USA > North Carolina > Historical sketches of North Carolina : from 1584 to 1851, Vol. I > Part 27
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81
HON. GEN. SUMNER, Camp Yadkin Ford. 16
WILLIAM DAVIDSON.
104
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Extract of a letter from Maj. Gen. Gates to Governor Jefferson, dated
HILLSBORO', Nov. 1, 1780.
SIR-Last night Col. Campbell, who commanded our victorious troops in the action of the 7th ultimo, at King's Mountain, arrived here. He has de- livered to me the enclosed authentic and particular account of that affair. I beg your Excellency will, immediately after perusal, forward it to Congress :-
A statement of proceedings of the Western Army, from the 25th day of Sep- tember, 1780, to the reduction of Major Ferguson and the army under his com- mand.
On receiving intelligence that Major Ferguson had advanced as high up as Gilbert Town, in Rutherford County, and threatened to cross the moun- tains to the Western waters, Col. Wm. Campbell, with four hundred men from Washington County, of Virginia ; Col. Isaac Shelby, with two hundred and forty men from Sullivan County, of N. Carolina ; and Lieut .- Col. John Sevier, with two hundred and forty men of Washington County, N. Carolina, assembled at Watauga, on the 25th day of September, where they were joined by Col. Chas. M'Dowell, with one hundred and sixty men from the counties of Burke and Rutherford, who had fled before the enemy to the western waters.
We began our march on the 26th, and, on the 30th, we were joined by Col. Cleaveland, on the Catawba River, with three hundred and fifty men from the counties of Wilkes and Surry. No one officer having properly a right to the command in chief, on the 1st of October we dispatched an express to Major-Gen. Gates, informing him of our situation, and requested him to send a general officer to take command of the whole. In the meantime, Col. Campbell was chosen to act as commandant till such general officer should arrive.
We reached the Cowpens, on the Broad River, in South Carolina, where we were joined by Col. James Williams on the evening of the 6th of October, who informed us that the enemy lay encamped somewhere near the Cherokee Ford of Broad River, about thirty miles distant from us. By a Council of the principal officers, it was then thought advisable to pursue the enemy that night with nine hundred of the best horsemen, and leave the weak horse and footmen to follow as fast as possible. We began our march, with nine hun- dred of the best men, about eight o'clock the same evening, and marched all night; came up with the enemy about three o'clock P. M. of the 7th, who lay encamped on the top of King's Mountain, twelve miles north of the Cherokee Ford, in the confidence they could not be forced from so advan- tageous a post. Previous to the attack, in our march the following disposition was made :-
Col. Shelby's regiment formed a column in the centre on the left; Col. Campbell's another on the right; part of Col. Cleaveland's regiment, headed in the front by Major Winston and Col. Sevier's, formed a large column on the right wing; the other part of Col. Cleaveland's regiment composed the left wing. In this order we advanced, and got within a quarter of a mile of the enemy before we were discovered. Col. Shelby's and Colonel Camp- bell's regiments began the attack, and kept up a fire on the enemy, while the right and left wings were advancing forward to surround them, which was done in about five minutes, and the fire became general all round. The engagement lasted an hour and five minutes, the greatest part of which time a heavy and incessant fire was kept up on both sides. Our men, in some parts where the regulars fought, were obliged to give way a small dis- tance two or three times, but rallied and returned with additional ardor to the attack. The troops upon the right having gained the summit of the eminence, obliged the enemy to retreat along the top of the ridge, where Col. Cleaveland commanded, and were there stopped by his brave men. A flag was immediately hoisted by Captain Depeyster, the commanding officer
105
CLEAVELAND COUNTY.
(Major Ferguson having been killed a little before), for a surrender. Our fire immediately ceased, and the enemy laid down their arms-the greater part of them loaded-and surrendered themselves to us prisoners at discretion. It appears, from their own provision returns for that day, found in their camp, that their whole force consisted of eleven hundred and twenty-five men, out of which they sustained the following loss: Of the regulars, one major, one captain, two lieutenants, and fifteen privates killed; thirty-five privates wounded-left on the ground not able to march, two captains, four lieutenants, three ensigns, one surgeon, five sergeants, three corporals, one drummer, and fifty-nine privates taken prisoners.
. Loss of the Tories, two colonels, three captains, and two hundred and one privates killed ; one major, and one hundred and twenty-seven privates wounded, and left on the ground not able to march ; one colonel, twelve cap- tains, eleven lieutenants, two ensigns, one quartermaster, one adjutant, two commissaries, eighteen sergeants, and six hundred privates taken prisoners. Total loss of the enemy 1,105 men at King's Mountain.
Given under our hands at camp,
WILLIAM CAMPBELL, ISAAC SHELBY, BENJAMIN CLEAVELAND.
The loss on our side :-
Killed.
Wounded.
1 Colonel.
1 Major.
1 Major. ..
3 Captains.
1 Captain.
3 Lieutenants.
2 Lieutenants.
53 Privates.
4 Ensigns.
19 Privates.
60 -- total.
28-total.
An account of the Battle of King's Mountain, prepared by GEN. WILLIAM LE- NOIR, at the request of JUDGE MURPHY, and furnished for this work by W. W. LENOIR, EsQ., of Caldwell County.
Having lately seen in the State Gazette, a publication of Mr. Walker's circular letter in which there is a very imperfect statement of the battle at King's Mountain, brings to my recollection your request for a true account thereof ; and having previously observed, that in all the histories of the Revo- lutionary War that I have seen, the accounts of that battle are very erroneous, induces me to attempt to fulfill your desire on that subject, by giving you as perfect an account of that transaction from my own knowledge, as my memory at so distant a period will enable me to do.
When a report was circulated that a detachment of the British army had advanced through the State of South Carolina, and a part of North Carolina, as far as Cane Creek, where a strong party of them were repulsed by the neighboring militia, chiefly of Burke County, under the command of Col. Chas. McDowell, and Major J. McDowell, the active Whigs of the western part of North Carolina, and some from the near part of Virginia, like patriots at a moment's notice, without any call from the Government, turned out and concentrated in Burke County, without any aid from public stores, of clothing, arms, ammunition, or any article of camp equipage, not having a single tent or baggage wagon amongst them, and advanced to Green River, near the south- ern limit of Rutherford County, where they received some further, but im- perfect information of the progress of the aforesaid detachment of the British army, commanded by the celebrated Col. Ferguson, who was said to be pro- gressing through the country in various directions, committing great ravages and depredations.
A council was held by the principal officers of the Whigs : the result of which was, that, on presumption that, through the medium of the Tories, Col.
·
106
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Ferguson had daily information of the advancement of the Whigs, and was so on the alert, that men on foot would not be able to overtake him ; therefore orders were given for as many as had, or could procure horses, to go in advance as mounted infantry, there not being a single dragoon in the Whig army. Whereupon, about five or six hundred were prepared and marched off about sunrise on the 6th day of October, 1780, leaving the footmen, about one thousand five hundred in number, encamped on Green River, under the command of Major Joseph Herndon. The advance party of mounted infantry being joined by Col. Williams,* with a few South Carolina militia, in the evening arrived at a place called the Cowpens, in South Carolina, ; where two beeves were killed and orders given for the men to cook, and eat as quick as possible ; but marching orders were given, before those that were indolent, had prepared anything to eat; and they marched all night (being dark and rainy), and crossed Broad River the next morning, where an attack was ex- pected. But not finding the enemy, the detachment almost exhausted by fatigue, hunger, cold and wet, and, for want of sleep, pursued their march a few miles, when they met two men from Col. Ferguson's camp, who gave some account of his situation. Then being revived by the hopes of gaining the desired object, the officers held a short consultation (sitting on their horses), in which it was concluded that said detachment should be formed into four columns; two of the columns should march on each side of the road, as silently as they could, and that they should govern their march by the view.' of each other; Col. Winston was placed at the head of the right hand column; Col. Cleaveland at the head of the left; and Cols. Shelby and Sevier at the heads of the two middle columns ; and as Col. Campbell had come the greatest distance, and from the State of Virginia, he was complimented with the com- mand of the whole detachment.
When they had marched in that order about a mile, Colonel Winston, by a steep hill, had got so far separated from the other columns as to be out of sight or hearing of them, when some men rode in sight, and directed him to dismount, and march up the hill, which was immediately done, with an ex- pectation of meeting the enemy on the hill; but before his men had advanced two hundred paces from their horses, they were again hailed, and directed to mount their horses and push on, and that the enemy was a mile ahead. On which, they ran with great precipitation down to their horses, mounted them, and rode like fox hunters, as fast as their horses could run, through rough woods, crossing branches and ridges without any person that had any knowledge of the woods to direct or guide them. They happened to fall in upon the left of the enemy (being the place of their intended destination). At this very moment the firing began on the other parts of the lines,} when all dismounted under the fire of the enemy, and the right and left hand columns surrounded them as quick as possible. In the mean time, the enemy charged bayonets on the two middle columns,? who being armed with rifles, . and not a single bayonet amongst them, were twice obliged to retreat a small distance ; but they wheeled again with increased vigor, and fought bravely. The enemy being surrounded, their left wing began to retreat, by drawing up in closer order towards their right. At length they hoisted a flag, and surrendered themselves prisoners of war; not a single man of them escaped that was in camp at the commencement of the battle.
After the arms and prisoners were secured, some men were appointed to number the dead. They reported two hundred and fifty of the enemy, and thirty-two of the Whigs. There were not near so many of the enemy wounded as were of the Whigs, about forty of whom afterwards died of their wounds. The total number of the Whigs in the battle was between six and seven hundred ; and the number of the enemy, agreeable to their daily returns,
* Col. Williams was wounded in the battle and died one or two days afterwards.
1 Gen. Morgan afterwards defeated Col. Tarleton at the Cowpens.
# Nothing but the interposition of Divine power could have conducted the said right hand column to so great advantage.
§ A number of Tories who were not provided with bayonets, substituted butcher knives, the handles being cut to fit the muzzles of their guns.
107
CLEAVELAND COUNTY.
was eleven hundred and eighty-seven. The Whigs camped on the battle- ground, and marched off with their prisoners the next day ; and, having no other way to secure the arms taken, compelled the prisoners to carry them, a great number of them having to carry two guns each. About sunset we met the footmen they had left at Green River, who had provided a plenty of rations, &c. The Whigs who had fought the battle were almost famished.
A few days afterwards, in Rutherford County, the principal officers held a Court-martial over some of the most audacious and murderous Tories, and selected thirty-two as victims for destruction ; and commenced hanging three at a time, until they hung nine, and respited the rest.
Col. Ferguson had placed himself on the top of King's Mountain the morn- ing before the battle ; in a boasting manner, he had proclaimed that here was King's Mountain, and that he was the king of that mountain; supposing it to be a very advantageous position for him ; but it proved the reverse, from the manner he was attacked and surrounded. His elevated situation secured the Whigs from the danger of their own fire from the opposite side, and he being surrounded when his men sheltered themselves on one side, they were exposed to danger on the other. Colonel Ferguson had seven or eight bullets shot through him, and fell some time before the battle was over.
The number of the Whigs was so inferior, that Col. Ferguson, or his suc- cessor in command, might have easily retreated with very inconsiderable loss ; if they had known the number and situation of the Whigs, no doubt but they would have retreated instead of surrendering.
. It appears that under the auspices of the same Divine Power that so advan- tageously conducted the right hand column of the Whigs to the battle at King's Mountain, from that period good fortune seemed to preponderate in every direction in favor of the common cause of liberty (except the single instance of General Gates, who was defeated by his own imprudence), for although the British army kept the battle-ground at Guilford Court House, it appears to be given up on both sides, that the Americans had the best of that battle, and disabled their enemy. And to contrast the situation of the Whigs after the battle of King's Mountain, with what inevitably would have been their situation in case Ferguson's army had gained as complete a victory over the Whigs, as the Whigs had done over them, it must appear that said battle was the most decisive, the most gloriously fought, and, although few in numbers, was of the greatest importance of any one battle that ever was fought in America. * * * *
I was captain of a company of footmen, and left them at Green River, except six of them, who procured horses and went with us. I went as a com- mon soldier, and did not pretend to take command of those that belonged to my company ; neither did I join any other company ; but fell in immediately behind Col. Winston, in front of the right hand column, which enables me to give a more particular account of the progress of that part of our army than any other. Before the battle, Adjutant Jesse Franklin, now Governor of North Carolina, Capt. Robt. Cleaveland, and myself, agreed to stand together and support each other; but, at the commencement of the battle, enthusiastic zeal caused us all to separate. Each being anxious to effect the grand object, no one appeared to regard his' own personal safety. As to my own part, from where we dismounted, instead of going on to surround, I advanced the nearest way towards the enemy, under a heavy fire, until I got within about thirty paces. Before they began to give ground, being among strangers, I noticed one particular instance of bravery. On hearing a man within six feet behind me fall, I looked around, and at that instant, another soldier jumped at him, saying, "Give me your shot-bag, old fellow !" his own ammu- nition being exhausted. The gallant patriot gave him with his dying hand his ammunition. About that time I received a slight wound in my side, and another in my left arm ; and, after that, a bullet went through my hair above where it was tied, and my clothes were cut in several places. From the ac- count I have given of the battle, it will be understood that it was fought on our side by militia alone. By that victory, many militia officers procured
108
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
swords who could not possibly get any before ; neither was it possible to pro- cure a good supply of ammunition. * * * * *
MEMBERS FROM CLEAVELAND.
Years. Senate.
House of Commons.
1844. Thos. Jefferson,
J. Y. Hamrick.
1846. Columbus Mills,
Joshua Beam.
1848. Dr. W. J. T. Miller,
J. Y. Hamrick.
1850. John G. Bynum,
G. G. Holland.
CHAPTER XXI.
COLUMBUS COUNTY.
Date of formation-Situation and boundaries-Population and products- Members of Assembly. .
COLUMBUS COUNTY was formed in 1808, from Bladen and Bruns- wick; its name is derived from Christopher Columbus, a native of Genoa, who in the year 1492 discovered America.
It is situated in the south-eastern portion of North Carolina, and bounded on the north by Bladen; on the east, by Brunswick and Bladen; on the south, by the South Carolina line ; and west by Robe- son County.
Its population is 4257 whites; 1503 slaves; 149 free negroes; 5307 repre- sentative population.
Its products are 1366 bushels of wheat; 79,155 bushels of corn ; 725 bar- rels turpentine; $10,864 worth of lumber ; 24,035 lbs. cotton; 6724 lbs. wool.
Its revolutionary and colonial history is connected with Bladen and Brunswick, from which it was formed.
Its capital is Whitesville, derived from James B. White, one of the first members in the General Assembly. One hundred and twenty-five miles distant from Raleigh.
Members of the General Assembly from Columbus.
Years. Senators.
House of Commons.
1809. James B. White,
Wynn Nance, Thomas Frink.
1810. James B. White,
Thomas Frink, Wynn Nance.
1811. Wynn Nance,
Jonathan Pierce, Thomas Frink.
1812. Wynn Nance,
Thomas Frink, Jonathan Pierce.
1813. Wynn Nance,
Goldborough Flower, Jacob Guiton.
1814. Thomas Frink,
Absalom Powell, P. Coleman. John Gore, David Guiton.
1815. Thomas Frink,
1816. Thomas Frink,
Caleb Stephens, Jacob Guiton.
1817. Thomas Frink,
Caleb Stephens, Jacob Guiton.
1818. Jonathan Pierce,
Caleb Stephens, Jacob Guiton.
1819. Thomas Frink,
J. H. White, R. Wooten.
1820. Jacob Guiton,
L. R. Simmons, R. Wooten.
109 1
CRAVEN COUNTY.
Years.
Senators.
House of Commons.
1821.Thomas Frink,
Alexander Troy,
1822. 1823. Thomas Frink, 1
1824. 1825. 1826 .- 1827. 1828.
Thomas Frink,
Alex. Formyduval,
James Burney,
James Burney,
James Burney,
1829. 1830. 1831.
James Burney,
Luke R. Simmons,
1832.
Luke R. Simmons, Luke R. Simmons,
1833.
Luke R. Simmons,
1834.
1835.
Caleb Stephens, Caleb Stephens, James Burney,
Augustus Smith.
Absalom Powell.
1842. Robert Melvin,
Nathan L. Williamson.
, 1844. Robert Melvin,
N. L. Williamson.
1846. Richard Wooten, .
N. L. Williamson.
1848. Richard Wooten,
N. L. Williamson.
1850. Richard Wooten,
John A. Maultsby.
CHAPTER XXII.
CRAVEN COUNTY.
- Origin of name-Date of formation-Situation and boundaries-Population and products-Newbern, its capital-Colonial and Revolutionary history- Its distinguished men-Abner Nash-Richard Dobbs Spaight-William Gaston-John Stanly-John R. Donnell-George E. Badger-John H. Bryan-Richard Dobbs Spaight, jun .- Matthias E. Manly-Charles B. Sheppard-William H. Washington, and others-Members of Assembly from 1774 to last session, 1850-51.
CRAVEN COUNTY was one of the original precincts of the Lords Proprietors, and derives its name from William, Earl of Craven, to whom with others the charter from Charles the Second was granted. He was a brave cavalier, an old soldier of the German discipline, and supposed husband to the Queen of Bohemia .*
It is situated in the eastern part of the State, bounded on the north by Pitt and Beaufort, on the east by the Pamplico Sound, on the south by Carteret and Jones, and on the west by Pitt, Jones, and Lenoir Counties.
Its population is 7222 whites; 5951 slaves; 1536 free negroes ; 12,328 re- presentative population.
* Life of Lord Keeper Guildford, 393. Bancroft's History of the United States, vol. ii. 129.
L. R. Simmons, Levi Stephens. Caleb Stephens, Richard Wooten. J. H. White, Caleb Stephens. Richard Wooten, Luke R. Simmons. L. R. Simmons, Caleb Stephens.
Caleb Stephens, L. R. Simmons. Caleb Stephens, L. R. Simmons. Caleb Stephens, L. R. Simmons. L. R. Simmons, Richard Wooten. Marmaduke Powell, Caleb Stephens. Caleb Stephens, Marmaduke Powell. Joseph Maultsby, Caleb Stephens. Caleb Stephens, Marmaduke Powell. Marmaduke Powell, Thomas Frink. Thomas Frink, Marmaduke Powell. J. Maultsby.
1836.
1838.
Robert Melvin,
1840. Robert Melvin,
110
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Its products are 6037 bushels wheat; 16,577 bushels oats ; 3019 bushels rye ; 143,835 bushels corn ; 66,833 lbs. cotton ; 8099 lbs. wool; 139,027 bar- rels turpentine; 1622 barrels fish ; 37,911 dollars worth lumber.
Its capital is Newbern, one of the largest and oldest towns in the State ; beautifully located at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers. It derives its name* from Bern, the place of nativity of Christopher Baron de Graaffenreidt, who, in 1709, emigrated to this State and settled near this place. He had purchased of the Lords Proprietors ten thousand acres of land for ten pounds ster- ling for every thousand acres, and five shillings of quit rent. In the month of December, 1710, the Palatines, as they were called, landed in Carolina, and 1,500 Swiss. The fatal attack of the In- dianst already alluded to, in 1711, had like to have destroyed this colony, which was a great acquisition to North Carolina. De Graaffenreidt and Lawson, the surveyor of the colony and its ear- liest historian, while ascending the Neuse, were seized by the Indians ; Lawson was massacred and the Baron narrowly escaped. He became disgusted with the country and sold his interest to Thomas Pollock, for £800, and returned to Switzerland.
The early history of Craven County affords ample material for a separate volume. It is to be hoped that some worthy son of " the Athens of North Carolina," will undertake this pious and patriotic duty.
The members to the General Meeting of Deputies of the province at New- bern, on 15th of August, 1774, from Craven, were JAMES COOR, LEMUEL HATCH, JOSEPH LEECH, and RICHARD COGDELL.
The members to the Assembly at the same place, in April, 1775, were the same, with JACOB BLOUNT, and WILLIAM BRYAN.
The members to the Assembly at Hillsboro' on the 21st of August, 1775, were JAMES COOR, WILLIAM BRYAN, RICHARD COGDELL, JOSEPH LEECH, JACOB BLOUNT, and EDMUND HATCH.
The members at Halifax in November, 1776, were JAMES COOR, WILLLIAM BRYAN, JOHN BRYAN, CHRISTOPHER NEALE, and JOHN BRYAN.
In 1775, ABNER NASH and JAMES COOR were members of the Provincial Council of Safety.
The District Committee for the Newbern District, were Dr. ALEXANDER GASTON, RICHARD COGDELL, JOHN EASTON, MAJOR CROOM, ROGER ORMOND, EDWARD SALTER, GEORGE BURROW, WILLIAM THOMPSON, BENJ. WILLIAMS, RI- CHARD ELLIS, WILLIAM BROWN, and JAMES, GLASGOW.
The field officers for this county were JOHN BRYAN, Col. ; LEMUEL HATCH, Lieut .- Col. ; JOHN'BRYAN, jun., Ist Major; JOHN TILMAN, 2d Major.
The names of these men are here preserved, hoping that some future pen may do justice to their services and characters.
HON. FRANCOIS XAVIER MARTIN was long a resident of Newbern. He was born at Marseilles, France, 17th March, 1762. At the age of 20, he emigrated to North Carolina, where he studied law, and was distinguished for his labor and learning.
In 1806 he represented Newbern in the House of Commons.
By Mr. Jefferson he was appointed U. S. Judge of the Mississippi Territory, and resided for a time at Natchez.
On Ist Feb., 1815, he was elevated by Gov. Claiborne, to the Supreme Court Bench of Louisiana. He continued in this exalted position until his death, which occurred on the 10th December, 1846.
Martin's History of N. C. i. 233.
t Williamson, i. 85 ; 1 vol. 37.
111
CRAVEN COUNTY.
He was one of the most learned Jurists of his age. With a mind naturally acute ; an erudition surpassed by none, equalled by few ; with an unspotted integrity, his decisions are regarded with that respect they merit.
His labors as an Author were considerable. He was the compiler of the Statute Laws of North Carolina : author of a work on Justices of the Peace ; and of the best History, according to the means he possessed, ever published of our State.
HON. WILLIAM BLOUNT, of this County, was a member of the Continental Congress, in 1782-83, and in 1786-87.
On 23d April, 1787, he was appointed by Richard Caswell, Governor of the State, in his place, as a delegate to the Convention which assembled in Phila- delphia, in May, to form the Constitution, and his name is appended to that document, with those of Richard Dobbs Spaight, and Hugh Williamson. He "was the brother of John Gray, and Thomas Blount, of Beaufort. On the organization of the North-western Territory, he was appointed Governor; and when Tennessee was admitted as a State, he was elected Senator in Congress. He was expelled from the Senate on the 8th of July, 1777, for exciting the Indians to make hostile incursions in the Spanish Territory.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.