Historical sketches of North Carolina : from 1584 to 1851, Vol. I, Part 20

Author: Wheeler, John H. (John Hill), 1806-1882
Publication date: 1851
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Lippincott, Grambo and Co.
Number of Pages: 662


USA > North Carolina > Historical sketches of North Carolina : from 1584 to 1851, Vol. I > Part 20


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The following are the members of the General Assembly from Brunswick County, from. 1774 to 1851 :-


Years. Senators.


Members of House of Commons.


Robert Howe.


John Rowan, Robert Howe.


Cornelius Harnett, A. McClaine.


1778.


Archibald "McClaine,


1782. Archibald McClaine,


Benjamin Smith,


Wm. Waters, Dennis Hawkins. Jacob Leonard, David Flowers.


1785. . William Watters,


1787. 17,88. 1791. 1792. Benjamin Smith,


1793.


B. Smith,


1794. B. Smith,


1795. B. Smith,


Jacob Leonard, Robert Howe. Lewis Dupre, Jacob Leonard. Jacob Leonard, John Cains. Benjamin Smith, Wm. E. Lord. Alfred Moore, Wm. E. Lord. Wm. Wingate, Wm. E. Lord.


Wm. Wingate, Abraham Bissant. Wm. Wingate, Ab. Bissant.


1774.


1775. 1776. 1777. Archibald McClaine,


Wm. Lord, Richard Quince, Jr.


Lewis Dupre, William Gause.


Wm. Waters, Dennis Hawkins.


1783. 1784. William Watters,


A. M. Forster, Lewis Dupre, Lewis Dupre,


-


50


HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


Years.


Senators.


1796. B. Smith,


1797. B. Smith,


1800. B. Smith,


1801.


Wm. Wingate,


1802. Wm. Wingate,


1803. Wm. Wingate,


1804. Benjamin Smith,


1805. B. Smith,


r 1806. B. Smith,


1807.


B. Smith,


1808. B. Smith,


1809.


B. Smith,


1810.


B. Smith,


1811. Thos. Leonard,


1812.


Wm. Wingate,


1813. Wm. Wingate,


1814. Jacob Leonard,


1815. J. W. Leonard,


1816.1


Benjamin Smith,


1817.


Jacob Leonard,


1818. Jacob Leonard,


1819. John C. Baker,


1821. 1822.


John C. Baker,


1823.


John C. Baker,


1824. John C. Baker,


1825. John C. Baker,


1826. Benj. R. Locke,


1827. B. R. Locke,


1828.


Jacob Leonard,


1829.


J. Leonard,


1830.


Wm. R. Hall,


1831. Wm. R. Hall,


1832. Wm. R. Hall,


1833. Wm. R. Hall,


1834. Maurice Moore,


1835.


Frederic J. Hill,


1836. James Burney,


1838. Robert Melvin,


1840. R. Melvin,


1842. R. Melvin,


1844. R. Melvin,


1846. R. 'Wooten,


1848. Richard Wooten,


1850. . Richard Wooten,


Members of House of Commons.


Wm. E. Lord, Absalom Bissant. A. Bissant, George Davis. Benjamin Mills, A. Bissant. John G. Scull, Benj. Mills. John. G. Scull, Benj. Mills. John G. Scull, Thomas Leonard. Thomas Leonard, Maurice Moore.


Thomas Leonard, Richard Parrish.


Richard Parrish, Thomas Leonard.


Thomas Leonard, Thomas Russ. Thomas Leonard, Thomas Russ. Thomas Leonard, George Davis. Thomas Leonard, Thomas Russ. Jacob W. Leonard, Maurice Moore. Maurice Moore, Robert Potter. Maurice Moore, Thomas Russ. Alfred Moore, Thomas Russ. Uriah Sullivan, John C. Baker. Edward Mills, Wm. Simmons. Alfred Moore, John C. Baker. J. C. Baker, Alfred Moore. Alfred Moore, John Neele. Francis N. Waddell, A. Moore. Samuel Frink, Alfred Moore.


Alfred Moore, Jacob W. Leonard. John J. Gause, Alfred Moore. Alfred Moore, Jacob Leonard, Jr. A. Moore, Jacob Leonard, Jr. Thomas B. Smith, Wm. L. Hall. John J. Gause, Marsden Campbell. Benj. S. Leonard, John P. Gause. J. P. Gause, Samuel Laspeyre. S. A. Laspeyre, John Waddell. S. A. Laspeyre, Benj. S. Leonard. Rt. C. McCracken, Abram Baker. Wm. R. Hall, Abram Baker. Frederic J. Hill.


F. J. Hill.


F. J. Hill.


Armeline Bryan.


H. H. Waters.


H. H. Waters.


H. H. Waters.


John H. Hill.


J. W. Leonard,


Alfred Moore, J. W. Leonard.


51


BUNCOMBE COUNTY.


CHAPTER IX.


BUNCOMBE COUNTY.


Date of formation-Origin of name, situation, and boundaries-Popula- tion and products-Asheville, its capital-Climate-Warm springs-Its dis- tinguished citizens and members of the General Assembly from the date of erection to the last session.


BUNCOMBE COUNTY was formed, in 1791, from Burke and Ruther- ford counties, and derives its name from Col. Edward Buncombe, of that part of Tyrrell which is now Washington County ; he was Colo- nel of the 5th regiment raised by North Carolina for the Continen- tal army.


COLONEL BUNCOMBE was a native of St. Kitts, one of the West India islands. He inherited land in Tyrrel County and built a house, now in the possession of his descendants.


With his regiment, he joined the army of the north, under Washington; was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Germantown, in 1777. He died of wounds received in this battle, at Philadelphia, while on parole. He left one son, who died without issue, and two daughters; one, who married John Goelet, Esq., of Washington, and the other Mr. Clark, of Bertie, a daughter of whom is now the wife of John Cox, Esq., of Edenton.


EDWARD BUNCOMBE was distinguished for his manly appearance, indomi- table bravery, unsullied patriotism, and open-hearted hospitality. Over his door was this distich-


" TO BUNCOMBE HALL, WELCOME ALL."


BUNCOMBE COUNTY is situated in the extreme western portion of the State; bounded on the north and west by the Appalachian Moun- tains and the new county of Madison, east by Rutherford and McDowell counties, south by Henderson County, and west by Hay- wood County and the Tennessee line.


Its capital is ASHEVILLE, named in compliment to Governor Samuel Ashe, of New Hanover County. It was originally called Morris- town, and is a most flourishing village, not far from the French Broad River. Asheville, as ascertained by Professor Mitchell, is 2,200 feet above the level of the sea, and contains a Branch of the Bank of Cape Fear, an excellent academy, several stores, churches, two printing presses, and one of the best Hotels in North Carolina. Perhaps there is no portion of our State less really known, and yet oftener talked of, than Buncombe. It has become as familiar as " household words" throughout the Union, in Congress, and else- where. A recent popular production, by Judge Halliburton, a Colonial Judge of Nova Scotia, has devoted a whole chapter of his


52


HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


work (the Attaché in England) to Buncombe, without, perhaps, knowing where this county is situated, or its various resources or advantages. The term had this origin.


Several years ago, in Congress, the member from this immediate district arose to address the house, without any extraordinary powers either in manner or matter to interest his audience. Many mem- ' bers left the hall. Very naively, he told those who were so kind as . to remain that they might go too ; he should speak for some time, but "he was only talking for Buncombe."


Hence the term, when an address is made for a local or particular object.


In 1796, Governor Ashe issued a proclamation announcing "that in pursuance of an Act to provide for the public safety by granting encouragement to certain manufacturers, that Jacob Byler, of the county of Buncombe, had exhibited to him a sample of gunpow- der, manufactured by him in the year 1795, and also a certificate proving that he had made six hundred and sixty three pounds of good, merchantable, rifle gunpowder; and, therefore, he was en- titled to the bounty under that Act."


James M. Smith, Esq., now of Asheville, was the first white child born west of the Blue Ridge in the State of North Carolina.


Population, 11,607 whites ; 107 free negroes ; 1,717 slaves ; 12,738 federal population ; 1,533 persons who cannot read or write.


Products, 22,903 bushels of wheat ; 304,271 bushels of corn ; 8,619 pounds of tobacco ; 68,544 bushels of oats; 9,251 bushels of rye ; 13,331 pounds of wool; 18,127 dollars worth of ginseng.


Of its colonial or revolutionary history we will not speak, since' it was formed since that period. But the valor displayed by " the brave mountain boys" in October, 1780, under Shelby, Cleaveland, and others, on King's Mountain, was contributed by the ancestry of Buncombe, then Rutherford and Burke.


In this county are the Warm Springs, which present the aston- ishing phenomenon of water heated by nature ; and is considered a sovereign cure for invalids afflicted with rheumatic affections.


The climate is lovely beyond description, and extremely favora- ble to health.


The scenery excels even its climate. The beautiful turnpike road from Asheville to the Warm Springs, with the towering moun- tains on one side, and the limpid waters of the French Broad River on the other, presents a scenery unrivaled, either by the fancied enchantments of the Rhine, or the famed palisades of the Hudson.


The Mineral Springs (Deaver's) near Asheville, are also much resorted to in the summer.


The first wagon passed from North Carolina to Tennessee, by the Warm Springs, in 1795. The Territorial Assembly of Ten- nessee, in June, 1795, appointed commissioners to confer with those · of South Carolina, upon the practicability of a road from Buncombe County to Tennessee, and upon the means to open said road .*


* Haywood, History of Tennessee, 470.


53


BUNCOMBE COUNTY.


The Buncombe turnpike now has made this one of the best passes of the mountains. It was organized in February, 1826. The first toll-gate was erected in October, 1827.


This county is the birthplace of the Hon. DAVID LOWREY SWAIN, who, without the advantages of birth or fortune, has arisen to positions of power and usefulness in North Carolina, and has always been equal to the respon- sibilities of his duty. He was born in Buncombe, January 4, 1801, educated at Newton Academy, in Asheville, and at Chapel Hill. He studied law with Judge Taylor in Raleigh, who predicted, from the industry of his pupil, his indomitable perseverance and searching mind, the eminence he has since attained. He was admitted to the bar in 1823. He was elected to the Legislature in 1824, '25 and '26, and 'Solicitor of the Edenton District in 1827, which he resigned after riding one circuit.


He was again elected to the Legislature in 1828 and 1829. He was elected a member of the Board of Internal Improvements in 1830.


In 1830, he was elected Judge of the Superior Courts, which he resigned in 1832, on being elected Governor of the State. While Governor (1835) he was elected a Member of the Convention to revise the Constitution ; and, in the same year, elected President of the University of North Carolina, which important and responsible position he now occupies.


He married, in 1826, Eleanor HI., fourth daughter of William White, late Secretary of State of North Carolina, and grand-daughter of Governor Cas- well.


It does not become us to speak here of those now on the stage of action, further than to state facts and dates, leaving to other hands and other times to do justice to public service and acknow- ledged merit.


The ancient Greeks had a maxim, " call no man happy till he is dead;" then may history speak of its subjects as their merits deserve.


The residence of Hon. THOMAS L. CLINGMAN is in this county. He is a native of Surry. He graduated at the University, in 1832, with distinguished honor, and studied law. He was elected a member in the House of Commons from Surry, in 1835 ; senator from Buncombe, in 1840, and a member of Con- gress in 1843, and again 1847. He was again re-elected (August, 1851), by a triumphant majority, over Col. B. S. Gaither.


I have met with a printed record of a citizen of Buncombe, of much interest.


JAMES PATTON was born in Ireland, County of Derry, on the 13th February, 1756, of poor but respectable parents. He emigrated to this country in 1783, a weaver by trade. By industry, economy, and integrity, he was the founder of his own fortunes, and raised a large and respectable family. He died at an advanced age, loved and respected by all who knew him.


By the Constitution of 1835, until 1841, Buncombe, Haywood, and Macon, composed the 49th Senatorial District. By act of 1842, Buncombe, Yancey; and Henderson, form the 50th Senatorial District.


List of members from Buncombe County to the General Assembly from its formation to last session.


Years. Senators.


1792. Wm. Davidson,


1793. Robert Love,


1794. Robert Love,


1795. Robert Love,


1796. James Brittain,


Members of the House of Commons.


Gabriel Ragsdale, Wm. Brittain.


William Brittain, Gabriel Ragsdale.


Wm. Brittain, Gabriel Ragsdale.


Wm. Brittain, Gabriel Ragsdale.


Wm. Brittain, Philip Hoodenpye.


1


54


HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


Years.


Senators.


Members of the House of Commons.


Wm. Brittain, Thomas Love,


Thomas Love, Zebulon Beard.


Thomas Love, Zebulon Beard.


Thomas Love, Zebulon Beard.


Thomas Love, Zebulon Beard.


Thomas Loye, Jacob Boyler. Thomas Love, Jacob Boyler ..


Thomas Love, Joseph Pickens.


1807. 1808.


Jno. McFarland,


1809.


Zebulon Beard,


1810. Rt. Williamson,


1811. Rt. Williamson,


1812.


John Longmire,


1813.


J. Longmire, '


1814.


J. Longmire,


1815.


Ep. Hightower,


1816. John Longmire,


1817. Thomas Foster,


Philip Brittain, Charles Moore.


1818.


Zebulon Beard,


1819.'


Thomas Foster,


1821. Zebulon Beard,


1822.


Z. Beard,


1823. 1824.


Philip Brittain, P. Brittain,


David L. Swain, Benoni Sams.


1825. A. A. McDowell,


David L. Swain, James Weaver.


1826. A. A. McDowell,


1827. A. A. McDowell,


1828. A. A. McDowell,


1829.


James Allen,


1830. James Gudger,


1831. James Allen,


1832. James Allen,


1833.


John Clayton, "


.


James Weaver, Joseph Henry. Joseph Henry, James Weaver.


Nath'l Harrison, Joseph Pickett.


1836. James Gudger,


1838.


Hodge Rabun,


1840. T .- L. Clingman, J. Cathey,


1842.


1844. N. W. Woodfin,


1846. N. W. Woodfin, 1848.' .N. W. Woodfin,


1850. N. W. Woodfin,


Marcus Erwin, James Sharpe.


1797. 1800. 1801. 1802. 1803. 1804. 1805.


James Brittain, Josh. Williams,


Josh. Williams,


James Brittain,


Josh. Williams,


James Brittain, James Brittain, Zebulon Beard,


1806.


James Brittain,


Thomas Love, Joseph Pickens.


. Thomas Love, Malcolm Henry. Thomas Foster, Joseph Pickens. Philip Brittain, Zephaniah Horton. Philip Brittain, Samuel Davidson. Zephaniah Horton, Thomas Foster. Hamilton Hyde, Thomas Foster. Hamilton Hyde, Thomas Foster. Zeph. Horton, James Lowrie. Philip Brittain, James Lowrie.


Charles Moore, James Whitaker. James Whitaker, J. M. Cathey. Wm. D. Smith, Wm. Brittain, Sr. Wm. D. Smith, John Anderson. James Lowrie, James Whitaker.


John Clayton, James Allen. John Clayton, James Allen.


John Clayton, David L. Swain. David L. Swain, Wm. Orr. James Weaver, Wm. Orr.


James Brevard, John Clayton .. James Weaver, John Clayton.


.1834. James Lowry,


1835. Hodge Rabun,


Montreville Patton, John Clayton.


M. Patton, Philip Brittain. M. Patton, Thomas Morris. John Burgin, Geo. W. Candler. John A. Fagg, John Thrash.


John A. Fagg, A. B. Chunn.


Newton Coleman, T. W. Atkin.


1


55


BURKE COUNTY.


CHAPTER X.


BURKE COUNTY.


Date of formation-Origin of name-Situation and boundaries-Population and products-Morganton its capital-Climate-Early history-Character, life, and services of Charles McDowell, Joseph McDowell, Waightstill Avery, Samuel P. Carson, and others-Israel'Pickens, and others-List of " Members of the General Assembly from Burke from date of erection to the last session.


BURKE COUNTY was formed in 1777, from Rowan County, and named in compliment to the celebrated English Statesman and Orator, Edmund Burke.


. It is located in the north-western portion of the State, and bound- ed on the north by the counties of Yancey and Caldwell, on the east by Catawba, on the south by Cleaveland and Rutherford, and on the west by McDowell.


Morganton, the capital of Burke County, is called in compliment of General DANIEL MORGAN. General Morgan was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Virginia in 1755, where he engaged as overseer for Nathaniel Burrell, Esq., then in Shenandoah, now Clarke County, Virginia. He was a fearless and chivalric officer. He was with General Montgomery at Quebec, and with General Gates at Saratoga. He was promoted to be a Brigadier- General, and joined the army in the south. After the battle of Camden, when Green took command, Morgan was detached to raise troops in the western part of the State, and South Carolina. Tarleton met him at the Cowpens (Jan. 17th, 1781), where Morgan gained a splendid victory. For this, Con- gress gave him a gold medal. After this he was joined by General Green, on the east bank of the Catawba. A controversy ensued between Green and Morgan, as to the route the latter should pursue in his retreat from the ad- vancing force of Cornwallis. Morgan was greatly dissatisfied, and when the two divisions united, at Guilford Court House, he returned from the army to his farm in Virginia, where he remained until the war was over.


During the whisky troubles (1794) in Pennsylvania, he was appointed by Washington to put the insurgents down by the bayonet. He remained among them until the spring, when the difficulties were settled, and he was ordered to withdraw his troops. He returned to his farm, and became ambitious for political honors. In his first attempt he was defeated for Congress, but elected on a second trial, and served in Congress, in 1797 to 1799. His health failing, he declined a re-election. He died at Winchester, Virginia, on July 6th, 1802.


The following is a copy of his tombstone from his grave in the Baptist Churchyard, in Winchester, Virginia :-


13


56


HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


MAJOR-GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN, Departed this life On July the 6th, 1802, In the 67th year of his age. Patriotism and valor were the prominent Features of his character, And The honorable services he rendered to his Country During the Revolutionary War, Crowned him with glory, and will remain In the hearts of his Countrymen, A perpetual monument to his Memory.


Morganton is a beautiful, healthful, and flourishing village, con- taining several churches, a handsome court house, and other public buildings ; a branch of the Bank of the State of North Carolina, several stores, public houses, and handsome private residences.


The Supreme Court holds its summer session here in August. Its distance from Raleigh is one hundred and eighty-seven miles.


Its Population is 5,477 whites ; 163 free negroes ; 2,132 slaves ; 6,919 fede- ral population ; 1,091 persons who cannot read.


Products, 45,976 bushels wheat; 37,809 bushels potatoes ; 620,996 bush- els corn ; 43,644 pounds cotton ; 21,137 pounds wool ; 17,718 pounds tobacco; 38,122 dollars worth of gold.


Her early history, formed as she was during the Revolutionary war, is con- nected with Rowan. .


The life and character of WAIGHTSTILL AVERY, who was a resident and died in this county, is worthy of the State, and his exalted public services should be held in grateful remembrance.


He was born in Norwich, Connecticut, and was educated at Princeton, at which renowned institution he graduated in 1766. He was a tutor in that college for a year, when he removed to Maryland, and studied law under Littleton Dennis. , He emigrated to North Carolina, and was licensed to prac- tice law in 1769: He settled in Charlotte, where he soon acquired friends, and rapid promotion. He was active in encouraging education and litera- ture, and was a most devoted friend of Liberty. In the dubious and danger- ous conflict with the mother country, he led the bold spirits of the day in that patriotic county, and was a member of the convention in May, 1775, that declared independence.


The minutes of the council of safety for Mecklenburg show his zeal in the cause of Liberty ; and the confidence of his countrymen in his talents and integrity is proved by the important duties he was engaged to perform. This called down upon his head the vengeance of the enemy; for when Lord Corn- wallis occupied Charlotte, in 1781, the law office of Colonel Avery, with all his books and papers, was burnt.


In 1775 he was a delegate from Mecklenburg, in the State Congress, at Hillsboro', which placed the State in military organization. In 1776 he was a delegate of the same to the same, which met at Halifax, and which formed our State Constitution. He was appointed one of the signers to the procla- mation bills.


In 1777 he was sent by the council with orders to General Williamson at Keowee, in South Carolina.


He was appointed by Governor Alexander Martin, in 1777, with Brigadier -. General John McDowell and Col. John Sevier, to treat with the Cherokee Indians.


This commission did nothing, but subsequently with William Sharpe, Jo-


57


BURKE COUNTY.


-


seph Winston and Robert Lanier, the treaty of the Long Island of Holston was formed, on the 20th July, 1777.


This treaty was appointed by Patrick Henry, Governor of Virginia. His instructions were. issued to Col. Wm. Christian, Col. Wm. Preston, Col. Evan Shelby, or any two of them; Gov. Caswell appointed Waightstill Avery, Wm. Sharp, Robert Lanier, and Joseph Winston .*


The Long Island of Holston is about three miles in length, on the main Holston River, just above the point where the North Fork joins it.


He was elected the first Attorney-General of North Carolina (in 1777).


He married.a widow (Mrs. Franks), in Jones County, in 1778, near New- bern, and was that year appointed Colonel of Jones County, and was in active service in this county.


) .In consequence of the climate of Jones County disagreeing with him, he resigned his commission of Attorney-General. In 1781, he removed to Burke County, which he represented for many years ; and where, enjoying peace and plenty, and the love and regard of his neighbors, he died in 1821.


He was, at the time of his death, " the Patriarch of the North Carolina Bar;" an exemplary Christian, a pure patriot, and an honest man.


CHARLES McDOWELL, and JOSEPH McDOWELL, both distinguished in "the times that tried men's souls," were residents of this county. .


Important services were rendered by them to their country.


They were brothers. Their father, Joseph McDowell, with his wife, Mar- garet O'Neal, had emigrated from Ireland, and settled in Winchester, Va., where Charles and Joseph were born. The first (Charles), in 1743. His father removed to Burke County.


In June, 1780, Colonel Charles McDowell was joined by Isaac Shelby and John Sevier, from Tennessee; and Colonel Clarke, of Georgia, near the Cherokee Ford, on Broad River, in South Carolina ..


He determined to attack and destroy a post held by the enemy on PACOLET, commanded by Capt. Patrick Moore, a distinguished loyalist. The fort was strongly fortified. "On being surrounded by Colonel Shelby, the enemy, after some parley, surrendered as prisoners of war : one British Sergeant-Major, ninety-three loyalists, 250 fire-arms, and other munitions of war, were the fruits of this capture.t


Gen. McDowell detached Shelby to watch the movements of Ferguson, and attack him. On the 1st of August, 1780, at Cedar Spring, where Shelby met the advance of Ferguson, about 600 strong, a spirited and active contest commenced; but, on the enemy being reinforced, Shelby made good his retreat, carrying from the field twenty prisoners; among them were two British officers.


At MUSGROVE'S MILL, on the south side of Enoree River, Colonel McDowell learnt that a party of 500 Tories had assembled.


He detached Shelby, Williams, and Clarke, to attack them .- Colonel Fergu- son with his whole force lay between. They left the camp on the evening of the 18th August, at Smith's Ford, on Broad River, and taking a circuitous route through the woods, avoided Ferguson's forces.' They rode hard all night, and at daybreak met the enemy's patrol in strong force. A skirmish ensued ; the Tories retreated. They then advanced on the main body of the Tories. At this juncture, a countryman living near, a friend of liberty, came to Shelby and informed him that the enemy had been reinforced the evening before, by six hundred regular troops, and the Queen's American Regiment, from New York, commanded by Colonel Innes, marching to join Ferguson. Here was a position that would have tried the talent and nerve of the most skill- ful and brave officer. Advance was hopeless, and retreat impossible. But Shelby was equal to the emergency. He instantly commenced forming a breastwork of brush and old logs, while he detailed Captain Inman with twenty-five tried men, to reconnoitre and skirmish with the enemy, as soon as


* Haywood's History of Tennessee, 451.


1 Life of Isaac Shelby, National Portrait Gallery, 1834.


# Life of Shelby, Haywood's History of Tennessee, 65.


58


HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.


they crossed the Enoree River. The drums and bugles of the enemy soon were heard approaching upon this devoted band. Inman had been ordered to fire and retreat. This stratagem was successful, for the enemy, in rapid pursuit, advanced in great confusion, believing that the whole American force was routed. When they approached the rude ramparts of Shelby, they received from his riflemen a most destructive fire, which carried great slaughter among them. This was gallantly kept up; all the British officers were either killed or wounded, the Tory leader, Hawsey, shot down. They then began a- disorderly retreat. The Americans now in turn pursued, and in this pursuit the brave Captain Inman was killed, fighting hand to hand with the enemy. Shelby commanded the right wing, Colonel Clarke the left, and Colonel Wil- liams the centre.


A more brilliant battle, fought with an inferior against a superior force, and more complete triumph, did not occur in the whole Revolutionary struggle.


This battle seems to have escaped the notice of many of the historians of the day. I find a notice of it in the History of Tennessee, by Judge John Haywood, and McCall's History of Georgia. The British loss was 63 killed, and 160 wounded and prisoners ; the American loss was only four killed, among them brave Capt. Inman, and Capt. Clarke wounded.




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