, as revolutionary and
rebellious. The Council instructed the President (Mr. Harnett),
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
house, in Johnston County, on 18th December, 1775, and Corne-
lius Harnett presided.
The Sheriff of Halifax, Mr. Branch,* brought before the council
Walter Lamb and George Massenbird, as enemies to the country,
and prayed punishment upon them as Tories. The council ordered
Lamb to be committed for trial before the committee of safety for
Halifax ; and the other, being penitent, took the test oath and was
discharged.
The efforts of Governor Martin,- still in the Cape Fear River on
board 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 Newbern,
and Edenton, 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
Governor 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 Cornwallis. He issued a commission of General to on of
their chiefs (Donald McDonald).
The Council recommended, 1775, that "all communi"cations 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
Griffith Rutherford, Colonel ; John Phifer, Lieutenant- Colonel ;
John Paisly, Major ~Lst 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 Newbern, on
the 28th February, 1776, which was called to devise measures of
* The father of Gov. John Branch, now of Enfield.
76 HISTORY 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."*
By the dawn of day, 27th February, 1776, the royal forces were
* Henry V., Act I.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 77
in motion ; the shrill notes of their pibroch were heard summoning
their belted chiefs with their clans to battle.
Our troops had removed the planks from /the bridge, had been
under 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 by 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
and 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 Congress, 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 Cornelius Harriett 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 Cornwallis, 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 Martin, 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, viz :
Counties. Members.
i A f Samuel Spencer, Daniel Love, John Crawford, James
*" An \ Picket, and John Childs.
2. Beaufort Roger Ormond, Thomas Respiss, Jr., and John Cooper.
78
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Counties.
3. Bidden
4. Bertie
5. Brunswick
6. Bute*
.7. Craven
8. Carteret
9. Currituck
10. Cliowan
1J.. Cumberland
12. Chatham
13.
14.
15. Edgecombe
16. Granville
17. Guilford
18. .Hyde.
19. JHer(/brtf
20. .HaZi/os
21. Johnston
22. Mecklenburg
23.
24. New Hanover
25. Northampton
26. Onslow
27. Orange
28. Perquimans
29. Pasguotank
30. Pttf
31. Rowan ,
32.
33.
34.
35.
Members.
( Nathaniel Richardson, Thomas Robertson, James
{ Council, Maturan Colvill and Thomas Amis.
John Campbell, John Johnston, Charles Jacocks.
Green 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.
David Smith, Alexander McAllister, Farquard 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, J
Henry Irwin, and Nathan Boddie.
Thomas Person, John Penn, Memucan Hunt, John
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,
f John Bradford, James Hogan, 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 McKenzie,
Thomas Wiggins, Edward Smithwick.
John Ashe, John Devane, Samuel Ashe,
Mosely, and John Hollingsworth.
Allen Jones, Jeptha Atherton, Eaton Haynes, Drury
Gee, Samuel Lockhart, Howel Edmunds.
George Mitchell, Benjamin Doty, John Spicer, John
King, and John Norman.
John Kinchen, James Saunders, John Butler, Na-
thaniel Rochester, Thomas Burke.
Miles Harvey, William Skinner, Thomas Harvey, Chas.
Blount, and Charles Moore.
Thomas Boyd, Joseph Jones, William Gumming,
Dempsey Burges, and Henry Abbot.
John Simpson, Edward Salter, William Robeson.
Griffith Rutherford, Matthew Locke.
Archibald Corry.
( Joel Lane, John Hinton, John Rand, William Hooper,
{ and Tignal Jones.
* Bute was divided in 1779, into Warren and Franklin.
f Dobbs was divided in 1791, into Glasgow and Lenoir. Glasgow was
changed in 1799, to Greene.
t Father of Hon. Wm. H. Battle.
Tryon was divided in 1791, into Lincoln and Rutherford.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
79
Towns. Bath, William Brown ; Edenton, Joseph Hewes ; Newbern, Ab-
ner Nash;* Wilmington, Cornelius Harnet ; Halifax, Wilie Jones ; Hillsboro',
William Johnston ; Salisbury, David Nesbit ; Campbelton, Arthur Council.
Allen Jones proposed SAMUEL JOHNSTON for President, who
was unanimously chosen.
James Green was appointed Secretary, John Hunt, assistant,
and Francis Lynaugh and Evan Swann, Door Keepers.
Six Brigadier Generals were created at this session, viz. : on the
22d of April.
John Ashe, for the District of Wilmington.
Edward Vail, " " Edenton.
Richard Caswell, " " Newbern.
Allen Jones,
Thomas Person,
Griffith Rutherford,
Halifax.
Hillsboro'.
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
Continental Army, the following appointments were then made :
Regiments. Colonels.
1st. Francis Nash,f
2d. Alexander Martin,
3d. Jethro Sumner,
4th. Thomas Polk,
5th. Edward Buncombe,
6th. Alex'r Lillington,
Lieut. Colonels.
Thomas Clarke,
John Patton,
William Alston,
James Thackston,
Henry Irwin,
William Taylor,
Majors.
William Davis.
John White.
Samuel Lockhart.
William Davidson.
Levi Dawson.
Gideon Lamb.
The other officers of the 1st and 2d Regiments, have already
been recorded. The following were appointed captains in the re-
maining regiments :
3d Keg't. 1st. William Brinkley. 2d. Pinkithan Eaton.
3d. John Gray. 4th. William Barrot.
5th. Jacob Turner. 6th. George Grandbury.
7th. James Cook. 8th. James Ennet.
4th. Reg't. 1st. Roger Moore.
3d. Jerome McLean.
5th. William Temple Cole.
7th. Joseph Phillips.
2d. John Ashe.
4th. Robert Smith.
6th. Thomas Harris.
8th. John Nelson.
Dr. Robert Hall, Chirurgeon of 3d Regiment ; Dr. Hugh Boyd,
4th Regiment; Dr. Samuel Cooley, 5th Regiment; Dr. Wm. Me
Clure, 6th Regiment.
Paymasters. James Hogan, of 3d Regiment, also of the three
companies of Light Horse ; Samuel Ashe, 1st 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.
t Uncle of the same.
80 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Officers of the Battalions ordered to be raised, appointed by the
House : ,
Edenton District. Peter Simon and John Pugh Williams, Captains ; An-
drew Duke and Thomas Witinel Pugh, 1st Lieutenants ; Nehemiah Long and
Joseph Clayton, 2d Lieutenants ; Benjamin Bailey and Elisha Rhodes, En-
signs ; Jerome McLaine, Thomas Grandbury, and Kedar Ballard, Captains ;
Jacob Pollock and John Grandbury, 1st Lieutenants ; Whitmel Blount and
Zephaniah Burgess, 2d Lieutenants ; Wm. Knott, Ensign ; Rodger Moore,
Captain ; William Goodman, 1st Lieutenant; Beniajah 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 Etheridge and Joseph Mont-
fort, Ensigns ; John Gray and Jacob Turner, Captains ; Joseph Clinch and
Daniel Jones', 1st Lieutenants ; Matthew Wood and Alsop High, 2d Lieute-
nants; William Linton and Benjamin Morgan, Ensigns.
Hillsboro' District. Philip Taylor and Archibald Lytle, Captains; John
Kennon and Thomas Donoho, 1st Lieutenants ; Dempsey Moore and William
Thompson, 2d Lieutenants ; Solomon Walker and William Lyttle, Ensigns ;
James Emmett, Captain ; William Clements, 1st Lieutenant.
Wilmington District. John Ashe, Jr. and John James, Captains ; Charles
Hollingsworth 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.
Newbern District. Simon Alderson and John Enloe, Captains ; William
Groves and George Suggs, 1st Lieutenants ; JohnCustin 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, 1st Lieutenants; William Caldwell and
David Craig,* 2d Lieutenants ; Thomas McClure and Joseph Patton, Ensigns ;
Thomas Haines and Jesse Saunders, Captains ; Thomas Picket and William
Clover, 1st Lieutenants ; John Madaris and Pleasant Henderson, f 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 William Dent, Jr., 1st Lieutenants ; Micajah Lewis
and James Starrat, 2d Lieutenants ; William Meredith and Alex. Nelson,
Ensigns ; John Baptiste Ashe, Captain ; George Dougherty, 1st Lieutenant ;
Andrew Armstrong, 2d Lieutenant ; Joshua Hadley, Ensign ; James Cook,
Captain ; Adam Hampton, 1st Lieutenant; John Walker, Jr., 2d Lieutenant;
Adam McFadden, Ensign.
LIGHT HORSE.
1st Company. John Dickerson, Captain ; Samuel Ashe, Jr., Lieutenant ;
Abraham Childers, Cornet.
2d Company .Martin Pfifer, Captain ; James Sumner, Lieutenant ; Valen-
tine Beard, Cornet.
Zd Company. James Jones, Captain ; Cosimo Madacy, Lieutenant; James
Armstrong, Cornet.
* Father of Burton Craig, Esq., of Salisbury.
f Father of Dr. Pleasant Henderson, of Salisbury, and of Mrs. H. C. Jones.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
81
FIELD OFFICERS APPOINTED FOR EACH COUNTY.
i
Counties. Colonels.
Lieut. Cojonels. 1st and 2d Majors.
Anson Charles Medlock,
David Love, Gpn Davidson
Beaufort
Wm. Brown,
Henry Bonner.
Bute Thomas Eaton,
Wm. Alston,
Thos. Sherwood,
Green Hill.
Craven John Bryan,
Lemuel Hatch,
John Bryan, Jr.
John, Tilrnan.
Currituck Hollowell Williams,
Solo. Perkins, Asahel Simmonds.
Cumberland Alex'r McAllister
Ebenezer Folsome, j 5? ^ Smith,
Chatham
Matthew Jones.
Duplin Thos. Routledge,
..
Jas. Moore,
Robt. Dickson.
Dobbs
Martin Caswell,
Wm. McKennie,
Jas. Glasgow. ,
Edgecombe Exum Lewis, ^
Simon Gray,
Jonas Johnston,
Thos. Hunter.
Granville
Thornton Yancy.
Guilford Jas. Martin,
John Paisley, }gg
Halifax Willis Alston,
David Sumner, fcf&.
Johnston Wm. Bryan,
John Smith,
Sam'l Smith,
John Stevens.
Mecklenburg Adam Alexander,
John Phifer,
John Davidson,
Geo. A. Alexander.
New Hanover Anthony Ward,
Henry Young,
Thos. Bloodworth.
NorthamptonWm. Eaton,
JephthaAtherton, | DruTv 11 ^ mUnd - '
( So Ree't) [ ^^ n Butler,
N. Rochester,
V
Robt. Abercrombie,
Hugh Tennen.
(NrRg j t)l ja8 - saunders >
Wm. Moore,
John Paine,
Thos. Harrison.
Pasquotank Thos. Boyd,
Spencer Ripley,
Othneil Lascelles,
John Casey.
Do )
(2d Reg't) } Isaac Gre g rv
Dempsy Burgess,
Joshua Campbell,
Peter Daugh.
Rowan Francis Locke,
Alex'r Dobbins,
Jas. Brannon,
Jas. Smith.
Do ) n T i
(2d Reg't) j <" B &ckman,
Chas. McDowell,
Hugh Brevard,
Geo. Wilfong.
/Surrey
* '
Jos. Winston,
Jesse Walton.
TyrreU Clement Crook,
Tryon Thos. Beatty,
Jas. Long,
A. Hampton,
Jos. Sprnili,
Andrew Long.
Jacob Costner.
This finished the military organization of the State. The names
of these men are preserved, that they 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
unanimously :
6
82
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
"Resolved, That the Delegates from this Colony in the Con-
tinental Congress be impowered to concur with the delegates 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
JOHN 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 Edentori, born in New Jersey, in 1735, a
merchant. Died November 10th, 1779.
John Penn, from Granville, born 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 llth, made choice of one, and the members
from the districts of twelve persons to serve as
A COUNCIL OF SAFETY FOR THE STATE.
Wilie Jones, Chairman.
Newbern -
Edenton
Halifax
James Coor,
John Simpson.
Thomas Jones,
Whitinel Hill.
Thomas Eaton,
Joseph John Williams.
Wilmington
HUlsboro'
Salisbury
Cornelius Harnett,
Samuel Ashe.
Thomas Person,
John Rand.
Hezekiah Alexander,
William Sharpe.
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 Wilmington, on the 5th of
June, 1776. Cornelius Harnett was again chosen President, and
James Glasgow, and James Green, Jr., Secretaries. Measures to
put down 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-
HISTOKY 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 Belgium's capital had gathered then
Hej beauty and her chivalry."
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 so many millions have since 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."
- . v, , ; . '
And here ends the first series of these sketches.
* See the Biography of Gen. Lenoir, Wilkes, vol. ii.'chap. Ixxx. .
f See Biography of Gen. Rutherford, Rowan, vol. ii. chap. Ixvii.
SERIES II.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA FROM 1776 TO 1851.
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 Constitu-
tion Names of committee RICHARD CASWELL elected Governor, and the
names of the Council of State.
NORTH CAROLINA early took steps to organize a civil form of
government.
Before the Declaration of Independence by Congress at Phila-
delphia, the Provincial Congress of North Carolina, then assembled
at Halifax (on the 13th 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 government, 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 Harnett, Samuel Ashe, William Hooper and others, could not
agree upon any form of a constitution ; and after much debate and
frequent postponements, in this body, the question was adjourned
by the appointment of Thomas Burke, Richard Caswell, and others
as a committee to propose a temporary form of government 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."
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
85
This body met at the time and place recommended.
The following delegates appeared:
Counties.
1. Anson
2. Beaufort
3. Bidden
4. Bertie
5. Brunswick
6. Bute
7. Craven
8. Carteret
9. Currituck
i.0. Chowan
11. Cumberland
12. Chatham
-13. Dobbs
14. DwpZm
15. Edgecombe
16. Granvitte
17. Guilford
19. Hertford
20. Halifax
21. Johnston
22. Mecklenburg
23. Jtfar/m
24. .Afetc Hanover
25. Northampton
26. Onslow
27. Orange
Members.
Thomas Wade, David Love, William Picket, George
Davidson, Charles Robertson.
John Barrow, Thomas Respiss, Thomas Respiss, Jr.,
Francis Jones, Robert Tripp.
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-
lojrell Williams, Thomas Williams.
James Blount, Thomas Benbufy, Thomas Jones, Luke
Sumner, Jacob Hunter.
Ambrose Ramsey, John Birdsong, Mial Scurlock,
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.
William Hay wood, Elisha Battle, Jonas Johnston, Isaac
Sessums, William Horn.
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, Benjamin Parmerle,
William Russel, Abraham Jones.
Lawrence Baker, William Murfree, Robert Sumner,
Day Ridley, James Wright.
John Bradford, James Hogan, Willis Alston, Samuel
Weldon, Benjamin McCulloch.
Needham Bryan, Jr., Samuel Smith, Jr., John Stevens,
Henry Rains, Alexander Averyt.
John Pfifer, Robert Irwin, Zaccheus Wilson, Hezekiah
Alexander, Waightstill A very.
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.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Counties. Members.
28. Perquimans
29. Pasquotarik
30. Pitt
31. Rowan
Benjamin Harvey, Miles Harvey, Thomas Harvey,
William Hooper, William Skinner.
Henry Abbot, Devotion Davis, Isaac Gregory, Demsey
Burgess, Lemuel Sawyer.
Benjamin May, William Robson, James Gorham,
George Evans, Edward Salter.
Griffith Rutherford, Matthew Lock, William Sharpe,
James Smith, John Brevard.
32. Surry
33. Tyrrell
34. Tryon
35. Wake
Peter Wynn, Jeremiah Frazier, Isham Webb, Stephens
Lee, Benjamin Blount.
Joseph Harden, Robert Abernathy, William Graham,
William Alston, John Barber.
Tignal Jones, James Jones, Michal Rogers, John 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 ; Newbern, 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. Hay wood, Gen. Rutherford, Mr.
Abbot, Luke Sumner, Thomas Respiss, Jr., Mr. McLean, Mr. Hogan, and
Mr. Alexander, to form a bill of rights, and constitution for the State.
Mr. Hewes, Mr. Harnett, Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Spear, Mr. Avery, Mr. Eaton,
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 with 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 officers were elected :
RICHARD CASWELL, Governor of the State.
JAMES GLASGOW, Secretary of State.
Cornelius Harnett, Edward Starkey,
Thomas Person, Joseph Leech,
William Day, Thomas Eaton,
William Hay wood, 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 difficulties 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, we 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
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 87
its establishment, command alike our respect, gratitude and ad-
miration.
" Thou too, sail on, ship of State,
Sail on, Union! strong and great.;
Humanity, with all its fears,
' With all the hope of future years,
Is hanging breathless on thy fate !
We know what masters laid thy keel,
What workmen 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 added 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 Court.* 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.
He 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 the 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 Murrah, Esq., Secretary and Clerk of the Crown of said Province, ap-
pointing him Clerk of the said County, and Clerk of the Peace, which, being
allowed, he took the several oaths, and subscribed the test/'
88 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
In 1770 and 1771 he was chosen speaker of the House of Com-
mons.
He was also colonel of the militia of his county, and as such
commanded the right wing of Gov. Trjon's forces in the battle of
Alamance (16th May, 1771), which was the first time that he ex-
perienced the 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 which 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 the
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 Newbern 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 Carolina
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 Kalb (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.
HISTOKY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 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 him 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 Greene) 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 having 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 November, 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 Newbern. 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, and 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 Revolutionary 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." 51 It is recorded of him that he committed to memory the
whole four books of Blackstone, so as to be able to recite accurate-
ly any portion of the text froin 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.
* Cotton, Life of Macon, 178.
90 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
His character and his career, more than any of our revolution-
ary worthies, resembles that of the Father of his 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 Gas well.
" 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,
By forms unseen their dirge is 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 interesting, we give it a separate chapter.
CHAPTER III.
State of FRANKLAND, 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 known 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 II., 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 River Matthias, in Florida; from the Atlantic on the east, "to
HISTORY OP NOETH CAROLINA. 91
the west, 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, and
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
territory 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 "they twain shall be one flesh."
May not fancy carry out the analogy to nations as well as
natures ?
For a long time y 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 History of North Carolina, vol. ii. 246.
I Martin, i. 303.
yz HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
in 1776, she only claimed jurisdiction as far west as the Mississippi
Eiver.
Even this claim, from the great distance of the seat of govern-
ment, the natural barrier of almost impenetrable 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 common
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 perfidy.
In 1784, the General Assembly in April, at Hillsboro', among
other acts for the relief of the general government, ceded her west-
ern 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-
ness, had suffered incredible hardships. Many were murdered by
the savages ; some had their wives and children massacred ; and all
had suffered in privation and property.
They viewed with much suspicion the act of 1784 ; and on the 23d
August, 1784, a convention met at Jonesboro', of which JOHN
SEVIER 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 General Assembly of North Carolina met at Newbern 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
court, formed their militia into a brigade, appointed him a brigadier
general, and repealed the cession act of last session. "Our griev-
ances," said he, u are redressed, and we have nothing more to com-
plain of; my advice is to cease all efforts to separate from North
Carolina, but remain firm and faithful to her laws."
This history forms but another example in our career, that " re-
volutions take no backward step." Feeble hands or feebler heads
HISTOKY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 93
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 convention of five delegates from each county met at Jonesboro'.
JOHN SEVIER was made president of this convention. They formed
a constitution for the State of FRANKLAND, 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.,
Governor 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 military 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 unsanctioned by law.
He closed by informing them that the General Assembly of North
Carolina would soon be in session, before which all these unlawful
acts would be laid ; advising them to bring forward their grievances
then, let their terms of separation be known, 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, " they 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 heed 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 office, 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 Ib. ; 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. White. 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 this 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 Newbern,
in November, 1785, 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 Tennessee 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 Joneshoro' (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
Frankland.
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
illustrious example was* followed by their adherents, and "feats of
broils and battle" were no uncommon occurrence.
The 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 Gay :
" 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
Robinson, 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 members. 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
yb HISTORY OF NORTH 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 him ; 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 Frankland 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 sum-
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
sallied 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 his 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).
* Hay wood's History of Tennessee, 177.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 97
In October, Colonels Tipton, Love, and others apprehended Se-
vier at the house of Mrs. Brown, near Jonesborough. Tipton was
armed, and swore that he would kill Sevier ; and Sevier really
thought he would do so. Tipton was, however, with much exertion,
pacified. Handcuffs 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 last Governor of FranTcland ter-
minated. But with all his defects, John Sevier had many virtues.
He was fearless to a fault ; kind to his friends, and 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. He
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 him from any office; and on his taking the oath of alle-
giance, he was allowed his seat. Thus were the difficulties 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 by a previous #ct
of the General Assembly, passed in the year 1789, Samuel John-
ston and Benjamin Hawkins, Senators in Congress, executed a deed
Jo 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 born.
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 the
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 and daughter, like that of all indulged
98 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
and unruly daughters from a venerable mother, was joyful to both
parties. Both were happier in the separation, and may both be
equally prosperous !
CHAPTER IV.
. x ' *' .*. <".
Governors of North Carolina, from RICHARD CASTTELL, 1776,
to DAVID S. REID, 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.
1832. DAVID L. SWAIN, of Buncombe,
1835. RICHARD DOBBS SPAIGHT, of Craven.
These were elected by .the General Assembly. The convention
of 1835, having amended the constitution, 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 NORTH CAROLINA. 99
1841. JOHN M. MOREHEAD, of Guilford.
1845. WM. A^ GRAHAM, of Orange. -
1849. CHARLES MANLY, of Wake.
1851. DAVID S. REID, of Rodkingham.
CHAPTER V.
Judiciary of 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
177G 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 of legal wit worthy of preservation.
No less important thafti 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 community, during
our 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
, independence was referred were lawyers, except one. In our 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 HISTORY 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 Kevolution (1773),
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 Jus-
tice and three associates, at Newbern.
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 1752,
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 under 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 until 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 arma leges silent."!
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 Quincy, Jr., p. 123.
f Among arms, laws are silent.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 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 Jeffreys, 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.
MAURICE 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.
SPRINGFIELD, August 12th, 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 affords me. I never knew, or even,
as I know of, ever saw any man or men engaged 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 assur-
ing you I esteem you, and am your most obedient, &c.,
M. MOORE.
* ' r ," .
Judge Moore addressed to Governor Tryon a letter of great
length, signed Atticus,f which, while it shows the true character of
* Lorenzo Sabine's American Loyalists, 369. Boston, Little & Brown, 1847.
f See Jones's Defence of North Carolina, p. 57.
102 HISTORY OF NORTH 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 British
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 brother,
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 Sc9tland, and his mother's side (Williams) from Wales.
His father . came to Granville County about 1745 ; and subse-
quently was 'appointed the sheriff of that county. The duties in
which his son was employed afforded 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 privilege to apply for a
license, and the Judge's duty to examine him; and, if he was not
qualified, to reject him; if qualified, to grant the certificate. The
Judge, 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 foench, 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. 103
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 Hart, 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 Kentucky 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 divides 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 company in Powell's Valley.
In 1779 Judge Henderson was appointed a commissioner to extend
the line between Virginia and North Carolina into Powell's 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 36 30", and the commis-
sion 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 Me Cay, of Salisbury; Richard, born July 1766;
Archibald, born August 1768 ; Elizabeth, who married Alexander,
born 1770 ; Leonard, born 1772 ; and John Lawson Henderson,
born 1778.
* See deposition of Ralph McNair, and letter of Judge Henderson, and de-
position of Waighstill Avery (procured from State Paper Offices in London),
now for the first time printed. (Chap, on Alamance, vol. iL chap, i.)
104 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
All four sons studied the same profession for which 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 Supreme Court.
The JUDICIARY early received from the State Congress that atten-
tion its importance deserved.
The first General Assembly that met under the State Constitu-
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
Fayetteville, 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 Archibald Henderson, of Salisbury, and Mrs. N. Boyden.
f See Sketch of his Life. (Chapter, Granville.)
HISTORY OF 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 OF THE SUPREME COURT.
John Louis Taylor, of Cumberland, elected 1818, died Jan. 1829.
Leonard Henderson, of Granville county, elected 1818, died Aug.
1833
John Hall, of Warren, elected 1818, resigned Dec. 1832.
John D. Toomer, Cumberland county, appointed June, 1829, re-
signed 1829.
Thomas Ruffin, of Orange county, elected 1829.
Joseph J. Daniel, of Halifax county, elected 1832, died Feb.
1848.
William G-aston, of Craven county, elected 1833, died 1844.
Frederick Nash, of Orange county, appointed 1844.
William H. 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-
son, 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 OF 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 1795. Samuel Spencer, of Anson, died 1794.
1790. Spruce Me Cay, 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 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Samuel Lowrie, of Mecklenburg, elected in 1806 : died Decem-
ber, 1818.
Blake Baker, of Warren, appointed in 1808 ; commission expired
December, 1808 ; appointed August 11, 1818 ; died in 1818.
Leonard Henderson, of Granville, elected in 1808 ; resigned in
1816 ; elected Judge of the Supreme Court in 1818 ; died August,
1833.
Joshua G-ranger Wright, of New Hanover, elected in 1808 : died
in 1811.
Henry Seawell, 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 H. Burton, of Lincoln, appointed March, 1818 ; resigned
in 1818.
John Paxton, of Rutherford, elected in 1818 ; died in 1826.
John D. Toomer, 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 D. Murphy, of Orange, elected in 1818 ; resigned in
1820.
James Iredell, of Chowan, appointed March, 1819; resigned
May, 1819.
John R. Donnel, 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.
G-eorge E. 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 1830 ; elected Go-
vernor in 1832.
* Thomas Settle, of Rockingham, elected in 1832.
* Those marked *, constitute the present Judges of the Superior Courts of
Law and Equity for North Carolina.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 107
Romulus M. Sawnders, elected in 1835 ; resigned in 1840.
Edward Hall, of Warren, appointed February, 1840 ; commis-
sion expired January, 1841.
*John M. Dick, of Guilford, elected in 1835.
*John L. Baity, of Pasquotank, elected in 1836.
Richmond M. Pearson, of Davie, elected in 1836 ; transferred to
the Supreme Court in 1848.
*David F. Caldwell, of Rowan, appointed in 1844.
^Matthias E. Manly, of Craven, elected December, 1840.
Augustus Moore,' of Chowan, appointed in 1848; resigned the
same year.
* Wm. IT. Rattle, 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. Ellis, 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.
Hutchins 6r. 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 Fitts, of Warren, in 1808.
John Haywood, of Halifax, in 1791.
James Iredell, of Chowan, in 1779.
Robert H. Jones, of Warren, in 1828.
Alfred Moore, of Brunswick, in 1790.
William Miller, of Warren, in 1810.
Hugh 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.
1 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 commission.
108 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Memucan Hunt, of Granville, 1777.
John Haywood, of Edgecombe, 1787.
.John 8. Haywood, of Wake, 1827.
William S. Robards, of Granville, 1827.
Robert H. 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.
* Daniel W. Courts, 1851.
COMPTROLLERS.
Comptroller's department established in 1782.
John Craven, of Halifax, 1783.
Samuel G-oodwin, of Cumberland, December, 1808.
Joseph Hawkins, of Warren, December, 1825.
John L. Henderson, of Rowan, 1827.
James G-rant, 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 will, 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
Attic," copied from the Greensboro' Patriot many years since. The
names are familiar to western North Carolina.
In one of our western courts, while Mr. James R. Dodge (now
Clerk 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 sin, and died in pain,
And the Devil got his Dews" (dues).
* At present in commission.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA,
109
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 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, 1785, 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
From
To
Ashe, John B.
1787
1788
Johnston, Samuel
1780
1782
Bloodworth, Timothy
1786
1787
Jones, Allen
1779
1780
Blount, William j JJgg
Burke, Thomas 1777
1783
1787
1781
Jones, Willie
Nash, Abner
1780
(1782
1 1785
1781
1784
1786
Burton, Robert
1787
1788
T* T 1.
(1775
1776
Caswell, Richard
1774
1776
renn, John
J1777
1780
Cumming, William
1784
1784
Sitgreaves, John
1784
1785
Harnett, Cornelius
1777
1780
Sharpe, William
1779
1782
Hawkins, Benjamin -
1781
1786
1784
1787
Spaight, Richard D.
Swan, John
1783
1787
1785
1788
Hews, Joseph
Hill, Whitmill
1774
1779
1778
1777
1780
1781
Williams, John
Williamson, Hugh
1778
(1782
11787
1779
1785
1788
Hooper, William
1774
1777
White, Alexander
1786
1788
SENATE.
Those marked * are at present in Congress, 1851.
In.
Out.
In.
Out.
*Badger, George E.
1846
1855
Locke, Francis
1814
1815
Bloodsworth, Timothy
1795
1801
Macon, Nathaniel
1815
1828
Branch, John
1823
1829
(1831
1837
Brown, Bedford
1829
1841
*Mangum, W. P.
^1841
1847
Franklin, Jesse
1799
1807
1805
1813
Martin, Alexander
(1848
1793
1853
1799
Graham, William A.
1841
1843
Stokes, Montfort
1816
1823
Hawkins, Benjamin
Haywood, William H.
1789
1843
1795
1846
Stone, David
( 1801
\1813
1807
1814
Iredell, James
1828
1831
Strange, Robert
1837
1841
Johnston, Samuel
1789
1793 Turner, James
1805
1816
110
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Alexander, Evan
Alexander, Nathaniel
Alston, Willis
Alston, Willis, Jr.,
Arrington, A. EL
Ashe, John B.
*Ashe, William S.
Biggs, Asa
Barringer, Daniel L.
Barringer, Daniel M.
Bethune, Laughlin
Blackledge, William S.
Bloodworth, Timothy
Blount, Thomas
Branch, John
Bryan, Nathan
Bryan, John H.
Bryan, Joseph H.
Burgess, Dempsy
Burton, Hutchins G.
Bynum, Jesse A.
Boyden, Nathaniel
Caldwell, Green W.
*Caldwell, Joseph P.
Carson, Samuel P.
Clark, James W.
Clark, Henry S.
Cocaran, James
Conner, H. W.
Crudup, Josiah
Culpepper, John
*Clingman, Thomas L.
*Daniel, J. R. J.
Davidson, William
Dawson, William G.
Dobbin, James C.
Deberry, Edmund
*Dockery, Alfred
Dickens, Samuel
Donnell, R. S.
Dixon, Joseph
Dudly, Edward B.
Edwards, Weldon N.
Fiteher, Charles
Forney, Daniel M.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
In.
Out.
In.
Out.
1805
1809
Forney, Peter
1813
1815
1803
1805
Franklin, Jesse
1795
1797
1799
1803
Franklin, Meshack
1807
1815
(1803
1815
Gaston, William
1813
1817
[1825
1831
Gatlin, Alfred M.
1823
1825
1841
1790
1845
1793
Gillespie, James
1793
1803
1799
1805
1849
1845
1853
1847
Graham, James
1833
1845
1843
1847
1826
1835
Grove, William B.
1791
1803
1843
1831
1849
1833
Hall, Thomas II. j Jjj^
1825
1835
(1803
1809
Hawkins, M. T.
1831
1841
\ 1811
1813
Henderson, Archibald
1799
1803
[1821
1823
Hill, John
1839
1841
1790
1791
Hill, William H.
1799
1803
(1793
1799
Hines, Richard
1825
1827
nsos
(1811
1809
1812
Holland, James
[1795
1801
1797
1811
1831
1833
Holmes, Gabriel
1825
1829
1795
1825
1798
1829
Hooks, Charles j J|||j
1817
1825
1815
1819
Johnson, Charles
1801
1802
1795
1798
Kenan, Thomas
1805
1811
1819
1824
(1803
1805
1833
1841
Kennedy, William 4 1809
1811
1847
1849
(1812
1815
1841
1843
King, William R.
1811
1816
1849
1851
Lock, Matthew
1793
1799
1825
1833
Long, John
1821
1829
1815
1817
Love, William C.
1815
1817
1845
1847
Macon, Nathaniel
1791
1805
1809
1813
Mangum, W. P.
1823
1826
1821
1841
McBride, Archibald
1809
1813
1821
1807
1823
1809
McDowel, James f ^
1795
1799
1813
1817
McFarland, Duncan
1805
1807
1819
1821
McKay, James J.
1831
1849
1823
'1843
1825
1845
McNeil, Archibald
(1821
i 1825
1823
1827
1847
1853
Mebane, Alexander
1793
1794
1841
1853
Mitchell, Anderson
1842
1843
1818
1821
Montgomery, William
1835
1841
1793
1795
Montford, George
1817
1819
1845
1847
*Morehead, James T.
1851
1853
(1829
1831
Murfree, William H.
1813
1817
^ 1833
1845
Outlaw, George
1824
1828
(1849
1851
*0utlaw, David
1847
1853
(1845
1847
Owen, Jas.
1817
1819
J1851
1853
Pettigrew, E.
1835
1837
1816
1817
Pearson, Joseph
1809
1815
1847
1849
Pickens, Israel
1811
1817
1799
1801
Potter, Robert
1829
1831
1829
1831
Purviance, Samuel D.
1803
1805
1816
1827
Rayner, Kenneth
1839
1845
(1819
J1839
1821
1841
Rencher, Abraham
(1829
[1841
1839
1843
1815
1818
Reid, David S.
1843
1847
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Ill
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Continued.
Saunders, R. M.
Sawyer, Lemuel
Sawver, S. T.
Settle, Thomas
Sevier, John
Shadwick, William
Sheppard, Charles B.
Sheppard, William B.
Shepperd, A. H.
Smith, James S.
Slocuinb, Jesse
Speight, Jesse
Spaight, R. D.
Spaight, R. D. Jr.,
Stanford, Richard
Stanly, John
ID.
1821
1841
\j\\\..
1827
1845
* Stanly, Edward
jii.
(1837
J1849
VSUl.
1843
1853
1807
1813
Steele, John
1790
1793
1817
1823
Stuart, James
1818
1819
1825
1829
Stone, David
1799
1801
1837
1839
Tatum, Abs.
1795
1796
1817
1821
Turner, Daniel
1827
1829
1790
1791
Vance, Robert B.
1823
1825
1796
1797
*Venable, Abraham W.
1847
1853
1837
1841
Walker, Felix
1817
1823
1827
1837
Washington, Wm. H.
1841
1843
(1829
1839
Williams, Benjamin
1793
1795
\ 1841
1843
Williams, Lewis
1815
1842
(1847
1851
Williams, Marmaduke
1803
1809
1817
1821
Williams, Robert
1797
1803
1817
1821
Williamson, Hugh
1790
1793
1827
1798
1837
1801
Winston, Joseph
(1793
1 1803
1795
1807
1823
1825
Wynns, Thomas
1802
1807
1797
1816
Yancy, Bartlett
1813
1817
J1801
1803
[1809
1811
1789
1,93
1803
1813
1823
1833
1843
1853
33,000
33,000
35,000
40,000
47,700
70,680
93,702
RATIO OF REPRESENTATION FROM 1789 TO 1853. \
House of Representatives composed of 65 members.
105
141
181
212
243
223
233
PRESENT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS, BY ACT OF 1846, AND MEMBERS
TO 4TH MARCH, 1853.
District.
Counties.
1st.
2d.
3d.
4th.
5th.
6th.
7th.
8th.
9th.
1, Cherokee; 2, Macon; 3, Haywood; 4, Buncombe;
5, Henderson ; 6, Rutherford ; 7, Burke ; 8, Mc'Dowell;
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, Mecklenburg; 4, Union; 5,
Anson ; 6, Stanly ; 7, Cabarrus ; 8, Montgomery ; 9,
Richmond ; 10, Moore.
1, Stokes; 2, Rockingham ; 3, Guilford; 4, Randolph;
5, Davidson,
1, Granville; 2, Caswell; 3, Person: 4, Orange: 5,
Chatham.
1, Wake; 2, Franklin; 3, Warren; 4, Halifax; 5,
Edgecombe; 6, Nash: 7, Johnston.
1, Cumberland ; 2, Robeson ; 3, Columbus ; 4, Bladen ;
5, Brunswick; 6, New Hanover; 7, Sampson; 8,
Duplin ; 9, Onslow.
1, Wayne ; 2, Greene ; 3, Lenoir ; 4, Jones ; 5, Craven ;
6, Carteret; 7, 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. )
Members.
Thomas L.
Clingman.
Joseph P.
Caldwell.
Alfred
Dockery.
James T.
Morehead.
Abraham W.
Venable.
J. R. J.
Daniel.
Wm.S. Ashe.
Edward
Stanley.
David
112 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER VII.
PRESS OF NORTH CAROLINA, from 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 enchanter's wand ! Itself is nothing !
But catching sorcery from a master hand,
And aided by the gigantic power of the press,
It paralyzes the thrones of monarchs,
Gives liberty and life to oppressed millions,
And strikes the broad earth breathless.
Take away the sword !
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 Virginia, 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,"
says 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."
* Williamson, vol. i. 165.
f Tymperly's Encyclopaedia of Literary and Typographical Anecdote.
j Martin, ii. p. 54.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 113
The Gazette continued about six years. On the 27th of May,
1768, it again appeared, and continued until the Revolution.
Davis was a Virginian by birth ; and postmaster at Newbern. He
held a commission as a magistrate under Governor Tryon.
The second press set up in North Carolina was at Wilmington,
in 1763, by Andrew Stewart, called the Cape Fear Gazette and
Wilmington Advertiser. The paper was discontinued in 1767,
Stewart was an Irishman by birth, lived several years in Philadelphia,
and was accidentally drowned in 1769, while bathing in the Cape
Fear River,
This paper was succeeded by the Cape Fear Mercury, published
October 1767, by Adam Boyd, and continued to the Revolution.
Boyd was an Englishman, and a true friend to liberty. He was much
respected, and one of the Committee of Safety in Wilmington, 1775.
His name appears in their proceedings as a leading member of the
committee of 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 printed at Raleigh, Newbern, Wil-
mington, Edenton, Tarboro', Murfreesboro', 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. ALBEMARLE SENTINEL, Edenton, edited by
Thomas C. Manning,
Born in Edenton, aged 25, by profession a lawyer ; Whig in politics.
2. ASHVILLE MESSENGER, Ashville, J. M. Edney.
Born in Henderson County, aged 36, by profession music teacher,
house and sign painter, auctioneer, to the ancient town of Ash-
ville j 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. Bruner, native of Rowan, born in 1817, printer by profession.
Samuel W. James, born in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1819, and a
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. JY Holton.
Native of Richmond, Va., 47 years of age, a printer by profession ;
Whig in politics,
8
114 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
8. COMMUNICATOR, Fayetteville, William Potter,
Mr. Potter is a native of Raleigh, aged 43 ; profession, preacher and
printer. Temperance paper.
9. DEAF MUTE, Raleigh, W. D. Cooke.
10. FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER, E. J. Hale and Son.
Mr. Hale is a native of Randolph County, born in 1802, printer by
profession ; Whig in politics.
11. GOLDSBORO' PATRIOT, W. Robinson.
Mr. Robinson is a native of Ireland, aged 36 years, by profession a
teacher.
12. GOLDSBORO' TELEGRAPH, W. F. S. Alston.
Wesley Fletcher Skidmore Alston is a native of Wake, born 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 profession ;
Whigs in politics.
15. HALIFAX REPUBLICAN, C. N. Webb.
Mr. Webb, born in Brunswick County, Va., 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 post-
master at Hillsboro'. Whig in politics.
17. HORNETS' NEST, Charlotte, L. S. Badger.
Mr. Badger is a native of Virginia, about 28 years old.
18. JOURNAL OF TEMPERANCE, Elizabeth City.
19. LINCOLN COURIER, Thomas J. Eccles.
Mr. Eccles, born 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 a
lawyer by profession.
23. NORTH CAROLINA STANDARD, Raleigh, W. W. Holden.
W. W. Holden is a native of Orange County, now about 32, prac-
tical printer ; studied law and obtained license, 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 36, a practical
printer, and a Democrat. He died August 1851.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 115
25. NORTH CAROLINA HERALD, Ashboro', R. H. Brown.
Native of Randolph, " young and aspiring," no profession.
26. NEWBERNIAN, Newbern, William D. Mayhew.
Native of Massachusetts, aged about 40 years, educated at Wash-
ington College, Lexington, Rockbridge, Va. Removed to Wash-
ington, N. C., in 1831, and took charge of the Academy in that
place. 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 in politics.
27. NORTH STATE WHIG, Washington, H. Dimmock.
Native of Maine, lawyer, and Whig.
28. OLD NORTH STATE, Elizabeth City, S. D. foole.
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 Gales, 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 OF THE AGE, A. M. Gorman.
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, born 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. Lorfng.
Thomas- Loring is a native of Massachusetts, aged 62, practical
printer and editor.
42. WADESBORO' ARGUS, Samuel Fulton.
116 HISTORY 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 thankfully 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, 1770 University, incor-
porated in 1789, and located at Chapel Hill, 1792 Corner-stone laid in
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 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 1764, an act was passed to erect a school-house in Newbern,
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 Newbern 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 ease 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 incorporate the Queen s 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, Waightstill Avery,
Ephraim Brevard, M. D., John Simpson, Adlai Osborne, John Me
Knitt Alexander, Rev. David Caldwell> James Edmonds, Thomas
Reese, Samuel E. McCorkle, Thomas Harris McCaule, 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 Cornwallis occupied its halls.
Rev. DAVID CALDWELL, about the year 1767, opened a school in
Guilford county. HeVas a native of Pennsylvania, graduated at
Princeton, in 1761, and a Presbyterian Minister. (See Guilford
county.) This school was conducted with great success. " His log
cabin served for many years to North Carolina, as an Academy, a
College, and a Theological 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 XLL) that a school or schools shall be established, and
" all useful learning shall 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 Hill, in Orange county. Eleven hundred and
eighty acres of land were conveyed to the Trustees by the citizens
of this neighborhood. In Oct. 1798, the first lots of the village
wtjre sold, and the corner-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 HISTORY 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.
Mr. 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 1796.
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 alma 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 the 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. His
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 Kail-
roads, then a new subject to the members of the Legislature.
He wrote numerous essays on Common Schools, the l)eaf and
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 119
Dumb, 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 North Carolina towards
these important subjects.
It was not his fortune
" The applause of listening 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.
-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/'
N
He was succeeded by Hon. David L. Swain, for whose biography
the reader is referred to another chapter. (See Buncombe.)
List of the Faculty at this time, and Graduates of ike Institution
from 1798 to 1850.
HON. DAVID L. SWAIN, LL. D., President.
REV. ELISHA MITCHELL, Professor of Chemistry.
REV. JAMES PHILLIPS, D. D., Professor of Mathematics, Mensu-
ration, and Geology.
REV. FORDYCE M. HUBBARD, Professor of Latin, and Natural
Philosophy.
HON. WM. H. BATTLE, Professor of Law;.
MANUEL FETTER, A. M., Professor of Greek.
REV. JOHN THOMAS WHEAT, D. D., Professor of Logic.
REV. ALBERT M. SHIPP, Professor of History and French.
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. Webb,
William Hinton, George W. Long,
Samuel Hinton, Samuel A. Holmes.
Hinton James,
Robert Locke, 1800.
Alexander Osborne, William Cherry,
Edwin Jay Osborne, John Lawson Henderson,
Adam Springs. Thomas Hunt
1799. 1801.
Francis Nash Williams Burton, Thomas Gale Amis,
William D. Crawford, Thomas Davis Bennehan,
Andrew Flinn, John Branch,
Archibald Debrow Murphy, Wm. McKenzie Clarke,
John Phifer, Francis Little Dancy,
Wm. Morgan Sneed, John Davis Hawkins,
120
HISTOKY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Thomas D. King,
Archibald Lytle,
Wm. II. Murfee.
1802.
Adlai L. Osborne,
George W. Thornton,
Cary Whitaker.
1803.
Chesly Daniel,
William 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, .
Gavin Hogg,
John C. Montgomery,
John Louis Taylor.
1 1808.
John Bright Brown,
Robert Campbell,
John Coleman,
Wm. James Cowan,
Wm. Pugh 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 G. Polk,
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 Clarke 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,
Tryon M. Yancey,
Edmund Wilkins.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
121
1815.
John H. Bryan, -
Isaac Croom,
George F. Graham,
Edward Hall,
Lemuel Hatch,
Francis L. Hawks,
Robert Hinton,
James Hooper,
Robert R. King,
Mathew McClung,
Willie P. Mangum,
Stockley D. Mitchell,
Mathew R. Moore,
Priestly H. Mangum,
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, v
Joseph R. Loyd,
John Y. Mason,
James McClung,
Junius A. Moore,
John Patterson,
James Sampson,
Wm. B. A. Wallis.
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. Hill,
Hamilton C. Jones,
Henry Jones,
Pleasant II. May,
Edward J. Mallett,
Elam J. Morrison,
* Bishop of Mississippi.
J Late President of the United States.
Robert H. Morrison,
fWrn. D. Mosely,
Peter 0. Picot,
JJames K. Polk,
Hugh Waddell.
1819.
Walker Anderson,
J. L. Brooks,
David T. Caldwell,
Wm. H. Haywood,
Owen Holmes,
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 II . Otev,
Mathias B. D ."Palmer,
Malcolm G. Purcell,
Thomas E. Read,
Charles G. Rose,
Wm. Royall,
Thomas B. Slade,
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,
Benj. F. Blackledge,
Robert II. 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
.HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Geo. W. Ilaywood,
Sam'l Ileaden,
Pleasant Henderson,
Thompson M. Johnson,
Thos. J. Lacey,
Willis M. Lee,
Wm. K. Mebane,
Anderson Mitchell,
Wm. S. Mhoon,
Wm. D. Murphy,
Spencer O'Brien,
Edward G. Pasteur,
Jos. II. Saunders,
Wm. A. Shaw,
Sam'l II. Smith,
Jas. Stafford,
Jas. II, Taylor,
C. L. Torrence.
1822.
Jas. Bowman,
Chas. L. Davies,
Wm. B. Davies,
Thos. F. Davis,
Jno. Elliot,
Wm. A. Hall,
Jas. T. Hall,
Wm. Hardiman,
Benj. F. Ilaywood,
Fabius J. Ilaywood,
Thos. Hill,
Jno. A. Hogan,
Joel Hollernan,
Wm. D. Jones,
Sam'l Kerr,
Pleasant W. Kittrell,
Robt. G. Martin,
Robt. H. Mason,
Washington Morrison,
Robt N~ Ogden,
Wm. D. Pickett,
Lucius J. Polk,
Abraham Rencher,
Marion Saunders,
Jas. B. Slade,
Benj. 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,
Hugh Martin,
Benj. T. Moore,
Victor M. Murphy,
Richmond M. Pearson,
Jno. Rains,
Benj.^S. Ricks,
Mathias E. Sawyer,
Alfred M. Scales,
Sam'l Stewart,
Thos. Sumner,
Jas. A. Washington,
Geo. Whitfield,
Robt. P. Williamson,
Wm. L. Wills.
1824.
John Allison,
Benj. H. Alston,
Willis W. Alston,
Dan. B. Baker,
Benj. B. Bin me,
Thomas Bond,
Robt. W. Booth,
John Bragg,
Jas. W. Bryan,
Henry E. Coleman,
Armand J. DeRosset,
Thos. Dews,
Richard Evans,
Richard Fearn,
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. H. Thompson,
William J. T witty,
John L. Wright.
1825.
Charles E. Alexander,.
Elam Alexander,
Albert V. Allen,
Walter Alves,
William E. Anderson,
Isaac Baker,
Allen J. Barbee,
Wm. J. Bingham,
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
123
Wm. P. Boylan,
James 0. Bruce,
Jesse Carter,
John D. Clancy,
Richard S. Clinton,
Washington Ponnell,
John M. Gee,
Milo A. Giles,
Ralph Gorrell,
Livingston Harris,
Fred. W. Harrison,
Jonathan II . Haughton,
Samuel S. Hinton,
William II. Hodge,
Samuel L. Holt,
Benjamin S. Long,
James Martin,
James Moore,
Columbus Morrison,
James E. 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. Tr.edwell,
Leander A. Watts,
Thomas W. Watts,
James M. Wright. -
1827.
Charles W. II. Alexander,
Robert J. Allison,
James W. Armstrong,
Absalom K. Barr,
Thomas W. Belt,
Thompson Bvrd,
William D. (Jrawford,
John L. Fail-ley,
Thomas P. Hall,
Lawson F. Henderson,
John W. Huske,
John R. Jordan,
Edwin A. Keeble,
Lorenzo Lee,
Richard II. 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. Slaughter,
James V. Thompson,
Lewis Thompson,
Whitmel B. Tunstall,
John R. Williamson,
John Winston,
Warren Winslow,
William H. Wooding,
Henry Yarborough.
1828.
Richard II. Battle,
Edwin G. Booth,
Henry S. ClUrke,
John P. Gau.se,
Edwin R. Harris,
James D. Hall,
Thomas P. Johnston,
James K. Nesbitt,
Thomas J. Oakes,
John L. Tnylor,
Henry I. Toole.
1829.
Philip 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 II. Edwards,
Rawley Galloway,
Cicero S. Hawks,
Richard K. Hill,
William W. Kennedy,
124
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
George G. Lea,
Nathaniel McCain,
James W. Osborne,
William K. Ruffin,
Aaron J. Spivey,
Elisha Stedman,
John M. Stedman,
Benjamin F. Terry.
1831.
Henry J. Cannon,
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,
Samuel 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 H. Parker,
Rufus M. Roseborough,
Richard H. Smith,
Stephen S. Sorsby,
James 0. Stedman,
Samuel B. Stephens,
Thomas E. Taylor,
Samuel A. Williams,
Charles C. Wilson.
1833.
John G. Bynum,
William M. Crenshaw,
P. E. A. Jones,
Edmund W. Jones,
Warren E. Kennedy,
Junius B. King,
Solomon Lea,
William N. Mebane,
William H. Owen,
Julian E. Sawyer,
Josiah Stagings,
Addi E. 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,
Hay wood W. Guion,
Robert W. Henry,
James H. Hutchins,
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 E. 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. A very,
Augustus Benners,
Perrin Busbee,
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
125
Peter W. Hairston,
George S. Holley,
Samuel B. Massey,
Leonard II. Taylor,
James G, Womack,
Pride Jones.
1838.
Kemp P. Alston,
H. W. Burgwin,
Charles J. G. Craddock,
Green M. Cuthbert,
George Davis,
Joseph "W.- Evans,
Needham W. Herring,
Benjamin M. Hobson,
Albert G. Hubbard,
J. J. Jackson,
K. H. Lewis,
William J. Long,
Charles M. McCauley,
John J. Roberts,
Colin Shaw,
James Summerville,
William R. Walker,
Wilson W. Whitaker,
Gaston II. Wilder.
1839.
Clarke M. Avery,
John N. Barksdale,
William F. Browne,
Jarvis Buxton,
Richard T. Donnell,
Dennis D. Ferebee,
John L. Hadley,
Jos. H. Headen,
Walter A. Huske,
Alpheus Jones,
Augus. C. McNeil,
Thomas D. Meares,
Isaac N. Tillet.
1840.
David A. Barnes,
Tod R. Caldwell,
Jno. W. Cameron,
Richard II. Claiborne,
Ralph A. Clement,
Jno. W. Cunningham,
Daniel B. Currie,
Isaac Shelby Currie,
Wm. II. H. Dudley,
Charles Gk Graham,
Wm. S. Green,
Francis H. Hawks,
William H. Henderson,
Lucius J. Johnston,
Wm. Johnston,
Daniel L. Kenan,
Jno. A. Lillington,
Wm. Logan,
Willis H. McLeod,
Andrew McMillan,
Walter W. Pharr,
Oliver H. Prince,
Samuel J. Proctor,
Archibald Purcell,
Duncan Sellarea,
Jno. P. Sharpe,
Albert M. Shipp,
Wm. M. Shipp,
Thomas H. Spruill,
Wm. Thompson,
Calvin H. Wiley. >
1841.
Benj. F. Atkins,
Thos. L. Avery,
Robert F. Bridges,
John W. Brodanax,
Robert Burton,
Archibald H. Caldwell,
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. Hay wood,
Jno. F. Hoke,
Angus R. Kelly,
Jas. A. Long,
Hector McAllster,
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 II. Viser,
Samuel H. Walkup,
Thos. B. Wetmore,
James II. Williams,
Jno.C. Williams.
126
HISTORY OP NORTH CAROLINA.
1842.
Richard J. Ashe,
Rufus Barringer,
Wm. A. Bell,
Francis T. Bryan,
Janies A. Caldwe'll,
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. Hayes,
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. Summerell,
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. Huske,
Jas. P. Erwin,
Thos. L. Johnston,
Richard T. Jones,
Rufus H. Jones,
Michael A. King,
J. W. Lancaster,
Jas. A. Leak,
Walter W. Lenoir,
Frederick J. Lord,
Jos. McCleese,
Thomas L. D. McDowell,
Bartlet Y. McNairy,
John L. Mears,
Jno. G. B. Myers,
Saml. J. Person,
Jno. J. Reese,
Willis II. Saunders,
Thos. D. Walker,
Jno. T. Watson,
Jno. L. Williamson,
Clement G. Wright,
1844.
Jno. Ballanfant,
Win. F. Barbee,
Wm. S. Battle,
Wm. A. Blount,
Jno. B. Borden,
Jno. H. Bryan,
Jno. H. M. Clinch,
Edinond 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. Long,
Jos. McLaurin,
Peter K. Rounsaville,
Thos. Ruffin,
Robt. A. Sanders,
James G. Scott,
Benjamin M. Smith,
Stephen A. Stanneld,
W alter L. Steele,
Thomas H. C. Turner,
George B. Wetrnore,
Exom L. Whitaker,
James A. Wimbish,
Edward C. Yellowby.
1845.
William E. Barnett,
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,
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
127
Alexander B. Hawkins,
James P. Herrin,
Eugene J. llinton,
Owen D. Holmes,
Pleasant A. Holt,
H. 0. W. Hooker,
Virginius H. Ivey,
Frederick D. Lent,
Langdon C. Manly,
Richard H. Mason,
Thomas C. Mcllhenny,
William T. Mebane,
Alexander D. Moore,
Lucius II. Saunders,
Reuben C. Shorter,
Thomas T. Slade, .
Jesse P. Smith,
De Witt C. Stone,
George V. Strong,
Thomas I. Sumner,
Leonidas Taylor,
Samuel D. Wharton, ,
Thomas E. Whyte.
1846.
James S. Amis,
Turner W. Battle,
William K. Blake,
Alexander F. Brevard,
William S. Bryan,
William F. Carter,
John N. Daniel,
William A. Daniel,
William P. Duke,
Solomon J. Faison,
William A. Faison,
Richard N. Forbes,
Edward H. Hicks,
R. C. T. S. Hilliard,
John L. Holmes,
David S. Johnston,
William B. Mears,
Thomas M. Newby,
Stephen F. Pool,
Sion H. Rogers,
James S. Ruffin,
Frederic A. Shepherd,
John Vicar Sherard,
David T. Taylor,
James R. Ward,
Richard T. Weaver,
Benjamin F. Whitaker,
Owen H. Whitfield,
Hillory M. Wilder.
1847.
Alfred Alston,
Joel I). Battle,
Joseph Benjamin,
George W. Berry,
Alexander J. Caiisler,
Duncan L. Clinch,
John C. Coleman,
Thomas W. Dewey,
Samuel J. Erwin,
John 0. Guion,
Eli W. Hall,
Thomas C. Hall,
James W. Hicks,
Elias C. Hines,
David Hinton,
William M. Howerton,
John J. Kindred,
M. Langford,
Lionel Lincoln Levy,
William Lucas,
William H. Manly,
Benjamin F. Mebane,
James L. Moseley,
John D. Myrick,
Edmond H. Norcom,
James J. Pettigrew,
John Pool,
Matthew W. Ransom,
Charles E. Shober,
Thomas E. Skinner,
Robert Hunter Tate,
William S. Trigg,
Joseph J. W. Tucker,
Thomas Webb,
John H. Whitaker,
Robert H. Winborne.
1848.
Victor Clay Barringer,
Geo. T. Baskerville,
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 II. McEachin,
Willie P. Mangum, Jr.,
Oliver P. Meares,
James N. Montgomery,
Hardy Murfree,
Hazell Norwood,
Lorenzo Dow Pender,
Thomas P. Person,
Nathan A. Ramsey,
John K. Strange,
Rufus S. Tucker,
George Washington,
John Wilson,
128
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Robert W. Wilson.
1849. >
Thomas M. Arrington,
John Troup Banks,
Kemp P. Battle,
Benjamin Yancey Beene,
Ephraim Joseph Brevard,
James Pettigrew Bryan,
John H. Corbett,
Alexander Cunningham,
Johnson M. De Berniere,
William A. Dick,
William B. Dortch,
Henry M. Dusenbery,
Fourney George,
Thomas D. Haigh,
Peter M. Hale,
William E. Hill,
Peter E. Hines,
Samuel T. Iredell,
James M. Johnson,
John M. Johnson,
William H. Jones,
Charles E. 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. Gorrel,
Robert A. Hairston,
Henry Hardie,
Madison Hawkins,
John Hill,
Richard Hines,
Benjamin R. Huske,
William II. Johnston,
Washington C. Kerr,
John Manning,
James R. Mendenhall,
Robert II. Langford,
Thomas Settle, Jr.,
Joseph W. Small,
Robert L. Smith,
Samuel E. 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,
JEgidius Leitch,
Jesse Harper Lindsay,
Malcome McDuffie,
Neill McKay, Jr.,
Thos. T. Norcom,
Rufus Lenoir Patterson,
Jas. Alfred Patton,
Wm. Marshall Richardson,
Etheldred 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 Gary Whitaker,
Edmund Webb Wilkins,
John Lewis Wooster.
ORDER OF EXERCISES AT THE COMMENCEMENT, JUNE, 1851.
1. Salutatory Oration in Latin.
CLAUDIUS B. SANDERS,
Johnston.
2. Oration. " Early History of North Carolina."
BARTHOLOMEW FULLER,
Fayetteville.
3. Oration. " Party Spirit,"
THOS. ADDIS EMMETT EVANS,
Cumberland.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 129
4. Oration. " The Infirmities of Men of Genius."
JULIUS GUION,
Raleigh.
5. Oration. "A Graduate's Aspirations."
WILLIAM MARSHALL RICHARDSON,
Anson.
6. Oration. "Virtue alone makes Men Free."
THOS. MILES GARRETT,
Colerain.
7. Oration. "Religious Tests of Office, unjust and impolitic in a Repub-
lic."
DAVID MILLER CARTER,
8. Oration. "Excelsior."
LOWNDES TREADWELL,
Lamar, Miss.
9. Oration. "Socialism."
JESSE HARPER LINDSAY,
Greensborough.
AFTERNOON.
1. Oration. " Influence of Public Opinion."
LEIGH CLAIBORNE,
t Tipton, Tenn.
2. Oration. " The late Crisis in our National Affairs."
FREDERICK ARMAND TOOMER,
Pittsborougk.
3. Oration. " The noblest motive is the Public Good,"
CHARLES CORNELIUS TERRY,
Richmond.
4. Oration. " Flora Macdonald."
MALCOLM JAMES McDurriE,
Cumberland.
5. Annual Report.
6. A Valedictory Oration.
JAMES ALFRED PATTON,
Asheville.
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
130
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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 Literary 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,
Win. S. M. Davidson,
E. C. Davidson,
R. N. Davis,
Wm. Flinn,
Thos. D. Houston,
Wm. II. Johnston,
James Knox,
H. H. Kimmons,
0. D. McNeely,
Arch'd Neely.
GRADUATED IN 1841.
Sam'l L. Adams,
Cyrus K. Caldwell,
W. P. Caldwell,
T. E. Davis,
R. W. Martin,
Wm. H. Moore,
James S. C. Moore,
M. C. McNair,
Samuel C. Pharr,
James G. Ramsey,
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 IN 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. H. Stewart.
GRADUATED IN 1845.
J. J. Bossard,
A. E. Chandler,
J. M. Davidson,
J. G. A. Dick,
J. A. Fox,
J. M. Gill,
J. H. Houston,
S. N. Hutchison,
E. N. Hutchison,
M. Lingle,
J. B. McCallum,
J. N. McNeely,
H. McNeil,
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 131
W. M. Peacock, J. M. Walker,
J. H. White. A. White,
^ H.H.Wilson.
GRADUATED IN 1846.
E. C. Alexander, GRADUATED IN 1848.
W. J. Cooper, S. C. Alexander,
J. L. Gaither, R. R. Barr,
W. B. Henderson, S. W. Davis,
A. I. McKnight, J. R. Gillespie,
Wm. McNeil!, J. M. Henderson,
J. W. McRae, J. F. Houston,
P. T. Penick, A. A. James,
W. H. Singletary, B. F. Little,
J. A. Williamson, 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. McLaurin, 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. JOHN 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., Presir G. C. Moore, M. D.
dent of the Board. Samuel J. Wheeler, M. D.
Hon. Alfred Dockery. George W. Thompson, Esq.
Rev. John Purify. William M. Crenshaw, M. D.
Charles W. Skinner, Esq. Hon. Thomas Settle.
Rev. David S. Williams. Nathaniel J. Palmer, Esq.
Rev. George M. Thompson. Rev. George W. Purify.
David Justice, Esq. George W. Jones, Esq.
132 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
John Kerr, Esq. R. W. Lawson, Esq.
Rev. J. J. James. Sidney S. Lea, Esq.
Rev. James McDaniel. H. 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, Esq. Council Wooten, Esq.
Rev. James S. Purify. John Berry, Esq.
Samuel S. 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
1838. 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 villages, 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 our limits do not allow a minute account or ex-
tended statement of their establishment or their value.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
133
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,
1 in 568
Mississippi,
Vermont,
1 473
Delaware,
New Hampshire,
1 * 310
Indiana,
Massachusetts,
1 166
South Carolina,
Maine,
1 108
Illinois,
Michigan,
1 97
Missouri,
Rhode Island,
1 67
Alabama,
New Jersey,
1 58
Kentucky,
New York,
1 56
Georgia,
Pennsylvania,
1 50
Virginia,
Ohio,
1 43
Arkansas,
Louisiana,
1 38
Tennessee,
Maryland,
1 " 27
North Carolina,
1 ii
a 20
1
18
1
18
1
17
1
. 17
1
16
1
15
1
13J
1
13
1
12*
1
1U
1
11
1
7
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
fund of the State consists of 1. The dividends from the bank stock ;
134 HISTORY OF 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 courts 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, which 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. Win. B. Shepard; Mr. Wiley, of Guilford; Samuel J.
Person, of Moore ; Mr. Barnes, of Northampton ; and others in the
last legislature, will, we trust, be appreciated and crowned with
success.
Present Literary Board WESLEY JONES, Wake County ; W. W.
HOLDEN, Raleigh ; H. G. SPKUILL, 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 of 1850 further increased its capita!
five thousand shares. Charter expires Jan. 1, 1860. The State owns 5,322
shares of stock.
OFFICERS, BRANCHES, AND AGENCIES.
Principal Bank at Wilmington. Thomas H. Wright, President ; Henry R.
Savage, Cashier ; J. D. Gardner, Teller ; McLaurin, Ass't Teller ; J. A.
Bradley, Book-keeper ; T. H. Hardin, Clerk.
Branch at Washington. John Myers, President; Benjj. Runyon, Cashier;
T. H. Hardenbergh, Teller.
Branch at Salisbury. D. A. Davis, Cashier.
Branch at Salem.- J. G. Lash, Cashier.
Branch at Fayettevilk.Cha,r\es T. Haigh, President ; John W. Wright,
Cashier ; W. J. Anderson, Teller ; Joshua Carman, Clerk ; Alexander Mc-
Lean, Clerk.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 135
Branch at Raleigh. W. H. Jones, Cashier ; F. C. Hill, Clerk.
Branch at Asheville.J. F. E. Hardy, Cashier.
Branch at Greensboro'. Jesse H. Lindsay, Cashier.
2. BANK OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, incorporated in 1833. Raleigh.
Capital, one million five hundred thousand dollars, of which the State owns
five thousand shares.
OFFICERS, BRANCHES, AND AGENCIES.
Principal Bank at Raleigh. George W. Mordecai, President ; C. Dewey,
Cashier; S. W. Whiting, Teller; D. Du Pre, Book-keeper; T. W. Dewey,
Clerk.
Fayetteville Branch. C. P. Mallett, President; I. "Wetmore, Cashier; W.
Warden, Teller ; W. Huske, Clerk.
Wilmington Branch. E. P. Hall, President; W. E. Anderson, Cashier;
William Reston, Teller ; J. J. Lippitt, Clerk.
Newbern Branch. George S. Attmore, President; J. M. Roberts, Cashier;
H. C. Lucas, Teller.
Tarborough Branch. James Weddell, President; P. P. Lawrence, Cashier;
R. Chapman, Teller.
Elizabeth City Branch. W. B. Shepard, President; J. C. Ehringhaus,
Cashier ; W. C. Butler, Teller.
Branch at Charlotte. Jofcn Irvin, President ; W. A. Lucas, Cashier ; W.
A. Williams, Clerk.
Morganton Branch. Robert C. Pearson, President; Isaac T. Avery, Cashier.
Milton 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 capital
of three hundred thousand dollars. Increased in 1850, fifty thousand dollars.
0. G. Parsley, President; Timothy Savage, Jr., Cashier; John McRae,
Teller.
5. BANK OF FAYETTEVILLE, incorporated January, 1849, with a capital of
eight hundred thousand dollars.
John D. Starr, President; W. J. Broadfoot, Cashier; Harvey Leite, Teller.
6. BANK or WASHINGTON, Beaufort County, incorporated in 1850, with a
capital of four hundred thousand dollars. Charter expires in 1877.
James E. Hoyt, 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 Revised Statutes, p. 347.)
Present Internal Improvement Board CALVIN GRAVES, of Cas-
well ; THOMAS BRAGG, 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,
136 HISTORY OF NORTH 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 navigation 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 Navigation Company was in-
corporated in 1849, in which the State subscribed $40,000.
6. Neuse 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, w r as 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. Hon. J. M. Morehead, President.
1. Buncombe Turnpike, from the Saluda Gap by way of Asheville
to the Tennessee line, was incorporated in 1824 ; capital stock to
be $30,000 in shares of fifty dollars each; the State owns one hun-
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,
as Principal, and a Board of Directors consisting of Perrin Busbee,
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 137
Linn B. Sanders, John H. Bryan, Thomas J. Lemay, W. W.
Holden, 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
pupil is about one hundred and eighty-three dollars. The Principal
has a salary of twelve hundred dollars.
A Committee of the last Legislature reported (through its chair-
man, J. H. Haughton) 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 Caroling."
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 commissioners to pur-
chase and select a site for the same. The commissioners have
selected " Dix's Hill," near Kaleigh, 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. Public Fund.
II. 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
Legislature 45,000 00
Executive . . . . . . . 10,000 00
Principal and interest on bonds of Raleigh and Gaston
Railroad endorsed by the State .... 70,000 00
And other demands which amounted last year (1850) to 228,173 00
The expenses paid from literary fund are, for common
schools ........ 107,339 00
LIABILITIES OF THE STATE.
For Raleigh and Gaston Railroad . . . $500,000 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 Cape Fear and Deep Rivers . 80,000 00
State Bonds for North Carolina Railroad 2,000,000 00
$3,071,000 00
Here end the Second Series of these Sketches, and the first
volume.
END OF VOL. I.
Location, Origin, and D ate
of Erection of every County
Counties mas*Jced/ * do nolsnou^ KETROCED
nui ctr- laid> dfft&n/ 2o<fJiouJ ff^ CROWN
RINTINC 1
BATTCE OF
AI.AMANCE. I
. DEC. OP IND
for Sketches of Np/Ca.
byJ.RWheeler. 1851.
IL SKETCH
or
vTH CAKOLINA,
From 1584 to 1851.
:.l J Rl'ilN.U. RECORDS, OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS,
STATEMENTS.
HKK JJiSTtNGWSHED
Y
DIVINES, CTO.
BY
JOHN H. WHEELER,
l.ATI THXKITRXX OT TUB STATTI
"Truth is stranger than Fiction."
LLUBTEATED WITH ^
VOL. II.
PHILADELPHIA:
LI P V <j R A> \ ND C 0.
GRIGG,
1851.
ionof eve
OTaralit
. .
H.WW;
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
OF
NOKTH 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,
LATE TREASURER OF THE STATE.
"Truth is stranger than Fiction."
ILLUSTRATED WITH ENG-RAVINGS.
VOL. II.
PHILADELPHIA:
LIPPINCOTT, GRAM BO AND CO.
SUCCESSORS TO GRIGG, 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. Revised Statutes, vol. ii. 165.
Lincoln County, formed in 1779 from Tryon (see Revised Statutes], which
in that year was divided into Lincoln and Kutherford ; Tryon erected in
1768 from Mecklenburg ; Mecklenburg in 1762 from Anson ; Anson in 1749
from Bladen ; Bladen in 1734 from New Hanover ; 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.
-CAI?,
The above is the Coat of Arms of North Carolina, as exhibited on the
Great Seal of State.
In December, 1776, "William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and Thomas Burke,
were appointed to prepare "a suitable device for the Great Seal of the State
of North Carolina."
It is emblematic, and represents LIBERTY and PLENTY.
Liberty holds in her left hand the Constitution, and in her right a staff
surmounted by the cap of Liberty, indicating that her liberties are safe and
secured by the Constitution.
Plenty holds in her right hand an ear of grain, and at her left the cornu-
copia 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.
In 1728, the precincts of North Carolina were Currituck, Pasquotank, Per-
quimans, Chowan, Craven, Beaufort, Bertie, Hyde, and Carteret.*
In 1729, Tyrrel and New Hanover.
In 1731, Onslow and Bladen.
In 1738, the precincts were denominated counties.f
CHAPTER I. Alamance -
PAGE
10
CHAP. XLII. Jackson
PAGE
218
II. Alexander
20
XLIII. Johnston
219
III. Anson
21
XLIV. Jones
221
IV. Ashe
26
XLV. Lenoir -
223
V. Beaufort -
28
XLVI. Lincoln - -
225
VI. Bertie
30
XLVII. MacDowell -
249
VII. Bladen
35
XLVIII. Macon -
250
VIII. Brunswick
45
XLIX. Madison
251
IX. Buncombe
51
L. Martin - $
251
X. Burke
55
LI. Mecklenburg -
254
XI. Cabarrus
63
LII. Montgomery -
270
XII. Caldwell -
69
LIII. Moore -
272
XIII. Camden -
70
LIV. Nash - -
274
XIV. Carteret -
72
LV. New Hanover
276
XV. Caswell -
77
LVI. Northampton
295
XVI. Catawba -
82
LVII. Onslow - ' -
298
XVII. Chatham -
83
LVIII. Orange -
300
XVIII. Cherokee -
87
LIX. Pasquotank
339
XIX. Chowan
88
LX. Perquimans -
341
XX. Cleaveland
97
LXI. Person -
343
XXI. Columbus -
108
LXII. Pitt
345
XXII. Craven
109
LXIII. Randolph
348
XXIII. Cumberland
124
LXIV. Richmond -
350
XXIV. Currituck -
132
LXV. Robeson
352
XXV. Davidson -
136
LXVI. Rockingham -
354
XXVI. Davie
137
LXVII. Rowan
356
XXVII. Duplin
138
LXVIII. Rutherford -
399
XXVIII. Edgecombe
XXIX. Forsythe -
141
147
LXIX. Sampson
LXX. Stanly -
401
403
XXX. Franklin -
149
LXXI. Stokes -
403
XXXI. Gaston
151
LXXII. Surry - -
408
XXXII. Gates
159
LXXIII. Tyrrell - -
411
XXXIII. Granville -
161
LXXIV. Union -
414
XXXIV. Greene
- 167
LXXV. Wake -
414
XXXV. Guilford -
169
LXXVI. Warren
423
XXXVI. Halifax -
184
LXXVII. Washington -
442
XXXVII. Haywood -
- 204
LXXVIII. Watauga
444
XXXVIII. Henderson
207
LXXIX. Wayne
454
XXXVIX. Hertford -
207
LXXX. Wilkes
461
XL. Hyde
212
LXXXI. Yadkin
467
XLI. Iredell
- 214
LXXXII. Yancey
467
* Williamson, vol. ii. page 246.
f 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 50' west longitude.
It is so called in honor of CHAELES 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 43,800 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 off the English yoke (1775).
Its shape is irregular. Its northern Kne (36 33') is straight
from east to west. Its eastern boundary irregular by the indent-
ures and curvatures of the Atlantic. Its southern line still more
irregular, as is also its westerrf line, by the course of the Blue
Ridge.
The 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 population of the State is 553,290 white ; 27,196 free colored ;.288,412
slaves ; 753,505 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. 593,451 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 merchan- 968 tons of iron.
due.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
TABLE I.
Chapter.
Counties.
Names of
Capital Towns.
)ate of
forma-
tion.
Course and Distance
from Raleigh.
1850.
Federal
Population.
Miles
1
Alamance
jirraham
1848
tforth-west 54
10,165
2
Alexander
'aylorsville
1846
North-west 150
5,602
3
oison
Vadesboro'
1749
South-west 143
10,756
4
Lshe
efferson
1799
Extreme N.W. 202
8,539
5
teaufort
Vashington
1738
East 127
11,716
6
ertie
Vindsor
1722
East 157
9,973
7
>laden
Slizabethtown
1734
South-east 99
8,023
8
Brunswick
Smithville
1764
South-east 173
5,951
9
buncombe
Asheville
1791
West 256
12,738
10
iurke
VTorganton
1777
West 197
6,919
11
Cabarrus
Concord
1792
South-west 139
8,673
12
Caldwell
jenoir
1841
North-west 200
5,835
13
Jamden
3ourt House
1777
tforth-east 219
5,174
14
3arteret
Beaufort
1729
South-east ' 168
6,208
15
Gas well
Tanceyville
1777
North 66
12,161
16
3atawba
Newton
1842
West 175
8,234
17
Chatham
^ittsboro*
1770
West 34
16,055
18
Cherokee
Murphy
1839
Extreme S.W. 367
6,703
19
3 ho wan
Sdenton
1729
East 182
5,251
20
31eaveland
Shelby
1841
South-west 190
9,697
21
Columbus
Whitesville
1808
South-east 125
5,307
22
Graven
^ewbern
1729
East 120
12,328
25
Cumberland
layette ville
1754
South 60
17,723
24
}urrituck
3ourt House
1729
Extreme N.E. 242
6,257
25
)avidson
jexington
1822
West 117
14,123
26
)avie
VIocksville
1836
West 120
6,997
27
)uplin
ienansville
1749
East 89
11,111
28
Sdgecombe
Darboro'
1733
East 76
13,770
29
?orsythe
Winston
1848
North-west 110
10,626
30
Franklin
Louisburg
1779
East 36
9,510
31
Gaston
Dallas ^
1846
West 175
7,228
32
>ates
jatesville
1779
East 167
6,877
33
}ranville
Oxford
1746
North 45
17,303
34
Greene
Snowhill
1799
East 89
5,321
35
Guilford
Greensboro*
1770
West 82
18,479
36
Halifax
Halifax
1758
East 87
13,007
37
Haywood
Waynesville
1808
West 294
6,906
38
Henderson
Hendersonville
1838
West 250
6,483
39
Hertford
Winton
1759
East 155
6,655
40
Hyde
Swan Quarter
1729
East 203
6,585
41
Iredell
State sville
1788
West 145
13,062
42
Jackson
1850
West
43
Johnston
Smithfield
1746
South-east 27
11,860
44
Jones
Trenton
1779
East 129
3,935
45
Lenoir
Kingston
1791
East 80
6,181
46
Lincoln
Lincolnton
1779
West 172
6,924
47
MacDowell
Marion
1842
West 200
5,741
48
Macon
Franklin
1828
West 331
6,169
49
Madison
Marshall
1850
Extreme west
, 50
Martin
Williamston
1774
East 140
6,960
51
Mecklenburg
Charlotte
1762
South-west 158
11,724
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
TABLE I. Continued.
Chapter.
Counties.
Names of
Capital Towns.
Date of
Forma-
tion.
Course and Distance
from Raleigh.
1850.
Federal
Population.
Miles
52
Montgomery
Troy
1779
South-west 115
6,162
53
Moore
Carthage
1784
South-west 79
8,551
54
Nash
Nashville
1777
East 44
9,034
55
New Hanover
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
Grange
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
jreenville
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
Clinton
1784
South 94
12,311
70
Stanly
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
Tyrrell
Columbia
1728
East 200
4,448
74
Union
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
i Waynes-
borough
1779
East 51
11,478
80
Wilkes
ilkesborou- c
1777
West 172
11,642
81
Yadkin
Wilson
1850
West
82
Yancey
Burnville
1833
North-west 245
8,086
10
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
TABLE II.
Showing the amount paid by each county in North Carolina into the trea-
sury as taxes (1850). The amount received by each county from the
treasury for the support of common schools (distribution of 1850). The
number of white persons over twenty-one who cannot read or write, in
each county, the deaf and dumb, insane and idiotic, and blind ; (from the
last Census.)
Counties.
Taxes paid.
Annual amt's
received for
Common
Schools.
Whites
over 21
who can-
not read
or write.
a
*^
gl
OQ
[nsane
and
idiotic.
o
a
3
Land.
Poll.
Total.
Dollars
Dollars
Dollars cts.
Dollars
1. Alamance
531
447
1426 00
See Orange
338
3
13
4
2. Alexander
142
128
414 00
See Iredell
390
5
9
3
3. Anson
638
662
2699 00
2024
394
3
11
7
4. Ashe
289
208
824 00
1136
587
4
8
3
5. Beaufort
416
201
2606 00
1630
1317
2
14
6
6. Bertie
748
758
2926 00
1481
1032
8
9
3
7. BladeiT
354
467
1225 00
1041
593
5
15
2
8. Brunswick
246
367
990 00
692
397
3
5
i
9. Buncombe
488
369
1426 00
1500
1533
14
24
10
10. Burke
181
286
1145 00
966
1091
2
19
3
11. Cabarrus
458
416
1910 00
1310
751
7
19
5
12. Caldwell
265
185
786 00
782
1129
4
10
5
13. Camden
312
247
1219 00
782
773
6
5
14. Carteret
134
214
838 00
944
729
6
18
10
15. Caswell
637
811
2721 00
1855
980
4
13
9
16. Catawba
442
290
1178 00
1591
363
8
18
7
17. Chatham
663
772
2404 00
2205
695
10
20
8
18. Cherokee
16
111
310 00
531
447
5
7
2
19. Chowan
412
381
2260 00
817
446
5
5
6
20. Cleaveland
282
322
1075 00
1035
1115
28
39
11
21. Columbus
165
212
624 00
549
658
3
11
6
22. Craven
315
672
44SO 00
1743
1355
8
22
10
23. Cumberland
620
846
4480 00
2050
1614
9
25
14
24. Currituck
303
292
898 00
916
901
6
12
2
25. Davidson
629
522
1954 00
2122
1412
5
31
7
26. Davie
306
307
1109 00
1065
859
3
8
27. Duplin
488
598
2038 00
1455
1123
5
13
7
28. Edgecombe
1062
1006
4778 00
1988
1923
12
10
6
29. Forsythe
386
287
1995 00
944
7
21
4
30. Franklin
464
591
2912 00
1354
894
5
7
6
31. Gaston
366
291
1151 00
Included
in Lincoln
6
7
3
1
32. Gates
314
431
1460 00
1010
942
4
8
3
33. Granville
819
1112
4300 00
2394
1962
15
20
5
34. Greene
326
365
1328 00
845
305
2
10
2
35. Guilford
805
626
3237 00
2829
1637
22
47
6
36. Halifax
885
920
3664 00
2046
269
1
4
1
37. Hayvvood
167
133
568 00
760
1162
1
10
4
38. Henderson
340
195
891 00
854
1
1
2
( 2
39. Hertford
352
410
1990 62
964
532
6
10
3
40. Hyde
352
304
1256 00
872
670
6
7
12
41. Iredell
507
513
1970 00
2217
447
4
31
42. Jackson
Forme
d last
session
43. Johnson
459
553
1840 00
1437
1420
6
14
7
44. Jones
286
312
1115 00
597
282
3
5
3
45. Lenoir
351
453
1717 00
958
600
6
2
46. Lincoln
345
286
1404 00
( 1591 )
-{Includes >
166
6
1
( Gaston )
47. MacDowell
285
189
861 00
730
684
3
5
3
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA,
TABLE II. Continued.
Taxes paid.
Annual amt's
Whites
^
received for
over 21
-
ca
Insane
Counties.
Land.
Poll.
Total.
Common
Schools.
who can-
not read
or write.
_i
s
&&
and
Idiotic.
1
3
Dollars
Dollars Dollars cts.
Dollars.
48. Macon
145
141
508 00
739
965
i
5
4
49. Madison
Forme
d last
session
50. Martin
341
384
1941 00
1017
163
5
3
51. Mecklenburg
570
656
3394 00
2458
117
8
18
5
52. Montgomery
214
219
769 00
793
536
5
28
2
53. Moore
239
333
950 00
1156
977
8
18
7
54. Nash
344
509
1808 00
1182
1357
4
14
2
55. New Hanover
507
836
52S5 00
1681
473
7
14
6
56. Northampton
745
727
2582 00
1666
1390
3
18
7
57. Onslow
301
349
1206 00
1005
989
1
14
3
58. Orange
647
650
2647 00
3367
1176
7
17
9
59. Pasquotank
508
392
2185 00
1057
210
1
1
1
60. Perquimans
486
3S7
1640 00
965
660
9
2
61. Person
393
539
1787 00
1259
610
3
12
4
62. 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
65. Robeson
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
5
18
2
68. Rutherford
570
441
1841 00
1984
1324
9
25
6
69. Sampson
506
648
1922 00
1623
1486
2
16
7
70. Stanly
187
227
700 00
736
964
5
11
71. Stokes
251
262
1040 00
2372
1674
10
7
9
72. Surry
557
393
1559 00
2244
3152
k 8
20
14
73. Tyrrell
191
187
568 00
641
594
3
1
1
74, Uaipn
341
303
1170 00
( With )
} Meek- S
( lenburg )
999
9
11
7
75. Wake
923
1092
6828 00
279^
2370
46
26
12
76. Warren
616
872
3500 00
1505
445
3
10
5
77. Washington
247
348
1344 00
601
201
1
4
1
78. Watauga
136
72
325 00
479
2
5
1
79. Wayne
705
682
2526 00
1472
1458
9
12
3
80. Wilkes
280
222
828 00
1723
983
13
17
6
Sl.Yadkin
Forme
d last
session
82. Yancey
158
139
504 00
915
1003
12
13
7
Total
32,708
34,793
145,150 00
124,300
71,150
505
1080
376
1
10 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER I.
ALAMANCE COUNTY.
Date of erection Origin of its name, situation, and boundaries County town
'Colonial and Revolutionary history History of the battle of Alainance,
between Governor Tryon and the Regulators, June, 1.771, in which the first
blood of the colonists was spilled by the Royal Troops of England Journal
of Governor Tryon in the first expedition against the Regulators, 1768 List
of hia 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 Edmund Fanning and others Governor Tryon's
reply, dated June, 1768 Petition of Francis Dorset, William Paine, and
others, to the Governor Deposition of Ralph McNair, Oct. 9th, 1770, as 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 Edmund 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-
porting his movements after the battle, report of killed, wounded, and mis-
sing Oath 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.
ALAMANGE 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 Gruilford. 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 LVIIL)
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 bailiff, towards the- people was oppressive, extor-
tionary and unjust.
In 1768, Governor Try on 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 July 1768, in consequence of the troubles of the Regulators,
Governor Tyron arrived at Hillsboro'.
On the 17th of August, the Governor left Hillsboro 7 , 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.
21st, 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 Folk'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-
pany.
27th, 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 off 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. (George
Rex, 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.
Sept. 4th, Sunday. Governor went to Salisbury.
12th, Monday. After reviewing the Mecklenburg battalion, left Salisbury
with troops for Hillsboro' where he arrived on the twen,ty-first.
24th. Governor so ill that he gave the command to Lieutenant-General
Rutherford.
Major- Generals app'd. JOHN ASHE and THOMAS LLOYD.
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, JAMES
SAMPSON, SAMUEL SPENCER, JAMES MOORE and MAURICE MOORE.
Lieutenant- Colonels. JOHN FROIIOCK, MOSES ALEXANDER, ALEXANDER LIL-
LINGTON, JOHN GRAY, SAMUEL BENTON and ROBERT SCHAW.
Majors. WILLIAM BULLOCK, WALTER LINDSAY,. THOMAS LLOYD, MARTIN
FIFER and JOHN HINTON.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
On the 2d October, 1768, the troops returned to Salisbury, and GOVERNOR
TRYON to Newbern.
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 dpne 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 of 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, judge 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 year 1766 there was general discontent in the countenances of the
people, and 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 give our officers an oppor-
tunity to still those clamors by disproving them entirely, we drew up paper
No. 1. (This was the paper read in court, August, 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, treble, nay, even quadruple the value
of the tax was frequently distrained, and such seizures hurried 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.
ALAMANCE COUNTY. 13
" The very day Col. Fanning set off for Sandy Creek, he directed letters to
three of the Regulators, inviting them to Hillsborough, and promising all
imaginary 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 flourishes
and consummate 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,
Rednap Howell, William Moffitt,
Harmon Cox, George Hendry.
"To His Excellency, Wm. Tryon, Esq., our Governor, and to the Hon. the
members of His -Majesty's Council for the 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 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 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 IJowell, 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 shillings 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 Zeruiah 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.
" Your 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 ! 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 sullenness 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 falling 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 which, 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, Kichard Cheek,
Wm. Paine, (a Dutchman,).
Peter Craven, Charles Saxon,
Jacob Fudge, Ninian Bell Hamilton."
PAPERS relating to Carolina, vol. i., 189.*
REGULATORS.
Deposition of Ralph McNair.
"3th Oct., 1770.
" That, on the 24th of April, 1770, he saw among the Regulators in Hills-
boro', Herman Husbands, James Hunter, Wm. Butler, Ninian Bell Hamilton,
Jeremiah Fields, Matthew Hamilton, Ely 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 to6k re-
fuge in a store, which they assaulted with stones and brickbats ; that Judge
Henderson made his escape the 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, arid 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 COUNTY. 15
" that, upon opening court on the 25th of September, the Regulators filled the
house ; they said they had come to have justice done ; they demanded that
their cases be tried ; that, at a former court, injustice had been done in choos-
ing jurors. They insisted that the court should proceed to do business, but
that no lawyer, save the king's attorney, should be admitted. This being re-
fused, they conducted the judge home with great parade. But, in the even-
ing, he made his escape. A party of them fell upon lawyer Williams and
Fanning, in a most furious manner. About one hundred and fifty began the
riot ; they afterwards increased. They left Hillsboro' on Wednesday night."
Deposition of WaightstiU Avery.
" Sth March, 1771.
" Deposeth that he fell in with the Regulators at the Yadkin Ferry, and was
carried to their camp in the woods. That he had heard them uttering many
opprobrious speeches against the Governor, Assembly, judges, and others in
office. Hamilton said to the listening crowd
" What business has Maurice Moore to be a judge ? He was no judge : he
was not appointed by the king. He, nor Henderson neither. That the
Assembly had gone and made a riotous act, that enraged the people more
than ever. It was 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 all put to death ! If they had not made that act, we might have
suffered some to live. A riotous act ! There never was such an act in the laws
of England, or in any other country but France ! and they'll bring the Inqui-
sition next.
" Many of them said that the Goyernor was a friend to the lawyers. The
lawyers carry on everything. There should be no lawyers in the province.
"When Captain 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."
Petition of the Inhabitants of Orange County, to Governor Tryon.*
" 15th May, 1771.f
" To His Excellency, William Tryon, Esq., His Majesty's Governor, in Chief
in and over the Province of North Carolina.
" The petition of us, the inhabitants of Orange County, humbly showeth :
" First That we have often beeij informed of late, that your excellency is
determined not to lend a kind ear to the just complaints of the people in re-
gard to having roguish officers discarded, and others more honest propagated
in their stead, and sheriffs and other officers in power, who have abused the
trust reposed in them, 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 without any apparent hope of redress.
" Secondly That your Excellency is determined on taking the lives of many
of the inhabitants of this county, and others adjacent to it, which persons,
being nominated in the advertisement, we know them to be men of the most
remarkable honest 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 so often confirmed, we cannot help having some small jealous-
ies abounding among us. In order, therefore, to remove them, we would
heartily implore your Excellency, that of your clemency, you would so far
indulge us, as to let 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 of, we will with joy embrace so favorable an opportunity of lav-
ing before your Excellency a full detail of all our grievances, and remain in
* From Slate Paper Office, London. Am. and W. I., vol. 200.
t Next before the battle.
16 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
full hopes and confidence of being redressed by your Excellency, in each and
every one of them, as far as lies in your power; which happy change would
yield such alacrity, and promulgate such harmony in poor pensive North Caro-
lina, 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-
vented. 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 your 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."
Governor Tryon's Reply.
"GREAT ALAMANCE CAMP,
May Wth, 1771.
" In reply to your petition, I am to acquaint you, 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 Try on' s Official Report to his Government of the Battle of Alamance.
" GREAT ALAMANCE CAMP,
May ISlh, 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 16th 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 left behind them.
" This success, I hope, will lead soon to a perfect restoration of peace in this
country. Though had they succeeded, nothing but desolation and ravage
ALAMANCE COUNTY. 17
would have spread itself over the country ; the Regulators had determined to
cut off this army had they succeeded.
" The inclosed 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 marks 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
General."
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,f 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 him, 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-
try from Cumberland County, and the artillery company of sailors raised at
Wilmington, with one of the brass field pieces, and six half-swivel guns. The
General marched on the 8th day of June, with orders from me, after he 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, and 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 Lincoln County. f Now Iredell County.
18 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
"Benjamin Merrill, a captain of militia, left it in charge of the officers to
solicit me to grant his plantation and estate to his wife and eight children.
" One Few, an outlaw, taken in battle, was hanged the next day 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 whom 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 I will immediately do my best endeavors
to raise as many of the said subscribers, as will be of force 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 should be brojte or other-
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 being
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. 28th, 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 Sheriffs, Clerks, and other subordinate
officers of Government."
These papers, procured from the State Paper Office, 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 Sheriffs,
Olerks, and other subordinate officers."
From their first Assembly at Haddock's Mill (Oct. 1766), to the
final catastrophe on the banks of Alamance (May, 1771), 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
ALAMANCE COUNTY. 19
Writer on our history, 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 by 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 liberty
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.
I 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 slaves, 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 RUFFIN, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State, is a
resident of Alamance.
He is a native of Virginia, and was born in 1786. He graduated at Prince-
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 representatives in her legislative halls than to Orange.
At this time (1815), Judge Ruftin from the borough, Judge Murphy in the
Senate, and Judge Nash in the Commons.
* Vol. i. 60. See Randolph, Chapter LXIII.
20 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
In 1816, Judge Ruffin was elected Judge of the Superior Court, and resigned
in 1818.
In 1825 he 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 fade 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
position, and how assiduous and self-sacrificing their labors. With the most
distinguished 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 ; hence the
biographer of the living has a dangerous and difficult path. He can onty
regard the stern advice of Cromwell to Sir Peter Lely, when sitting for Hw
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 obscure
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 TAYLORSVILLB.
The name of Alexander is familiar in North Carolina, and dis-
tinguished.
NATHANIEL ALEXANDER, of Mecklenburg, was Governor of the State in 1805.
Abraham 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 judge
of our courts, distinguished for his learning, integrity, and kindness of dis-
position. Its distance from Raleigh, 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, amounts
to four hundred and fourteen dollars.
ANSON COUNTY. 21
It is still connected with and votes with Iredell County, until
after our next General Assembly. Its early history belongs to
Iredell, to which the reader is referred.
CHAPTER III.
ANSON COUNTY.
Date of erection, origin of name, situation and boundaries, population and
products Colonial and Revolutionary history Excesses of the people
under the oppressive and extortionary conduct of the Crown officers Peti-
tion of the citizens in 1768 to Gov. Tryon against Anthony Hutchins,
Samuel Spencer, and Charles Medlock, with the names of petitioners
leply of the Governor to the same ; an original document, never before
published Members from Anson to the Provincial Congress of North Caro-
lina in 1774, which meUat Newbern Members of same for same, which
met at Hillsborough 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 Her 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 (1749) was in the zenith of his fame,
having only a short time previous obtained a victory over the French
fleet off Cape Finisterre.
WADESBORO', its capital town, derives its name from Thomas
Wade, who was Colonel of the minute men of Salisbury District in
1775.
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 ; 10,705 federal
population ; 394 persons over 20 who cannot read or write.
Products, 39,991 bushels of wheat; 416,102 bushels of corn; 168,505
bushels of oats ; 32,244 bushels of potatoes ; 11,832 pounds of wool ; 21
distilleries ; 1,489 gallons produced.
The amount paid annually 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 offi-
cers of the crown were not confined to Orange. The opposition of
* Martin, vol. ii 557.
22 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
the people extended to Anson County. So heavy were the exac-
tions of the officers, that in 1768 the people rose in self-defence,
entered the Court House, and violently expelled the officers of the
court.
Deep must have heen the wrongs, and hopeless the redress, when
a people could thus violently defend their rights !
The following petition (never hefore published), from the Stjate
Paper Office in London,* was procured through the kindness of
Hon. George Bancroft, our late Envoy at that court, 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 laid down " that taxa-
tion and representation should always be associated ; that neither
Parliament, nor the Governor, or any other power, 'had the right to
tax the people without their consent, freely given through their re-
presentatives in the General Assembly."
This petition proves that to Anson belongs the credit of having
first advocated the election of magistrates by the people.
The People of Anson, to his Excellency Governor Tryon.
" EXCELLENT SIB: We make no doubt but that you will soon hear the dis-
agreeable news of the disorders of the unfortunate County of Anson. We,
therefore, take this opportunity to inform you the cause and manner of it ;
in which we blame ourselves for not first having addressed your excellency
on the occasion of our complaints, who could, no doubt, have removed our
grievances, and have prevented the rumor of faction and disorder. 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 different manner, to
have suppressed the offenders, and make them wary of their employments.
" For which purpose we formed ourselves, into which the opposite party
called a mob, of about five hundred men, resolving, should no happier event
interfere to our succor, to defend our cause in the disagreeable manner of
force, and to have persisted unto blood.
" We looking at that time, much out of our powers, to have kindness from
your excellency, as our leading men were best acquainted, whose assertions
we feared would have greatest weight with your excellency ; but 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 any
particular persons, who are Anthony Hutchins, CoL Samuel Spencer, Charles
Medlock, and their assistants, the justices and sheriffs chiefly recommended
to your excellency by Hutchins and Spencer, to answer their partial views
1 Jt Jtfc. .UL .si. _t
and purposes.
"Innocent persons are committed to jail by the jailor himself, being a
magistrate, then put to considerable expense, and then discharged-
"Amongst other things, they tax the people in an unusual 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 expenses, when it is notoriously known that it is a province ex-
pense. But Medlock, the late sheriff, stopped not there, but proceeded
by Mr. Spencer, the clerk and member for the county, to have the same
claim allowed by the Assembly, and were only prevented, as we are informed,
* State Paper Office, London. Am. and W. I., vol. cxcviii.
ANSON COUNTY.
23
by its being proved to the Committee of Claims that the prisoners had made
satisfaction themselves.
"These things were not unknown to Mr. Spencer when he laid Medlock's
claim before the Assembly.
" In the next place, they tax considerable sums of money for particular
persons, who not having 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
conceive 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.
"As to the clerk, his extortions are burdensome to all that fall in his
power, as he takes double and sometimes treble his 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 the 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 country, 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 the government, and we as peti-
tioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
Solo. Crofts,
Thomas Ussery,
Jno. Skinner,
H. Fortenberry,
Lewis Low,
Joseph Howel,
Jason Meadow,
James Allmond,
Job Cilleadon,
James Loury,
James McMeot,
Daniel Short,
James Colbon,
Charles Walkinford,
James Round,
J. Tretenbury,
Delany Herring,
Jacob Collins,
Josh. Collins,
Js. Armstrong,
Jno. Swor, sen.,
Samuel Swearinger,
lleuben Woodard,
Luke Robinson,
Thomas Masen,
Wm. Betten,
Charles Booth,
Ab. Buskin,
Nat. Wood,
Mark Reerhen,
Wm. Hickman,
John Baile,
John Hornback,
Wm. Bosil,
Harklis Conkwrite,
. Jno. Bennet,
Thos. Harper,
Jas. Adams,
Amos Pilgrim,
Thomas Adams,
Jno. Swor, jun.,
Van Swearinger,
Sam. Williams,
Solo. Williams,
Wm. Fielding,
Pat. Boggen, Jan.,
Thos. Fanning,
John Jenkins,
Thos. Fanning, jun.,
Pat. Saunders,
Jno. 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. Masoi*,
Ralph Mason,
Thomas Mason,
Henry Fortenbury,
Wm. Rogers,
Geo. Marchbanks,
Wm. Buzen,
Ant. Matthews,
Peter Brisly,
Den. Nelson, sen.,
Benj. Barrit,
Jon. Poston,
Saml. Thomas,
James Higgins,
Wm. Higgins,
* This proves, at that early day, the great principle of taxation and representation was
well understood by the simplest of our people ; aud to Alison belongs the honor of first
recommending the election of clerks and magistrates by the people.
11
24 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Wm. Rogers, "Wm. Short, Frank Gordon,
Thos. Minis, John Henson, Jno. Higgins,
Charles Henson, Robt. Thorn, Thomas Jordan,
Malachi Watts, Robt. Ashley, Ab. Harper,
Wm. Burns, Sainl. Touchberry, Jo. English,
Jno. Carpenter, John Brus, Thos. Merns,
Jos. Burham, 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 21st 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 established 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 hag been preserved. The firmness and patriotism of its
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 Hewes, of Edenton, 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 Hillsboro'.
The delegates from Anson were THOMAS WADE, SAMUEL SPENCER, WILLIAM
THOMAS, DAVID LOVE, and WILLIAM PICKET.
This body placed the State in complete military organization.
WILLIAM PICKET, of Anson, was appointed Captain in the First Regiment,
commanded by James Moore.
THOMAS WADE, of Anson, was chosen Colonel of the Minute Men of Salis-
bury District; from his name Wadesboro' derived its name.
For Field Officers for Anson County
SAMUEL SPENCER was appointed Colonel ; Charles MEDLOCK, Lieut-Colonel ;
JAMES HULD, 1st Major; DAVID LOVE, 2d Major.
SAM"UEL SPENCER was appointed with Waightstill Avery, from the Salisbury-
District, on the Provincial Council of Safety, which was the real executive of
the State during the interregnum between the abdication of Governor 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 civil 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.
He was one of the three Judges of the Superior Courts first elected under
the constitution (1777). He was in the Convention assembled at Hillsboro' in
ANSON COUNTY.
25
July, 1788, to deliberate upon the Federal Constitution ; was its active 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 large
turkey gobbler was attracted by some part of his clothing, which was red, for
which color turkeys have a great antipathy. The turkey attacked Judge
Spencer most furiously, and before assistance could rescue him, so severely
was he wounded, that he died in a short time from the injuries.
From the journal of the Provincial Congress, at Hillsboro/ 20th August,
1775, it appears that John Coulson, 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.
1777.
1778.
1779.
1780.
1782.
1783.
1784.
1785.
1785.
1786.
1787.
1788.
1789.
1791.
1792.
1793.
1794.
1795.
1?96.
1797.
1798.
1799.
1800.
1801.
1802.
1803.
1804.
1805.
1806.
1807.
1808.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
Senate. *
John Childs,
John Childs,
John Childs,
John Childs,
Thomas Wade,
Thomas Wade,
Stephen Miller,
Stephen Miller,
Stephen Miller,
Stephen Miller,
Stephen Miller,
John Auld,
Lewis Lanier,
Thomas Wade,
James Marshall,
James Marshall,
James Pickett,
James Pickett,
Wm. May,
James Marshall,
John Auld,
Thos. Wade,
James Marshall,
James Marshall,
James Marshall,
James Marshall,
James Marshall,
James Marshall,
James Marshall,
James Marshall,
Thos. Threadgill,
Thos. Threadgill,
James Marshall,
James Marshall,
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 Dejarnell.
James Terry, John Dejarnell.
*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 May.
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 Moofe.
Wm. Johnston, David Cuthbertson,
D. Cuthbertson, Wm. R. Pickett.
Wm. Johnston, Wm. R. Pickett.
* Seat vacated, for having borne arm? against the State.
26
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years. Senate.
1813. Wm. Johnson,
1814. Lawrence Moore,
1815. Lawrence Moore,
1816. Lawrence Moore,
1817. Joseph Pickett,
1818. Wm. Marshall,
1819. Wm. Marshall,
1820. Win. Marshall,
1821. Wm. Marshall,
1822. Wm. Marshall, ;
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. Purdie Kichardson,
House of Commons.
D. Cuthbertson, Joseph Pickett.
Joseph Pickett, Wm. Dismukes.
Wm. Dismukes, Joseph Pickett.
Wm. Dismukes, Joseph PicketC
James Colman, Boggan Cash.
Jonathan Taylor, Boggan Cash.
B. Cash, Geo. Dismukes.
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. W. Brandon.
John A. McRae, Jere. Benton.
John A. McRae, John Grady.
George Dunlap, P. H. Winston.
P. H. 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
products Jefferson, county town ; first settlement in 1755, and a general
description 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 Governor of the State.
ASHE COUNTY. 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 annals of the province
as early as 1727 ; he had emigrated to the colony of North Carolina from
England, under the auspices of the Earl of Craven, one of the Lords Pro-
Srietors, and settled in Wilmington, then called Newton ; he had two sons,
ohn Ashe and Samuel Ashe, both distinguished in the revolutionary history
of the State.
Samuel Ashe was born in 1725. He was an educated man, and a lawyer
by profession. The proceedings of the Committee of Safety and the journals
of the Provincial Congress from 1774 to 1776 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 Governor 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 JEFFERSON,
the third 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.
108,5J05 " oats. 16,193 pounds of sugar.
Population according to the census of 1850 : 8,096 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, 1850-51.
Years. Senators. Members of the House of Commons.
1800. George Koontz, John Calloway, Nathan Horton.
1801. George Koontz, Richard Williams, William Horton.
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 Horton, Joseph Galloway, Richard Williams.
1807. John Galloway, Richard Williams, Thos. McGimpsey.
. 1808. J. Calloway, Richafd Williams, Bedent Bajrd.
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, E. Calloway, David Miller.
1814. George Bower, E. Calloway, William Ilorton.
28
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years. Senators.
1815. George Bower,
1816. George Bower,
1817. George Bower,
1818. E. Galloway,
1819. E. Galloway,
1820. R. Gentry,
1821. E. Galloway,
1823. E. Galloway,
1824. E. Galloway,
1825. Abner Smith,
1826. A. B. M'Millan,
1827. A. B. M'Millan,
1828. John Harden,
1829. A. Mitchell,
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 House of Commons.
E. Galloway, William Ilorton.
E. Galloway, William Ilorton.
E. Galloway, Joseph Doughton.
Francis Bryan, Miles Allen.
Bedent Baird, Richard Gentry.
John Harden, Alex. B. McMillan.
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 Galloway.
J. Galloway, Zachariah Baker.
James Horton, J. Galloway,
J. Galloway, Taliaferro Witcher,
T. Witcher, Jonathan Horton.
T. Witcher, Jonathan Horton.
J. Horton, Taliaferro Witcher.
T. Witcher, Jonathan Horton.
James M. Nye.
James M. Nye.
Alex. B. McMillan.
George Bower.
Benjamin Galloway.
Benjamin Galloway.
Reuben Mast.
A. B. McMillan.
CHAPTER V.
BEAUFORT COUNTY.
Date of formation Origin of name, situation and boundaries Population
and products Washington, 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 1776 Members of Gene-
ral Assembly.
BEAUFORT COUNTY was formed in 1741, from Bath County, now
abolished, and derives its name from Henry, 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 act of surrender, Revised Statutes, ii. 466.
BEAUFORT COUNTY. 29
Its population, from census of 1850, is 7,663 whites; 904 free negroes;
5,249 slaves; 11,716 federal population; 1,317 persons over 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 offish.
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, which met at Newbern
in 1774, were ROGER ORMOND, THOMAS RESPISS, and WILLIAM SALTER.
The delegates in 1775, which met at Hillsboro', were the same, with JOHN
PATTON, and JOHN COWPER.
This body appointed as officers to the regiment of this county, JAMFS
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 J^HN BARROW, THOMAS RESPISS, FRANCIS JONES,
THOMAS RESPISS, Jr., ROBERT TRIPP.
Hon. WM. S. BLACKLEDGE 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 STANLY 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:
Years. 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 Willis.
1781. Wm. Brown, Charles Crawford, Thos. A. Grist.
1782. Wm. Brown, Richard N. Stevens, John G. Blount.
1783. Wm. Brown, Thos. Anderson, John G. 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, t Henry Smaw, John G. Blount.
1788. William Brown, John G. Blount, H. Smaw.
1789. William Brown, John G. Blount, Richard Grice.
1791. John Kennedy, . Richard Blackledge, John Lanier.
1792. R'd Blackledge, John Lanier, James Bonner.
1793. R'd Blackledge, Charles Crawford, Frederic Grist,
1795. R'd Blackledge, C. Crawford, F. Grist.
1796. John G. Blount, John Kennedy, jr., T. Ellison.
1797. Hans Patton, F. Grist, Thomas Ellison.
1800. H'y S. Bonner, John Kennedy, Frederic Grist.
1801. H. S. Bonner, ' F. Grist, J. Kennedy.
1802. H. S. Bonner, F. Grist, Thomas Ellison.
1803. II. S. Bonner, F. 'Grist, T. Ellison.
1804. N. W. Bonner, F. Grist, T. Ellison.
30
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years. Senate.
1805. Thomas Smaw,
1806. 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 Hines,
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,
1829. Jos. B. Hinton,
1830. Jos. B. Hinton, i
1831. W. S. Rowland,
1832. Jos. B. Hinton,
1833. Wm. E. Smaw,
1834. J. McWilliams,
1835. J. 0. K. Williams,
1836. J. 0. K. Williams,
1838. J. 0. K. Williams,
1840. William Selby,
1842. W. B. Hodges,
1844. Joshua Taylor,
1846. David Carter,
1848. Thos. D. Smaw,
1850. A. Grist,
House of Commons.
Stephen Owens, F. Grist.
F. Grist, S. Owens.
James \Villiams, F. Grist.
J. Williams, Jonathan Marsh.
J. Williams, Thomas Boyd.
J. Williams, T: Boyd.
James Latham, Everard Hall.
George Boyd, J. Latham.
William Worsley, Slade Pearce.
J. 0. K. Williams, George Boyd. .
J. 0. K. Williams, Thos. Latham.
J. 0. 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. Kennedy, 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 Stanly, Frederic Grist.
Edward Stanly, Thomas D. Smaw.
Edward Stanly, W. W. Hnyman.
Jesse Stubbs, Wm. H. Tripp.
CHAPTER VI.
BERTIE COUNTY.
Date of formation, origin of name, situation, and boundaries Windsor,
county town Population and products Delegates in 1774 and 1775
Military officers in 1776 Life, character, services and political career of
David Stone, a native of Bertie Other distinguished citizens List of
members of General Assembly.
BERTIE was formed as early as 1722, from Albemarle County
(now abolished), and derives its name from James and John Bertie,
in whom the proprietary rights of the Earl of Clarendon vested.
BERTIE COUNTY. 31
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, which
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 slaves; 9973 federal
population ; 1032 persons who cannot read or write.
Its products, 2839 bushels wheat; 545,282 bushels corn; 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 Newbern, 25th August, 1774,
JOHN CAMPBELL was a delegate.
To the assembly which met in 1775, at Hillsboro', the delegates were WIL-
LIAM GRAY, JONATHAN JATC'OCKS, CHARLES JAYCOCKS, WILLIAM BRIMMAGE,
WILLIAM BRYAN, ZEDEKIAH STONE, THOMAS BALLARD, PETER CLIFTON, DAVID
STANDLY, JpHN CAMPBELL, JOHN JOHNSTON.
The officers elected by this assembly for Bertie, were THOMAS WHITMELL,
Colonel, THOMAS PUGH, Lieut.-Colonel, JAMES MOORE, 1st 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 the
army of the Revolution, and fell with him, at the battle of Germantown, in
1777. Over his grave, a marble, erected by the patriotism of the citizens of
Germantown, aided by the generous efforts of John F. Watson, Esq., author
of the " Annals of Pennsylvania," reads thus :
HONOR TO THE BRAVE.
Hie jacet in pace.
Colonel HENRY IRWIN, of 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
in thus rescuing the names and pointing out the spot where these martyrs to
the cause of Liberty sleep.
The stranger came, and found the soldier's gtave;
On honor's page he. saw ihe glorious name,
And raised this fond memorial to his fame.
ZEDEKIAH STONE, of this County, had early emigrated from England. He
was a merchant on the Cashie lliver, and was the father of David Stone,
* See Deed of Surrender, Revised Statutes, ii. 466.
32 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
who is so distinguished as a Judge, Governor, 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. After 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 college.
He studied law at Halifax under General Wm. R. Davie, whose 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, he 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 Representatives 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 Bertie. He 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.
He 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, Caldwell, Fuller, Foy,
Hinton, Johnson, McKinny, Murphy, Parker, R. Smith, Speight, Slade, Steioart,
J. Smith, Wright, J. Williams, R. Williams.
This caused him to resign. He seems never to have recovered 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. He died in Oct. 1818.
BERTIE COUNTY. 33
Equally gifted, if less successful in public life, in Bertie, was WILLIAM
CHERRY. He was educated at Chapel Hill, and graduated at that Institution
in 180(X 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.
GEORGE OUTLAW also lived and died in this county. He was a member of
the House of Commons, in 1796 ; and of th6 Senate in 1807 and '08, and
often afterwards ; and a member of Congress, in 1824 and 1825 ; 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 services are dear, and whose virtues are left for their imitation and emu-
lation.
WILLIAM W. CHERRY 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
Commons 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 bril-
liant. He died in the 39th year of his age.
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 E. 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 1848, for
which distinguished post he is again re-elected (August 1851).
Many other names might be named who have "done the State
some service," and in another edition accurate sketches of them will
be presented.
Members of General Assembly from Bertie County, from 1777
to 1851.
Years. Senators. Members 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, Tristam Lowther.
1793. Jasper Charlton, David Stone, John Wolfendon.
1794. John Wolfendon, Jonathan Jacocks, David Stone.
1795. John Wolfendon, Jonathan Jacocks, John Johnston.
1796. Timothy Walton, George Outlaw, John Johnston.
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
STears. 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. Wm. 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, Jlenry 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 H. Bryan, J. Eason.
Joseph H. Bryan, Geo. L. Ryan.
George L. Ryan, Thomas Speller.
David Stone, William Sparkman.
David Stone, William Sparkman.
Timothy Walton, Whit. H. Pugh.
William Sparkman, Whit. H. Pugh.
WHS. H. Pugh, Jonathan Jacocks.
Simon A. Bryan, J. II. 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, Wm. 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.
BLADEN COUNTY. 35
CHAPTER VII.
BLADEN COUNTY.
Date of its formation, origin of its naine Situation and boundaries 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
1776, which formed our Constitution Documents relative to the battle
at Elizabethtown, July, 1781, between the Whigs under Colonel Thomas
Brown, afterwards General, and the 1'ories, 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 bounded 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
corn; 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 Newbern) in 1774, the delegates from
Bladen were,, WILLIAM SALTER, and WALTER GIBSON.
* Martin's History of North Carolina, ii. 15.
36 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
The delegates in 1775 were (at Hillsboro'), THOMAS OWEN, THOMAS ROBE-
SON, Jr., and NATHANIEL RICHARDSON.
The delegates in 1776 (Halifax), which fornied our Bill of Rights and Con-
stitution, were THOMAS ROBESON, THOMAS OVFEN, THOMAS AMIS, and JAMES
COUNCIL.
The officers appointed in 1775 for this county, were THOMAS ROBESON, Jr.,
Colonel; THOMAS BROWN, Lieut.-Colonel; THOMAS OWEN, 1st Major; JAMES
RICHARDSON, 2d Major.
This county was signalized 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 Cols. 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
" Tory Hole."
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 this
brilliant achievement.
From the Wilmington Chronicle.
BATTLE OF ELIZABETHTOWN.
[Whigs of New Hanover, Bladen, and Duplin Col. Thomas Brown Tories
at Elizabethtown The Whigs, after a forced march, wade the Cape Fear and
rout the enemy in the night The leaders of the Highland Scotchmen (Slings-
by and Godden) slain The Tory Hole General Waddel, Owen, Morehead,
Robeson and Ervine.]
BLADEN COUNTY, February 21st, 1844.
A. A. BROWN, ESQ. :
Dear Sir Yours of the 3d inst. was received, soliciting such information
as I possessed, or may be able to collect respecting the battle fought at Eliza-
BLADEN COUNTY. 37
bethtown, during our revolutionary struggle, between the Whigs and Tories.
I have often regretted that the actions and skirmishes which occurred in this
and New Hanover County, should have been overlooked by historians. The
battle of Elizabethtown deserves a place in history, and ought to be recol-
lected by every true-hearted North Carolinian 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 they 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 by Slingsby and Godden ; the former was a
talented man, and well fitted for hi 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 to render this the stronghold
of Toryism. Not a boat was suffered to remain on the east side of the river.
Guards and sentries were regularly detached and posted. W T hen the little
band of Whig heroes, after nightfall, reached the river, not a boat was to be
found ; but it must be crossed, and that speedily j its depth was ascertained
by some who were tall and expert swimmers ; they to a man cried out, " it is
fordable, we can, we will cross it." Not a murmur was heard, and without
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
gun, 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 way through the low-grounds, then thickly 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 attack, 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 high-
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 Godden was killed, with most of the officers of inferior grade.
They retreated, some taking refuge in houses, others, the largest portion, leap-
ing pell-mell into a deep ravine, since called the Tory Hole. As the Tories had
unlimited sway from the river to Little Pee Dee, the Whigs re-crossed, 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 North Carolina, as sudden and as happy results as the battles of
Trenton and Princeton, in New Jersev. 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 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Governor Tryon 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, apart 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 ; Kobeson 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 all 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 Elizabethtown Military
skill of Col. Brown Whig stratagems Owen, Morehead and Robeson Ruse
de guerre and Coup de main, subsequently explained by Gen. Brown Best
mode of collecting materials for history Reference to the late Gen. Davis, of
Fayetteville.]
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 Elizabethtown.
The distinguished gentleman 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 ranked 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 attacked 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, inspired 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 off in this wild expedition
of uncalculating 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. Brown, 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. Every 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. Here, his 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, Moreliead, 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 tojies. On the right !
Col. Dodd's company ! Advance ! (No such officer, and no such company
"being present.) The main body advanced and fired, wheeling, rushed" to a
point to the left, and reloaded as before ; and the order was given in the same
audible voice. On the left! Col. Gillespie's company ! Advance! (No such
officer, and no such company being present.) The main body advanced and
fired. Again. On the right ! Col. Dickinson's 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! Major Wright's
company ! Advance ! (The same fiction being repeated.) The main body
advanced and fired.
This ruse de guerre was carried on until the Whig band was multiplied into
t6n 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 Whig force. He vanquished
the enemy by the exercise of such skill as could not have been surpassed ;
and by a boldness 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 modern 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 Slingsby's post, and perhaps a panic in
the garrison.
Upwards of thirty years ago I heard General Brown himself recount the
particulars. It was on the deck of a packet boat, between Smithville and
Wilmington. A young Irishman from Baltimore, a naturalized citizen of the
United States, was one of the passengers. He was a furious zealot of rebellion
40 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
against all government, and obtruded on the company his political opinions.
He declaimed against our institutions, and inveighed in virulent language
against some of our most distinguished statesmen. Several gentlemen we're
present, all natives, and I believe there was not one who was not roused bv
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 his
fellow passengers. At length, General Brown, who was the only one of us who
derived authority from age and revolutionary services, and who had been
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, souls," and the spurious love of liberty of the then
epoch which tendered its services uncalled for 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
so entirely as the affair at Elizabethtown. 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 I have, for many years past, recommended, has been reduced to prac-
tice by you, and with immediate success, and without any privity between
us. You have induced a talented gentleman of Bladen County to furnish a
sketch of the military expedition which terminated in a battle. He 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 that
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 Register.
KECOLLECTIONS OF THE REVOLUTION.
[Reminiscences of a revolutionary matron with respect to events immediately sub-
sequent to the Battle of Elizabethtown Wilmington in the possession of the
British troops commanded by Major Craig Whig encampment above Wil-
mington, under the orders of Colonel Leonard Attempt by night to surprise
and massacre the Whigs The 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 \ Governor] Owen The Wad-
dells, the Smiths, the Leonards Captain Manly The unfortunate Slingsby.]
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 perils and
sacrifices in. the arduous struggle in which they were engaged, and would now
fill with just exultation the hearts of many whose actions teem with the life-
blood of their heroic sires, and who were often wholly ignorant of their bold
and patriotic achievements. Every new anecdote and incident of the Revolu-
BLADEN COUNTY. 41
tion that we read, is full of interest ; and although 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 be 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
Fear;
bethtown,
"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, many of the Tories fled for refuge 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
cutting 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 th^ 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 of 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 show no quarters, but 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
having 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 chiefly 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 ?" 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 Kent 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 must know what all
that means. Who will volunteer and go down V 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?" " 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
quiet and silent as death. They could neither see nor hear any one, but
>their horses exhibited alarm and refused to proceed.
" All right on this side," said Manly: " let us see how it is on the oj;her,"
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, their muskets and bayonets gleam-
ing in the moonlight ; and as these men checked and turned their horses to
retreat, the officer in command sung out, " give it to them," arid 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
falling caught his rider under him : and the British as they passed, perforated
the body of the poor fellow with their bayonets, and commenced a running
pursuit. The camp, in the mean time, had heard the firing, the guide was still
lost in the swamps, 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, and settled
in the county of Chatham, distinguished throughout a long life for the strictest
integrity and unflinching firmness.
" Poor Slingsby," said she (another name mentioned in the account of
the battle of Elizabethtown), " who was killed by the Whigs at Elizabeth-
town, deserved a better fate. He was by birth an Englishman, had taken
the 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
so 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 .Revo-
lution.
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, love,
and admiration of his countrymen.
THOMAS OWEN was, as described by the sketch just quoted, " warm-hearted to
BLADEN COUNTY. 43
a friend, generous to a foe, and asbrdve 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. He 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 Elis,ha Stedman, of Fayetteville,
the mother of Rev. James Owen Stedman, living in Wilmington, and pastor
of the Presbyterian Congregation in that place.
i 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 Congress in 1817 and 1818. General Owen
married the daughter of Robinson Mumford, of Fayetteville. He 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 mucR 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 Bladeii 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. McKAY.
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 Legislature. 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 only 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 Yice-Presi-
dent of the United States.
44
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
The following are the members of Assembly from Bladen County,
from 1774 to 1851.
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 l^ewis.
James Bradley, Hugh Waddell.
II. Waddell, 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. White, A. Richardson.
J. B. White, David Gillaspie 1 .
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-
trictthe 19th.)
1836. James Burney, Joseph M. Gillaspie.
1838. Robert Melvin, George T. Barksdale.
1840. Robert Melvin, George W. Bannerman.
5fears.
Senators.
1774.
. ; ' ' %
1775.
1778.
Thomas Owen,
1783.
Thomas Owen,
1784.
Thomas Owen,
1785.
Thomas Brown,
1786.
Thomas Brown,
1787.
Thomas Owen,
1788.
Thomas Brown,
1791.
Jos. R. Gautier,
1792.
Duncan Stewart,
1793.
D. Stewart,
1794.
D. Stewart,
1795.
D. Stewart,
1796.
Josiah Lewis,
1797.
J. Lewis,
1800.
J. Lewis,
1801.
T. W. Harvey,
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.
I. Wright,
1813.
I. Wright,
1814.
Richard Parish,
1815.
1816.
James J. McKay,
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 Melvin,
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,
BRUNSWICK COUNTY. 45
Years. Senates. Members of House of Commons.
1842. Robert MelVin, George W. Bannerman.
1844. Robert Melvm,- H. 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.
BKUNSWICK COUNTY.
Date of formation Origin of name, situation, and boundaries Smithville,
its capital Population and products Delegates from Bladen in 1774, 1775,
and 1776 Officers of the Regiment, 1775 Colonial and Revolutionary His-
tory Character and services of Robert Howe, Alfred Moore, Sen., Mau-
rice Moore, Alfred Moore, Jr., Jaines 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 froin 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
population ; 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 North Carolina, vol. ii. p. 184.
46 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
|. -'
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 Newbern, August 25th, 1774.
To the Assembly at Newbern, in April, 1775, JOHN ROWAN and ROBERT
HOWE were delegates.
To the Assembly at Hillsboro', August 2lst, 1775, ROBERT HOWE, 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 officers appointed in 1775, JAMES MOORE was Colonel of the
1st Continental Regiment; ALFRED MOORE, a Captain in the same.
ROBERT HOWE was appointed Colonel of the 2d 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 offer 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 1st Regi-
ment, he 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 Fordyce, 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 safety 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 1st
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 inadequacy of means for subduing the fire, and a belief
that the town would afford the Royal Governor comfortable 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 the2d 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. x "f
Such was .the devotion of General Howe to the cause of liberty, that in an
* Marshall's Life of Washington, vol. i. p. 69.
| Jones' Defence of North Carolina, p. 242.
. BRUNSWICK COUNTY. 47
offer of General H. Clinton, of pardon to the inhabitants of North Carolina,
Cornelius Harriett and Robert Howe are ex,cepted from the benefits. This pro-
clamation is dated on board the Pallas transport, in Cape Fear River, 5th
May, 1776.
On 12th May, 177.6, General Clinton ordered a detachment of 900 men,
under Lord Cornwallis, to land on the plantation of General Howe, 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. They 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.
MAURICE MOORE, whose character is worthy of our esteem, was also from
Brunswick.
Judge 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 Moore married a daughter of Sir John Yeamans, who established
the city of Charleston, and was Governor of the two Carolinas in 1670.
Mooreg 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 judge of the superior courts in the
State under the royal rule. His character is alluded to on a former page.||
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 met at Hillsboro* in
1775 ; and also a member 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 cause 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 large garrison, the friendship of one of its officers, added to a taste
for a military profession, led him to acquire accurate knowledge of military
* Traditions of the Revolution in the South, by Joseph Johnson, 204.
t Martin, vol. ii. p. 390. Jones, p. 361.
J Vol. i. 34. || Vol. i. p. 101.
Hewatt's History of Carolinas, pp. 143, 275, and 53.
48 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
tactics, which soon was destined to be called into the active service of his
country and usefulness to her cause.
In 1775, he was appointed^ 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, Judge 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
family (wife and two small children) and raised a trooj) of volunteers and
f ready annoyed the enemy. He became the peculiar object of hatred to the
ritish 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 these 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 in 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 been 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 cas of the
'State vs. Hall,' in 1799, by a judge whose opinions on every subject, but
particularly on this, merit the highest respect. Judge Moore was appointed
Attorney-General 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 humanity, leaving the innocent nothing to fear,
and the guilty but little to hope. The 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
1 have expressed/ 7
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
-. BKUNSWICK COUNTY. 49
this important and responsible 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 Major 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 1784). 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.
BENJAMIM SMITH was, top, a resident of Belvidere, Brunswick County. He
was intelligent and enterprising, and a favorite before the people. He 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 overshadow many greater defects.
More of his life, services, and character will be procured and presented to
the State.
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, <c 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. Senators. Members of House of Commons.
1774. Robert Howe.
1775. John Rowan, Robert Howe.
177C. Cornelius Ilarnett, A. McClaine.
1777. Archibald McClaine, Wm. Lord, Richard Quince, Jr.
1778. Archibald McClaine, Lewis Dupre, William Cause.
1782. Archibald McClaine, Wm. Waters, Dennis Hawkins.
1783. Benjamin Smith, Wm. Waters, Dennis Hawkins.
1784. William Watters, Jacob Leonard, David Flowers.
1785. William Watters, Jacob Leonard, Robert How.e.
1787. A. M. Forster, Lewis Dupre, Jacob Leonard.
1788. Lewis Dupre, Jacob Leonard, John Cains.
1791. Lewis Dupre, Benjamin Smith, Wm. E. Lord.
1792. Benjamin Smith, Alfred Moore, Wm. E. Lord.
1793. B. Smith, Wm. Wingate, Wm. E. Lord.
1794. B. Smith, Wm. Wingate, Abraham Bissant.
1795. B. Smith, Wm. Wingate, Ab. Bissant.
50
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years.
1796.
1797.
1800.
1801.
1802.
1803.
1804.
1805.
1806.
1807.
1808.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
1816.
1817.
1818.
1819.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825.
1826.
1827.
1828.
1829.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
1834.
1835.
1836.
1838.
1840.
1842.
1844.
1846.
1848.
1850.
Senators.
B. Smith,
B. Smith,
B. Smith,
Wm. Wingate,
Wni. Wingate,
Win. Wingate,
Benjamin Smith,
B. Smith,
B. Smith,
B. Smith,
B. Smith,
B. Smith,
B. Smith,
Thos. Leonard,
Wm. Wingate,
Wm. Wingate,
Jacob Leonard,
J. W. Leonard,
Benjamin Smith,
Jacqb Leonard,
Jacob Leonard,
John C. Baker,
J. W. Leonard,
John C. Baker,
John C. Baker,
John C. Baker,
John C. Baker,
Benj. R. Locke,
B. 11. Locke,
Jacob Leonard,
J. Leonard,
Wm. R. Hall,
Wm. R. Hall,
Wm. R. Hall,
Wm. R. Hall,
Maurice Moore,
Frederic J. Hill,
James Burney,
Robert Melvin,
R. Melvin,
R. Melvin,
R. Melvin,
R. Wooten,
Richard Wooten,
Richard Wooten,
Members of House 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. Gause, 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.
Armeliue Bryan.
H. H. Waters.
H. H. Waters.
H. H. Waters.
John H. Hill.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY. 51
CHAPTER IX.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY.
Date of formation Origin of name, situation, and boundaries Popula-
tion and products Asheville, its capital Climate Warm springs Its dis-
tinguished citizens and members of the General Assembly from the date
of erection to the last session.
* f ~t xl * . *
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 BUNCOMBE -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 Goelet, 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 his
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 ASHEVILLE, 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. A&heville, 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 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
work (the Attache in England) to Buncombe, without, perhaps,
knowing where this county is situated, or its various resources or
advantages. 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 his audience. Many mem-
bers left the hall. Very naively r , 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 1796, Governor Ashe issued a proclamation announcing "that
in pursuance of an Act to provide for the public safety by granting
encouragement to certain manufacturers, 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 under 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, 11,607 whites ; 107 free negroes ; 1,717 slaves j 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 afflicted with rheumatic affections.
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 Tennessee, 470.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY. 53
The 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 Hon. 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. He was born in Buncombe, January 4, 1801, educated
at Newton Academy, iti 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. He was admitted to the bar in 1823. He was elected to the
Legislature in 1824, '25 and '26, and Solicitor of the Edenton District in
1827, which he resigned after riding one circuit.
He 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 State. 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 H., fourth daughter of William White, late
Secretary of State of Nort^ Carolina, and grand-daughter of Governor Gas-
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
hands 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. THOMAS L. CLINGMAN is in this county. He is a
native of Surry. He graduated at the University, in 1832, with distinguished
honor, and studied law. He 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 again 1847. He 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 born 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. By industry, economy, and integrity, he was the founder
of his own fortunes, and raised a large and respectable family. He 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.
Years. Senators. Members of the House of Commons.
1792. Wm. Davidson, Gabriel Ragsdale, Wm. Brittain.
1793. Robert Love, William Brittain, Gabriel Ragsdale.
1794. Robert Love, Wm. Brittain, Gabriel Ragsdale.
1795. Robert Love, Wm. Brittain, Gabriel Ragsdale.
1796. James Brittain, Wm. Brittain, Philip Hoodenpye.
54
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years.
1797.
1800.
1801.
1802.
1803.
1804.
1805.
1806.
1807.
1808.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
1816.
1817.
1818.
1819.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825.
1826.
1827.
1828.
1829.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
1834.
1835,
1836.
1838.
1840.
1842.
1844.
1846.
1848.
1850.
Senators.
James Brittain,
Josh. Williams,
Josh. Williams,
James Brittain,
Josh. Williams,
James Brittain,
James Brittain,
Zebulon Beard,
James Brittain,
Jno. McFarland,
Zebulon Beard,
Rt. Williamson,
Rt. Williamson,
John Longinire,
J. Longmire,
J. Longmire,
Ep. Hightower,
John Longmire,
Thomas Foster,
Zebulon Beard,
Thomas Foster,
Zebulon Beard,
Z. Beard,
Philip Brittain,
P. Brittain,
A. A. McDowell,
A. A. McDowell,
A. A. McDowell,
A. A. McDowell,
James Allen,
James Gudger,
James Allen,
James Allen,
John Clayton,
James Lowry,
Hodge Rabun,
James Gudger,
Hodge Rabun,
T. L. Clingman,
J. Cathey,
N. W. Woodfin,
N. W. Woodfin,
N. W. Woodfin,
N. W. Woodfin,
Members of the House of Commons.
Win. 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, Malcolm 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 Whitaker.
James Whitaker, J. M. Cathey.
Wm. D. Smith, AVm. 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.
Nath'l 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 Sharpe.
BURKE COUNTY. 55
CHAPTER X.
BUKKE COUNTY.
Date of formation Origin of name Situation and boundaries Population
and products Morganton its capital Climate Early history Character,
life, and services of Charles McDowell, Joseph McDowell, Waightstill
Averv, Samuel P. Carson, and others Israel Pickens, and others List of
MemLers 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.
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 Cleaveland and Rutherford, and
on the west by McDowell.
Morganton, the capital of Burke County, is called in compliment of General
DANIEL MORGAN. General Morgan was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania,
and emigrated to Virginia in 1755, where he engaged as overseer for Nathaniel
Burrell, Esq., then in Shenandoah, now Clarke County, Virginia. He was a
fearless and chivalric officer. He was with General Montgomery at Quebec,
and with General Gates at Saratoga. He was promoted to b a Brigadier-
General, 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 South Carolina. Tarleton met him at the Cpwpens
(Jan. 17th, 1781), where Morgan gained a splendid victory. For this, Con-
gress gave him a gold medal. After this he was joined by General 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 army to
his farm 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 by the bayonet. He remained among
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
health failing, he declined a r.e-election. He died at Winchester, Virginia, on
July Cth, 1802.
The following is a copy of his tombstone from his grave in the
Baptist Churchyard^ in Winchester, Virginia :
13
56 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
, MAJOR-GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN,
Departed this life
On July the 6th, 1802,
In the 67th year of his age.
Patriotism and valor 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 village, con-
taining several churches, a handsome court house, and other public
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 poupds tobacco;
38,122 dollars worth of gold.
Her 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 public services should
be held in grateful remembrance.
He was born 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. He 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 zeal 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 down upon his head the vengeance of the enemy ; for when Lord Corn-
wallis occupied Charlotte, in 1781, the law office of Colonel A very, with all his
books and papers, was burnt.
In 1775 he 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.
He 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, Robert 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 New-
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 many 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 McDowBLL, both distinguished in "the
times that tried men's souls," were residents of this county.
Important services were rendered by them to their country.
They were brothers. Their father, Joseph McDowell, with his wife, Mar-
garet O'Neal, had emigrated from Ireland, 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.f
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. J
At MUSGROVE'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 circuitous
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 Ferguson.
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 instantly 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 Tennessee, 451.
t Life of Isaac Shelby, National Portrait Gallery, 1834.
j Liie of Shelby, Haywood's History of Tennessee, 65.
58 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
they crossed the Enoree River. The drums and bugles of the enemy soon were
heard approaching upon this devoted band. In man 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 riflemen a most destructive fire, which carried great slaughter 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 seems to have escaped the notice of many of the historians of
the day. I find a notice of it in the History of Tennessee, by Judge John
Hay wood, and McCall's 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 Cam-
den, on the 16th, and advising the retreat of our troops ; as the British,
flushed with victory, would advance in strong force, and 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 Corn-
wallis, with all the pomp and circumstance of glory, advanced 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 brave 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 !" they said, "our bleeding country save !
Is there no hand on high to shield the brave ?
What though destruction sweep these lovely plains ! ,
Rise, fellow men ! our country yet remains;
By that dread name we wave the sword on high,
And swear for her to live ! for her to die !"*
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 Ferguson
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 Pleasures of Hope.
BURKE COUNTY. 59
These brave men, not disheartened by the misfortunes of their country or
dismayed by the force of the enemy, assembled at Watauga on the 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. McDowell's 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-
grove Mill over Colonel Ennis and the Tories ; or the fearless Sevier, the
hero of a hundred Indian fights, whose sobriquet as " Nollichucky 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 the 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 ir 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 same 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 could
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,
Major Joseph McDowell."
In council next day, Shelby urged that time to them was precious, and
delay dangerous; that Ferguson would attack them, if he thought 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
*"6roc? 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
Cornwallis 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 Sevier 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 HISTORY OP NORTH CAROLINA.
up the mountain. The battle here was fierce, furious and bloody. The cen-
tre gave way, but rallied, and, reinforced by Campbell's 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, where 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 brave 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 hundred 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 of Cleaveland
County, Chapter XX.
JOSEPH McDowELL was in the Convention which met at Hillsboro' on 21st
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 thought 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 the rock
of our political salvation. I am for the strongest federal 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 my 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 people
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 into 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.
* Ellicott, Debates, vol. ii 218.
t Debates in the Convention of North Carolina, 1788, at Hillsboro'.
BURKE COUNTY. 61
The federal appellate cognizance of law and facts puts it in the power of the
wealthy to recover, 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 say the trial by 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 td 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 txeneral 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 1847 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 Ramsour'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. CARSON was also a native and resident of this county. He was
born at Pleasant Garden, and was distinguished for the activity of his mind,
his energy of character, warm and enthusiastic temper, and patriotic feel-
ings.
His first appearance in public lifb was as a member of the Senate from
Burke County in 1822, and again in 1824.
The next year, 1825, he was elected to Congress over Dr. R. B. Tance,
where he served continuously until 1833.
His second contest with Dr. Robert B! Yance in 1827, produced 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 born 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
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
BURGESS S. GAITHER is a resident of this county, and the present Solicitor of
the State for this District. He 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 sietch been
extended beyond the limits prescribed, 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 Woods,
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. Bea/(J,
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. Rabourn,
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,
1826. Matthew Baird,
1827. Merritt Burgin,
1828. M. Burgin,
1829. M. Burgin,
1830. David Newland,
1831. Mark Brittain,
1832. Jas. McDowell,
1833. Mark Brittain,.
1834. Sam'l P. Carson,
Members of House of Commons.
Eph'm McClain, Jas. Wilson.
Thomas Wilson, Wm. Morrison.
Hugh Brevard, Jos. McDowell.
Hugh Brevard, Jos. McDowell.
Waightstill Avery, Jos. McDowell.
J. McDowell, 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,
Waightstill Avery, Alex. Erwin..
Alex. Erwin, John McDowell.
A. Erwin, Conrad Heldebrand.
Wm. White, Alexander Erwin.
A. Erwin, Conrad Heldebrand.
Wm. Davenport, Wm. Walton.
B. Smith, David Tate.
David Tate, Thos. McEntire.
David Tate, Thos. Coleman.
A. Erwin, Hodge 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, Dayid Newland.
Elias A. Hooper, Alney Burgin.
Alney Burgin, Francis P. Glass.
A. Burgin, F. P. Glass,
A. Burgin, David Corpening.
Jas. H. Perkins, Sam'l Fleming.
Jr.
CABARRUS COUNTY. 63
Years. Senators. Members of House of Commons.
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 E. P. Miller.
1840. B. S. Gaither, Wm. M. Carson, E. P. Miller,
' and Jos. Neal.
1842. A. Burgin, Sam'l J. Neal, Todd R. Caldwell,
and W. W. A very.
1844. B. S. Gaither, T. R. Caldwell, Benj. Burgin.
1840. S. F. Patterson, 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.
CA&AKRUS COUNTY.
Date of its formation Origin of name, situation and boundaries Population
and products Concord its capital Early history Black Boys, or the gun-
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 corn ; 51,998
bushels of oats ; 17,276 bushels of potatoes ; 4,568,726 pounds of cotton ;
10,460 pounds of wool ; 3,761 dollars worth of 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 thfc 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 different periods.
A sketch of the discovery and history of the Reed Gold Mine, 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 Reed, the proprietor.
The discovery was made in an accidental manner. The boy above named,
in company with a sister and younger brother, went to a small stream, called
64
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Meadow Creek, on a Sabbath day, while their parents were at church, for
the purpose of shooting fish with bow and arrow, and while engaged along
the bank of the creek, Conrad saw a yellow substance shining in the water.
He went in and picked it up, and 1 found it to be 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 against
the door to keep it from shutting. In the year 1802, he went to market to
Fayetteville, and carried the piece of metal with him, and on showing it % to
a jeweller, the jeweller immediately 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
fold, thought he would ask a " big price," and so he asked three dollars and
fty cents ($3 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 Phifer 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
large quantity of gold. The veins are flint or quartz.
I do 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 Ibs.
1804,
1824,
1835,
9
7
3
2
If
16
9*
8
4
1 Ib.
8 Ibs,
* _ - ' --/ . \
115 Ibs. steelyard weight.
The annual products of the gold mines of the State, havebeen
estimated at five hundred thousand dollars.* The produce of Ca-
barrus mines in 1840, by the census, was estimated at thirty-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 Months in America/' by Vigne.
CABARRUS COUNTY. 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 deserve* 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 Cabarnis.
In the year 1771, some difficulties arose between Governor T r y n of North
Carolina and the Regulators, and in or^er 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, flints,
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 no\r in the County of Cabarrus, known by the name of the
Rocky River 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
born 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 Hadley, 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 the 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 he
could carry home 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 HISTORY 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 Majesty. 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 of the same materials, set 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 boys took as a signal. They pursued
Robert Davis so close, that he jumped his horse thirty feet down a bank into
the river, and then dared, them to follow 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. Ashmore fled his country, but
he lived a miserable life, and died as wretched as he had lived. Hadley still
remained in the country, and was known for many years to the writer. He
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 (Try oil), but finding his intention, if he could get them into his
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 COUNTY. 67
revolutionary struggle, that the spirit of liberty was cherished and matured ;
the first to manifest itself in the Declaration of Independence, in the County of
Mecklenburg, of which they were then a part. From that very 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 faithfully
redeemed, whenever their services 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 Col. Locke was over-
taken and cut to pieces ; and when Gen. Joseph Graham was also severely
wounded. White rode a very fleet horse ; h6 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 Stono, to his speed, and outrun them.
JOHN PHIFEB appears among those who assembled 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 Hillsboro', 21st August, 1775," with Thomas Polk, Waightstill
Avery, James Houston, James Martin, and John McKnitt Alexander.
In 1776, he was a delegate with Robert Irvin, Zaccheus Wilson, Hezekiah
Alexander, and Waightstill 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, that
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, Jphn Phifef and Caleb Phifer, as will be seen, were often
representatives from Cabarrus, and always sustain^ the reputation of honor-
able and faithful citizens.
JOHN PHIFER graduated at the University in 1799,. was often a member of
the General Assembly, influential and talented. He 1 was for many years a
ruling elder of the Presbyterian church, and died October 18th, 1845.
JOHN PAUL BARRINGER was born 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 returned home. He died in Cabarrus, January 1st, 1807.
His son, GEN. DANIEL L. BARRINGER, now of Tennessee, lived for a long
time in Wake County, where he married Miss White, grand-daughter of
Governor Caswell. He represented Wake County in 1813, and from 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 BARRINGER, 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. from R. Barringer, Esq., of Concord.
68 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
DANIEL MOREAU BARRINGER, now our Envoy Extraordinary and Minister
Plenipotentiary at Madrid, in Spain, was eldest. He was born 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 distinguished 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 corps of cavalry under Colonel
Davie, and was with that active officer in his brave 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, where 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-
petuate the memory of Charles Harris, M. D., born 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 mind,
friendly to all and belovad by all. His heart entered deeply into the suffer-
ings of 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, Kobert Smith, James Bradshaw.
1794. Caleb Phifer, Kobert Smith, James Bradshaw.
1795. Caleb Phifer, Robert Smith, James Bradshaw. .
1796. Caleb Phifer, Jas. Bradshaw, Archibald McKurdy.
1797. Caleb Phifer, Jas. Bradshaw, Archibald McKurdy.
1800. Caleb Phifer, Ja8, Bradshaw, John Allison.
1801. Caleb Phifer, Robert Smith, James Bradshaw.
1802. James Bradshaw, John Allison, A. McKurdy.
1803. Wm. L. Alexander, John Allison, 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 Barringer, John Phifer.
1816. Abraham C. McKee, Samuel Morrison, John F. Phifer.
CALDWELL COUNTY.
69
Years. Senators.
1817. Abraham C. McKee,
1818. John N. Phifer,
1819. William R. Pharr,
1821. William R. Pharr,
1822. Paul Barringer,
1823. John Phifer,
1824. L. H. Alexander,
1825. L.H.Alexander,
1826. L. H. Alexander,
1827. L.H.Alexander,
1828. L. H. Alexander,
1829. Ch. Melchor,
1830. Ch. Melchor,
1831. Ch. Melchor,
1832. A. Houston,
1833. George Klutts,
1834. George Klutts,
1835. David Long,
1836. Christopher Melchor,
1838. Christopher Melchor,
1840. Christopher Melchur,
1842. W. F. Pharr,
1844. W. F. Pharr,
1846. Christopher Melchor,
1848. R.Kendall,
1850. Rufus Barringer,
Members of House of Common^.
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. C. Barnhart.
Daniel M. Barringer, Wm. McLean.
Daniel M. Barringer, George Ury.
Daniel M. Barringer, William McLean.
Daniel M. Barringer, Jacob Williams.
Levi Hope, George Barnhart.
William S. Harris.
Daniel Boger.
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 and Burke, and west by Burke
and Watauga.
Its capital is Lenoir, named in compliment of Gen. Lenoir, for
whose life and services see Wilkes, Chapter LXXX.
The population of Caldwell is 5,000 whites ; 108 free negroes ; 1,203 slaves ;
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 advantages of education, by aid of good academies,
70 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
and schools, are considerable. The school of the Rev. T. S. W.
Mott, near Lenoir, stands deservedly high.
In this county resides GEN. SAMUEL F. PATTERSON, who was Treasurer of
the State, in 1835 ; President of the Raleigh and Gaston 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 :
; Years. Senate. Commons.
1842. A. Burgin, William Dickson.
1844. B. S. Gaither, William Dickson.
1846. S. F. Patterson, E. P. Miller.
1848. S. F. Patterson, E. P. Miller.
1850. Todd R. Caldwell, John Hayes.
CHAPTER XIII.
I
CAMDEN COUNTY.
Date of erection Origin of name Situation and boundaries Population
and products J&rly History 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 tiight long, by a fire-fly lamp,
She paddles her white canoe."*
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 hewn stone.
* Moore's Works, iii. 91.
CAMDEN COUNTY. 71
Population, 3,572 whites; 290 free negroes; 2,187 slaves; 5,174 federal
population.
Its prodiicts,> according to census of 1840, 2,739 bushels of wheat; 9,480
bushels of oats ; 285,574 bushels corn; 6,792 Ibs. 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 2Q, 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; DEMPSY BURGESS, Lt. Colonel; JOSHUA CAMP-
BELL, First Major; PETER DAUGH, Second Major.
Colonel, afterwards GEN. GREGORY, was in the hard fought battle of Eutaw,
in South Carolina, and was a brave officer, and honorable man ; was much
respected, and often represented Camden in the Legislature.
COLONEL BURGESS was often in the Legislature, and in 1795 represented
this District in the Congress of the United States.
LEMUEL SAWYER was born 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 House of Commons, and
again in 1801 ; in 1804 Elector, and voted in the Electoral College for Thomas
Jefferson.
In 1807 elected to Congress, from this district, which he continued to repre-
sent with some intervals until 1829, an unusually long 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 Grandy.
1779. Isaac Gregory, Willis Butt, Caleb Grandy.
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 Boll.
1809. Caleb Perkins, Thomas Bell, Dempsey Sawyer.
14
72 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years. Senate. Members of the House of Commons.
1810. Gideon Lamb, Thomas Bell, Dempsey Sawyer.
1811. Caleb Perkins, Dempsey Sawyer, William Mercer.
1812. Joseph Dozier, Dempsey Sawyer, John Kelly.
1813. Thomas Bell, Dempsey Sawyer, Thomas Etheridge.
1814. Thomas Bell, John Kellar, Baily Parker.
1815. Caleb Perkins, Baily Barco, John H. Brocket.
1816. Caleb Perkins, Willis Wilson, Ezekiel Trotman.
1817. Caleb Perkins, Baily Barco, Willis Wilson.
1818. John Kelly, William Hearing, William Mercer.
1819. Caleb Perkins, William Mercer, John Jones.
1821. Luke J. Lamb, William B. Webster, Samuel Mercer.
1822. Mason Culpepper, William B. Webster, John Jones.
1823. Caleb Perkins, William B. Webster, Thomas Tillet.
1824. Caleb Perkins, William B. Webster, Thomas Tillet.
1825. Willis Wilson, Thomas Tillet, Thomas Dozier.
1826. Willis Wilson, Thomas Dozier, Simeon Jones.
1827. Willis Wilson, Thomas Tillet, Thomas Dozier.
1828. Haywood S. Bell, Thomas Dozier, William B. Webster.
1829. Haywood S. Bell, Thomas Dozier, A. H. "Grandy.
1830. -Caleb Perkins, A. II. Grandy, Thomas Dozier.
1831. Haywood S. Bell, A. H. Grandy, Thomas Dozier.
1832. Haywood S. Bell, B. D. Harrison, Thomas Tillet.
1833. Enoch Nash, Thomas Tillet, Caleb Barco.
1834. Edm'd I. Barco, Thomas Tillet, Jas. N. McPherson.
1835. Thomas Tillet, Jas.^N. McPherson, J. S. Burgess.
1836. Daniel Lindsay, D. Pritchard.
1838. Caleb Etheridge, J. S. Burgess.
1840. Caleb Etheridge, A. H. Grandy.
18l2. Caleb Etheridge, Cornelius G. Lamb.
1844. Caleb Etheridge, Cornelius G. Lamb.
1846. John Barnard, D. D. Ferebee.
1848. John Barnard, D. D. Ferebee.
1850. John Barnard, Caleb Barco.
CHAPTER XIV.
CARTERET COUNTY.
Origin of name Date of formation Situation and boundaries Beaufort, its
capital Population and products Climate Early history Teach' s 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 Carter et, Knight and Baronet, Vice- Chancellor of
our Household." He is described by a cotemporary writer, as
"the passionate and ignorant, and not too honest Sir George
Carteret."*
He died in 1695, and was succeeded by his son John,f afterwards
* Pepys, i 366.
t See Martin, vol. i. p. 190, Vol. i. (these sketches) p. 41.
CARTERET COUNTY. 73
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
Arthur 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 Roast one hundred and twenty English miles,"
says Amidas,* in his report, " 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 our safe arrivall thither, we went to
view the land adioyning 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
Majesties grant and letters patent vnder her Higheness' great scale."
The patent, as well as the report of these officers to Sir Walter
Raleigh, is recorded in Hakluyt's Voyages, (vol. iii. p. 301.) This
land was Roanoake Island, in Currituck County. For extracts from
said report, see Currituck County.
" They were the first that ever burst
Into that silent sea.^t
In Oct., 1749, a furious storm destroyed Beacon Island, near
Ocracoke Inlet. J
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 corn ; 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 States, vol. i. p. 92.
t Coleridge. J Williamson, vol. ii. p. 64.
74 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Near it is Teach's 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 Newbern,
August 25th, 1774, WM. THOMPSON appeared for Carteret.
In the Assembly at Newbern, in April, 1775, WILLIAM THOMPSON and SOLO-
MON SHEPPARD.
In the Assembly at Hillsboro', in August, 1775, JOHN EASON, WM. THOMP-
SON, BRICE 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 E ASTON and THOMAS CHADWICK.
In the organization of the Continental troops by the. State Congress, in
August, 1775, for Carteret County, Willia/n 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 " he denied the divine 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 Convention 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 be 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 and manners of the people of the present day every gentle-
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. i. p. 31.
CARTERET COUNTY. 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 in force. So
far from believing in the Thirty-nine Articles, I will venture to assert that a
majority of the people never have read 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 th$ 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,
has 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 equal 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 not 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 House 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-
nxent and the spirit of our laws, and that it can neyer 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 he 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!!
" 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 thinks. The mind can receive laws only
from Him, of whose Divine essence it is a portion; He 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
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure that you cannot see anything in this Religion, to de-
prive me of my seat in this house. So far as relates to my life and conduct,
the examination of these I submit with cheerfulness to. your candid and
liberal construction. What may be the religion 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 considered it my duty to pry into the belief of other members
of this house. If their actions are upright and conduct just, the rest is for
their own consideration, not for mine. I do not seek to make converts to my
faith, whatever it may be esteemed in the eyes of my officious friend, nor do
I exclude any one from my esteem or friendship, because he and I differ in
that respect. The same charity, 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 :
Years. Senators.
1778. John Easton,
1783. John Easton,
1785. John Easton,
1786. John Easton,
1787. John Easton,
1788. Joseph Hill,
1791. Malachi Bell,
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 Piggot,
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 Burns,
1829. Otway Burns,
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 McKairn.
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 Burns.
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, Otway Burns.
J. S. W. Hellen, David W. Borden.
J. S. W. Hellen, David W. Borden,
CA&WELL COUNTY. 77
'Years. Senators. Members of the House of Commons.
1830. David W. Borden, Thomas Marshall, John F, Jones.
1831. Otway Burns, John F. Jones, J. W. Hunt.
1832. Thomas Marshall, Otway Burns, D. W. Borden.
1833. Otway Burns, ' 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).
18a6. 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, E. Whitehurst.
1846. James W. Howard, Jennings Piggot;
1848. E. S. Bell, Jennings Piggot.
1850. M. F. Arendell, Jennings Piggot. .
CHAPTER XV.
CASWELL COUNTY,
Date of formation, origin of name, situation and boundaries Yanceyyille,
capital Population and products Climate and soil Distinguished citizens
Marmaduke Williams, JBartlett 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 effulgence 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 gallant youth 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. i.
78 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
line on the north; Person County on the east; Alamance and
Orange on the south ; and Buckingham County on the west/
Its capital is Yanceyville, named in compliment to BARTLETT
YANCEY (whose services are herein recorded), and distant from
Baleigh 66 miles.
Population, 7,081 whites ; 7,770 slaves ; 418 free negroes ; 12,161 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 ; 82,649pounds
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.
MARMADUKE WILLIAMS was one of these. He 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 State Senate, and the next year elected to Con-
gress to succeed his brother, Robert Williams, who was appointed by
Mr. Jefferson, Governor of Mississippi. He remained in Congress 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 YANCEY. His character was one of which his county
and State may well be proud, and which deserves to be cherished by 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 he 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 one in Caswell County ! 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 intellectual ornaments of the State, and agitated by some of the most
important questions of the day, that the superiority of Mr. Yancey consisted.
Early was this talent so developed that while a member of the House of Re-
presentatives 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 bland 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 eloquence were ever ready for his country's welfare. He 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 and 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. His 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 Jhis 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.
Hon. JACOB THOMPSON, at present a member of Congress from the State of
Mississippi, is a native son of Caswell.
He was educated at pur 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, and has
continued ever since. Although his talents and services 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 lion. R. M. Saunders, in the Commons ;
both distinguished 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 in both Houses of the General Assembly, and in
1829,^was elected to the Senate of the United States by one vote. ' He 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-
peared (1815), Hon. ROMULUS MITCHELL LAUNDERS was elected. Mr. Saunders
has 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 the University. Studied law with Hon. Hugh Lawson
80 HISTORY OF NOKTH CAROLINA.
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 and 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. Judge 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 he resigned in 1840, on being nominated as the Democratic candidate
foe 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, where he remained until 1850, when he was recalled at his own request.
He was the second person in North Carolina (General William R. Davie being
the first) who ever received such a distinguished mark of high honor at the
hands of the Federal Government.
He returned home in October, 1849. As an evidence of the confidence 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 and 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 17-77 to 1851.
Years. Senate. House of Commons.
1778. Dempsey Moore, John Atkinson, Richard Moore.
1782. Dempsey Moore, David SheltoDj Robert Dickens.
CAS WELL COUNTY.
81
Years. Senate.
1785. Derapsey Moore,
178G. Dempsey Moore,
1788. Robert Payne,
1791. Robert Dickens,
1792. James Williamson,
1793. John Williams,
1794. John Williams,
1795. John 'Williams,
1796. Wynn Dickson,
1797. Wynn Dickson,
18QO. 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 Williams,
1813. N. Williams,
1814. B. Graves,
1815. B. Graves,
1817. Bartlett Yancey,
1819. B. Yancey,
1821. B. Yancey,
1822. B. Yancey,
1823. B. Yancey,
1825. B, Yancey,
1826. B. Yancey,
1827. B. Yancey,
1828. Bedford Brown,
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 Blackwell, Solomon Graves.
James Yancey, Richard Simpson.
James Yancey, John McAden.
John McAden, James Yancey.
James Yancey, Young McAden.
Richard Hornbuckle, Laurence Lea.
Richard Hornbuckle, John McMullen.
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.
Isaac 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 E. Lewis, Charles D. Donoho.
John E. Lewis, C. D. Donoho.
John E. Lewis, C. D. Donoho.
James II. Ruffin, James Kerr.
John Wilson, James Kerr.
Littleton A. Gwinn, Stephen Dodson.
L. A. Gwinn, John F. Garland.
Barzillai Graves, L/A. Gwinn.
John E. Brown, Stephen Dodson.
J. E. Brown, L. A. Gwinn.
L. A. Gwinn, Stephen Dodson. ,
(The delegates to the Convention to amend the Constitution, in June, 1835,
were William A. Lea and Calvin Graves.)
1836. J. Kerr, L. A. Gwynn, William A. Lea.
1838. James Kerr, Levi Walker, L. A. Gwinn.
1840. James Kerr, Calvin Graves, Levi Walker.
1842. Bedfbrd Brown. Calvin Graves, Levi Walker. ^
Calvin Graves, J. K. Lea.
John B. McMullen.
John B. McMullen, Richard Jones.
Samuel P. Hill, D. S. Johnson.
1844.
1846.
1848.
1850.
J. Kerr,
James Kerr,
James Kerr,
Bedfbrd Brown,
L. A. Gwynn,
Calvin Graves,
Calvin Graves,
George Williamson,
82 HISTORY OF NORTH 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 west 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-
leigh. 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. HENRY W. CONNER resides in Catawba County, 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
graduated in 1812. In 1814 he 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 ;
when 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 General 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.
CHATHAM COUNTY. 83
CHAPTER XVII,
CHATHAM COUNTY.
Date of formation, origin of name Population and products Capital Revo-
lutionary 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, Earl 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 twenty-one to be Premier of England. 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 corn ; 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,
so 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 Chatham did her
part.
84 HISTORY OP NORTH CAROLINA.
To the meeting of delegates at Hillsboro' on 21st August, 1775, there ap-
peared as members from Chatham, ELISHA CAIN, RICHARD KENNON, MAT-
THEW JONES, JEDUTHAN HARPER, JOHN BIRDSONG, AMBROSE RAMSAY, JOSEPH
ROSSER, ROBERT RUTHERFORD, JOHN THOMPSON, and WM. CLARK.
This body appointed as Field Officers for Chatham, AMBROSE RAMSAY, Colo-
nel ; JEDUTHAN HARPER, Liutenant-Colonel ; MIAL SCURLOCK, Major; ELISHA
CAIN, 2d Major.
At the Congress held at Halifax on the 12th November, 1776, which
formed our State Constitution, the members from Chatham County were:
AMBROSE RAMSAY, JOHN BIRDSONG, MIAL SCURLOCK, ISAIAH HOGAN, and JE-
DUTHAN HARPER.
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 summer cloud, that
the breath of evening wafts away. But patriotic acts and heroic
services are not thus transient. A grateful country delights to
cherish the recollection and record of their deeds, and inscribe their
names on her monuments.
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 born about 1754 in Wake County. He was appren-
ticed to a carpenter or loom maker. In 1778 he moved to Chatham. The
occupation of Wilmington by the British under Colonel Craig offered other
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 appre-
ciated by the British authorities. He was appointed a Colonel of the Loyal
militia. An old Tory, by the name of Lindsy, gave him a mare called Red Doe,
whose blood even to this day is highly prized. Major 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, afterwards of South Carolina, was
taken by this ferocious bandit and his myrmidons. He was sentenced to be
hanged. 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
rnare. Hunter escaped with a shot in his shoulder, but the " Red Doe" and
the holsters were his booty.
When Cornwallis raised the royal standard at Hillsboro' (Feb. 1781), Fan-
nen was a terror to the whole country. The daring of his enterprises, the
CHATHAM COUNTY. 85
cruelty of his conduct, and his success, excite our admiration for this bold,
bad man, much braver than and equally base as his more polished namesake
of Orange County. His forces, with Col. Hector McNeill and Ray, were be-
tween GOO 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 Fayetteville), and
carried off Col. Ennett, Captain "Winslow and others.
On 1st September following, a battle was fought at McFalPs 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 retreated with his prisoners, whom he de-
livered to Major Craig at Wilmington.
In 1782 Fannen made his way to Charleston, and from thence retreated
to Nova Scotia, where he died in 1825.;*
JAMES FAUNTELROY TAYLOR was a native of Chatham County. He was a
son of Captain Philip Taylo, of the revolutionary army. He was born 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 Busbee, Esq., of Raleigh.
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 no-
thing 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 earthly pursuits, and what shadows
we are, and what shadows we pursue."
HON. CHARLES MANLY 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.RENCHER is a resident of Chatham County.
He graduated at Chapel Hill, in 1822 ; elected a member of Congress in
1829, an<J 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 Hon. David L. Swain to Dr. Johnson, of Charleston,
for the facts relative to this man. I have had very many reasons to thank Gov. Swain for
his 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-
ship, the many acts of kindness, and a high esteem for his talents and bis worth, 1 have
dedicated my work to him.
86
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
HON. JOHN D. TOOMER 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 years
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 Ledhill.
James Williams, John Ledhill.
Matthew Jones, Richard Hennon.
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 Ligbtfoot, John B. Mebane.
CHEROKEE COUNTY.
87
Years.
Senators.
1814.
Andrew Headen,
1815.
John Farrar,
1816.
John Farrar,
1817.
John Farrar,
1818.
William O'Kelly,
1819.
John Farrar,
1820.
Jesse Bray,
1822.
Jesse Bray,
1823.
Robert Marsh,
1824.
Robert Marsh,
1825.
Robert Marsh,
1826.
Robert Marsh,
1827..
Joseph Ramsay,
1828.
Joseph Ramsay,
1829.
1830.
Joseph Ramsay,
Joseph Ramsay,
1831.
William Reneber,
1832.
Nathan A. Stedman,
1833.
Nathan A. Stedman,
1834.
Hugh McQueen,
1835.
Hugh McQueen,
1836.
William Albright,
1838.
William Albright,
1840.
William Albright,
1843.
William Albright,
1844.
William Albright,
1846.
William Albright,
1848.
William Albright,
1850.
J. H. Haughton,
Members of the House of Commons.
John A. Ramsay, William O'Kelly.
John A. Ramsay, William O'Kelly.
William O'Kelly, Richard C. Gotten.
Richard C. Gotten, John J. Alston.
Richard C. Gotten, John A. Ramsay.
Thomas Hill, John A. Ramsay.
Richard Freeman, James C. Barbee.
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.
R. C. Gotten, John S. Guthrie.
R. C. Gotten, William Foushee.
R. C. Gotten, John S. Guthrie.
Spencer McClennahan, John S. Guthrie,
Richard C. Gotten.
Spencer McClennahan, John S. Guthrie,
R. C. Gotten.
Spencer McClennahan, John S. Guthrie,
Isaac Clegg.
John S. Guthrie, Thomas Lassiter, John J.
Jackson.
D. Hackny, J. H. Haughton, J. S. Guthrie.
Daniel Hackny, Thomas Lassiter, Maurice
Q. Waddle.
Daniel Hackny, McClennahan, Headen.
R. C. Gotten, Dan. Hackny, G. M. Brazier.
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 line, and west by Tennessee.
Its capital is Murphy, named in compliment to the Hon. Archi-
bald D. Murphy, once a Judge of our Superior Court, and for whose
biography reference is made to Orange County, of which he was a
15
88 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
resident. Distance from Raleigh, three hundred and sixty-seven
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 Onegmkee, written by the Hon. Robert
Strange.
Its population is 6,493 whites ; 337 slaves ; 8 free negroes ; 6,703 represent-
ative population.
Its products are 2,760 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
Hewes and others Members of Legislature.
CHOWAN COUNTY was one of the original precincts of the Lords
Proprietors, under charter of King Charles II., and derives its name
from the tribe of Indians, Chowanokes, who once owned and in-
habited this territory.
It is situated in the north-eastern part of the State ; bounded on
the north by Gates County, on the east by Perquimans, on the
south by the Albemarle Sound, 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
population.
Its products are 15,3 19 bushels of wheat ; 13,962 bushels of oats ; 282,209
CHOWAN COUNTY. 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 of Edenton, 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 ye Council,
and Commander-in-chief of North Carolina; during whose administration ye
province enjoyed that tranquillity which it is to be wished it may never want.
He 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, wife of Edward Mosely, Esq.
She was ye daughter of Major Alexander Lillington, Esq., 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 Domini, 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 Cape Fear, were first held at the 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 Edentou ; Christopher Gale, Chief Justice, and seven assistants presiding.
SETH SOTHEL, who was Governor of North Carolina in 1683, resided in
this county. His character reflects 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 lor 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, Anna
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 Duckenfield, 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 appoints her whole and sole executor
of his will."
The will is dated January 20th, 1689, and witnessed by Win. 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 3s., 3 3s. ;
1 gun, at 1 ; 203 pounds nails at 1 : 100 sheep, at 40 ; 300 pounds of
tobacco, at 1 5s. ; bed and bolster, 2 ; 97 dressed buckskins, 9 16s. ; 126
dressed doeskins, 9 9s. ; 50 pounds gunpowder, 3 15s. ; rum, 2s. 6d. in
county 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 OF ALBEMARLE ; whose efforts
restored Charles the Second to his crown and kingdom, and who
* In the office of Secretary of State at Raleigh, " Proceedings of the General Court of
Albemarle, from Nov. 1769 to 1712 ;" bound in parchment. I am indebted to the kindness of
the Hon. David L. Swuin for this.
90 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
was one of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. He was born 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
1772 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 ?"
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, 1774, (the first assembly of the people adverse
to the royal authority,) the members from Chowan were SAMUEL JOHNSON,
THOMAS OLDHAM, THOMAS BENBURY, THOMAS JONES, and THOMAS HUNTER.
The same appeared at Newbern in April 1775, and at Hillsboro' at the
meeting on 21st August, 1775: the same appeared with JAMES BLOUNT, 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,
vol. i. 891).
" EDENTON, North Carolina,
"25th 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, ii. 29. f Williamson, i. 177.
CHOWAN COUNTY. 91
our power to testify our sincere adherence to the same; we therefore do ac-
cordingly subscribe this paper as a witness of our fixed intention and solemn
determination.
" Signed by fifty-six ladies."
SAMUEL JOHNSTON, who resided and 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
Newbern. 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 Governor 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 the 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 declare 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 shacklesof 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 at
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 tyranny of an irresponsible monarch. v 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. He was the unqualified admirer of the
Federal Constitution, and was President of- the Convention, while Governor
of the State, which met at Hillsboro' 21st July 1788, to consider the Constitu-
tion, and by which body it was rejected ; and also of the Convention which
met at Fayetteville Nov. 1789, which ratified that instrument.
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, "AUquid
tempus interesse debet vitam mortem que," and peacefully departed this life in
the year 1816.*
He left one son, JAMES C. JOHNSTON, Esq., of Edenton. His sister Hannah
married Hon. James Iredell, whose biography we shall presently offer.
HUGH WILLJAMSON was a member of the House of Commons in 17*82, 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 appeqded.
He was a native of Pennsylvania, born 5th of December, 1735, in West
Nottingham township. His father was an Irishman, a respectable clothier
* " Some time ought to intervene between the life and death."
92
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
in Dublin, and emigrated to this country in 1730. His mother, Mary David-
son, was Irish, and came to this country with her father, George Davidson,
when about three years old. On their way they were captured by Teach, or
Blackboard, the celebrated pirate, by whom, after being plundered, they were
released. His parents were married in 1731, and had ten children, of which
Hugh was the oldest. He 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 1/64, he 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 feeling 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 consequences.
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 perfidy 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 year 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 capture, 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 Charleston, 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 flag 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 popularity. But this
was but momentary, for he represented the Edenton District in Congress, in
Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Franklin. Quarto, page 183, Lond. ed:, 1818.
CHOWAN COUNTY. 93
1790, '91 and '92. He had married in New York, in 1789, Maria, daughter of
Hon. Charles Ward Apthrope.
By this union he had two sons, his wife dying when the youngest was but
a 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
and 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 niece.
No man ever lived in our State, whose character for justice and integrity
stood higher. His 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. WILLIAM GUMMING was a lawyer in Chowah 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.
JAMES 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, born at Lewes, in Sussex County, on the 5th
October, 1750. He 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 interests 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 the 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-
rate upon the Federal Constitution, and was its able exponent and eloquent
defender.
He was afterwards (in November, 1779) appointed Attorney-General, and
resigned 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 merits 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 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
JAMES IREDELL, who has been a Judge of the Superior Court, Speaker of the
House of Commons, Governor of the State, and Senator in Congress.
He was born in Chowan County in 1788. His first appearance in public
life was in 1816, as member of the House of Commons. In 1817 and 1818
he was elected Speaker.
In the war of 1812 he commanded a company of volunteers, and marched
to Norfolk, Va., to repel the invasions of the British. In this company, the
late Gavin Hogg, 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.
He 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 Hillsboro' ; another to
Griffiths J. McRee, of Wilmington, and another to Dr. Charles E. Johnson,
of Raleigh.
STEPHEN CABARRTJS 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 his early life, character, and
services 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 county 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
was 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
person prepossessing, his countenance expressive of great amenity of temper.
His reputation for probity and honor was unspotted.*
It has been before stated that it is not very flattering to our State pride
that not one of the signers to our national Declaration of Independence from
North 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 often 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. SAWFER, now of Norfolk, Va., is a native of Chowan.
* Sanderson's Biography of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, vol. v. p.
147. Philadelphia, 1828.
CHOWAN COUNTY.
95
His father, Dr. Matthias B. Sawyer, was distinguished for his talents and
learning. His uncle, Hon. Lemuel Sawyer, represented this district for
many years. Maj. 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 Rayner. 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 ; born 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, graduated at the Military Academy in 1836, and joined his com-
pany in the 4th regiment of infantry in the Cherokee nation. In 1839 he
went with his regiment to JFort Gibson, Arkansas.
In 1845 he accompanied his regiment to Corpus Christi, and did good ser-
vice at Palo Alto and Resaca de la 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. AUGUSTUS MOORE, late a judge of our Superior Court, was a resident
of Edenton. He was graduated at the University in 1824, read law with
Charles R. Kinney, in Elizabeth City, and practiced with great success. He
was appointed Judge in 1848, but he resigned the same year, and died very
suddenly 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 Gumming,
1784. Stephen Cabarrus,
1785. Stephen Cabarrus,
1786. Stephen Cabarrus,
1787. Stephen Cabarrus,
1788. William Gumming,
1790. John Hamilton,
1791. John Hamilton,
1792. John Hamilton,
1793. William Gumming,
1794. Robert Hardy,
1795. Stephen Cabarrus,
1796. Thomas Johnson,
Years. 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,
Mathias E. Sawyer,
Mathias E. Sawyer,
Henry Flury,
James Iredell,
Jos. B. Skinner,
Jos. B. Skinner,
James Iredell,
James Iredell,
James Iredell,
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years. House 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. $amuel 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 Commons.
Thomas Benbury, Jacob Hunter.
Win. 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.
Hugh 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 Coffield, 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 HoskinsJ
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. Luk^ 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. v Richard Hoskins,
1816. Henry Skinner,
1817. Charles E. Johnson,
1818. Rich'd T. Brownrigg,
1819. Charles E. Johnson,
1820. Charles E. Johnson,
1821. Richard Hoskins,
1822. Rich'd T. Brownrigg,
CLEAVELAND COUNTY.
97
Years. Senate.
1823. William Bullock,
1824. William Bullock,
1825. William Bullock,
1826. William Bullock,
1827. William Walton,
1828. William Walton,
1829. William Walton,
1830. William Walton,
1831. Rich'd T. Brownrigg,
1832. William Bullock,
1833. Jos. B. Skinner,
1834. Samuel T. Sawyer,
1835. William Bullock,
1836. William W. Cowper,
1838. Rufus R. Speed,
1840. Rufus R. Speed,
1842. Whitmel J. Stallings,
1844. Whitmel J. Stallings,
1846. Whitmel J. Stallings,
1848. Henry Willey.
1850. Henry Willey,
House of Commons.
Joshua Mewborn, Wm. Walton.
Wm. Walton, J. N. Hoskins.
Wm. Walton, Joshua Mewborn.
Josiah McKiel, William Jackson.
William Bey rum, Wm. Jackson.
Josiah McKiel, Wm. Beyrum.
Wm. Beyrum, George Blair.
Wm. Jackson, George Blair.
Josiah II. Skinner, Wm. Jackson.
Josiah II. 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. Bond.
CHAPTER XX.
CLEAVELAND COUNTY.
Date of formation Origin of name, situation and boundaries Capital Popu-
lation and products Revolutionary history Original documents relative
to the battle of King'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 name 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 officer, 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 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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-
sentative 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 copy of which is 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 revolutionary war with seal of our independence."
It was achieved by raw, undisciplined men, who never before were
in battle, without any government officers, 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-
guished himself in the attack under General Forbes in 1758, in which he led
the 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 River. 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.
CLEAVELAND COUNTY. 99
Such was the ancestor of Isaac Shelby. He was born in Maryland, Dec.
llth, 1750. Born to the use of arms, blessed with afirm and Herculean frame,
capable of great fatigue, his education was such as fitted him for the scenes
in which he was by Providence 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 ground," Kentucky,
amid dangers, privations, and difficulties, for nearly a year; when from expo-
pure, without bread or salt, his health gave way, and he returned home.
During his absence, in July, 1776, he had been appointed Captain of a
minute company, by the Committee of Safety in Virginia.
In 17Y7, Patrick Henry, 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 Holston 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 Norfh Carolina.
By that line his residence was found to be in North Carolina, and he was by
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 had five years previously marked out, pre-
pared and improved ; when the disastrous surrender of Charleston, and the
loss 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 requisition from Gen. Charles McDowell, to furnish all the aid in his
power, to check 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
Alleghany, 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 by
Captain Patrick Moore, a distinguished Tory, on the waters of Pacolet. This
was accomplished without loss of time, or men. The enemy surrendered as
prisoners of 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, carrying 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 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
on the 19th of August 1780, a large body of Tories, at Musgrove'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 miles), attacked the patrol of the 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 strong body of 600 regu-
lars, under Col. Innes (Queen's American Regiment from New York). This
was unexpected news. Fatigued as were their horses, after the hard ride all
night, retreat was impracticable ; to attack the enemy of such superior force,
well armed and in full 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 met 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 Jnman, with twenty-five 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 bugles of the cavalry, soon announced to this devoted
band, the approach of the enemy in strong force. Inman' s orders were to
fire upon them and retreat. The British and Tories, confident of success, made
a furious 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
officers 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 sixty prisoners. The American loss was only four killed and
nine wounded. The brave Capt. Inman jln 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
the 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 carry-
ing them alternately on horseback, and marching all night and all next day
until late in the evening without halting a moment for refreshments. This
saved the troops and secured the prisoners, for the next day a strong detach-
ment from Ferguson sallied out to overtake the victors ; but the energy and
activity of Shelby baffled their intent. Shelby, after 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-
fuson with a strong detachment which could be increased to twice its num-
ers, at Gilbert town in Rutherford County ; the whole country was under
the 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. If
for a moment subdued, they were not conquered.
Shelby at this gloomy moment in consultation with Col. Charles McDowell,
CLEAVELAND COUNTY. 101
proposed to Cols. Sevier and Campbell, to raise a force from their several coun-
ties and attack Ferguson.
They met at Watauga on 25th September, 1780, and marched upon Fergu-
son. Their force was as follows :
From Burke and Rutherford Counties, commanded by Charles
McDowell - 160 men.
From Wilkes and Surry 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 - - 40 "
From Washington, Virginia, under Colonel William Campbell - 400 '
1390 "
With this force they prepared to march.
Ferguson anticipating their attack from some deserters, left Gilbert town.
In the meantime he dispatched a letter to Lord Cornwallis, at Charlotte,
soliciting aid. His messenger was Abraham Collins (since of counterfeit
memory), and was received too late to be of any service.. He encamped the
first night at the Cowpens (soon to become immortal for the success of our
arms over Tarleton, 17th January, 1781). On the 5th October, he crossed
Broad River at Deer Ferry, and marched sixteen miles ; on 6th he marched
up the Ridge 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 Almighty could not drive him from."
The official accounts prove the results of this battle and its important
advantages.
It completely broke down the Tory influence in North Carolina, and alarmed
the British so much that Lord Cornwallis 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, wha was appointed to the command in December, 1780, to
hold Lord Cornwallis 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 take a British
post at Fairlawn, 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 he was a member from Sullivan
county. 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 he married Susanna Hart, whose father was one of the partners
of Judge Henderson. Now that the liberties of 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 fctate from Virginia, and was a member of the Convention in April,
102 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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 our history, during the
second war with England. His spirit was not calmed by the fros.ts 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 from his
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
paralytic affection. His mind was, however, unimpaired ; but on the 18th of
July, 1826, he expired from a stroke of apoplexy, in the seventy-sixth year of
his 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 Major Chronicle and Captain Mattocks
were buried, a monument is erected. On it is the following inscription :
Sacred to the Memory of
MAJOR WILLIAM CHRONICLE,
CAPTAIN JOHN MATTOCKS,
WILLIAM ROBB, and
JOHN BOYD,
Who were killed in this place on the 7th of October, 1780,
fighting in defence of America.
On the west side of said monument :
COLONEL FERGUSON,
AN OFFICER OF His BRITANNIC MAJESTY,
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 nephew of a nobleman of great literary
talents, Patrick Murray (Lord Elibank), deemed by 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. He had invented anew 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 Brandy wine, 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 General Clinton in the South. His signal service in the reduction of
CLEAVELAND COUNTY. 103
Charleston, in May, 1780, is mentioned with great praise in the dispatches of
the Commander-in-chief.
His disposition and manners were conciliatory, and well calculated to gain
friends. lie was dispatched by Lord Cornwallis to the western portion of
North Carolina, to win the inhabitants to the British cause. In this he dis-
played much tact and judgment. In his address published to the inhabit-
ants, ho 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 worthy 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 :
DONARD'S FORD, BROAD RIVER,
Tryon County, Oct. 1, 1780.
GENTLEMEN Unless you wish to be cut up by an inundation of 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, give 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, absed by the dregs of mankind in short, if you
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,
Major 1 1st Regiment.
Letter from General Davidson, of North Carolina, to General
Sumner :
CAMP, ROCKY RIVER,
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 Major in General Sumpter's late command.
The particulars from that gentleman's mouth stand thus: That Colonels
Campbell, Cleaveland, Shelby, Sevier, Williams, Brandon, Lacey, &c., 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 his way to Charlotte. Our people overtook him
well posted on King's Mountain, and on the evening of the 7th instant, at
four o'clock, began the 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 the prisoners 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
Major who gives us this, was in the action. The above is true. The blow is
great. 1 give you joy upon the occasion. I am, &c.,
WILLIAM DAVIDSON.
HON. GEN. SUMNER,
Camp Yadkin Ford.
16
104 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Extract of a letter from Maj. Gen. Gates to Governor Jefferson,
dated
HILLSBORO', 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. lie has de-
livered 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 the Western Army, from the 25th day 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, with 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 25th 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 our 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 1st 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 began 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 encamped 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 disposition
was made:
Col. Shelby's regiment formed a column in the centre on the left ; Col.
Campbell'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 wing. 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 began 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 general all round.
The engagement lasted an hour and five minutes, the greatest part of which
time a heavy and incessant fire was kept up on both sides. Our men, in
some parts where the regulars fought, were pbliged 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, obliged the enemy to retreat along the top of the ridge, where
Col. Cleaveland commanded, and were there stopped by his brave men. A
flag was immediately hoisted by Captain Depeyster, the commanding officer
CLEAVELAND COUNTY. 105
(Major Ferguson 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 us prisoners at discretion.
It appears, from their own provision returns for that day, found in their
camp, that their whole force 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 fifteen privates killed ; thirty-five
privates wounded left on the ground not able to march, two captains, four
lieutenants, 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 major, 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 hundred 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 :
Killed. Wounded.
1 Colonel. 1 Major.
1 Major. 3 Captains.
1 Captain. 3 Lieutenants.
2 Lieutenants. 53 Privates.
4 Ensigns.
19 Privates. 60 total.
28 total.
An account of the Battle of King's Mountain, prepared by GEN. WILLIAM LE-
NOIR, at the request of JUDGE MURPHY, and furnished for this work by W.
W. LENOIR, ESQ., of Caldwell County.
Having lately seen in the State Gazette, a publication of Mr. Walker's
circular letter in 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 having previously observed, that in all the histories of the Revo-
lutionary War that I have seen, the accounts of that battle are very erroneous,
induces 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 so distant a period will enable me to do.
When a report was circulated that a detachment of the British army had
advanced through the State of South Carolina, and a part of North Carolina,
as far as Cane Creek, where a strong party of them were repulsed by the
neighboring militia, chiefly of Burke County, under the command of Col.
Chas. McDowell, and Major J. McDowell, the active Whigs of the western
part of North Carolina, and some from the near part of Virginia, like patriots
at a moment's notice, without any call from the Government, turned out and
concentrated in Burke County, without any aid from public stores, of clothing,
arms, ammunition, or any article of camp equipage, not having a single tent
or 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-
gressing through the country in various directions, committing great ravages
and 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 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Ferguson had daily information of the advancement of the Whigs, and was
so 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 go in
advance as mounted infantry, there not being a single dragoon in the Whig
army. Whereupon, about five or six hundred were prepared and marched
off about sunrise on the 6th day of October, 1780, leaving the footmen, about
one thousand five hundred in number, encamped on Green River, under the
command of Major Joseph Herndon. The advance party of mounted infantry
being joined by Col. Williams,* with a few South Carolina militia, in the
evening arrived at a place called the Cowpens, in South Carolina,! where two
beeves were killed and orders given for the men to cook, and eat as quick as
possible ; but marching orders were given, before those that were indolent,
had 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 was 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 sight, 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 hunters, 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 happened 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 the lines,! when
all dismounted under the fire of the enemy, and the right and left hand
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 wing 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 their 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. Williams was wounded in the battle and died one or two days afterwards.
t Gen. Morgan afterwards defeated Col. Tarleton at the Cowpens.
J Nothing but the interposition of Divine power could have conducted the said right
hand column to so great advantage.
A number of Tories who were not provided with bayonets, substituted butcher
knives, the handles being cut to fit the muzzles of their guns.
CLEAVELAND COUNTY. 107
vr&s eleven hundred and eighty-seven. The Whigs 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 having 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 days 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 danger on the other. Colonel Ferguson had seven or eight bullets
shot 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 Whigs, no doubt
but they would have retreafed instead of surrendering.
It appears that under the auspices of the same Divine Power that so advan-
tageously 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 House,
it appears to be given lip on both sides, that the Americans had the best of
that battle, and disabled their enemy. And to contrast the situation of the
Whigs aftor 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 Wtjigs, as the Whigs had done over them, it must appear that said
battle was the most decisive, the most gloriously fought, and, although few
in numbers, was of the greatest importance of any one battle that ever was
fought in America.
I was captain of a company of footmen, and left them a 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 belonged 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, before the battle, Adjutant Jesse Franklin, now Governor of
North Carolina, Capt. Robt. Cleaveland, and myself, agreed to stand together
and support each other ; but, at the commencement of the battle, enthusiastic
zeal 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
noticed 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 being 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
our side by militia alone. By that victory, many militia officers procured
108 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
swords who could not possibly get any before ; neither was it possible to pro-
cure a good supply of ammunition. " *
MEMBERS FROM CLEAVELAND.
Years. Senate. ^ House of Commons.
1844. Thos. Jefferson, J. Y. Hamrick.
1846. Columbus Mills, Joshua Beam.
1848. Dr. W. J. T. Miller, J. Y. Hamrick.
1850. JohnG. Bynum, G. G. Holland.
CHAPTER XXI.
COLUMBUS COUNTY.
Date of formation Situation and boundaries Population and products
Members of Assembly.
COLUMBUS COUNTY 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-
sentative population.
Its products are 1366 bushels of wheat; 79,155 bushels of corn ; 725 bar-
rels turpentine ; $10,864 worth of lumber ; 24,035 Ibs. cotton ; 6724 Ibs. wool.
Its revolutionary and colonial history is connected with Bladen
and Brunswick, from which it was formed.
Its capital is Whites ville, 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.
Years. 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.
CRAVEN COUNTY.
109
Years. Senators.
1821. Thomas Frink,
1822. Alexander Troy,
1823. Thomas Frink,
1824. Thomas Frink,
1825. Alex. Formyduval,
182G. James Burney,
1827. James Burney,
1828. James Burney,
1829. James Burney,
1830. Luke R. Simmons,
1831. Luke R. Simmons,
1832. Luke 11. 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. Ilichard Wooten,
1850. Richard Woote*n,
House of Commons.
L. R. Simmons, Levi Stephens.
Caleb Stephens, Richard Wooten.
J. II. 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 Powell.
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.
CKAVEN COUNTY.
Origin of name Date of formation Situation and boundaries Population
and products Newbern, 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 llichard Dobbs Spaight, jun. Matthias E. Manly Charles B.
Sheppard William H. 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 east by the Pamplico Sound, on
the south by Carteret and Jones, and on the west by Pitt, Jones,
and Lenoir Countres.
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 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Its products are 6037 bushels wheat ; 16,577 bushels oats ; 3019 bushels
rye ; 143,835 bushels corn ; 66,833 Ibs. cotton ; 8099 Ibs. wool ; 139,027 bar-
rels turpentine; 1622 barrels fish; 37,911 dollars worth lumber.
Its capital is Newbern, 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 Graaffenreidt, 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-
bern, on 15th of August, 1774, from Craven, were JAMES Coon, LEMUEL
HATCH, JOSEPH LEECH, and RICHARD COGDELL.
The members to the Assembly at the same place, in April, 1775, were the
same, with JACOB BLOUNT, and WILLIAM BRYAN.
The members to the Assembly at Hillsboro' on the 21st of August, 1775,
were JAMES COOR, WILLIAM BRYAN, RICHARD COGDELL, JOSEPH LEECH, JACOB
BLOUNT, and EDMUND HATCH.
The members at Halifax in November, 1776, were JAMES COOR, WILLLIAM
BRYAN, JOHN BRYAN, CHRISTOPHER NEALE, and JOHN BRYAN.
In 1775, ABNER NASH and JAMES COOR were members of the Provincial
Council of Safety.
The District Committee for the Newbern District, were Dr. ALEXANDER
GASTON, RICHARD COGDELL, JOHN EASTON, MAJOR CROOM, ROGER ORMOND,
EDWARD SALTER, GEORGE BURROW, WILLIAM THOMPSON, BENJ: 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., 1st Major ^ JOHN TILMAN, 2d Major.
The names of these men are here preserved, hoping that some future pen
may do justice to their services and characters.
HON. FRANCOIS XAVIER MARTIN was long a resident of Newbern. 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 he represented Newbern 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 1st 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. t Williahison, j. 85 ; 1 Vol. 37.
CRAVEN COUNTY. Ill
He was one of the most learned Jurists of his age. With a mind naturally
acute ; an erudition surpassed by none, equalled by few ; with an unspotted
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, Ya.
His father was from Wales. He was educated for the bar, and was elected
the 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 Germantown, and his
son 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 high moral character
and intellectual attainments. His name is preserved in 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 army as aide-de-camp to Gen. Caswell, and as
such was at the battle of Camden, in 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, he 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 Defence, 313.
112 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
In 1792 he was elected the Governor 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 Newbern District,
and served one Congress.
In 1801 he was elected a member of the State Senate, from Craven.
In September, 1802, from some expressions of the Hon. 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 Gov. 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 a fit
of frenzy, malice, and despair, to frame a challenge, which was the subject
of your 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 suffi-
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 had 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 satisfaction which you assure me
that " if I ask for it once I shall not be under the necessity of doing it the
second time." JOHN STANLY.
Sept. 5th, 1802.
My friend Mr. Graham, who hands you this, will receive your answer.
Gen. Spaiglit to Mr. Stanly.
NEWBERN, Sept. 5tk, 1802.
SIR Yours of this date has been received. My friend, Doctor Edward
Pasteur, will appoint the time and place, and make the other necessary ar-
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 STAXLY was often a member of the Legislature. He was a member
of Congress in 1801 from this district, and again in 1809. His 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. Stanly'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 Excellency will lea^n from them the rise and
CRAVEN COUNTY. 113
progress of a difference which has had a melancholy termination. I beg
leave, sir, to ask you 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 those
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 gpod 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 difficulties 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 appeal, 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 me to acquiesce with
humility, to have bowed myself to the opprobrious epithets of 'liar and
scoundrel/ which General Spaight, in his publication of 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
has 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-
versation which had first given him offence. That our subsequent difference
was 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-
ported the controversy with temperance, departing in no instance from the
language 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 the
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 of respect,
"Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,
"JNO. STANLY.
" His Excellency, Governor WILLIAMS.
"Sept. 13tk, 1802."
He continued without much intermission in the House of Commons, of
which he was often Speaker, until 1826, when he was struck with a paralytic
stroke, which terminated his political career, and in a few years his life.
He died 3d of August, 1834.
WILLIAM GASTON, late Judge of the Supreme Court of the State, was a
native of Newbern. 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 wharf,
while her husband pushed off in a boat. One of these monsters leveled his
gun over the shoulder of Mrs. Gaston, and her patriotic husband fell dead,
leaving her and two children; a son, the distinguished subject 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 Abject 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 thiB 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
Is theirs ; with what a kingly power their love v
May rule the fountains of the new-born mind ;
, Warns them to wake at early dawn and sow
Good seed before the world doth sow its tares."*
Mrs. Ellet, in her work, " Women of the Revolution," renders any further
allusion to Mrs. Gaston unnecessary, except to quote 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 years 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
alwavs foot?" " There is a reason," replied he, "but if I tell you, you must
promise to keep it a secret, and do as I 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 often been heard to declare, that whatever distinction he
had attained in life, was owing to her pious counsel and faithful conduct.^
Under her eyeliis 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 rigid discipline, and
exiled from the 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 con-
* Mrs. Sigourney. t Women of the Revolution, ii. 139
t Life and character of William Gaston, by Wm. H. Battle, Chapel Hill, 1844.
CRAVEN COUNTY. 115
sumption ; and it was advised by his physicians that ho should "return to the
mild air of his native climate. He returned homeland his health soon im-
proved. Under the care of the Rev. Thomas P. Irwing, he was prepared for
college. He entered the Junior Class, at Princeton, in the fall of 1794. 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 his success.
He studied law with Francois Xavier Martin, then residing in Newbern ;
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. Gaston, at once
heavy and lucrative. To his well-disciplined mind, laborious habits, and in-
defatigable industry, this only 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 fortunes 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 Newbern, of which Jxidy he was chosen Speaker. He was
elector on tfye 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 life now becomes a part of our national property, and we may
" Read its history in a nation's eyes."
This period was one of extraordinary excitement. He took a prominent
stand in opposition to the Administration, sustained as it was by the 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 influence 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 individuals, their merits, or their errors.
His duty 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 character. 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 of Mr. Stanly, wno had been elected that year a member of the
House of Commons from Newbern, a vacancy occurred, and Mr. Gaston was
elected to supply his place. This he accepted as a matter of duty, not of in-
clination ; as a return of gratitude for favors received, not with the hope of
honors or laurels yet to be acquired.
It was known at Raleigh that Mr. Stanly had resigned ; but it was not
* Eulogy, by Robert Strange, Fayetteville, 1844.
116 HISTORY 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 Newbern 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 eyes 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
him 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-
ciary Committee was : lion. 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 only 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 State 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 Avar, and preparing to meet its
emergencies, with the minds of the members occupied by 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, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Jr., John
Branch, Daniel L. Swain, and others.
CRAVEN COUNTY. 117
To others who witnessed the intellectual labors, the eloquent efforts, and
patriotic services of Mr. Gaston on this occasion, is left the duty of recording
them. Their journal and their debates have been published. His 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 extensively published and read
throughout the Union.
This was the last service he ever performed in a representative capacity.
He now applied the whole vigor of his capacious mind and his varied ac-
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 steady hand and upright purpose ; appear to me among the highest
of civil functions. And so lotig 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 JUDGE
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 legal learning, but models of ele-
gant literature. A much higher opinion is given by one who knew him long
and knew him well, pronounced 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;f 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 and valuable officer had to pass the same ordeal
that all must encounter :
" Pallida mors sequo pulsat ped
Pauperum tabernas, regumqu
regumque turres."g
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
say
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 J Hon. W. H. Battle.
"Pale Death beats with equal foot at the cottages of the poor and palaces of kings."
HORACE.
II Tobias Watkins, late Auditor of the Treasury.
118 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
We must believe and feel that there is a GOD, ALLWISE and ALMIGHTY." As
he pronounced this last word, he raised himself up from his bed to give it
greater emphasis ; in a moment, there seemed a sudden rush of blood to the
brain, and he fell back a lifeless corpse. His 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 his pen :
THE OLD NORTH STATE FOR EVER.
Carolina! Carolina! Heaven's blessings attend her !
While we live, we will cherish and love and defend her ;
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 Liberty'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 disaster ?
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 (daughter
of John Hay, of Fayetteville).
On Oct. Oth, 1805, to Hannah McClure, the only daughter of General McClure,
who died on the 12th of July, 1813, leaving 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,1819, 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:
RESOLUTIONS ON THE DEATH OF WILLIAM GASTON,
Adopted unanimously by the General Assembly of the State of
North Carolina, at the Session of 1844-45, 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 citizens has died. On the 23d
of January, 1844, WILLIAM GASTON, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court
of North Carolina, after an illness of a few hours departed this life. The
CRAVEN 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 distinguished ancestor who fell in the
revolutionary struggles 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-
ciplined 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 devoted 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 (ft the moment of his dissolution hia 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 WILLIAM GASTON, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court, the
State has experienced a loss of one of its most patriotic citizens, a faithful
public servant, and a learned and impartial judge. That in the course of a
long 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.
Resolved, 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 SITGREAVES was a resident of Newbern. He was appointed a
Lieutenant by the State Congress in 1776, in Captain CasselFs coinpan v. He
was in the buttle of Camden (August, 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.
He succeeded Judge John Stokes as U. S. District Judge of North Carolina,
appointed by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Jefferson's private journal has the 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 age, and
should he live long enough, he will be an ornament to his profession. Spaight
and Blount concurring, he was nominated/'
* These resolutions passed unanimously both houses, and were, by order, spread upon
their journals ; and were prepared on this occat-ion, at the request of the Chairman, by the
Author of these sketches.
17
120 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
He died at Halifax in 1800, where he lies buried, and was succeeded by the
Hon. Henry Potter.
Rev. THOMAS P. IRVINE was celebrated "in the olden time" of Newbern as
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," and prepared some of our first men with
great care for the duties of life. Many, whose hands have since guided the
affairs of State, have felt the stringent application of his Tippoo Saib, and
many whose shoulders have been honored by the ermine of the laws, early
felt the infliction of his Great Mogul. Peace to his manes !
RICHARD DOBBS SPAIGIIT, son of Governor Spaight, was born in Newbern
in 1796; educated at the University, at which^he graduated in 1815. He
w-as 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 Newbern 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, and the respect of all who know him. He 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 Congress. 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 born in Newbern on the 5th December,
1807 ; was graduated at Qhapel 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
31st 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 Newbern, and his
family were early distinguished for their devotion to liberty and popular
rights. In the State Congress of November, 1776, at Halifax, 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
ao-ain to the Senate of the State Legislature, and a member of Congress from
the Newbern District, a circumstance almost unprecedented in political his-
tory, and shows his unbounded popularity. He served in Congress during
the whole administration of John Quincy Adams; when he declined, prefer-
CRAVEN COUNTY. 121
ring the quiet joys 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 Newbern, and sister
to the Hon. Charles B. Shepard, Hon. Wm. B. Shepard, and James B.
Shepard, Esq., 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 diligence in his profession. He was
brevetted for his gallantry and good conduct at Buena Vista.
Hon. GEORGE E. BADGER, now one of our senators in Congress, is a native
of Newbern. He was born in 1795. His father was a firm Whig, and a native
of Connecticut ; his mother, a daughter of Richard Cogdell, who, with Dr.
Alexander Gaston, was of the Provincial Council of Safety for the Newbern
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 1816.
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 Hay wood,
Esq., of Raleigh.
Hon. MATTHIAS E. MANLY 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 member of the House of Commons in 1834 from the town of
Newbern, 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 Judge of the Superior Court by the General As-
sembly, which responsible position he now occupies.
Judge 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. Burgwin, a native of this section, captain
in 1st 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.
Although Craven presents so far a record of patriotism, yet truth compels
the record to speak that there were some exceptions.
122
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
The Journal of the Congress at Halifax, 5th Dec. 1776, shows that,
" WILLIAM HEATH, of the town of Newbern, 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 Or MEMBERS TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
Years. House of Commons.
1777.
1778.
1779.
1780.
1781.
1782.
1783.
1784.
1785.
1786.
1787.
1788.
1789.
1791.
1792.
1793.
1794.
1795.
1796.
1797.
1798.
1799.
1800.
1801.
1802.
1803.
1804.
1805.
1806.
Abner Nash.
Richard Cogdell.
Richard Cogdell.
James Green, Jun.
Richard D. Spaight.
Richard D. Spaight.
Richard D. Spaight.
Spyers Singleton.
William Lisdale.
John Sitgreaves.
John Sitgreaves.
John Sitgreares.
John Sitgreaves.
James Coor.
Richard I). Spaight.
Isaac Guion.
Daniel Carthy.
Isaac Guion.
Thomas Badger.
Edward Graham.
John Stanly.
John Stanly.
George Ellis.
George Ellis.
Edward Harris.
Edward Harris.
Frederick Nash.
Frederick Nash.
Francis X. Martin.
Years. House of Commons.
1807. Francis X. Martin.
1808. William Gaston.
1809. William Gaston.
1810. Daniel Carthy.
1811. Daniel Carthy.
1812. John Stanly.
1813. John Stanly.
1814. John Stanly.
1815. John Stanly.
1816. George E. Badger.
1818. John Stanly.
1819. John Stanly.
1820. Edward E. Graham.
1821. Francis L. Hawks.
1822. E. E. Graham.
1823. John Stanly.
1824. William Gaston.
1825. John Stanly.
1826. John Stanly.
1827. William Gaston.
1828. William Gaston.
1829. Charles B. Spaight.
1830. Charles B. Spaight.
1831. William Gaston.
1832. Charles B. Shepard.
1833. Charles B. Shepard.
1834. Matthias E. Manly.
1835. Matthias E. 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 Williams,
Members of House of Commons.
John Tillman, Nathan Bryan.
Nathan Bryan, Abner Nash.
Hardy Bryan, Benj. Williams.
Wm. Bryan, William Blount.
Wm. Bryan, John Tillman.
Wm. Bryan, John Tillman.
Wm. Blount, William Bryan.
William Blount, William Bryan.
Richard D. Spaight, Abner Neale.
Richard D. Spaight, Abner Neale.
Richard Nixon, Richard D. Spaight.
Richard Nixon, John Allen.
CRAVEN COUNTY.
123
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. Wra. McCIure,
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. JohnS. West,
1812. William Gaston,
1813. Vine Allen,
1814. Wright Stanly,
1815. fteuben 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 H. 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. II. Washington,
1850. Wm. H.Washington,
Members of House of Commons.
Richard Nixon, John Allen.
Levi 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. Bryan.
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. Blackledge, John S. Nelson.
Vine Allen, John S. Nelson.
Vine Allen, John S. Nelson.
Henry Tillman, Fred. J. Cox.
Fred. J. Cox, Benners Vail.
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. Richnrdson.
Andrew H. 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.
Abner Hartley, Wm. M. Nelson.
John B. Daws'on, F. P. Latham.
Abner Hartley, F. P. Latham.
John M. Bryan, ^Lbner 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. II. Washington, II. T. Guion.
W. C. Wadsworth, Geo. S. Stevenson.
Geo. C. Stevenson, A. J. Jerkins.
124 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER XXIII.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Date of formation Situation and boundaries Population and products
Fayetteville its capital Colonial and Revolutionary history The cha-
racter of Farquard Campbell, Flora MacDonald, William Duffy, John Louis
Taylor, late Chief Justice of Supreme Court; John D. Toomer, late Judge
of Supreme Court; Robert Strange, late Judge of Superior Court, and
Senator in Congress ; Louis D. Henry, and others.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY 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 officer 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 Robeson 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
perilled his life and fortune in the cause of liberty. He was a
Major-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 12,447
whites ; 7,217 slaves ; 946 free negroes ; 17,723 representative 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 " w*>ol,
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
Capt. A. B. Dyer, Ordnance Corps, is still unfinished and under
construction will be finished in two years. There are no enlisted
* See Revised Statutes, ii. 118. Martin's History of N. C.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 125
men at the Arsenal. The building operations are ^being conducted
by 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 General 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 delegates.
At the meeting at Hillsboro', on the 21st of August, 1775, were FARQUARD
CAMPBELL, THOMAS RUTHERFORD, ALEXANDER MCALLISTER, DAVID 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-
scribers, 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, Micajah Farrell,
Maurice Nowlari, Jos. De Lespine, John Wilson,
Lewis Powell, Arthur Council, James Emmet,
Martin Lennard, John Oliver, Aaron Vardey, % . ,
George Fletcher, Charles Stevens, John Parker,
Walter Murray, Wm. Herrin, Philip Herrin,
David Evans, Robert Verner, James Geej
John Elwell, David Dunn, Wm. White,
Benjamin Elwell, Simon Banday, Joshua Hadley,
Joseph Green, John Jones, William Blocker,
Robert Green, Robert Council, Sam'l Hollingsworth,
Robert Carver, Samuel Carver, Wm. Carver.
This paper, considering the time (June, 1775), and the sentiments
expressed, is but little behind the famed Mecklenburg Kesolves.
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 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Mrs. Ellet, 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 1747f Neal McNeal, from the west of Scotland, purchased lands near '
Cross Creek (now Fayetteville), which he settled in 1749, with five or six
hundred colonists.
Embarrassed by pecuniary matters at home, and encouraged by the reports
of the numbers of their .countrymen 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 Millbury, 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 by the troops of the Duke of Cumberland. Flora's own father-in-
law, Captain Hugh 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 JBourke, 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
laird 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 Royal." He 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 unfortunate 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 6th 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.
t Williamsons-History of North Carolina, ii 80.
j Boswell's Life of Johnson, i. 387.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 127
That impulsive humanity of woman for distress was her only crime. "When
asked by the King (George the 2d), " How dare you succor the enemy of my
crown and kingdom ?" 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 BoswelPs Life of Johnson I find the following :
"Monday, 13th 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
very 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 1745-6,
while he was eluding the pursuit of the emissaries of the government, which
had 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 of John D. Eccles, Esq. After a short stay they removed to
Cameron Hill, about twenty miles from Fayetteville. The old persons about
this place well recollect seeing her, " a dignified, handsome woman, to whom
all paid 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 the Scottish pibroch united with the English bugles. On 1st
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
marshall'd 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 husband was confined a prisoner in Halifax jail. Aft6r 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-of-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 country 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
* Lockhart Papers.
128 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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. ; DAVID SMITH,
First Major ; PHILIP ALSTON, Second Major.
The character of Col. Folsome was that of a daring and chivalric man.
He seized all persons suspected of enmity to the cause of liberty, and brought
them to trial.
On examining the journal of 1776,f I find that he was charged with pecu-
lation and negligence of duty, and dismissed from the service.
Among the first members from Cumberland in 1775, was FARQUARD CAMP-
BELL. 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, Gov. Martin's
Secretary, requested the favor of the State Congress sitting at Hillsboro,'
Aug. 21, 1775, " to give safe conduct to His 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.;}:
He 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 carried on. While enter-
taining a party of Highland Royalists 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.
In 1806 WILILAM DUFFY 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, DUFFY
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 ; who, 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. DUFFY 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 style in composition than any of his con-
temporaries in North Carolina. 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
* Boswell's Life of Johnson, i. 559.
t Journal of the General Assembly, 1776, 38.
j Letter of Judge Williams to Wm. Johnston, 10th Jan. 1777.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 129
topics connected with virtuous and benevolent feeling. He had a vigorous
mind, and feelings attuned to the finest emotions. I remember him with
fond affection. He was my friend, my preceptor, my patron. He instructed
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 my power to render to his memory a more permanent honor than this
passing tribute of respect and gratitude I"
JOHN Louis TAYLOR, 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. HENRY 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 Sitgreayes, in
1801. He has been a Truttee 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 D. TOOMER represented Cumberland in the Senate in 1831 and '32.
He is a native of Wilmington, 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. HENRY was long a resident of this county. He was born in New
Jersey in 1788. He was educated at Princeton College, and graduated at
that renowned institution in 1809. He read law in Newbern 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-
sified 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 (Van Buren) as Commissioner
to settle the Claims arising under the Treaty with Spain, the duties of which
he discharged with unequalled ability, and with satisfaction to all concerned.
In 1842 he was chosen by the democratic party as their candidate for Go-
vernor, and was defeated by the Hon. John M. Morehead.
130 HISTORY OF NORTH 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 survives him) he
left many children one son, and several daughters, one of whom married
Duncan McRae, Esq., 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 born 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 conscripti of 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. His
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. LAUCHLIN BETHUNE 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. DILLON 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
the practice 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-election.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
131
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 distinguished County might be named,
which another edition and subsequent inquiries may bring to public notice.
FAYETTEVILLE.
LIST OF MEMBERS TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
Years.
House of Commons.
Years.
House of Commons.
1791.
James Porterfield.
1816.
John Winslow.
1792.
John L. Taylor.
1817.
John Winslow.
1793.
John L. Taylor.
1818.
John Winslow.
1794.
John L. Taylor.
1819.
John Winslow.
1796.
Robert Cochran.
1820.
John A. Cameron.
1797.
James Dick.
1821.
Robert Strange.
1801.
Wm. W. Jones,
1822.
Robert Strange.
1802.
Robert Cochran.
1823.
Robert Strange.
1803.
Thomas Davis.
1824.
John Matthews.
1804.
Robert Cochran.
1825.
John Matthews.
1805.
John Hay.
1826.
Robert Strange.
1806.
William Duffy.
1827.
John D. Eccles.
1807.
Samuel Goodwin.
1828.
John D. Eccles. ,
1808."
Samuel Goodwin.
1829.
John D. Eccles.
1809.
Thomas Davis.
183.0.
Louis D. Henry.
1810.
John A. Cameron.
1831.
Louis D. Henry.
1811.
John A. Cameron.
1832.
Louis D. Henry.
1812.
John A. Cameron.
1833.
James Seawell.
1813.
Larkin Newley.
1834.
James Seawell.
1814.
Thomas Davis.
. 1835.
Thomas L. Hybart.
1815.
John Winslow.
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. Grove, 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, Samuel Northington.
Daniel McLean, Neill Smith.
Samuel Northington, Sam'l D. Purviance.
Neill Smith, Samuel D. Purviance.
John Dickson, Wm. Lord.
Years.
1778.
1779.
1780.
1781.
1782.
1783.
1784.
1785.
1786.
1787.
1788.
1789.
1791.
1792.
1793.
1794.
1795.
1796.
1797.
1798.
1799.
1800.
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 McAllister,
132
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years. Senators.
1801. Samuel D. Purviance,
1802. William Lord,
1803. John Dickson,
1804. Hector McAllister,
1805. John McKay,
1806. John McKay,
1807. John McKay,
1808. John Dickson,
1809. William Lord,
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. llichard 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 Reid,
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. Kearnes.
Colin Shaw, John Kearnes.
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. Williams.
John C. Williams, Neill McNeill.
Jona. Evans, Neill McNeill.
Jona. 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 Hodges, A. McDearmid.
Alexander McNeill, Joseph Hodges.
Alexander McNeill, Alexander Buie.
Alexander McNeill, Alexander Buie.
Davfd 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.
CURKITUCK 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.
CURRITUCK COUNTY. 133
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 Currituck, 4,600 whites; 2,447 slaves; 189 free negroes;
6,257 representative population.
Products, 213,595 bushels, corn; 7,685 bushels wheat; 7,084 bushels oats;
400 bushels salt; 400 barrels fish; 11,465 pounds wool.
In this County is situated ROANOAKE 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."
' ' I ' ,:"'''.'*''' ^ "
On the 13th of July they landed on this Island,! an d Captain Amidas,
after they returned thanks to Almighty God for their safe deliverance, took
possession in these memorable words :
" We take possession of this land in right of the Queen's Most Excellent Ma-
jestic, as rightful Queene and*Princesse of the same, to be delivered over to the
use of Sir Walter Raleigh, according to her Majesties letters patent under her
Highnesse's great seale."
Here then is the birth-place, and here is the birth of this great
Anglo-Saxon Empire.
They found, at this season (July), an island clad with grapes, for
which it is still celebrated, the far-famed Scuppernong.
Here, too, " they found a people, most gentle, loving, and faithful, and such
as live after the manner of the golden age."J
How eloquent, and how truthful !
The Colony of Virginia claims antiquity, and the earliest settle-
ment in 1608.
The Pilgrim Rock, in Massachusetts, claims the next, in 1620 ;
but the faithful page of history points to Roanoake 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 off the English yoke, at Charlotte, May,
177o.
If justice to her merits is tardy, it is sure. " Render unto Caesar
the things which are Caesar's."
Currituck County has always been distinguished 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 Newbern, 25th
* Report of Sir Walter Raleigh, by Amidas and Barlow. Hakluyt's Voyages, 3.
t This is illustrated opposite the title-page of the first volume, a fac simile from Har-
riot's Ac-count of Virginia, 1584. Queen Elizabeth had styled the whole region Virginia,
t See Report of Amidas and Barlowe. Hakluyt's Voyages.
134
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
August, 1774; there appeared from Currituck, SOLOMON PERKINS, NATHAN
POYNER, and SAMUEL JARVIS.
At the second meeting, held at Newborn, 3d April, 1775, THOMAS MAC-
KNIGHT, FRANCIS WILLIAMSON, SAMUEL JARVIS, SOLOMON PERKINS, and NA-
THAN POYNER.
At the third meeting, held at Hillsboro', 21st August, 1775, from Currituck
appeared THOMAS JARVIS, GIDEON LAMB, JAMES KYAN, JAMES WHITE, and
SOLOMON PERKINS.
At the Congress, held at Halifax, which met 12th November, 1776, and
formed our State Constitution, there appeared as delegates from Currituck,
SAMUEL JARVIS, 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, Major.
Thomas MacKnight appears to have been inimical to the cause of liberty.
The journals of the Congress at Newbern, 1775, show that THOMAS MAC-
KNIGHT was called upon to sign, with the other members of this Convention,
the Association approving the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, 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 object of contempt !
By a resolve of the Congress, 19th December, 1776, his estate was ordered
to be rented out by Isaac Gregory, Mr. Ferebee, and Abner Harrison,; as
also the estate of James Parker, of Pasquotank, and make return to the next
General Assembly.
SAMUEL FEREBEE, 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.
1777. Samuel Jarvis,
1778. Col. Perkins,
1779. Col. Perkins,
1780. Samuel Jarvis,
1781. Samuel Jarvis,
1782. William Ferebee,
1783. William Ferebee,
1784. James Phillips,
1785. Willis Etheridge,
1786. Willis Etheridge,
1787. Howell Williams,
1788. Howell Williams,
1789. Howell Williams,
1790. John Humphries,
1791. John Humphries,
1792. John Humphries,
1793. Spence Hall,
1794. Spence Hall,
1795. Joseph Ferebee,
1796. Joseph Ferebee,
1797. James Phillips,
1798. Saml. Salyear,
1799. Saml. Salyear,
1800. Saml. Salyear,
1801. Jonathan Lindsay,
1802. Jonathan Lindsay,
1803. Samuel Ferebee,
Members of the House of Commons.
James White, James Ryan.
William Ferebee, Howell Williams.
Thomas Younghusband, John Humphries.
James Phillips, John Humphries.
James Phillips, John Humphries.
Thomas Jarvis, Joseph Ferebee.
James Phillips, Joseph Ferebee.
James White, Joseph Ferebee.
Joseph Ferebee, James White.
Joseph Ferebee, John Humphries.
Joseph Ferebee, John Humphries.
Thos. P. Williams, Griffith Dauge.
Thos. P. Williams, Andrew Duke.
Joseph Ferebee, Andrew Duke.
Spence Hall, Joseph Ferebee.
Spence Hall, Alex. L. Whitehall.
Alex. L. Whitehall, Andrew Duke.
Andrew Duke, Saml. Ferebee.
Thomas Williams, Jesse Simmons.
Thomas Williams, Jesse Simmons.
Thomas Martin, Malachi Jones.
Malachi Jones, T. Williams.
Malachi Jones, T. Williams.
Thomas Williams, Thos. C. Ferebee.
Thomas Garrett, Thos. C. Ferebee.
Thos. C. Ferebee, Thomas Garrett.
Jacob Perkins, Thos. Anderson.
CURRITUCK COUNTY.
135
Years. Senators.
1804. Samuel Ferebee,
1805. Samuel Ferebee,
1806. Samuel Ferebee,
1807. Thomas Williams,
1808. Thomas Williams,
1809. Jonathan Lindsay,
1810. Thomas Williams,
1811. Jonathan Lindsay,
1812. Jonathan Lindsay,
1813. Thomas Sanderson,
1814. Thomas Sanderson,
1815. Thomas Williams,
1816. Thomas Williams,
1817. Spence Hall,
1818. Spence Hall,
1819. Edmund S. Lindsay,
1820. Edmund S. Lindsay,
1821. Edmund S. Lindsay,
1822. Edmund S. Lindsay,
1823. Thos. C. Ferebee,
1824. Saml. Salyear,
1825. Saml. Salyear, .
1826. Saml. Salyear,
1827. Saml. Salyear,
1828. Sam\. Salyear,
'1829. Caleb Etheridge,
1830. Jona. J. Lindsay,
1831. Jona. J. Lindsay,
1832. Jona. J. Lindsay,
1833. Daniel Lindsay,
1834. Dan. Lindsay, jun.,
1835. Daniel Lindsay,
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.
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.
Cartwright 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.
John B. Jones.
Thomas Grigg.
Saml. P. Jarvis.
18
136 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, 1st
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 nourishing 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 corn ;
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. Cladcleugh, J. Hargrave, W. Bodenhamer.
1824. Jesse Hargrave, W. Bodenhamer, J. demons.
1825. Jesse Hargrave, John M. Smith, Joseph Spurgen.
1826. John M. Smith, Thomas Hampton, John Ward.
1827. John M. Smith, Thomas Hampton, Absalom Williams.
1828. John M. Smith, Thos. Hampton, Absalom Williams.
1829. Ransom Harris, W. W. Wiseman, Lewis Snyder.
1830. Ransom Harris, Joseph Spurgen, Wm. W. Wiseman.
1831. Charles Hoover, John A. Hogan, John W. Thomas.
1832. John A. Hogan, W. W. Wiseman, Henry Bedford.
1833. John A. Hogan, W. W. Wiseman, Henry Ledford.
1834. John A. Hogan, George Smith, Charles Brummell.
1835. John A. Hogan, George Smith, Charles Brummell.
1836. John L. Hargrove, Charles Brummell, Meshack Pinckston.
1838. Wm. R. Holt, Burgess S. Beale, Charles Brummell.
1840. Alfred Hargrave, Charles Brummell, Burgess S. Beale.
1842. John W. Thomas, Charles Brummell, Henry Walser.
1844. Alfred Hargrave, B. C. Douthett, C. L. Payne.
1846. Saml. Hargrave, Hoover and H. Walser.
1848. John W. Thomas, J. M. Leach, H. Walser.
1850. Saml. Hargrave, J. M. Leach, Alfred Forster.
DA VIE COUNTY. 137
CHAPTER XXVI.
DA VIE COUNTY.
DAVIE COUNTY was formed in 1836 from Rowan, and named in
honor of General William R. Davie, who was a resident of 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 County, 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 is 5613 whites; 2171 slaves; 82 free negroes; 6997 repre-
sentative population.
Its products are 313,538 bushels corn; 307,040 Ibs. cotton; 54,145 bushels
oats; 44,481 bushels wheat; 8232 bushels rye; 66,771 Ibs. tobacco; 5300
Ibs. wool.
Its early history (being so recently formed) is connected with
Rowan County, to which the reader is referred.
Hon. RICHMOND M. PEARSON, one of the Judges of the Supreme 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 Forty-first
Senatorial District, and its members from that period to the present
Years. Senate. House of Commons.
1842. Samuel Rebelin, G. A. Miller.
1844. Nathaniel Boyden, G. A. Miller.
1846. Dr. Samuel E. 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 Raleigh.
Its population is 7165 whites; 6007 slaves; 342 free negroes; 11,111 repre-
sentative population.
Its products are 1,346,229 Ibs. cotton ; 244,584 bushels corn j- 3525 bushels
oats; 2683 bushels wheat; 8603 Ibs. 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 Newbern, 25th August, 1774, were THOMAS GRAY,
THOMAS HICKS, JAMES KENAN and WILLIAM DICKSON.
The delegates at Newbern, 3d April, 1775, were THOMAS GRAY and THOMAS
HICKS.
Delegates at Hillsboro', 21st August, 1775, JAMES KENAN, WILLIAM DICK-
SON, THOMAS GRAY, RICHARD CLINTON and THOMAS HICKS.
The delegates to Halifax, 12th November, 1776, which formed our Consti-
tution, JAMES KENAN, THOMAS GRAY, WILLIAM DICKSON, WILLIAM TAYLOR and
JAMES GILLASPIE.
The field officers for Duplin, appointed by the Provincial Congress, 4th
April, 1776, at Halifax, for Duplin County, were THOMAS RUTLEDGE, Colonel,
JAMES MOORE, First Major, ROBERT DICKSON, Second Major.
THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE AND ABJUKATION, 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. Morisey, Esq. (sent
to me in 1844), for this ancient document, thus preserving 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 State of North Carolina, to the powers
and authorities which are or may be established for the government thereof,
not inconsistent with the Constitution. And I do solemnly and sincerely de-
* Martin's History of North Carolina, ii. 55.
DUPLIN COUNTY. 139
clare, that I do believe 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 have 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-
giance or obedience to them, or any of them, or to any person or persons put
in authority by or under them, or any of them. And 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 intended 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,
and according 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, heartily, willingly, and truly, so help me God.
Henry Cannon, Samuel Houston, William Dickson,
Michael Kenan, James Sampson, J. Rand,
Robert Dickson, Thomas Routledge, John Wright,
George Smith, Richard Herring, James Kenan,
Alexander Gray, Joseph Dicks, William Taylor,
Darcy Fowler, Thomas R., William Ball,
Richard Clinton, Edward Toole, J. P. Ballard,
J. Spiller, Fleet Cooper, James Lockart.
John Molton,
Hon. THOMAS KENAN was a native of this County, from whose family the
County 1'own 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-
bama, 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, from 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. Senate. House of Commons.
1777. James Kenan, Richard Clinton, Robert Dickson.
1778. James Kenan, Richard Clinton, Thos. Hicks.
1779. James Kenan, Richard Clinton, James Gillaspie.
1780. James Kenan, Joseph Dickson, James Gillaspie.
1782. James Kenan, Richard Clinton, James Gillaspie.
1783. James Kenan, James Gillaspie, Richard Clinton.
1784. James Gillaspie, Robert Dickson, Richard Clinton.
1785. James Gillaspie, Robert Dickson, Jos. T. Rhodes.
1786. James Gillaspie, Jos. T. Rhodes, Robert Dickson.
1787. James Kenan, Robert Dickson, Charles Ward.
1788. James Kenan, Robert Dickson, Charles Ward.
1791. James Kenan, Jos. T. Rhodes, James Pearsall.
* See Journal, p. 37.
140
HISTORY OF NORTH 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 MiUer,
1813. Joseph Gillaspie,
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. Hussey,
1826. Stephen Miller,
1827. Andrew Hurst,
1828. Stephen Miller,
1829. Stephen Miller,
1830. Stephen Miller,
1831. Stephen Miller,
1832. John E. Hussey,
1833. John E. Hussey,
1834. John E. Hussey,
1835. John E. Hussey,
1836. John E. 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 Stalling*, William Beck.'
Jos. T. Rhodes, Jas. PearsaU.
Daniel Glisson, Jos. T. Rhodes.
Win. Dickson, James Middleton.
Daniel Glisson, James Middleton.
Joseph Dixon, Daniel Glisson.
Shadrach 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, Hugh McCane.
Daniel Glisson, Andrew Mclntire.
Daniel Glisson, Andrew Mclntire.
Daniel Glisson, Andrew Mclntire.
Daniel Glisson, David Wright.
Daniel Glisson, David Wright.
David Wright, Daniel Glisson.
David Wright, John Beck.
David Wright, Joh-n Beck.
David Wright, Kornegay.
David Wright, John E. Hussey.
John Pearsall, John E. Hussey.
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,
EDGECOMBE COUNTY. 141
CHAPTER XXVIII.
EDGECOMBE COUNTY.
EDGECOMBE COUNTY was formed from Craven County in 1733,
by the Governor (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, "f
and is derived from the Earl of Mount Edgecombe, who, as Capt.
Edgecombe, of the navy, had served with reputation under Admiral
Byng, in 1756, in Minorca. Its true orthography is Edgecumbe,
as laid down in the old maps, and in the History of England. J
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 Tau,
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 ibs. cotton ; 715,666 bushels corn ; 27,280
bushels oats; 14,295 bushels wheat; 7260 Ibs. wool; 21,926 bbls. turpentine ;
114 bbls. fish.
The fossil remains of a mammoth skeleton, the back, bone of
which is 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 very presence of
the Royal Governor, as delegates : ROBERT BIGNAL, HENRY IRWIN, DUNCAN
LAMON, THOMAS HUNTER, and THOMAS H. HALL.
She sent to the Congress that met at Halifax, 12th Nov., 1776, and which
formed our Constitution : WILLIAM HAYWOOD, ELISHA BATTLE, JONAS JOHN-
SON, ISAAC SESSUMS, and WILLIAM HORN.
By the resolve of the Congress, Hillsboro', 9th Sept., 1775, for the Halifax
District: NICHOLAS LONG, was appointed Colonel; HENRY IRWIN, Lieutenant-
Colonel; JETIIRO 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. f Baily's Dictionary. { Smollet, i. 186.
Lawson's History of North Carolina, 1714.
142 HISTORY OP NORTH CAROLINA.
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 HENRY IRWIN. 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, Newbern, 21st 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/ 7 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 his 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 HENRY 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 Jetnro 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 Nash,
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 qharacter 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 gallant youth with ardor move,
To do brave deeds."
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 regard and respect of all who know
him. He has a son at Wilson, in this County, to whom the good hand of fellowship should
be extended by our citizens for the noble conduct of his excellent sire.
. J EDGECOMBE COUNTY. 143
IN HONOR TO THE BRAVE.
Hie jacet in pace.
Colonel HENRY IRWIN, of North Carolina,
Captain TURNER,
Adjutant LUCAS and six SOLDIERS,
Killed in the Battle of Germantown.
ONE CAUSE, ONE GRAVE. 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
for ability, influence, and popularity in Edgecombe.
Hon. James W. Clarke married a daughter of H. I. Toole, the first.
The name of WM. HAYW^D, 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, he 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 Congress at Halifax (April,
1776), and also of the State Congress which met at the same place, in Nov.,
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 Hay-
wood County is called ; and of the late Sherwood, and Stephen, and Wil-
liam II. 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 LXXVL), and died at Washington City, with-
out issue. He was the brother of the late John Gray Blount, of Washington,
and of Governor Win. 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
Territory.
His widow, Mrs. Mary S. Blount (daughter of General Sumner, who had
changed her name from Jacky), died about thirty years ago, bequeathing a
portion of her large estate to the Episcopal Church at Raleigh.
144 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Hon. THOMAS II. 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 education, 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 1836, 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 ad-
mirer of Dr. Hall.
Hon. RICHARD HINES 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, where 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 the
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-
partment in 1828, when General Branch held the post of Secretary of the Navy,
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 DICKEN WILSON was born in this county, on the 12th of
May, 17'89. 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
counting-house, in Washington, and there he acquired that practical know-
ledge of men, 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-President.
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 last 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. He 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.
. V: EDGECOMBE COUNTY. 145
But, if his career as a public 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-
clared that <c 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 I^ouis D. Wilson. His
voice sounds no longer feeble, but is as the sound of a trumpet. The sons
of Edgecombe rally around him, and at the head 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
conduct 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 31st 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 him, bids them farewell. The Senators in
a body rise, and he is gone never to return !
The following resolution, reported by the Committee raised upon the sub-
ject, speak the record of this interesting occasion.*
Mr. FRANCIS (Senator from Hay wood, 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 able, dignified, and 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 by recommendation of the Senators of the State, who
differed with General Wilson in politics, appointed him to the command of tho
12th Regiment of Infantry in the Army of the United States.
While anxiously and constantly 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
flight to another world.
His munificent legacy "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 1
His remains have been brought from Mexico to Tarborough, where a monu-
ment marks the hallowed spot. His remains most appropriately rest in
* Journal of 1846, (page 132.)
146 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Edgecombe ; but his memory and his name will find a cenotaph in the heart
of every North Carolinian.
ELISHA BATTLE was born in Nansemond County, Va., 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 Halifax in November,
1776, which body formed our State Constitution ; a firm and decided patriot.
He was distinguished for his patriotism and piety, and was an exemplary
and consistent member of the Baptist church. He died on the 6th of March,
1799, in the 76th year of his age, leaving several children.*
Hon. WILLIAM II. 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 of 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 appointed by the Governor and Council, Judge of the Supreme Court,
which, not being confirmed by the Legislature, he resigned in 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 Plummer, Esq., by
whom he has an interesting family. Patient, polite, and laborious, his labors
are alike creditable to himself and acceptable to the State. Judge Battle
now 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 Haywood, 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 Wilson.
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 Diggs, 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. Hyman.
1801. Richard Harrison, Jeremiah Hilliard, George Brownrigg.
1802. Richard Harrison, George Brownrigg, Jeremiah Hilliard.
1803. Richard Harrison, Jeremiah Hilliard, Geo. Brownrigg.
* History of the Kehukee Association.
FORSYTHE COUNTY.
147
Years.
Senators.
House of Commons.
1804.
Richard Harrison,
Geo. Brownrigg, Henry Haywood.
1805.
Richard Harrison,
Jos. Farmer, Luke W. Sumner.
1806.
Richard Harrison,
Luke W. Sumner, Henry I. Toole.
1807.
Richard Harrison,
Henry J. Toole, John Cotton.
1808.
Henry I. Toole,
Nathan Stancil, Hardy Flowers.
1809.
Henry I. Toole,
Hardy Flowers, Wm. Balfour.
1810.
Henry I. Toole,
Jas. W. Clarke, Hardy Flowers.
1811.
Henry I. Toole,
Wm. Balfour, Jas. W. Clark.
1812.
James W. Clark,
Joseph Farmer, James Benton.
1813.
James W. Clark,
Joseph Farmer, James Benton.
1814.
James W. Clark,
Joseph Farmer, James Benton.
1815.
Joseph Bell,
James Benton, Louis D. Wilson.
1816.
Joseph Bell,
James Benton, Louis D. Wilson.
1817.
James Benton,
Louis D. Wilson, John Horn.
1818.
James Benton,
Louis D. Wilson, John Horn.
1819.
James Benton,
L. D. Wilson, Moses Baker.
1820.
Louis D. Wilson,
William Wilkins, Moses Baker.
1821.
Hardy Flowers,
Jos. R. Lloyd, William Wilkins.
1322.
Hardy Flowers,
Wm. Wilkins, Moses Baker.
1823.
Hardy Flowers,
Wm. Wilkins, Moses Baker.
1824.
Louis D. Wilson,
Henry Bryan, Richard Hines.
1825.
Louis D. Wilson.
Henry Bryan, Moses Baker.
1826.
Louis D. Wilson,
Benjamin Sharpe, Hardy Flowers.
1827.
Louis D. Wilson,
Benjamin Sharpe, Benjamin Wilkinson.
1828.
Louis D. Wilson,
Benjamin Sharpe, Benjamin Wilkinson.
'1829.
Louis D. Wilson,
Moses Baker, Gray Little.
1830.
Louis D. Wilson,
Hardy Flowers, Gray Little.
1831.
Louis D. Wilson,
Redding Pittman, Hardy Flowers.
1832.
Louis D. Wilson,
Gray Little, John W. Potts.
1833.
Hardy Flowers,
John W. Potts, Turner Bynum.
1834.
Hardy Flowers,
John W. Potts, Turner Bynum.
1835.
Benjamin Sharpe,
S. Deberry, Jos. J. Pipkin.
1836.
Thomas H. Hall,
Jos. J. Daniel, James George.
1838.
Louis D. Wilson,
Robert Bryan, Wm. S. Baker.
1840.
Louis D. Wilson,
Wm. S. Baker, Joshua Barnes.
1842.
Louis D. Wilson,
Joshua Barnes, Ralph E. McNair.
1844.
Louis D. Wilson,
Joshua Barnes, R. R. Bridgers.
1846.
Louis D. Wilson,
Wyatt Moye, Wm. F. Dancy.
1848.
Wyatt Moye,
Wm. F. Dancy, Wm. Thigpen.
1850.
Henry T. Clarke,
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 FORSYTHE, of Stokes
County, who resided in Germantown. In 1807, he represented Stokes County
in the House of Commons.
In the war of 1812 he was appointed a Captain of a Rifle Company, and
marched to Canada, where, in a skirmish in 1814, he was killed. For his
biography, see chapter Ixxi., Stokes County.
148 HISTORY 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 military services in the Revolution, and
civil services since.
Its population is 9,663 whites ; 1,353 slaves ; 152 free negroes ; 10,666 re-
resentative population.
If the history 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 counties 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 JOSEPH WINSTON is one worthy of notice. He was a native
of Stokes. He 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, in 1777, appointed by Governor Caswell, Commissioner to treat
with the Cherokee Indians, and associated with Col. Waightstill Avery, Wil-
liam Sharpe, and Robert 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 gallant spirits who led the brave mountaineers on the
heights of King's Mountain on the 7th of October, 1780, and drove the British
and Tories from their position, a position which their officer, Colonel Fergu-
pon, impiously had declared, "that God 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 affair.
For the particulars of which the reader is referred to Chapter X. (Burke
County), biography of General Charles McDowell, and (Chapter XX. Cleave-
land County) biography of Governor Isaac Shelby.
In 1791, he was the 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 for 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 after
the next session of the General Assembly.
FRANKLIN COUNTY. 149
CHAPTER XXX.
FRANKLIN COUNTY.
FRANKLIN COUNTY was founded in 1779. The General Assembly
in that year obliterated the name of Bute, and divided its territory
into the counties of 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 Nashj 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 Bute," 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 negroes;
9,510 representative population.
Products, 451,909 Ibs. tobacco ; 437,277 bushels corn ; 577,993 bushels oats ;
14,456 bushels wheat; 538,320 Ibs. cotton ; 8,968 Ibs. 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, William Brickell, William Green.
1782. Henry Hill, William 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 Ranjoin.
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. Wynn.
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.
1798. Henry Hill,
1799. Jordan Hill,
1800. Jordan Hill,
1801. Jordan Hill,
1802. Jordan Hill,
1803. Jordan Hill,
1804. John Foster,
1805. John Foster,
1806. John Foster,
1807. John Foster,
1808. John Foster,
1809. Benjamin Brickell,
1810. Benjamin Brickell,
1811. Benjamin Brickell,
1812. James J. Hill,
1813. JamesJ.Hill,
1814. Benjamin F. Hawkins,
1815. Thomas Lanier,
1816. Benjamin F. Hawkins,
1817. JamesJ.Hill,
1818. James J. Hill,
1819. Benjamin F. Hawkins,
1820. James Houze,
1821. James Houze,
1822. James Houze,
1823. Charles A. Hill,
1824. Charles A. Hill,
1825. Charles A. Hill,
1826. Charles A. Hill,
1827. James Houze,
1828. Henry J. G. Ruffin,
1829. William P. Williams,
1830. William P. Williams,
1831. William P. Williams,
1832. William P. Williams,
1833. Thomas G. Stone,
1834. John D. Hawkins,
1835. Henry G. Williams,
1836. John D. Hawkins,
1838, John D. Hawkins,
1840. John D. Hawkins,
1842. William P. Williams,
1844. William A. Jeffreys,
1846. John E. Thomas,
1848. James Collins,
1850. James Collins,
Members of the House of Commons.
John Foster, Archibald Davis.
Brittain Harris, Archibald Davis.
Brittain Harris, Thomas Lanier.
Eppes Moody, James Seawell.
Eppes Moody, James Seawell.
Brittain Harris, James Seawell.
Eppes Moody, Brittain Harris.
Eppes Moody, James J. Hill.
Eppes Moody Thomas Lanier.
Eppes Moody, Thomas Lanier.
James J. Hill, Thomas J. Alston.
James J. Hill, Thomas Lanier.
Eppes Moody, Thomas Lanier.
Benjamin F. Hawkins, Eppes Moody.
Thomas Lanier, Benjamin F. Hawkins.
Benjamin F. Hawkins, Thomas Lanier.
Thomas Lanier, Nathaniel Hunt.
Nathaniel Hunt, Marma. D. Jeffreys.
Nathaniel Hunt, Marma. D. Jeffreys.
James Houze, William Harrison.
William Harrison, James Houze.
M. N. Jeffreys, T. Terrell.
William Moore.
John D. Hawkins.
Lark Fox, Guilford Lewis.
Lark Fox, Guilford Lewis.
Lark Fox, Guilford Lewis.
William J. Williams, James Houze.
James Houze, Joel King.
Joel King, Henry J. G. Ruffin.
Richard Ward, William J. Branch.
William J. Branch, Thomas J. Russell.
William J. Branch, Gideon Glenn.
Gideon Glenn, James Davis.
Alfred A. Lancaster, Nath. R. Tunstall.
William H. Battle, Jos. J. Maclin.
William H. Battle, Jos. J. Maclin.
Thomas Howerton, Simon G. Jeffreys.
Thomas Howerton, Jos. J. Maclin.
Thomas Howerton, William P. Williams.
Young Patterson, Thomas Howerton.
Young Patterson, John E. Thomas.
William K. Martin, James Collins.
William K. Martin, James Collins.
William K. Martin, D. W. Spivey.
William K. Martin, Josiah Bridges.
GASTON COUNTY. 151
CHAPTER XXXI.
GASTON COUNTY.
Date of formation Origin of name Situation and boundaries Spencer'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 Kalb at Cam-
den (Aug. 1780) Fight with pine-knots Life of Major Win. Chronicle,
John Mattocks, John Moore, and Win. 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
Eiver, 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, according to the census of 1850, is 5,928 whites; 2,112
slaves ; 33 free negroes ; 7,228 representative population.
Its early history is connected with Lincoln County, to which the
reader is referred, as well as for its members of Assembly, with
which it votes until 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 (caught asleep) by John
Moore and six others. They held a court, and had a mock trial, and Spencer
was condemned to die. He begged 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. HUMPHREY 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
born 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 t9 the Scotch, Irish, and French Huguenots that stock of per-
secuted people, whose self-expatriation so greatly contributed to the spread
19
152 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
of civil and religious liberty in different portions of the world. In America,
the asylum of the oppressed of all nations, and especially on the soil of the
Carolinas, 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. His 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 religious 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
Charleston, S. C. On the 27th of August following, the vessel safely reached
its destination. A few days after her arrival she procured a conveyance,
proceeded to the eastern part of Mecklenburg County (now Cabarrus), pur-
chased a small tract of land not far from Poplar 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 free 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-
ligence of the affair speedily spread abroad. No sooner had it reached
Mecklenburg, than patriotic fire glowed in every breast. It burst into a
flame, and blazed through every corner of the county. Communications
from one to another were made with great facility. Committees were held in
various neighborhoods. Every man was a politician ; 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 ventured our lives on the waves
of the ocean in quest of the freedom promised us here. Go fight for it ; and
rather let me hear of your death than of your cowardice/ "
In a short time this patriotic advice of his mother was called into action.
" Orders were presently 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 first
public Declaration of Independence in the United States, and joined in the
shout of approval which 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 compositions of any period of
our history, and were far in advance of the spirit of the day.
GASTON COUNTY. 153
Copies of these Resolves were then drawn off, and given to the charge of
Captain James 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 the conduct of
the 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, naw 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 emergency soon arose in which his services were again required.
The Cherokee Indians were committing numerous murders and 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,
from 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
the surrender of Charleston, and massacre of Buford's regiment at the Wax-
haws. The school was dismissed ; the minors were commended by Dr.
McWhorter to the care of their parents and guardians ; the young men were
urged to take up arms in defence of their country, and for all he invoked the
blessings of Heaven. At this time General 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 rendez-
vous 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-
vices were freely offered to assist in meeting and averting impending dangers.
He again laid aside for a time his battle with books to join in the battle with 'men.
This force first marched from Salisbury down the north-east side of the Yad-
kin, scouring the Tory settlements of the Uwharry and Deep Rivers, previous
to the junction with General Gates, at Cheraw. From this place General Gates
moved forward with as much expedition as possible to Claremont, where he
arrived en 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 night, between advanced parties of the Americans and British.
On the 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 i* not preserved of this brave man. He was a native of Orange,
brother of Hon. Alexander Mebane, and was distinguished for his bravery and services.
He was engaged in several affairs, desperate and sanguinary, and was always ready and
active in the cause of Liberty. He finally fell in an unguarded moment by the hand of a
Tory, whom he had taken prisoner.
154 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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 after his surrender as a prisoner of war, he witnessed the
painful incidents of battle resulting in the death of BARON DE 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!" Immediately, a man
on horseback (not Tarleton) met him, and demanded his sword. The Baron
reluctantly presented the handle towards him, saying in French, Etes vous
un officier, Monsieur? ("Are you an officer, Sir?") His antagonist not un-
derstanding the language, with an oath, more sternly demanded his sworql.
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 afterwards 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,
yode 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 you are vanquish-
ed, but sorry to see you so badly wounded." Having given 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 generous
De Kalb, who had served in the armies of France, and embarked in the Ame-
rican cause, breathed his last. He lies buried in Camden, S. C., where a
monument is erected over his remains.
After 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 exchanged, 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. " To
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 manceuvering took place, whilst the Tory was thus kept at
bay. The Tory then discharged his other pistol, but again without effect.
Hunter then commenced a vigorous warfare with the pine-knots, so oppor-
tunely placed at his command, and dealt them out with profuse liberality.
The precisive aim with the pine-knots, soon brought the horseman to the
ground. He was then disarmed of his sword, and capitulated in the follow-
ing terms: Hunter agreed never to publish the conquest he had gained, and
to give up the sword he had taken from him. The Tory agreed never to
GASTON COUNTY. 155
make it known that any of the prisoners had ever crossed the boundary line,
or ever offended in any other manner.
But secrecy could not be preserved, for during the affray the horse with-
out his rider galloped off to the station, and created, of course, considerable
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-
rious affair, a close examination was instituted, and numerous searching
questions 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,
by twelve o'clock M. On the evening of that Sabbath, Hunter, expecting
close 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 corn. On the
ninth night after they 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 much
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 he bad taken from his Tory antagonist.
He 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 labors were performed in South Carolina.
There on 31st Dec. 1789, he united himself in marriage with Jane, daughter
of Dr. George Ross, of Laurens District.
In 1796 he removed to the south-eastern part of Lincoln County (now
Gaston), having visited this section of country in the preceding year. Here
he purchased a home for his rising family, and here he ended his days.
Shortly after his arrival he received calls from the churches of Goshen and
Unity 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 artd 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 for family purposes. lie was
induced to make this acquisition, not only to gratify a peculiar propensity,
but more particularly on the account of the scarcity of good physicians at
that early period. At the time of big removal to Lincoln County there were
but few physicians ; these were widely separated. His medical knowledge,
156 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
which he continued to improve by occasional reading, soon became known,
and he was frequently called upon by his neighbors to administer to their
wants. His excellent judgment, so important to the physician in the dis-
crimination and treatment of diseases, and his remarkable success, soon gave
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. Hunter was earnest, unassuming/and often eloquent.
Possessing naturally a strong mind, with powers of originality, and aided
by the advantages of a good education, he was useful in the 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
how 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-
plicity of his manners and freedom from affectation readily gained the con-
fidence 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 Sab-
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, and 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. 21st, 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 HUMPHREY HUNTER,
who departed 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 early promoted the cause of
freedom in Mecklenburg County,
May 20th, 1775, and subsequently
bore an active part in securing
the independence of his 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 Eairfield District, S. C., and Dr. C. L.
Hunter, of Lincoln County.
Major WILLIAM CHRONICLE, the brave soldier and martyr to the cause 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 North Carolina, and
settled in Mecklenburg County. By this marriage she had one son, the
GASTON COUNTY. 157
late James McKee, a soldier of the Revolution, 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 King's
Mountain. The site of the old family mansion is still pointed out by the
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
clinging around the memory of the illustrious dead, that revolutionary infor-
mation is always imparted by the veteran soldier with.eraotions of delight and
soul-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 through-
out 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. His jovial turn of mind,
and winning manners, by gaining the good-will of all, greatly 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 wi^h 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 danger 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 Graham, on account of sickness in his family,
was not present at the battle of King's Mountain. The command, of course,
then devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Hambrite and Major 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 bravery. His
last words of encouragement, heard by nearly the whole regiment, were,
"Come on, my boys, never let it be 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 !
The loss to our arms of Major Chronicle was the more to be regretted, as
he fell in the very prime of life, being 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, Gaston, Catawba, Cleaveland and Rutherford.
158 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
a few years afterwards, in the Catawba River, at the Tuckasege Ford. The
late Abram Forney, who fought bravely in this battle, frequently said the last
portion of food Major Chronicle received, was partaken with him on the morn-
ing of that memorable day. He had just finished cooking a savory cow-bag,
which had fallen to his share, when Major Chronicle came up, and in his
usual vein of good humor, remarked, " well; Abram, you always have some-
thing good to eat, I believe I must join you," and accordingly participated of
his homely mess. The late Captain Samuel Caldwell, father of Hon. Green
W. Caldwell, of Charlotte, and his brother William, were both in this battle.
William Caldwell brought home Major Chronicle's horse ; but he was so
greatly 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 Major 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,
had the reputation of being 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 cured him of Toryism. 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 JOHN 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 born
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 Governor 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
GATES COUNTY. 159
last resting-place of this faithful patriot. His descendants still live among
us, -whose patriotism may be enlivened by his heroic and useful career.
His sister Mary married WILLIAM KANKIN, 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
the 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 foianed, 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-
goyne and the English army, but whose laurels were destined to
fade 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 Fort DuQuesne in 1755. On the
breaking out of the Revolution in 1776, from his attachment to his adopted
country, and high military reputation, he was by the Continental Congress
appointed Adjutant-General of the army, and in 1777 succeeded General
Schuyler 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 Congress.
In June, 1780, General Gates was invested with the chief command of the
southern army. At Camden, 15th August, 1780, he was defeated with great
slaughter by Lord Cornwallis. He retreated to Hillsboro', and Congress ap-
pointed General Greene to succeed him. He was tried by order of Congress
for his conduct at Oamden 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 p^irt of the State, and is
bounded on the north by the Virginia line, east by Pasquotank,
south by Perquimans and Chowan, and west by Hertford County.
Its capital is Gatesville, and is distant from Raleigh one hundred
and sixty-seven miles.
Its population is 4158 whites ; 3871 slaves ; 391 free negroes ; 6877 repre-
sentative population.
160
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Products, 192,815 bushels of corn,
10,329 " oats,
2951 " wheat,
1270 " rye,
56,591 Ibs. cotton, "
3905 Ibs. 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.
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 J. Walton.
Humphrey Iludgins, James Gatling.
Humphrey Hudgins, James Gatling.
Humphrey Hudgins, James Gatling.
James Gatling, Humphrey Hudgins.
Humphrey Hudgins, James Gatling.
Humphrey Hudgins, Elisha Hunter.
Humphrey Hudgins, James Gatling.
Humphrey Iludgins, Willis Hoodley.
Humphrey Hudgins, Jethro D. Goodman.
Humphrey Hudgins, J. D. Goodman.
Humphrey Hudgins, Kedar Ballard.
Humphrey Hudgins, Kedar Ballard.
Humphrey Iludgins, Kedar Ballard.
Humphrey Hudgins, Kedar Ballard.
John B. Baker, Humphrey Hudgins.
Robert Reddick, Humphrey Hudgins.
Robert Reddick, Richard Barnes.
Robert Reddick, Richard Barnes.
Robert Reddick, Humphrey Hudgins.
Humphrey Iludgins, Joseph Gordon.
Humphrey Hudgins, Isaac R. Hunter.
Isaac R. Hunter, John Mitchell,
ns, David E. Sumner, Abraham Harrell.
Wm. W. Reddick, William Barnes.
Wm. W. Reddick, A. Harrell.
John Walton, A. Harrell.
Years.
Senators.
1780.
James Gregory,
1781.
James Gregory,
1782.
William Baker,
1783.
Jacob Hunter,
1784.
William 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 Hudgi
1820.
John B. Baker,
1821.
John C. Gordon,
1822.
John B. Baker,
GRANVILLE COUNTY.
161
Years. Senators.
1823. Abraham Harrell,
1824. Abraham Harrell,
1825. Abraham Harrell,
1826. Edward R. Hunter,
1827. Abraham Harrell,
1828. Abraham Harrell,
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,
1.842. Whitmell Stallings,
1844. Whitmell Stallings,
1846. Whitmell Stallings,
1848. Henry Wiley,
1850. Henry Wiley,
Members of House of Commons.
Wm. W. Stedman, 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 Reddick.
Wm. W. Stedman, Riseup Rawls.
Wm. W. Stedman, John Willey.
Whitmell Stallings, Lemuel Reddick.
Whitmell Stallings, John Willey.
Lemuel Reddick, John Willey.
Lemuel Reddick, John Willey.
Whitmell Stallings, Lemuel Reddick.
Whitmell Stallings.
Whitmell Stallings.
Whitmell Stallings.
John Willey.
Reddick Gatlin.
Reddick Gatlin.
Dr. Ballard.
Miles H. Eure.
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-
glish crown all their franchises, except John (son of Sfr George
Carteret, 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 west.f A most
princely domain! This imperium in imperio% gave much dis-
quietude even to the Colonial Government, and was entirely lost to
* Martin, ii. 48.
| Government in a government.
t Martin's Sketches, i. 34.
162 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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 Ibs. tobacco ; 556,530 bushels corn ; 140,905 bushels
oats; 51,938 bushels wheat; 1,174 bushels rye; 14,600 Ibs. wool.
Granville early took a decided stand for liberty.
Her delegates to the general meeting of Deputies at Newbern, on 25th
August, 1774, were 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, ROBERT MUMFORD, and ROBERT WILLIAMS.
Her delegates to Hillsboro', 21st August, 1775, were THOMAS PERSON, JOHN
PERSON, JOHN WILLIAMS, JOHN TAYLOR, and MEMUCAN HUNT.
Her delegates to Halifax, 4th April, 1776, that placed the State in military
organization, were THOMAS PERSON, JOHN PENN, MEMUCAN HUNT, JOHN
TAYLOR, and CHARLES EATON.
Her delegates to Halifax, 12th November, 1776, that formed the Constitu-
tion, were THOMAS PERSON, ROBERT LEWIS, MEMUCAN HUNT, THORNTON YAN-
CEY, and JOHN OLIVER.
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 rights 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 1814, in
the Senate. It is a matter of regret that 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 PEXN, one of the signers of the immortal Declaration of Independ-
ence of the 4th July, 1776, was from Granville. He was born in Caroline
County, Va., 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 efforts at the bar
were distinguished for their force and pathos. In 1774, he removed to Gran-
ville, and, on 8th Sept., 1775, succeeded Richard Caswell as delegate to the
Continental Congress at Philadelphia, and took his seat in that body on 12th
Oct. following. He 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 7 79, between Henry Laurens,
President of Congress, and Mr. Penn. They were fellow-boarders, and
breakfasted together the same morning. They were to fight on a vacant lot
vis-d-vis 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 the oldest, who accepted it. He suggested to Mr. Lau-
* Jones' Defence, 136. t Vol. i.-825.
GRANVILLE COUNTY. 163
rens, 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, bv Robt. Morris, which he soon resigned. He married, on 28th July,
1763, Susan 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 by 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 Congress 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
plain 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, leaving 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
already presented)t 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 whose decision is the perfection of reason, " whose
voice is the harmony of the world, and whose seat is the bosom of God."
Such duties are among the most elevated functions that can exercise the
mind of man. In. this the comprehensive mind of Judge 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 of years, and full of honors, he died at his residence in Granville in
August, 1833, in the 61st year of his age.
Judge Henderson married Frances Farrer, and left two sons and two
daughters, one of whom married Dr. Richard R. Sneed ; the other Dr. \Vm.
C. Taylor.
Colonel WILLIAM ROBARDS was a resident of Granville, a man distinguish-
ed for his integrity, business habits, and talents. He 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 of Ralph McNair (chapter " Alamance," page 14).
t See vol i., 103.
164 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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-
gress. But truth demands that not only the good should be noticed, but
those 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 young 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 early
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 public 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 Banks 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 affairs 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 angry discussion, passed by one vote ; but the
speaker (Hon. Thomas Settle) voting with the minority, defeated its becom-
ing a law.
This gave Mr. Potter great popularity, and the next year he was elected to
Congress, 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 green-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 unheard 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, wounded on the plain,
No more through rolling clouds shall soar again ;-
Views his own feather in the fatal dart,
That sped the shaft now quivering in his heart.
Keen were his pangs but keener far to feel .
He nursed the pinion that impelled the steel ;
' The self same plumage that had warmed his nest,
Now drinks the life blood of his bleeding breast."
GRANVILLE COUNTY. 165
The troubled 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 unguarded 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 VENABLE, now in Congress from this District, is a
resident of this County. His father was Colonel Samuel Venable, of the
Revolution, and his mother a daughter of Hon. Paul Carrington, Judge of
the Court of Appeals of Virginia. His ancestry of both sides were of the
Revolutionary stock. His father 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 (15th
March, 1781). His uncle and namesake, Abraham B. Venable, was a senator
in Congress from Virginia in, 1803.
Mr. Venable was born in Prince Edward County, Virginia, 17th October,
1799. He was educated at Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated in
1816. lie 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.
He was elector in 1832, and voted for Andrew Jackson as President in the
Electoral College, and for Martin Van Buren as Vice-President.
He was again elector in 1836, when he voted for Martin Van Buren as Pre-
sident, and R. M. Johnson as Vice-President. Of this College the venerable
Nathaniel Macon was President, and this was Mr. Macon's last public act.
Mr. Venable was elected a member of Congress in 1847 over John Kerr,
Esq., re-elected in 1849 in the same district by a handsome majority over
Henry K. Nlish, 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 Commons, 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.
Years. Senators. Members of the House 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, r .. Thomas Person, Philemon Hawkins.
1781. Joseph Taylor, Thomas Person, Richard Henderson.
1782. William 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
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years. Senators.
1786. Ilowell Lewis,
1787. Thomas Person,
1788. Meinucan Hunt,
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. Little,
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,
1815. James Young,
1816. Willis Lewis,
1817. Willis Lewis,
1818. Daniel Jones,
1819. Daniel Jones,
1820. Thomas* Person,
1821. Jos. H. 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,
1831. William M. Sneed,
1832. Thomas W. Norman,
1833. Thomas W. Norman,
1834. James Wyche,
1835. James Wyche,
1836. John C. Taylor,
1838. John C. Taylor,
1840. William A. Johnson,
1842. Elijah Hester,
1844. George Eaton,
1846. James A. Russell,
1848. John Hargrove,
1850. Nath. E. 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 Vaughan, 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 Yancey.
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 Snejed, 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 Wyche, 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, Robert 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, Kemp 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. E. Cannady.
Jas. S. Amis, Wm. R. Wiggins, L. Parham.
GREENE COUNTY. 167
CHAPTER XXXIV.
GREENE COUNTY.
.UNTIL 1791, there was in North Carolina a county called Dobbs,
in compliment to Arthur Dobbs, Royal Governor of the State in
1754. In 1791, Dobbs was divided into Lenoir and Glasgow, and
in 1799, the name of GREENE was substituted for that of Glasgow.
It was named in compliment to GENERAL NATHANIEL GREENE, who was
one of the bravest, most sagacious, and most successful officers of the Revo-
lution, and the saviour of the 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 army. He was
at the battle of Trenton, 1776, and Princeton, and commanded the left winjr
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 Cornwallis, 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 which, 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 the.n marched to South Carolina, then overran by the British.
In September, 1781, he fought the bloody battle of Eutaw Springs, in which
he routed the enemy.
After suffering incredible hardships from want of food and clothing 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. He 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 !
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 east of Raleigh.
Population, 3,259 whites ; 3,244 slaves ; 166 free negroes ; 5,321 represent-
ative population.
Products, 1,344,990 pounds of cotton ; 3,627 'pounds of wool ; 279,730
bushels of corn ; 8,824 bushels of wheat ; 6,975 busnels 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, t
* Martin, i. 244. f Vol. i. 37.
20
168
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
With the name of Greene County is connected the memory of GENERAL
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 1st 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. Senators. Members of House of Commons.
1800. Robert White, Jonas Williams, Wm. Taylor.
1801. Hymrick Hooker, William Taylor, Jonas Williams.
1802. Hymrick Hooker, William Taylor, Jonas Williams.
1803. Hymrick Hooker, Jonas Williams, Henry Best.
1804. Hymrick Hooker, Jonas Williams, Alex. Kilpatrick.
1805. Hymrick Hooker, Jonas Williams, Alex. Kilpatrick.
1806. Hymrick Hooker, Jonas Williams, Kenchen Garland.
1807. Hymrick Hooker, Jonas Williams, Henry J. G. Ruffin.
1808. Wm. V. Speight, Henry J. G. Ruffin, Jonas Williams.
1809. Wm. V. Speight, Henry J. G. Ruffin, Jonas Williams.
1810. Wm. V. Speight, Jonas Williams, Benjamin Evans.
1811. Wm. V. Speight, Abraham Darden, Jonas Williams.
1812. Wm. V. Speight, Wm. Holliday, Abraham Darden.
1813. Wm. V. Speight, William Pope, Wm. Holliday.
1814. Wm. V. Speight, J. C. Shepard, William Pope.
1815. Wm. V. Speight, William Pope, James Eastwood.
1816. Wm. V. Speight, James Eastwood, William Pope.
1817. Wm. V. Speight, Richard G. Bright, William Pope.
1818. Wm. V. Speight, Reuben Wilcox, William Pope.
1819. Wm. V. Speight, A. Darden, William Pope.
1820. Wm. V. Speight, Abraham Darden, William Pope.
1821. Wm. V. Speight, Hymrick Hooker, A. Darden.
1822. Wm. V. Speight, Charles Edwards, Jesse Speight.
1823. Jesse Speight, R. G. Bright, Charles Edwards.
1824. Jesse Speight, Charles Edwards, R. H. F. Harper.
1825. Jesse Speight, Charles Edwards. Richard H. F. Harper.
1826. Jesse Speight, Charles Edwards, Joseph Ellis.
1827. Jesse Speight, James Harper, Joseph Ellis.
1828. Jesse Speight, James Harper, Joseph Ellis.
1829. Wyatt Moye, James Harper, Arthur Speight.
1830. Wyatt Moye, James Harper, Elisha Uzzell.
1831. Wyatt Moye, Arthur Speight, James Harper.
1832. Wyatt Moye, James Harper, John Beemond.
1833. Wyatt Moye, . James Harper, Robert L. Allen.
1834. Wyatt Moye, James Harper, James Williams.
GUILFORD COUNTY. 169
Years. Senators. Members of House of Commons.
1835. Wyatt Move, James Harper, Thomas Hooker.
1836. Win. D. M*oseley, Thomas Hooker.
1838. Wm. D. Moseley, James Williams.
1840. Jas. B. Whitfield,' John W. Taylor.
1842. E. G. Speight, John W. Taylor.
1844. E. G. Speight, James Harper.
1846. E. G. Speight, James G. Edwards.
1848. E. G. Speight, James G. Edwards.
1850. E. G. Speight, B. F. Williams.
CHAPTER XXXV.
GUILFORD COUNTY.
Date of formation Origin of name Situation and boundaries Population
and products Revolutionary 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 The 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 Greensboro, 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.
* MS. Letter 16th July, 1851, from Hon. George Bancroft,
170 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Population, 15,874 whites; 3,186 slaves; 694 free negroes; 18,479 repre-
sentative population.
Products, 1,344,990 pounds cotton; 3,627 pounds wool; 279,730 bushels
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 Christians. 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-house on Deep
River, on the west line of Guilford. 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 Delegates at Newbern, on 3d April, 1775,
from Guilford as a delegate, was ALEXANDER MARTIN.
At the meeting at Hillsboro' on 21st August, 1775, ALEXANDER MARTIN,
RANSOM SOUTHERLAND, SAMUEL PARKE FARLEY, THOMAS HENDERSON, WILLIAM
DENT, GEORGE CORTNER and NATHANIEL WILLIAMS, were delegates.
At the meeting at Halifax, on April 4th, 1776 (which placed the State in
military organization), delegates from Guilford were, RANSOM SOUTHERLAND,
WILLIAM DENT, and RALPH GORRELL.
The officers appointed for Guilford, were JAMES MARTIN, Colonel ; JOHN
PAISLY, Lieutenant-Colonel ; THOMAS OWEN, 1st 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 BROWDEH.
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 (William
Try on), 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 fully 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 Cornwallis, 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 General Morgan (in January, 1781),
and by rapid movements Cornwallis had endeavored to inter-
. GUILFORD COUNTY. 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 Cornwallis
was only twenty-five miles in the rear.*
While Greene was at Guilford, Cornwallis was at Salem.
Disappointed in this, Cornwallis 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.
Cornwallis, 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 whole south. Never upon
the firm heart and pure mind of one 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 the other side, to pre-
vent the passage^ of the army of Cornwallis.
So close were the English on their heels, that the American rear
* Lee's Memoirs, p. 136. Life of Greene, by Johnson, vol. i. p. 429.
t Lee's Memoirs, p. 146.
172 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
had scarcely landed on the north bank, when the British advance
appeared on the opposite side. The British had marched forty
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 Cornwallis 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.
Cornwallis 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 Cleaveland, 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 Cornwallis ear-
nestly desired. Both Commanders felt the deep responsibility that
rested upon them. Never w r ere 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 his 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 Cornwallis, he and the royal cause are ruined in the State.
* Stedman, vol. ii. p. 332.
t Lord Cornwallis' Military Secretary, Stedman, History of American War, ii. 332.
GUILFORD COUNTY. 173
Lord Cornwallis 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, near 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 by General Huger; the two Maryland regiments under
Colonels Ford 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-
ginia militia. Lee maintained his ground with great firmness until
the approach of the 23d regiment, when he retired, and took his
position in the line. The British line then advanced in full force.
The 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 troops, 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
retreated. 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.
ground, when Washington fell on him, sword in hand, followed by
Howard, with fixed bayonets. Stuart fell by the sword of Captain
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 Cornwal-
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 not 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, unconscious, or dis-
regardful of danger. On one occasion Greene was nearly taken a
prisoner ; the enemy was within thirty paces of him, 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 O'Hara remonstrating, that this fire would ne-
cessarily 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, and in perfect readiness for
another field." But Cornwallis now had enough of Greene. He
avoided battle, which before 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 official 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 COUNTY. 175
blow that broke the chain of tyranny which bound our country to
England.
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS.
GENERAL GREENE, TO THE HON. PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS:
Camp at the Iron Works, ten miles from Guilford Court House,
MARCH 16th, 1781.
g IR 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
Excellency, that I had effected a junction with a Continental regiment of
eighteen 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, being persuaded that if we were successful, it would prove ruinous
to the enemy, and if otherwise, it would 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-House, on
Deep 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 draw^i up in three lines. The front line was com-
posed of North Carolina militia, under command of Generals Eaton and But-
ler ; the second line, of Virginia militia, commanded by 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 Huger and Colonel Williams, Lt.- Colonel Washington, with the dra-
goons of the 1st 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 double 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,
having 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 Tarleton, in which the enemy suffered 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 they could to induce them to stay. General Stevens and
General Lawson, and the field officers of their brigades, were more success-
ful in their exertions. The Virginia militia gave the enemy a warm reception,
176 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
and kept up a heavy fire for a long time ; but 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 the 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 by Colonel Granby, and seconded by Lieutenant-Colonel
Howard, followed the Horse with their bayonets, and nearly the whole party
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..
We lost our artillery and two ammunition wagons, the greater 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 after 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 ofiicers who were killed and
wounded in the action. Among the latter are General Stephens, shot through
the thigh, and General Huger, in the hand. Among the former is Major
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 and 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:
Killed, ,6 rank and file ; wounded, 1 captain, 1 subaltern, 3 rank and file ;
missing, 2 captains, 9 subalterns, 552 rank and file.
The North Carolina Cavalry, commanded by the Marquis of Bretigny, lost
one man killed, and one wounded.
- EARL CORNWALLIS (No. 8.), TO LORD GEORGE GERMAIN, dated Guilford, 17th
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 15th in-
stant over the rebel army, commanded by General Greene.
GUILFORD COUNTY. 177
In pursuance of my intended plan communicated to your lordship in my
dispntch, No. 7, I 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 militia, and
recruits from the Maryland line, had joined General Greene, 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 afternoon intelligence
was brought which was confirmed in the night, that he had advanced that
(Jay 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 with 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 the court house. The prisoners taken by Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Tarleton heaving 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-
mediately between the head of the column and the enemy's line was a con-
siderable plantation, 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, the
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
the 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 1st 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-
General O'Hara, 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, after
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 thafthe 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 infantry 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 bayonets
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 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
delay, particularly on our right, where the 1st battalion of the guards and
regiment of Bose were warmly engaged in front, flank 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 71st 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 corps
of continental infantry much superior in number, formed in the open field
on the left of the road. Glowing with impatience to signalize themselves,
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 71st regiment, which,
having been impeded by some deep ravines, were now coming out of the wood
on the right of the guards opposite to the court house.
By the spirited exertions of Brigadier-General O'Hara, though wounded,
the 2d battalion of the guards was soon rallied, and supported by the grena-
diers, returned to the charge with the greatest alacrity. The 23d regiment
arriving at that instant from our left, and Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton having
advanced with a part of the cavalry, the enemy were soon put to flight, and
the two six pounders 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 tathem, 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 Lieutenant-Colonel 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 wing had been engaged, dispersed in the woods,
the continentals went off by the Ready 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
wing. Their cannon fired on us whilst 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 facili-
tating their escape, and every man of our army being repeatedly wanted for
action.
GUILFORD COUNTY. 179
The conduct 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 large 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 after receiving two dangerous wounds, he continued in
the field whilst the action lasted, by his earnest attention on all other occa-
sions seconded by the officers and soldiers of his brigade. His Majesty's
Guards were no less distinguished by their order and discipline, than by their
spirit and valor. The Hessian regiment of Bose deserves my warmest praise
for its discipline, alacrity and courage, and does honor to Major Dubuy, who
commands it, and who is an officer of superior merit. I am much obliged
to Brigadier-General Howard, who served as a volunteer, for his spirited
example on all occasions. Lieutenant-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
the 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 suffere'd by his public spirit, for
by the advice of physicians he is now obliged to return 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 1 names killed and wounded.
Royal artillery, Lieutenant O'Hara, killed. Brigade of guards, Hon. Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Stewart, killed ; Brigadier-Generals O'Hara 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. Ihe thirty-third foot,
180 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Ensign Talbot, killed; Lieutenant-Colonel "Webster, since^ dead; Lieutenant
Salvin Wynyard, 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, Eichenduft ; Lieutenants Schioner
and Graise, Ensign Detroll (since dead). Of the British legion, 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
so 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, Cambridge.
He entered the army, and served as aide-de-camp to the Marquis of Granby
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 of
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 opposed to the course 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 battle of Brandywine. 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 his
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, honored with the Order of the Garter, and sent to the East Indies in
the double capacity 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 after 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 Ghaze-
poore 5th Oct., 1805. He left one son, who succeeded to his title 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
brilliancy, but his honor was unimpeached, and his private character amiable.
Lord Cornwallis in his person was short and thick set, his hair somewhat
gray ; his face was well formed and agreeable. In his manners he was re-
markably easy and affable much beloved by his men.J
BANASTRE TARLETON was born in Liverpool on 21st August, 1754. He
commenced the study of the law, but, on the breaking out of the war with
* Georgian Era (London), 470.
t See Chapter V. (Lincoln), xlvi.
J Watson's Annals of Philadelphia, ii. 291.
GUILFORD COUNTY. 181
America, exchanged the gown for the sword. He was with Lord Cornwallis
irt his whole campaigns in the South, and his daring intrepidity, indomitable
energy, and military ambition, greatly aided if they did not secure victory 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 Yorktown (Oct. 1781) terminated his military career.
On his return to England, he entered public life as a member of the House
of Commons from Liverpool. In 1818, he was promoted to the rank of
General, and, on the coronation of George IV., 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 Puke of Ancaster and Kestevan ;
he died January 25th, 1833, without issue.
Colonel Tarleton* was in person below the middle size, stout, strong, heavily
made, large muscular legs, and uncommonly active in his movements ; his
complexion dark, his eyes small, black, and piercing.f
I am indebted for this sketch, as also for that of Lord Cornwallis, 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 early 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 friend. 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/ 21st Julv, 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 by Thomas Sully,
of Philadelphia, when in London.
f Watson's Annals of Philadelphia, ii. 280.
182 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
dent of Stokes County, and a man of distinguished 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 Mecklen-
burg a widow Campbell, and died in Charlotte with the influenza.
ALEXANDER MARTIN moved to Virginia, from thence to Guilford 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 1776, he was ap-
pointed Colonel of a regiment, in the continental line, and marched with Gene-
ral Francis Nash, to the north, to join General Washington. He, with his
regiment, was in the battle of Brandywine, llth September, 1775, where
Lafayette was wounded ; and was near him when he received the wound. In
the attack of Washington on the British at Germantown, October 4th, 1777,
he was present when his general, Francis Nash, was killed : the sketch in
manuscript before me, by his brother, describes this battle with great preci-
sion. The wound which General Nash received was from a cannon ball,
which took away most part of his right hip bone.
The war being over, he 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 College. 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 of 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 of State at
Raleigh, 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 much 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 the 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
terras 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 MOREHEAD is a resident of this County ; he was born near
Rockingham County, 4th July, 1798; educated by Rev. David Caldwell, and
GUILFORD COUNTY.
183
graduated in 1817, at the University. He studied law, and practiced the pro-
fession for many years with great success.
In 1821 he represented Rockingham in the House of Commons. He moved
to Guilford, and represented this county in the House of Commons, in 1826
and 1827.
In 1841 he was elected Governor, over Hon. R. M. Saunders, and was again
re-elected.
It was Governor 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; he was
born 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 holds.
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,
J787. 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. Hance 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
Members of House of Commons.
John Collier, Robert Lindsay.
James Hunter, Robert Lindsay.
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, JSarzellai Gardner.
John Hamilton, B. Gardner.
B. Gardner, William Gowdy.
John Hamilton, William Gowdy.
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 Macey, James Gibson.
James Gibson, James McNairy.
184
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years. {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 of Commons.
John Howell, James McNairy.. ^v
James McNairy, William Ryan.
William Ryan, Robert Donnell.
James McNairy, William Ryan.
R. Donnell, William Dickey.
John Rankin, David Worth.
John Gordon, William Adams.
Samuel Hunter, David Worth.
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. Mendenhall.
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. Ogburne, 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 distinguished citizens, Willie
Jones, William R. Davie, John B. Ashe, Willis Allston, Joseph J. Daniel,
Hutchins J. Burton, John Branch, B. F. Moore, Jesse A. Bynum, and
others Members of the town and* county of Halifax from 1777 to 1851.
i ' . ' *
HALIFAX COUNTY was formed in 1758 from Edgecombe County ;
and in this year the court house for the counties of Edgecombe,
* Amos Weaver was returned, but his seat was vacated under the 31st section of the
Constitution.
HALIFAX COUNTY. 185
Granville, 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 Warren. 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, 5,763 whites ; 8,954 slaves ; 1,872 free negroes ; 13,007 re-
presentative population.
Its products, 2,905,573 Ibs. cotton ; 15,750 Ibs. wool ; 669,325 bushels corn ;
147,216 Ibs. 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 meeting of the Committee of Safety for Halifax County, Dec. 21st,
1774, present, William Jones, Chairman ; Nicholas Long, John Bradford,
James Hogan, Benjamin McCullock, Joseph John AVilliams, William Alston,
Egbert Hay wood, David Sumner, Samuel Weldon, and Thomas Haynes..
It is represented that Andrew Miller, a merchant in Halifax town, refused
to eign the Association.
Ordered that Mr. Haywood and Mr. Haynes desire his 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 after 1st September next, would be unjust, and therefore he declined
signing that part of the Association respecting a non-importation to Britain.
It was resolved unanimously, "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 Newbern 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 GEDDY.
To the Assembly in Halifax, April 4th, 1776, she sent JOHN BRADFORD,
JAMES HOGAN, DAVID SUMNER, JOSEPH JOHN WILLIAMS, WILLIS ALSTON, and
WILIE JONES, from the town, which body placed our State in military organ-
ization, and by whom ALLEN JONES was appointed Brigadier-General of Hali-
fax District; WILLIS ALSTON, Colonel ; DAVID SUMNER, Lieutenant-Colonel;
JAMES HOGAN, 1st Major ; SAMUEL WELDON, 2d Major of Halifax Ilegiment.
-To the Congress which met at Halifax, Nov. 12th, 1776, which formed a
Constitution, JOHN BRADFORD, JAMES HOGAN, WILLIS ALSTON, SAMUEL WELDON,
BENJAMIN McCuLLOCK, and WILIE JONES, from the town of Halifax, were
delegates.
This ancient borough has the honor of being the birthplace of
* Martin's History of North Carolina, vol. ii. p 95.
t See Baily's Dictionary.
j American Archives, by Peter Force, 4th series, vol. i. p. 1055.
186 HISTORY OF NORTH 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 patriotism was not confined to the men alone is a matter
of history. Mrs. 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 devotion 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 acquainted, that was loved, devotedly, enthusiastically loved, by every
human being who knew her."
When the Army, under Lord Cornwallis, marched from Wilmington to Vir-
ginia, in 1781, they remained for some days on the banks of the Roanoke, and
the 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 other
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 he was diminutive and ungainly in person. Mrs. Ashe replied, "If
you had looked behind you, Colonel Tarleton, at the battle of the Cowpens, you
would have enjoyed that 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 what you 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. ALLEN JONES was a Miss 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 McKihny. Her husband, Col. Nicholas Long, 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 Howitt's Journal, 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-
tants of the country fled from the approach of the British troops, and hid
themselves in the swamps and forests adjacent; and, when they passed
through the upper part of the country, while every one else left the premises
* Vol. i. page 83.
HALIFAX COUNTY. 1ST
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 defence, 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 my 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 my horse, I shall
mount him and ride peaceably home ; and if you have any of the gentlemanly
feeling within you of 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, tjiat he who can, and will not prevent this base and
cowardly stealing from henroosts, stables, and barn-yards, is no better, in my
estimation, than the mean, good-for-nothing, guilty wretches who do the dirty
work with their own hands ! Good night, sir/ And, without waiting further,
she took her pony uninterrupted, and galloped safely home ; Tarleton was
so 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. MaryE. 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, for she 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, whose 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, with
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 Southern Provinces of North America.
188 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
WILIE JONES, and his 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 every and all
occasions, when their country called for their services, they were prompt and
willing. Shoulder to shoulder, they contended for her liberties, and 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 Governor 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 of 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. I)avid 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 eloquent and talented advocates, Johnston, Iredell,
Davie and others, they maintained a sullen and portentous silence. They forced
its friends to the unenviable position of imagining the grounds 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
question upon the Constitution be taken without debate, and be put imme-
diately. This was opposed by Mr. Iredell, Mr. Davie, and others. Such
however, 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 Halifax 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, 1756. 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 1776, and served as a volunteer in the army at the north.
The campaign over he returned again to College, and graduated in the fall
of that year with the first honors of the Institution.
HALIFAX COUNTY. 189
He returned to North Carolina and commenced 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 Barnett to raise a troop of
horse, and in this troop Barnett was elected captain, and Davie lieutenant.
His commission is signed by Richard Caswell, and dated 5th 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
major.
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 his
life.
In receiving a heavy charge of cavalry from the enemy, which broke the
Kne 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 after repeated efforts, he could not re-mount. The enemy was now upon
bim. 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 inquiry 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's 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 recovery 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 poor to
grant the means and Major Davie, with a patriotism worthy of eternal
record, disposed of the estate acquired from his uncle, and raised funds to
equip 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 Waxhaw, 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 obstruct
the advance of the conquerors. This patriotic region heard and obeyed 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 Mc-
Ree's plantation, eighteen miles north-east of Charlotte. The orders were
obeyed, and on the 12th, 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 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
light infantry (three hundred) placed under Colonel William P. Davidson, a
regular officer, and the balance under the immediate command of General
Kutherford.
On this evening it was reported that the Tories had assembled in strong
force under Col. Moore at Ramsour's Mill, near where the town of Lincoln-
ton now stands ; and Gen. Rutherford issued his orders to Col. Francis
Locke, Captains Falls and Brandon of Rowan, and to Major David Wilson, of
Mecklenburg, and to other officers, to raise men, attack and disperse them.
He deemed his own force important to check the advance of the British 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
Tuckasege 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), readied 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
Major 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 XLVI., (Lincoln County.)
This account will correct an unintentional error recorded in the life of
Governor Davie, by Professor Hubbard, as to the number of killed on our side,
wherein it is stated that "Lieutenants McKissack, 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.
After this General Rutherford marched towards the Yadkin, to put down
Col. Bryan, who was assembling the Tories in the forks of the Yadkin, while
Major Davie and his mounted force were ordered 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 Wax'haw 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 Higgins.
On 20th July he intercepted at Flat Rock 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 surprised, 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 infantry 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 enemy 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.
HALIFAX COUNTY. 191
the right, and passed by a running fire to the rear of the detachment. Major
Davie, who rode rapidly forward, ordered the men forward, and to push
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
could induce them to charge upon the enemy. A judicious retreat.was the
only course left to avoid a similar disaster, which was effected, and Davie
passed the enemy's patrols, and regained his camp early 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 chiefly upon those in the lane, 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
duty, by being wounded with two of his men. Petit had been ordered by
Major 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.
General 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.
Elliott, and two men were killed."*
Cols. Sumpter and Neal, from South Carolina, and Col. Irwin, with three
hundred Mecklenburg Militia, in the latter end of July, joined Major Davie.
A council was held. 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 Major Davie should march on Hanging Rock.
Both marched the same evening. These two points were about four and a
half miles distant from each other.
ROCKY MOUNT is on the west bank of the Wateree River, thirty miles from
Camden, and was garrisoned by Colonel Turnbull,f with 150 New York
volunteers and some militia. J fts 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 twenty-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 heavy fire of the enemy, has elicited even the
admiration of their opponents. For want of cannon, these attacks were un-
successful. He formed a forlorn hope, led by Colonel Andrew Neal. They
penetrated the abattis, but Colonel Neal and five privates fell in this attempt,
and many were mortally wounded. General 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
* Life of William Richardson Davie, by Fordyce Hubbard. The Library of Ameri-
can Biography, page 20.
t Steduian, i. 201. } Tarleton, 94.
192 HISTORY OP NORTH CAROLINA.
dragoons, approached Hanging Rock about ten o'clock the same day. This
post was garrisoned by a strong force. While Davie was reconnoitering the
ground to commence the attack, he received information that three ccfmpanies
of mounted infantry, returning from some excursion, had halted at a house
near the post.
This house was in full view of the Hanging Rock. It was a point of a
right 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 house 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 gave 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 Hanging Rock consisted of five hundred men; one hundred
and sixty Infantry of Tarleton's legion, a part of Colonel Brown's regiment,
and Bryan's North Carolina Tory Regiment. The whole commanded by
Major Carden.
The Regulars were posted on the right ; a part of the British legion and
Hamilton's Regiment were at some hduses in the centre ; and Bryan's Regi-
ment, and -other Loyalists some distance on the left, and separated from 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 Major Davie, who insisted on leaving
HALIFAX COUNTY. 193
the horses at this place and marching to the attack on foot, urging the confu-
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
re-commenced; the general command was conferred on Colonel Sumpter, as
the senior officer; Major Davie led the column on the right, consisting of his
own corps, some volunteers under Mnjor Bryan, and some detached compa-
nies of South Carolina refugees ; Colonel Hill commanded the left, composed
of South Carolina Refugees ; and Colonel Irwin the centre, formed entirely of
the Mecklenburg militia. They turned to the left of the road to avoid the
enemy's piquet and patrol, with an intention to return to it under 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 left 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 fled towards the centre encampment. Here the Ameri-
cans 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
pressed 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 bol<i and skillful manoeuvre, passed into a wood between
the Tory and centre encampments, drew up unperceived and poured in a heavy
fire 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 als.o made a movement, retreated hastily towards their former
position and formed a hollow square in the centre of the cleared ground.
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 Major 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 his
194 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
dragoons covering the retreat, but as the troops were loaded with plunder,
and encumbered with their wounded friends, and many of them intoxicated,
this retreat was not performed in the best military style. However, under
all these disadvantages, they filed off unmolested, along the front of the
enemy, about one o'clock. The loss of the Americans was never correctly
ascertained, for want of regular returns, and many of the wounded being
carried immediately home from the action. Capt. Read, of North Carolina,
and Capt McClure, of South Carolina, were killed. Col. Hill, South Carolina,
Major Wynn, South Carolina, Capt. Craighead, Lieutenant Fleucher, Ensign
McLuin, wounded.
The British loss greatly exceeded ours.
The loss of Bryan's regiment was severe. Sixty-two of Tarleton's legion
were killed and wounded.
Major Davie's corps suffered much while tying their horses, and forming
under a heavy fire from the Tories, a measure which he had reprobated in
the council which had decided on the mode of attack.
It is an evincible trait in the character of militia, that they will only obey
their own officers in time of action, and this battle would have been more
decisive had the troops tfot fallen into confusion in pursuit of the loyalists
and legion infantry, by which circumstance the different regiments became
mixed and confounded ; or had the divisions of this army left their horses
where it was proposed they should, and marched in such a manner as to
have assailed each encampment at the same time, a vigorous and sudden
attack might have prevented the British from availing themselves of their
superior discipline'; the other encampments must have been soon carried, and
the corps remaining distinct would have been in a situation to push any
advantages that Davie's column might have gained over 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 provided at Charlotte, and then hastened to
the general rendezvous for the army under General Gates, at Rugely's Mills.
On the 16th of August, 1780, about ten miles from Camden, Major Davie, ,
on his way to unite his forces with General Gates, met a soldier. He was an
American, 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 Major Davie 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/ 7 Gates had no time to argue, but passed on. Of
General Huger, who then rode up, Major Davie asked how far the directions
of Gates ought to be obeyed, who answered, "Just as far as you please, for
S)u will never see him again." He again sent a gentleman who overtook
eneral Gates, to say that if he wished, he would return and bury his dead.
The answer of Gates was, " 1 say, retreat! Let the dead bury the dead."
This battle and defeat was a death-blow to the South for the time.
Major Davie retraced Ms march, and took post at Charlotte.
He dispatched an express to Colonel Sumpter, of the rout of the Ameri-
can forces, which reached that officer's camp the same evening. 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 seven hundred militia. To
nations, as to individuals, it seems that misfortunes never come singly, but
often crowd upon each other in fearful rapidity and overpowering force.
Sumpter, whose vigilance, activity, and caution had been distinguished,
having "now the largest military force in the army in the South, seems to have
been benumbed by the panic which had seized the friends of liberty. He
encamped on the night of the 17th, at Rocky Mount, and remained there all
HALIFAX COUNTY. 195
night, when he knew that the British were in striking distance. The next
day he advanced only eight miles, and camped on an open ridge 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 from Tarleton, who seized their arms, and cut down
the sleepers as they rose, and an immediate flight 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 after, unattended by officer, soldier, or servant.
Lord Cornwallis 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 with the whole British army to
the Waxhaws, about forty miles from Charlotte.
On the fifth of September Davie was appointed, by Governor Nash, Colonel-
Commandant of Cavalry, with instructions to raise a regiment. He succeeded
in raising only a part, and with two small companies of riflemen commanded
by Major George Davidson, he took post at Providence.
With this small force he annoyed 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, wno 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 force.
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 Major 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 give 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 hia
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 being 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 ! Remem-
ber, you have everything 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. Major
Hanger, Captains Campbell and MacDonald wounded, and twelve non-coni-
missioned officers and men killed and wounded."f
* Stedman, i. 216. t f aj-leton, 159. '
196 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
There is no event of more chivalry displayed in the whole Revolutionary
War, than this gallant attack of Colonel Davie by 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
very ground that in May 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 Granville, was united to his command.
Generals Suinner 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 friends of liberty.
Lord Cornwallis felt the difficulties of his position ; and on hearing of the
defeat and death of Colonel Fergusoto at King's Mountain, he left Charlotte
on the 14th of October, in the night in great precipitation, and retrograded
towards South Carolina, re-crossed the Catawba River at Land's Ford, and
took position at Winnsboro'.
The defeat of the British and Tories at King's Mountain, and the retreat
of Cornwallis, 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
post 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 tem-
porary respite from the active duties of the field. He retired to Salisbury.
But General Smallwood, who entertained the highest opinion of Davie's
military talents, desired his services. At General Smallwood's suggestion,
Colonel Davie sent Captain Montflorence, who had been his Brigade Major
in active service, to the Board of War then sitting at Halifax.
This tribunal 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 fame, was placed at
the head. Penn, who was only fit to amuse children, and Davis, who knew
nothing but a game 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 Davie met. The commis-
sary department had been vacated by Colonel Thomas Polk. Greene urged
upon Davie to accept this important position. It involved great labor, untiring
exertion, and great responsibility, while it held out but little 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-
valric temper, his patriotism caused him to accept its trusts.
HALIFAX COUNTY. 197
He accompanied General Greene in his whole campaign, in his rapid re-
treat from the Catawba to the Dan. lie was present at the battle of Guilford
(in March, 1781), at Hobkirk's Hill in April, at the evacuation 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 the 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 corn 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
office. 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 swoop" abolished the offices of com-
missary and quarter-master, and on Governor Martin informing Colonel
Davie that he felt 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
continue 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 arranged that a lawyer of that day could
attend every Superior Court in the State. Col. Davie regularly traversed the
whole State (except the Morganton 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 courage
was given in the defence of Col. Samuel Bryan at Salisbury (March term),
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 high 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 his ability, foresight and patriotism. His
name is not appended to that instrument, since his presence was demanded
at the close of 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
* la the Archives of Historical Society. Professor Hubbatd thought this a fiction.
Life of Davie, 84.
198 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
and details, he was its able advocate. Its rejection by a vote of one hundred
majority, 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 cause 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 University, and, although more than thirty years have
elapsed, I have the most vivid recollections of the greatness of his manner
and 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 his 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 the Legislature one of the commissioners
to arrange the boundary between North and South Carolina.
In 1794, he was elected Major-General of the third division of North Caro-
lina militia, and in 1797, by Governor Ashe, appointed Major-General of the
detachment raised under the 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-
General in the army, and this year he 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 his
Levees, 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 Tusca-
rora tribe, as to the treaty between them and the State of North Carolina.
A treaty was signed 4th December, 1802, at Raleigh, by which the Indians
extended their leases 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 mar-
ried William 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 COUNTY. 199
THE CROWELL FAMILY.
Two brothers, John Crowell and Edward, came to North Carolina and set-
tled in Halifax. 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 settled in New Jersey. They
fled from England, 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
sea.
The family pedigree on vellum, recording these facts, was with the family
in North Carolina, in an ornamental chest with other valuables, when by a
party of Tarleton's Legion, in 1781, this chest was seized 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,
these 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 breast,
The petty tyrant of his fields withstood,
Some mute, inglorious Milton here may rest,
Some Cromwell guiltless of his country'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
Mumford, whose daughter was the wife of Hon. Wilie Jones.
Edward Crowell married Miss Rayburn, aunt to Gov. Rayburn, 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. ASHE resided in Halifax and represented the town in the House
of Commons. He was a son of Gov. Samuel Ashe, and was born 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 Lillington. 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 1825, 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 Fanning Watson, Esq., of Germantown, Pa.
22
200 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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 1794, a Judge of the Superior Court, which
he resigned in 1800. He is the earliest reporter of the decisions of our
courts, and his first volume is still used and has gorre through two editions.
It is considered good authority. He was the Author of the Manual of the
Laws of North Carolina, and JEtaywood'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 the 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.
He removed to Tennessee, and became distinguished in that State. His
History 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 born 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 Judge
of the Supreme Court. This distinguished post he held until his death, in
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 eccentricity, and if he possessed " the wisdom of the serpent/' truly, it
might well be said, " the harmlessness of the dove" also belonged to him. The
elevation of office, and the dignity of position, never changed the native sim-
plicity of his character, and unadulterated purity of his republican prin-
ciples.
In 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 faithfully. 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 maintain truth ;' and therefore he was patient in hear-
ing argument, laborious and calm in investigation, candid and instructive in
consultation, and impartial and firm in decision."
Hon. HUTCHINS 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, in the House of Commons, which year he was elected Attorney-General,
and which he resigned in 1816. He removed to Halifax, and in 1816, repre-
sented the town in the House of Commons.
In 1819, he represented this district in Congress, until 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 21st of April, 1836, in Iredell County, and was buried in
Unity Churchyard, near Beattie's Ford.
He married Sarah, the daughter of Wilie Jones, one of the .loveliest women
of her age, by whom he had several children.
HALIFAX COUNTY. 201
She survived Gov. Burton, and is now the wife of Col. Andrew Joyner,
Senator in the General 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 know her but love her.
lion. JOHN BRANCH is a native and resident of Halifax County. He sprung
from a true revolutionary stock ; the early records of the Provincial Congress
prove that his father was a determined Whig. He represented Halifax
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 brought before the Council Walter Lamb and George
Massenbird, as enemies of their country, and prayed condign punishment
upon them as Tories.*
John Branch was born November 4th, 1782. He was educated at the
University, and graduated in 1801, and studied law with the Hon. John
Hay wood, then a resident of Halifax, and one of the Judges 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 successively 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-elected ;
but, in 1828, he resigned, on being appointed a member of General Jackson's
cabinet (Secretary 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 Representatives,
in Congress, in 1831.
In 1834 he was again elected a member of the State Senate, and, in 1835,
a member of the State Convention to revise the Constitution.
In 1838 he was voted fbr 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. JESSE 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 with 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 REEVES 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 Lacey, W. S.
* See vol. i. page 75.
202
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Mhoon, and others, were members. He studied law, and practiced with
^reat success. In 1831, he entered political life as a member of the House of
Commons, and continued until 1834, 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 success-
fully through its heavy duties.
BARTHOLOMEW F. MOORE is a native, and for a long time represented this
county. 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.
SPEAR WHITAKER 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 so ancient
and renowned a county.
Members from 1774 to 1835, when the Borough representation
was abolished.
HALIFAX TOWN.
Years. House of Commons.
1774.
1775.
1776.
1777.
1778.
1779.
1780.
1781.
1782.
1783.
1784.
1785.
1786.
1787.
1788.
1789.
1791.
1792.
1793.
1794.
1795.
1796.
1797.
1798.
1799.
1800.
1801.
1802.
1803.
1804.
John Geddy.
John Webb.
Wilie Jones.
Wilie Jones.
Wilie Jones.
Henry Montfort.
Henry Montfort.
Henry Montfort.
Henry Montfort.
Henry Montfort.
Henry Montfort.
Charles Pasteur.
Wm. R. Davie.
Wm. R. Davie.
Goodrum Davis.
Wm. R. Davie.
Wm. R. Davie.
Richard H. Long.
Wm. R. Davie.
Wm. R. Davie.
John B. Ashe.
Wm. R. Davie.
Thaddeus Barnes.
Wm. R. Davie.
Richard H. Long.
Richard H. Long.
Isaac Hilliard.
Basset Stith.
William Drew.
Thomas Hall.
Years. House of Commons.
1805. Allen Gilchrist.
1806. Allen J. Davie.
1807. Joseph J. Daniel.
1808. Wm. P. Hall.
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.
41
1826. Robert Potter.
1827. Jesse A. Bynum.
1828. Jesse A. Bynum.
1829. Wm. L. Long.
1830. 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 candidates, Potter and Bynum and their friends.
HALIFAX COUNTY.
203
Members from Halifax County :
House of Commons.
Jos. John Williams, Egbert Haywood.
Egbert Haywood, John Whitaker.
Wilie Jones, Augustine Willis.
Wilie Jones, William Weldon.
John Branch, Benj. McCullock,
John Branch, Benj. McCullock,
John Whitaker, John Geddy.
Benj. McCullock, 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.
Stephen W. Carney, Sterling Harwell, Matthew C. Whitaker.
Stephen W. Carney, Sterling Harwell, Wood Jones Hamlin.
Stephen W. Carney, Matthew C. Whitaker, Sterling Harwell.
Stephen W. Carney, M. C. Whitaker, Sterling Harwell.
Stephen W. Carney, Sterling Harwell, M. C. Whitaker.
Jos. John Alston, Sterling Harwell, M. C. Whitaker.
John Alston, William Williams, M. C. Whitaker.
Gideon Alston, William Williams, M. C. Whitaker.
Gideon Alston, William Williams, M. C. Whitaker.
M'thew C. Whitaker, William Williams, Daniel Mason.
M'thew C. Whitaker, Lewis Daniel, Wm. Williams.
M'thew C. Whitaker, Wm. E. Webb, Joseph Bryant.
M'thew C. Whitaker, Wm. E. Webb, Benjamin Edmonds.
Years.
1777.
1778.
1779.
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.
1814.
1815.
1816.
1817.
1818.
1819.
1820.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825.
1826.
1827.
1828.
1829.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
1834.
1835.
Senate.
John Bradford,
Oroondates Davis,
Oroondates Davis,
Oroondates Davis,
Oroondates Davis,
Wilie Jones,
Benj. McCullock,
Nicholas Long,
Nicholas Long,
Benj. McCullock,
Nicholas Long,
Wilie Jones,
John B. Ashe,
Peter Quails,
Peter Quails,
Peter Quails,
Peter Quails,
Willis Alston,
Willis Alston,
Willis Alston,
Stephen W. Carney,
John Branch, Wm. E. Webb, J. J. Daniel.
M. C. Whitaker, J. J. Daniel, Wm. E. Webb.
John Branch, James Barnes, W. J. Hamlin.
John Branch, J. Grant, R. Jones.
John Branch, Richard Jones, Wilson W. Carter.
John Branch, Jesse A. Dawson, Richard Jones.
John Branch, Richard Jones, Jesse A. Dawson.
John Alston, Jesse A. Dawson, Nevill Gee.
John Alston, Richard Jones, Willis Alston.
John Alston, Willis Alston, Jesse A. Dawson.
John Alston, Willis Alston, Jesse A. Dawson.
John Branch, Robt. A. Jones, Isham Matthews.
Thomas Burges, Willis Alston, Robt. A. Jones.
Isham Matthews, Willis Alston, R. B. Daniel.
Isham Matthews, Geo. E. Spruill, R. B. Daniel.
Isham Matthews, Anthony A. Wyche, Geo. E. Spruill.
Isham Matthews, Geo. E. Spruill, Wm. E. Shine.
Isham Matthews, Rice B. Pierce, Geo. E. Spruill.
Isham Matthew's, Jesse A. Bynum, Thos. Nicholson.
Isham Matthews, Jesse A. Bynum, Thos. Nicholson.
Isham Matthews, Thos. Nicholson, John R. J. Daniel.
Isham Matthews, Charles Gee, John R. J. Daniel.
Isham Matthews, Wm. M. West, John R. J. Daniel.
John Branch, Wm. L. Long, J. R. J. Daniel.
Andrew Joyner, Sterling H. Gee, Wm. M. West.
204 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years. Senate. House of Commons,
1836. Andrew Joyner, Isham Matthews, Sterling II. Gee, B. F.
Moore.
1838. Andrew Joyner, Wm. W. Daniel, Major ^A. Wilcox, Spier
Whitaker.
1840. Andrew Joyner, S. H. Gee, B. A. Pope, B. F. Moore.
1842. Andrew Joyner, B. A. Pope, Sterling II. Gee, B. F. Moore.
1844. Andrew Joyner, S. II. Gee, B. F. Moore.
1846. Andrew Joyner, L. M. Long, M. C. Whitaker.
1848. Andrew Joyner, Wm. L. Long, R. Smith.
1850. Andrew Joyner, W. B. Pope, 11. Clanton.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
HAYWOOD COUNTY.
HAYWOOD COUNTY was formed in 1808, from Buncombe County,
and named in compliment to John Haywopd, who from 1787 to
1827 was Treasurer of North Carolina.
It is situated in the extreme south-west portion of North Caro-
lina, and is hounded on the north hy Madison County, east by
Buncombe and Henderson, south by Macon, and west by the Ten-
nessee line. Its capital is Waynesville, and is distant from Raleigh
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 representative population.
Its products are 59,340 bushels of corn ; 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 sovereigns of this country,
the Cherokee Indians, among whom are a few Cata 
