LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ooooofiao7'^t, • '°w P; > *-o . * ""' . A^ •p °o '^^0^ ,^^ <>^ '^ <^. >^- .'..(N^- .S^'^ :^l ^ \/ ;^^^v ° " " -9 '<^>, >^ . « * 'r^r.')!. L 1 -^ ' .^'' .^ S'J c^ <^, *" o « o 4 -^^^ .0 O 4V ^ U - J J) .'t>' 4 ^ - O > , ^■ <* <:^ .0 <■>. c , i • o V ^^^ ,0- % .o'^ ^\^^' •♦. °^ J" .1' *-#. :/. A^ -^ ' * «*^ ^ °o'--. ^ ^o .- '-^^ ■» ^ V ' ::-' 6 '<^ ■f^^i * ,^^ <- -1°^ ^ • -^o i> NMl^.'' °^ t^o< "^o. H^^^ s • * , ANECDOTES o OF THE iLKEEICl.n EBTOLTTTIOUj IliLUSTRATIVE OF THE TALENTS AND VIRTUES OF THE HEROES AVTD PATRIOTS, WHO ACTED THE MOST CONSPICUOUS PARTS THEREIN. B V JLIiEXAM-I^ER G ARDZUT, Oj Let's Legion, SECOPTO SERIES. In their commendation I am fied, It is a banquet to me.>-/SAaA»peare. CHARLESTON: PRINTED BY A. E. MILLl^B, No. 4, Broad'Street. 1828. /^'J-^ District of South-CaroUna, to wit • S0©00# BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the seventeenth day of Q Nov. Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and twenty- SEAL. eigln, and in the fifty-third year of the Independence of the Q Q Uniteu States of America, Major Alexander Garden, deposi- <#'0000# ted in this oflRce tba title of a hook, the right whereof he claims as Author and Proprietor, in the words following, to vvit: *' Anecdotes of the American Revolution, illustrative of the talents and vir- tues ot the Heroes and Patriots, who acted the most conspicuous parts there- in. By Alexander Garden, of Lee's Legion. Second Series. — In their com- mendation I am fed, it is a baimuet to nie." — Shakspeare. In conformity with the act of Congress of the United States, entitled « An act for thi^ Encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and pioprietors of such copies, during the limes therein mentioned," and also to the act entitled ' An act supple- menta)y to an act, entitled, ' An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing th** copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors tind pro- prietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned,' and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, t- ngraving and etching histori- cal and other prints." JAMES JERVEY, Cleric of the District of South-Carohneration of the French fleet on the American coast. Col. Laurens resumed his military functions, and was eminently distinguished at the siege of Yorktown, where, leading to the assault of one of the British redoubts, he saved the life of the officer, who commanded it, and made him his prisoner. Being appointed Commissioner for the capitulation on the part of General Washington, he met Colonel Ross,of theBritish army, Aid-de-camp to liord Cornwallis, and Commissioner on behalf of the garrison. Having placed the terms on which a capitulation would be granted before Colonel Ross, that gen- tleman observed — " This is a harsh article.'''^ — Which article ? said Colonel Laurens — " The Troops shall march out with colours cased, and drums beating a British or a German march." "Yes, Sir," replied Colonel L., with some sangfroid, " it is a harsh article." "Then, Col. Laurens, if that is your opinion, why is it here 1" " Your question, Col. Ross, compells an observation, which I would have suppressed. — You seem to forget. Sir, that I was a capitulant at Charleston— where Gen. Lincoln, after a bravf 18 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTKS. defence of six weeks' open trenches, by a very inconsiderable garrison, against the British army and fleet, under Sir Henry Chnton and Admjral Arbuthnot, and when your hues of approach were within pistol-shot of our field works,was refused any other terms for his gallant garrison, than marching out with colours cased, and drums yio^beating a British or a German march." — "But," rejoined Col. Ross, "my Lord CornwalUs did not command at Charleston." "There, Sir," said Col. Laurens, *' you extort another declaration. It is not the individual that is here considered — it is the Nation. This remains an article or I oease to be a Commissioner." The result was conformed to this just retribution. The British army marched out with colours cased, and drums beating a British or a German march. The march they chose was — " The world turned up side down," The war in the North being closed by the capture of this army. Colonel Laurens, impelled by ardent patriotism, hasten- ed to the Southern army, where fresh laurels awaited his gal- lant exertions, and where his country was to witness his devo- tion, even to death, in her cause. The writer of the present article, who was then Assistant Secretary at War, received his last letter, in which he says — ** I am writing to you from a sick bed ; but I have just heard that Gen. Greene has ordered a detachment to intercept a party of the Biitish. I shall ask the command, and, if re- fused, I go as a volunteer." Gen. Greene, anxious for the recovery of his health, wosdd have declined the request of Col. Laurens ; but his determi- nation to go as a volunteer, decided him to grant it. It would appear, that by unavoidable accident, some troops detached to the support of the party, did not reach Combahee in time to prevent an attack by a very superior force — ami in the charge he was mortally wounded and f^^li from his horse": his party cutting their way through the enemy. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 19 Such was the close, while yet in its bloom, of his illustrious life, through which he had exhibited such proofs of devoted pa- triotism, heroic valour, and splendid talents, as would have secured to him the first honours of his country, as they have impressed the deepest regret for his loss, and the he^ut* < tribute of gratitude to his meniory. 20 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. SIEGE OF SAVANNAH. Furnished hy an Officer engaged in the Attack.* Early in Sept. 1779, the Amazon French fris^ate appeared off Charleston bar ; the Viscoinpte de Fontanges, Adjutant General to the army under Count D'Estaign, landed and con- ferred with Gen. Lincoln, when an attack upon the British force in Savannah, by the combined French army, said to consist of three thousand men, and one thousand American troops to be furnished by General Lincoln, was agreed upon. By order of General Lincoln, Colonel Cambray of the Engineers, Captain Gadsden and myself, embarked on board the Amazon, then commanded by the celebrated circumnavigator La Perouse. In a day or two after we left Charleston, we joined the French fleet, co»)sisting of twenty ships of the line, and several frigates, when we went on board the Languedoc, to be under the immediate command of Count D'Estaign, who had desired that some American officers, acquainted with the Trench language, might be sent to him. In passing before Beaufort, D'Estaign was ap- prised that Colonel Maitland, with a considerable part of the British force, was stationed at that place, and was aware of the advantages which would result from preventing his junction with the main body at Savannah. Our progress was delayed some hours off the bar ; and it was reported that some of the smaller vessc Is were preparing to enter, but the plan was relin- quif^hed because the pilots furnished from Charleston refused to undertake to carry them in. This was the first great error of this short, but disastrous campaign. The whole British regular "^ Major Pinckney. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 21 force amounted only to two thousand five hundred men, of which Maitland commanded eight hundred at Beaufort ; had these been prevented from joining Prevost at Savannah, it is probable the latter would have capitulated, or certainly could not have made the same formidable resistance. I know, how- ever, from the acknowledgement of the principal pilot, that he did refuse to carry in the vessels. The fleet then proceeded off Savannah bar, where in- formation being received that the British had a company of regulars posted on Tybee Island, D'Estaign d<^termined to attack them. Accordingly, he landed with the officers of his stafi", the three Americans, and his body-guaid, composed of a Subaltern's command of about twenty marines ; we marched near a half mile in the direction of the fort, when D'Estaign, looking back and seeing only his slender escort, asked the Adju- tant General, where were the troops to reduce the British post ? M, de Fontang-es answered that he had received no directions to order any troops for the occasion. The General appeared much irritated, replying that he had informed him of the object he had in view, and that it was his duty to have brought with him the number of troops necessary for the occasion. While this was passing, a couple of Negroes came by, who being interrogatedj informed that the post had been withdrawn early that morning. This extraordinary occurrence is mentioned to show something of the manner of proceeding of the commander-in-chief of the expedition, and of the footing on which he stood with the offi- cers under his command. The fleet then proceeded off Asseeba Sound, where about eighteen hundred troops were embarked in the boats of the fleet, and proceeded at night-fall twelve miles up the river to Beauiieu. The order for landing, directed that the boats should follow, as expeditiously as they could, (that in which the General embarked, a lantern was hoisted,) and Oil rt-aching the landing, tiie troops were to iThige lh{ tn- selves next to those whom they would find cUawn up, witnout h 22 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. any regard to corps. It was fortunate for the General, whose , boat being hghter than the rest < vU'ed in one night, and in a day or two a fonnidabie battery w ,i< o[)eaed upon us from its .site. The next work in importance was the Spring Hill redoubt, which was on their extreme right, a; d commanded Yamacraw creek, at the mouth whereof was stationed a British galley. This line was admirably adapted to the enemy's force; if it hud been a closed line, their two thou- sand five hundred troops could not have manned the whole, es- pecially as they were obliged to have some slight works on each flank, and to pay some attention to their front on the river, as the French had sent some small vessels of war with a bomb- ketch into the back river, which is only separated from the main channel by an island of marsh. From the Z3d Septem- ber,* when our army first broke ground, we continued working in the trenches with great assiduity. Our batteries opened on the 5th of October, but though well served, apparently with little effect. The sap continued to be pushed forward until the 8th, when the remonstrance of the officers of the French fleet against their being detained lonifer on the coast, induced Count D'Estaigu to inform General Lincohi that he must withdraw his force ; but to prove his desire to serve the cause, he offered to co-operate in an assault upon the British lines. This appears to have been accepted as the pis-aller^ and on that day we were ordered to parade near the left of the line at I o'clock of the next morning, where we were to be joined by the French, and to iimrch to the attack in the following erder: — The French troops were to be divided into three columns, t!ie Americans into two, the heads of which were to be postc d in a line, with proper inte^rvals at the edge of the wood uljoining the open apace of five or six hundred yards between it and the enemy's line, and at 4 o'clock in the morn- ing, a little before day-light, the whole was, on a signal being given, to rush forward and attack the redoubts and batteries "I kept no njeniorandum of the dates, but have referred to Gen. Moul^ I trie's Memoirs for them. 24 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. oppr,s< -r1 to their front. The American cohimn of the rii^ht, which adjoined the French, were to be preceded by Pulas-ki, with his cavalry and the cavah'y of South-Carohna, and were to follow the French uiitil they approached the edge of the wood, when they were to break off and take their position.' This column was composed of the Light Infantry under Colo- nel Laurens, of the 2d Regiment of South-Carolina, and the 1st Battalion of Charleston Militia. The second American column consisted of the 1st and 5th South-Carolina Rejji- ments, commanded by Brigadier General MTntosh of Geor- gia. A corps of French West-India troops, under the Viscompte de Noailles, the Artillery, and some American Mili- tia, formed the reserve under General Lincoln. A faint attack by the South-Carolina Militia and Geor- gians, under Brigadier General Huger, was ordered to be made on the enemy's left; but, instead of the French troops being paraded so as to march off at 4 o'clock, it was near four before the head of that column reached our front. The whole armv then marched towards the skirt of the wood in one lonar column, and as they approached, the open space were to break off into the different columns, as ordered for the attack. But, by the time the first French column had arrived at the open space, the day had fairly broke, when Count D'Estaign, without wait- ing until the other columns had arrived at their position, placed himself at the head of his first column, and rushed forward to the attack. But this body was so severely galled by the grape- shot from the batteries as they advanced, and by both grape- shot and musketry when they reached the abbatis, that, in spite j of the effort of the officers, the column got into confusion i and broke away to their left toward the wood in that direction ; | the second and the third French columns shared successively the same fate, having the additional discouragement of seeing as they marched to the attack, the repulse and loss of their comrades who had preceded them. Count Pulask,, who, with Ahe Cavalry, preceded the right column of the Americans, REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 25 proceeded gallantly until stopped by the abbatis, and before he could force through it, received his mortal wound. In the mean time, Colonel Laurens at the head of the Light Infantry, followed by the 2d South-Carolina Regiment, and 1st Battal- lion Charleston Militia, attacked the Spring Hill redoubt, got into the ditch and planted the < "Colours of the 2d Regi- ment on the berm, but the parapet was too high for them to scale it under so heavy a fire, and after much slaughter they were driven out of the ditch. When General Pulaski was about to be removed from the field, Colonel D. Horry, to whom the command of the Cavalry devolved, asked what were his directions. He answered, " follow my Lancers to whom I have given my order of attack." But the Lancers were so se- verely galled by the enemy's fire, that they also inclined otf to the left, and were followed by all the Cavalry, breaking through the American column, who were attacking the Spnng Hill re- doubt. By this time the 2d American column headed by Gen. M'Intosh, to which I was attached, arrived at the foot of the Spring Hill redoubt, and such a scene of confusion as there ap- peared, is not often equalled. Col. Laurens had been sepa- rated from that part of his command that had not entered the Spring Hill ditch by the Cavalry, who had borne it before them into the swamp to the left, and when we marched up, inquired if we had seen them. Count D'Estaigii was wounded in the arm, and endeavouring to rally his men, a few of whom with a drummer he had collected. General M'Intosh did not speak French, but desired me to inform tJie Commander-in chief that his column was fresh, and that he wished his direc- tions, where, under present circumstances, he should make the attack. The Count ordered that we siiould move more to the left, and by no means to interfere with the troops he was endeav )urmg to rally; in pursuing this direction we were thrown too ujuch to ihe left, and before we could reach the Spring Hill redoubt, we had to pass through Yainacraw ^ Swamp, then wet and boggy, with the galley at the mouth 3 26 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. annoying our left flank with grape-shot. While struggling through this morass, the firing slacked, and it was report<^d that the whole army had retired. 1 was sent by General M'Intosh to look out from the Spring Hill, where I found not an assailant standing. On reporting this to the General, he ordered a retreat, which was effected without much loss, notwithstanding the heavy fire of grape-shot with which we were followed. The loss of both armies in killed and wounded a- mounted to 637 French and 457 Americans,* lOOOf. — The Irish Brigade in the French service, and our 2d Re- giment, particularly distinguished themselves and sufi'ered most. The loss of the British amounted only to fifty-five. Thus was this fine body of troops sacrificed by the impru- dence of the French General, who, being of superior grade, commanded the whole. If the French troops had left their encampment in time for the different corps to have reached their positions, and the whole attacked together, the prospect of success would have been infinitely better, though, even then it would have been very doubtful on account of the stjength of the enemy's line, which was well supplied by artillery But if Count D'Estaign had reflected a moment, he must have known, that attacking with a single column before the rest of the army could have reached their position, was exposing the army to be beaten in detail. In fact the enemy, who were to be assailed at once on a considerable part of their front, finding themselves only attacked at one point. Very deliberately concentrated their whole fire on the as- sailing column, and that was repeated as fast as the dilferent corps were brought up to the attack. General Lincoln had the command of the reserve and covered the retreat; if he had led the attack, I think the event could not have been so disastrous, and I am warranted in this opinion by the attack he made on * Moultrie- t Marshall. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 27 the enemy's lines at Stono, where, when he found how strongly the enemy were entrenched, ahhough his hght infantry, on both flanks, had gained some advantage, withdrew the troops without any considerable loss. The similarity in the result of this attack on Savannah, and that of the British on New-Orleans in 1815, is remarkable; the losses of the assailants and their enemies was nearly in equal proportion. Neither can Packenham escape the cen- sure of precipitation, in urging the attack when he knew the scaling ladders he had ordered were not brought up, and be- fore Colonel Thornton had got possession of our batteries on the west side of the river, which, if brought to bear on the right flank of the American line, must have made an important diversion in favour of his attack. 28 REVOLUTIOi\ARY ANECDOTES. ASGILL. Interesting particulars relative to the condemnation and subse- quent enlargement of Captain Sir Charles Asgill, of the British Guards. Sometime in the spring of 1782, a refugee officer named Lippincott, had caused Captain Huddy, of the American mihtia, (against whom it does not appear that any accusatiott was brought, or crime alleged, further than that of being found in arms, in opposition to the British troops,) to be executed without the formahty of a trial, and, as it was gene- rally believed, out of mere wantonness. Such a procedure, appeared to General Washington, so inconsistent with the laws of war, so great an outrage both of justice and humanity, as to determine him at once to resort to the fatal but neces- gary practice of retaliation. But, before any decided step was taken, a demand was made on the British Commander-in Chief at New- York, " That Lippincott should be delivered up to pay the forfeit of his crimes, and quiet the demands for vengeance, which were loudly called for from every quarter." No notice being taken of this demand, an order was sent, through Major Jackson, Deputy Secretary of War, to the commanding officer at Lancaster, where the British prisoners were confined, to select by lot, a Captain from among them, and send him under a guard, to the encampment of the main army,that by his death, he might atone for the murder of Captain Huddy, and convince the British Commander, who had evinced such extraordinary apathy, that every act of inhu- manity exercised towards the soldiers of America, should be revenged by a similar act of severity. The lot fell upon Sir REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 29 Charles Asffill, of the British Guards, and in conformity to orders, accompanied by Major Gordon, of the British forces, he left Lancaster for the head-quarters of the American army. In passing; through Philadelphia, these gentlemen were receiv- ed with great respect, and treated with every mark of atten- tion by Major Jackson, who, to save them from the gaze of idle and prying curiosity, removed the centinel placed at the door of their apartment, and actually received them into his own quarters as his guests. The same delicate attention accompanied them throughout their journey. When he arrived at head-quarters, he was, by General Washington, committed to the charge of Colonel Dayton, of the Jersey line. To those who knew the mild and benevolent character of the American Commmander-in-Chief, it is scarcely necessary to say, that to aggravate misfortune by unnecessary severity, was equally inconsistent with his principles and his practice. In his letter, dated January 11th, 1782, (several communications having been previously made) he writes to Colonel Dayton, " It is necessary that the security of your prisoner should be strictly attended to, but I wish at the same time, that all leni- ty should be shewn him, consistent with his present situation." And again, in a letter to the same officer, dated June, 22d, 1782 — " The only object that I had in view, in ordering the close confinement of your prisoner, was, that he might be perfectly secured ; but I am willing, and do wish every indul- gence to be granted him, that is not inconsistent with that." That this conduct on the part of General Washington was sensibly felt, and properly appreciated at the time, appears evident from the following letter of Captain Asgill, himself. To His Excellency General Washington^ Commander-in- Chief of the American Army, " Colonel Dayton's Quarters, Chat. May 17, 1782. " On the 30th of the last month, I had the honour of address- irig your Excellency in writing, stating the manner of my con» -3* 30 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. fineme^^t, and the circumstances that induced me to claim your protection. Being ignorant of the fate of my letter, it woiild be satisfactory to me, if your Excellency would be pleased to inform me if it has been received. In consequence of your orders, Colonel Dayton was desirous of removing me to camp, but being ill of a fever, I prevailed on him to let me remain at his quarters, closely confined ; which indulgence, I hope, will not be disapproved of. t cannot conclude this letter, without expressing my gratitude to your Excellency, for ordering Colonel Dayton to favour me as much as my situation would admit of and in justice to him, I must ac- knowledge the feeling and attentive manner in which those commands were executed. " I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your Ex- cellency's most obedient servant, "CHARLES ASGILL, ■" Captain First Regiment Foot Guards.'' To what then, but the deadly animosity of a nation, insti- gated by the successful opposi ion to their arms, and the threatening prospect of the loss of empire, can be attributed the falsehoods and scurrilities with which the British prints, on both sides of the Atlantic overflowed. Their editors unblush- ingly asserted *'that Captain Asgill was thrice conducted to the foot of the gallows, in order to complete the threatened retaliation ; and, moreover, that the instrument of punishment erected in front of his prison, did not cease to otter to his eyes, the dreadful preparations, more awful than death itself." The promulgation of these calumnies, could not fail to make a deep impression where the truth was not known, and, with a poignancy unspeakable, to lacerate and afflict the bosoms of his friends and family. I cannot, however, too higiily ap- REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 81 plaud the strong expresssion of maternal tenderness exhibited by Lady Assjill, nor sufficiently admire the pathetic style in which she endeavours to excite the generous sympathies of the Count de Verge nnes in favour of her son. No tale of woe was ever told, that appeared more decidedly calculated to excite interest, and move the heart to pity. The amiable character of the victim, the heart-rending agony of his mother, the delirium of his lovely sister, the sympathy of his friends, caused every person, ahve to the impulses of generous feeling, to dread the catastrophe that so cruelly threatened the destruc- tion of an innocent and unfortunate family. Still indignation must follow the base attempt, to cover the character of Gene- ral Washington with obloquy — and still more the eifort, to attribute to foreign influence (a conclusion constantly insisted on) the safety of Asgill, which it is perfectly well known, proceeded from General Washington's calm and dispassionate examination of circumstances, and developement of the fict, " that the murder, on the part of Lippincott, was not a wanton exercise of power, nor an act of cruelty proceeding from the pride of brief authority, but a deliberate act, sanc- tioned by Governor Franklin^ presiding at a Board ot LoyaU ists, and approved by a majority of the members.'''* The ground of complaint was thus completely changed. The demand for the person of Lippincott, who acted under the orders of a superior authority, was unhesitatingly given up. Of this Congress was immediately informed by (General Washington, and their views of the subject according with his own, an order for tlie release of the prisoner instaniianeously followed. They notice with politeness the zeal of the Count de Vergennes, in the cause of humanity, (and who would refuse to do so) but there is no hint given, no insinuation conveyed, that to his letter Captain Asgill was indebted for his life. A 'sense of strict propriety, caused the nobh'-niinded Washitjgton to alter his original opinions, and ever averse to the induigeuce of unnecessary severity, he gladly embraced the occasion of 32 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. pleadinscthe cause of an innocent man with Congress, and obtriiiied t)ieir consent to set him free. It should be remem- bered also, if further proof is deemed necessary to establish the anxious desire of General Washington to mitigate misf )r- tune, and to soften the rigour of a separation from the friends th If he loved, that permission was given to Captain Ludlow, of the British Guards, to visit his friend, and to Major Gordon to remain with him, bv soothing attentions to beguile the tedious hours of confinement, and to give him fortitude to support the worst that might happen. The last letter of G; i^eral Washington to Captain Asgill, speaks for itself— it needs no comment ; — " Head-Q,uarters, November 13th, 1782. «« Sir — It affords me singular satisfaction to have it in my power to transmit to you the inclosed copy of an act of Congress of the 7th instant, by which you are released from the disagreeable circumstances in which you have been so lono-. Supposing you would wish to go to New- York, as soon as possible, I also inclose a passport for that purpose. Your letter of the 18th October, came early to my hands ; I beg you to believe that my not answering it sooner did not proceed from any inattention to you, or want of feeling for your situa- tion. I daily expected a termination of your case, and I thousjht it better to await that, than feed you with hopes, that murht in the end prove fruitless. You will attribute my de- teition of the inclosed letter, which has been in my hands a fortnight, to the same cause. I cannot take my leave of you. Sir, without assuring you, that in whatever light my agen- cy in this affair may be viewed, I Mas never influenced, throughout the whole of it, by sanguinary motives, but by what I considered a sense of duty, which loudly called upon me to tako measures, however disagreeable, to prevent a repetition of those enormities, which have been the subject of discussion ; REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 33 and tliat the important end is likely to be answered, without the eifusion of the blood of an innocent person, is not a great- er relief to you, than it is Sir, to Your obedient servant, GEORGE WASHINGTON." Notwithstanding so satisfactory a termination of this event- ful business, the British Gazettes continued lavishly to dis- seminate abuse, and even to assert, " that Captain Asgill himself, was^ on all occasions^ loud in proclaiming the unneces- sary rigour extended towards him by General Washington^ and. a scandalous want of delicacy on the part of the American ojicers, zoith whom he came in contact.'''* I was greatly sur- prised at these statements, and loth to believe them. I had been a school-fellow of Sir Charles Asgill, an inmate of the «ame boarding-house for several years, and a disposition more mild, gentle, and affectionate, I never met with. I con- sidered him as possessed of that high sense of honour, which characterizes the youths of Westminster in a pre-eminent deo-ree. Conversing sometime afterwards with 3Ir. Henry Middleton, of Suffolk, Great Britain, and inquiring, if it was possible that Sir Charles Asgill, could so far forget his obligations to a generous enemy, as to return his kindness with abuse. Mr. Middleton, who had been our contemporary at school, and who had kept up a degree of intimacy with Sir Charles, denied the justice of the accusation, and declared, that the person charged with an act so base, not only spoke with gratitude of the conduct of General Washington, but was lavish in his com- mendations of Colonel Dayton, and of all the officers of the Continental army, whose duty had occasionally intro- duced them to his acquaintance. It may now be too late to remove unfavourable impressions on the other side of the Atlantic, (should my essay ever reach that far,) but it is still a pleasure to me, to do justice to the memory of our beloved 34 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. Washington, and to free from the imputation of dupHcity, and ingratitude, a gentleman, of whose merits I had ever en- tertained an opinion truly exalted. Letter from Lady Asgillto the Count de Vergennes. "Sir, — If the politeness of the French Court will permit a stranger to address it, it cannot be doubted but that she, who unites in herself, all the more delicate sensations, with which an individual can be penetrated, will be received favourably, by a nobleman, who reflects honour, not only on his nation, but on human nature. The object on which I implore your assist- ance, is too heart-rending to be dwelt upon. Most probably the public report of it has already reached you ; this relieves me from the burden of so mournful a duty. My Son : my only Son, dear to me as he is brave, amiable as he is beloved, only nineteen years of nge — a prisoner of war, in consequence of the capitulation of Yorktowu, is at present confined in America, as an object of reprisal. Shall the innocent suffer the fate of the guilty 1 Figure to yourself. Sir, the situation of a family in these circumstances. Surrounded as I am with objects of distress, bowed down with fear and grief, words are wanting to express what I feel and to paint such a scene of misery. My husband, given over by his physicians before the arrival of this news, not in a situation to be informed of it. My daughter, attacked by a fever, accompanied by delirium, speaking of her brother in tones of distress, and without an interval of reason, unless to listen to some circumstance which may console her heart. Let your sensibility. Sir, paint to you my profound, my inexpressible misery, and plead in my favour. A word from you^ like a voice from Heaven, would lib. rate us from desolation — from the last degree of misfortune. I know how far General Washington reveres your character, 'icii htm only, that you wish vny son restored to liberty, and REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 35 be will restore him to his desponding family, — he will restore him to happiness. The virtue of my son, will justify this act of clemency. His honour, Sir, led him to America ; he wag born to abundance, to independence, and to the happiest pros- pects. Permit me once more to entreat the interference of your high influence, in favour of innocence, and in the cause of justice and humanity. Despatch, Sir, a letter from France, to Ge.'jeral Washington, and favor me with a copy of it, that it may be transmitted from hence. I feel the whole weight of the hb<'rty taken in presenting this request ; but I feel coufident, that whether granted or not, you will pity the distress, by which it is suggested ; your humanity will drop a tear upon my fault, and blot it out forever. May that Heaven which I implore, grant that you may never need the consolation, which you have it in your power to bestow, on THERESA ASGILL." The news of the liberation of her Son, produced the tes- timonial of a mother's gratitude, in the letter which fol- lows : — " Exhausted by long suffering, overpowered by the excess of unexpected happiness, confined to my bed by weakness and languor, bent to the earth by what I have undergone, my sen- sibility alone could supply me with strength sufficient to ad- dress you. Condescend, Sir, to accept this feeble effort of my gratitude. It has been laid at the feet of the Almighty, and, believe me, it has been presented with the same sincerity to you Sir, and to your illustrious Sovereigns. By their august and salutary intervention, as by your own, a Son is restored to me, to whom my life was att u-lied. Yes, Sir, they will jjroduce tiieir effect before the dreadful and 1 ist tribuvial, vi^here I in- dulge the hope we shall both appenr together, ym lO receive the recompense of your virtues, myaelfthai of my suiierAii^js. I 36 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. will raise my voice before the imposing tribunals, T will call for those registers in which your humanity will be found re- corded, I will pray that blessings may be showered on your head; upon him, who, availing himself of the noblest privilege received from God — a privilege, no other than divine — has changed misery into happiness — has withdrawn the sword from the iiinocent head, and restored the most worthy of sons to the most tender and alFectionate of mothers. Conde- scend, Sir, to accept the jnst tribute of gratitude due to your virtuous sentiments. Preserve this tribute, and may it go down to posterity as a testimony of your sublime and exem- plary beneficence to a stranger, whose nation was at war with your own, but whose tender affections had not been destroyed by war. May this tribute bear testimony of my gratitude, long after the hand that expresses it ; the heart, which, at this moment, only vibrates with the vivacity of grateful sentiments, shall be reduced to dust, it shall bear out to offer you all the respect and all the gratitude with which it is penetrated. "THERESA ASGILL. " To His Excellency the Count De Vergcnnes." The first of these lettters, so replete with tenderness, so expressive of the anxious fears of an affectionate mother, gave birth to the communication which immediately follows. The second, so strongly indicative of her gratitude to the happy being who had endeavoured to succour and to save her, was the natural result of the interference to which she believed she owed the safety of her son. Copy of a letter from the Count de Vergennes to General Washington, dated July 29th, 1752. '* Sir, — It is not in the quality of the Minister of a King, the friend and ally of the United States, (though with the know- ledge of his Majesty) that 1 have now the honour to write to REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 37 your Excellency. It is as a man of sensibility and a tender father, who feels all the force of paternal love, that I take the liberty to address to your Excellency my earnest solicitations in favour of a mother and family in tears. Her situation seems the more worthy of notice on our part ^ as it is to a nation at war with her own, tliat she has recourse for which she ought to receive from the impartial justice of her own Generals. I have the honour to inclose your Excellency the copy of a let- ter which Lady Asgill has just wrote to me. I am not known to her, nor was I acquainted with her son, who was the unhappy victim, destined by lot, to expiate the odious crime, that a for- mal denial of justice obliged you to revenge. Your Excellency will not read the letter without being extremely affected, it had that effect on the King and upon the Queen, to whom I com- municated it. The goodness of their Majesty's hearts induced them to desire that the inquietudes of an unfortunate mother may be calmed, and her tenderness reassured. I feel, Sir, tliat there are cases, where humanity itself exacts the most extreme rigour ; perhaps the one in question may be of the number, but, allowing reprisals to be just, it is not less hard on those who are the victims, and the character of your Excel- lency is too well known for me not to be persuaded that you dtsire to do nothing more than to be able to avoid the disa- greeable necessity. There is one consideration. Sir, which, though it is not decisive, may have an influence on your resolu- tion. Captain Asgill is, doubtless, your prisoner, but he is among those whom the arms of the King contributed to put into your hatids at Yorktown. Although this circumstance does not operate as a safeguard, it however justifies the interest I permit myself to take in this affiiir. If it is in your power, Sir, to consider and have regard to it, you will do that which will highly gratify their Majesties. The danger of young Asgill, the tears and despair of his mother affect them sensibly, and they will see, with pleasure, the hope of consolation shine on these unfortunate people. In seeking to deliver Mr. Asgill 4 38 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. from the fate which threatens him, I am far from engaging you to seek another victim — the pardon to be perfectly satisfactory, must be entire. I do not imagine that it can be productive of any bad consequences. If the British General has not been able to punish the horrid crime you complain of, in so exem- plary a way as he should, there is reason to think that he will take the most efficacious measures to prevent its repetition. I sincerely wish, Sir, that my intercession may meet success, the sentiment which dictates it, and which you have not ceased to manifest on every occasion, assures me that you will not be indifferent to the prayers and to the tears of a family, which has recourse to your clemency through me. It is rendering homage to your virtue, to implore it. I have the honour to be, with the most perfect consideration, Sir, Your's, &c. DE VERGENNES. The order of Congress for the release of Captain Asgill^ was to this effect : — In Congress — November 7th, 1783. On the report of the Committee, to whom was referred a letter of the 19th of August, from the Commander-in-chief, and on motion of Mr. Williamson and Mr. Rutledge, relative thereto, — and, also, another letter of the 25th October, from the Commander-in-chief, with the copy of a letter from the Count de Vergennes, dated the 29th July last, interceding for Captain Asgill, Resolved, That the Commander-in-chief be directed, and he is hereby directed to set Captain Asgill at liberty. CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary. Some further particulars relative to Captain Sir Charles Asifill, having come to my knowledge since making the above statement, I think myself called upon by imperious duty to pubhsh them, however decided their tendency to destroy the REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 39 favourable sentiments I wished to inculcate of his candour and veracity. The prepossessing traits of character that adorned his early years, I can never forget, nor is it possible for me to suppose, that to Mr. Middleton, whose entire family (with a single exception) were enthusiastically engaged in the service of America, he would have expressed a grateful sensi- bility for favour shown him, while in the circle of his more intimate associates, he had industriously propagated senti- ments so decidedly contradictory. One circumstance, I con- fess, not only wounds my feelings, but staggers my faith. — That no reply was made to that highly interesting and pathetic letter of General Washington, informing him of his liberation from captivity, and freedom from the penalties that threatened his life, accompanied at the same time by passports, which enabled him to join his companions in New- York, and speedily to assuage the tumults of his mother's breast, and restore his sister to reason and to happiness, must appear strange, and in nowise consistently with propriety, to be accounted for. It manifested (to give it no harsher name) a want of politeness and respect, that with a gentleman^ must be deemed impar- donable. If my opinions have been more favourable to him than they ought to have been, I sincerely lament it, since in the language of the poet I can truly say, ** I hate Jtigraiitude more than the sin of lying." An American Gentleman, residing in London, wrote to Colonel Tilghman, formerly Aid-de-camp to General Wash- ington, to this effect : — " There are some persons here, who give credit to a charge exhibited against our good and great General Washington, by young Asgill, of ill-treatment and cruelty towards himself. — He alleges, that a gibbet was erected before his prison win- dow, and often pointed to in an insulting manner, as good and proper for him to atone for Huddy's death, and many I Li 40 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. Other insults, which he believes were countenanced by General Washington^ who was id ell-inclined to execute the sentence on him, but was restrained by the French General Rocham- heau."*^ This letter was communicated to General Washington by the father of Colonel Tilghman, (the Colonel himself being dead before it reached America,) and was immediately replied to by the General, in the following terms : — '•'Mount Vernon, July 5tli, 1786. '*' That a calumny, such as mentioned by the correspondent of your Son, has been reported, I knew. I had laid my account for the misrepresentations of anonymous scribblers, but had never conceived before, that one, such as related, could have originated with, or met the countenance of Captain Asgilly whose situation often filled me with the keenest anguish. I felt for him on many accounts, and not the least when viewing him as a man of honour and sentiment. I con- sidered how unfortunate it was for him, that a wretch that possessed neither, should be the means of causing in him a single pang, or disagreeable sensation. My favourable opinion of him, however, is forfeited, if, being acquainted with these reports, he did not immediately contradict them. That I could have given countenance to the insults which he says were offered to his person, especially the grovelling one of erecting a gibbet before his prison window, will, I expect, be scarcely believed, when I explicitly declare, that I have never heard of an attempt to offer an insult, and that I had every reason to be convinced, that he was treated by the officers around him, with all the tenderness, and every civility, in their power. I would feign ask Captain Asgill, how he could reconcile such belief, (if his mind had been seriously impressed with it,) to the continual indidgence and procrastination he experienced'? He will not, I presume, deny that he wa's REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 41 admitted to his parole, within ten or twelve miles of the British hnes ; if not to a formal parole^ to a confidence yet more unlimited, by beino^ permitted, for the benefit of his health, and the recreation of his body, to ride, not only about the cantonment, but into the surrounding country for several miles, with his friend and companion Maj. Gordon, constantly attending him. Would not this indulgence have pointed out to a military character the fountain from which it flowed 1 Did he conceive that discipline was so bad in the American army, as that any officer in it would have granted this liberty to a person confined by the express order of the Commander-in- chief, unless authorized to do so by the same authority 1 And to ascribe them to the interference of the Count Rochambeau, is as void of foundation as his other conjectures, for I do not recollect that a sentence ever passed betwixt the General and myself, upon the subject. I was not without suspicion, after the final liberation and return of Captain Asgill to New- York, that his mind had been improperly impressed ; or, that he wa8 deficient in politeness. The treatment he had met with, in my conception, merited an acknowledgment. None however lOas offered, and I never sought the cause. This concise account of the treatment of Captain Asgill, is given from a hasty recollection of the circumstances. If I had time, and it were essential, by unpacking my papers and recurring to authentic files, I might have been more pointed and full. It is in my power at any time to convince the unbiassed mindy that my conduct, throughout the whole of this business, was neither influenced by passion, guided by inhumanity, or under the control of any interference whatsoever. I essayed every thing to save the innocent, bring the guilty to punishment, and stop the further perpetration of similar crimes. With I what success the impartial world must, and certainly will ^ decide. With very great esteem and regard, I have th© honour to be, dear M»ir, your most obedient servant, GEORGE WASHINGTON." " To James Tilghman^ Esq.'''' 4* 42 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. PATRIOTIC CONDUCT OF THE AMERICAN LA- DIES. I have been accused of lavishly bestowing encomiums on the patriotism of the Ladies of South-Carolina, while I scarcely noticed the meritorious conduct of females, equally distin- guished, in other parts of the Union, However appearances may condemn me, 1 cannot attribute, to myself, the fault of intentional neglect ; I gave details of occurrences, that I knew to be correct ; but ventured not, on mere report, to speak of events abroad, that, however honourable to my country, might prove, on being particularly inquired into, false and exaggerat- ed. AVith the increase of knowledge came also an ardent desire to bestow the palm of merit wheresoever it had been acquired ; and I, as much delighted to celebrate the unremitted zeal of the ladies of Philadelphia, and of Trenton, raising ftinds for the succour and support of the army, wasted by disease*, and perishing under the accumulated miseries of lamine and nakedness, as in presenting to public view the patient sufferings and resistance to oppression, by the fair daughters of Carolina. I will say still more. Confident I am, that the intrepidity of the sainted being,* wlio afterwards honoured me with her hand, in rescuing from a position of extreme danger, her infant relative, (T>loifel Fenwick, did not in a higher degree excite my admiration aiid applause, than the bold and unshaken courage of the lady oJK Tvhom I am now about to speak. MRS. BORDEN. At a period when the cloud of misfortune obscured the ijright prospects of America, and even to our most sanguine * MS38 Mary Anna Gibbr. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 4S patriots, the expectation of establishing our independence appeared but a visionary dream ; when New- York and Rhode-Island were quietly possessed by the British armies, and the Jerseys overrun by their victorious Generals, opposed but a feeble resistance to their overwhelmmg power, a British officer,* of the highest rank, commanding a large division of their troops, stationed at Bordentown, addressing Mrs. Bor- den, who resided on her estate in a mansion of superior elegance, demanded in an authoritative tone, *' Where, Madam, is your rebel husband — where your rebel sou T' *' Doing their duty to their country, under the orders of Gen. "Washington," was the prompt reply. " We are well ap- prized" rejoined the officer, " of the influence you possess, over the political creed of your family, and that to them your opinion is law. Be wise, then, in tinip, and while mercy is tendered to you, fail not to accept it. Bid them quit the standard of rebelhon, and cordially unite with us, in bringing his Majesty's deluded subjects to submission, and a proper sense of their errors and ingratitude, to the best of kings. Your property will then be protected, aiid remain without injury in your possession. But, should you hesitate to profit by our clemency, the wasting of your estate and destruction of yoijr mansion will inevitably follow." " Begin, then, the huvQck which you threaten," replied the heroic lady, "the sight of my house in flames, would be to me a treat, for, I have se^^t) enough of you to know, that you never injure, what it is pf>;s;ble for you to keep and enjoy. The application of a torch to it I should regard as a signal for your departure, and CO »-ider the retreat of the spoiler an ample compensation foi* the loss of my property." This was one of those threats, which the British never failed te) carry into execution. The house was burnt, and the whole property consigned to waste and desolation. But, as have b^en fori;seen, the perpetrator of tiie ruthlesg deed, rer ^eated to return no more. *■ Lord Cornwallis, 44 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES* LYDIA DARFAH* The anecdote which follows is fully detailed by the editor of the American Quarterly Review, in the first number of his interesting publication. It has been in my possession since the year 1822, when it was presented to me by that respectable gentleman himself. In some immaterial points our statements di'V r ; yet, as the narrative affords a trait of heroism, credita- ble to the patriotic firmness of a female of our country, V am CO 'fident that I shall not offend him by giving it a place in; my collections. The superior officers of the British army, were accustomed to hold their consultations on all subjecs of importance at the house of William and Lydia Darrah, members of the Society of Friends, immediately opposite to the quarters of the Com- mander-in-chief, in Second-street. It was in December, in the year that they occupied the city, that the Adjutant General of theTirmy desired Lydia to have an apart aent prepared for the reception of himself and friends, and to order her family early to bed : adding, when ready to depart, notice shall be ^iven to you to let us out, and to extinguish the fire and can- dles. The manner of delivering this order, especially that part of it which commanded the early retirement of her family, strongly excited Lydia's curiosity, and determined her, if possible, to discover the mystery of their meeting. Ap- proaching without shoes, the room in which tlie confereice was held, and placing her ear lo the key-hole, she heard (he order read for the troops to quit the city on the night of the 4th, to attack the American army encamped at White Marsh, Returning immediately to her room, she laid herself down, but in a little while, a loud knocking at the door, which for Bome rime she pretended not to hear, proclaimed the intention i>f the party to retire. Having let them out, she again sought REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 45 her bed, but not to sleep ; the agitation of her miiid preclud 'd the possibility of enjoying it. She thought only of the dangers that threatened the lives of thousands of her countrymen, and believing it to be in her power to avert tlie evil, determined at all hazards to apprize General Washington of his danger. Telling her husband at early dawn, that flour was wanting for domestic purposes, and that she should go to Frankford to obtain it. She repaired to Head Quarters, got access to General Howe, and obtained permission to pass the British lines. Leaving her bag at the mill, Lydia now pressed for- ward towards the American army, and meeting Captain Allen M'Lean, an officer from his superior intelligence and activity, selected by General Washington to gain intelligence, discover- ed to him the important secret, obtaining his promise not to jeopardize her safety by telling from whom he had obtained it Captain M'Lean with all speed informed the Commander-in*' chief of his danger, who, of course, took every necessary step to baffle the contemplated enterprize, and to show the enemy that he was prepared to receive them. Lydia returned home with her flour, secretly watched the movements of the British army, and saw them depart. Her anxiety during their absence was excessive, nor was it lessened when on their return the Adjutant General summoning her to his apartment and iockuig the door with an air of mystery, demanded " Whether any of the family were up on the night that he had received company at her house V She told him, that without an exception, they had all retired at 8 o'clock." " Yoa, I know, Lydia, were asleep, for 1 knocked at your door three times before yoa heard me, yet, although I am at a loss to conceive who gave the information df our intended attack to General Washington, it is certam that we were betrayed. For, on arriving near his encampment, we found his cannon mounted — his troops under arnis, and at every point so perfectly prepared to rec' ive us, that we were compelled like fools to make a reiro- gr movement, -.vithout inflicting on our enemy any maaaer of injury whatsoever." 46 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTFS. The editor of the QMdTUrly Review^ designates Lt. Colonel Craiir, as the American officer to whom Lydia communicated her Hiipprtant intelligence. Judge Marshall, in his Memoirs, appears to think as I do, that it was to Colonel M'Lean. The anecdote which follows, being highly creditable to female patriotism, is recorded by me with pecuhar de- light : — ESCAPE OF CAPTAIN PLUNKETT. Captain Plunkett, a high-spirited Irishman, whose attach- ment to the cause of liberty had led him to seek a commission in the Continental army, had, by the chances of war, been compelled to give up his sword, and to surrender himself a prisoner to the enemy. Previously to this untoward event, by the suavity of his manners, and uniformly correct conduct, he had rendered himself an acceptable guest in many families in Philadelphia, and particularly so, to one of the Society of Friends, who, however averse to warfare, were not insensible of the claims of those to their regard, who, by the exercise of majily and generous feelings, delighted to soften its asperities. There was among them a female, mild and gentle as a dove, yet, in firmness of mind, a heroine, and in personal charms an angel. She saw the sufferings of the captive soldier, and under the influences of pity, or perhaps a more powerful pas- sion, resolved, at all hazards to relieve him. It acci- dentally happened, that the uniform of Captain Plun- kett's Regiment bore a striking resemblance to that of a Bri- tish corps, which was frequently set as a guard o\ ^)r the prison in winch he was confined, A new suit of regimentals was jn REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 47 eotisequence procured and conveyed, without suspicion of suiister design, (o the Captain. On the judicious use of these rested the hopes of the fair Friend to give him freedom. It frequently happened that officers of inferior grade, while their superiors affected to shun ull intercourse with rebels, would enter the apartments of the prisoners, and converse with them with knidness and famih irity, and then at their pleasure retire. Twocentinels constantly walked the rounds without, and the practice of seeing their officers walking in and out of the inte- rior prison, became so familiar, as scarcely to attract notice, a;i'i co'i.stai)- hands, His pray'rs for you in benedictions rise, Warm from the soul and grateful to the skies. Nor there's alone the theme th' Historian fir'd Shall bless the noble ardor you've inspired. I want new epithets to adorm his page, And bid you live admlr'd from age to age. With warm applauses celebrate each name, Endear your mem'ries and embalm your fame, For Freedom's Ensign, thus inscribed, shall ave, " The Patriot Females who their Country saved." ANON. 60 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. PATRIOTS IN THE CIVIL LINE. ARTHUR MIDDLETON. I know no man, whose exemplary conduct, throughout the whole prog-ress of the Revolution, deserves more gratefully to he reraemhered, than that of Arthur Middle- ton. Possessed of ample fortune, and endowed with talents of the highest order, improved by study, and refined by travellin2[, he devoted himself with decision to the service of his country. The public, at the commencement of hostility, admirinj^his zeal, and convinced of his since- rity, placed in him their entire confidence, and never afterwards withdrew it. He served with distinction in the Committee of Five,* expressly appointed by the Provincial Congress to procure the means of defence, superintend, the political movements of their fellow-citizens, give energy to the spirit of resistance, and direct with effect inflexible opposition to the encroachments of tyrannical power.t He, on all occasions, advocated the most vigorous m(^asures, clearly evincing that he was not one of those, who shrunk in times of danger from responsibility. Frank and open in temper, he freely uttered the bold conceptions of his ardent spirit, censuring with indignant pride the * Composed of Wm. H. Drayton, Arthur Middleton, Charles Cotes- worth Pinckney, William Gibbes, and Edward Weyman. t The arrest of the Governor. The attachment of the estates of all who deserted the Standard of their Country, &c. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 61 cautious policy of the timid and irresolute, and expressing the highest indignation at the arts of the designing. His zeal thus manifested, confirming the confidence first reposed in him, he was elected, though scarcely thirty years of age, a member of the Continental Congress of 1775, and thus obtained the honour of afiixing his signature to the important document, which is regarded by Ameri- cans as their richest inheritance. Returning to his native State, new honours awaited him ; he was soon elected to fill the Chair of Government, vacated by the resignation of John Rutledge. The honour, was, however, declined for reasons which proved satisfactory to the public. But, whether in arms for the defence of the city, in exile in St. Augustine, or aiding in the Councils of the Nation- after his release from captivity — we find him with unshaken ardour, by his firmness and undeviating rectitude of princi- ple, giving dignity to the cause he had pledged himself to support.* Shortly after the surrender of Charleston, (I think it was on the receipt of the news of Lord Cornwallis' victory near Camden, over the army commanded by Gen. Gates,) some of the most influential and zealous Loyalists, considering it a happy opportunity for displaying devotion to their Sovereign, proposed an Address of congratulation to the ruling Authorities, and appointed a committee to tender it to the inhabitants of the garrison, for signatures. "Dead to all sense of delicacy, these unfeeling men waited on Mr. Middleton, and prefacing the demand by dwelling on the inability of resistance on the part of the rebels, tendered to him the Address for signature. Virtuous re- sentment kept him for a moment dumb ! but as soon as indig- nant passion had suflaciently subsided, to give his feelings utterance — *' Begone," he cried, " and from your sight re- * It was the signing of this Address which caused the confiscation of so many estates at an after period. 6 62 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. lieve me ! Have you no feeling', wretches, for misfortune, or respect for honest zeal, and faithful service 1 Is it in scorn you are come to wreak your malice, on the man v/iio always held your principles and practices in detestation'? or, can you imaj»in , that after siepp iig fiirtli in such a cause, and supporting it through every danger and difficulty with steadiness, I will meanly retract, and ^tamp my name with infamy — Suhject myself, not only to the contempt of the world, but the still greater misery of endless and agonizing reproach ? No no! it is a mockery that you would add to insult; and cowardly, as well as basely, knowing the restrictions of my parole, shield yourselves beneath its protection. This is, to t/oUj a^lay of exaltation, but the hour of retribution tcill come when we shall meet on a more equal footing. Enjoy, meanwhile, your mise- rable triumph — bnt, from this room, and my presence^ miscreants, retire instantly, and when the liberty is mine to express the just indignation that 1 feel — beware P^ It gives me great satisfaction to add another proof of Mr Middleton's devotion to his country, communicated subsequently to the completion of the sketch of his charac- ter. After his arrest and removal to a ship of war, to be conveyed, with many otlier distinguished patriots, to St. Augustine, two youths,* under the age of eighteen years, at the period prisoners on parole, anxious to mitigate the sufferings of their relatives, whose sudden separation from their families, and removal to a prison-ship, had deprived them of every comfort, ventured with a i'ew necessaries to repair to the place of their confinement. The pious duty performed, they were about to return to the city, when * Hon. A. Desaussure, since Chancellor of the State, and Tames Hey. ward, at a subsequeat period a Gaptaiu in the Ancient Battalion of Ar- tillery. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 63 Mr. Middletoji, takins^them aside, thus addressed them: — *' You see, young; gentlemen, the tyranny exercised towards your seniors, whose only crime consists in their unshaken fidelity to their country. Your turn may probably come next. You have already felt the evil hand of oppression bear heavily upon you, and have, doubtless, many and still severer persecutions to endure. Be firm in your attach- ment to the cause to which you have adhered. Let neither the temptation of promised honours, nor emolument, the fear of personal suffering, the rigor of confinement, nor any oppression that may await you, tempt you to swerve from your duty. Firm in patriotism, bid defiance to every persecution that malice can contrive and power inflict. Great and certain will be your reward. You will find it in the consciousness of well-doing — in the applause of your own hearts — and in the blessings that will follow you, from the gratitude of every virtupus citizen of your coun- try." It is creditable to the family, that the name of Middleton was ever found opposed to the encroachments of British power. Arthur Middleton, grandfather to the subject of this sketch, headed, as Speaker of the Assembly, an oppo- sition which removed the last of the Proprietory Governors. Henry Middleton, his father, was the successor of .John Hancock as President of Congress. Arthur Middleton, signed the Declaration of Independence. Henry Middle- ton, his son, officiated as Governor of the State of South- Carolina, and was one of the most determined opponents of Britain, when that ambitious nation, on a late occasion, sought to disturb the happiness and prosperity of our country. Thomas Middleton, son of an elder branch of the family, residing in England, engaged heartily in the American cause, and was constant in his duty, till his death. John Middleton, who not only enjoyed an estate in Eu- 64 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. rope, but had the advowson of a church-living of considera- ble emolument, actuated by a sincere attachment to liberty, crossed the Atlantic to engage in the American service, speedily obtained by his gallantry, a commission in Lee's legion, and possessing the universal esteem of his fellow- citizens, fell a martyr, shortly after the war, to country-fe- ver, sincerely lamented by all who had the happiness of his acquaintance. THOMAS HEYWARD. A patriot more resolute in council — more intrepid in the field — more steady in supporting the principles of the Revolution, under the severest afflictions of unmerited persecutions, could not be named than Mr. Hey ward. — His was the honour of giving his signature to the instru- ment that declared America independent. In his military career, he essentially contributed to the defeat of the British on Port Royal Island, and of having repulsed Provost before Charleston. He was actively employed on the lines when Sir Henry Clinton besieged the city, and at its fall became a prisoner to the enemy. The indignities which he then met with were in the extreme disgraceful to the victorious party, but as I have already recorded them in my first series, it appears unnecessary to repeat them. He was distinguished among the patriotic band, who were sent into exile to St. Augustine ; — by a playfulness of disposi- tion, which not only made despondency a stranger to his bosom, but which was happily displayed in keeping up the spirits of his suffering companions. He wrote songs of humour, and sung them with peculiar glee, and although little can be said in favour of their poetical merit, yet, in REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 65 his satirical remarks on false patriotism,* and animadver- sions on the foibles of the tyrants, who oppressed them, he not only amused his companions, and imparted to them a portion of his own cheerfulness, but caused them to check unavailing murmurs, and to look forward with confi- dence, to the happy termination of their sufferings, and the perfection of their country's glory and happiness. I am inclined to give great credit to Mr. Heyward, for his clear and early perceptions of the happy results that would follow, from bold and unremitted exertions against the encroachments of Britain. On his return from Congress, his father, who was not altogether as sanguine in his calculations of success as he had been, said to him, "My son, in declaring America independent, you have adopted a very bold measure, and I am inclined to think, with precipitation, since undisciplined militia, and we have no * An individual, who delighted to proclaim the purity of his patriotic principles, and the steadiness with which he considered his honour as pledged to support them, was frequently heard to say, " Should it ever be my misfortune to fall into the hands of the enemy, though subjected to every species of insult, and goaded by every variety of oppression— though imprisonment and chains, the dungeon's gloom and rack's tor- tures be my lot — though, in time, my legs and arms should be severed from my body, the Honest Trunk, (hat remained, would still be true and faithful, to the cause of liberty, and of my country." It is a dangerous thing for men to place too great confidence in their own strength, or to boast their ability to encounter and overcome difficulty, before the hour of trial has overtaken them. The town, in which this firm and intrepid patriot resided, being closely besieged and taken, to the astonishment of the commuinty, he was among the first of the capitulants, to recant his opinions, and to solicit with humility, forgiveness for his political errors, promising, if the ruling authorities would condescend to grant him pro- tection, that he would sin no more. His dereliction of principle, met with its proper reward, for, remaining in Charleston, after its evacuation by the British Garrison, he never walked the streets, or ventured to show his face in public, before his ears were saluted by the mockery of every school-boy, exclaiming, " there goes the Honest Trunk." How fares it with the unshaken patriot, and steady friend of his country, 6* 66 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. Other troops, can never resist the attacks of brave and well-trained regulars. We shall, inevitably, be beaten." "Granted," said Mr. H. " What, then, are we to doT' rejoined his fal*lier. " Raise a new army, and keep up the contest." " What ! to be again beaten." " Most certainly, and the same result may follow, over and over again, but, by dint of perseverance, we shall become reconciled to the evils of war, and daily acquiring expf^rience, in the military art, ultimately wrest the palm of victory from the enemy, and repay, with ten-fold energy, the defeats received at their hands." "He will tell you, in mockery of one of our country phrases, that it -is only necessary for them to show themselves, for our untutored bands, Ho split and squander.^ '* *'But, let us patiently wait the results of steady opposition, and then we shall see, * on whose side the laughers will be.' Remember, too. Sir, that every success that follows their exertions, will necessarily be attended with a loss of men, and that recruits can only be obtained by bringing them across the Atlantic, and that at an enormous expense, while the temporary defeat of our armies, produces no material evil, in this respect ; the very men, who fled with precipita- tion from the field to-day, being ready, and with the hope of getting rid of the disgrace, will resume a hostile position to-morrow." I repeat, that this happy view of the eventful occurrences of the war, just entered upon, was highly creditable to the discernment of Mr. Heyward, more especially as the results proved them to be altogether cor- rect, in every portion of the Union, before the termination ©f the war. They, who had triumphantly over-run the Jerseys, Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia, being ulti- mately, (unless when under the immediate protection of their shipping they indulged in predatory expeditions,) confined to the narrow limits of the cities of New-York, Savannah, and Charleston. Mr. Hoyward, after the con- clusion of the war, was elected a Judge, and as a civil REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 67 officer, from his clear, unbiassed decisions, gave increase to the reputation acquired by his zeal and activity in the field, when acting in a military capacity. JUDGE BEE. The claim, of this respectable citizen, to Revolutionary celebrity, is unquestionable. Through every period of the struggle for independence, he adhered to the cause of his country, with ardent zeal and unshaken constancy, and that he performed his duty with advantage' to it, must appear evident, from the situations of trust and honour to which he was raised by the voice of his fellow-citizens. The duties of Member of the Assembly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Member of the Privy Council, Judge of the State Courts, Member of the Council of Safety, Lieutenant Governor, Member of Congress, and, finally. Judge of the District, were discharged by him with distinguished credit and applause. He was mild in dispo- sition, amiable and conciliating in his manners, and from his liberal feelings, afJorded, to the last hour of his life, a genuine portrait of Carolina hospitality. One trait of his cliaracter, merits particular notice : — He had suffered much by the war — his property had been in the hands of the enemy, and had not escaped the cupidity of many of them, noted for their rapacity in plundering, but his resentments ceased when they had no longer power to injure. Their departure from our shores extinguished his resentments. The unfortunate, who, by the errors of their conduct, had incurred the displeasure and resentment of their country- men, found in him a steady and a powerful advocate; he pitied their w^eaknesses, and anxiously strove to remove their disqualific:^.liouSj and to reconcile them to their 63 RETVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. country and to themselves : and, I doubt, if a single instance can be brought forward, where pardon was solicited, where he did not plead the cailse of the offending party. A. bill for the encouragement of Literature and Science, introduced into the House of Representanves, immediately after the evacuation of Charleston, originated witk him. "Whilst every society, having a view and tendency to pro- mote the diffusion of knowledge, met in him a strenuous supporter; we may have seen in the distinguished personages of society, men of more brilliant character, but with none better entitled to the esteem and veneration of his country- men, than Judge Bee. RICHARD HUTSON. Mr. Hutson, at the commencement of the Revolutionary war, was possessed of a large and unencumbered estate, the whole of which he sold, the better to aid his country in her arduous struggle for liberty, by placing the product in the funds. His zeal did him hosiour, but proved his ruin; the depreciation of Conrinental money leaving him in poverty and indigence. His talents, however, (it was all he had to give,) were unceasingly devoted to the public welfare. As a soldier, lawyer, legislator, long as the war continued, he conducted himself with such propriety, that immediately after its conclusion, he was chosen one of the Three (Chancellors of the State. And on the incorporation of the city of Charleston, chosen its first Intendant. In this last station his conduct v/as exemijluy. Many turbu- lent spirits appeared intent to disturb the peace of society ; mobs were raised— some mischief done, and a great deal coi'tf mplated, but b? zeal, activity and firmness, he put down all irregularities, and preserved the tranquillity of the REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 69 city. Mr. H. was an excellent scholar, and it is said com- pletely master of seven different languuges. He was mild and amiable in disposition, and to his friends and relations, one of the most kind-hearted and affectionate of human beings. They were inexpressibly dear to him, but he loved his country still more, as the sacrifice of his property clearly evinces. In confirmation of what I have alleged of his patriotism, I have it in my power to state, that General C. C. Pinckney, often declaimed that he did not know an individual to whom Carolina was as much indebted, for active zeal, and perpetual sacrifices in her service. Praise from such a man, is sufficient eulogy, without the addition of a single sentence of commendation from my pen. For the penetration of the General, in esti- mating character, was singularly correct, and his upright- ness, when called on for the delivery of his sentiments upon it, would have caused him rather to lose his life, than utter a falsehood, or bestow the meed of praise on one, who had not richly deserved it. I have omitted to mention, that he was one of the exiles who was sent to St. Augus- tine ; the British were too well convinced of the influence of his precepts and example, to suiTcr him to remain in Charleston. Their grand object was to make converts, and to induce the weak and wavering to enlist under their banners ; pretexts were therefore found for depriving the true or steady patriots, who were within their powder, of the berieiits of the cnpituhition under which they had be- come prisoners, and to treat them, not as gnntlemen^ but as felons, who were destitute of all sense of honour, and not entitled to the slightest share of pity or indulgence. At St. Augustine, they would be comparatively harmless, and thither they were sent. ^0 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. AMERICAN OFFICERS-MILITARY AND NAVAL. GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON. It may appear extraordinary, that in giving sketches of the characters of the heroes and patriots, the most distin- guished in the Revolutionary war, that I have never particularly noticed, the man ahove all others, pre-eminent in talent and in virtue; and whose clear ptrceptions, in a great measure, directed the energies of the rest. It cannot be doubted, but that my allusion is to the immortal Wash- ington, who, by universal consent, has been acknowledged, not only the pride and glory of his country, but an hoaour to the human race. But, already, all that relates to his character and conduct, in private life, the field, or cabinet, has been detailed by our historians so fully and skilfully, that nothing that I could say, would afford an additional claim to celebrity. I think, however, that ray admiration of his character has been sufficiently elucidated throughout the whole of my Anecdotes. The expression of General Gates, made in the presence of Dr. Read,* gives a striking instance of the goodness of his heart — his generous inclina- tion to forgive injuries, (for he was well-apprized of all the secret intrigues of Gates, to injure him, and disposses him of command,) his sympathy in the heart-rendino: afflictions that had fallen on his family. The humanity exercised towards Sir Charles Asgill, (fully detailed in the present * Pages 34 and 35, First Series. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 71 series of x\necdotes, althoucrh most ungenerously requited;) his pity for his suiierings, is not less creditable to his feel- in^j^r-. The delicate rebuke given to the g-entlcmea of his family, whose boisterous mirth di^sturbei the repose of a wounded officer,* at once declares his discretion and keen sense of propr ety. The friendly visit to Colonel Wasson, his solicitude for his recovery, and grateful acknowledg- ment of his services, his worth, and usefulness to the army, excite high admiration. The anecdote related in the pre- sent series, of his temperance, and happy mode adopted, to quiet the discontents of the army, remonstrating by a deputation of tield oi.'icers, against the badness and scarcity of their rations. The delicacy of his feeling towards the foe he had subdued,t do him the highest honour. With high admiration 1 view his clear discernment of character, in the enrloyment of Lt. Colonel Jo. Laurens, as a nego- tiator; of Wayne, for effecting a hazardous enterprize by a coup de main — of Harry Lee and M'Lean, as vigilant and active partizans — of William Washington, as a soldier, well calculated to execute services the most daring — of Stuben, to perfect discipline in the army — of La Fayette, to command where caution was necessary to avoid a regu- lar action with a foe greatly superior to him in numbers, and, at the same tiine, wlien spirit was necessary to keep him in check, — and, finally, his ciioice of Greene, to take the command of the Sonthern army, to restore their courage and rekindle their expiring efforts. x\ll of which notices pro- claim a genius of superior cast ; a penetration rarely e(]ualled. Of neglect, then, I shall scarcely be accused, wheie such proof has been given, t'jat no man, in a higher degree, knew how justly to appreciate the exalted talents and virtues of the immortal Washington. Page 393, First Series. t Page 394, First Series. 72 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. PENNSYLVANIA OFFICERS. Biographical sketches of the superior officers of the PeniKo.ivauia line, have been so skiliuUy drawn by their immediate friends and contem^^oraries, that any additional notice of their services from my pen, might appear super- fluous. To the Generals, Butler, Walter Stuart, Sin- clair and Wayne, I had the honour to be personally known, and was immediately unJer the comjnand of the last, when, at the period of its evacuation by the British, betook possession of Charleston. General Butler, was, from the commencement to ihe end of his military career, considered as an officer of superior talent. Much of the celebrity of Morgan's Rifle Regiment, (declared by General Burgoyne, to be the finest marksmen in the world,) was derived from his skill in training, and example in leading them to victory. Walter Stuart, an Irishman by birth, was enthusiastically devoted to the cause of liberty, and supported it with the characteristic bravery of his country- men. Sinclair, possessed all the requisite qualities for command, and had he been properly supported, would never have suffered the British to boast the triumphs, which crowned the early progress of their army, led on by Burgoyne. W^ayne, was a complete soldier, delighting in enterprize, intelligent in all emergencies in the perception of his duties, intrepid in the discharge of them. Such, indeed, was his chivalrous gallantry, that anticipations of success were always cherished by the soldiers under his command, and led by Blad Anthony, (the name by which he was designated.) The order to engage the enemy, was considered as a prelude to victory. Bold in all his efforts to compel his enemy to submission, his moderation in the hour of triumph, was exemplary. At Stoney Pointy as soon REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 73 as resistance ceased, there was an end to slaughter, and it cer- tainly redounds to his honour, when the hope of conquest was relinquislipd by the British, and a disposition was manifested to quit our shores, that he was opposed to the unnecessary waste of lives, and preferring negotiation to actual hostility, acceded to the proposals of the Generals Clarke and Leslie, and took possession, both of Savannah and Charleston, with- out the loss of a man. GENERAL WILLIAM IRVINE. I now beg leave to notice an officer of peculiar merit, "whose claims to applause have never, in my opinion, been sufficiently appreciated. I allude to General Wai. Irvine, a a native of Ireland. He received while a student at Trinity College, Dublin, through the influence of a lady of quality, a commission in a Regiment of Dragoons, but meeting with injustice in a contest with a brother officer, relative to rank, he gave in his resignation, and assiduously applying himself to the medical profession, was appointed a Surgeon in the Navy, and served in that capacity till the peace of 1763. A strong attachment to America, contracted in the course of service, causing him to emigrate to Pennsylvania, in 1764, he settled at Carlisle, and with great advantage to the public, and credit to himself, engaged in the practice of physic. The contest with Great Britain commencing in 1774, he engaged with ardent zeal, in the service of his adopted country, and after having essentially contributed to the dissemination of pure and genuine principles of liberty among his fellow- citizens, and inducing Pennsylvania cordially to join the Union, for tlie support of the just rights of America, accepted the command of a Regiment, and marched at its head into Canada. An unsuccessful attack upon the van of the enemy's 7 74 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. army, at the village of Trois Revieres, was the occasion of his absence for a considerable period, iVom military service ; for, the corps in which he served, under General I'hompson, being defeated, he became a prisoner. The conduct of Sir Guy Carlton, to the captive officers of the American array, has been generally and deservedly applauded, but towards Colonel Irvine, it was inflexibly severe, whether from caprice, or from an opinion, that he, who had once served under the British banners, should, under no circumstances, have drawn his sword in opposition to them, is uncertain. But, the indul- gences granted to others, were denied to him ; his side-arms were taken from him, and so many impediments thrown in the way of his liberation, that it was not till the year 1778, that his exchange could be effected. He then took the com- mand of the 2d Pennsylvania Brigade, and rendered essential service at the head of it, till detaclied in 1781, to Pitts- burg, to protect it, being charged at the same time wiih the defence of the Morth-Western frontier, threatened by the British and Indians, with invasion, liis prudence, while engaged in this important service, cannot be loo highly commended. By his moderation he effectually quieted the differences existing between the States of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and by attention to the discipline of the corps which he commanded, and indefatigable care in collecting provision, military stores, and every requisite for defence, in all probability saved Fitts- buro" from a similar calamity to that which fell so heavily on the settlement at Wyoming. He was subsequently highly instrumental in bringing to reason the disaffected in what has been called the Whiskey Insurrection, and finally closed \n3 hfe of usefulness, in 1804, in the sixty-third year of his age, performing, at that period, the duties of Superintendant of Military Stores, and acting as President of the State Society of Cincinnati. I shall only add, in confirmation of my own geutiments, the opinion of the General, forwarded to me from REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTE^. 75 the pen of an inestimable friend,* who enjoyed his confidence, and served for several years in Jiis fimily, as his aid-de-camp. " III spite of the indignities heaped on him by General Carl- ton, he never failed to speak with hioh commendation of his military talents, declaring, that although we owed much to the blunders of their Generals, in the achievement of our In- dependence, we owed still more to the British Minister, vt^ho superseded Carlton in command, giving the conduct of the war to a leader of very inferior ability. To General Wash- ington, I knew him to be devoted, and on the best grounds assert, that the reciprocity of opinion on the part of the Com- mander-in-chief, was as flattering to General Irvine, as he could have wished. In Council, his sentiments were generally approved and considered as orthodox. He was not a man of many words, but he wrote w^ell. In his habits and manners, he appeared forbiddb.g and austere, but under that exterior possessed unbounded benevolence, and executed all the duties of his station as Commander of the 2d Pennsylvania Brigade, ii'ith unremitted industry, and to the satistaction of all serving under his authority. The simplicity of his fare, (while the tables of other Generals were abundantly supplied) contenting himself witli bread and milk, or, perchance, a salt herring, was believed by many to proceed from extreme parsimony, but I knew the contrary. He was the declared friend of temper- ance, and well knew, that example in recommending it, w^ould have far greater influence than precept, superadded to which, it was his decided opinion, that the fare of the officer should not be of a superior quality to that of the soldier, with equal ardour, contending for the liberties of his country. In short, should I become his hiograjiher, I would proclaim him, in addition to the possession of great strength of mind — brave, patriotic, persevering, liberal, and humane. Need there more bo said, to portray the distinguished Soldier 1 Certainly not/' " Major Gibbon, of Richmond. •76 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. ALLEN M'LEAN, OF DELAWARE. I know of no individual, of his rank in the army, who engaged in such a variety of perilous adventures, or who, so invariably brought them to a happy issue, as Allen M'Lean. A brief statement of his services, will best demonstrate his merits as a soldier, and claims to public favour as a zealous and inflexible patriot. At the commencement of the Revolu- tion, he possessed a comfortable independency, holding in the city of Philadelphia, in houses and lots, property, equal in value to fifteen thousand dollars, the whole of which he sacri- ficed in the service of his country. At the very commence- ment of hostihties, we find him stepping forward as a volunteer. Persuaded, from the ardent temper and strong prejudices of Lord Dunmore, that an appeal to arais would speedily occur in Virginia, he particularly directed his attention to that quar- ter, and witnessed the repulse of the British at the Great Bridge. This early dawn of success giving increase to his military ardour, his utmost efforts were exerted to fit himself for command, and in 1775, a lieutenant's commission was presented to him, in a Militia Regiment, commanded by the Hon. Caesar Rodney, of Delaware. In 1776, he joined the army under General Washington, near New- York. The battle of Long Island speedily occurring, afforded an op.portu- nity, which he eagerly embraced, to acquire distinction. Ob- serving the exposed situation of a British parly, he obtained from Lord Sterlino; the aid of a small detachment from the Delaware Regiment, made a lieutenant and eighteen privates, prisoners, and though surrounded by the enemy, led them olf in safety. He was present at the battle of the White Plains — witnessed the capture of the Hessifins at Trenton, and at Princeton, by liis good conduct and exemplary gallantry, so particularly attracted the attention of General Washington,, as mE VOLUTION ARY ANECDOTES. 77 to be immediately appointed to a Captaincy in a Continental Reo^iment. — Sent into Delaware to recruit, he speedily rejoin- ed the army with ninety-four men, raised at his own expense, every shilling of the bounty-money being drawn from his pocket. On the march of the British arriiy from the head of Elk, the particular duty assigned him was, to annoy them, which he did with effect, but at the expense of a lieutenant killed, and a considerable number of his men. Philadelphia being possessed by the British, after the battles of Brandy- wine and Germantown, the important duty was assigned to him by the Commander-in-chief, to watch the movements of the enemy, to protect tlie whig inhabitants, (as much as prac- ticable) rcfiding near the lines, and to prevent the disaftected from carrying j^upplies to the city. The results evinced the prudence of the measure. M'Lean was vigilant and active, and remarkably prudent, though possessed of the most daunt- less intrepidity. On the very first night of service, he took three spies, fifteen Briti^sh soldiers who had quitted the city in search of plunder, and twelve tories, carrying in supplies to the enemy. A discovery of the highest importance immedi- diately followed. On the 3d of December, 1777, intelligence was communicated to him by a female, who, under some frivolous pretext, had passed the British lines, " that the enemy were to leave the city on the ensuing night, in hopes to surprise the Camp of General Washington, at White JRIarsli." Prompt in communicating this information to the Commander-in-cliief, his immediate care was to intercept the progress of the foe. A position was accordingly taken near Germantown ; when, so v^ell-dn-ected a fire was opened upon their front, tliat the British, supposing a considerable force at hand, desisted in tlje attempt to proceed further, and immedi- ately formed a line of battle. Recovering, however, from their fust surprize, they moved on in three columns, and about day-dawn appeared iu front of the American encampment. — For two days they occupied this position, when Gen. Morgan, 7* 78 REVOLUTIO]\ARY ANECDOTES. drivinj^in their pickets on the riglijt, and General Washin^ou, making arrangements for a general attack, they struck their tents and precipitately returned to the city. The service rendered to the Marquis De La Fayette, in the following month of May, was no less important. Entrusted by General Washington with a separate command, that as- piring soldier had taken post at Barren Hill Church. A triator giving intelligence of his situation to General Howe, the Generals, Grant and Erskine, with five thousand picked men, were ordered to gain his rear, while General Grey, marched forward to attack him in fiont, and prevent his cross- ing the Schuylkill. The capture of two Grenadiers brought to M'Lean the first intelhgence of the movement, which left no doubt on his mind, but that to strike at the Marquis, was the object of the expedition. Grant, accomplished his object, but finding his troops much fatigued by a night-march of twenty miles in a few hours, thought proper to wait the approach of Grey. M'Lean reached Barren Hill about day-break, and imparted his apprehensions to General La Fayette, who could scarcely credit the report ; but it was speedily confirmed from many quarters, and particularly by Captain Stone, of the Militia, who, hearing the British as they passed his dwelling, leaped from a window, and ran naked across the country towards Barren Hill, till perfectly exhaustcfl, he met a friend, who took up the report and speedily conveyed it to the Mar- <|uis. There was no time for deliberation. The army was immediately led across the river at Marston's Ford. But, had Grant, in the first instance, pushed forward and occupied the strong grounds at the Ford, it is presumable that the com- mand of the Marquis, not half as numerous as his own, must have surrendered, or beesi destroyed. While General W^ashington lay at Valley Forge, M'Lean passed into the State of Delaware by his order, and render- ed essential service by collecting supplies for the army, which could not otherw'.se have been obtainid. Ke;:iuming Lis com- REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 79 fiiand before Philadelphia, in 1778, he never failed to vex and harrass the enemy, till they evacuated the city, and hang- ing on their rear at the moment of embarkation, made one captain, a provost-mirshall, three sergeants, two corporals, and thirty-four privates, prisoners. During their retreat through the Jerseys, he never ceased to annoy them, and by his activity at Monmouth, gave increase to his well-earned reputation. He served under Mnjor Lee, both at the reduction of Paulus Hook, at which last named post, fifty prisoners were taken, and a gang of counterfeiters, who had imitated the Continent'il money, so exactly, that at the treasury the false could not be distinguished from the geimine bills. His conduct at the reduction of Stoney Point, deserves to be more particularly mentioned. Being ordered with a flag of truce, to conduct a Mrs. Smith to the post at Stoney Point, that lady having quirted it for the purpose of carrying some necessaries to her sons in New- York; he assumed the appear- ance of a simple countryman, and being politely received bj the British officers, did not fail, while conversing with them, to examine with a soldier's eye, the strength of the position, and the points at which it would be assailable, with the best pros- pects of success. His split shirt, and rille accoutrements, ap- pear to have particularly attracted the attention of a young officer, who said to him — " Well Captain, what do you think of our fortress — is it strong enough to keep Mister Washington out?" "I know nothing of these matters," replied M'Lean, *'I am but a woodsman, and can only use my rifle ; but, I guess the General (not Mister Washington, if you please) would be likely to think a bit, before he would run his head against such works as these. If I was a General, sure I am that I would not attempt to take it, though I had fifty thousand men." — "xVnd if," rejoined the officer, "General Washington, since you insist on his being styled General^ should ever have the presuinptioa to attempt it, he will have cause to rue his so REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. rashness, for this post is the Gibraltar of America, and defend- ed by British valour, must be deemed impresrnable." — " No doubt, no doubt," replied M'Lean, " but, trust me, we are not such dolts as to attempt impossibihties, so that, as Tir as we are concerned, you may sleep in security." On the night subsequent to this conversation, the post was attacked and carried. Colonel M'Lean assured me, that when reco^tiized by the officer, it would have been impossible to give a just idea of his surprise and confusion. The foily of his former boast- ing, appeared to rush on his mind with a peculiarly distrcssmg eftect, and he hastily retired, overwhelmed with shame and mortification. In June, 1781, entrusted with despatches of the highest importance by General Washington, to the Co;int de Grasse, he took the command of the Marines on board of the ship Conci-ress, mousiting twenty guns, and one hundred and forty men, and arrived at Cape Fraiicais in July ; there he found the Count holding a Council of War, the object of which was, to fix on proper measures for an immediote attack on the Island of Jamaica. But, before any definite arrangements could be made, the presence of Ptl'Lean was called for, that he mio"ht be examined relative to the preparations made in x\nie- rica, for a combined attack by the Allies and American army, on the British force in the Chesapeake. To the interrogato- ries proposed, he gave such satisfactory answers, and deve- loped such cheering prospects of success, that he was informed by the Count, soon as the Council broke up, that he would immediately proceed to America, and act as circumstances might require, until the hurricane months should have passed over. Returning home with this pleasing intelligence, the Congress fell in with the British sloop of war Savage, of twenty guns, and one hundred and forty men, engaged her, and after a desperate action of five glasses, succeeded in cap- turing her. The Congress lost her boatswain, carpeiiter, two master's mates, and fifteen of her crew ; the Savage, her REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 81 tailing master, two midshipmen, and twenty-five o her crew. The victor)', so honourable to the flag of the United States, was attributed, in a j^reat degree, to the constant and well- directed fire of the marines. He was next ordered to take post near Sandy Hook, and being furnished with a barge to visit Long Island, was directed to communicate with jiersons from New-York, and having received from them the private signals of the British fleet sail- ing for the Chesapeake, for the relief of Lord Cornwallis, returned to the Jersey shore, embarked in a pilot-boat, and delivered them safely to the Count de Grasse. He then took his station on the lines before York, till the garrison sur- rendered. I could detail many other anecdotes relative to M'Lean, but what I have already written, is, in my estimation, amply sufficient to prove, that he was much relied on for his judg- ment, courage and integrity ; that he retained the confidence of the Commander-in-chief, the Board of War, and the General officers he acted with, to the end ; that he was in all the principal batries fought in the States of New- York, New- Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia ; that he served his country faithfully on water as well as land ; and, that although frequently contending with superior numbers, and exposed to every peril, he still extricated himself from difficulty, by the superiority of his courage and presence of mind, with distinguished eclat. I annex a copy of the Certificate of Service, presented to him at the conclusion of the war, by General Washington : — "Allen M'Lean, Esq., was appointed a Captain, in one of the additional Continental Regiments of foot, in 1777, and by activity and industry, soon joined the army, with a Free Com- pany. He commanded a party of observation, under my instructions, until July, 1779, when he was annexe 1, by a resolution of the Honourable Continental Congress, to Major 82 REA^OLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. Lee's Legion, to command the Infantry. From the certificate, which Major M'Lean is possessed of, it appears that he was early active in the cause of his country, and from the time of his joining the Continental army, I can testify, that he distin- guished himself highly, as a hrave and enterprising officer. Previously to the siege of York, he v^as employed to watch the motions of the British army, near New- York, as well as in Virginia, and was entrusted witii dispatches of the first im- portance to His Excellency, Count De Grasse, which com- mission he executed with great celerity, and was afterwards very serviceable inreconnoitering and bringing intelligence of the strength and disposition of the British army and fleet in the Chesapeake. Given under my hand and seal, at Rocky Hill, near Prince- ton, November 4th, 1783. GEORGE WASHINGTON." On one occasion, doing duty near the British lines, finding his horse greatly fatigued, and himself much in want of rest and refreshment, he was retiring towards Germantown, when the enemy's cavalry appeared in view, and advancing with a rapidity that threatened to cut off the possibility of a retreat. The Commander of the British forces, perceiving that pursuit as a body would impede the celerity of movement, essential to success, selected two of his best mounted troopers, and ordered them to continue the chace, and use every possible exertion to make him their prisoner. The first of these approaching very near, called to M'Lean bv name, and ordered him to surrender, but he, preserving his presence of mind, drew forth the only pistol he possessed, and leveling it w.th effect, laid his adversary prostrate in the dust. The second now coming up, was, in turn, eagerly charged, and being struck from his hor^^e by the butt-tnd of the pistol that had disabled his com- panion, was incapacitated from using any further exertion. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 83 M'Lean, continuing- his route, sought shelter in a swamp, where he remained in security, till the evening aiibrded him an opportunity of rejoining his command," My wish on the present occasion is, to speak only of the occurrences of the Kevoiutionary war, but I have in my possession, an interesting memoir from the pen of Colonel M'Lean, relative to the proceeding; o* the Army before Wash- ington, when taken and pillaged i»y Koss, the British General, that fills me both with grief atid astonishment. Briefly to notice it, the Colonel says : — " All was confusion — nothing like spirit — nothing like subordinatiou — universal coni}>laint for the want of food, the Militia going oft' in every direction to seek it. Men, badly arnu'd, being, in many instances, without flints in their mus- kets, and so completely without discipline, as to exhibit a far gnjuter resemblance to an armed mob, than an organized army. I most rehgiously believe, that if I had been at the head of three hundred men, such as I led on to the attack of Faukis Hook, or such as I had under my command, durino- the war of our Independence, I should have defeated General Ross, when he pressed General Winder over the Eastern Branch. Coniideut 1 am, that the enemy would never have reached Waslui gton, and America been spared the disgrace of beholding the British triumphantly possessing the Capi- tal." GENERAL ANDREW PICKENS. The following instance of cool and deliberate heroism, is given as illustrative of the military character of one of our distinguished partizan officers — General Andrew Pickens. Owing to the rude and wild state of the back country, in the 84 REVOLUTIOiNARY ANECDOTES. Revolution, our Heroes of that section of country have not been as honourably known to posterity as they deserve. I am gratified that it has been put in our power, by the polite- ness of a friend, on whose information the most complete reliance can be placed, to throw some light upon the obscurity of those times and transactions. " In September, 1776, General Andrew Pickens, being then a Major, belonged to an army of two thousand men, composed of Regulars and Militia, commanded by Colonel Williamson, which was sent on an expedition against the Cherokees, who had been instigated by British emissaries, to wage a w-ar of extermination against the frontier inhabitants of the country, now composing Abbeville, Laurens and Spar- lanburgh Districts. When this army had proceeded into the Indian country, as far as the upper part of what is now Pickens District, it was halted for a day or two, either for rest or to gain intelligence. During this time. Major Pickens obtained permission to take twenty-five choice men, to scout and reconnoitre the adjacent country. He had not proceeded more than two miles, when, early in the morning, after cross- ing a stream, now called Liltle River, in passing through an old Indian field, along the margin of the stream, which was covered with a thick grass, four or five feet high, more than two hundred Indians, painted for war in the most hideous manner, were seen rushing down the point of a ridge, directly upon them, with their guns swinging in their left hands, and their tomahawks raised in their right; their leader animating and exhorting them not to fire a gun, but to tomahawk the wliJte men, for they were but a handful. Brennan, a half- breed, was one of the twenty-five, and he, understanding them, told what they said. Major Pickens and all his party were on foot, and he, as well as every otiier, had his trusty ritle. He ordered his men not to fire until he did, to take deliberate aim, and fire two at a tmie in succession, and to fall in the grass REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 85 and load. Brennaii was by his side in front, and when the Indian chief approached within about twenty-five yards, he ai^d Brounan dved^ and two Indians fell; the fire of his other mxin was in succession, as directed, and equally effective. This invincible firmness, in so small a band, astonished and struck terror into the savage ru-nks, and tliey immediately recoiled upon each otiier, dropped their tomahaws, and resort- ing to their guns, gr idually fell back, and were picked out at leisure by the steady and unerring aim of this small band of firm Militia. After the first or second fire, Brennan was shot down, iiut few were killed or wouiided of the whites ; if they had not been brave men, and true, not one would have escaped. Major Pickeus, in heading in a hurry, soon choaked his gii5!, when he picked up BrGunali'^l aiid continued to use it wliiie the Indians were in reach. Il.)w many of them were killed, could not he known, as the Indians, in those times, always carried oif their dead, wiieuever they could, to prevent their enemies from acquiring their savage trophy, the scalp ; but, it was believed a great number were killed, in proportion to the nuiiiber of coinbuant.s opposed to theni. During the action, one of ihe men observed that there was a constant firing from behind a tree-root, and watching his 0{)portu!iity when its occupaiit had to expose himself to take aim, shot him in the head, and when one of his comrades had taken up the dead body, and was making off with it, shot him also, with as much cooluess, as if he was shooting at a target, and they fell, one upon the other. The firing was heard at V/ilUan5Soo's cjisrip, when Major Pickens' youngest brotlier, Joseph, (killed at the Siege of '96,) who was a Captain, im- mediately summoned his followers, and hastened to his bro- ther's assistance. Dui, l)efore he could reach him, the Indians Were beaten back, aiid di;^persing, and fleeing to the neigh- bouring mountains. Captaai Pickens, was a man of great animation end zeal, and was often bold and loud in his f-buse and crimination of men, who were tardy in their movements 8 86 REVOLUTIOiNARY ANECDOTES. for the deliverance of his brother, accusing them of cow- ardice, but Major Pickens pacified and rebuked him for his warmth.'* BOYD'S DEFEAT AT KETTLE CREEK. The successes of the British in Georgia, had great influence in arousing the hostile spirit of the tories in the upper districts of South-Carolina, which had been smothered, but not extin- guished. They had been encouraged to embody themselves, and cross the Savannah River, where they were told, that by uniting themselves to the British Regulars, so great a supe- riority of force would be obtained, as to render resistance to the Royal Government abortive, and extinguish every symp- tom of rebelhon. A Colonel Boyd, a man of some influence, who had been effectually tampered with, undertook to be their leader, and actually marched some hundreds of them across the Cherokee Ford, into Georgia. A more motly crew were never collected, being composed chiefly of persons distinguish- ed by their crimes, and infinitely more anxious to plunder, and appropriate whatever of value they could lay their hands on to their own use, than to promote the good of the cause, and the interests of the Monarch, they professed to admire and to serve. Colonel Pickens, always on the alert, collected about three hundred well-affocted Militia, and immediately followed in pursuit. They had gained little or no advantage when he overtook them at Kettle Creek, where he attacked them with such impetuosity that after losing forty men, they became panic struck, and fled in every direction, leaving the whigs in possession of the battle-ground, and all the spoilg collected on their march. Had they siiccessfjilly joined their aUies, there is no saying where the mischief would have ended ; for^ there was an abundance of inflammable material REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. ^ 87 left behind, and the example of Boyd, might speedily have been followed up, on a more extensive scale of revolt, and with more decided effect. The promptitude of Col. Pickens, therefore, in collectirio; men, and brin REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 8^ of the day was decided. Tliey were, by this time, within thirty yards of us, with two field-pieces ; my men, with un- common coolness, gave them an unexpected and deadly fire. Observing that this fire occasioned some disorder in them, I ordered a charge, which was executed so promptly, that they never recovered. When I came up to the two pieces of artil- lery, which we took, I saw some of my men going to bayonet the man who had the match. He refused to surrender it, and I believe he would have suffered himself to have been bayo- netted, if I had not rescued him, rather than give up his match." One Anecdote I would add, which, though not Revolutiona- ry, merits to be recorded : — After the disasters at Washingt.)n, when the city of Balti- more was threatened, with the immediate horrors of war, a suggestion was made in the Committee of Vigilance and Safety, of which Colonel Howard was a member, that it would be the best course for the city to capitulate. He indignantly opposed the very mention of the proposition, declaring, that though the bulk of his property was at stake, and he had four sons in the field, he would rather behold his property reduced to ashes, and his sons vveltcring in their blood, than witness the adoption of a measure, so disgraceful to the honour and character of his country. .In the House of Representatives^ of the State of South- Car o~ Una^ January 25, 182S. E. S. Davis, of Abbeville, introduced the following pream- ble and resolutions which wf^xa unanimously adopted : — It becomes a grateful people to cherish and perpetuate the memory of the brave and the good, to remember with grati- tude tiieir services, and to prolit by their bright examples. 8* 90 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. The heroic band of the Revolution, who fought that we might enjoy peace, and conquered that we might inherit free- dom, deserve the highest place in the grateful affections of a free people. Amongst the master-spirits who battled for independence, we are to remember with veneration the late patriotic and venerable Colonel John Eager Howard. His illustrious name is to be found in the history of his country's sufferings and the annals of his country's triumphs. In the day of peril and of doubt, when the result was hid in clouds — when the rocking of the battlements was heard from Bunker's Hill to the plains of Savannah — when danger was every where, and when death mingled in the conflict of the warrior, Howard gtill clave to the fortunes of the struggling republic. Of all the characters whom the days of trial brought forth, few are equal, none more extraordinary. He was his country's com- mon friend, and his country owes him one common unextin- guishable debt of gratitude. South-CaroUna, with whose history his name is identified, is proud to acknowledge the obligation. In the chivalrous and hazardous operations of General Greene in Soulh-Carolina, Colonel Howard was one of his most efficient officers. On a certain occasion, that experienced General declared, that Howard merited a monument of gold, no less than Ro- man or Grecian heroes. At the battle of the Cowpens, says Lee, he seized the critical moment, and turned the fortune of the day. At Eutaw, and at Camden, he led the intrepid Maryland line to battle and to glory. But, in the course of human mortality, it has pleased the Almighty to remove him from among the few remaining as- sociates of his youth. Resolved, Therefore, that it was with feelings of profound sorrow and regret, that South-Carolina received tlie meian- REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 91 oholy intelligence of the death of Colonel John Eager Howard, of Maryland. Resolved^ That the State of South-Carolina can never for^ get the distinguished services of the deceased. Resolved, That the Governor be requested to transmit a copy of these proceedings to the Governor of Maryland, and to the family of the late Colonel Howard. JOSHUA BARNEY, OF MARYLAND. It gives me peculiar pleasure to present to the view of my readers, a sketch of the achievements of a Revolutionary offi- cer, whose ardent zeal, unremitted exertions, and exemplary intrepidity, during our struggle for freedom, were rarely equalled, and certainly never surpassed. Examples of heroic valour are more efficacious in promoting the desire to emulate them, than the most animaring and encouraging precepts, and there is little doubt in my mind,- but that the cheering influ- ences of magnanimous daring, displayed by several young and inexperienced otBcers, in our first contest with Britain, had their full eftect in exalting, to the sublimity which it attained, the reputation of our Naval Heroes in the last. For undaunt- ed spirit — patience under the pressure of adverse fortune — active enterprize in the pursuit of honour, and a happy talent to profit by favourable occurrences to attain it, I never knew a man, wiio had superior claim to Captain Barney. A brief sketch (;ind 1 can oaly make it a brief one, from the quantity and variety of matter relative to our Revolution, in possession) will atibrd amuia proof, of the correctness of my assertion. Shewing an ardeat desire to engage in a seafaring hfe, his father, (thoutili reluctantly) indulged his wishes, and in 1771, being at Alicant, and having the cummand of a ship, though but seventeen years of age, he engaged in the Transport ser- 93 REVOLUTIOxNARY ANECDOTES. vice, and witnessed the disastrous defeat of the Spanish forces under Count O'Reilly, before Algiers. Returning to America in October, he first heard of the battles of Lexington and Bunker's Hill, and of the general excitement against Great Britain. Zealous for the honour of his country, and ambi- tious for fame, our young sailor immediately attached himself to a fleet fitting out at Philadelphia, under the command of Commodore Hopkins, and was received as Master's Mate, on board the Hornet, sloop of ten guns. The American flag having been sent to Baltimore for this vessel, was first dis- played to the admiring citizens by Barney, who attaching it to a staff, and beating up for recruits, in one day, engaged an entire crew. In. November, the Hornet joined the fleet, con- sistinjj of eiofht vessels, carrvins: one hundred and eisjhteen guns, and sailed for New- Providence. The town, fort and shipping, having surrendered without opposition, all articles of a warlike nature were seized, and being received on board, the fleet returned to the Delaware. On the voyage, the Hornet fell in with the Tender of the Roebuck, which vessel beinjr ignorant of her character, immediately ran alongside. — " I was in the act of running out one of our guns," says Barney, "and held a match in my hand ready to fire, when our Captain, who was of a religious turn, and opposed to the shedding of blood, commanded me to desist, and the Tender escaped. — This hypocritical fellow, however, as if ashamed of his con- duct, kept below, and taking command, I carried the vessel safely to Philadelphia." Changing to the Wasp, he next convoyed the vessel, carrying Dr. Franklin to France; off the coast, and, on returning, being closely pressed by the British cruisers Roebuck and Liverpool, gladly united his force to that of the Lexington and Saratoga, brigs, laying in the Cape May channel, under the command of Captains Barry and Weeks. A vessel appearing ofl', the enemy chased and drove her on shore. The American boats were immediately sent to assist her in landing her cargo, consisting of arms and powder; REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 93 but, it a))pearing impossible, from the near approach of the British, to etfect their purpose ; loose powder was, by Barney's order, scattered in the vessel's hold, and a brand of tire, judi- ciously placed in a sail contiguous to it, she was saarcely boarded before she blew up, and every man was destroyed. Barney, in the Wasp, now took the Tender, that had escaped the Hornet, and arrived safely in Philadelphia, and received for iiis services, from that distinguished patrior, Robert Mor- ris, President of the Marine Committee, a commission, as Lieutenant in the Navy of the United States. Being appoint- ed to the Sachem sloop, commanded by Captain Joshua Ro- binson, he sailed on a cruise, and falling in with a Letter-of- IMarque Brig, after a smart action of two hours, succeeded in capturing her. Her cargo was rum, and she had on board a fine turtle, intended for Lord North, which the captors, with peculiar pleasure, presented to Mr. Morris. In this action, every officer in the Sachem was either killed or wounded, except Barney and the Captain. Captain Robinson, was now removed to the x4.ndrew Doria, of fourteen gims, and Barney appointed his Lieutenant. Cruising OiT .St. Eustatia, in com- pany with the Lexington, they saluted ihe Fort, but had the mortification to learn, that the Commandant, for returning the compliment, was suspended and recalled to Holland, at the request of the British Government. Returning homewards with a cargo of powder and arms, they fell in with, and cap- tured a sloop called the Race-Horse, attached to Admiral Parker's fleet, which, under the command of a Lieutenant in the Navy, had been fitted out with a picked crew, expressly for the purpose of taking the Doria, A Snow was the next capture, and Barney put on board as Prize-master ; but, ad- verse fortune speedily overtook him, and he was compelled to surrender to the Perseus, of twenty guns, commanded by Captain G. K. Elphiston. Two seamen on board the Snow, who had agreed to do dutv on condition of being allowed a share of prize-money, refusing, on being chased by the Per- 94 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. seus, to fulfil their en^rawement, Barney shot the instigator for mutiny, through the shoulder, who calling loudly for revenge, was cruelly mortified to find Captain Elphiston, not only justi- fying, but applauding the act. It is a pleasure to speak of this excellent officer, and generous enemy, whose humanity towards his prisoners v/as conspicuous throughout the war, and who, on this occasion, gave so decidid a proof of his jus- tice and regard for discipline. Nor was this the only instance of his strictly correct coiiduct, for the Furser of the ship, having, without provocation, struck Barney, the blow was returned, and the aggressor knocked over a quarter-deck gun, and precipitated down the hatchway ; nor was this the extent of his punishment, for, refusing, when ordered by Captain E. to ask pardon for so unjustifiable an outrage, he was immedi- ately put under an arrest, and left in that condition when Barney quitted the ship. Being, after some time, exchanged, he assisted with a Flotilla, under Com. Hazlewood, in defence of Mud Fort, in the Delaware, till every gun but one being dismounted, it was judged expedient, to burn the larger vessels, and in boats and galhes to retire m the night up the Delaware ; which, was happily effected, having previously witnessed the destruction of the Augusta 64, and Merlin, Sloop of War, belonging to the British squadron. Barney was now ordered to join the Virginia Frigate, Captain James Nicholson, laying in the Chesapeake, but was speedily put in command of a Tender, to watch the enemy, and report any favourvabie oppor- tunity that might occur for the Frigate getting to sea. On one of his cruises, being chased by a vessel often guns, he saw a sloop from Baltimore, with which he had been in company the day before, and made towards her to give intelligence of the approach of an enemy, but on nearing her, was saluted with a fire of musquetry and ordered to strike ; recovered from his first surprise, he tacked and stood for them, speedily over- powered her crew, retook the sloop, captured the barge which had taken her, and returned triumphant to Baltimore. The REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. d5 kindness with which he treated his prisoners, produced on this occaMOn a com pii in ejttajj letter from Cajst. Squires, who com- maaded in the B>iy, wiih a suitable presesil. It was an act of justice very frequ'-ntly merited by the American officers, but rarely paid by their opponents. 1 \vould, if possible, pass over the disj^racelul business of ihe loss of the Virginia Fri2:ate, whk'.li BHruey now joined. Had his advice btt- n followed, she had been ruji on shore, wheti overpowered, and her crew saved from captivity ; but her Captain quitting her, subordi- nation ceased, her crew got drunk, plundeied the store and slop rooms, and then surrendered. Captain Caldwell, of the Emerald, taking possession of her, with exemplary politeness, invited Barney to share his cabin, and to all the other pri- soners, behaved with such pointed attention, that the British seamen nick-named him " ihe Rebel Captain.'^'' This gene- roiiS) conduct v>'as so much ap})reciated by Barney, who was frequently permitted to go on sliore, that having given it pub- licity, Patrick Ht-nry, the Governor of Virginia, sent a press- ing invitation to Captain C. to join a hunting-party, which, circnm^'^tances compelling him to refuse, supplies of every kind, wer.3 abundantly sent from the shore, as a tribute due to his huu.\e D.ihama Islands and for that olllio nu»sl depraved an'in^ inordinate; ambition, and in tin; belief, that his Lordship had actually |)erished in a storm, that had a little before occasioned the loss oi' a vt^ry fine ship on the coast, proclaiming^ his fate as richly merited, for havin<» eri«fKid \>Hi'f}rti tie IrofJ on our feoil, with hostile intxintion. Happy for hi« c*>un- try too, as it would }iave saved her reputation from much of that ohJoquy which has Innitt cafit upontiic liritirfj name; for, certainly tliere never was an officer in command, wlio appear- ed Ko jjttle KcrupulouK in deviating/ wantonly from every prin- ciple of justice, nor one who, with more ri^id s^iverity, followed the path of devafitation and hloodhhed. Let a r«^ference l>e made to the first series of Anecdot<;s of the lievolution, and Kulficient evulence will he fouiid, of his uniform dtthiTH to f)\>ltriifiii ; — his despotic rule over the inliahitants of Camden, and jts vicinity, while he commanded there, and the ruihlewi >>arharity with winch multitudes wttnt daily led to the j^allowg. Let the wanton executjorj of Colonel llayne, be cssjble ple^i, I would ask, can his crafty msinuatjoni* against Colonel Jiiliour be justified, on whom, when he ioyind the current of pojjular opinion running strongly against this dec:;d of bh>*xl, he wish'-d to throw the turpitude of the act, insinuating in his famoug letter to Colonel Lee, " that contrary to his inclination, and unceasing op[>osilion, the nefarious deed had Ix^en insisted ujion, and finally per(>etrated. lialfour was actually dead, or, (as the letter was written at sea, on hi« Lordship's passage to J idia,) not in a situation to defend hims*;lf, or to rebut so unjUi- tillable a cahimnv, which renders the attempt to injure, the more bas«i and unpardonaijle. The fact is. Lord itawdou kii ;w full well, that he had committ^^i an act appalling to huiiianity, winch, at the moment, he tr>ok all possible pain» to Ju . fy, but, to which, when he found the opinions of society dec-'Jedly opposed, he would have uuUicaA men to lx;lieve, that he never had given a sanction. 1 will say nothing of / Colonel Williams, who sent them ajfain forward to fiead-Qnartf rs. When the strong excitement of anger hav- ing subsided — the Captain was spared. >-• Interesting Sequel of the above Anecdote, A strong and partial attachment to the country in which he bad served, with djstinofiijshed reputation, and united with it an arxious des're to meet the early companions of h>.s youth, several of whom still survived, having induced the Judge to visit tiie South. He left Richmond with that intent, in the winter of 1S26, and had proceeded on his journey, as far as Guildford Court-house in Xorlh-Cdrolitia, when an accidental overturn of hi.': v'ig put a check to his progress. He had broken a shaft, and w;»3 not without a sufficiency of bruises, to make a tempo- rary suspension of his journey desirable. A happy chance pointed out a wagon-maker's work-shop, immediately at hand, and, at a httle d;s! mce, the house of Mr. Tatam, a gentleman of ri^spectability, where he was assured he would in^et w;th a kind and hospitable reception. It nov>'"occurfed to Judge Joha- 120 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. stoi\*s recollection, that he could uot be i*ar removed from the spot in which he had first met the enemy, and witnessed the mas* sacre of poor Gillies. To ascertain the fact, he related the adventure above stated to a company assembled around Mr, Tatam's fire-side, a; id speedily perceived by the expressive countenances oi severed of his auduors that the event was not unknown to them. When his narrative was concluded, a lady present feelingly exclaimed, '* I have heard my father relate the circumstances of that appallin*^ tragedy, and the death of Gil- lies, an hundrt d and a hundred times over, and without the sh2:htest dirierence from the statement you have just made. He is within a short di:stance — I will summon him here. He will be delifflUed to converse with you, and I am sure you will be glad to see him, particularly when i tell you that he was the individual who liad provided tise dinner for yoiu'self and bro- ther officers, which tiie near and rapid approach of the enemy compelled you to leave untouched. In a little time, Mr. Bruce, the gentleman in e-uestion, arrived. I will notattejnpt to state what the feelings of two genuine patriots must have been, on meeting after a separation of forty-two years, near tlie very spot where thi' one tirst engaged t!ie enemies of his country, and tlie other, at the conclusion of the action, with his own hands, connnitted the body of the murdered Bugler to the grave. I can ordy jndge of their sensations by the pleasure 1 feel in giving it publicity. P»Ir. Bruce immediately ollered to point out the spot where Gdlies lay — and received the kind of- fers of hospitality which had, at first distinguished his feelings towards as the officers of the Legion, and a n fusal of them was only accepted, on the Judge's pleading urgent business, winch compelled him to go forward. When about to depart, he asked, as usual, " whai was to pay for the shelter and entertainment aftbrded him." " Sir," said Mr. I'atam, " a word on the sub- ject would cruelly woiind my feelings, your account with me was settled in the year 1781. Your conduct was a receipt in full." REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 121 LIEUTENANT-COLONEL LEE* The conduct of Lee upon this, as well as every other occa- sion, was highly honourable to him. Envy, hatred and malice have, on various occasions, assailed his character. Even per- sonal courage has been denied him, but how is it possible to think ill of a man, of whom that intelligent Soldier, General* Charles Lee said — " this gallant youth came a Soldier from his mother's womb." Of whom General Greene said, in a letter, dated February 18, 1782, *' Lieut. Col. Lee retires, for a time, for the recovery of his health. I am more indebted to this offi- cer, than to any other, for the advantages gained over the enemy in the operations of the last campaign, and should be wanting in ij:ratitude, not to acknowledge the importance of his services, a detail of which is his best panegyric." Who, in the memo- rable whiskey insurrection, was selected by General Washing- ton to march into the interior of Pennsylvania, to put down, by his activity and decision, a revolt so disgraceful to America — and of whom Lord Cornwallis was known to say — " 1 am ne- ver at my ease when I know Lee to be in my neighbourhood, for he is prompt to discover the weak points in the position of my command, and certani to strike at them, when I' am least prepared to repel his attacks." I doubt if the calumnies which were levelled at his character ever reached him. Had they been communicated, I have not a doubt but that in the language of the Great Fabius, when reproached for avoiding a general en- gagement with Hannibal, he would have said — " I should be a coward, indeed, if 1 were to be terrified into a change of con- duct by groundless clamours and reproaches. The man is unfit to be trusted, who can be influenced by the clamours or caprice of those he is appointed to command." 11. 122 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. PETER JOHNSTON. That implicit confidence should not be placed in the reports of deserters, has often been exemplified. Lieut. Col. Lee, m his Memoirs detailing the most mteresting occurrences, which look place at the siege of Augusta, gives a striking example in point.* He states, that while rapid approaches were made by the besiegers against the British Post, commanded by Colonel Brown, an intelligent Sergeant of Artillery, who had pretended desertion expressly for the purpose of destroying the Maham Tower, likely from its commanding height to force a surrender, succeeded so far, by expressions of disgust, against the service be had quitted, and the commander under whom he had served, as to lull suspicion, and to be actually placed m the situation the best calculated to effect it — the Tower itself. Lee, however, reflecting on the character of his adversary, of whom he had a Tery exalted opinion, and prepossessed in favour of his military talents, concluded that mischief was contemplated, and in that belief, removing the Sergeant from the Tower, committed him to the charge of the Quarter Guard. Subsequent information proved the prudence of his conduct. Colonel Brown, after the surrender of the Post, frankly declaring-, that under the pretext of directing the fire of the besiegers against the Magazine of the Garrison, the Sergeant had engaged to use every art to gain admission into the Tower, and to destroy it. But, on the other hand, it has frequently happened that timely information re- ceived from deserters, of the mtended movements of an enemy, has saved many a valuable hie from destruction. I, with pe- culiar pleasure, mention one coanected with the achievements of my friend, Peter Johnston, which happened at the same pe- riod, and at the same place, where, had not intellisrence beeii * Vide Lee'6 Memoir?, p. 106 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 123 ♦communicated by a deserter of a contemplated attack on the trericfies, Johnston and his entire command must have been cut oft. The ditch of the besieo^ers was occupied \)y tliat officer, and twenty-four men. It was early in the nigbt when a British soldier rushed into it, and said to Lieut. .Johnston — " You know not, .Sir, the danger which threatens you, a party of forty men, Britisfj soldiers and Indians, is now paraded, and ready to throw themselves on your command, and tJie labourers at the head of your entrenchment, and without immediate precaution, you will be cut to pieces." Information was instantaneously commu- nicated to Captain Rudolpb, who, with the lie^^ion Infantry, was within a few hundred yards. Lieut. Johnston, at the same time, mounting his men on the reverse of the ditch, instructed them to remain, sitting on their hams, until an order to rise should be given ; when they were suddenly to gain their feet, and, with deliberate aim, fire on the approaching foe. In the interim, he posted a sentinel a hide in advance, in a situalioii in which he could perceive the first movements of the enemy leaving their works towards him. The sentinel soon brought intelligence that he had distinctly ascertained that the enemy were moving out of their fosse, which was not more than twenty yards from the head of the American entrenchment. Lieut. Johnston quickly heard, as a further evidence, the rattling of their cartouch boxes, and allowing them time to approacli still nearer, jrave the word to rise and fire. The effect was decisive. The British, instead of surprising, were themselves surprised. Contrary to expectation, they found their enemy prepared for their reception, and a very considerable portion of their force beiiif^ cut oif, the survivors fled with precipitation, and sought f«afety within their fortification. 124 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. Interesting interview between Lieut. Johnston and Manner* ING, a Legionary Soldier. In the Anecdotes of the Revolution, already published,* the singular interview which took place between Cooper of tlie Le- gion and myself, is particularly detailed. I have lately heard from my friend, Peter Johnston, of one which occurred between himself and a Legionary Soldier, which has equal title to be recorded. The Lieutenant, now Judge Johnston, was riding his circuit, and stopped at a stream to water his horses, where a wagoner had halted his team for a similar purpose. Tiiere was something in the man's countenance that remmded the Judge of a former acquaintance, and he said, " permit me, my friend, to ask if your name is not Mannering." "Yes, Sir, (replied the wagoner, it is.") " Did you ever serve, rejoined the Judge?* "I did. Sir, in the Legion commanded by Henry Lee, I was attached to the infantry of that corps." " Do you remember your Lieutenant, friend ? (continued the Judge) — •* What ! little Peter Johnston ; O, full well do I remember him, the soldier's friend, as fine a white haired and spirited a youth as ever served. Then, " give me your hand, Mannering, and know that I am that very man." " You that man, replied the wagoner, — impossible, — Peter Johnston was a very likely youth, with light hair and fair skin, and you old gentleman are infirm and weather-beaten, and over and above, grey as a badger." A short conversation, however, set matters to rights. I will not pretend to relate what the feelings of the parties were, words would be inadequate to do justice to them. Suffice it to say, that the Judge was delighted to learn that his former companion in arms had thriven in the world, and was, at the period of their meeting returning home, having advantageously sold, at Abingdon, the crop of the preceding season. Page 153. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 125 Interview between Lieutenant Johnston and Dennis Hampton. I shall now record another interview between my friend and a soldier of the Legion, which is not without interest. Not long after Congress had passed the act of March 18th, 1818, granting pensions to the surviving soldiers of the Revolutionary army, who were reduced to indigence, the Superior Court of Law for Lee county, Virginia, was in session, when a man, who appeared to be about sixty-two or sixty-three years of age, presented himself before the Judge, claiming the benefit of the act. Judge Peter Johnston, who was on the Bench, was instantaneously struck with his countenance, and im- pressed with the belief, that he had served under his command in the Legion Infantry • of Lee. To ascertain the fact, he therefore put the following interrogatories. " Did you at any time serve in the Continental army during the Revolutionary war?" " I was in that service from the commencement to the close of the war." " To what corps did you belong?" " To Lee's Legion." " Were you with your regiment when it left the Northern and joined the Southern army V " I was." "Do you remember any thing remarkable that occurred on ihe march at Petersburg?" "Nothing but that Colonel Lee ordered a man to be hung there for an unpardonable offence." " Do you recollect any particular circumstance that caused a great confusion at Guildford Court-House ?" "I only remember that a Tory was brought in a prisoner, about the time of our arrival there, who was picketted and severely burnt in the feet and between his toes to extort intelligence, and that no torture could induce him to speak." " What is your name." " William Hampton." There was no man of that name attached to the Legion," said the Judjre. " I have given my true name," said the soldier, " and did belong to the Legion." 11* 126 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. " Were you not wounded at Augusta, in Georgia, by a ball, which entered your foot at the instep, and passed out at the heel ?" " I was, sir, but how came you to know that." " Let me first ask further, who commanded your platoon when you were wounded ?" " Lieut. Peter Johnston." " Would you know your Lieutenant if you were now to see him?" " Cer- tainly, sir." " Do you recollect to whom you sold a stout flea-bitten horse, on the day after possession was obtained of the British post ?" He stared intently in the Judge's face for a few seconds, when recollection breaking suddenly on his mind, he exclaimed, rushing forward and extending his hand with an expression of great cordiality, " I sold him to you, sir." " Answer me truly then," said the Judge, *' is not your name, William Dennis ?" " William Dennis Hampton is my name." " You certainly were Dennis, when with the liCgion." '* True, sir, but ever since my return to the neighbourhood in which I lived before the war, I have taken the name of Hampton." " How is that to be explained," said the Judge. "Very easily," replied the soldier, "my mother's name was Dennis, my father's, Hampton ; they were never married, and I was known by my mother's name till her death, when 1 took the name of Hampton, in addition to that which i had previously borne." These multiplied interrogatories were put in order to discover the cause of the change of name, which being explained to the entire satisfaction of the Judge» it gave him particular pleasure to sign the certificate, which secured a pension to a veteran, who had ever been distinguished as an interepid soldier, and zealous friend to his country. JOSHUA DAVISON, OF LEE'S LEGION. Joshua Davison, a private dragoon in the Legion, who had, •n all occasions, behaved with distinguished gallantry, received REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 127 at the battle of Guildford, so severe a sabre wound, as to be rendered unfit for immediate service. That every facility might be afforded for his recovery. Colonel Lee gave him permission to quit the army, and retire to his father's house in Prince Edvk^ard's county, Virginia; and the more easily to accomplish his journey, allowed him to take his charger along with him. The injury received, was in his right shoulder, which totally incapacitated him from using his sword-arm. Before his recovery was perfected, the invasion of Virginia was effected by Lord Cornvvallis, and Tarlton, with his usual activity, was scouring the country in every direction ; his particular aim being to destroy the stores said to be deposited at Prince Edward's Court- House. Davison hearing that a large body of British cavalry was near the spot which he inhabited, resolved at once to take a look at the enemy he had so often encoun- tered ; and his sword-arm being useless, loaded an old squirrel gun, and set out in search of them. It accidentally happened, that passing through ^ thick wood, he came upon a road, along which Tarlton had, but a moment before, led his com- mand. Determined to take a nearer view, he at once fell into, and followed on their trail. He had, however, advanced but a small distance, when he perceived a British dragoon, who had been plundering in the rear, rapidly advancing, who drawing his sword, exclaimed, " surrender immediately, you rebel rascal, or you die." " Not so fast, my good fellow,'* replied Davison, " I am not prepared to yield ;" when raising his squirrel gun, with his left hand, he lired it off, and laid his adversary dead at his feet; seized his horse and plunder, and carried them off in triumph. Some years after, a gentle- man asking him if he had been satisfied by killing a single man ? " By no means," he replied ; " I re-loaded my piece, and went in pursuit, but my firing had excited such alarm, and Tarlton fled with such expedition, that I could never havp overtaken him, or I would have had another shooW^ 128 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. ROBERT HARVEY, OF THE LEGION. Robert Hai-vey, formerly a private dragoon in Lee's Legion, lately died at Firicastle. While actively engaged at Pyles' defeat, his horse was shot, and fell so suddenly and heavily upon him, that he found it impossible to extricate himself. A circumstance the more distressing, as a wounded Tory, who lay at a small distance, was using his utmost endeavour to take a decisive aim with his rifle, and dispatch him. His only chance for safety, rested on his remaining quiet under cover of his horse's body, till assistance could be afforded. At this moment. Captain Egghston, with a few dragoons, passed by the wounded man, and perceiving one of them ready to thrust his sword through his body, forbade it, as an act of unnecessary cruelty. Hai-vey, observing that the Tory, un- mindful of the favour shewn, (having a better aim at men elevated above him,) was about to fire, called aloud, " take care Captain Eggleston, or you are a dead man." The rifle was at the instant discharged, and the ball passed so near the Captain's ear, that it appeared to him that he had actually received a blow on the side of his head. Justly exasperated at the ingratitude of the wretch he had spared, Eggleston wheeled round, and by a thrust of his sword, dispatched him. Harvey was now relieved from the awkward position in which he lay, happy to escape not only the Tory, but the Catawba Indians, who were extremely active on this occasion, running over the ground for the sake of plunder, dispatching every wounded man, whether friend or foe. It gives me pleasure to state, that Harvey, at the conclusion of the war, by active industry, acquired a very haiidsome fortune, that he lived highly respected, and died regretted by all who knew him. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 129 SERGEANT CUSACK, OF THE LEGION. This important semce was achieved before the Legion moved to the South ; but as the credit of it is due to a soldier of the regiment, I do not think that the recording of it in this place, will be deemed improper. While the British held pos- session of New- York, a gang of desperate marauders from that post, infested every part of the Jerseys. They were headed by Fenton, a robber of celebrity, whose activity destroyed every chance of travelling with security. To attempt his destruction, Sergeant Cusack, having six men under his orders, fitted up a wagon, in which such articles were exposed to view, as would, probably, allure to plunder, his associates being snugly concealed in its body. The stratagem proved successful : Fenton, and four of his associates, who incautiously rushed forward from a place of concealment, were fired on and left lifeless on the spot, while a reward of five hundred dollars, offered by the Governor of Jersey, was paid to the contrivers of it. I have still another Anecdote to relate, but of so melancholy a cast, as to be considered by some of my friends unfit for publication. That great severity was exercised towards a prisoner is true ; and that it would have been unpardonable had the slightest trait of humanity been exercised by the indi- vidual, when he first burst into the apartment of the man, whose life he threatened to destroy, I am ready to grant. But the ferocity of his manner, gave just cause to apprehend that his object was to plunder, and his ultimate aim, death to the party assailed. It is difficuit, at this late day, to form an idea of the savage mode in wincii the war was conducted, more especially between the native whigs and tories. I remember 130 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. full well, to have heard a Lieutenant in the British 71st Regi- ment say, that a few days previous to the battle of Guildford, when Lord Cornwallis in vain endeavoured to trace the move- ments of General Greene, and to penetrate into his intentions, a young lad was brought into camp, who, when questioned with regard to the position of the American army, steadily replied, " you will find it soon enough." Tarlton, who stood by, being highly exasperated, drew his sabre, and making a chop at the youth's hand, deprived it of one of his fingers, saying, " Will you now tell me where is Greene." With steady and undaunted countenance, the reply was to the same purpose as before, "You will know time enough." Five times was the blow repeated, but with as httle success. The youth had his secret, and he kept it. This cruelty was exer- cised by a Lieutenant Colonel of Dragoons, considered the pride of the army — its greatest ornament. " I wish," said Lord Cornwallis, (writing to him) " you could divide yourself into three parts — we can do nothing without you." Perhaps, the same spirit of decided attachment to the cause he sup- ported, actuated him, and he was obstinately silent from the fear of answering questions, which might be put to him, im- properly. At all events, the provocation was great, and examples of still greater barbarity were not wanting to palliate, if not to excuse the act. Immediately after the arrival of the Legion at Guildford Court-House, a countryman entered our quarters, (said my informant) having a prisoner in custody, and said to Colonel Lee, " While I was at table with my family, this fellow burst into the room, and putting the muzzle of his rifle to my breast, bid me deliver every thing that I had of value, or prepare to die. I knew that no sort of trust could be placed in this sort of gentry, and that the surrender of my property would be the signal for death. So I made a grab at his rifle, and turning it aside, it went OiT without doineling myself unequal to the trial of combatting the miseries of poverty, had resolved, by my own sinful deed, to terminate existence. My pistols are loaded — they now lie ^ on my desk, and the hand which till now, has never been em- ployed, but in the field of g^lory and honour, would, within an hour, have been lifted avould have afforded an excellent opportunity for two such distinguished tories as Cunningham aiid Fletchall, to have united their forces to his victorious command, who had pre- viously, from the confession of one of their most intonate associates to Dr. Read, kept aloof till it should be ascertained 154 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. which army was most likely to gain an ascendancy over the other, when they could, with safety, make a choice of sides. COLONEL MEIGS. The expedition of this meritorious officer against the Bri- tish post at Sagg's-harbour, Long Island, richly deserves to be recorded. Colonel Meigs had served with distinguished re- putation in Canada, and was present at the assault of the lines at Quebec. In the orders of General Wajne, on the reduction of Stoney Point, we find him highly complimented, and thanked, for the gallant manner in which he led his Re- giment to the attack. But, the celerity of his movements — the clear perceptions of his judgment, in arranging his plans, and carrying them successfully into effect, in the attack of the foe at Sagg's-harbour, was the event in his military career, which, in the highest degree, exalted his reputation. Ordered by General Parsons, who had received intelligence that the enemy were making large collections of grain, forage and horses, on the East end of Long Island, to impede their operations and attack their posts, he embarked with his com- mand in thirteen whale-boats, and pressing rapidly forward, partly by land, and partly by water, with one hundred and thirty men of his detachment, arrived at Sagg's-harbour, attack- ed the enemy with fixed bayonets, and though greatly annoyed by the fire of a sloop of twelve guns, and seventy men, burnt twelve brigs and sloops, five hundred and twenty tons of press- ed hay, oats, corn, and other forage, in considerable quantity, ten hogsheads of rum, and a large store of merchandize, and carried oil ninety prisoners, soldiers and sailors, having, in twenty-five hours, transported his detachment ninety miles, without the loss of a single man, killed or wounded. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 155 COLONEL BARTON. I am sensible that I am about to repeat a thrice-told tale, but tiiere is so much the appearance of romantic gallantry in the exploit of Colonel Barton, that I trust I shall be pardoned for making still another efForl, to keep it in view of all who delitrht to give to patriotic enterprize the applause which is its due. Sometime m July, 1777, Lieutenant Colonel Barton, having received rnformaiion that Major General Prescott, who commanded the British and foreign troops, on Rhode Island, had estabhshed his ilead-Quarters at a country house, at some distance fiom the main body of his army, resolved on the attempt to bring him oifas his prisoner. To accomplish his purpose, thirty-eight men were selected from the line, who, beiiig embarked in five boats, set out on the expedition. The task which they had to perform vvas di^cult and dan- gerous. The British posts on the IslanJ, were many and strong, and report -d to be over on the alert ; while a consi- derable Naval arniameiit protected it on every side from inva- sion. The ships and guard-boats being passed in the dead of the night with muffled oars, and no discovery made, Lieut. Colonel Barton landed his party, and having first secured the sentinel, entered the General's apar rnenr, and took him from his bed. His Aid-de-camp made a desperate attempi: to escape by leaping from a windo»v, but was pursued and speedi- ly secured also. Expedition was now necessary and essential . to safety. A larure body of Draooons lay in the neiglibour- hood, and signal rockets, thrown into the air from diiierent quarters, showed that a general alarm had already spread. Every comfort was afforded the prisoners, that circumsiaaces would allow, and Lieut. Colonel Barton had, at early dawn, the good fortune to land rhem m ?at''ty, after a passa i;'^ often miles, at the spot within the American lines, from which he 156 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. had set out. I remember many years s-ioce to have heard a highly respectable clergyman say, that in the year 1746, he resided on the Post-road between Colodden and Aberdeen, and that in the rvening of the day on which the battle was fought, on which the fate of the T?mpire depended, that he had received into his house aa English officer, from the South, hastening to join the Duke of Cumberland's army. Durmg the night, the Aid-de-catnp carrying the news of victory to London, demauded hospitality also, and fully relating the extent of the triumph over the forces of the Pretender, the Enolishman exclauned " would to Heaven that I had that formidable rebel, ijinrdon of GknhucJcet, as my prisoner, I would fasten him up m a cage, and carry him as a show through England, where his lerrifin name has made such an impression, that there is not a cJown throughout the country, who does not believe that he eats at least one child every mornino: for his breakfast. I should speedily make a most ample fortune." I was present when a particular friend of my own, sometime after Colonel Barton's successful expedi- tion, addressing him with a very serious air, said, " I wish, my dear Barton, that I had you caged, that I might show you as the hero, who had made a prisoner of the renowned and formidable British General Prescott. I would ask no better income, than the cash that would be received from the exhibi- tion." The Colonel appeared delighted at the thought, and I seriously believe, that if a cage had been in preparation, he would cheerfully have stepped into it, for the pleasure of enjoying the wonder and astonishment that would have been displayed, when the gaping spectators discovered that he was hut a man . T^here was one trait in the American character, which erery man of candour must admit, has not been rewarded with REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 157 the commendation to which it was richly entitled. I allude to the spirit of enterprize, which, in so many instances caused the bold defenders of their country, to submit to every species of privation without murmuring, and to brave all danger at the call of duty. If we regard them collectively, I deem it impossible that the evils of disease and famine, together with the absolute want of decent clothing, could have been sustain- ed with more perfect resignation, than that which, under the most appalling trials, marked the general conduct of the Southern army, under the Generals, Gates and Greene.* Nor do I view with less admiration, the steady perseverance of that intrepid band of Nortliern Heroes, who surmounted all the difficulties of the wilderness, when marching against Que- bec. The hardships encountered by the first, are fully detail- ed in my first series of Anecdotes. I will briedy notice those of the last.f For the distance of three hundred miles, n ot a * This exhibition of patient suffering, was what Captain Barry, of the British Army, generally distinguished by the name of " Harry Barry Se- cretary," was pleased to style passive courage. Loth to allow any species of merit to the Americans, he was wont to say, " your soldiers know how to sutFer, but they are destitute of that activity and energy that distin- guishes Britons, who delight to encounter difficulty and seek danger, and who are never so happy as when an opportunity otters oi displaying intrppid daring." But where, I wonder, was his energy — where the bold, daring of the Briton, when at Eutaw he surrendered his sword to Lieut. Manning, presenting the handle of his" dirk in an imposing attitude, and threatening to shoot him if he offered resistance. It must, like the cou- rage of Acres; in the Play, have oozed out at his fingers' ends, for he yielded his weapon without opposition, and was led off the field by a man of rather diminutive size, although he reported hhnseli ^' overpoivered aiul taken by an immense Viri^^inianJ'^ t I am very ready to ackiiowledge, that this is a narrative that has often met the public eye ; one wherein I can introduce notliing of novelty, nor add any incident strikingly interesting, but it is so admirably caiculated to prove, when actuated by the love of freedom, and supported in their ex- ertions by devoted attachment to their country, what privations men cau patiently submit to — what dangers encounter — what difficulties ovbf- come, that I trust I shall meet with pardon, for giving it a place in jny present series. 14 158 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. house was seen, nor a human countenance to cheer ; not a friend to direct them in their course. Incessant labour and fatigue destroyed their strength and damped their energies. They were either compelled to drag their batteaus up rapid rivers, or to transport them on their shoulders over diffirult carrying places ; woods almost impenetrable, deep morasses, and precipitous mountains perpetually impeded their pro- gress. Disease was rapilly thinning their ranks, and famme, in its most ghastly form, threatened their entire annihilation. Already their dogs, their cartouch-boxes, and shoes, had bt en greedily devoured, and when the last pittance of food was dis- tributed, a distance of thirty miles was to be traversed, before it would be possible to obtain any further supply. The stout- est hearts might have been appalled ; the most determined courage been subdued. A Colonel Enos, and one-third of the detachment shrunk from their duty and returned ; the rest, supported by their enthusiastic attachment to their country, with unabated fortitude and constancy, persisted till the grati- fying appearance of the habitations of men assured them that the severest of their trials had ended. Received with kind- ness bv the Canadian inhabitants of the frontier settlements, the spirit of enterprize regained its pristine vigour, and although from the firmness of Carlton, and indefatigable exeriiotis of M'Lean, these bold adventurers reaped not the reward of their labours, yet, it must be allowed, that they deserved it. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 159 IMPOSITIONS OF FOREIGNERS EMPLOYED BY THE UNITED STATES. I am sensible that in the opinion of many European poli- ticians, the popular leaders, throughout the American conti- nent, contemplated, from the earliest dawn of the Revolutionary contest, the dismemberment of the empire, and total separation of their country from the dominion of Great Britain. Yet, I am far more inclined to believe, that their views did not extend beyond the immediate redress of existing grievances, and the obtaining from the King and Parliament a satisfactory pledge against any further encroachments on their rights and liberties. Had the wish to establish the independency of the Colonies existed, it cannot be doubted but that greater pains would have been taken to secure its accomplishment, and some traits of a regular system been discovered, of a combination of influ- ential and aspiring men, devoting their time and their talents to that object. It proceeds not from the indulgence of national vanity that I say, that there was certaiidy no deficiency of foresight, or of political intelligence exhibited by those bold and adventurous spirits, who first stepped forward as the ad- vocates of liberty, or want of zeal in encouraging the resistance they had dared to recommend. But the sinews of war were wanting. The munitions necessary for defence, in no degree proportionate to the quantity required, and although opposition to hostility was by general consent determined on, its success- ful issue, even to the most sanguine, was considered extremely problematical. The deficiency of military stores being con- fessed, (and it certainly does not appear an imaginary want) the chance of obtaining them was rendered extremely pre- carious, and, from the vigilance of the enemy's cruizers, almost impracticable. But had they abounded, the want of men, 160 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. properly trained to arms, and of ojOScers competent to corri- mand them, would, necessarily, have paralyzed exertion; and to men of less sanguine temperament, obscured with deeper shades the gloomy prospect before them. It is presumable, also, that with the view to g-et rid of the arbitrary dictates of a foreign authority, that individuals aspiring to the attainment of honour and renown, would, unceasingly, have endeavoured to qualify themselves to meet on equal terms, the experienced enemy with whom they had to contend. But this was far from being the case ; and it was not till the sword was actually drawn, that the studies were commenced, and the information sought for, which ought to have been, previously perfected. From this source, many disasters which attended the early efforts of the American arms is to be attributed. Anxious to obtain knowledge in military tactics, and to qualify themselves for service, they indulged a credulity that nothing but the ardour of their zeal could excuse. They believed every foreigner who called himself a soldier, to be one in reality, and every pretender to rank, a gentleman. Deception was too often practised with success. Individuals were engaged as en^neers who were ignorant even of the most simple axioms in mathematics ; and Counts and Barons received into the best society, and caressed as devoted admirers of the cause of liberty, who had never in their own country known other service than that of administering to the wants and ca- prices of their superiors, or sought employment with any other views, than the aggrandizement of their own fortunes and consequejice. The genuine frankness and hospitality of Caro- linians made them peculiarly the dupes of impostors. All who promised largely were considered as competent to the performance of their promises, and confidence was invariably found the concomitant of profession. The history of the war in the interior of our own State, affords ample proof of the incapacity of the engineer directing the operations at the siege of a fortress of importaiice to perform the duty assigned to REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 161 him. From his want of judgment, approaches were made at the very point where the enemy were least vuhierable, and a repulse, attended with the loss of many valuable hves, the im- mediate consequence. The sieges of all the other British posts, directed by Marion, Sumter and Pickens, and in an especial manner, by Lee and Maham, were speedily brought to a successful termination. That of Ninety-Six alone proved unfortunate. Of the impositio!is practised on the credulous, with regard to the assumption of rank and title, they too frequently occurred to excite surprise. I have, in very many instances, seen men familiarly associating with, and seated at the tables of distin- guished characters, who, had they occupied their proper sta- tions, would have been placed in attendance behind them. I will, in evidence, bring forward one instance, well remembered by many persons now living. An individual, calling himself the Baron de Glaabuck, was greatly caressed, and freely re- ceived in many of the most repectable families in Charleston. I never could perceive a single trait of excellence about him : his great delight was to make a mockery of the religion he professed, and to endeavour to amuse those who would listen to him with the prowess he had displayed in cutting to pieces unfortunate tories who were persuaded, by his pre- tending to coincide in opinion with them, to declare their senti- ments in favour of the Royal Government. In the field, as might well be supposed, he was far more active in pursuit, when victorious, than in opposing an enemy who resisted. Repeated acts of fraud drove him ultimately from society, when it appeared that his origin was as humble as his pre- tensions to distinction had been extravagant. 1 was myself informed by a Pennsylvania soldier, who had been his early friend and comrade, that he had made his first appearance in America as a Yager, and had deserted his colours, far more from the hope of bettering his fortune, than any attachment to 14* 162 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. the cause or to the country, of which he professed himself an enthusiastic admirer. Tiiat the highest advantages were derived to America, from the ardent zeal and dari'ig enterprize of many distniguished foreigners, no one can, or would wish to deny. The services rendered by General Lafayette, by Baron Steuben, Pulaski, De K-db, Tensaiit, Fl« ury, Duportail, Cambrey, Lemoy, G«;^ ion, demand our vvarmest applause, and very many others while they covered themselves with the palm of renown, excited in the bosoms of the people of America a corresponding tribute of affection and gratitude, that will, to the end of time, cause them to be classed among the most distinguished of tlie heroes, whose firmness and intrepidity established in our country, the blessings of Liberty and Lidependence. There were many others entitled to high encomiums. One instance, in which modest merit ventured not to claim the dis- tinction which was its due, 1 take a pleasure to record, and am not without hope that it will be received with approbation. A gentleman, of prepossessing appearance, a subject of Russia, genteel in manners and highly gifted in accom- plishment, appeared in the cantonments of the army, so- liciting, though fruitlessly, a continental commission. The evil that I have mentioned above began to be severely felt ; and confidence, too often bestowed improperly, gave place to a suspicion, that in many instances appeared inconsistejit with propriety. The commander-irt-chief complained to Congress that he was wearied out by foreigners perpetually demanding employment when he had little to bestow, and his mind far from being satisfied with the qualifications of the applicants. The uniform good conduct and genteel deportment of the individual in question gained for him the general esteem of the army, and particularly attracted the attention of General Irvine, who received him into his family, and appointed him his aid-de-catrjp. I'he general opinion was, that he was as certainly a man of rank, as he was acknowledged to be of REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 1C3 liigli endowment and finished educjtion; but on that head he preserved the most profound silence. Assuming the name of Rose, he would have passed himself off as a physician, but it was speedily discovered that he possessed but a very slight knowledge of of the medical art, acquired during a short resi- dence with Dr. Wisendolf, at Baltimore. His conduct as a soldier was exemplary ; he was brave, active and intelligent ; and while hostilites continued, the good opinion with which he had inspired his companions remained unshaken. At the conclusion of the war he returned to his native country, and for many years was no more heard of. At length, however, a letter came from him to Colonel Callender Irvine, son of the General, in which, after expressing the most cordial attach- ment to his friend and benefactor, he added — " An affair of honour compelled me to abandon my own country. 1 fled to America for refuge, was graciously received by your vene- rated father, and cherished by him as a son. My obligation cannot be told — the powers of language cannot express all that I feel. I wish his portrait above all things — send it to me, that I may possess the delight of constantly viewing the resemblance of my best friend. It will fill up the measure of my happiness — I have content and opulence. The mistress of my early affection is now my wife, and mine is the honour to subscribe myself, the " BARON DE ROSENDOLPHE." 164 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. OVUM REIPUBLICiE— TAe Congress of 11 Qb. [communicated by a distinguished patriot.] South-Carolina is literally one of the Nine primitive Muses of American Liberty. "BEFORE TfiE THIRTEEN "WERE, SHE IS.'* We must never forget that the parent of the Revolution, the very Ovum HeipuhliccB^ was the Con- gress which convened in New- York, in 1765. But nine Colonies were represented, as four were overpowed by the Royal party. But South-Carolina beat down the strong opposition of the Crown, ajsd was the only one. South of the Potomac, that sent a delegation. This was the achievement of General Gadsden. In this primaeval council, our members were far from being insignificant. Three committees only were appointed, and of two, the sons of Carolina were chair- men. * Mr. Lynch, (father of the patriot who signed the Declaration of Independence,) was chairmain of the one to prepare an address to the House of Commons ; and John Rutledge, (who then was but twenty-six years of age,) of that for the House of Lords. This Convention of sages, was the parent-plant of our present Confederacy of Repubhcs. Thus was South- Carolina among the aboriginal founders of the Union. Delegates to the Congress q/'1765. Massachusetts 3. — James Otis, Oliver Partridge, Timothy Ruggles. Rhode Island 2.— Metcalf Bowler, Henry Ward. Connecticut 3.— Eliphalet Dyer, David Rowland, William SaUiUel Johnson. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 165 Neia-York 5. — Robert R. Livino^ston, John Criiger, Philip Livingston, William Bayard, Leonard Lispenard. New-Jersey 3. — Robert Ogden, Hendrick Fisher, Joseph Borden. Pennsyluania 3. — John Dickinson, John Morton, George Bryan. Delaware 3. — Jacob Rollock, Thomas M'Kean, Csesar Rodney. Maryland S. — William Murdock, Edward Tilghman, Tho- mas Ringgolil. South- Carolina 3. — Thomas Lynch, Christopher Gadsden,, John Riitledge. Nine Colonies, and Twenty-eight Delegates. Extracts from the official Journal of the Congress of 1765. Met in New- York, on Monday, 7th October, 1765. — After having examined and admitted the certificates of appoint- ment of the above Members, the said committees proceeded to choose a Chairman by ballot ; and Timothy Ruggles, Esq. of Massachusetts, on sorting and counting the votes, appeared to have a mnjority, and thereupon was placed in the chair. Resolved, ncm. con.. That Mr. John Cotton, be Clerk to this Congress during the continuance thereof. Resolved, That the Committee of each Colony, shall have one voice only, in determining any questions that shall arise in the Congress. After meeting regularly every day, with the exception of the Sabbath, they concurred in a declaration of the rights and grievances of America, and appointed the following commit- tees, on Saturday, 19th October, 1765 : — Upon motion voted, that Robert R. Livingston of New- York, William Samuel Johnson, and William Murdock, Esq'rs. be a committee to prepare an Address to llis Majesty, and lay the same before the Congress on Monday next. 166 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. Voted also, that John Rutledge of South-Carolina, Edward Tilo^hmaii, and Philip Livingston, Esq'rs. be a Comrnittee to prepare a Memorial and Petition to the Lords in Parliament, and lay the same before the Congress on Monday next. Voted also, that Thomas Lynch of South-Carolina, James Otis, and Thomas M'Kean, Esq'rs. be a Committee to pre- pare a Petition to the House of Commons of Great Britain, and lay the same before the Congress on Monday next. After having attended daily, the last meeting was held on Thursday, 24th October, 1765 : — Voted unanimously, that the Clerk of this Congress sign the minutes of their proceedings, and deliver a copy for the use of each Colony and Province, Having fulfilled the high duties with which they had been entrusted, they adjourned, and prepared for those scenes in which many of them acted with such elevation, and which have ended in the establishment of the happiest Nation, and noblest Repubhc on earth.* * An authentic account of this Congress is preserved in the work enti- tled " The Frincipks and Acts of the Revolution.^^ REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 167 MISCELrliANEOUS ANECDOTES. JOE BETTYS. At a convivial meeting, at which the healths of the captors of Andre were drunk, atjd a toast proposed to the memory of Fulmer, Cory and Perkins^ who achieved the capture of Jo- seph Bettys, a distiugiushed traitor and spy, the venerahle Colonel Ball, who presided, made the statement which fol- lows : — " Durlns^ the war of the Revohition, I was an officer in the New-York line, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Wynkoop. Being r.cquainted with B>4tys, who was a citizen of Builston, and knowing hnn to be bold, athletic and intelli- gent in an uncommon degree, I was d. sirousof obtaining his services for my coiu.iry, and succeeded in enlistins^ him as a Sergeant : he was afterwards reduced to the ranks, on ac- count of some insolence to an officer, who he said had abused him without a cause. Knowing his irritable and determined spirit, and unwilling to lose bin;, I pro!j;ured him the ^ank of Sergeant, in the fleet commanded by (.eneral Ansold, (after- wards the distinguished traitor,) on Lake Champlain, in '76. Bettys was m that desperate fight, which took place in the latter part of the campaign, between the British and Ame- rican fleets, on that lake, and being a skilful seaman, was of signal service during the battle. He fought until every com- missioned officer on board his vessel was killed or woundvd, and then assumed command himself, id 'ojitinued the light with such reckless courage, that General Walerbury, who wa« 168 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. second in command under Arnold, perceiving the vessel was likely to sink, was obliged to order Bettys and the remnant of his crew on board his own vessel, and having noticed his ex- traordinary bravery and conduct, he stationed him on the quarter-deck by his side, and gave orders through him, until the vessel, becoming altogether crippled, the crew mostly killed, himself wounded, and only two officers left, the colours were struck to the enemy. General Waterbury afterwards told my father, that he never saw a man behave with such deliberate desperation as Bettys, and that the shrewdness of his management, showed that his conduct was not inferior to his courage. After the action, Bettys went to Canada — turn- ed traitor to his country — received an Ensign's commission in the British army — became a spy — and proved himself a most dangerous and subtle enemy. He was at length arrested, tried, and condemned to be hung at West Point. But the entreaties of his aged parents, and the solicitations of influen- tial whigs, induced General Washington to pardon him on promise of amendment. But it was in vain. The generosity of the act only added rancour to his hatred, and the whigs of the section of the country, especially of Ballston, had deep occasion to remember the traitor, and to regret the unfortu- nate lenity they had caused to be shown him. He recruited soldiers for the King, in the very heart of the country. He captured and carried offthe most zealous and efficient patriots, and subjected them to the greatest suflering, and those against whom he bore particular malice lost their dwellings by fire or lives by murder, and all this, while the British Commander kept him in employ, as a faithful and most successful messen- ger, and a cunning and intelligent spy. No fatigue wearied his resolution — no distance was an obstacle to his purpose, and no danger appalled his courage. No one felt secure. Sometimes in the darkness of the night he came by stealth upon us, and sometimes, even in the middle of the day, he was prowling about, as if unconscious of any danger. He REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 169 boldly proclaimed himself a desperado, that he carried his life in his hand — that he was as careless of it as he should be of that of others, should they undertake to catch him ; that his liberty was guarded by his life, and whoever should undertake to deprive him of it, must expect to mingle their blood with his. And it was well understood, that what Bettys said, Bet- tys meant, and, as well ascertained, that when he came among us, to perpetrate his mischief, that he generally brought with him a band of refugees, and concealed them in the neighbour- hood, to assist him in the accomplishment of his purposes. Still, there were many who resolved on his apprehension, be the danger what it might ; and many unefFectual attempts were made for that purpose. But he eluded all their vigilance till sometime in the winter of '81-'82, when a suspicious stranger, was observed in the neighbourhood in snow shoes, and well armed. Cory and Perkins, on information from Fulmcr, immediately armed themselves, and together with Fulmer, proceeded in pursuit. They traced him by a circuit- ous track, to the house of a tory ; they consulted a moment, and then, by a sudden eflbrt, bursting open the door, rushed upon him, and seized him, before he had an opportunity of effecting any resistance. lie was at his meal, with his pistols lying on the table, and his rifle resting on his arm ; he made an attempt to discharge the latter, but not having taken the precaution to undo the deer-skin cover that was over the lock, did not succeed. lie was then pinioned so firmly, that to resist was useless, and to escape impossible. And the noto- rious Bettys, cheated of ail his threats, and foiled in his most particular resolution, was obliged to yield himself a tame and quiet prisoner to the enterprize and daring of Fulmer, Cory, and Perkins. He asked leave to smoke, which being granted he took out his tobacco, and with it something else, which, when unobserved as he hoped, he threw into the lire, but Cory saw it and immediately snatched it out with a liandful of coals. It was a small leaden box, about the eighth of an 15 170 liEVOLL'TIOxXARY ANECDOTES. inch in thickness, and contained a paper in cypher, which ihry could not read, but it was afterwards discovered to be a despUcli to the British Commander at New- York, and also an order for tliirty pounds sterhng on the Mayor of New- York, should the despatch be safely deUvered. Bettys begged leave to burn it, but was refused ; he offered them an hundred gui- neas, if he might be allowed to do it, but they steadily refused. He tiien said, " I am a dead man," but continued to intercede with them to allow him to escape. He made the most liberal offers, a part of which he had present means to make good, but they still refused to listen to him. He was then taken to Albany, tried, convicted, and executed as a spy and traitor to his country. And, the only reward these daring men ever re- ceived for their hazardous achievement, was the rifle and pis- tols of Bettys. The conduct of the captors of Andre was noble, but that of the captors of Bettys was both noble and heroic. Andre was a gentleman, and without the means of defence. Bettys was fully armed, and known to be a despe- rado. The capture of the former was by accident — of the latter, by entcrprize and design. That of the former was without danger ; of the latter, at the imminent peril of life. Andre was a more important, but perhaps not a more danger- ous man than Bettys. Both tempted their captors with all- seducing gold, and both were foiled. And, Paulding Wil- liams, and Van Wart, though venerated in the highest degree by me, as having exhibited a trait of character, honourable to the reputation of their country, have not, in my estimation, claims to celebrity superior to those of Fulmcr, Cory, and Per- kins." The President having concluded, the toast was drunk, amidst the most thundering applause. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 171 GENERAL STUART, FORMERLY OF WASHING- TON'S HORSE. General Smith, of Washington City, who visited Cliarles- ton in 1826, communicated the anecdote which follows to one of my most esteemed friends. I take great pleasure in re- cording it, because it not only does honour to the distinguished officer of whom he spoke, but affords a new and interesting proof of the enthusiastic feelings and attachment of the whig ladies of America to their country. " General Stuart, of Maryland, who served at Eutaw, as a Lieutenant, under Colonel Wm. Washington, and who in the action was severely wounded, being recently called upon to read the Declaration of Independence, before a numerous assemblage of citizens, celebrating the birth-day of our liberty, appeared in full military costume, fashioned according to the times in which he served. A friend familiarly commenting on the singularity of his appearance, and the improved style of modern military dress, drew from him the following observa- tions : — " Our Regimentals, in former days, were fashioned according to the existences of the times, and were made more for use than show. I admire the ancient garb exceedingly, and but for the death of my venerated mother, should this day I have appeared before the public, clad in the very waistcoat I ihadon, when shot through the body at Eutaw. The good I lady regarded it as a trophy, and earnestly requested, that at i her death, I would allowed her the privilege of carrying it with I her to the toinb. I was sensible how much the affectionate I feelinjj: of parental love glowed in her bosom, and of the pride she felt that I had bled in my country's service. To have I denied her request, would have evinced an insensibility, which I could never experience. Consent, on my part, was instanta- neous and decided, and she actually wore the waistcoat in question beneath the shroud in which she was interred." 172 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES- A brief Statement of the sanguinary mode in which the War was carried on between Whig and Tory while the British held jpossession of the Carolinas. To give a just idea of the horrors which prevailed in the iutcrior country, from the violence of party spirit, would be altogether beyond my ability. Dr. Ramsay says,* " The destructions and depredations committed by them, were so enormous, that should the whole be particularly related, they who live at a distance would scarcely believe what could be attested by hundreds of eye-witnesses." It may truly be said to have been a war of extermination. There was, however, one characteristic difference which does honour to the whigs. Unless in cases, where outrageous murders had been committed, or destruction of property wantonly indulged in, they were contented, when the power to injure was in their hands, to to send the criminal aggressors within the limits of the British garrisons. But insatiable vengeance uniformly directed the operations of the tories, and their triumphs were invariably sealed with blood. Look to the appalling career of Fanning, AVill Cunningham, and other British partizans, and contrast it with the mild and benevolent conduct of Marion, and of Pick- ens, and the truth and jut^iice of my statement must be ac- knowlt'dged, without con radiction. Yevy many instances in point might be introduced in this place. I have already noticed many in my first series of Anecdotes. t I shall confine myself on the pres^ent occasion, in rehitmg only a f(;sv, for the correctness of which many living witnesses can still bear tes- timony. The toils and dangers of war had not steeled men's hearts, against the influence of nnlder feeling?:, and the passion •f love, maintained its ascendancy with its accustomed and - Vol. ii. p. 84. .t Page 259. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 173 I'esistless power. The brave are ever the favourites of the fair, and distinction in the field of honour, was found by the patriot soldier, the most certain passport to the affections of his mistress. Captain Tateman, a youih of gallantry, had sue* cessfully addressed a very amiable lady, and a day was ap- pointed for the celebration of the luiptials. Repairing with his friend, Lieut. Geger, to the habitation of his mistress, he found the minister, the Rev. Mr. Theus, and company invited, already assembled to witness the ceremony, and believed his bliss secure. But the completion of his happiness was denied him. The news of the intended union had spread abroad, and the neighbourinof tories having assembled in force, re- solved by a decided manifestation of resentment, to mar the felicity of the parties forever. The house was speedily sur- rounded, and the bridegroom demanded for sacrifice. His presence was denied by the family; but no attention being paid to their assertions, sentinels prepared to destroy whoso- ever should come forth, were placed around, and the house «et on fire in every quarter. Captain Tateman and his friend, who were concealed within, were warned of the fate which awaited them, by a sister of the bride, who had rushed through the flames, on pretence of saving some highly valued property. There was no time for deliberation, and the flames which were rapidly approaching!:, rendering delay impossible, they rushed forth, and running in opposite directions, passed the guard, and receiving their fire with little inj iry, found security in the adjoining woods. The Clergyman was dread- i fully mangled, but on account of his advanced age, not imme- I diately put to death ; the remaining assemblage of male visi« I tors, led to a distance from the ruins, and dehberately massa- I cred. The torch of Hymen nevertheless, was not extinguish- I ed, and on the following day the nuptial benediction was pro- iliounced on the enamoured pair, at a neighbouring farm. 3uch an act could not be suffered to pass with impunity. Ven- geance was vowed against the barbarians, who had so wauton^ 15* 174 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. ly outraged humanity, and amply taken. The tory party were from that day hunted down Uke wild beasts, and in a few months, not an individual among them remained in exist- tence. The unceasing severity exercised over the inhabitants geile- rally, and in very many instances by officers of high rank and influence, gave birth to resentments so strong — to prejudices »o deeply rooted and unconquerable, that every serious evil was considered as originating with them ; every misfortune^ however trivial, dated from the period of their arrival in the country. I remember, sometime after the conclusion of the war, on a gentleman's complaining on a sultry summer's day, that the wine before him was unpalatable, from its excessive heat. A lady present, influenced by this universal habit of complaining, replied — " Every thing. Sir, has altered for the worse since the British came among us. We always drank cool wine till then. Since their appearance, we have never enjoyed that luxury." " I was considered," said another, " a skilful songstress, but the oppression which was meant to break men's spirits effectually broke my voice, and I have never since been able to turn a tune, or raise a note." Themistocles being taxed with partiality in a cause brought before him, frankly declared, " that he never wished to pre- side in a Court, where he could not make a distinction between his friends and his enemies.'* After the severe conflict be- tween whig and tory, in our interior country, to gain superiori- ty, it is not to be wondered at that the strongest antipathies marked their conduct towards each other. An old Revolu- tionary Colonel, with whom I was well acquainted, presiding at a country Court, had a dispute referred to him, which had occurred between two whigs. " I was never so puzzled be- fore," he exclaimed, " to form an opinioa on the Justice of REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 175 the case. Both parties are staunch wliigs^ and honest men. Had the contest been between a lohig and a tor?/, 1 could not have hesitated to decide ; I should have concluded at once, that the former could not have been in the wrong." On another occasion, the presiding Judge directing the .Tury to give damages to a plaintiff, whose adversary had closely attached himself to the British invaders — the Foreman ad- dressing himself to his companions, said, " Gentlemen, a fair opportunity is offered us, of revenging the injuries heaped upon our country by a band of traitors Let us make this fellow pay for the rest." Similar prejudices were as strongly felt in other parts of the Union, and, in all probability, de- riving their origin from a similar source. A religious Elder from Jersey, making a voyage to Nova Scota, became so com- pletely dissatisfied with the soil and climate, as frequently to express his wonder, " for what use that country could have been created ?" His pious principles, however, leading to the belief, that nothing was created in vain, led him to the con- elusion, "that Nova Scotia was created, and specially designed by an overruling Providence, for the habitation of those pests ®f society, the tories and refugees of America, where, on ground, rocky as their hearts, they were destined to continue to the end of their lives, unacquainted with, and forever se- cluded from the privileges enjoyed by the sons and daughters •f freedom." I have introduced these last anecdotes, merely to shew the mistaken policy of the British commanders in the moment of success, and the inveteracy of resentment that never could have existed, had victory been tempered with moderatioxi and forbearance. f Nor were the prejudices entertained by the Royalists, less jSxed and inveterate. There was a family remaining in the city, after its evacuation} which had once been kind and attentive 176 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. to me, and to whom I ardently wisljed to be serviceable oik every occasion. I had been succesfefully so more than once. Foro^ettinis^ that tlie authority of the British had lost its influence within the limits of the State, an attempt was mnde, by sfettinsr possession of letters from individuals in Europe, to their friends in Carohna, to raise a tax on the in- habitants, which not beirtg in the first instance resisted, became intolerablf. Notice was given to a pMrticniar friend of mine, that a Indy in the city had possession of several letters ad- dressed to him from Enoland, which, upon paying a certain postage, should be immediately delivered to him. The sum demanded was too enormous not to be resisted, and my friend promptly refused to pay it, informing the lady that he should immediately set ois foot an inquiry, to ascertain by what au- thority she demanded a postage for British letters in a city, from which that nation had but recently been expelled. " Send me my letters instantaneously," he continued, "or my lawyer shall more particularly inquire by what authority they are withheld." The letters were sent, and, after much intreaty on my part, my friend, who was well apprized of the hatred chi rished by the lady against America, consented to let the imposition pass off without further notice. Gaiety was, at this period, the order of the day ; there were no stiff cere- moisious parties, but an universal disposition prevailed to be happy, and to dispense happiness all around. It happened thnt Mrs. Greene gave at the time a large and very elegant ball ; accident carried me the next morning to the house of a not!-admirer of the ball, to pay, as usual, a complimentary visit to the lady in question. I had scarcely taken my seat, when she said, "I understand from my people that a grand ball was given yesterday evening by Mrs. G. at head-quarters." " It was, indeed, a very splendid one," I replied ; " exciting the admiration of every individual present." " Whs there so much to admire," she calmly continued. " Doubtless," I replied, " as far as beauty could chaim, and REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 177 elegance of dress give increase to attraction, it would have been impossible not to have been pleased." " Your elegance in dress, I presume," rejoined the critic, " corresponded ad- mirably wdth your taste in decoration." " It was, indeed, much the case," I replied — " the leaves of the Mangolia, hung up in festoons and decorated with paper shades resembling the flowers, were so admirably imitated by Colonel Kosciusko, that many ladies forgettmg that it was a season of the year when few or no flowers were linown to bloom, declared themselves greatly refreshed by the softness and delicacy of their perfume." *' But how did it happen," said the lady, " that taste was so much at variance with truth, and compliments paid, so con- trary to every principle of propriety. God knows no head in that room was ever entitled to a wreath of laurel." 1 could only reply — " On this subject there necessarily exists diversity of opinion." It was for those whose views were disappointed by the termination of the contest, to cavil and complain ; for those who had labouied for its accomplishment, to appreciate with gratitude, the blessings which it had bestowed on their coun- try. It is not, therefore, to be wondered at, that their adherents should adopt prejudices equally strong, and think no terms too harsh, when applied to the supporters of the American cause. The term rebel, was familiar to the lips even of the most de- graded beings in society. I well remember, that iinjuiring some time after the signing of the preliminary articles of peace, of a negro carpenter on my plantation, if a hinge could be fou?id for a small gate I was about to erect, he replied, *' I do not think, Massa, that a single British hinge can be found in our store-room, but I can make a rebel hinge in half an hour." FRANCIS M'DONNEL. Sometime subsequent to the publication of my first series of Anecdotes, in which I attributed to Lieut. CqIoucI Fleury, tbo; 178 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. honour of having struck the British flag, at Stoney Point, with his own hands.* I received from my friend Major Gib- bon of Richmond, the following particulars relating to that transaction. " Francis M'Donnel, a son of Erin, emigrated to America previously to the Revolution, accompanying his father and entire family. When the American army was raised in 1775, Frank and two of his brothers, enlisted in the Pennsylvania line, as common soldiers. At the massacre of the Paoli, both of his brothers were bayonetted, which induced him to vow vengeance, and he accordingly continued with the army to the close of the war, distinguished as a faithful and useful soldier. Frank was one of the survivors of Major Gib- bon's Forlorn Hope, at the storming of Stoney Point, and was the person who hauled down the British flag. This gal- lant act achieved, he was in search of his commanding officer to present his trophy, when he was met by Major Fleury, who took the flag into his own possession, but to Frank, who had been previously wounded in the breast, the honour of lowering it decidedly belonged. In reward for his services, Frank re- ceived a pension from the State of Pennsylvania, and subse- quently, was pensioned also by the United States. He lived to a good old age, for many years in the service of Callender Irvine, Esq. Commissary General, the son of his worthy Colonel in the Revolution, General Wm. Irvine, but was un- fortunately drowned in the Schuylkill, in the year 1820, near Philadelphia. THE MISCHEANZA. The dissipations of the Dritish army, during the period that they held possession of Phiiadel]>hia, have been depicted m "* Vide, page 211; REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 179 such strong language, as to stagger belief. If the representa- tion is allowed to be correct, it can scarcely be imagined, that the Carthagenians at Capua, were more enervated by their sen- sualities, and unrestrained indulgence of their luxurious appe- tites than they were. The celebration of the Mischeanza, ap- peared the climax of their folly and extravagance. It consisted of a variety of entertainments, got upas a parting compliment to the Commander-in-chief, General Sir Wm. Howe, whose want of success, had obscured the splendor of his early achievements, and who was now to be succeeded by a soldier of inferior ability, but exalted far above him, by the purity of his unblemished character. General Howe, by the influence of example, had broken down all the barriers of restraint ; he countenanced every irregularity — neglected the discipline essential to the perfection of service, and rendered vice an object of emulation, as it appeared on all occasions the Jirst and surest step to favour and promotion. General Clinton, was decidedly a better man, and probably, just as well calcu- lated to carry on the Quixotic scheme of subjugating America, as any officer that could have been selected. I do not wish to enter into details. The pompous accounts that were given at the time, of the superior splendor of the various fetes — the gal- lant bearing of the Knights, displaying their prowess at the tournament ; the beauty of the Princesses, lavishly bestowing their smiles of encouragement on their favourites ; the brdlian- cy of the balls — the fascinations of the enUvening bands of music — the magnificence of dress, luxurious feeding, deep play, and hard drinking, were well calculated to excite wonder; but in the eye of reason, cannot be viewed with too great severity. I was told by a lady, of the highest respectability at that period just entering into life, that she had herself ex- pressed a strong desire to see the preparattons that were making for the fete, and had solicited her mother's permission to indulge her curiosity, but that the sage matron gave a prompt and decided refusal, and turning to an old Scotch offi- 180 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. cer of artillery, who was quartered in her house, said " would you be surprised, Captain, if General Washington was to disturb the festivities of the day, and while mirth and revelry prevailed at one end of the city, that he should attack it in a vulnerable part in an opposite quarter V^ " Madam," replied the veteran, (who held the idle pageant in profound contempt, and had refused to witness its celebration,) *' if Mr. Washing- ton, possess the wisdom, and sound policy, which I have ever attributed to him, he will not, at such a time, meddle with us. The excesses of the present hour, are to him equivalent to a victory, and by us will be felt as a sore affliction to the end of the contest." Something of the same kind was attempted in Carolina, but it failed in success. The entertainment was called the Crude' nade, and intended as a fete to celebrate the decisive victory said to have been gained by Lord Cornwallis at Guildford. It was attended by the officer's wives of the garrison, and some few of the sex, their devoted friends ; but the ladies of Carolina kept far distant from it, with the exception of one good whig, who, at the expense of feeling, was resolved to indulge curiosity. And she paid dearly for it. A toast being given by a young lady from Rhode Island, of such sanguinary import, that I have heard her declare that her blood appeared to curdle in her veins, and it was with difficulty she could fly a scene where she was altogether out of her element, and where she ought never to have exposed herself to such gross and malignant insult. MAJOR M'DONOUGH. The narrative which follows, relates to the father of Com- modore M'Donough, the naval hero, so much distinguished by bis valour and the victory gained on Lake Champlain over REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 181 the British fleet, and I consider it altogether probable, that owing to his resolution, to rehnquish his ardent desire for mili- tary fame, and to devote his entire attention to the education of his children, we owe the exemplary good conduct and triumph of the son. A day or two before the battle of Long Island, a Council of War, was summoned to meet in the city of New- York, which occasioned the command of the Dela- ware Regiment to devolve on Major M'Donough, the Colonel and Lieut. Col. being both members under orders to attend the Council. The Regiment was greatly distinguished in the action, and its Commander rewarded by the flattering approbation of General Washington. During the remainder of the cam- paign, it gained increase of reputation, but sustained some losses, and its Colonel being killed at Princeton, and the time of its service expired, it was disbanded. The zeal of Dela- ware was, however, unabated, and it appearing evident, that a new corps could, without difficulty, be organized. Governor MMvinly assembled his Council at Wilmington, to appoint the officers, who were to hold the commissions. Major M'Do- nough, both from rank and high military reputation, was with- out hesitation named as Colonel. Information was immedi- ately given that the honour was declined, and that his resolu- tion to retire from service was not to be overcome. A gentle- man of high rank was then appointed to command, but he, ] unwilling from a want of experience to occupy a post of such high responsibility, modestly said, " allow me to use my influ- ence to induce Major M'Donough to take the command which has been oft'ered to him, and I will willingly serve under his orders as his Lieutenant Colonel. His proposition was ac- ceded to, and he immediately went forward, earnestly hoping that his mission would prove successful. Arriving in the evening at the Major's house, the purpose of his visit was made known. Overpowered by his feelings and due sense of the honour conferred upon him, he could make no reply ; but having, after a time, recovered his composure, he said, " do 16 182 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. me the honour of breakfasting with me to-morrow morning', and I will give you my answer." The visitor was punctual in his attendance, and was presented to Mrs. M'Donough, who set at her breakfast table, her children, all small and neatly dressed, being arranged on each side of her. She was an engaging and accomplished woman, who inspired with respect all who approached her; the Major, a handsome man, of very gentlemanly deportment. Breakfast being ended, and the lady and children retired, the Major addressed his visitor to this effect, " I am deeply indebted to the Governor and Council, and to you, Sir, for the honour of this visit, and the application which is the object of it, but circumstances forbid me to indulge my own inclination. The small farm which I inhabit is my only possession, and I am compelled, having some knowledge of physic, to make it a profession, the better to support my wife and the children, who have now left us. My heart is my country's, and I am not without ambition to acquire military fame ; but, if I was to fall, what would be- come of them 1" These few words, contained an appeal that was unanswerable. The Major remained at home. Interesting Communication ^ relative to the family of GENERAL LA FAYETTE. During his late visit to America, he was approaching the town of Petersburg}!, accompanied by Judge Peter Johnston, and B. W. Leigh, Esq. Addressing himself to these gentle- men, he said, " General Greene had made repeated applica- tions to me, for certain supplies, which (the means being in my power) I was anxious to forward to him But the fre- quent detachments sent out by the enemy, for the purpose of \couring the country, made the attempt extremely hazardous. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES* 183 The British General Phihps, was in possession of the town of Petersburgh, and had his head quarters in a situation very conspicuous from the opposite side of the river Appomattox, near which lay the army under ray command. To gain my end, I resolved to make a movement, indicating an intention to attack his post, which compelled the General to call in all de- tachments, and out posts, the more effectually to resist me. I accordingly approached the river, and erected a battery, which 1 ordered to play incessantly on the house occupied by the British Commander. At the very period that my orders were executed, General Philips, who had been long sick, expired. I mention this as a remarkable circumstance, since, at a sub- sequent period, referring to historical documents, it appears that on the day on which the celebrated battle of Minden was fought, my father fell by a cannon shot, fired from a battery commanded by the very General Philips, who now expired, while opposing the son of the man, who had been destroyed by him." The battle of Minden was fought on the first of August, 1759. In the French account of the action, which ^W11 be found in the London Magazine for September of that year, it is stated, " that Prince de Chemai, and M. de La Fayette, Colonels in the Grenadiers of France, were killed. The fol- lowing extract is taken from the orders of Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, issued on the 2d of August, 1759 : " His High- ness is extremely obliged to the Count de Buckenbourg, for all the care and trouble he took in the management of the artillery, which was served with great effect ; likewise to the Commanding officers of the several Brigades of Artillery, viz : Colonel Brown, Colonel Huske, Major Haser, and the Eng- lish Captains, Philips, Drummond and Foy." The order at large may be found in the London Magazine for August, 1759, as well as an article in these words : " Head Quarters at Bielfielde, August 7th, 1759. His serene Highness, Duke Ferdinand, sent orders to Mr. Hedeman, his Treasurer, to pay 184 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. the following officers of the British army, the undermentioned gratuities, as a testimony of liis great satisfaction at their gal- lant behaviour in the late action, on the 1st of this month. To Captain Philips, one thousand crowns ; to Captain M'- Bean, Captain Drummond, Captain Williams, and Captain Foy, five thousand crowns each. I hope the said gentlemen, will accept this present from Iiis Royal Highness, as a mark of his particular esteem for them." GENERAL LA FAYETTE. It gives me great pleasure to mention an act of disinterest- edness which does him the highest honour. General Cotes- worth Pinckney informed me, that when General La Fayette arrived, and paid his lii*st visit to Congress, he presented a certificate, by which it appeared, that our Agents in France had stipulated that he should, on joining the army, he appoint' ed Major General^ and have a separate command. This was decidedly objected to, and he was told that the Agents with whom he had treated had far exceeded their powers. That General Washington, in whom they placed implicit confidence, had been appointed Commander-in-chief, and that to appoint him to a command free from the control and authority of his superior was altogether impossible. " No man," said La Fayette, *' can more approve your decision than I do. I ask no commission, — I solicit no command, till I have proved my devotion to the cause of America, and can come forward sanctioned by the recommendation of the Commander-in- chief." The battle of Brandywine speedily following, he obtained, by his good conduct, tlie applause of General Wash- ington, and by his solicitation to Congress, the accomplish- ment of his wishes. \ REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 185 La Fayette and an old Soldier, at Montgomery, When on his last visit to America, while at Montgomery, in the State of Alabama, he was visited by a veteran who had served under him in many battles, whom he immediately re- cognized, as an orderly and most gallant soldier. After much interesting and familiar conversation, the old man said, ** there is one thing, General, which it puzzles me to account for — when we served together, I believed myself to be the youngest man of the two. But my locks are now perfectly grey, and you do not appear to have a grey hair in your head." " My good friend," replied the General, *' you are altogether in error, the advantage is totally on your side. The hair of your head is grey — while I cannot beast a single hair on my head — I wear a wig !" RED JACKET. It happened during the Revolutionary war, that a treaty was held with the Indians, at which La Fayette was present. The object was to unite the various tribes in amity with Ame- rica. The majority of the Chiefs were friendly, but there was much opposition made to it, more especially by a young warrior, who declared that when an alliance was entered into with America, he should consider the sunof his country as set forever. In his travels through the Indian Country, when lately in America, it happened at a large assemblage of Chiefs, that La Fayette referred to the treaty in question, and turning to Red Jacket, said, *' pray tell me if you can, what has be- come of that daring youth, who so decidedly opposed all our propositions for peace and amity 1 Does he still live— and 16* 186 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. what is his condition ?" " I, myself, am the man," replied Red Jacket, " the decided enemy of the Americans, as long as the liope of opposing them with success remained, but now their true and faithful ally until death." Opinion of General O'Hara, of the British Arm^, icith re- spect to the Soldiers of America. A gentleman of respect abiUty, now residing in Charleston^ told me, that conversing with General O'Hara, sometime after the battle of Guildford, relative to the comparative merits of the contending armies. He frankly said, " as often as 1 have been engaged in battle, I was never before so roughly treated. Thrice during the engagement, I was compelled to yield, and and as oftentimes was liberated by the gallant fellows I com- manded. No battle was ever more obstinately contested. Both armies were entitled to exalted praise." I did not men- tion the circumstance in my first series of Anecdotes, but I perfectly remember that the gallant Linton, of Washingtons, told me, that in the action he had enjoyed the happiness of receiving General O'Hara's sword, who for some time re- mained his prisojier, though ultimately rescued by a superior force, which had rallied to save him* Gen. Conway, a distinguished French officer, said to Dr. Rush, that he could drill an American in three weeks, and tha<^ the people of no other nation were so quickly transformed into Soldiers as those of the United States. It was the decided opinion of General Charles Lee, that the peasantry of America atforded the best possible material for the composition of a perfect army. REVOLUTIOP^ARY ANECDOTES. 187 And the British officers generally, not too anxious to deny a portion of merit to those by whom they were so often beaten, allowed, that though inferior in enterprize and active courage, the Americans possessed in a pre-eminent degree, what they styled passive courage. A firmness to submit to the frowns of fortune, and by patience to evercome them. COLONEL ISAAC HAYNE. Not satisfied with the notice I had taken in my first series of Anecdotes, of the death of Colonel Isaac Hayne, I had deter- mined to enter more fully on the subject, in my present lucu- brations, but the history of his captivity and death, has been so ably, faithfully, and satisfactorily detailed, ui the first number of the Southern Review^ by a writer completely master of the subject, that there is little wanting to give perfection to his narrative. I would only briefly state one circumstance, as it is a proof in point, that I have not erred in fixing the odium of this disgraceful severity on Lord Rawdon. " To render more effectual the prayers and petitions, urg^ed in behalf of the un- fortunate prisoner by his friends and relatives, the venerable Lieut. Governor Bull, whose character, loyalty and station, entitled him to the highest consideration, though labouring under a severe and agonizing disease, caused himself to be conveyed to Head Quarters, hoping to mitigate the sentence pronounced against Hayne. On his return to his home, the ' dejection of his countenance at once proclaimed the ill-success of his interference ; it was scarcely necessary for him to reply to a friend anxious to know the result of his visit. " The unfortunate prisoner must die — I have used my best endea- vours to save him, but Lord Rawdon is inexorable."* * Vide First Series, page 250. 188 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. DUELLING. I have been accused by the North- American Review, of beinj]^ a favourer of the pernicious practice of Duelling. I will state with candour the grounds on which this calumny rests. General Moultrie, after expressing great indignation at the proposal of his friend, Lord Charles G. Montague, that he should quit the American, and enter into the British service, says, " My Lord — I would make one proposal, but my situ- ation as a prisoner, circumscribes me within certain bounds. And in a note, adds, " which was to advise him to come over to the Americans. This proposal I could not make when on parole." — Moultrie'' s Revolution, The publication of this note has greatly mortified me. I had always believed, that nothing but the restriction imposed by his parole, had prevented General Moultrie from making an appeal to the sword to convince Lord Montague how keenly he felt the insult of his degrading offer.* Upon this point, many of the friends in whose opinions I place the most implicit confidence, differ from me. They in- sist that from the previous intimacy existing between the parties, that Lord Montague could not have harboured a wish to insult the friend whom he loved, and that his sole aim to recommend the adoption of a hne of conduct, which, without injury to his reputation, would infallibly prove beneficial to his fortunes. Yet Moultrie felt the offer of his correspondent derogatory to his honour, and rejected it with disdain. " You tell me, my Lord, that I may quit the service with honour and reputation to myself, by going with you to Jamaica. Good God, is it possible that such an idea should arise in the breast of a man of honour," &c. He felt as a soldier, and strongly * Vide First Series Anecdotes, p. 16. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 189 expressed bis indignation. How then could he, with a shadow of propriety, recommend to another a measure which he con- sidered inconsistent with the dignity of his character, the honour of mihtary profession, which at all risks should be preserved immaculate. I candidly own that I should have been better \ satisfied, had he said, "As a prisoner I submit to the insult, but were I freed from the restrictions of my parole, I should immediately call you to an account for thinking so ill of me as to imagine me capable of forsaking the standard I have sworn through every peril to defend. Feeling myself, at every instant, the insults and oppression of arbitrary power, witnessing the severities exercised against my friends and companions in arms, compelled to listen to the tales of sorrow of the widow and the fatherless, humbled to the dust and trampled upon, how is it possible for me to feel any other sentiment towards the men with whom your are associated, than that of determined and laudable animosity. The enemies of my country are my enemies ; and as long as the hostile feet of British soldiers tread the soil of Carolina, you have only to look from me for every impediment to their success, that my duty as well as inclination would lead me to oppose." I object with great decision, to the trifling causes of modern duelling. I have endeavoured, in several instances, and suc- cessfully, to calm irritation and reconcile the parties — but I I must confess, that there are provocations which might induce a : man to swerve from a duty which he ought to observe, a for- bearance from which he should not depart, and at every risk seek satisfaction. CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF THE DAU- PHIN OF FRANCE. When the soldiers of the Continental army, regaled with an extra quantity of spirits, (a feu de joie having beea 190 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. fired in honour of the birth of a Dauphin of France) had re* tired to their huts, and were in sociable conversation fighting, their battles over again, General Greene, passing in the rear of one of them, was highly gratified to hear a veteran Mary- lander exclaim — *' Credit is unquestionably due to the army before York Town, for their gallantry in compelling Lord Cornwallis to surrender ; but while the shouts of our fellow- citizens proclaim their triumphs throughout the United States, I hope that it will never be forgotten that the army of Greene, took off the keen edge of the sword of the enemy, and made him a far easier conquest, than he otherwise would have been." NOBLE-MINDED GERMAN. In the Pennsylvania Packet, May 9th, 1780, I find the following Anecdote. The resolution of Congress of the 18th March, respecting continental money, did incalculable injury to many of the citizens of Philadelphia. A meeting of the persons concerned being called, a German, who had always proved himself a decided whig, made use of the follomng patriotic sentiments : — " I am now near seventy years of age, and have a large family of children to provide for ; a great part of my property has been sold long since for continental money, which I have kept by me in full confidence that it would be redeemed at the value I received it ; but 1 am disap- pointed, and am completely a ruined man. My losses are heavy in themselves, and my afflictions greatly increased by the triumphs and isisolent conduct of my disaffected neigh- bours — yet I will new)' forsake the cause of my country and turn Tory. My fidelity once pledg. '1, shall be sacred forever. The reverses of fortune may kul nu — 1 mny die of a broken heart, but i wiU still die a friend to my country." REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 191 In page 431, First Series of Revolutionary Anecdotes, a brief account is given of the expulsion of Congress from Phila- delphia by a large body of mutnieeers, attached to the Penn- sylvania line. The preliminary articles of peace had already been signed, and little prospect appeared of being again called into the field. The want of exertion is the bane of an army. Give soldiers active employment, and they only think of their duty ; let them be idle, and they instantaneously meditate mischief. General Gates, says Dr. Rush, (Vol i.) furnished me with a proof in point. Soon after his return from the com- mand of a large body of regular troops and militia at Ticon- deroga, desertions were frequent in his army while there was little to do, and yet during three weeks, in which an attack from General Burgoyne was hourly expected, there was not a man who quitted the standard of his country. But to come more to the point. The Pennsylvanians were clamorous for arrearages of pay, which it was impossible for Congress to dis- charge ; and yet on former occasions, when destitute of food and clothing, and oppr^issed by disease, had conducted themselves with praiseworthy forbearance. I will give one instance of it. The badness of the roads had interposed insurmountable diffi- culties to the transportation of the provisions necessary for the support of the army. A scanty supply of Indian corn was the only esculent possesssed. A committee of Field Officers waited on General Washington to represent the distresses and .discontent of the troops. Dinner at Head-Quarters being nearly ready, the General, with his usual politeness, asked them to dine before they received a final opinion as to their mission. Various preparations of Indian corn, much of it parched, and nothing else, was served up. The committee influenced by the example of their entertainer, partook of the simple fare with cheerfulness, and never renewed the subject of their mission. The simple dinner placed before them, was a sufficent answer to their complaints, and their report of the occurrence on their return to the troops, silenced every murmar; 192 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. BATTLE ON PORT-ROYAL ISLAND. While I mentioned the gallantry of Moultrie and of the militia corps under his command, I certainly ought to have noticed the good conduct of a detachment of continental artillery, who, in no small degree, contributed to the success of the day. There were nine privates in the action, but several supernumerary officers being at the time at Beaufort, who reprobated the idea of remaining behind in such a business, they marched out with the troops, volunteering their services as private men. Captain De Treville^ commanded the gun carried into action ; Captain Mitchell pointed it against the enemy ; Lieutenant Moore applied the match and fired it ; Capt. Dunham used the sponge-staff for cleaning it out. There was one other captain present, whose name is lost, (probably Greyson, as he was an inhabitant of Beaufort.) Their gal- lantry met its reward : the gun was well served, and did great exec*ition. And great credit was allowed to all concerned, for laying aside all pretensions to rank, when the cause of their country called for their services in an inferior station. LIEUTENANT VLELAND. Among the slain at the disastrous siege of Savannah, was Lieutenant Vleland. Born in Switzerland, he left, in early life, his native mountains to fight the battles of freedom ; and entering a volunteer into the service of the United States, by his zeal and activity very speedily obtained distinction, and was commissioned in the Fii'st Regiment of South-Carolina Continentals. His enthusiastic ardour to obtain celebrity, attracting the admiration of a congenial spirit, he was, by REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 193 Lieut. Col. John Laurens, entrusted with the command of the Forlorn Hope, which headed the Light Infantry led on by him to the attank of the British redoubts. In the conflict he fell, receiving a dreadful wound which rendered amputation es- sential, as affording the only chance of life. During the per- formance of the operation, (Lieut. Col. John Laurens and Lieutenant James Legare, to whom he was inexpressibly dear, assisting to cheer him by their presence) he once suffered a groan to escape him, when turning to the former he said, " Pardon, I beseech you, my dear Colonel, this weakness. My resolution was overcome by the severity of the agony I suf- fered. I will no more shrink from the trial ordained me." His fate was speedily determined. Spasms quickly succeeded the loss of his limb, and preserving a composure that could not be a second time subdued, he without a murmur expired. COLONEL WASSON. At the battle of Monmouth, Colonel Wasson, a distinguished officer, attached to the Massachusetts Line, received a wound which, literally speaking, stripped the flesh from his neck to the extremity of the back-bone. Recovery was considered as scarcely possible, but the Commander-in-chief, with whom he was a distinguished favourite, that every chance might be given him to effect it, had him removed to comfortable apartments in the neighbourhood of the battle-ground, and sent a surgeon of known humanity and great skill, to attend particularly to him. Accident put into the hands of this gentleman, a quan- tity of Port Wine, which was essentially serviceable to his patient ; but the spirits of the Colonel failing him, and the suppuration from the wound becoming intolerably offensive, and exhausting his strength entirely, death was considered as certain, and the opinion confirmed by a positive refusal 17 194 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. on the part of the wounded man to take either medicine or refreshment. This circumstance being communicated to General Washington, who called to make inquiries, he said, with his usual composure, " prepare your medicine, Doctor, I will endeavour by persuasion to make him more tractable." The request was no sooner complied with, than the Gereral approaching the bed where Wasson lay, said with an endear- ing smile, " Come, Wasson, my brave fullow, take this from my hand. Believe me, you are too good a man and too in- trepid a soldier to be spared from our army. You must not die. We have much need of your services, and you shall at a future day,^ find your reward in the gratitude of your coun- try." The medicine was taken ; and the Colonel, who was restored to health and strength, has often declared that the en- couragement given by his beloved commander, operated like a charm, revived his drooping spirits, and made the prospect of life once more acceptable to him. It gives me great pleasure to state, that Dr. William Read, of whom I have so often made honourable mention, was the surgeon who perfected the cure. RIFLE-SHOOTING. 1 remember to have heard General C. C. Pinckney say, that he always found that expert riflemen made the best artil- lerists ; and as an instance of the perfection to which they fre- quently attained, he said, " that observing one day, while the siege of Charleston was carrying on, a reconnoitering party of the British approaching rather nearer than usual the lines of defence, he said to Captain Mitchell of the Artillery, do you not think Captain, that by a well-directed shot you could damp the prying curiosity of those gentlemen, who are looking out to discover, if possible, the weakest points of our lines 1 * Certainly,' said Mitchell ; ' I will salute them with a shot REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 195 aimed at the centre of the group, where I presume, the com- mander of the party has fixed himself.' A gun was immedi- ately prepared, pointed by the Captain, and discharged. A great confusion was perceived among the enemy, and it after- wards appeared, that the shot which had been fired, had taken oflTthe arm of Lord Caithness, who rode at the time at the side of, and the nearest officer to Sir Henry Clinton, the Com- mander-in-chief. Correction of an error hi the First Series, (page 97 J on the Authority of General Thomas Pinckney. BOLMAN. The wish to free General La Fayette (said General Tho- mas Pinckney to me in a letter recently received,) did not originate with Bolman. He had distinguished himself by contriving and effectuating the escape from Paris, of the Count de Narbonne, a distinguished Emigre, whom he con- ducted safely to London. The Count de Cadegnan, Captain Bomville, and another gentleman, aids of General La Fayette, were stationed in London, where they formed a little council devoted to the object of liberating their General, for which purpose they were furnished by me with money, from the funds sent me by our government for the use of the General, being the pay and commutation while acting as a Major Gene- ral in our service, which he had formerly refused to accept. These officers, to whom the escape of ftl. de Narbonne, and the means by which it was effected was known, engaged Bol- man, to attempt the liberation of La Fayette, and furnished him with the funds necessary for the enterprize. Huger was not in London, but in Germany, where Bolman fell in with him, and made the proposal for his co-operation, which was accepted as described in the remainder of the anecdote. 196 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. LIEUT. COL. CAMPBELL, KILLED AT EUTAW. An instance of his romantic gallantry occurred in service, which I will mention, although it may fix the imputation on me, however unjust, of being a decided friend to duelling. His son, who bore a Subaltern's commission in his Regiment, had quarrelled with a brother officer, and some harsh expres- sions were eventually exchanged, when the dispute appeared to terminate. The indignant parent, insisting that a war of words was ill-suited to military characters, compelled him to call his adversary to the field, and accompanied liim to it as his second. MOB AT PHILADELPHIA IN 1779. Early in October, in the year 1779, the peace of the city of Philadelphia was disturbed by a band of desperadoes, who, jealous of the prosperity and influence of many distinguished citizens, resolved on their destruction. When I name Mr. Wilson, Robert Morris, G. Clymer, all signers of the Declara- tion of Independence, and General Mifflin and Major Lenox, who had so often fought, that they might be free, I do not hesitate to say, that theirs was a blind infatuation — their guilt consummate, and beyond excuse. A number of the most enlightened whigs, to save the lives of such valuable men, determined to aid them in defending themselves, and repaired for that purpose to Mr. Wilson's, where the party threatened had shut themselves up. A mob of two hundred persons had. assembled on the commons, composed, as it generally hap- pens, of strangers and vagabonds. A JMorth-Carolina Captain headed them, who immediately, with drams beating, marched REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 197 his men to Mr. Wilson's house, and commenced firing, which was warmly returned hy those within. No impression having been made by the fire-arms, the door of the house was assailed by large sledge hammers, and was yielding to the vigour of the strokes applied to it, when a party of the 1st Philadelphia troop of horse, seven only in number, and aided by two Dra- goons of Bayler's Regiment, resolved to save or perish with their fellow-citizens. They were in a street contiguous, unseen by the mob. Dashing suddenly round the corner where Mr. Wilson*s house was situated, the cry of "the horse — the horse" was raised, and their numbers not being known, the rioters fled with precipitation in every direction, but not before two other detachments of the same troop had appeared, who took many prisoners, and wounded not a few; the sword being very freely used, till opposition was no more. Colonel Thomas Morris, of our city, was one of the seven engaged in the con- flict terminating so favourably to order and good govern- ment. SECRET EXPEDITION. In 1779, the Continental Soldiers, serving in South-Ci4roli- iia, were unusually sickly, and rumours prevailing in the Northern army, that great mortality existed among them. Gen. Washington gave a special commission to Dr. Read to visit the State, and inquire into, and ascertain the truth, and return and report thereon. Arrived at Charleston,- the Doctor had the satisfaction to find that the rumoured mortality had been greatly exagerated, which, on his return to the North, being reported, there can be no doubt that the reinforcements ordered to the South in 1780, marched forward with fiir greater alacri- ty than they would otherwise have done. The battle of Stono having occurred but a little before. Dr. Read visited the sick and wounded on the neighbouring plantations, and on Im 17* 108 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. return to Charleston, inspected the hospital, v/hich he also . found in good condition under its med'cal superintendants. A visit was then paid to General Moultrie, encamped with a considerable body of Continental troops and militia on the West end of James' Island, watchins: the movements of Pro- vost, who occupied John's Islajid, on the opposite side of the Stono river. Dr. Head, taking up his quarters for the night in the tent of a friend, was awakened by a voice calling for ; volunteers for a secret expedition Ambitious to engage in ' active service, he arose, and providing himself with arms and accoutrements, joined Captain Thomas Shubrick at the river side, who, with a party were ready to embark. Moving for- ward with muffled oars for some hours, the boat reached Mr. Robert Gibbes' landing on John's Island, about the dawn of day. The object of the expedition was then first made known. Two valuable imported horses, Flimnah and Abdallah, were in i the stables, ready to be carried oft' by the British, who were | about to retreat to Georgia. The centinel under whose care ! they were, was perceived leaning on his musket, fast asleep, gradually approached and secured ; the horses led out, mount- ed and li de off to Stono ferry, where they crossed the river, and were speedily lodged in a place of security. In the inte- rim, Mr. Gibbes raising up a window, said to Captain Shu- brick, *' Sir, you know not your danger, a British officer of great activity is quartered in the neighbourhood with a troop of dragoons — the neighing of the horses when led from the stables, has, beyond all doubt, given alarm, and immediate retreat is necessary for the safety of your party." The hint was taken, and the party scarcely embarked, when the bugle was heard and the approach of dragoons perceived, but too jate to do any injury. On returning to James' Island, Dr. Read immediately waited upon General IVIoultrie, not without some expectation of being complimented on the readiness with which he had engaged in the enterprize, but met with a .stern rebuke. The whole transaction was carried through REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 199 witliout the General's knowledge or concurrence. *' I hate this predatory warfare," said the General — " give me fair fighting, when opportunity offers, and I am ready for it, but this unbecoming mode, which requires more cunning than courage, I thoroughly despise." No motive except the love of country actuated the soldiers of those days ; this long and fatiguing service was performed by Dr. R. altogether at his ^wn expense. ENLISTMENTS. It certainly was one of the greatest errors in the American system of warfare, aiming at successful hostility, to admit of temporary enlistments, as it frequently happened that larg^e bodies of men demanded their discharges, at the very moment that their services were the most required. Some memorable instances occur where exertion was paralyzed, and enterprises the most promising relinquished, on account of this most un- fortunate arrangement. I, myself, witnessed one of impor- tance. Colonel Lee had, with his accustomed sagacity, dis- covered that the British army was vulnerable in a particular point, and had communicated to General Greene, the proba- bility of cutting off the entire detachment of their army, sta- tioned under the command of Lieut. Colonel Craig, on John's Island. The plan being approved, the troops detailed for the service were divided into two parties, the one to be command- ed by Lieut. Colonel Laurens, the other by Lee, in person. Two evenings previously to the contemplated expedition, I ac- companied Colonel Laurens to the parade, where, in language as forcible as could be used, pointing out the honours already acquired, and the fair prospect of crowning them with addi- tional laurels, he addressed a Continental Battalion, whose time of service had expired, and who were to coniinence theii' 200 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. march homewards on the following morning, entreating them to remain but three days longer, assuriisg them that within i:hat period, a blow would be struck that wo(dd he heavily fell by the enemy, and cover themselves with perpetual glory. But, his eloquence was of little avail ; it appeared that a predeter- mination had been taken not to listen to any proposition that would prolong their cojitinuance with the army. One soldier, I well remember, exclaimed, "our zeal in the service cannot be denied; we have strictly adhered to the performance of every duty required of us, and our thinned ranks sufficiently proclaim, that in encountering danger, we have shown no backward fsess, nor inclination to shrink from battle. We were eight hundred strong when we joined the army — we can now scarcely muster three hundred. Five hundred men have fallen by sickness and the swoid — it is time that repose should be ours. We retire with the consciousness of having deserved well of our country. The want of zeal to the cause can never be justly imputed to us." Lieut. Colonel Laurens again and again endeavoured to rouse the sense of honour, and to bring- about a change of opinion, but his efforts were abortive, and on the day following the detachment commenced their march towards Virginia. J was not a little pleased by the distinction made by Lieut. Colonel Ternant, Deputy Inspector General, between such men as enlisted for a limited period of service and those engaged for the war. I attended him along the line of the company to which I belonged. One soldier's name be- ing called, he immediately presented arms, and declared aloud the time for which he was engaged to serve. Of such as were enlisted for limited periods, he took no manner of notice, but strictly to examine their arms and accoutrements ; but to every soldier who exclaimed when called upon by name, "/b?' the war r"* he respectfully bowed, and raising his hat, said, **yo«, Sir, are a gentleman I perceive, I am happy to mak«; an acquaintance with you." REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 201 CAPTAIN LITTELL, OF NEW- JERSEY. That many interesting Revolutionary anecdotes have been lost, in consequence of the httle pains heretofore taken to pre- serve them is unquestionably true. I have now an instance before me, where a very imperfect account is communicated of the gallant conduct of a partizan soldier, who, had justice been done to his achievements, must have appeared with dis- tinguished eclat. Captain Litlell, of New-Jersey, was an officer of enterprize, and admirably fitted for the partizan warfare in which he was unremittingly engaged. I need no better proof of his zeal and activity, than that Sir Henry Clinton, to get rid of the perpe- tual vexations which he caused him to experience, offered a considerable reward for his head. His personal appearance was remarkably fine and imposing, from its strength well cal- culated to endure fatigue and privation, and from the corres- ponding temper of his mind, equal to the support of deeds of the most daring and hardy enterprize. His influence over his neighbours was unbounded; he could at all times com- mand their exertions ; but not being attached to any particular corps, his services, though great, were passed over unnoticed, and while severely felt by the enemy, obtained for him but little credit at home. In the winter of 1776 and '77, when the British had overrun New-Jersey, and established posts in most of the principal towns throughout the State, the success- ful enterprize of General Washington in passing the Delaware, and surprising the detachments of their army at Trenton and Princeton, gave a new turn to the war, and compelling them to concentrate their forces, called into activity the guerilla warriors, who made it impossible for them to quit their posts without the certainty of great loss, and not unfrequently ef entire destruction. On ail these occasions. Captain Littell 202 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. was pre-eminently distinguished. On the day that Newark was abandoned by tlie British force which occupied it as a garrison marching to EHzabethtown, a company of Wal- deckers was despatched on some particular service towards the Connecticut Farms — Littell and his followers speedily dis- covered and followed them. Dividing his small force into two bodiis, he placed one in ambush in the rear, and appearing in front with the other, demanded an immediate surrender. The Germans wished to retrograde, but meeting with the party expressly concealed to impede their retreat, and briskly as- sailed in front, surrendered without firing a gun. The British General, exasperated by their capture, ordered out a body of Hessians to revenge the affront ; but the superior knowledge of the country by Littell and his associates, enabling them to goad the enemy at various points with spirited attacks, without any great degree of exposure, they were also driven into a swamp, and compelled to surrender to inferior numbers. Mor- tified beyond measure by this second discomfiture, a troop of horse were ordered out, but they in turn were routed, and only more fortunate than those who had preceded them, by being able, by the rapid movement of their horses, to escape pursuit. A tory, to whom a considerable reward was offered for the performance of the service, now led three hundred men to the house of Captain Littell, who believing that he was securely pent up within, commenced a heavy discharge of musquetry upon it from all sides. The Captain, however, was not to be so easily entrapped, and while they were making preparation to storm the deserted dwelling, were attacked in the rear, being previously joined by another body of volunteers, and drivcFi with precipitation from the field. Littell, in the interim, witk a part of his force, had formed an ambuscade along a fence gide, and perceiving the enemy slovi ly approaching, levelled and discharged his piece, and t'.t comT;riHf;= r fell. The British, unable from the darkness of the mght, to make any calculation REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 203 with regard to the number of their opponents, were intimidated and sought safety in flight. My correspondent gives me reason to hope for additional information relative to this bold partizan, but so many delays have occurred by the removal of papers on which he had to to depend for information, that I fear, for the present at least, I must take leave of Captain Liltell. I think him an officer of great promise, and it will give me great pleasure to bring him more particularly into public view. x\[RS. NELSON. The occurrence which T am about to relate, is given on the authority of a lady of the highest respectability — one, who I am cj'ifident, would rather perish than propagate what she considered a falsehood. When Lord Cornvvallis, on his march to the interior country after the fall of Charleston, established his quarters at Nelson's Ferry. Mrs. N. who was then a widow, received from him an assurance " that protection should be extended to her property, and that no injury would result from his stay under her roof." Mr. Nelson, when living, had manifested an unaccountable desire to possess a large quaiitity of plate, and had made con- siderable purc/Kises of that article. On the approach of the British army, fearing the consequences of exposure, the whole was collected, and, as Mrs. N. hoped, buried in a sequestered spot, too well concealed to be suspected, and from which ihere was scarcely a possibility of its being removed but by her orders. Her calculations were altogether erroneous. Her secret was betrayed ; the plate found, and triumphantly brought to view as a prize to the captors. Mrs. N. alarmed at the prospect of being deprived of a property so valuable, now thought fit to remonstrate, and in language the most 204 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. respectful, leminded his Lordship of the protection which he had promised. " I certainly did engage," replied Cornwallis, *• to secure to you the quiet possession of every thing above ground. What you chose to bury, I am not bound to protect. The prize must be given to those who discovered it." I do not entertain a thought that his Lordship benefited in the slightest degree, in the division of the spoil. I believe him in- capable of such abject meanness; but by his countenance of the act, he sanctioned an unjustifiable theft ; and certain it is, that Mrs. N. till her death, declared that the chest containing the property, was carried off in his Lordship's own private wagon. WILLIAM CARSON. Among the adherents to the British cause, there was not an individual whose inveterate prejudices were more constantly pxercised to aggravate misfortune, and keep alive the spirit of resistance, than this man. Incessantly engaged in the attempt to excite jealousy and raise the indignation of the ruling au- thorities against the unfortunates witliin their power, his ma- lignity would have been productive of incalculable mischief, had they not considering him weak and knowing him wicked, disdained to listen to his councils. 1 have, in the First Series of my Anecdotes, given an instance of his blundering propensi- ties, in his address to Provost^ partaking of a dinner given to him by tlie refugees from Carolina and Georgia, in consequence of his being the bearer of the grateful intelligence of the re- pulse of the French and Americans before Savannah, and the indignation excited in the bosoms of his companions in conse- quence of it.* 1 remember meeting with him in Edinburgh, in the year 1778, when being altogether ignorant of his real * Vide p. 263. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 205 character, I accepted of an invitation to sup with him at his lodgings, where he assured me I should meet a party com- posed, as he stated, of friends to America. I soon perceived that it would have been difficult to have selected a company more discordant in political sentiments than that which I found assembled. Mr. Carson immediately made the rights of Britain the theme of conversation, and appeared to chuckle with delight, at the results that difference of sentiment, sup- ported with zeal and strong indications of resentment, was likely to produce ; when Dr. Cooper, formerly President of the College of New- York, who^ was present, put an end to the altercation, by jocosely exclaiming, "We met, gentlemen, for convivial purposes, not to disgrace ourselves by indulging in inveterate animosity. In political creed, we are much at point and not likely to convert each other. So fill every man a bumper, and I will offer a toast, which each individual may drink, in the sense that best suits his inclination. " Here's a full swing to Congress." Ungenerous Conduct of General Pigot, towards certain American Officers, his Prisoners, The same spirit of oppression that distinguished the conduct of the British officers in the South, was indulged and exer- cised in the Middle and Eastern States with unremitted se- verity. The news of the capture of Burgoyne having reached the American prisoners parolledon Long Island, Major Lenox, Major Hamilton, and Dr. Steward, of the Pennsylania Line, with heart-felt joy repaired to Flatbush, to celebrate an event so propitious to the cause of their country, so congenial with their own best hopes and most sanguine wishes. The night was passed at the festive board, but their conduct was in no way calculated to give offence. No symptom of exul- 18 206 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. tation was shewn — boisterous mirth would have degraded a feeling- of delight, silent but sincere. In the morning, a fish- cart filled with shad passing through the village. Major Lenox asked the proprietor " if he would sell a part of his load." "Not to a rebel-scoundrel," he replied, "though he were starving." This oflfensive answer was no sooner given than resented. Major Lenox struck the speaker to the earth. An affray was the immediate consequence ; in which the American officers, as might have been expected, were overpowered and severely beaten. But this was not the last of their sufferings. Charged with an assault, and conducted before General Pigot, Major Lenox, in a plain, unvarnished representation of facts, related the provocation, and asked if it was possible to have withheld punishment from a rascal who so richly deserved it. " It is our business (said the General) to protect and cherish such of your countrymen as take protection. You must sub- mit, therefore, to ask pardon for the outrage committed, or take the consequences that must inevitably follow." " Ask pardon of that scoundrel, (said Lenox.) Never !" " Will you, sir," said the General to Major Hamilton : " May I perish if I do," was the reply. The question was put to Stewart, and answered with equal indignation. " You must be introduced then, (said the irritated General) to the Provost Marshal : Mr. Cunningham, they are your prisoners — you know your duty." Six months of close and rigorous confinement, was the conse- quence of an act that a generous enemy would not only have thought just, but commendable. GENERAL ISAAC HUGER. In my First Series of Anecdotes,* I have given a striking proof of the personal intrepidity of General Isaac Huger, * Vide p. 97. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 207 endeavouring by example to inspire his men with courage, and restore the order which had been lost in Gunby's Regi- ment. I have a proof equally strong of his composure in action. An officer calling out to him, " General Huger, f plainly see one of the enemy's riflemen taking deliberate aim to destroy you." " That is no concern of mine," said the General, *' If you think proper, order one of your men to take the fellow oft'." " Dodge, or change your position," re- joined the officer, " or you are a dead man." " I will neither dodge nor quit my post," replied the General, "be the conse- quence what it may." Fortunate Escape of Dr. Williaji Read, and the other Officers o1 the generai Hospital^ from Massacre. Furnished by himself. General Greene retired through North-Carolina with his army and prisoners, after the victory of the Cowpens. The retreat of the general Hospital from Salisbury to Virginia, being in charge of Dr. Read, with a number of sick and wounded of our army as well as of the British, it was neces- sary to proceed with caution and circumspection, as the party were marched through a country, some districts of which were decidedly inimical to us. The prisoners frequently escaped, especially the Queen's Rangers, who were seen in arms against us, in a few hours afterwards, mounted, and joined by the country people, watching every opportunity to impede our progress and capture our men ; which, however, was generally prevented by our well-appointed corps of invalids. The young gentlemen of the department were in the habit, for pastime, to nickname our party, and would play on the credulity of the country people by calling one Cornwallis, another Kniphausen^ 4tG» Our party had, indeed, a very equivocal appearance. 208 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. Many soldiers wore scarlet, and some green, taken from the field of battle. The jest was reprobated by Dr. Read and Dr. Gillet, a respectable Senior, who had joined the department, and our young men and the soldiers were told that it was dan- gerous to put on any thing like equivocal character in our situ- ation. Still the joke continued, and went through the ranks. Dr. Read sensible of the hardships and privations which the party suffered, permitted this playfulness to go on for pastime, and did not sternly put it down, when it nearly proved fatal in the following manner. Halting one evening at the house of Mr. Spencer, the patients being a little in advance, the officers laid down in their blankets in the hall of the log-hut to sleep, Spencer being at the time out with the militia ; the party be- lieved themselves in friendly quarters, and dispersed with the usual precaution of placuig out sentinels. It was Dr. Read's practice to leave one of the gentlemen of the department in the rear to remedy evils, stop hemorrhages, and bring in strag- glers. It was Dr. Brownfield's turn that night ; when putting up at a house in the rear, he heard a clattering of arms, and preparations and threats of an attack on the British party which were at Spencer's : Dr. Brownfield got up, and con- vinced that it must be our party, dissuaded the men, preparing to go forward, from proceeding, promising to accompany them in the morning, and to be answerable for all consequences. The Doctor saw at once that the jest had been the cause of the mistake. An old man had secretly escaped from Spencer's, and given the information, as Mrs. S. had (as she supposed) in- duced a soldier to tell the truth, and she thought to serve the cause by destroying the British commander and his suite. The parly came up in the morning, and we all rejoiced with each other on their providential escape. Their plan was to have fired between the logs, and then to have rushed in with swords and tomahawks to have finished the work of destruction. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 209 PETER FRANCISCO. If it were an object with me to speak of feats of personal strength and prowess joined with consummate boldness and intrepidity, I should be at no loss for Anecdotes; for I scarcely ever met with a man in Virginia who had not some miracu- lous tale to tell of Peter Francisco. Romantic as his exploits were, and well calculated to afford amusement to the generality of readers, I shall mention one only, for which he was certainly entitled to great praise. A marauder, attached to a British Regiment of Dragoons, entered the chamber of a solitary habi- tation, where Francisco was sitting unarmed, and totally un- conscious of the approach of an enemy. " Give up, instan- taneously, all that you possess of v«-ilue," said the soldier, " or prepare to die." " I have nothing to give up," said Fran- ciso : " so use your pleasure." " Deliver instantly," rejoined the soldier, " those massy silver buckles which you wear in your shoes." " They were a present to me from a valued friend," said Francisco, " and it would grieve me to part with them. Give them into your hands I never will. You have the power, take them if you think fit." The Dragoon placed his sabre beneath his arm, the hilt of it being invitingly pre- sented in his front, which being quickly perceived by Fran- cisco, he seized it eagerly, and by a deadly blow, not only severed the head of his antagonist completely in two, but car- ried the division through the entire neck to the point in which they were united to the body. The exploits of this extraordinary man have given exercise to the talents of the painter also. I have seen an engraving in which he is represented engaged in conflict with Five British Dragoons, the whole of whom he made his prisoners ; but I am not sufficiently acquainted with the particulars- to give .«o gallant an action a place in these Anecdotes. 18* 210 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTEfef. M'ELROTH. That necessity has been justly deemed "the mother of in- vention," is strongly exemplified by the anecdote which fol- lows. When the current of success, which had for a length of time favoured the British army, appeared decidedly to take a new course, and run in an opposite direction. Governor Rutledge, ever mindful of his duty, and anxiously solicitous for the welfare of his country, returned with all expedition to his native State, which he had been compelled to abandon, and evidently perceiving the advantages that would flow from it, determined to issue a proclamation, tendering forgiveness to all, who, from the mistaken ideaofthe inutility of resistance j or the hope of quitting the fatigues and dangers of the field, for the tranquil enjoyments of domestic ease and security, had submitted to the foe and sought their protection. So uni- versal, however, had been the destruction of property, that neither types nor a printing-press could be obtained. A me- chanic of distinguished talent, whose name was M'Elroth, was an inhabitant of the interior country ; to him Governor Rutledge repaired, and pointing out the advantages that might be expected, from the wide dissemination of the contemplated proclamation, among the wavering and disaffected, earnestly lequested him to prepare the types necessary for the accom- plishment of his purpose. M'Elroth was a staunch and decided whig, but though willing to comply with the Governor's wishes, declared himself, from conviction, incompetent to the task. " I have never in my life," he said, " seen a type, or learned by what process they are prepared." " Your good will," replied the Governor, *' will do much ; your inventive talent still more, and remember how great the honour which awaits you, when it shall be said, that the expulsion of the enemy was in a great measure owin^ to your intelligent exei:- REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 211 lions." The experiment proved altogetiier successful. Types were made of pewter, with a mixture of other metals. A press constructed, and the Proclamation of the Governor ra- pidly spread throughout the country — revived the hopes of the desponding — dispelled the fears of the timid — confirmed the the steady adherence of the patriotic band, who had never shrunk from their duty, and roused the entire population of the State, to oppose the enemy Avith renovated zeal and ener- gy, till their final expulsion and retreat from our shores. SCOTT, OF JERSEY. At the battle of Springfield, in Jersey, a well directed shot from the British, mortally wounded Captain Thompson of the artillery, and a Sergeant of the name of Scott. The latter, a North Briton by birth, inspired by an enthusiastic attachment to liberty, had, at the commencement of the war, crossed the Atlantic, expressly to fight under the banners of America. Colonel Forrest, who commanded the Artillery on that. occa- sion, assured me, that on approaching the wounded men, he found the Captain perfectly resigned to his fate, while Scott was deafenning all around him, by the loud tones and vehe- mence with which he uttered his prayers. Attributing his clamours to unbecoming pusillanimity, the Colonel indignantly exclaimed, " damn you,l5cott, be less noisy, and if you must die — die like a man." The wounded soldier brought to his recollection by this reproach, immediately replied, '* I will endeavour to do so. Colonel, and changing his manner, and the tones of his voice, thus addressed his companions : " My fellow-soldiers— men were never engaged in a more hallowed cause, than that which we are pledged to support. If I, who am a stranger in your land, who came from a far distant country to fight your battles think so, and have sealed my 212 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. opinions with my blood, how much more is it your duty, td cherish the seiitiine);!, who have your wives — your children — your country, to c;iii forth your unremittinu" energies, to expel the hostile invader "? — Fight on then, with zi'al and constancy to the last. It is your comrade's last requ*^- t." When striving to raise a shout of encouragement, he famled and expired. LIEUT. REESE BOWEN. At the battle of King's Mountain, Lieut. Reese Bowen, of Coloiicl Campheh's Regiment, raised in Washington County, Virginia, was observed while marching forward to attack the enemy's post, to make a hazardous and very unnecessary ex- posure of his person. One of his companions calling out, " why Bowen, do you not take a tree — why rashly present yourself to the deliberate aim of riflemen, concealed behind every rock and bush before you 1 Death must inevitably fol- low if you pt-rsist." He indignantly replied, " take to a tree ! no — never shall it be said, that 1 sought safety by hiding my person, or dodging from a Briton or tory, who opposed me in the field." As he concluded the sentence, a rifle-ball struck him in the breast. He fell and expired. CAPTAIN ADAM WALLACE, OF VIRGINIA. In justice to the memory of Captain Adam Wallace, I feel myself bound to give thefoUowingbrief account of his bravery, as certified by a number of ofiic»/rs and soldiers of Buford's Regiment, at the disastrous battle of the Waxaws. Captain Wallace was posted on the right of the Regiment when the enemy made their attack, and was not a little shocked, after the exchange of a few shots, to hear Buford order his men N REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 213 to ground their arms. Captain W. so far obeyed as to cease liriiig, but speedily perceiving that no quarter was to be given, ordered his men to engage with their wonted bravery, and to sell their hves as dearly as possible. His personal activity and intrepidity were conspicuous, bravely defending himself against a host of foes ; his aim was to reach Tarleton, and actually approached sufficiently near him to make several thrusts at him, though, unhappily, without effect. While thus engaged, a blow from a sabre on the back part of his neck, nearly severed his head from his body. He was found dead on the field of battle with a British officer slain by his hand at his feet. Colonel Tarleton, albeit unused to compli- ment an enemy, publicly said, " the bravery of this man enti- tles him to immortal honour." DIFFERENT MODES OF QUELLING A REBEL- LION. During the mutiny of the Pennsylvania line, Congress de- legated one of their own body. Dr. Witherspoon, together with the Generals, Greene and Wayne to endeavour to bring them back to reason, and a proper sense of their duty. " How shall we set about this business ]" asked General Greene. " I would commence," said Dr. Witherspoon, by giving them a ser- mon. Religious admonition might be attended with powerful effect." " I," said Wayne, " would call for the aid of the militia, and such continentals as are faithful, and bring them to their senses at the point of the bayonet.'* "Let persuasion be tried in the first instance," said General Greene. Major Hamilton and another popular officer, were sent forward ac- cordingly, for that purpose. Approaching the camp of the mutmeers, a corporal stepped forward and exclaimed, " Major Hamilton, I wish you well, I would not harm you, but by th(^ 214 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. God of Heaven, if you advance a step, you are a dead man. This is no moment for negotiation." And the party retired. A much more effectual measure was pursued in Carohna, when the privates of the first Regiment rebelled, and set their officers at defiance. General Barnwell, an officer of consum- mate bravery, assured me that he could never sufficiently ad- mire the calm and steady conduct of Major Pinckney, on so trying an occasion, for while other officers endeavoured with- out success to check the increasing spirit of insubordination, and with mortified pride found their commands resisted, and their harangues received with taunts and revilings, the firm- ness and decision of Major Pinckney at once put an end to sedition. Regardless of personal safety, he walked delibe- rately into the midst of the mutineers, and with a blow of his sabre, cut down their ringleader. The disaffected, who before breathed nothing but vengeance, without an exception, return- ed to their duty, sueing loudly for mercy and forgiveness. BENJAMIN ELLIOTT. Of this decided patriot, I have often wished to speak, be- cause his devotion to the cause of his country was exemplary and unbounded; his ardour for military fame, pre-eminently conspicuous, and eagerness to engage in arduous enterprize so constant, that Pulaski, who had regarded his enthusiasm with a military eye, was wont to say of him, " here is a hero after my own heart. This is my own old soldier." I have but a single instance to adduce of his determined spirit, but that I think will sufficiently prove it. On the retreat of a part of the American forces across Ashley ferry, during Provost's invasion, the confusion in the rear was so great, that the boat was abandoned to the enemy, and even the tow-rojie left unin- jured. This was no sooner perceived by Mr. Benjamin REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 215 Elliott, the gentleman in question, from the high land, where, by a long causeway it was united to the river, than without consideration of personal danger, he gallopped down to the river-edge under a very heavy fire from the enemy on the op- posite shore, and cutting the rope with his sabre, allowed the boat, which was crowded with soldiers, to be hurried down by a rapid stream, the middle of which they had reached, and thereby removed from his companions all apprehension of further pursuit. MRS. CALDWELL. The same spirit of deadly animosity which characterized the entire coiiduct of the British troops in the Southern Spates, marked also their unrestrained barbarity in otfier sections of the Union. There inveteracy perhaps was not as frequently shown, but where exercised, was in its consequences equally fatal. There were few occurrences during the war which ex- cited so universal a sentiment of horror, or generated keener resentments towards the British, tiian the deliberate and san- guinary murder of Mrs. Caldwell, on the expedition to Spring- field. In the month of June, 1780, during the absence of Sir Henry Clinton to the southward, five thousand men and seven- teen pieces of Artillery, under the command of the Flessian General Kniphausen, left New-York, landed at Elizabeth town, and advancing to the Connecticut farms, about five miles distant, set fire to the village, and entirely destroyed the Presbyterian Church, and fourteen dwellings and barns, leav- ing the inhabitants completely destitute, without food and without shelter. In the neighbourhood lived the Rev. Mr. Caldwell, whose unremitted zeal and activity in the cause of his country, had rendered l)im particularly obnoxious to its oppressors, who had even carried their resentments so far, a« 216 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. to set a price on his head. Until this period he had eluded every attempt to injure him, but unfortunately milled by too great confidence in their generous use of power, and believ- ing it impossible that resentment could be extended to a mother watching over the safety of her children, he incautiously left his family at their mercy, and joined the troops collecting to oppose them. The unprepared militia being driven from the neigh- bourhood, a fair opportunity was offered for injuring Mr. Cald- well in the tenderest point, nor was it neglected. A British Sergeant approached the house, and putting his musket within the window of the room, in which this excellent lady was sit- ting, surrounded by her children, and holding an infant in her arms, discharged it, and shot her dead on the spot. A Hes- sian Captain then ordered a hole to be dug, and the body throw n into it. At the earnest request, however, of an officer of the New Levies, it was afterwards suffered to be removed to a small house in the neighbourhood. Mr. C's. mansion, with all that it contained was then set fire to, and completely de- stroyed. Mr. Caldwell was thus left, with nine small children, looking up to him for support, without even a change of clothes or shelter under which he could procure them refuge. But this unmanly and cruel act did not escape severe and exem- plary punishment. So far from demonstrations of terror be- ing exhibited over the country, as had been expected the inha- bitants breathed only sentiments of revenge. It animated the brave with new energy, and caused even the timid to perform feats of valourous daring unlooked for, and never before exhi- bited. The great object of the British expedition was com- pletely defeated. The entire population of the country, thronged to the standard of liberty. The invading army was foiled at every point, and nothing but the precipitancy of their retreat saved them from entire destruction. It was on this occasion that Mr. Timothy Ford quitted his collegiate studies, and joining the army as a volunteer, received two severe wounds, which did not, however, prove mortal, leaving him at REVOLUTIOiNARV Ax\£CDOTES. 217 a future period to render those important services to his coun- try, which must necessarily exalt his character, in the opin- ion of every genuine patriot, and every good and virtuous citizen. PETER ROBESON. Peter Robeson, of Bladen County, was pre-eminently dis- tinguished by his attachment to whig principles, and of course detested by the tories in his neighbourhood. Being on one occasion on duty at a distance from home, his house was assailed at noon-day by a party, expressly for the purpose of reducing it to ashes. Mrs. R. was ordered to remove a cradle in which an infant reposed, which not being done with the ex- pedition required, one of the party overturned the cradle, to the great injury of the child, which, however, being speedily snatched up by the mother, escaped the flames in which the house was completely enveloped. Robeson, returning to the spot some days afterwards, gave indulgence to the spirit of resentment. Irritated by the loss of his property, and still more by the cruelty exercised towards his child, with a select party of friends, he set out with the resolution to pursue his enemies to extermination, and it is said actually put thirteen of them to death with his own hands. GODFREY. Captain Godfrey, and his brother Johii Dreher, were assailed by a purxy of tones, about thirty in number, headed by a Bri- tish officer. Leaving their horses under a guard, these unwei- comed intruders quickly surrounded the house, when the officer entering with a few of his men, demanded of the terrified 19 218 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. mother where her sons were. Aware that their object was to destroy them, she raised her voice, that they who were at the time in an upper room might hear and be apprized of their danger, demanding by what authority they sought them, and what they wished to say. The Captain perceiving a stair- case leading to an upper story immediately advanced towards it. Her sons, who from the perilous position of their habita- tion, were ever in expectation of attack, and prepared for hos- tility, flew to their arms, and met their adversary at the head of the stairs, each presenting a cocked pistol. Lieut. Dreher, immediately fired, and mortally wounded his enemy, who, falling back on his comrades, so completely intimidated them, that they fled with precipitation towards their horses, and communicating their panic, the whole ran off, leaving their entire spoils and property to the victors. The brothers, as they quitted the house, opened the upper windows, and firing several shots, gave alarm to the neighbouring whigs, who quickly collecting, secured the prize they had gained. Re- turning to the house, every attention was given to the wound- ed officer, but in vain ; he speedily expired, owning that his object was to destroy both the house and its inhabitants. KNUCKLES. In the neighbourhood of Pacolet Springs, resided John Knuckles, an active enterprising whig. The whole of Union District witnessed his zeal, which caused him to be marked as an object for destruction, by those of the inhabitants who had given in their adhesion to the British commanders. Soon as a fit occasion offered for a display of their cherished re- sentment, his house was, in the dead of the night, surrounded, he was taken from the bed in which he reposed with his wife and an infant son, not a month old, and never after heard of. REVOLUTIOxNAIlY ANECDOTES. 219 Some months after, however, a skeleton was found in the vicinity of Iiis house, which was universally believed to he his. TAKING THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. While the army lay at Valley Forge, in December, 1776, Major Forrest, having, in compliance with a general order, marched the officers of his regiment to General Knox*s quar- ters, that they might take the oath prescribed by Congress, to Jefend and support the independence of the States, as declared 3n the preceding 4th of July. An Irish officer stepping for- ivard, exclaimed, *' before we go in, could you not, Major, contrive to see the General, and prevail on him to put little [reland in the oath ?" " It would never do," said the Major, ' but while we are engaged with England on one side, let Ire- land sieze the golden opportunity and assail her on the other. \^ow is the time." " And so say I," rejoined the officer, ■' and if she fail to do it, let her sons from henceforth and for- ever boil their potatoes in a wooden skillet." BARRY AND SWEENY. In ray first series,* it will be seen that I had accompanied the British Commodores, Affleck and Sweeny, to visit Capt. Barry, on board the Alliance Frigate. The kindred spirit of brave men, caused them at once to discover each other's pei*fec- dons. The intercourse of a few days, passed in friendly com- munication, made these sons of Neptune as intimate as bro-p * Page 434. 220 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTKS. thers. To have seen them together, it might readily havfe been supposed that they had been engaged through life in the same service, and animated with similar hopes and similar desires, and had shared the toils and vicisitudes of war to- gether. When the moment of separation arrived, Sweeny taking Barry affectionately by the hand, said, " Adieu my countryman!" "Not exactly so," said Barry, "you. Com- modore, are a Briton, I an American." "lam," rejoined Sween}^, " an Irishman, and so are you, too, Barry, or if not you ought to be. You have too many of the strong features of a genuine Irishman for me to be mistaken in you. Your attachment to the cause of the country, for which you have fought and bled, is both natural and highly to your honour, but by Jesus, you are too good a fellow for old Ireland to relin- quish the claims that she has upon your best affections." INDIAN ANECDOTE. It is well known that the influence of the British over the 5^arious Indian tribes on the frontiers of the United States, had, during the whole of the Revolutionary war, caused that san- guinary race to indulge in every species of rapine and car- nage. While in conversation with Judoje Peter Johnson, at Abingdon, in the summer of 1826, a very plainly dressed countryman, somewhat advanced in years, passed by us, which occasioned my companion to observe, " there. Major, goes a man, who has done the State much service, having by his active exertions cut off the last body of hostile Indians that ever committed depredations in Virginia. Murders without number had been perpetrated on tiie frontier, and many fami- lies carried into captivity. This man, with anxious solicitude, Witnessed the enormities committed, and determined, if possi- ble, to discover the path by Avbich the pettlements were invaded, REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 221 the suKreunding mountains bein^ supposed to be inaccessible. Two ^aps in the Cumberland mountain were explored, which appeared to him the passages selected by the invaders, as the best calculated to facilitate their entrance into the settlements. Information of the discovery was immediately communicated to the families the most exposed, with a request that on the very first appearance of an Indian, intelligence should be given to him, who had organized a party expressly for the purpose of preventing mischief. News soon after arrived that thirteen Indians, headed by a half-breed leader of great notoriety, had reached the settlement of a Mr. Livingston, and after murdering all the males of the family, were carrying off Mrs. L. as their captive. The heroic protector of the unfortunate immediately divided his men into two parties, sending off the one under the command of a brave and trusty friend to one of the gaps, and took post at the other himself, with the remainder of his force. Strict orders were given, on no pretext whatever to fire, but one of the men perceiving an Indian approach, could not withstand the temptation of making a good shot, dis- charged his piece, and with deadly effect! The Indian fell and expired. The alarm given, the invaders would have sought safety by flight, but a very heavy fire being poured in upon them, the half-breed and every individual of the party fell, save only one, who, terrified in the extreme, fled to the woods till opportunity occurred of recrossing the mountain, when he gave so terrific an account of the slaughter of his companions, that the disposition to engage in enterprizes attended with such hazard of life subsided, and no Indian was ever again known to enter the settlements with hostile intentions. Mrs. L. on the report of the first gun fell to the ground, by which manoeu- vre her life was saved. 222 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. A more particular explanation of a transaction recorded in my first series of Anecdotes, page 109. It is a fact well understood, that at the period of the strug- gle of party, in the year 1800, that General C. C. Pinckney, hy consenting to unite his name with that of Mr. Jefferson, would have secured to himself the unanimous vote of the electors of South-Carolina. But consistent with his decided principles, such an association could not be entered into. There was no voting at that time for a Vice-President. By the Constitution, each Sfate voted for two persons as Presi- dent, one of whom was not to be of the State voting ; the highest on the list, having a majority of the whole, was to be President, the next Vice-President. Now, if C. C. Pinckney had received the votes of South-Carolina, which he might done, had he have consented to a coalition with Mr. Jefterson, as proposed by his friends in the State Legislature ; these added to all the Federal votes, would have made him Presi- dent. While he was acting this noble and candid part, the Adams' party in New-England were plotting to secure the Presidential Chair to their own candidate, which they knew would be endangered, if both the Federalists should receive an equal number of votes. They, therefore, threw away several votes for the second candidate, sfivinoj the whole to John Adams. It is evident, therefore, that if General C. C. Pinck- ney, could have been guilty of a derciiction of principle, the want of faith to party might have been excused from this in- stance of the conduct of the friends of Mr. Adams. The opinion of the Ex-President Adams, writing to General Gads- den, 1 have already recorded in my first series. " I have been well-isiformed of the frank, candid and honourable conduct of General C. C. Pinckney, at your State election, which was conformable to the whole tenour of his actions through life, as' far as they have come to my knowledge." REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 223 Imputation of Ingratitude incorrectly fixed on Republics. Prejudices that are once entertained, are afterwards difficult to shake off. The stigma of ingratitude has been pronounced a characteristic of Republics — in my belief (as far as our nation is implicated in the charge) unjustly. I once cherished an opposite opinion It was at a period when the inveteracy of party spirit assailed the fair fame of Washington. But I very frankly allow, that, even then, too hastily; for by whom were the scandalous aspersions of character fabricated, but by a set of unprincipled vagabonds, the outcasts of then* native country, and the scourge of that of their adoption. The gazettes, over which they had obtained a fatal influence, were filled with the most bitter invectives, nor did they scruple, un- blushingly, to give the most upright and dignified statesmen of our country, the appellation of Traitor and Tyrant. Truth, however, in all its brilliancy, burst forth, and calumny was dumb. The name of Washington appeared without blemish. Specks in his character, if any such did ever exist, were no longer perceptible to mortal eyes, and by the universal consent of mankind, it is acknowledged, that, as far as the frailty of human nature will admit, his character has reached the pin- nacle of perfection. To the Hero then, at once the boast and ornament of his country, to the immortal Washington, the charge of ingratitude is not applicable. Will not the liberal conduct of Congress towards the Baron Steuben,* Kosciusko, * When Baron Steuben's case was first mentioned in Congress, and reference made to the important services which he had rendered to the United States, the compliment was paid him, to inquire in what mode the sense of his good conduct could be most satisfactorily acknowledged. " By the grant of a specific sum in cash," was his ready reply. This circum- stance bein^ communicated to General Washington, he, without hesi- tation, resolved to oppose the measure. " I am so well apprized," he said, " of the generous nature and liberal disposition of this excellent man, whose feelings are never so much hurt as when he witnesses dis* 224 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. and General La Fayette, do away the deijrading imputation*? "Will not the expression of the most exalted sense entertained of the services rendered to their coin.try, by the und»^;viating good conduct oi Jefferson and of Aloms^ prove the truth of my po.-irioii? Will tiot the eulogies pronouucedtliroujjjhout the Union on ilie vith every offensive kind of trash. Nor did we expe- 228 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. rience any diminution of ijijurious treatment, when fixed in our new quarters. Yet, not a symptom of despondency was visible in any countenance. A cairn and dignified submission loan unavoidable evil, marked our entire conduct. To solicit atteniion from men who were strangers to the mild dictates of humanity, we well knew would be useless, and no appeal was ever made. When the more compassionate tenderness of the female heart led them to visit our dreary abodes, we received consolation from their attentions, and from the cheering ex- pression of their looks, felt a revival of courage that fortified our hopes and bid defiance to the most envenomed shafts of tyranny and oppression. We were even sportive in our amuse- ments, and by a variety of contrivances dispelled that ennuis which must otherwise have proved oppressively irksome, and caused our time to hang with great and insupportable weight upon our hands. We feasted luxuriously on the most simple food. Cheerfulness was our sauce and our stimulant to appe- tite. Our spirits were exalted without liquor. The cup of cherished hope passed from lip to lip, and the glow of becoming mirth and hilarity never knew abatement. In the conscious- ness of serving our country with fidelity, we felt all the bliss of peace of mind, and if ever a sensation of sorrow was felt, it was when we heard of the dereliction of duty by some friend or person we wished to think well of ; who, cajoled by the de- lusive promises of the enemy, or natural imbecility of their minds and temperament, had been induced to seek their pro- tection. The establishment of an Ugly Club on board, was a source of perpetual amusement. For although there were some among us who did not quarrel with nature for giving us plain countenances, and who were not ignorant of their imper- fections on the score of beauty ; yet there were others who, without a single feature that could be deemed attractive, or a glance of intelligence or smile of fascination, lost their tempers, and were beyond measure fretful and peevish, especially v/hen chosen to fill the high ofl^ices in the Society. But ill-humour REVOLUTIOiNARY ANECDOTES. 229 was productive of no advantage to him who indulged it, and it was only necessary for a man to dispute the judgment and want of taste in his companions, and to attempt to stop the current of opinion, to have his claims to the perfection of ugliness fixed on him for life." The same happy disposition prevailed among the exiles to St. Augustine. Patience and equanimity were the order of the day, and innocent mirth occasioned the languor of confinement to be submitted to with scarcely a murmur, or expression of dissatisfaction. Two gentlemen, staunch whigs in principle, kept up a regular cor- respondence with each other ; the one was an exile at St. Au- gustine, the other an inmate of the narrower limits of the Pro- vost in Charleston. Some of the banished gentlemen, sus- pecting that the former was rather poetical in his prose — in other words, that he sometimes rather brightened the colouring of the information which he received from his city friend, resolved to put it to the test, and prevailed on Mr. Brown, the Commissary of Prisoners, who was about to deliver letters at roll-call, which had just arrived from Charleston, to place among them one directed to the suspected embellisher. It contained these words, *' Yahoo — Yahoo — Yahoo, !" The letter was no sooner lookt;d into, than bursting intv) an exclamation of rapturous delight, he who received it, kissed it with ardour, and handing it to his next neighbour, exclaimed — " read it, and rejoice, the day is our own ; victory crowns our efforts, and freedom and independence are at hand." *' I see nothing," said the gentleman who held the letter in his hand, " but an uncouth name thrice repeated, and followed by three scratches preceding a point of admiration." " The very cause of my joy," said the exulting patriot. You have seen the secret cypher agreed upon between my friend and myself, to communicate intelligence. Yahoo, stands for Cornwallis, and the three scratches gives positive assurance that he is taken." Strange to tell, this fanciful dream — this 20 230 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. vague conjecture proved true. The very next vessel from Charleston brought intelligence, that propitious fortune, for- saking the standard of the victor of the South, that the renowned Lord Cornwallis, had surrendered his army to General Washington at Yorktown. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 231 Brief Account of the Celebration of the Victory at New- Orleans^ obtained over the invading Army of Great- Britain^ January Sth, 1815. From the very nature of my work, and the terms in which I have invariably expressed myself, the gratification must be great to notice every occurrence which does honour to my countr3\ It cannot, therefore, excite surprise, that the late celebration of the Victory at New-Orleans, achieved on the 8th of January, 1815, should be considered by me as particu- larly worthy of attention. General Jackson, the hero to whom it was intended to do honour, has been regarded by me as a bright luminary from the earliest period of his life. I have often dwelt with pride on the recollection of the manly firmness with which he refused to officiate in the degrading capacity in which the assumed superiority of an insolent British officer would have placed him. I have greeted his first c^ppearar.ce on the field of battle, and his exemplary intrepidity when there, as a fair and encouraging pledge of that perfect mili- tary skill which caused him, on every subsequent rencontre with the enemy, to possess himself of the wreath of victoiy, and to claim all the applause that a grateful nation could be- stow. The account which follows, is far better calculated to do him honour, than any thing that can come from my pen. It was furnished me by an officer, high in'his esteem, and possessing his most unlimited confidence — ^one who served under his command during the greater part of the war, and who has often assured me, that exalted as his reputation for gallantry and military prowess, it gave not a higher claim to celebrity, than the talents and virtues which distinguished his entire conduct in private life. The particulars relative to the celebration, are copied from a note on the subjoct, with which he furnished me. He was present during the celebration of 232 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. this glorious national fete; and as a soldier and gentleman, 1 am confident that his statement may be deemed correct in every particular. The late celebration of the Battle of the Eighth of January, at New-Orleans, is -without a parallel in the history of our country. Those who witnessed La Fayette's reception at the same place, declare, that though extremely splendid^ it was not near so imposmg. Seventy-five thousand persons were present, while it will be recollected, that the permanent population of New-Orleans does not exceed forty-five thousand. What greatly added to the gaiety of the scene, and taste and splen- dour of the celebration, was, that the French understand more perfectly than any other people, how to arrange and give effect to these exhibitions. There were circumstances which took place on the occasion, that never before occurred in the world. A fleet of twenty-four steam-boats, almost all of the largest class, beautifully decorated, ascended the father of rivers, firing minute guns, crowded with citizens splendidly and tastefully dressed, and proceeded to a point three miles above the city ; the place where, by arrangements previously made, Jackson came on board one of them, and from thence was conducted down the Mississippi to the battle-ground. On reaching the field of battle, addresses were delivered to Jackson in French and English, to which he made appropriate answers. The shouts of the people when he landed, greatly exceeded any thing which could have been supposed even in imagination. It was heard many miles off, and was the grandest and most sublime sound that ever struck my ears ; for the effect of the human voice when combined to a great extent, operates on the mind in a most powerful manner. Among other things which rendered this wonderful celebration peculiarly interesting, was the circumstance that New-Orleans every year collects and concentrates citizens from every part of the world, and on this occasion, every natien in Europe was actuallt/ represented, REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 233 and almost every State in the Union, officially so. Several militar)' corps also, were present from adjoining States. No partv feeling dared to show itself; every man, woman and youth vied with each other in doing honour to the hero of two wars, the conqueror of Wellington's veterans, the guest of the ^tate of Louisiana. The nations of the old world were taught a useful lesson, and could not hut allow (in contradiction to their cherished sentiment) that republics were not always de- ficient in gratitude to their benefactors. During the week that Jackson remained at New-Orleans, his conduct and deport- ment was most exemplar}-. In Roman dignity, a ^Vashing- ton — in colloquial eloquence, a Jefferson. His manners based upon pure Revolutionary simphcity, every thing flowed from the heart and went directly to it. The sj>eech which follows, irives in a few words the true character of Jackson, better than any thinof I have heretofore seen in print, which I trust, will appear an ample apology for giving it publicity. While the company were assembled at the festive board, the following toast having been given — ''^Colonel Arthur P. Hayne — The compatriot of Jackson — we tender him our hearty welcome to the land be so gallantly defended," Colonel Hayne rose and spoke as follows : — " Mr. President — Gratitude is not eloquent. All I can say on this joyful occasion is, I thank you — most cordially thank you, for the flatteringf sentiment with which you have honoured me. Sir, if there be any portion of my life to which I recur with peculiar delight, it is that period of it, when all the pow- ers of my mind and body were honestly and faithfully devoted to the safety and protection of this gallant city. I can truly say, that throughout that brilliant and arduous campaign, I endeavoured to the best of my humble abilities, to discharge 20* 234 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDTOES. my duty. What a godlike spectacle was exhibited to the world during the New-Orleans campaign ! It was there that the brave yeomanry of the West, glowing with the holy flame of Liberty and Patriotism, rose in their might, and conquered the veteran troops of Wellington, and then was illustrated in sober truth, the sentiment of the Poet, when he exclaimed — ''On valour's side the odds of combat lie, The brave live glorious, or lamented die ; The wretch that trembles in the field of fame, Meets death, and worse than death — eternal shame." " Fellow-Soldiers, you all well remember on that trying occasion, that with one universal burst of patriotic ardour, the cry every where was — l^o Arms — To Arms — your motto, * Victory or DeathJ' The only contention among you was, who should be foremost in the race of glory, who most faithfully perform his duty to his country. And you can all bear witness to the truth of my assertion when I say, that in patriotic zeal and enthusiasm, in gallant bearing, and daring courage, the City of New-Orleans covered herself with immortal glory. *' Mr. President — It cannot be wrong for old soldiers as- sembled as we are around the festive board, after a separation of thirteen long years, to dwell upon the recollections of former times, even at the expense of saying something of our own actions. Bear with me then, while I feebly endeavour to place before you, one of the most happy illustrations of the moral sublime which was ever exhibited. You all remember, j fellow-soldiers, when the Commander-in-chief was informed by the lamented Tatum, a veteran soldier of '76, that the enemy, in great force, had effected a landing. Then was it that the character of Andrew Jackson shone forth with sur- passing brightness. Never, while I live, shall I forget his conduct in that perilous crisis, and truly can I say, that next to our God, we owe every thing to his skill and wisdom. When iie was told that tbe,f©neray were at your door — had reached REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 235 the margin of yonder noble river — I ask the question — em- phutically ask it — was he not then surrounded by evei*y diffi- CLiJty that could possibly encompass the situation of a gallant soldier. Yet, gentlemen, did we not see him at that awful crisis, calm and self-collected — fortitude and magnanimity beaming in his countenance. Yes, General, in your venerable person, by a delightful association of ideas, ivc were permitted by the God of the Quick and of the Dead, to behold once again on earth, our own immortal Washington. And now the hour of battle is at hand, and we behold our Jackson placing himself at the head of only two thousand men, of whom not more than sixteen hundred were actually engaged, meeting a brave enemy, amounting in number to five thousand, and leading our eagles to victory and glory. The battle of the twenty-third of December, was the saving of this city. It was the great link in the chain of cause and eftect, which pro- duced the glories of the ' Eighth of January,' the day you now so nobly celebrate, brave citizens of Louisiana — a day, which records a mighty victory, in some respects, unparalleled in the history of the world. I must stop, fellow-soldiers, for the glories of New-Orleans are a theme too transporting for me. "Mr. President -I now beg leave to give a toast, and in so doing, to pay a small tribute of respect to departed worth — to brave and gallant friends, who bared their bosoms to the foe in the hour of trial and danger, and who, in the day of battle, were every where that duty and danger called. " The memories of Humphrey, Duncan, Read, and Kemper^. " Come expressive silence, muse their praise." 236 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. The Monody which follows, was written very shortly aftep the commencement of the war of the Revohition, hy a young Irish student named Dunn, then attached to the Glasgow Col- lei^e. The name of the friend so pathetically lama:ited, was (to the hest of my recollection) Rogers, a native of Maryland, who, hastening homewards to assis-t in defending the liberties of his country, unhappily perished at sea. PAULUS— A MONODY. Upon a sea-girt rock Eugenius stood, And viewed with stedfast eyes the rolling flood ; And still, in every passing wave He songht his Paulus' watery grave, And fancy oft the corse descry'd, Wound in its billowy shroud, and floating with the tide. But far on wide Atlantic's dreary coast, Beneath a Promontory's shade, The youth by pious hands is laid, And vainly dost thou weep thy Paulus lost, To distant shores and more inclement skies, The faithless vessel yielded up her prize. And are you then at rest, The sport no longer of the watery waste, An unprotected corse? The swain is blest. Who snatch'd thee from the surge's force. And hallow'd is the glebe that holds thy clay. And blest the pious youth that sung thy funeral lay. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 237 But ah ! thy virtues could he tell, Thy firm integrity above a price ; Thy warm devotion to the public weal ; Thy ardent friendship — honour nice. Courage with pity still allied, And modesty that like a veil did all thy virtues hide. Could he thy innocence declare, A grace so rare, When linked with knowledge, that it shone Complete in thee alone. Could he thy love of liberal arts proclaim, Still guided to the noblest end, Thy country's freedom to defend, Not to achieve an empty name. For this thou oft hast conn'd th' historic page — For this the jurist's knotty lore. From Alfred's down to William's age. Increasing still thy copious store, A future gift for the Atlantic's shore. Thine was the task her sacred rights to guard. Her wide-spread States with friendly links to bind; The happiness of millions thy reward — Thy monument in every patriot mind. Soon as the tyrant spoke the word Be slaves ! or dread the exterminating sword, Britaimia's hated isles you fled, And mourn'd her antient spirit dead ; Your native woods you sought. With Spartan virtue fraught; That virtue which can fate defy, J^reparetl to nebly live or bravely rfj^e. 238 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. Behold the wish'd for shore, The tempest howls and Pauliis is no more; Whilst many a mercenary host, Securely glides along the hapless coast- While safe the German transport bends its sails And Caledonia's slaves arrive with prosperous gales — Yet shall thy country's liberties survive- Yet shall she triumph o'er her ruthless foe. And Paulus yet shall live, Whilst tyrants sink beneath th' avenging blow; Short is the gloomy Despot's sway. But freedom's radiant form shall never know decay, Immortal Youth farewell, — thy sorrowing friend This last sad tribute to thy virtues pays. Too true a mourner justly to commend, And rich in reverence, though but poor in praise, Yet shall Columbia oft thy worth rehearse, When patriot virtue claims her poet's song, Thy sorrowing friends repeat the solemn verse, Tliy native woods the solemn notes prolong. DUNN. RD - 1"? # REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. 239 CONCLUSION. I am not a stranger to the ironical compliment paid me by a good-natured friend, on the pubhcatio!i of my First Series of Revolutionary Anecdotes, to wit, " that I had given to the world a pleasing and highly interesting Jest Booky This was, undoubteply owing to the mtroduction of one or two eigram- matic effusions,* giving a faithful portrait of the talents and character of the British King, and the repartee of a witty lady to General Clinton, desiring the musicians at a ball to play, *' Britons Stril:e Home.'''' My intention always has been to give a faithful account of every circumstance relating to the war, and I freely confess, that I saw no impropriety, while I demonstrated how effectually we were checking the arrogance and foiling the intemperate proceedings of our enemies on one side of the Atlantic, io show how they were laughed at and ridiculed even at the fountain head of government on the other. A disposition to merriment is inherent in my nature, it was born with me, and I trust, that while life remains, I shall never be abandoned by it. My favourable maxim is, " With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come." While, therefore, I plead guilty to the charge, and confess my crime, I trust I may still be allowed, from the Gazettes of our foe to shew how idle and farcical the attempts to subjugate America were considered in England, and with what keen and pointed satire the administration were assailed, even at the seat of government. I will, in mercy, however, add two short pieces only^ lest I cause the bile of my friend to overflow, and occasion him " To creep into a jaundice by being peevish." * Vide pp. 412-13. 240 REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. The Cerberus Frigate being selected at the commencement of the Revolutionary war, to convey to Boston the British Generals appointed to command, the following epigram ap- peared in a morning paper : — " Behold the Cerberus the Atlantic plough, Her precious cargo — Burgoyne, Clinton, Howe. Bow, wow, wow." HEADS. Tune — " Detry Down. Ye wrong heads, and strong heads, attend to my strains, Ye dear heads, and queer heads, and heads without brains ; Ye thick skulls and quick skulls, and heads great and small, And ye heads that aspire to be heads over all. Enough might be said, durst I venture my rhymes. Of crowned heads, and round heads, of these modern times; This slippery path let me cautiously tread. The Neck else will answer, perhaps tor the Head. The Heads of the Church, and the Heads of the State, Have taught much, and wrote much, too much to repeat ; On the neck of corruption, uplifted, 'tis said, Some rulers, alas, are too high by the head. Ye schemers and dreamers of politic things. Projecting the downfall of Kingdoms and Kings, Can your wisdom declare, how the body is fed. When the members rebel, and wage war with the head. On Britannia's bosom sweet Liberty smiled, The parent grew strong while she fostered the child*. Ill-treating her offspring, a fever she bred. Which contracted her limbs and distracted her head. Ye learned State Doctors, your labours are vain, Proceeding by bleeding to settle her brain ; Much less can your art the lost members restore, Amputation must follow— perhaps, something more. Pale Goddess of whim, when with cheeks lean or full, Thy influence seis^es an Englshman's skull ; He blunders, yet wonders his schemes ever fail. Though often mistaking the head for the tail. i L0J^'3i O N O < ^. ..c ^^' o -O * ^' ., > O ov -L' J-^K <* O I. o -(^ ^' ^O (^" <^ if o > f: .^"^ 0' 4 o O Ai ^ T<' 4 O "^. ^^. '^.^ o o o > O.I. - n. .0 .^ r> .f .^• :..,S- .°* A <^ '< A^ ^^, ;. '^^0^ ! <5^ *o „o'* ^^"^ ■'/• .^^'