 Chapter 17 of THE WOMEN OF THE AMERICAN REBOLUTION, VOLUME 1 by ELIZABETH F. ELLIT Chapter 17. ELIZA WILKINSON The letters of Eliza Wilkinson present a lively picture of the situation of many inhabitants of that portion of country, which was the scene of various skirmishes about the time of Lincoln's approach to relieve Charleston from prevo, the retreat of that commander, and the engagement at Stono Ferry. The description given of occurrences is not only interesting as a graphic detail, but as exhibiting traits of female character worthy of all admiration. It is much to be regretted that her records do not embrace a longer period of time. Her father was an immigrant from Wales and always had much pride in his Welsh name, Francis Young. He had three children, Eliza, and two sons, and owned what is called Young's Island. He was old and infirm and suffered much rough treatment at the hands of the British, from whom he refused to take a protection. Both his sons died, one the death of a soldier, and the old family name now lives in Charleston in the person of Francis Young Portia, great-grandchild of the subject of this notice. Miss Wilkinson had been married only six months when her first husband died. At the period of the war she was a young and beautiful widow with fascinating manners, quick at repartee, and full of cheerfulness and good humor. Her place of residence, Young's Island, lies 30 miles south of Charleston. The Cherokee Rose which still flourishes there in great abundance hedging the Long Avenue and the site of the creek and causeway that separate the island from the mainland, call up many recollections of her. She bore her part in revolutionary trials and privations and was frequently a sufferer from British cruelty. Mrs. Wilkinson was in Charleston when news came that a large party of the enemy had landed near Buford. With a few friends she went over to her father's plantation but did not remain there long. For upon receiving information that a body of British horse were within five or six miles, the whole party, with the exception of her father and mother, crossed the river to Wadmalaw and went for refuge to the house of her sister. A large boatload of women and children hurrying for safety to Charleston stayed with them a day or two and presented a sad spectacle of the miseries brought in the train of war. One woman with seven children, the youngest but two weeks old preferred venturing her own life and that of her tender infant to captivity in the hands of a merciless foe. Mrs. Wilkinson remained at Wadmalaw for some time and at length returned to her home on the island. The surrounding country was waiting in a distressed condition for the coming of General Lincoln to whom the people looked for deliverance. Many painful days of suspense passed before tidings were received. All trifling discourse she says was laid aside, the ladies who gathered in knots talking only of political affairs. At last her brothers with the well-town troops arrived from Charleston and brought the joyful news of the approach of Lincoln. The dreaded enemy had not yet invaded the retirement of Young's Island, although it was suspected that spies were lurking about and boatloads of redcoats were frequently seen passing and repassing on the river. Mrs. Wilkinson retreated with her sister to an inland country seat. There they were called on by parties of the Americans whom they always received with friendly hospitality. The poorest soldier says one letter, who would call at any time for a drink of water, I would take a pleasure in giving it to him myself, and many a dirty ragged fellow have I attended with a bowl of water or milk and water. They really merit everything who will fight from principle alone, for from what I could learn these poor creatures had nothing to protect and seldom got their pay, yet with what alacrity will they encounter danger and hardships of every kind. One night a detachment of sixty redcoats passed the gate with the intention of surprising Lieutenant Morton Wilkinson at a neighboring plantation. A negro woman was their informer and guide, but their attempt was unsuccessful. On repassing the avenue early the next morning they made a halt at the head of it, but a negro man dissuaded them from entering by telling them the place belonged to a decrepit old gentleman who did not then live there. They took his word for it and passed on. On the second of June two men belonging to the enemy rode up to the house and asked many questions, saying that Colonel McGurth and his soldiers might be presently looked for and that the inmates could expect no mercy. The family remained in a state of cruel suspense for many hours. The following morning a party of the wigs called at the gate but did not alight. One of them, in leaping a ditch, was hurt and taken into the house for assistance, and while they were dressing his wound a negro girl gave the alarm that the king's people were coming. The two men mounted their horses and escaped. The women awaited the enemy's approach. Mrs. Wilkinson writes to a friend, I heard the horses of the inhuman Britons coming in such a furious manner that they seemed to tear up the earth, the riders at the same time bellowing out the most horrid curses imaginable, ults and implications which chilled my whole frame. Surely thought I such horrid language denotes nothing less than death, but I had no time for thought they were up to the house, entered with drawn swords and pistols in their hands. Indeed they rushed in in the most furious manner, crying out, Where are these women rebels? That was the first salutation. The moment they aspired us off went our caps. I always heard say none but women pulled caps. And for what, thank you? Why? Only to get a paltry stone and wax pin which kept them on our heads. At the same time uttering the most abusive language imaginable and making as if they would hue us to pieces with their swords. But it is not in my power to describe the scene. It was terrible to the last degree. And what augmented it they had several armed negroes with them who threatened and abused us greatly. They began to plunder the house of everything they thought valuable or worth taking. Our trunks were split to pieces and each mean pitiful wretch crammed his bosom with the contents which were our apparel, etc. Asterisk. Letters of Eliza Wilkinson, arranged by Mrs. Gilman. Return to text. I ventured to speak to the inhuman monster who had my clothes. I represented to him the times where such we could not replace what they had taken from us and begged him to spare me only a suit or two. But I got nothing but a hearty curse for my pains. Nay, so far was his callous heart from relenting that casting his eyes towards my shoes. I want them buckles, said he, and immediately knelt at my feet to take them out. While he was busy doing this, a brother-villain whose enormous mouth extended from ear to ear bald out, shares there, I say, shares. So they divided my buckles between them. The other wretches were employed in the same manner. They took my sister's earrings from her ears, her and Miss Samuel's buckles. They demanded her ring from her finger. She pleaded for it, told them it was her wedding ring, and begged they would let her keep it, but they still demanded it, and presenting a pistol at her swerve she did not deliver it immediately they would fire. She gave it to them, and after bundling up all their booty they mounted their horses. But such despicable figures! Each wretches' bosom stuffed so full, they appeared to be all afflicted with some drop-sickle disorder. Had a party of rebels, as they call us, appeared, we should have seen their circumference lesson. They took care to tell us, when they were going away, that they had favored us a great deal, that we might thank our stars it was no worse. I had forgot to tell you that upon their first entering the house one of them gave my arm such a violent grasp that he left the print of his thumb and three fingers in black and blue which was to be seen very plainly for several days afterwards. I showed it to one of our officers who dined with us as a specimen of British cruelty. After they were gone I began to be sensible of the danger I had been in and the thoughts of the vile men seemed worse, if possible, than their presence. For they came so suddenly up to the house that I had no time for thought, and while they stayed I seemed an amaze, quite stupid. I cannot describe it. But when they were gone and I had time to consider I trembled so with terror that I could not support myself. I went into the room, threw myself on the bed, and gave way to a violent burst of grief which seemed to be some relief to my swollen heart. This outrage was followed by a visit from McGurts men who treated the ladies with more civility, one of them promising to make a report at camp of the usage they had received. It was little consolation, however, to know that the robbers would probably be punished. The others, who professed so much feeling for the fair, were not content without their share of plunder, though more polite in the manner of taking it. While the British soldiers were talking to us, some of the silent ones withdrew and presently laid siege to a beehive which they soon brought to terms. The others perceiving it cried out, and the ladies a plate of honey. This was immediately done with a vicious haste, no doubt thinking they were very generous in treating us with our own. There were a few horses feeding in the pasture. They had driven them up. Ladies, do either of you own these horses? No, they partly belonged to Father and Mr. Smiley. Well, ladies, as they are not your property we will take them. They asked the distance to the other settlements and the females begged that forbearance might be shown to the aged father. He was visited the same day by another body of troops who abused him and plundered the house. One came to search mother's pockets too, but she resolutely threw his hand aside. If you must see what's in my pocket I'll show you myself, and she took out a thread case which had thread, needles, pins, tape, etc. The mean wretch took it from her. After drinking all the wine, rum, etc. they could find and inviting the negroes they had with them who were very insolent to do the same, they went to their horses and would shake hands with father and mother before their departure. Fine amends to be sure! After such unwelcome visitors it is not surprising that the unprotected women could not eat or sleep in peace. They lay in their clothes every night, alarmed by the least noise, while the days were spent in anxiety and melancholy. One morning when Mrs. Wilkinson was coming out of her chamber her eyes fixed on the window, for she was continually on the watch. She saw something glitter through a thin part of the wood bordering the road. It proved to be the weapons of a large body of soldiers. As they came from the direction of the enemy's encampment she concluded they were British troops and everyone in the house took the alarm. Never was there such a scene of confusion. Size, complaints, ringing of hands, one running here and another there, spreading the dreadful tidings. And in a little time the negroes in the field came running up to the house with a hundred stories. Table, teacups, all the breakfast apparatus were immediately huddled together and borne off, and we watched sharply to see which way the enemy, as we supposed them, took. But, oh, horrible, in a minute or two we saw our avenue crowded with horsemen in uniform. Said I, that looks like our uniform, blue and red, but I immediately recollected to have heard that the Hessian uniform was much like ours, so out of the house we went into an outhouse. Their excessive fright prevented the explanation attempted from being understood. While the officer was endeavoring to reassure the terrified ladies, a negro woman came up and tapping Mrs. Wilkinson on the shoulder, whispered, I don't like these men. One of them gave me this piece of silver for some milk, and I know our people don't have so much silver these times. Their dismay and terror were groundless, for the horsemen were a party of Americans under the command of Major Moore. The one taken for a Hessian was a French officer. The mistake had been mutual. The distress shown at sight of them having caused the officer in command to conclude himself and his men unwelcome visitors to some Tory family. The discovery that they were friends changed fear into delight. They then laughed at me, said Mrs. Wilkinson, partly for my fright, saying that they really expected by the time I had done bringing my hands I would have no skin left upon them, but now they knew the reason they no longer wondered. Word was presently brought that a number of the enemy were carrying provisions from a plantation about two miles distant. The wigs marched to the place and returned with seven prisoners. Two of these were of McGurst's party who had treated the ladies so cruelly, yet not withstanding the injuries received the kind heart of Mrs. Wilkinson relented at the sight of them. She expressed pity for their distress, calling them friends because they were in the power of her countrymen and interceded for them with the captors. Inquiring if they would like anything to drink, she supplied them with the water they craved holding the glass to their lips as their hands were tied behind them. Several of the American officers who had gathered at the door and windows were smiling at the unusual scene. In the meanwhile, she writes, Miss Samuels was very busy about a wounded officer, one of McGurst, who had been brought to the house. He had a ball through his arm. We could find no rag to dress his wounds, everything in the house being thrown into such confusion by the plunderers, but see the native tenderness of an American. Miss Samuels took from her neck the only remaining handkerchief the Britons had left her and with it bound up his arm. Their friends, having left them, Mr. Young sent for his daughter to his own plantation. The ladies were obliged to walk three miles, the horses having been taken away, but umbrellas were sent for them and they were tended by two of Mr. Young's Negro men armed with clubs. While crossing a place called the Sands, the blacks captured and wounded a Negro belonging to the loyalists who came out of the woods. Mrs. Wilkinson interfered to save his life and to ensure the safety of the poor creature who claimed her protection and who was dragged on rapidly by his captors. They, fearing pursuit, was obliged to walk very fast, leaving the others behind till she was ready to faint from fatigue and the overpowering heat. They arrived safe at her father's whence they were driven air long by another alarm. This time their flight was in darkness through bogs and woods stumbling against the stumps of each other. In their new abode they had more security. Parties of friends were out continually keeping the enemy quiet and sometimes in the night soldiers would ride up and bid the Negroes tell the ladies they might sleep soundly for they were to maintain a patrol during the night. At length the arrival of General Lincoln was announced and he was joyfully welcomed by the inmates of the house. That night two or three hundred men were quartered on the plantation, some of the officers sleeping in the hall. They refused to have beds made. Beds were not for soldiers. The floor or the earth served them as well as anywhere else. At daybreak they moved to camp. Another alarm occurred and General Lincoln's defeat near Stonoferi caused the retreat of the family to Wiltown. Our writer's pen had thence to record only new aggressions and sufferings. The siege and capitulation of Charleston brought the evils under which the land had grown to their height. The hardships endured by those within the beleaguered city, the gloomy resignation of hope, the submission to inevitable misfortune have been described by Abler chroniclers. The general feeling is expressed in a letter from a soldier to his wife written twelve days before the event. Our affairs are daily declining and not a ray of hope remains to assure us of our success. I expect to have the liberty of soon returning to you, but the army must be made prisoners of war. This will give a rude shock to the independence of America and a Lincoln aide will be as common a term as a Burgon aide. A mortifying scene must be encountered. The thirteen stripes will be leveled in the dust and I owe my life to the clemency of the conqueror. After the surrender Mrs. Wilkinson visited the city, went on board the prison ship and drank coffee with the prisoners awaiting an exchange. She saw the departure of her friends who were driven into exile and indulged herself occasionally in provoking her enemies by sarcastic sallies. Once, she writes, I was asked by a British officer to play the guitar. I cannot play, I am very dull. How long do you intend to continue so, Mrs. Wilkinson? Until my countrymen return, sir. Return as what, madam? Prisoners or subjects? As conqueror, sir? He affected a laugh. You will never see that, madam. I live in hope, sir, of seeing the thirteen stripes hoisted once more on the bastions of this garrison. Do not hope so, but come, give us a tune on the guitar. I can play nothing but rebel songs. Well, let us have one of them. Not today, I cannot play. I will not play. Besides, I suppose I should be put into the provo for such a heinous crime. I have often wondered since I was not packed off, too, for I was very saucy and never disguised my sentiments. One day, she continues, Kitty and I were going to take a walk on the bay to get something we wanted. Just as we had got our hats on, up ran one of the billets into the dining-room where we were. You're a servant, ladies? You're a servant, sir? Going out, ladies? Do you want to take a little walk? He immediately turned about and ran downstairs. I guessed for what. He offered me his hand or rather arm to lean upon. Excuse me, sir, said I. I will support myself, if you please. No, madam, the pavements are very uneven. You may get a fall. Do accept my arm. Pardon me, I cannot. Come, you do not know what your condescension may do. I will turn rebel. Will you, said I, laughingly, turn rebel first and then offer your arm. We stopped in another store where were several British officers. After asking for the articles I wanted, I saw a broad roll of ribbon which appeared to be of black and white stripes. Go, said I to the officer who was with us and reckon the stripes of that ribbon. See if they are thirteen. With an emphasis I spoke the word, and he went, too. Yes, they are thirteen upon my word, madam. Do hand it me. He did so. I took it and found that it was a narrow black ribbon carefully wound round a broad white. I returned it to its place on the shelf. Madam, said the merchant, you can buy the black and white, too, and tack them in stripes. By no means, sir. I would not have them slightly tacked but firmly united. The above-mentioned officers sat on the counter kicking their heels. How they gaped at me when I said this. But the merchant laughed heartily. Like many others, Mrs. Wilkinson refused to join in the amusements of the city while in possession of the British but gave her energies to the relief of her friends. The women were the more active when military efforts were suspended. Many and ingenious were the contrivances they adopted to carry supplies from the British garrison which might be useful to the gallant defenders of their country. Sometimes cloth from a military coat fashioned into an appendage to female attire would be borne away unsuspected by the vigilant guards whose business it was to prevent smuggling and afterwards converted into regimental shape. Boots, a world too wide for the delicate wearer, were often transferred to the partisan who could not procure them for himself. A horseman's helmet has been concealed under a well-arranged headdress and epaulettes delivered from the folds of a matron's simple cap. Other articles in demand for military use, more easily conveyed, were regularly brought away by some stratagem or other. Feathers and cockades thus secured and presented by the fair ones as a trophy had an inestimable value in the eyes of those who received them and useful apparel was worn with the greater satisfaction that it had not been conveyed without some risk on the donor's part. It was after the return of Mrs. Wilkinson to Young's Island that news was received of the glorious victory of Washington over Cornwallis. Her last letter, which is of any public interest, contains congratulations on this event. The old family mansion has been removed from the island but the burial ground is still held sacred and the memory of Eliza Wilkinson is cherished in the hearts of her kindred. CHAPTER 18 Martha Bratton The memory of Mrs. Martha Bratton in the hands of an infuriated monster with the instrument of death around her neck, she nobly refused to betray her husband. In the hour of victory she remembered mercy and as a guardian angel interposed in behalf of her inhuman enemies. Throughout the revolution she encouraged the wigs to fight on to the last to hope on to the end. Honor and gratitude to the woman and heroine who proved herself so faithful a wife, so firm a friend to liberty. The above toast was drunk at a celebration of Huck's defeat given at Brattonsville, York District, South Carolina, on the 12th of July, 1839. The ground of the battle that had taken place 59 years before was within a few hundred yards of Dr. Bratton's residence inherited from his father, one of the heroes of that day. He celebrated the anniversary of this triumph of the wigs. The cool spring of the battlefield it is said furnished the only beverage used on the occasion. The victory gained at this spot had the most important effect on the destinies of the state. It was the first check given to the British troops, the first time after the fall of Charleston that the hitherto victorious enemy had been met. It brought confidence to the drooping spirits of the patriots and taught the invaders that free men are not conquered while the mind is free. The wigs inspired with new life and buoyant hopes began to throng together. The British were again attacked and defeated. A band of resolute and determined spirits took to the field and kept it till victory perched upon their banners and South Carolina became an independent state. The year 1780 was a dark period for the patriots of Carolina. Charleston surrendered on the 12th of May and General Lincoln and the American army became prisoners of war. This success was followed up by vigorous movements. One expedition secured the important post of 96. Another scoured the country bordering on the savannah and Lord Cornwallis passed the Santi and took Georgetown. Armed garrisons were posted throughout the state which lay at the mercy of the conqueror to overaw the inhabitants and secure a return to their allegiance. For several weeks all military opposition ceased and it was the boast of Sir Henry Clinton that here at least the American Revolution was ended. A proclamation was issued denouncing vengeance on all who should dare appear in arms save under the Royal Authority and offering pardon with a few exceptions to those who would acknowledge it and accept British protection. The great body of the people believing resistance unavailing and hopeless took the offered protection while those who refused absolute submission were exiled or imprisoned. But the fact is recorded that the inhabitants of York District never gave their parole nor accepted protection as British subjects, preferring resistance and exile to subjection and inglorious peace. Asterisk. This fact is dwelt upon in the oration delivered on the occasion by Colonel Beatty. Dr. Joseph Johnson of Charleston, to whom I am indebted for some of the particulars in Mrs. Bratton's history, thinks it due to the circumstance that a large proportion of the settlers in that part of the state were of Irish origin and derived their distrust of British faith from traditions of violated rights contrary to the stipulations of the Treaty of Limerick. Return to text. A few individuals who were accepted from the benefits of the proclamation with others in whose breast the love of liberty was unconquerable sought refuge in North Carolina. They were followed by the Whigs of York, Chester, and some other districts bordering on the state who fled from the British troops as they marched into the upper country to compel the entire submission of the conquered province. These patriot exiles soon organized themselves in companies and under their gallant leaders, Sumter, Bratton, Wynne, Moffitt, and others began to collect on the frontier and to harass the victorious enemy by sudden and desultory attacks. At the time when this noble daring was displayed, the state was unable to feed or clothe or arm the soldiers. They depended on their own exertions for everything necessary to carry on the warfare. They tabernacled in the woods in swamps with wolves and other beasts of the forests and were frequently wanted for both food and clothing. To crush this bold and determined spirit, British officers and troops were dispatched in marauding parties to every nook and corner of South Carolina, authorized to punish every Whig with the utmost rigor and to call upon the loyalists to aid in the work of carnage. A body of these marauders, assembled at Mobley's Meeting House in Fairfield District, were attacked and defeated in June by a party of Whigs under the command of Colonel Bratton, Major Wynne, and Captain McClure. The report of this disaster being conveyed to Rocky Mountain Chester District, Colonel Turnbull, the commander of a strong detachment of British troops at that point, determined on summer revengeance and for that purpose sent Captain Huck at the head of four hundred cavalry and a considerable body of Tories all well-mounted with the following order. To Captain Huck, you are hereby ordered with the cavalry under your command to proceed to the frontier of the province, collecting all the royal militia with you on your march, and with said force to push the rebels as far as you may deem convenient. Ask to risk. The order was found in Huck's pocket after death and is still preserved by one of his conquerors. His name is spelled as above in the manuscript. Return to text. It was at this time that the heroism of the wife of Colonel Bratton was so nobly displayed. The evening preceding the battle, Huck arrived at Colonel Bratton's house. He entered rudely and demanded where her husband was. He is in Sumter's army, was the undaunted reply. The officer then essayed persuasion and proposed to Mrs. Bratton to induce her husband to come in and join the royalists, promising that he should have a commission in the royal service. It may well be believed that arguments were used which must have had a show of reason at the time when the people generally had given up all hopes and notions of independence. But Mrs. Bratton answered with heroic firmness that she would rather see him remain true to his duty to his country even if he perished in Sumter's army. The son of Mrs. Bratton, Dr. John S. Bratton who was then a child remembers that Huck was caressing him on his knee while speaking to his mother. On receiving her answer he pushed the boy off so suddenly that his face was bruised by the fall. At the same time one of Huck's soldiers infuriated at her boldness and animated by the spirit of deadly animosity towards the wigs which then raged in its greatest violence seized a reaping hook that hung near them in the piazza and brought it to her throat with intention to kill her. Still she refused to give information that might endanger her husband's safety. There is no mention made of any interference on the part of Captain Huck to save her from the hands of his murderous Ruffian. But the officer second in command interposed and compelled the soldier to release her. They took prisoners three old men whom with another they had captured during the day they confined in a corn crib. Huck then ordered Mrs. Bratton to have supper prepared for him and his troopers. It may be conceived with what feelings she saw her house occupied by the enemies of her husband and her country and found herself compelled to minister to their wants. What wild and gloomy thoughts had possession of her soul is evident from the desperate idea that occurred to her of playing a Roman's part and mingling poison which she had in the house with the food they were to eat, thus delivering her neighbors from the impending danger. But her noble nature shrank from such an expedient even to punish the invaders of her home. She well knew, too, the brave spirit that animated her husband and his comrades. They might even now be dogging the footsteps of the enemy. They might be watching the opportunity for an attack. They might come to the house also. She would not have them owe to a cowardly stratagem the victory they should win in the field of battle. Having prepared the repast, she retired with her children to an upper apartment. After they had supped, Huck and his officers went to another house about half a mile off, owned by James Williamson to pass the night. His troops lay encamped around it. A fenced road passed the door and sentinels were posted along the road. The soldiers slept in fancied security and the guard kept negligent watch. They dreamed not of the scene that awaited them. They knew not that defeat and death were impending. Colonel Bratton, with the party chiefly composed of his neighbors, had that day left Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, under the conviction that the royalist would shortly send forces into the neighborhood of their homes to revenge the defeat of the Tories at Mobley's meeting house. With a force of only 75 men, for about 50 had dropped off on the way, Colonel Bratton and Captain McClure, having received intelligence of the position and numbers of the enemy, marched to within a short distance of their encampment. The wigs arrived at night and after concealing their horses in a swamp, Bratton himself reconnoitred the encampment advancing within the line of sentinels. The party of Americans divided to enclose the enemy, one half coming up the lane, the other being sent round to take the opposite direction. Huck and his officers were still sleeping when the attack commenced and were aroused by the roar of the American guns. Huck made all speed to mount his horse and several times rallied his men, but his efforts were unavailing. The spirit and determined bravery of the Patriots carried all before them. The route was complete. As soon as Huck and another officer fell, his men threw down their arms and fled. Asterisk. It is said that Huck was shot by John Carroll, who, as well as his brother Thomas, was a brave and daring soldier, his valor being always of the most impetuous kind. A brief but characteristic description of him has been given by another revolutionary hero. He was a wig from the first. He was a wig to the last. He didn't believe in the Tories and he made the Tories believe in him. Return to text. Some were killed or mortally wounded. Some perished in the woods. The rest escaped or were made prisoners. In the pursuit the conflict raged around Bratton's house and Mrs. Bratton and her children' access to look out were in some danger from the shots. She made her little son much against his will sit within the chimney. While he was there, a ball struck against the opposite jam and was taken up by him as a trophy. The battle lasted about an hour. It was bloody, though brief, and it is stated that the waters of the spring which now gush forth so bright and transparent that memorable spot were then crimson with the tide of human life. About daylight when the firing had ceased, Mrs. Bratton ventured out anxious and fearful of finding her nearest and dearest relatives among the dead and wounded lying around her dwelling. But none of her loved ones had fallen. Her house was opened alike to the wounded on both sides and she humanely attended the sufferers in person affording them indiscriminately every relief and comfort in her power to bestow. Feeding and nursing them and supplying their wants with the kindness and most assiduous attention. Thus her lofty spirit was displayed no less by her humanity to the vanquished than by her courage and resolution in the hour of danger. After the death of Huck in battle the officer next in command became the leader of the troops. He was among the prisoners who surrendered to the Whigs and they were determined to put him to death. He entreated as a last favour to be conducted to the presence of Mrs. Bratton. She instantly recognized him as the officer who had interfered in her behalf and saved her life. Gratitude as well as the mercy natural to woman's heart prompted her now to intercede for him. She pleaded with an eloquence which considering the share she had borne in the common distress and danger could not be withstood. Her petition was granted. She procured his deliverance from the death that awaited him and kindly entertained him till he was exchanged. There is hardly a situation in romance or dramatic fiction which can surpass the interest and pathos of this simple incident. The evening before the battle Huck and his troops had stopped on their way at the house of Mrs. Adair on South Fishing Creek at the place where the road from Yorkville to Chester Courthouse now crosses that stream. They helped themselves to everything edible on the premises and one Captain Anderson laid a strict injunction on the old lady to bring her sons under the royal banner. After the battle had been fought Mrs. Adair and her husband were sent for by their sons and Colonel Edward Lacey whom they had brought up for the purpose of sending them into North Carolina for safety. When Mrs. Adair reached the battleground she dismounted from her horse and passed round among her friends. Presently she came with her sons to attend to where several wounded men were lying, Anderson among them. She said to him, Captain, he ordered me last night to bring in my rebel sons. Here are two of them. And if the third had been within a day's ride he would have been here also. The chagrined officer replied, Yes, madam, I have seen them. Mrs. Adair was the mother of the late Governor John Adair of Kentucky. Instances of the noble daring of the women of that day thus thrown into the circle of mishap and compelled to witness so many horrors and share so many dangers were doubtless of almost hourly occurrence. But of the individuals whose faithful memory retained the impression of those scenes how few survived throughout the land. Inquiries made on this subject are continually met by expressions of regret that some relative who was within a few years descended to the grave was not alive to describe events of those trying times. If you could only have heard, blank, or black, talk of revolutionary scenes volumes might have been filled with the anecdotes they remembered is the oft-repeated exclamation which causes regret that the tribute due has been so long withheld from the memory of those heroines. The defeat of Huck had the immediate effect of bringing the wigs together and in a few days a large a session of troops joined the army of Sumter. The attack on the British at Rocky Mount was shortly followed by a complete victory over them at Hanging Rock. Another anecdote is related of Mrs. Bratton. Before the fall of Charleston when effectual resistance throughout the state was in a great measure rendered impossible by the want of ammunition, Governor Rutledge had sent a supply to all the regiments to enable them to harass the invading army. Many of these supplies were secured by the patriots in the back country by secreting them in hollow trees and the like hiding places. Others fell into the hands of the enemy or were destroyed. The portion given to Colonel Bratton was in his occasional absence from home confided to the care of his wife. Some loyalists who heard of this informed the British officer in command of the nearest station and a detachment was immediately sent forward to secure the valuable prize. Mrs. Bratton was informed of their near approach and was aware that there could be no chance of saving her charge. She resolved that the enemy should not have the benefit of it. She therefore immediately laid a train of powder from the depot to the spot where she stood and, when the detachment came in sight, set fire to the train and blew it up. The explosion that greeted the ears of the foe informed them that the object of their expedition was frustrated. The officer in command, irritated to fury, demanded who had dared to perpetrate such an act and threatened instant and severe vengeance upon the culprit, the intrepid woman to whom he owed his disappointment answered for herself. It was I who did it, she replied, let the consequence be what it will, I glory in having prevented the mischief contemplated by the cruel enemies of my country. Mrs. Bratton was a native of Rowan County, North Carolina, where she married William Bratton, a Pennsylvanian of Irish parentage who resided in York District in the state of South Carolina. The grant of his land, which is still held by his descendants, was taken out under George III. In the troubled times that preceded the commencement of hostilities, the decision of character exhibited by Mr. and Mrs. Bratton and their exemplary deportment gave them great influence among their neighbors. Colonel Bratton continued in active service during the war and was prominent in the battles of Rocky Mount, Hanging Rock, Guilford, etc., and in most of the skirmishes incident to the partisan warfare under General Sumter. During his lengthened absences from home he was seldom able to see or communicate with his family. Bratton had luster to his deeds, but the heart of the deeply anxious wife must have throbbed painfully when she heard of them. She, however, never complained, though herself a sufferer from the ravages of war, but she devoted herself to the care of her family, striving at the same time to aid and encourage her neighbors. On the return of peace her husband resumed the cultivation of his farm. Grateful for the preservation of their lives and property, they continued industriously occupied agricultural pursuits to a ripe old age, enjoying to the full that which should accompany old age as honor, love, obedience, troops, of friends. Colonel Bratton died at his residence two miles south of Yorkville, now the seat of Mrs. Harriet Bratton, and his wife, having survived him less than a year, died at the same place in January 1816. They were buried by the side of each other. The state of popular feeling after the occupation of Charleston by the British and during the efforts made to establish an undistributed control over the state might be in some measure illustrated by the life of Mrs. Thomas, where there are materials for a full narrative of incidents in which she and her neighbors bore an active or passive part. It is in wild and stirring times that such spirits are nurtured and arise in their strength. She was another of the patriotic females in whose breast glowed such ardent patriotism that no personal hazard could deter from service, wherever service could be rendered. She was a native of Chester County, Pennsylvania, and the sister of the Reverend John Black of Carlisle, the first president of Dickinson College. She was married about 1740 to John Thomas supposed to be a native of Wales who had been brought up in the same county. Some 10 or 15 years after his marriage, Mr. Thomas removed to South Carolina. His residence for some time was upon Fishing Creek in Chester District. About the year 1762 he removed to what is now called Spartanburg District and settled upon Fair Forest Creek a few miles above the spot with a line dividing that district from Union Cross as a stream. Mrs. Thomas was much beloved and respected in that neighborhood. She was one of the first members of the Presbyterian congregation organized about that time and known as Fair Forest Church of which she continued as zealous and efficient member as long as she resided within its bounds. For many years previous to the commencement of the Revolutionary War Mr. Thomas was a magistrate and a captain of militia. Before hostilities began he resigned both these commissions. When Colonel Fletcher refused to accept a commission under the authority of the province of South Carolina an election was held and John Thomas was chosen Colonel of the Spartan Regiment. The proximity of this regiment to the frontier imposed a large share of active service on the soldiers belonging to it and devolved great responsibilities upon its commander. Colonel Thomas let out his quota of men to repel the Indians in 1776 and shared the privations and dangers connected with the expedition under General Williamson into the heart of the Indian territory in the autumn of that year. When that campaign terminated and the Indians sued for peace the protection of a long line of the frontier was entrusted to him. With diligence, fidelity and zeal did he perform this duty and retained his command till after the fall of Charleston. As soon as the news of the surrender of that city reached the borders of the state measures were concerted by Colonel's Thomas, Brandon and Lyles for the concentration of their forces with a view to protect the country. Their schemes were frustrated by the devices of Colonel Fletcher who still remained in the neighborhood. When they discovered their intentions he gave notice to some British troops recently marched into the vicinity and to a body of Tory cavalry 30 miles distant. These were brought together and surprised the force collected by Brandon at the point designated before the others had time to arrive. Within a short time after this event almost every wig between the Broad and Saluda rivers was compelled to abandon the country or accept British protection. Numbers of them fled to North Carolina. Colonel Thomas then advanced in life with some others in like defenseless circumstances took protection. By this course they hoped to secure permission to remain unmolested with their families, but in this supposition they were lamentably mistaken. It was not long before Colonel Thomas was arrested and sent to prison at 96. Then he was conveyed to Charleston where he remained in endurance till near the close of the war. It was the policy of Cornwallis whom Sir Henry Clinton on his departure to New York had left in command of the Royal Army to compel submission by the severest measures. The bloody slaughter under Charleston at Walks Hall Creek was an earnest of what those who ventured resistance might expect. This course was pursued with unscrupulous cruelty and the unfortunate patriots were made to feel the vengeance of exasperated tyranny. He hoped thus eventually to crush and extinguish the spirit still struggling and flashing forth like hidden fire among the people whom the arm of power had for a season brought under subjection. But the oppressor, though he might overaw could not subdue the spirit of a gallant and outraged people. The murmur of suffering throughout the land rose ere long into a mighty cry for deliverance. The royal standard became an object of execration. And while brave leaders were at hand, while the fearless and determined Sumter could draw about him the hardy sons of the upper and middle states. While the patriotic Marian ever fertile in resource could harass the foe from his impenetrable retreat in the recess of forests and swamps while the resolute and daring Pickens could bring his bold associates to join in the noble determination to burst the chains riveted on a prostrate land and others of the same mold familiar with difficulties accustomed to toil and danger and devoted to the cause of their suffering country were ready for prompt and energetic action. Hope could be retained that all was not yet lost. The outrages committed by the profligate and abandoned whose loyalty was the cover for deeds of rapine and blood served but to bind in closer union the patriots who watched their opportunity for annoying the enemy and opening away for successful resistance. One of the congenial cooperators in these plans of the British commander was Colonel Ferguson. He encouraged the loyalists to take arms and led them to desolate the homes of their neighbors. About the last of June he came into that part of the country with a family of Colonel Thomas lived and caused great distress by the pillage and devastation of the bands of Tories who hung around his camp. The wigs were robbed of their negroes, horses, cattle, clothing, bedding and every article of property of sufficient value to take away. These depredations were frequent, the expeditions for plunder being sometimes weekly and were continued as long as the Tories could venture to show their faces. In this state of things while whole families suffered female courage and fortitude were called into active exercise and Mrs. Thomas showed herself a bright example of boldness, spirit and determination. While her husband was a prisoner at 96 she paid a visit to him and her two sons who were his companions in rigorous captivity. By chance she overheard a conversation between some Tory women the purport of which deeply interested her. One said to the others tomorrow night the loyalists intend to surprise the rebels at Cedarspring. The heart of Mrs. Thomas was thrilled with alarm at this intelligence. The Cedarspring was within a few miles of her house. The wigs were posted there and among them were some of her own children. Her resolution was taken at once for there was no time to be lost. She determined to apprise them of the enemy's intention before the blow could be struck. Bidding a hasty adieu to her husband and sons she was upon the road as quickly as possible. Road the intervening distance of nearly 60 miles the next day and arrived in time to bring information to her sons and friends of the impending danger. The moment they knew what was to be expected a brief consultation was held and measures were immediately taken for defence. The soldiers withdrew a short distance from their campfires which were to burn as brightly as possible. The men selected suitable positions in the surrounding woods. Their preparations were just completed when they heard in the distance amid the silence of night the cautious advance of the foe. The scene was one which imagination far better than the pen of the chronicler can depict. Slowly and warily and with dread as noiseless as possible the enemy advanced till they were already within the glare of the blazing fires safely as it seemed on the verge of their anticipated work of destruction. No sound betrayed alarm. They supposed the intended victims wrapped in heavy slumbers. They heard but the crackling of the flames and the hoarse murmur of the wind as it swept through the pine trees. The assailants gave the signal for the onset and rushed towards the fires eager for indiscriminate slaughter. Suddenly the flashes and shrill reports of rifles revealed the hidden champions of liberty The enemy to their consternation found themselves assailed in the rear by the party they had expected to strike unawares. Throne into confusion by this unexpected reception defeat overwhelming defeat was the consequence to the loyalists. They were about one hundred and fifty strong while the wigs numbered only about sixty. The victory thus easily achieved they owed to the spirit and courage of a woman. Such were the matrons of that day. Not merely upon this occasion was Mrs. Thomas active in conveying intelligence to her friends and in arousing the spirit of independence among its advocates. She did as well as suffered much during the period of devastation and lawless rapin. One instance of her firmness as well remembered. Early in the war Governor Rutledge sent a quantity of arms and ammunition to the house of Colonel Thomas to be in readiness for any emergency that might arise on the frontier. These munitions were under a guard of twenty-five men and the house was prepared to resist assault. Colonel Thomas received information that a large party of Tories under the command of Colonel Moore of North Carolina was advancing to attack him. He and his guard deemed it inexpedient to risk an encounter with a force so much superior to their own and they therefore retired carrying off as much ammunition as possible. Josiah Culbertson, a son-in-law of Colonel Thomas who was with the little garrison would not go with the others but remained in the house. Besides him and a youth the only inmates were women. The Tories advanced and took up their station but the treasure was not to be yielded to their demand. Their call for admittance was answered by an order to leave the premises and their fire was received without much injury by the logs of the house. The fire was quickly returned from the upper story and proved much more effectual than that of the assailants. The old-fashioned baton door strongly barricaded resisted their efforts to demolish it. Meanwhile, Culbertson continued to fire the guns being loaded as fast as he discharged them by the ready hands of Mrs. Thomas and her daughters aided by her son William and this spirited resistance soon convinced the enemy that further effort was useless. Believing that many men were concealed in the house and apprehending a sally their retreat was made as rapidly as their wounds would permit. After waiting a prudent time and reconnoitering as well as she could from her position above, Mrs. Thomas descended the stairs and opened the doors. When her husband made his appearance and knew how gallantly the plunderers had been repulsed, his joy was only equaled by admiration of his wife's aroism. The powder, thus preserved, constituted the principal supply for Sumter's army in the battles at Rocky Mount and Hanging Rock. Mrs. Thomas was the mother of nine children and her sons and sons-in-law were active in the American service. John, the eldest son, rose during the war from the rank of captain till he succeeded his father in the command of the Spartan regiment. This he commanded at the battle of the Kalpans and elsewhere. He was with Sumter in several of his most important engagements. Robert, another son, was killed in Roebuck's defeat. Abram, who was wounded at 96 and taken prisoner, was killed in the enemy's hands. William, the youth who had assisted in defending his home on the occasion mentioned, took part in other actions. Thus Mrs. Thomas was liable to some share of the enmity exhibited by the royalist towards another matron against Tomb the Charge. She has seven sons in the rebel army, was an excuse for depredations on her property. If she had but four sons, she had sons-in-law who were likewise brave and zealous in the cause. One of the daughters, Mary Josiah Culbertson, who was the most effective scout in the country. He fought the Indians single-handed and in the army, was in nearly every important battle and killed a number of celebrated Tories in casual encounter. He seems to have been a special favorite with Colonel Isaac Shelby in whose regiment he served in the Battle of Musgrove's Mill, King's Mountain and elsewhere. To this officer, his daring spirit and deadly aim with the rifle partially commended him. And he was employed by Shelby in the execution of some important trusts. He received a captain's commission towards the close of the war. Anne was the wife of Joseph McJunkin, who entered the service of his country as a private at the age of 20 and rose to the rank of major before the close of 1780. He was in most of the battles before March 1781 and contributed much to the success of those fought at Hanging Rock, Blackstocks Fort and the Cowpens. This brave and faithful officer died in 1840. A sketch of his life by the Reverend James H. Say of South Carolina is in preparation and has in part been published. Jane, the third daughter married Captain Joseph McCool and Letitia was the wife of Major James Lusk. Both these men were brave and efficient patriots. But the scenes of their exploits and of them are now remembered but in tradition. How many who deserve the tribute of their country's gratitude is history silent. Every member of this family it will thus be seen had a personal interest in the cause of the country. Not only was Mrs. Thomas distinguished for her indomitable perseverance where principal and right were concerned and for her ardent spirit of patriotism, but for eminent piety, discretion and industry. This exhibited the same loveliness of character with the uncommon beauty of person which they inherited from her. All accounts represent Mrs. Culbertson as a woman of great beauty and her sister Anne is said to have been little inferior to her in personal appearance. Mrs. Thomas herself was rather below the ordinary stature with black eyes and hair, rounded and pleasing features, fair complexion and countenance sprightly and expressive. Soon after the close of the war Colonel Thomas removed into Greenville District where he and his wife resided till their death. But few of their descendants remain in the section of country where their parents lived being scattered over the regions of the far west. To the gentleman already mentioned as the biographer of McJunkin I am indebted for all these details ascertained from authentic papers in his possession. A few anecdotes of other women in the region where Mrs. Thomas lived during the war are of interest at the times. Isabella Sims, the wife of Captain Charles Sims, resided on Tidier River six or seven miles below the scene of Brandon's defeat above mentioned on Fair Forest Creek. When she heard of that disaster she went up and devoted herself for several days to nursing the wounded soldiers. Daniel McJunkin shared her maternal care and recovered tremendous substantial service afterwards. On another occasion having heard the noise of battle during the afternoon and night she went up early in the morning to Latins. A scout consisting of eight wigs had been surrounded by a very large body of Tories. Some of the scouts made their escape by charging through the line. Four defended themselves in the house till after dark when they surrendered. Mrs. Sims on her arrival found that John Jolly, a wig officer who belonged to the vicinity had been shot and attempting to escape. She sent for his wife the necessary arrangements for his decent burial. Sarah, his widow was left with five children and for a time had great difficulty in procuring a subsistence. Her house was visited almost weekly by plundering parties and robbed of food and clothing. At one time one of the robbers remained after the others had gone and to an order to depart returned a refusal with abusive and profane language. The exasperated mother seized a stick with which she broke his arm and drove him from the premises. Not long after the death of Jolly the famous Cunningham, a Tory colonel who acted a prominent part in the partisan warfare of Lawrence, Newbury and Edgefield districts came with a squadron of cavalry to the house of Captain Sims who was gone for safety to North Carolina. Calling Mrs. Sims to the door, Cunningham ordered her to quit the place in three days, saying if he found the family there on his return he would shut them in the house and burn it over them. Mrs. Sims fled with her family across the country to the house of a friendly old man and remained there till her husband came and took them to York District and thence to Virginia. The wife of Major Samuel Otterson, a distinguished patriot who lived also on Tyger River chanced to know the place where a barrel of powder was concealed in the woods close at hand. She received intelligence one night that a party of Tories would come for the treasure the next morning. Resolved that it should not fall into their hands she prepared to train immediately and blew up the powder. In the morning came the enemy and on their demand for it were told by Mrs. Otterson what she had done. They refused to believe her but cut off her dress at the waist and drove her before them to show the place of deposit. The evidence of its fate was conclusive when they reached the spot. Other instances of female intrepidity are rife in popular memory. Miss Nancy Jackson who lived in the Irish settlement near Fair Forest Creek kicked a Tory down the steps as he was descending loaded with plunder. In a great rage he threatened to send the Hessian troops there next day which obliged her to take refuge with an acquaintance several miles distant. On one occasion the house of Samuel McJunk and a stout patriot but too old for the battlefield was visited by a party under the noted Colonel Patrick Moore. They stayed all night and when about to depart stripped the house of bedclothes and wearing apparel. The last article taken was a bed quilt which one Bill Haynesworth placed upon his horse. Jane, Mr. McJunkin's daughter, seized it in a struggle ensued. The soldiers amused themselves by exclaiming well done woman well done Bill. For once the Colonel's feelings of gallantry predominated and he swore if Jane could take the quilt from the man she should have it. Presently in the contest Bill's feet under him he lay panting on the ground. Jane placed one foot upon his breast and rested the quilt from his grasp. End of chapters 18 and 19 chapters 20 and 21 of the Women of the American Revolution volume 1 by Elizabeth F. Ellett this Lieber-Fox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 20 Dorcas Richardson Asterisk For the details of this sketch I am indebted to the kindness of Dr. Joseph Johnson of Charleston who has collected and preserved many interesting anecdotes of the war in South Carolina. Return to text. Fruitful in noble spirits were those wild and gloomy times and of women's high truth and heroic devotion poured a solemn radiance over the dreary and appalling scene of Civil War. No pen has recorded the instances innumerable in which her virtues shown conspicuous. They are forgotten by those who enjoy the benefits thus secured or but a vague recollection remains or an example is here and there remembered in family tradition. Even to these examples what meager justice can be done by the few scattered and desultory anecdotes which must take the place of a complete history. Living in the midst of the storm and struggle and bearing more than her own share of the terrible trials which fell to women's lot Mrs. Richardson afforded an example of modest heroism and a humble, cheerful faith. Her residence was in Clarendon, Sumter District. She was the daughter of Captain John Nelson, a native of Ireland who married Miss Brownson of South Carolina. The ferry over the Santee River established and kept for several years by them is still called Nelson's Ferry and many of their descendants continue to live on both sides of the river. It is said that Lord Cornwallis on his march into the interior of the hall of Charleston established his headquarters at this ferry at the house of the widow Nelson. She received from him an assurance that her property should be protected. When a large quantity of plate which she had buried for security was discovered and claimed as a prize by the captors she reminded his lordship of his promise. But he refused to order the restoration of the plate saying that the protection he had pledged extended only to things above ground. Dorcas was married at the age of 20 in 1761 and removed to her husband's plantation situated about 20 miles further up the river on the east side near the junction of the Congaree and Watery. In this home of peace, contentment and abundance she enjoyed all the comforts of southern country life among the prosperous class till the outburst of that storm in which the fortunes and happiness of so many patriots were wrecked. At the commencement of the war Richard Richardson was captain of a company of militia in the brigade of his father, General Richardson and with him embraced the quarrel of the colonies in defense of their chartered rights. Both were zealous, firm and influential officers. The captain was frequently called out with his company by orders of the new government and his first expedition was against the loyalists in the upper districts incited by the royal governor Lord William Campbell. General Richardson commanded and was aided by Colonel William Thompson which his regiment of regulars called the Rangers. The enemy was dispersed most of their leaders captured and the arms and ammunition they had seized recovered. Captain Richardson was appointed with his mounted men to guard the prisoners to Charleston. This occurrence took place at the close of 1775 and the winter having set in earlier than usual with uncommon severity the young soldiers suffering much from the cold, sleet and snow it was called the snow campaign. When the three regiments of regulars were raised and officered in 1775 Captain Richardson and his father were retained in the militia on account of their great popularity and influence Edward, a younger brother being appointed captain of the Rangers under Colonel Thompson. A second regiment of riflemen however was raised in March of the following year and Richard Richardson was appointed captain under Colonel Thomas Sumter. From this time during the six succeeding years he was able to be very little at home with his family. At the surrender of Charleston he was taken prisoner with his father and brother. In violation of the terms of capitulation Richard was sent to a military station on Johns Island where he nearly fell a victim to the smallpox. The British having failed to observe the conditions on which he had surrendered as soon as he recovered sufficiently to move about he made his escape and being disguised by the effects of the disease returned to the neighborhood of his home where he concealed himself in the sandy swamp. This extensive swamp land borders the river for many miles presenting to the view a vast plain of dense woods which seem absolutely impervious. The recesses of those dark thickets where the trees grow close together and are interlaced by luxuriant growth of giant creepers often afforded hiding places for the hunted Americans. At this time the British troops had overrun the state and Colonel Tarleton had made the house of Captain Richardson with some others a station for his regiment of cavalry. They lived luxuriously on the abundance of his richly stocked and well cultivated plantation. While Mrs. Richardson and her children it is said were restricted to a single apartment and allowed but a scanty share of the provisions furnished from her own stores. Here was an occasion for the exercise of self-denial that the wants of one deer would provide. Every day she sent food from her small allowance to her husband in the swamp by an old and faithful Negro in whose care and discretion she could implicitly trust. She had expected the seizure of her horses in cattle by the British and had sent Richardson's favorite riding horse into the swamp for concealment with a few cattle which she wished to save for future need. Everything that fell into the enemy's hands was consumed. This was the wood which had once been used for holding corn and he thence received the name of corn crib. He was subsequently killed in the battle of Utah. Mrs. Richardson not only sent provisions to her husband in his place of shelter but sometimes ventured to visit him taking with her their little daughter. These stolen meetings were full of consolation to the fugitive soldier. The spot he had chosen for his retreat was a small noel or elevation in the heart of the swamp of Johns Island by a way of distinction from another in the neighborhood occupied by other wigs which bore the name of Beach Island. On this many of their initials may still be seen carved on the bark of the trees. It was not long before the British had information of Richardson's escape. They naturally concluded that he was somewhere in the vicinity of his family and relatives. A diligent search was instituted. Scouts were sent in every direction and watched to surprise him or find some clue to his retreat. In secret and publicly rewards were offered for his apprehension but without success. One day an officer caressing the little girl asked when she had seen her papa. The mother grew pale but dared not speak for a short time only had elapsed since the child had been taken on a visit to her father. The thoughtless pratler answered properly that she had seen him only a few days before. Asked the officer eager to extract information from innocent lips that might betray the patriot. The child replied without hesitation on John's Island. The officer knew of no place so called except a large sea island from which Richardson had escaped. After a moment's reflection he came to the conclusion that the child had been dreaming relieved the mother's throbbing heart by saying, Pshaw, that was a long time ago. It may well be believed that the little tell-tale was not trusted with another visit to the spot. Not unfrequently did the officers in the most unfeeling manner boast in the presence of the wife of what they would do to her husband when they should capture him. Only once did she deign the reply. I do not doubt that men who can outrage the feelings of a woman by such threats are capable of perpetrating an act of treachery and inhumanity towards a brave but unfortunate enemy. But conquer or capture my husband if you can do so before you boast the cruelty you mean to mark your savage triumph. And let me tell you meanwhile that some of you it is likely will be in a condition to implore his mercy before he will have need to supplicate or deign to accept yours. This prediction was literally verified in more than one instance during the eventful remainder of the war. Tarleton himself was frequently present during these scenes, apparently a pleased though generally a silent spectator. He would remark at times in the way of self-indication that he commiserated the trials and wondered at the endurance of this heroic woman but that his sanction of such proceedings was necessary to the success of his Majesty's cause. Weak cause indeed that was constrained to ring the cause of its maintenance from the bleeding hearts of wives and mothers. On one occasion some of the officers displayed in the sight of Mrs. Richardson their swords reeking with blood, and told her it was the blood of Captain Richardson whom they had killed. At another time they brought intelligence that he had been taken and hanged. In this state of cruel suspense she sometimes remained for several successive days unable to learn the fate of her husband and not knowing whether to believe or distrust the horrible tales brought to her ears. One day when the troops were absent on some expedition Captain Richardson ventured on a visit to his home. A happy hour was it to the anxious wife and faithful domestics when they could greet him once more in his own mansion. But before he thought of returning to his refuge in the forest a patrolling party of the enemy appeared unexpectedly at the gate. Mrs. Richardson's presence of mind and calm courage were an instant requisition and proved the salvation of the hunted patriot. Seeing the British soldiers about to come in she pretended to be intently busy about something in the front door and stood in the way retarding their entrance. The least appearance of agitation or fear the least change of color might have betrayed all by exciting suspicion. But with a self-control as rare as admirable she hushed even the wild beating of her heart and continued to stand in the way till her husband had time to retire through the back door into the swamp near at hand. The brave captain was not idle in his seclusion but collecting around him the wigs of his acquaintance who remained firm in their devotion to their native land he trained them daily in cavalry exercise. When Tarleton ravaged the plantation and burnt the dwelling of his deceased father General Richardson he passed so near the ruins as to see the extent of the desolation. General Marion happened at that time to be in a very critical situation and unaware of the great superiority of the enemy's force close at hand. The gallant Richardson hastened to his aid, joined him and conducted the retreat of his army which was immediately commenced and successfully executed. The British were not long in discovering that the captain had joined the forces of Marion and their deportment to his wife was at once changed. One and all professed a profound respect for her brave and worthy husband whose services they were desirous of securing. They endeavored to obtain her influence to prevail on him to join the royal army by promises of pardon, wealth and honorable promotion. The high spirited wife all such offers with the contempt they deserved and refused to be made instrumental to their purposes. They then dispatched his brother Edward who was a prisoner on parole upon the adjoining plantation to be bearer of their offers. By him Mrs. Richardson also sent a message to her husband. It was to assure him that she did not join in British solicitations that she and her children were well and provided with abundance of everything necessary for their comfort. Thus with heroic art did she conceal the privations and watch she was suffering lest her husband's solicitude for her and his family might tempt him to waver from strict obedience to the dictates of honor and patriotism. Edward went as directed to the American camp, took his brother into Marion's presence and there faithfully delivered both messages with which he had been charged. These specious offers from the enemy were of course rejected and the messenger conceiving himself absolved from his parole by the treatment he had received remained with Marion till the termination of hostilities in the state. Several times after this did Richard place his life in peril to visit his amiable family. Hearing that Tarleton's troop had been ordered away from his plantation he obtained permission to go thither for a short time. He arrived in safety but had been seen on his way by a loyalist. A party of them was immediately assembled and was soon to be seen drawn up in front of his house. One crib, the faithful steed, was hitched outside the gate. His master hastily came forth, leaped on him and galloping up the avenue where the enemy were posted, passed through the midst of them without receiving either a shot or a saber wound. Just as he passed their ranks one of his well-known neighbors fired at him but missed the aim. All this took place in sight of his terrified family who often afterwards described his danger and providential escape. Tarleton and the rest of the family accounted for this by conjecturing that the party had determined to take Richardson alive and thus claimed the reward offered for his apprehension and that when in their midst they could not shoot him without the risk of killing some of their comrades. His daring gallantry entirely disconcerted them and saved his life. Some time after this he again asked the indulgence of a visit to his family but General Marion in granting it mindful of the danger he had before encountered insisted that he should be accompanied by an escort. The party had scarcely reached the house of Richardson when as before a large body of British and Tories was seen advancing rapidly down the avenue eager to surprise their intended victims. To remount in all haste there we read Steeds and rushed down the bank at the rear of the house seeking concealment in the swamp offered the only chance for escape. In this they all succeeded except a young man named Roberts with whom Mrs. Richardson was well acquainted and who was taken prisoner. In vain did she intercede for him with the British officers and with streaming eyes implore them to spare the life of the unfortunate youth. They hanged him on a walnut tree only a few paces from her door and compelled her to witness the revolting spectacle. When she complained with tears of anguish of this cruelty to herself and barbarity towards one who had offended by risking his life in defense of her husband they jeeringly told her they would soon have him also to see him kick like that fellow. To such atrocities could the passions of brutalized men lead them even in an age and nation that boasted itself the most enlightened on earth. When peace returned to shed blessings over the land Mrs. Richardson continued to reside in the same house with her family. Tarleton and his troopers had wasted the plantation and destroyed everything movable about the dwelling but the buildings had been spared because they were spacious and afforded by the station for the British about midway between Camden and Fort Watson on Scots Lake. Colonel Richardson who had been promoted for his meritorious service in the field cheerfully resumed the occupations of a planter. His circumstances were much reduced by the chances of war but a competence remained which he and his wife enjoyed in tranquility and happiness surrounded by affectionate relatives and friendly neighbors. Of their ten children four died young. The rest married and reared families. Mrs. Richardson survived her husband many years and died at the advanced age of 93 in 1834. She was remarkable throughout life for the calm judgment fortitude and strength of mind which had sustained her in the trials she suffered during the war and protected her from injury or insult when surrounded by a lawless soldiery. To these elevated qualities she united an ostentatious piety and a disposition of uncommon serenity and cheerfulness. Her energy and consolations through the vicissitudes of life were derived from religion. It was her hope and triumph in the hour of death. Chapter 21 Elizabeth, Grace and Rachel Martin The daring exploit of two women in 96 district furnishes an instance of courage as striking as any remembered among the traditions of South Carolina. During the sieges of Augusta and Cambridge the patriotic enthusiasm that prevailed among the people prompted to numerous acts of personal risk and sacrifice. This spirit encouraged by the successes of Sumter and others over the British arms was earnestly fostered by General Green whose directions marked at least the outline of every undertaking. In the efforts made to strike a blow at the invaders' power, the sons of the Martin family were among the most distinguished for active service rendered and for injuries sustained at the enemy's hands. The wives of the two eldest during their absence remained at home with their mother-in-law. One evening intelligence came to them that a courier conveying important dispatches to one of the upper stations was to pass that night along the road guarded by two British officers. They determined to way-lay the party and at the risk of their lives to obtain possession of the papers. For this purpose the two young women disguise themselves in their husbands' clothes and being well provided with arms and looked their station at a point on the road which they knew the escort must pass. It was already late and they had not waited long before the tramp of horses was heard in the distance. It may be imagined with what anxious expectation the heroines awaited the approach of the critical momentum which so much depended. The forest solitude around them, the silence of night and the darkness must have added to the terrace conjured up by busy fancy. Presently the courier appeared with his attendant guards. As they came close to the spot the disguised women leaped from their covert in the bushes, presented their pistols at the officers and demanded the instant surrender of the party and their dispatches. The men were completely taken by surprise and in their alarm at the sudden attack yielded a prompt submission. The seeming soldiers put them on their parole and having taken possession of the papers hastened home by a shortcut through the woods. No time was lost in sending the important documents by a trusty messenger to General Green. The adventure had a singular termination. The paroled officers thus thwarted in their mission returned by the road they had taken and, stopping at the house of Mrs. Martin, asked accommodation as weary travelers for the night. The hostess inquired the reason of their returning so soon after they had passed. They replied by showing their paroles saying they had been taken prisoners by two rebel lads. The ladies rallied them upon their want of intrepidity. Had you no arms? was asked. The officers answered that they had arms but had been suddenly taken off their guard and were allowed no time to use their weapons. They departed the next morning having no suspicion that they owed their capture to the very women whose hospitality they had claimed. The mother of this patriotic family was a native of Caroline County, Virginia. Her name was Elizabeth Marshall and she was probably of the same family with Chief Justice Marshall as she belonged to the same neighborhood. After her marriage to Abram Martin she removed to his settlement bordering on the Indian nation in 96 now Edgefield District, South Carolina. The country at that time was sparsely settled, most of its inhabitants being pioneers from other states chiefly from Virginia and their neighborhood to the Indians had caused the adoption of some of their savage habits. The name Edgefield is said to have been given because it was at that period the edge or boundary of their respectable settlers and their cultivated fields. Civilization, however, increased with the population and in the time of the revolution 96 was among the foremost in sending into the field its quota of hardy and enterprising troops to oppose the British and their savage allies. At the commencement of the contest Mrs. Martin had nine children seven of whom were sons old enough to bear arms. The brave young men under the tuition and example of their parents had grown up in attachment to their country and ardently devoted to its service were ready on every occasion to encounter the dangers of border warfare. When the first call for volunteers sounded through the land the mother encouraged their patriotic zeal. Go boys! She said, fight for your country fight till death if you must but never let your country be dishonored for I am man I would go with you. At another time when Colonel Kruger commanded the British at Cambridge and Colonel Brown in Augusta several British officers stopped at her house for refreshment and one of them asked how many sons she had. She answered, eight, and to the question where they all were replied promptly. Seven of them are engaged in the service of their country. Really, madam, observe the officer sneeringly. You have enough of them? No, sir, said the matron proudly. I wish I had fifty. Her house in the absence of the sons was frequently exposed to the depredations of the Tories. On one occasion they cut open her feather beds and scattered the contents. When the young men returned shortly afterwards their mother bade them pursue the marauders. One of the continental soldiers having been left at the house badly wounded Mrs. Martin kindly attended and nursed him till his recovery. A party of loyalists who heard of his being there came with the intention of taking his life but she found means to hide him from their search. The only daughter of Mrs. Martin, Letitia, married Captain Edmund Wade of Virginia who fell with his commander General Montgomery at the Siege of Quebec. At the time of the Siege of Charleston by Sir Henry Clinton the widow was residing with her mother at ninety-six. Her son Washington Wade was then five years old and remembers many occurrences connected with the war. Asked to risk most of the particulars relating to this family were furnished by him to Dr. Johnson of Charleston who kindly communicated them to me with additional ones obtained from other branches of the family. Returned to text. The house was about one hundred miles in a direct line west of Charleston. He recollects walking in the piazza on a calm evening with his grandmother. A light breeze blew from the east and the sound of heavy cannon heard in that direction. Asked to risk. The statement has been repeatedly confirmed by others in the neighborhood. Returned to text. The sound of cannon heard at that time and in that part of the state they knew must come from the besieged city. As report after report reached their ears the agitation of Mrs. Martin increased. She knew not what evils might be announced. She knew not but the sound might be the knell of her sons than in Charleston. Their wives were with her and partook of the same heart-chilling fears. They stood still for a few minutes each wrapped in her own painful and silent reflections till the mother at length lifting her hands and eyes towards heaven exclaimed fervently Thank God they are the children of the Republic. Of the seven Patriot brothers six were spared through all the dangers of partisan warfare in the region of the dark and bloody ground. The eldest, William M. Martin was a captain of artillery and after having served with distinction in the sieges of Savannah and Charleston was killed at the Siege of Augusta just after he had obtained a favourable position for his cannon by elevating it on one of the towers constructed by General Pickens. It is related that not long after his death a British officer passing to Fort 96 then in possession of the English rode out of his way to gratify his hatred to the wigs and fatal news to the mother of this gallant young man. He called at the house and asked Mrs. Martin if she had not a son in the army at Augusta. She replied in the affirmative. Then I saw his brains blown out on the field of battle said the monster who anticipated his triumph in the sight of a parent's agony. But the effect of the startling announcement was other than he expected. Terrible as was the shock and aggravated by the ruthless cruelty with which her bereavement was made known woman's weakness was suffered to appear. After listening to the dreadful recital the only reply made by this American dame was he could not have died in a nobler cause. The evident chagrin of the officer as he turned and rode away is still remembered in the family tradition. This eldest son married Grace Warring of Dorchester when she was but 14 years of age. She was the daughter of Benjamin Warring who afterwards became one of the earliest settlers of Columbia when established as the seat of government in the state. The principles of the revolution had been taught her from childhood and her efforts to promote its advancement were joined with those of her husband's family. She was one of the two who risked their lives to seize upon the dispatches as above related. Her husband's untimely death left her with three young children, two sons and a daughter. But she never married again. Her companion in that daring and successful enterprise was the wife of Barclay Martin and other son. She was Rachel Clay, the daughter of Henry Clay Jr. of Mecklenburg County, Virginia and first cousin to Henry Clay of Kentucky. She is said to be still living in Bedford County, Tennessee, is about 86 years of age and never had any children. Her sister married Matthew and other of the brothers and removed to Tennessee. Their family was large and of high respectability. One of the sons is the honorable Barclay Martin and the late member of Congress from that state. His father lived to a great age and died in Tennessee in October 1847, about 76 years after his first battlefield. The descendants of the other brothers are numerous and respectable in the different southern states. A tribute is due to the fortitude of those who suffered when the war swept with violence over Georgia. After Colonel Campbell took possession of Savannah in 1778, the whole country was overrun with irregular marauders, wilder and more ruthless than the Cossacks of the Dawn. As many of the inhabitants as could retire from the storm did so, awaiting a happier time to renew the struggle. One of those who had sought refuge in Florida was Mr. Spalding, whose establishments were on the River St. John's. He had the whole Indian trade from the Altamaha to the Apalachicola. His property with his pursuits was destroyed by the war, yet his heart was ever with his countrymen and the home he had prepared for his wife was the refuge of every American prisoner in Florida. The first assembly that met in Savannah recalled him and restored his lands, but could not give back his business, nor secure the debts due, while his British creditors with their demands for accumulated interest pressed upon the remnants of his fortune. Under these adverse circumstances and distressed on account of the losses of her father and brothers who had taken arms in the American cause, Mrs. Spalding performed her arduous duties with a true woman's fidelity and tenderness. She followed her husband with her child when flight became necessary, and twice during the war traversed the 200 miles between Savannah and St. John's River in an open boat with only black servants on board when the whole country was a desert without a house to shelter her and her infant son. The first of these occasions was when she visited her father and brothers while prisoners in Savannah. The second, when in 1782 she went to congratulate her brothers and uncle on their victory. This lady was the daughter of Colonel William McIntosh and the niece of General Lachlan McIntosh. Major Spalding of Georgia is her son. Mrs. Spalding's health was seriously impaired by the anxieties endured during the struggle, and many years afterwards it was deemed necessary for her to try the climate of Europe. In January 1800, she with her son and his wife went to Savannah in a British ship of 20 guns with 50 men, built in all points to resemble a soup of war without the appearance of a cargo. When they had been out about 15 days, the captain sent one morning at daylight to request the presence of two of his gentlemen passengers on deck. A large ship, painted black and showing 12 guns on a side, was seen to windward running across their course. She was obviously a French privateer. The captain announced that there was no hope about sailing her should their course be altered, nor would there be hope in a conflict as those ships usually carried 150 men. Yet he judged that if no effort were made to shun the privateer, the appearance of his ship might deter from an attack. The gentlemen were of the same opinion. Mr. Spalding, heartsick at thought of the perilous situation of his wife and mother and unwilling to trust himself with an interview till the crisis was over, requested the captain to go below and make what preparation he could for their security. After a few minutes' absence, the captain returned to describe the most touching scene. Mrs. Spalding had placed her daughter-in-law and the other inmates of the cabin for safety in the two state rooms, filling the berths with cots and bedding from the outer cabin. She had then taken her own station beside the scuttle, which led from the outer cabin to the magazine with two buckets of water. Having noticed that the two cabin boys were heedless, she had determined herself to keep watch over the magazine. She did so till the danger was past. The captain took in his light sails, hoisted his boarding nettings, opened his ports, and stood on upon his course. The privateer waited till the ship was within a mile, then fired a gun to windward and stood on her way. This ruse preserved the ship. The incident may serve to show the spirit of this matron, who also bore her high part in the perils of the revolution. CHAPTER 22 OF THE WOMEN OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION VOLUME 1 BY ELIZABETH F. ELLET CHAPTER 22 DICEY LANGSTON The portion of South Carolina near the frontier watered by the Pakulet, the Tiger and the Ennoree, comprising Spartanburg and Union districts, witnessed many deeds of violence and blood, and many bold achievements of the hardy partisans. It could also boast its full complement of women whose aid in various ways was of essential service to the patriots. So prevalent was loyalism in the darkest of those days, so bitter was the animosity felt towards the Whigs, and so eager the determination to root them from the soil, that the very recklessness of hate gave frequent opportunities for the betrayal of the plans of their enemies. Often were the boastings of those who planned some midnight surprise or some enterprise that promised rare pillage uttered in the hearing of weak and despised women, unexpectedly turned into wonder at the secret agency that had disconcerted them or execrations upon their own folly. The tradition of the country teams with accounts of female enterprise in this kind of service, very few instances of which were recorded in the military journals. The patriots were frequently indebted for important information to one young girl, 15 or 16 years old at the commencement of the war. This was Dicey, the daughter of Solomon Langston of Lawrence District. He was in principle a stout liberty man, but incapacitated by age and infirmities from taking any active part in the contest. His son was a devoted patriot and was ever found in the field where his services were most needed. He had his home in the neighborhood and could easily receive secret intelligence from his sister who was always on the alert. Living surrounded by loyalists, some of whom were their own relatives, Miss Langston found it easy to make herself acquainted with their movements and plans and failed not to avail herself of every opportunity to do so and immediately to communicate what she learned to the wigs on the other side of the Annori River. At length, suspicion of the active age she rendered was excited among the Tory neighbors. Mr. Langston was informed that he would be held responsible thence forward with his property for the conduct of his daughter. The young girl was reproved severely and commanded to desist from her patriotic treachery. For a time she obeyed the parental injunction, but having heard by accident that a company of loyalists who on account of their ruthless cruelty had been commonly called the Bloody Scout intent on their work of death were about to visit the elder settlement where her brother and some friends were living, she determined at all hazards to warn them of the intended expedition. She had none in whom to confide, but was obliged to leave her home alone by stealth and at the dead hour of night. Many miles were to be traversed and the road lay through woods and crossed marshes and creeks where the conveniences of bridges and footlogs were wanting. She walked rapidly on, heedless of slight difficulties, but her heart almost failed her when she came to the banks of the tigre, a deep and rapid stream which there was no possibility of crossing except by wading through the ford. This she knew to be deep at ordinary times and it had doubtless been rendered more dangerous by the rains that had lately fallen. But the thought of personal danger weighed not with her in comparison to the duty she owed her friends and country. Her momentary hesitation was but the shrinking of nature from peril encountered in darkness and alone when the imagination conjures up a thousand appalling ideas, each more startling than the worst reality. Her strong heart battled against these and she resolved to accomplish her purpose or perish in the attempt. She entered the water but when in the middle of the ford became bewildered and knew not which direction to take. The horse rushed of the waters which were up to her neck, the blackness of the night, the utter solitude around her, the uncertainty lest the next step should engulf her past help confused her and losing in a degree her self-possession she wanted for some time in the channel without knowing whether to turn her steps. But the energy of a resolute will under the care of Providence sustained her. Having with difficulty reached the other side she lost no time in hastening to her brother, informed him and his friends of the preparations made to surprise and destroy them and urged him to send his men instantly in different directions to arouse and warn the neighborhood. The soldiers had just returned from a fatiguing excursion and complained that they were faint from want of food. The noble girl, not satisfied with what she had done at such risk to herself, was ready to help them still further by providing refreshment immediately. Though wearied, wet and shivering with cold she had once set about her preparations. A few boards were taken from the roof of the house, a fire was kindled with them and in a few minutes a hoe-cake, partly baked, was broken into pieces and thrust into the shot-pouches of the men. Thus provisioned, the little company hastened to give the alarm to their neighbors and did so in time for all to make their escape. The next day when the scout visited the place they found no living enemy on whom to wreak their vengeance. At a later period of the war the father of Miss Langston incurred the displeasure of the loyalists in consequence of the act of services of his sons and their country's cause. They were known to have imbibed their principles from him and he was marked out as an object of summary vengeance. A party came to his house with the design of putting to death all the men of the family. The sons were absent but the feeble old man selected by their relentless hate as a victim was in their power. He could not escape or resist and he scorned to implore their mercy. One of the company drew a pistol and deliberately leveled it at the rest of Langston. Suddenly a wild shriek was heard and his young daughter sprang between her aged parent and the fatal weapon. The brutal soldier roughly ordered her to get out of the way or the contents of the pistol would be instantly lodged into her own heart. She heeded not the threat which was but too likely to be fulfilled in the next moment. Clasping her arms tightly round the old man's neck she declared that her own body should first receive the ball aimed at his heart. There are few human beings even of the most depraved, entirely insensible to all noble and generous impulses. On this occasion the conduct of the daughter so fearless so determined to shield her father's life by the sacrifice of her own touched the heart even of a member of the bloody scout. Langston was spared and the party left the house failed with admiration at the filial affection and devotion they had witnessed. At another time the heroic maiden showed herself as ready to prevent wrong to an enemy as to her friends. Her father's house was visited by a company of weeks who stopped to get some refreshment and to feed their wearied horses. In the course of conversation one of them mentioned that they were going to visit a Tory neighbor for the purpose of seizing his horses. The man whose possessions were thus to be appropriated had been in general a peaceful citizen and Mr. Langston determined to inform him of the danger in which his horses stood of having their ownership changed. Entering cordially into her father's design Miss Langston set off immediately to carry the information. She gave it in the best faith but just before she started on her return home she discovered that the neighbor whom she had warned was not only taking precautions to save his property but was about to send for the captain of a Tory band not far distant so that the liberty men might be captured when intent on their expedition before they should be aware of their danger. It was now the generous girl's duty to perform a like-friendly act toward the wigs. She lost no time in conveying the intelligence and thus saved an enemy's property and the lives of her friends. Her disregard of personal danger where service could be rendered was remarkable. One day returning from a wig neighbourhood in Spartanburg district she was met by a company of loyalists who ordered her to give them some intelligence they desired respecting those she had just left. She refused, were upon the captain of the band held a pistol to her breast and ordered her instantly to make the disclosures to die in her tracks. Miss Langston only replied with the cool intrepidity of a veteran soldier shoot me if you dare I will not tell you. At the same time opening a long handkerchief which covered her neck and bosom as if offering a place to receive the contents of the weapon. Incensed by her defiance the officer was about to fire when another threw up his hand and saved the courageous girl's life. On one occasion when her father's house was visited on a plundering expedition by the noted Tory Captain Gray with his rifleman and they had collected and divided everything they thought could be of use they were at some loss what to do with a large pewter basin. At length the captain determined on taking that also jeeringly remarking it will do to run into bullets to kill the rebels. Pewter bullets sir answered Miss Langston will not kill a wig why not inquired Captain Gray it is said sir replied she that a witch can be shot only with a silver bullet and I am sure the wigs are more under the protection of Providence. At another time when a company of the enemy came to the house they found the door secured to their demand for admission and threats of breaking down the door Miss Langston answered by sternly bidding them be gone her resolute language induced the company to hold a parley and the result was that they departed with a further attempt to obtain an entrance one more anecdote is given to illustrate her spirit and fearlessness her brother James had left a rifle in her care which she was to keep hid till he sent for it he did so by a company of liberty men who were to return to his father's dwelling on arriving at the house one of them asked the young girl for the gun she went immediately and brought it but as she came toward the soldiers the thoughts struck her that she had neglected to ask for the counter sign agreed upon between her brother and herself advancing more cautiously she observed to them that their looks were suspicious that for odd she knew they might be a set of Tories and demanded the counter sign one of the company answered that it was too late to make conditions the gun was in their possession and its holder too do you think so? cried she cocking it and presenting the muzzle at the speaker if the gun is in your possession take charge of her her look and attitude of defiance showed her in earnest the counter sign was quickly given and the men laughing heartily pronounced her worthy of being the sister of James Langston after the war was ended Miss Langston married Thomas Springfield of Greenville, South Carolina she died in Greenville district a few years since of her numerous descendants then living 32 were sons and grandsons capable of bearing arms and ready at any time to do so that liberty which was so dear to the youthful heart of their ancestor asterisk the preceding anecdotes were furnished by the honorable B. F. Perry of Greenville, South Carolina who received them from one of Mrs. Springfield's family returned a text the recollection of the courage and patriotism of Mrs. Dillard is associated with the details of a battle of considerable importance which took place in Spartanburg district at the green spring near Berwick's ironworks the Americans here gained great honor Colonel Clark of the Georgia Volunteers joined with Capt. McCall little and Hammond in all about 198 men having received intelligence that a body of Tory militia stated to be from 2 to 500 commanded by Colonel Ferguson were recruiting for the horse service determined to attempt to route them asterisk Mills statistics of South Carolina page 738 return to text they marched accordingly and hearing that a scouting party was in advance of Ferguson station prepared to give them battle Colonel Clark with his forces and camped for the night at green spring on that day the Americans had stopped for refreshment at the house of Capt. Dillard who was with their party as a volunteer they had been entertained by his wife with milk and potatoes the simple fare which those hardy soldiers felt to obtain the same evening Ferguson and Dunlap with a party of Tories arrived at the house they inquired of Mrs. Dillard whether Clark and his men had not been there what time they had departed and what were their numbers she answered that they had been at the house that she could not guess their numbers and that they had been gone a long time the officers then ordered her to prepare supper for them with all possible dispatch they took possession of the house and took some bacon to be given to their men Mrs. Dillard said about the preparations for supper in going backwards and forwards from the kitchen she overheard much of their conversation it will be remembered that the kitchens of the south are usually separate from the dwelling houses the doors and windows of the houses in the country being often slightly constructed it is also likely that the loose partitions afforded facilities for hearing what might be said within the night the officers probably apprehended no danger from disclosing their plans in the presence of a lonely woman she ascertained that they had determined to surprise Clark and his party and were to pursue him as soon as they had taken their meal she also heard one of the officers tell Ferguson he had just received the information that the rebels with Clark were to encamp that night at the great spring it wasn't once resolved to surprise and attack them before day she imagined with which Mrs. Dillard heard this resolution announced she hurried the supper and as soon as it was placed upon the table and the officers had sat down slipped out by a back way late and dark as it was her determination was to go herself and surprise Clark of his danger in the hope of being in time for him to make a safe retreat for she believed that the enemy were too numerous to justify a battle she went to this table and rode with all possible speed to the place described it was about half an hour before day when she came in full gallop to one of the vedettes by whom she was immediately conducted to Colonel Clark she called to the Colonel breathless with eagerness and haste be in readiness to either fight or run the enemy will be upon you immediately and they are strong in an instant every man was up and no moments were lost in preparing for action the Russians came just in time to put the wigs in readiness Ferguson had detached Dunlap with 200 picked mounted men to engage Clark and keep him employed till his arrival these rushed in full charge into the American camp but the surprise was on their part they were met hand to hand with a firmness they had not anticipated their confusion was increased by the darkness which rendered it hard to distinguish friend from foe the battle was warm 15 or 20 minutes when the Tories gave way they were pursued nearly a mile but not overtaken Ferguson came too late for the frolic the business being ended Clark and his little band then returned to North Carolina for rest and refreshment for the whole of this enterprise was performed without one regular meal and without regular food for their horses Mrs. Angelica Knot widow of the late Judge Knot of South Carolina remembers some illustrative incidents which occurred in the section where she resided with her aunt Mrs. Potter near the Grindel Shoal a little south of Pakalat River the wig population in this portion of the state were exposed during part of 1780 and 1781 to incredible hardships the breezes of fortune which had fanned into life the expiring embers of opposition to English tyranny had been so variable that the wavering hopes of the people were often trembling on the verge of extinction the reverses of the British arms had exasperated the loyalists and embittered the enmity felt towards the stubborn people who refused to be conquered such was the state of feeling when the destiny of the south was committed to the hands of a soldier of consummate genius in whom the trust of all was implicitly placed when Tarleton was on his march against Morgan just before their encounter at the Cowpens a party of loyalists came to the place where Mrs. Potter lived and committed some depredations she burned the straw covering from a rude hut in which the family lodged while a relative ill of the smallpox occupied the house Mrs. Potter and her children had built this lodge of rails for their temporary accommodation the soldiers attempted to take off her wedding ring which, as it had been worn for years became embedded under the skin in the effort to force it from her finger they swore it should be cut off but finally desisted from the attempt on the same march she was then camped at the house of John Beckham whose wife was the sister of Colonel Henderson of the Continental Army Mrs. Beckham saw for the first time this renowned officer while standing in her yard and ordering his men to catch her poultry for supper she spoke civilly to him and hastened to prepare supper for him and his suite as if they had been honored guests when about to leave in the morning he ordered the house to be burnt after being given up to pillage but on her remonstrance recall the order all her bedding was taken except one quilt which soon shared the same fate at another time Mrs. Beckham went to Grandby 80 miles distant for a bushel of salt which she brought home on the saddle under her the guinea appropriated for the purchase was concealed in the hair braided on the top of her head Mrs. Potter was visited by the famous Tory Colonel Cunningham commonly called Bloody Bill Cunningham on one occasion with a party of 250 men they arrived after dark and as green corn happened to be in season encamped by one of her fields fed their horses with the corn, built fires with the rails and roasted the ears for themselves at that time the family lived chiefly on roasted corn without bread, meat or salt hickory ashes were used with a small quantity of salt for preserving beef when it could be had leather shoes were replaced by woollen rags sewed around the feet and of beds or bedding none were left the beds were generally ripped open by the depredators the feathers scattered and the ticking used for tent cloths the looms were robbed of cloth found in them and hence the women of the country resorted to various expedients to manufacture clothing and preserve it for their own use and that of their friends a family residing on the pachalette built a loom between four trees in the forest and woven fair weather covering the loom and web with cow hides when it rained Chapter 23 Elizabeth Steele The long, arduous and eventful retreat of General Green through the Carolinas after the Battle of the Cowpens that retreat on whose issue hung the fate of the South with the eager pursuit of Cornwallis who well knew that the destruction of that army would secure his conquests is a twice-told tale to every reader the line of March lay through Wallisbury, North Carolina and while the British commander was crossing the catabal Green was approaching this village with the American army were conveyed the prisoners taken by Morgan in the late bloody and brilliant action the intention being to convey them to Virginia several of these were sick and wounded and among them were some British officers unable from loss of strength to proceed further on the route General Green aware of the objects of Cornwallis knew his design a hurried march to the Ford to cross the catabal before opposition could be made and had stationed a body of militia there to dispute the passage most anxiously did the general await their arrival before he pursued his route the day gradually wore away and still no signs appeared of the militia and it was not till after midnight that the news reached him of their defeat and dispersion by the British troops and the death of General Davidson who had commanded them to dispatch to different parts of the retreating army he rode on with a heavy heart to Salisbury it had been raining during the day and his soaked and soiled garments and appearance of exhaustion as he wearily dismounted from his jaded horse at the door of the principal hotel showed that he had suffered much from exposure to the storm sleepless fatigue and harassing anxiety of mind Dr. Reed who had charged of the sick and wounded prisoners while he waited for the general's arrival with which it was necessary to furnish such officers as could not go on from his apartment overlooking the main street he saw his friend unaccompanied by his aides right up and alight and hastened to receive him as he entered the house seeing him without a companion and startled by his dispirited looks the doctor could not refrain from noticing them with anxious inquiries to which the weird soldier replied yes, fatigued hungry and penniless the melancholy reply was heard by one determined to prove by the generous assistance preferred in a time of need that no reverse could dim the pure flame of disinterested patriotism General Greene had hardly taken his seat at the well-spread table when Mrs. Steele, the landlady of the hotel, entered the room and carefully closed the door behind her approaching her distinguished guest she reminded him of the despondent words he had uttered in her hearing implying as she thought a distrust of the devotion of his friends through every calamity to the cause money too she declared he should have and drew from under her apron two small bags full of specie probably the earnings of years take these, said she for you will want them and I can do without them words of kindness and encouragement accompanied this offering of a benevolent heart which General Greene accepted with thankfulness never, says his biographer did relief come at a more propitious moment nor would it be straining conjecture to suppose that he resumed his journey with his spirits cheered enlightened by this touching proof of women's devotion to the cause of her country asterisk Greene's life of Nathaniel Greene see also foot sketches of North Carolina, page 355 return to text General Greene did not remain long in Salisbury but before his departure from the house of Mrs. Steele he left a memorial of his visit he took from the wall of one of the apartments a portrait of George III which had come from England as a present from a person at court to one of Mrs. Steele's connections attached to an embassy wrote with chalk on the back oh George hide thy face and mourn and replaced it with a face to the wall the picture with the writing on a face is still in possession of a granddaughter of Mrs. Steele Elizabeth Steele was distinguished not only for attachment to the American cause during the war but for the piety that shone brightly in her useful life among her papers was found after her death a written dedication of herself to her creator and a prayer for support in the practice of Christian duty with a letter left as legacy to her children and joining it upon them to make religion the great work of life she was a tender mother she loved it for her constant exercise of the virtues of kindness and charity she was twice married and died in Salisbury in 1791 her son the honorable John Steele conspicuous in the councils of the state and nation was one whose public services offer materials for an interesting biography a collection of his correspondence has lately been added to the treasures of the historical society of the University of North Carolina and it is to be hoped under its auspices justice will be done to his memory at no distant period Margaret Mrs. Steele's daughter was the wife of Reverend Samuel E. McCorkle it was in the same pursuit of Green and Morgan by Cornwallis that the British destroyed the property of the widow Brevard in center congregation she has seven sons in the rebel army was the reason given by the officer for permitting her house to be burned and her farm plundered one of her sons Alexander Brevard took part in nine battles and the youngest was at 17 first lieutenant of a company of horse Ephraim Brevard and other son having graduated at Princeton College and completed a course of medical studies fixed his residence at Charlotte Mr. Foote says his talents, patriotism and education united with his prudence and practical sense marked him as a leader in the councils that preceded the convention held in Queens Museum and on the day of meeting designated him as secretary and draftsman of that singular and unrivaled declaration which alone is a passport to the memory of posterity through all time it will be born in mind that it was in Charlotte the county town of Mecklenburg County that the bold idea of national independence was first proclaimed to the world on the 19th of May 1775 an immense concourse of people was assembled in this frontier settlement all agitated with the excitement which had plunged the whole land into commotion on that day came the first intelligence of the commencement of hostilities at Lexington and when the convention and the people were addressed the universal cry was let us be independent let us declare our independence and defend it with our lives and fortunes the resolutions drawn up by Dr. Brevard were discussed and by their unanimous adoption the day following by the convention and the approving attitude the citizens of Mecklenburg County declared themselves a free and independent people due honor is awarded to him who took so active a part in that memorable transaction but where is the tribute that should be paid to the widowed mother who sowed the seeds which on that day yielded fruit who implanted in her son's mind those sterling principles the guidance of which rendered his life one of eminent usefulness when the southern states became the arena of war Dr. Brevard the army as surgeon and was taken prisoner at the surrender of Charleston in that city he was seized with a fatal disease to which he fell a victim after being set at liberty and permitted to place himself under the care of friends the deplorable sufferings of the unfortunate prisoners in Charleston moved the sympathy of the inhabitants of western Carolina for news came that many were perishing in captivity of want and disease the men could not go thither to visit their friends relatives without ensuring their own destruction but the women gathered clothing medicines and provisions and traveled long journeys encountering danger as well as hardship to minister in person to those who so sorely needed their sucker much relief was brought to the sufferers by these visits of mercy although the lives preserved were sometimes saved at the sacrifice of the noble benefactors the mother of Andrew Jackson returning to the walk saw after a journey to Charleston to carry clothing and other necessaries to some friends on board the prison ship was seized with the prison fever and died in a tent in the midst of the wide sandy wilderness of pines her lonely grave by the roadside where the spot known would speak mournfully of women self-immolating heroism mrs. Jackson with her children had quitted their home on the walk saw where she had buried her husband after the route and slaughter of Buford's regiment by the forces of Tarleton when the women and children fled from the ravages of the merciless enemy they had found a place of refuge in Sugar Creek congregation where they remained during part of the summer part of the foundations of the log meeting house where the congregation met for worship may still be seen other widowed mothers were there in North Carolina who trained their sons to become zealous patriots and efficient statesmen the names of mrs. Flynn mrs. Sharp mrs. Graham and mrs. Hunter are worthy of remembrance the great principles proclaimed at the Mecklenburg convention were acted out in the noblest efforts of patriotism by their sons Mr. Carruthers the biographer of the Reverend David Caldwell states that while all the active men in his congregations were engaged with the army at the battle of Guilford courthouse there were two collections of females one in Buffalo and the other in Alamance engaged in earnest prayer for their families and their country and that many others sought the divine aid in military places one pious woman sent her son frequently during the afternoon to the summit of a little hill near which she spent much time in prayer to listen and bring her word which way the firing came from the southward or the northward when he returned and said it was going northward then exclaimed she all is lost green is defeated but all was not lost the god who hears prayer remembered his people End of chapters 22 and 23