USA > North Carolina > Historical sketches of North Carolina : from 1584 to 1851, Vol. I > Part 37
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I have constantly received the most' zealous assistance from Governor Martin, during my command in the southern district. Hoping that his pre- sence would tend to entice the loyal subjects of this province to take an active part with us, he has cheerfully submitted to the fatigues and dangers of our campaign, but his delicate constitution has suffered by his public spirit, for by the advice of physicians he is now obliged to return to England for the recovery of his health.
This part of the country is so totally destitute of subsistence, that forage is not nearer than nine miles, and the soldiers have been two days without bread. I shall therefore leave about seventy of the worst wounded cases at the New Garden Quaker meeting-house, with proper assistance, and move the remainder with the army to-morrow morning to Bell's Mill. I hope our friends will heartily take an active part with us, to which I shall continue to encourage them ; still approaching our shipping by easy marches, that we may procure the necessary supplies for further operations, and lodge our sick and wounded where proper attention can be paid to them.
This dispatch will be delivered to your lordship by my aide-de-camp Captain Brodrick, who is a very promising officer, and whom I beg leave to recom- mend to your lordship's countenance and favor.
I have the honor to be, &c., CORNWALLIS.
Total-one lieutenant-colonel, two lieutenants, two ensigns, thirteen ser- geants, seventy-five rank and file, killed. Two brigadier-generals, two lieu- tenant-colonels, nine captains, four lieutenants, five ensigns, two staff-officers, fifteen sergeants, five drummers, three hundred and sixty-nine rank and file, wounded. One sergeant, fifty-two rank and file, missing.
Officers' names killed and wounded.
Royal artillery, Lieutenant O'Hara, killed. Brigade of guards, Hon. Lieu- tenant-Colonel Stewart, killed; Brigadier-Generals O'Hara and Howard and Captain Swanton, wounded; Captain Schutz, Maynard and Goodricke, wounded, and since dead; Captains Lord, Douglass, and Maitland; Ensign Stuart and Adjutant Colquhoun, wounded. The twenty-third foot, Second Lieutenant Robinson, killed; Captain Peter, wounded. The thirty-third foot,
.
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HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Ensign Talbot, killed ; Lieutenant-Colonel Webster, since dead; Lieutenant Salvin Wynyard, Ensigns Kelly, Gore, and Hughes, and Adjutant Fox, wounded. Of seventy-first foot, Ensign Grant, killed. Of the reginient of Bose, Captains Wilmous' Pry, since dead, Eichenduft ; Lieutenants Schioner and Graise, Ensign Detroll (since dead). Of the British legion, Lieutenant- Colonel Tarleton, wounded.
J. DESPARD, Deputy Adjutant-General.
It will doubtless interest the reader to know the life, services and future career of Lord Cornwallis, and Colonel Tarleton, who were so conspicuous in this State during the Revolution. They are here given as appropriate to this work.
CHARLES, EARL OF CORNWALLIS, was born 31st Dec., 1738 .* He commenced his education at Eton, and completed it at St. John's College, Cambridge. He entered the army, and served as aide-de-camp to the Marquis of Granby in the German campaign in 1761. On the death of his father, in the following year, he took his seat in the House of Lords. He had served in the House of Commons, as a member for Eye, in two successive parliaments.
In 1770 he, with three other young peers, protested with Lord Camden against the taxation of America. Mansfield, the Chief Justice, is said to have sneeringly observed : " Poor Camden could get only four boys to join him."
Although opposed to the course of the Ministry, yet, when hostilities com- menced, he did not, as an officer, scruple to accept active employment against America.
In 1777, he displayed great gallantry at the battle of Brandywine. He defeated General Gates at Camden, in Aug., 1780. His general orders on his march from the Catawba to the Dan River, in 1781, do honor to his head as well as his heart .; The battle (of which the above is an official record) of Guilford was his last general engagement in America, for, at Yorktown, on 19th Oct., 1781, he and his whole forces, amounting to more than four thousand troops, surrendered to the American and French forces com- bined, under Washington and Count Rochambeau.
Lord Cornwallis returned to England. His failure in America did not impair his reputation, for he was appointed Governor of the Tower, and, in 1786, honored with the Order of the Garter, and sent to the East Indies in the double capacity of Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief. He was distinguished in this elevated position for his gallantry in war against the Sultan of Mysore, and the humanity with which he exercised his power. He returned to England, and, in consideration of his eminent services, was made a Privy-Councillor, created a Marquis and Master-General of Ordnance. In 1798 he was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, where, by his vigor, he subdued an insurrection, defeated the French who landed to support the rebels, and by his policy restored tranquillity.
Soon after he was sent Plenipotentiary to the Court of France, and as such signed the Treaty of Amiens.
In 1804 he succeeded the Marquis of Wellesley as Governor-General of India. On his arrival at Calcutta, his health failed, and he died at Ghaze- poore 5th Oct., 1805. He left one son, who succeeded to his title and estate. A statue at Bombay preserves with accuracy his commanding person and the benevolent character of his countenance. His mind was not of superior brilliancy, but his honor was unimpeached, and his private character amiable.
Lord Cornwallis in his person was short and thick set, his hair somewhat gray ; his face was well formed and agreeable. In his manners he was re- markably easy and affable-much beloved by his men.}
BANASTRE TARLETON was born in Liverpool on 21st August, 1754. He commenced the study of the law, but, on the breaking out of the war with
* Georgian Era (London), 470.
f See Chapter. V. (Lincoln), xlvi.
į Watson's Annals of Philadelphia, ii. 291.
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GUILFORD COUNTY.
America, exchanged the gown for the sword. He was with Lord Cornwallis in his whole campaigns in the South, and his daring intrepidity, indomitable energy, and military ambition, greatly aided if they did not secure victory to the English arms at Camden. The ardor of his temper and daring received a severe check at the Cowpens, on 17th Jan., 1781, from General Morgan.
The capitulation at Yorktown (Oct. 1781) terminated his military career.
On his return to England, he entered public life as a member of the House of Commons from Liverpool. In 1818, he was promoted to the rank of General, and, on the coronation of George IV., was created a Baronet and Knight of Bath. ' He was a daring officer, sanguinary and resentful in his temper.
He married, in 1798, the daughter of the Duke of Ancaster and Kestevan ; he died January 25th, 1833, without issue.
Colonel Tarleton* was in person below the middle size, stout, strong, heavily made, large muscular legs, and uncommonly active in his movements ; his complexion dark, his eyes small, black, and piercing .;
I am indebted for this sketch, as also for that of Lord Cornwallis, to that valuable work, Georgian Era, London, 1833, page 470.
The character of Rev. DAVID CALDWELL is one of much interest. No one, perhaps, of the whole country, suffered for his devotion to liberty as did this pure, pious, and patriotic man. The British, in the campaign (1781) en- camped on his plantation, ravaged it, and burned his 'library, not sparing even his family Bible.
He was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 22d March, 1725. In early life he was an apprentice to a house-carpenter, and served until he was of age. He was of a studious disposition and pious habits. He early joined the Presbyterian Church .. After being of age, he studied with Mr. Smith, the necessary preparation for college, entered Princeton, and graduated at that renowned institution in 1761. He was admitted to the ministry, and, in 1765, was sent to North Carolina as a missionary, which was destined to become the scene of his labors, the field of his usefulness, the home of his wife and children, and place of his death." He married, in 1766, Rachel, the daughter of Rev. Alexander Craighead, of Mecklenburg. He opened a classical and theological school in Guilford. Some of the first divines, statesmen, lawyers, and physicians, received their early education from this excellent man. He studied medicine, and combined the two characters of divine and physician, which so harmoniously unite. In the troubles of the country in 1771 (the Regulators), Dr. Caldwell exercised his divine office in endeavoring to be a peacemaker. At the very time that the battle of Alamance commenced, he was using his earnest endeavors to allay the tumults of his countrymen.
His life and services have been recorded in a work of much minuteness and ability by Rev. E. W. Caruthers. He was a firm patriot, sincere Christian, and devoted friend. He was a member of the Convention at Halifax in November, 1776, which formed our State Constitution, and also a member of the Convention at Hillsboro,' 21st July, 1778, that met to consider the Constitution of the United States, and which rejected that instrument. These were the only representative offices he ever held. After a long life of useful- ness and honor he died, August 25th, 1824.
ALEXANDER MARTIN was a resident of this county. His father was a native of Tyrone County, Ireland, and emigrated to this country in the year 1721, and settled in the State of New Jersey, where Alexander was born. He received a liberal education. His brother, Col. James Martin, was a resi-
* I have in my collection a perfect gem of art. A full length portrait of this celebrated officer, after an original picture painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds, copied by Thomas Sully, of Philadelphia, when in London.
t Watson's Annals of Philadelphia, ii. 280.
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HISTORY.OF NORTH CAROLINA.
dent of Stokes County, and a man of distinguished ability ; a Colonel of the Revolution and father of the late Judge James Martin, of Salisbury, who died a few years since in Mobile, Alabama. Another brother, Thomas, was a graduate of Princeton, taught school in Virginia, and became a minister of the Episcopal Church. Another brother, Samuel, was in the Revolutionary army, a Captain at the battle of Eutaw ; married in Mecklen- burg a widow Campbell, and died in Charlotte with the influenza.
ALEXANDER MARTIN moved to Virginia, from thence to Guilford County, North Carolina, in the year of 1772, and was a representative from that county under the Colonial Assembly.
He was, in 1774, a member of the first Assembly of the representatives of people met to vindicate their rights ; and again in 1775. In 1776, he was ap- pointed Colonel of a regiment, in the continental line, and marched with Gene- ral Francis Nash, to the north, to join General Washington. He, with his regiment, was in the battle of Brandywine, 11th September, 1775, where Lafayette was wounded; and was near him when he received the wound. In the attack of Washington on the British at Germantown, October 4th, 1777, he was present when his general, Francis Nash, was killed: the sketch in manuscript before me, by his brother, describes this battle with great preci- sion. The wound which General Nash received was from a cannon ball, which took away most part of his right hip bone.
The war being over, he resigned his commission and was elected again to the General Assembly, and was chosen Speaker of the Senate.
In 1782, he was elected Governor of the State, and again in 1789.
He was a man of letters, and, for a time, at Princeton College. He was vain of his attainments, and ambitious of literary renown. He has left several manuscripts in prose and some in poetry. His ode on the death of General Francis Nash of this State, who fell at Germantown on 4th October, 1777, and lines on the death of Governor Caswell, who died at Fayetteville, 10th November, 1789, while Speaker of the Senate, have been published, in the North Carolina University Magazine, and may be considered as more patriotic than poetic.
In 1793, the degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon him by the Col- lege of New Jersey.
He was the firm friend of our University and one of the trustees, from 1790 to his death. The claims of the University were earnestly pressed upon the consideration of the General Assembly, in his message as Governor, in 1790.
We have had under examination a manuscript of sixty-seven pages, de- posited, as stated on the first page, in the office of Secretary of State at Raleigh, by Governor Martin ; " Letters of the Hon. Alexander Spotswood, late Governor of Virginia, respecting the affairs of North Carolina, addressed to the Ministry of the late Queen Anne," extracted from his letter book in MS.," which has been of much service and is of deep interest.
When Governor Burke, in 1781, was captured by the Tory Fannen, and carried to Charleston, where he was held as a prisoner, Alexander Martin, as President of the Senate, and by virtue of his office, acted as Governor of the State. He was elected to succeed Governor Burke in 1782, and after serving his term out, was succeeded by Richard Caswell on his second term. In 1789 he was again elected Governor. So that he was, in fact, three several terms elected Governor of the State.
He conducted the affairs of the State in a troubled and perilous period with great dignity, unswerving fidelity, and scrupulous integrity.
After serving his third term as Governor, he was, in 1793, elected Senator in Congress, which elevated post he held until 1799.
He lived at Danbury, on Dan River, in Rockingham, in affluence, and open- handed hospitality, and he died in 1807, without legitimate issue, having never been married.
JOHN MOTLY MOREHEAD is a resident of this County ; he was born near Rockingham County, 4th July, 1798; educated by Rev. David Caldwell, and
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GUILFORD COUNTY.
graduated in 1817, at the University. He studied law, and practiced the pro- fession for many years with great success.
In 1821 he represented Rockingham in the House of Commons. He moved to Guilford, and represented this county in the House of Commons, in 1826 and 1827.
In 1841 he was elected Governor, over Hon. R. M. Saunders, and was again re-elected.
It was Governor Morehead's fortune to run his political career in heated party times ; in the ardor of his temper he might sometimes have
"Given to party what was meant for mankind."
He is now President of the Central Railroad, a position of great responsi- bility.
Hon. JOHN M. DICK is also a resident and native of this County; he was born about 1791.
In 1829 elected Senator from Guilford, and again in 1830.
In 1832 he was elected a Judge of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity, which position he now holds.
Members of Assembly from Guilford County :-
Years.
Senators.
Members of House of Commons.
1777. Ralph Gorrell,
John Collier, Robert Lindsay.
1778. Ralph Gorrell,
1779.
Alexander Martin,
James Hunter, Robert Lindsay. James Hunter, Daniel Gillespie.
1780.
Alexander Martin,
1781.
Alexander Martin,
1782.
Alexander Martin, Charles Bruce,
1783. 1784. James Galloway,
1785. Alexander Martin,
1786.
William Gowdy,
1787.
Alexander Martin,
1788.
Alexander Martin,
1789.
William Gowdy,
1790. Daniel Gillespie,
1791.
Daniel Gillespie,
1792.
Daniel Gillespie,
1793.
Daniel Gillespie,
1794. Daniel Gillespie,
1795. Daniel Gillespie, Ralph Gorrell,
1796.
1797. Hance McCain,
1798.
Hance McCain,
1799. Hance Hamilton,
1800.
Hance Hamilton,
1801. Samuel Lindsay,
1802. George Bruce,
1803. Samuel Lindsay,
1804. Samuel Lindsay,
1805. Hance McCain,
1806. Hance McCain,
1807. Jonathan Parker,
1808. Jonathan Parker,
1809. Jonathan Parker, Samuel Lindsay,
1810.
1811. Jonathan Parker,
1812. Jonathan Parker,
1813. Jonathan Parker,
1814. Jonathan Parker,
B. Gardner, Robert Hannah. Hance Hamilton, Hance McCain. B. Gardner, Hance Hamilton. Hance Hamilton, Samuel Lindsay. Samuel Lindsay, George Bruce. Samuel Lindsay, George Bruce. Samuel Lindsay, Jonathan Parker. George Bruce, Jonathan Parker. Zaza Brashier, Jonathan Parker. John Moore, Jonathan Parker. Jonathan Parker, Zaza Brashier. Z. Brashier, Richard Mendenhall. Z. Brashier, Richard Mendenhall. Robert Hannah, John Howell. Robert Hannah, John Howell. Robert Hannah, John Howell. Robert Hannah, William Armfield.
Robert Hannah, John Howell.
John Howell, Robert Lindsay. Obed Macey, James Gibson.
James Gibson, James McNairy.
21
James Hunter, William Gowdy. William Gowdy, James Hunter. William Gowdy, James Hunter. James Galloway, John Leak. John Hamilton, John Leak. John Hamilton, Barzellai Gardner. John Hamilton, B. Gardner. B. Gardner, William Gowdy. John Hamilton, William Gowdy. John Hamilton, Daniel Gillespie. Hance Hamilton, Robert Hannah.
Robert Hannah, B. Gardner. Robert Hannah, B. Gardner. R. Hannah, B. Gardner.
1
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HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years. Senators.
1815. Jonathan Parker,
1816. John Caldwell,
1817. John Caldwell,
1818. John Caldwell,
1819. John M. Dick,
1820. John W. Caldwell,
1821.
Jonathan Parker,
1822.
Jonathan Parker,
1823.
Jonathan Parker,
1824.
Jonathan Parker,
1825.
Jonathan Parker,
1826. Jonathan Parker,
1827.
Jonathan Parker,
F. L. Simpson, John M. Morehead.
1828.
Jonathan Parker,
F. L. Simpson, Geo. C. Mendenhall. Geo. C. Mendenhall, F. L. Simpson.
1829. 1830.
John M. Dick, John M. Dick,
Allen Peeples, Geo. C. Mendenhall. Amos Weaver,* Allen Peeples. Allen Peeples, David Thomas ..
1832.
John M. Dick, Jonathan Parker,
1833. Geo. C. Mendenhall,
1834. Jonathan Parker,
1835. Jas. T. Morehead,
1836. Jas. T. Morehead, .
1838. Jas. T. Morehead,
1840. Jas. T. Morehead,
1842. Jas. T. Morehead,
1844. Jesse H. Lindsay,
1846. John A. Gilmer,
1848. John A. Gilmer,
1850. John A. Gilmer,
Members of House of Commons.
John Howell, James McNairy. James McNairy, William Ryan. William Ryan, Robert Donnell. James McNairy, William Ryan. R. Donnell, William Dickey. John Rankin, David Worth. John Gordon, William Adams. Samuel Hunter, David Worth. Samuel Hunter, David Worth. William Unthank, James Neally. F. L. Simpson, William Unthank. F. L. Simpson, John M. Morehead,
David Thomas, Allen Peeples. Ralph Gorrell, Jesse H. Lindsay.
Jesse H. Lindsay, Ralph Gorrell.
Jesse H. Lindsay, Peter Adams, F. L. Simpson.
Jesse H. Lindsay, William Doak, David Thomas.
Geo. C. Mendenhall, William Doak, . Jas. Brannock.
Geo. C. Mendenhall, William Doak, Joel McLean.
William Doak, Joel McLean, John A. Smith.
Nathan Hunt, E. W. Ogburne, Peter Adams.
David F. Caldwell, Calvin Johnson, Jas. W. Doak.
David F. Caldwell, Calvin Hender- son Wiley, Peter Adams.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
HALIFAX COUNTY.
Origin of name-Date of formation-Population and products-Its capital --- Colonial and Revolutionary history-Its distinguished citizens, Willie Jones, William R. Davie, John B. Ashe, Willis Allston, Joseph J. Daniel, Hutchins J. Burton, John Branch, B. F. Moore, Jesse A. Bynum, and others-Members of the town and county of Halifax from 1777 to 1851.
HALIFAX COUNTY was formed in 1758 from Edgecombe County ; and in this year the court house for the counties of Edgecombe,
* Amos Weaver was returned, but his seat was vacated under the 31st section of the Constitution.
·1831.
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HALIFAX COUNTY.
Granville, and Northampton was moved from Enfield to the town of Halifax .*
It derives its name from the Earl of Halifax, who, in 1758, was the first Lord of the Board of Trade. "It is a name of Saxon origin, and means 'holy hair,' from the sacred hair of a certain virgin, whom a clerk beheaded, because she resisted his passion. She was canonized."+ It is situated in the north-eastern part of the State, and bounded on the north and east by the Roanoke River, which separates it from Northampton County ; on the south by Martin, Edgecombe, and Nash Counties; and the west by the County of Warren. Its capital town is Halifax, which is beautifully located on the west bank of the Roanoke River, navigable for steam and other boats, and distant from Raleigh eighty-seven miles.
Its population, 5,763 whites ; 8,954 slaves ; 1,872 free negroes ; 13,007 re- presentative population. '
Its products, 2,905,573 lbs. cotton ; 15,750 lbs. wool; 669,325 bushels corn ; 147,216 lbs. tobacco ; 11,230 bushels wheat; 72,032 bushels oats ; 4,886 bbls. turpentine.
The County of Halifax, in its early history, is distinguished for its devotion to liberty, and for the patriotism of her sons.
At a meeting of the Committee of Safety for Halifax County, Dec. 21st, 1774, present, William Jones, Chairman ; Nicholas Long, John Bradford, James Hogan, Benjamin McCullock, Joseph John Williams, William Alston, Egbert Haywood, David Sumner, Samuel Weldon, and Thomas Haynes.
. It is represented that Andrew Miller, a merchant in Halifax town, refused to sign the Association.
Ordered that Mr. Haywood and Mr. Haynes desire his attendance before the committee.
Upon which he attended and refused to sign, and gave as reasons that he owed persons in England; to be bound not to export any commodity to Eng- land after 1st September next, would be unjust, and therefore he declined signing that part of the Association respecting a non-importation to Britain.
It was resolved unanimously, "That this Committee will not purchase any goods or wares from said Miller, or any person connected with him, and we recommend the same course to the people of this country, and to all who wish well to their country." -
To that convention of patriots that assembled at Newbern on August 25th, 1774, she sent, as delegates, NICHOLAS LONG, and WILIE JONES.
To the Assembly at the same place, in April, 1775, she sent the same and BENJAMIN MCCULLOCK.
To the Assembly at Hillsboro', Aug. 21st, 1775, she sent as delegates NICHO- LAS LONG, JAMES HOGAN, DAVID SUMNER, JOHN WEBB, and JOHN GEDDY.
To the Assembly in Halifax, April 4th, 1776, she sent JOHN BRADFORD, JAMES HOGAN, DAVID SUMNER, JOSEPH JOHN WILLIAMS, . WILLIS ALSTON, and WILIE JONES, from the town, which body placed our State in military organ- ization, and by whom ALLEN JONES was appointed Brigadier-General of Hali- fax District; WILLIS ALSTON, Colonel ; DAVID SUMNER, Lieutenant-Colonel; JAMES HOGAN, Ist Major ; SAMUEL WELDON, 2d Major of Halifax Regiment.
To the Congress which met at Halifax, Nov. 12th, 1776, which formed a Constitution, JOHN BRADFORD, JAMES HOGAN, WILLIS ALSTON, SAMUEL WELDON, BENJAMIN McCULLOCK, and WILIE JONES, from the town of Halifax, were delegates.
This ancient borough has the honor of being the birthplace of
* Martin's History of North Carolina, vol. ii. p. 95.
t See Baily's Dictionary.
# American Archives, by Peter Force, 4th series, vol. i. p. 1055.
.
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HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
1
our Constitution, and the first place in North Carolina where the Declaration of Independence, declared at Philadelphia (July 4th, 1776), was first celebrated .*
That the spirit of patriotism was not confined to the men alone is a matter of history. Mrs. Ellet, in her Women of the Revolution, has recorded the names of Mrs. Wilie Jones, Mrs. Allen Jones, and Mrs. Nicholas Long, whose patriotic zeal, noble spirit, and devotion to the country, gave a tone to public sentiment in the days of '76.
Mrs. WILIE JONES was a daughter of Colonel Montfort, and combined with much personal beauty, great brilliancy of wit, and suavity of manners. One of her acquaintances says, that "she was the only person, with whom he was ever acquainted, that was loved, devotedly, enthusiastically loved, by every human being who knew her."
When the Army, under Lord Cornwallis, marched from Wilmington to Vir- ginia, in 1781, they remained for some days on the banks of the Roanoke, and the English officers quartered among the families in the town. Tradition attributes to Mrs. Jones, a passage of wit between her and Colonel Tarleton, who was wounded, at the Cowpens, in the hand by a sabre cut, by the sword of Colonel William Washington. . On Tarleton, in her presence, speaking of Washington in opprobrious terms, as an illiterate, ignorant fellow, hardly able to write his name, " Ah! Colonel, you ought to know better, for you bear on your person proof that he knows very well how to make his mark."
On another occasion her sister, Mrs. Ashe, at whose house Leslie and other officers were quartered, Colonel Tarleton indulged in the same sarcastic tone, stating that he "would be happy to see Colonel Washington," for he had under stood he was diminutive and ungainly in person. Mrs. Ashe replied, "If you had looked behind you, Colonel Tarleton; at the battle of the Cowpens, you would have enjoyed that pleasure."
This was too much to the already chafed .officer ; his hand involuntarily grasped the hilt of his sword. At this moment General Leslie entered the room, and observing his Colonel very angry, and the lady agitated, he inquired of her the cause of her emotion. She explained the cause, to which the gallant General said, with a smile: "Say what you please, Mrs. Ashe, Colo- nel Tarleton knows better than to insult a lady in my presence."
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