USA > North Carolina > Historical sketches of North Carolina : from 1584 to 1851, Vol. I > Part 50
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-1793. 1794. 1795. 1796.
Daniel McIntosh,
Daniel McIntosh,
Malcolm Gilchrist, William Gilchrist.
1797.
Daniel McIntosh,
1798.
Malcolm Gilchrist,
1799.
Malcolm Gilchrist,
1800. Malcolm Gilchrist,
1801. Duncan Brice,
1802. Murdock Mckenzie,
1803.
Duncan Brice,
1804.
Jacob Gastor,
1805. Thomas Tyson,
1806 ..
Jacob Gastor,
William Barrett, Cornelius Dowd. " -
1807.
Benjamin Williams,
1808.
Thomas Tyson,
1809. 1810.
Allen McClennan,
1811.
Archibald McNeill,
1812. 1813. 1814.
Archibald McBryde,
Archibald McBryde,
Archibald McNeill,
1815. 1816. 1817. 1818. 1819.
Atlas Jones, Atlas Jones,
John B. Kelly,
Josiah Tyson,
1820.
Benjamin Person,
1821.
Benjamin Person,
Benjamin Person, William Jackson, Benjamin W. Williams, Jos. A. Hill, Jos. Lamb.
1822. 1823. 1824.
Cornelius Dowd, Josiah Tyson,
John Murchison, William Crawford. Gideon Seawell, William Wadsworth. Gideon Seawell, William Wadsworth. Josiah Tyson, William Wadsworth.
1828. 1829. Alexander McNeill, Alexander McNeill, Josiah Tyson, 1830. 1831. 1832. Josiah Tyson, 1833. Duncan Murchison,
1834. Cornelius Dowd,
Cornelius Dowd,
1835. 1838. 1840. 1842. 1844. J. M. Worth, 1846. Alexander Kelly,
1848. J. M. Worth,
1850. Angus R. Kelly,
William Hancock, Duncan Murchison. William Wadsworth, Willis D. Dowd. William Wadsworth, Gideon Seawell. Wm. Wadsworth, John H. Montgomery. Wm. Wadsworth, John H. Montgomery. Wm. Wadsworth, Angus McDonald. John O. Kelly, John A. D. McNeill. John A. D. McNeill. Duncan Murchison.
William D. Harrington. Donald Street.
M. B. Person.
Samuel J. Person.
Samuel J. Person.
Cornelius Dowd, William Martin.
William Martin,
Malcolm Gilchrist,
Jacob Gastor, Murdock Martin.
Cornelius Dowd, Jacob Gastor. William Barrett, Cornelius Dowd. John McIvor, Jacob Gastor. Murdock Martin, Jacob Gastor. Allen McLellan, Archibald Dalrymple, Jacob Gastor, Allen Mclellan.
John Atkinson, Cornelius Dowd. Allen Mclellan, Francis Bullock. Allen McLellan, Francis Bullock.
Cornelius Dowd, Allen Mclellan. Archibald McNeill, William Brice.
Benjamin Williams,
Jacob Gastor,
Archibald McNeill, Edmund Wade. William Brice, David Reid. Atlas Jones, John McLennan. James Seawell, Atlas Jones. James Seawell, Josiah Tyson. Jonathan Tyson, Malone Brice. Jacob Gastor, Josiah Tyson. Josiah Tyson, John Murchison. John Murchison, Josiah Tyson. Benjamin Person, John Murchison. Malcolm Brice, Alexander McNeill. Alexander McNeill, Josiah Tyson. Josiah Tyson, Alexander McNeill. Josiah Tyson, Alexander McNeill. Gideon Seawell, Angus Martin.
1825. 1826. 1827. Alexander McNeill, Alexander McNeill,
John H. Montgomery, John H. Montgomery, J. M. Worth,
Thomas Tyson,
274
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER LIV.
NASH COUNTY.
NASH COUNTY was formed from Edgecombe County, in 1777, and named in compliment of General Francis Nash, of Orange, , who fell this year at the battle of Germantown, bravely fighting for the liberties of his country. For a sketch of whose life see Orange County, Chapter LVIII.
It is situated in the eastern part of the State, and bounded on the north by Halifax, east by Edgecombe, south by Johnston, and west by Franklin.
Its capital is Nashville, and is distant 44 miles east from Raleigh.
Its population, 5,972 whites ; 4,056 slaves; 629 free negroes ; 9,034 repre- sentative population.
Products, 50,738 lbs. cotton ; 1,165 lbs. wool; 32,325 bushels corn; 5,882 bushels oats ; 833 bushels wheat.
ATTACK OF TORIES ON JAMES DRAKE, AND GALLANT CONDUCT OF HIS SON-SOOTH- ING EFFECT OF ONE OF THE GREAT STAPLES OF NASH.
During the Revolution there was a Captain Beard, who spread terror through this County. This account of him, and that of his death, has been narrated to me by my venerable and worthy friend Michael Collins, Esquire, of Warren, now in the 73d year of his age, and may be relied on for its cor- rectness :-
About 1778, Captain Beard, who was a brave and gallant soldier, but mistaken in his duty, attacked the house of James Drake, Esq., of Nash County, with a band of Tories. There was at the time, in the house, no one but Mr. Drake, his son Albritain, then about seventeen, and Benjamin Bridges, his half-brother ; Nathaniel Nichols, Henry Massinger, and Robert Piland. Bridges and Nichols retreated. The rest prepared for defence. Albritain, who was one of a corps of light horse, and had been in active duty scouring the country for these very men, ran out with a loaded musket and fired. The Tories then surrounded the house, and ordered a surrender. They had several prisoners, tied, with them. Old Mr. James Drake seized a gun and advanced on the foe, but his gun missed fire ; William Ross, a Tory, fired at him with a gun charged with buck shot. His aim missed the old man, but wounded both Massinger (cutting off a part of his nose) and Piland (shot in the abdomen). The Tories, headed by Beard, sword in hand, rushed into the house. Beard was met by young Albritain Drake, with a cutlass ; they engaged ; at the first blow young Drake's sword struck the joist above his head, and broke off at the hilt: he was knocked down.' The old man then joined in the melée, with his gun clubbed ; but was soon cut down by the sword of Beard, and was so severely wounded that " he was a gore of blood." Seeing her husband cut down, old Mrs. Drake rushed in, not with a weapon, but with a jug of old Nash, even to this day celebrated for its excellent flavor. Her en- treaties and the more potent influences of the liquor, produced a parley .. . She plied them so liberally with the brandy, that peace was restored. Beard had been an aspirant for the hand of her daughter. During this time Captain Peter Goodwin with a troop of horse galloped up; Albritain Drake threw up his
275
NASH COUNTY.
hat, and gave a loud halloo; Goodwin made a furious attack, and Beard and his men made a precipitate retreat. In his retreat, he was encountered by Bridges, who was near. Bridges's gun missed fire, and Beard used his sword, but was knocked down by Bridges, and he fell lifeless. Bridges thought he was killed, and came to the house and informed them that he had killed Beard. They all went out to see his dead body, but Beard had recovered so as to sit up. He was then taken into custody. A negro man, Simon, who had a wife at Drake's, caught another one of his band, named Porch. These were taken to Colonel Seawell, in Franklin County. They were tried by a Court-martial, and both were forthwith hung. Such was the end of Captain Beard.
Mr. Drake lived to a good old age, and died in 1790, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. His brave son Albritain married and settled in Robeson, where his son John now lives, and then moved to Kentucky, where he raised a large family, who, and their decendants, are highly respectable and scattered over the south-western States. His son Colonel James P. Drake, commanded the Indiana Regiment in the late war with Mexico. Albritain Drake died at the advanced age of eighty, loved and respected for his kindness and virtues.
Hon. ARCHIBALD ARRINGTON resides in this County. He is the brother of Samuel L. Arrington, who, from 1833 to 1842, represented Nash County in the Senate. Mr. Arrington was elected to Congress from this District, in 1841, and was re-elected in 1843, defeating the Hon. Edward Stanly. After serving this Congress, he retired to private life.
Members of the General Assembly from Nash County, from its erection to 1850-'51.
Years. Senate.
House of Commons.
1778. Hardy Griffin,
Thomas Hester, Hardy Griffin.
1780. Hardy Griffin,
Joseph Arrington, Edward Nicholson.
1781. Hardy Griffin,
Joseph Arrington, Edward Nicholson.
1782. Hardy Griffin,
Joseph Arrington, Edward Nicholson.
1783. Hardy Griffin,
Micajah Thomas, Thomas Pounds. Micajah Thomas, Thomas Pounds.
1785.
Hardy Griffin,
1786. Hardy Griffin,
1787.
Hardy Griffin,
John Bonds, Micajah Thomas. John Bonds, Jos. J. Clinch. Micajah Thomas, John Bonds.
1788.
Red. Bunn,
Wilson Vick, John Bonds.
1789. Hardy Griffin,
Wilson Vick, John Bonds.
1790. Hardy Griffin,
1791. Hardy Griffin,
1792.
Hardy Griffin,
1793.
Hardy Griffin,'
1794.
Hardy Griffin,
John H. Drake, Arch'd Hunter.
1 1795. 1796. William Arrington,
1797.
Archibald Griffin,
1798.
John Arrington,
1799. John Arrington,
1800. 1801.
John H. Drake, John Arrington,
1802. John Arrington,
1803. John Arrington,
Arch'd Griffin, John Hilliard.
1804. John Arrington,
1805. John H. Drake,
1806.
John Arrington,
1807.
John Arrington,
1808. William Arrington,
1809. William Arrington,
1810. William Arrington, .
1811. William Arrington,
Arch'd Griffin, Nathan Whitehead. Nathan Whitehead, Henry Hines. Arch'd Griffin, Redmond Bunn. Arch'd Griffin, Redmond Bunn. Amos Gandy, Redmond Bunn. Michael Collins, Exum Phillips. Amos Gandy, Michael Collins.
Michael Collins, Exum Phillips.
James Battle, John Bonds. Howell Ellen, Joseph Arrington.
John H. Drake, Joseph Arrington. John H. Drake, John Bonds.
Hardy Griffin,
John H. Drake, Arch'd Hunter.
John H. Drake, Arch'd IIunter. Redmond Bunn, Arch'd Hunter. Redmond Bunn, John H. Drake. Redmond Bunn, Arch'd Hunter. Geo. Boddie, Redmond Bunn.
Geo. Boddie, Arch'd Hunter. John Hilliard, Arch'd Griffin.
1784. Hardy Griffin,
276
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Years. Senate.
House of Commons. .
1812. William Arrington,
Geo. Boddie, Michael Collins. R. C. Hilliard, Michael Collins.
1813. 1814.
George Boddie,
R. C. Hilliard, Michael Collins.
1815. George Boddie,
Michael Collins,
1816. 1817. Robert C. Hilliard,
1818.
Michael Collins,
1819.
Joseph Terrell,
R. C. Hilliard, Michael Collins. Bartley Deans, David Ricks. Arch'd Lamon, Joseph Terrell. Wm. W. Boddie, Arch'd Lamon. Wm. W. Boddie, Arch'd Lamon. Arch'd Lamon, Henry Blount. Henry Blount, Arch'd Lamon. Arch'd Lamon, Thomas N. Mann. Arch'd Lamon, Thomas N. Mann. Arch'd Lamon, N. J. Drake.
1820. 1821. 1822.
Wm. W. Boddie,
Wm. W. Boddie,
1823.
Wm. W. Boddie,
1
1824.
Wm. W. Boddie,
1825.
Wm. W. Boddie,
1826. 1827.
Wm. W. Boddie, Nicholas Drake, Wm. W. Boddie,
1828.
1829.
Wm. W. Boddie,
1830. 1831.
Wm. W. Boddie,
1832. 1833.
Wm. W. Boddie, Samuel L. Arrington, Samuel L. Arrington, Samuel L. Arrington,
George Boddie, Ford Taylor. Samuel Brown, Ford Taylor. 'Henry Blount.
Ford Taylor.
Ford Taylor.
Ford Taylor.
1844. John H. Drake,
W. D. Harrison.
1846. John H. Drake,
1848. John H. Drake,
1850. John H. Drake,
Ford Taylor.
CHAPTER LV.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY.
Date of erection-Origin of name, situation, and boundaries-Population and products-Colonial and revolutionary history-Its distinguished citizens, and Members of Assembly.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY was formed in 1728, and called in honor of the House of Hanover, then on the English throne .*
It is situated in the south-eastern part of North Carolina ; and bounded on the north by Duplin, east by Onslow, south by the At- lantic Ocean, and west by the Cape Fear and South Rivers, which separate it from Brunswick and Bladen Counties ..
Its capital is WILMINGTON, called in compliment to the Earl of Wilmington, the nobleman to whose patronage Governor Johnston
* Martin's History of North Carolina, vol. i. p. 301.
1836.
Samuel L. Arrington,
1838.
Samuel L. Arrington,
1840. Samuel L. Arrington,
1842. Samuel L. Arrington,
Nicholas Drake, Major A. Wilcox. Duncan York, Joseph Arrington. Frederick Battle, Jas. N. Mann. Frederick Battle, Gideon Bass. Duncan York, Jos. Arrington. Jos. Arrington, Robert C. Hilliard. Jos. Arrington, Geo. Boddie. Jos. Arrington, Geo. Boddie.
1834.
1835.
Wm. W. Boddie,
George Boddie, Ford Taylor.
W. D. Harrison. Dr. Taylor.
W. W. Boddie,
George Boddie,
277
NEW HANOVER COUNTY.
(in 1739) was indebted for his office. It was originally called New- ton .* Distance from Raleigh, one hundred and forty-eight miles.
On April 30th, 1844, a large portion of this beautiful town was destroyed by fire.
Its population is 8,190 whites ; 8,581 slaves ; 897 free negroes ; 14,235 repre- sentative population.
Its annual products are, 35,951 barrels of turpentine; 200,423 bushels of corn ; 28,566 pounds of cotton ; 7,468 pounds of wool; $14,178 worth of lum- ber ; 109 barrels of fish.
There is no portion of North Carolina more early and more sin- cerely devoted to liberty than New Hanover.
Long before the Revolution, its inhabitants, led on by John Ashe, showed indomitable resistance to the tyrannical acts of England.
'This section of country was more exposed to the presence of the enemy than any part of our State, and none showed firmer opposi- tion.
In July, 1774, on the Boston port bill being enacted by Parlia- ment, the citizens of Wilmington met and declared "the cause of Boston, the common cause of America." In the next month, the citizens sent, by Parker Quince, a ship load of provision to their suf- fering brethren in Boston.
On the adjournment of the first Continental Congress (in Oct., 1774), on the 23d Nov., 1774, the freeholders of Wilmington held a meeting and elected a Committee of Safety, of which Cornelius Harnett, John Quince, Francis Clayton, William Hooper, Robert Hogg, John Ancrum, Archibald McLain, John Robinson, and John Walker were members.
In June, 1775, the citizens of New Hanover formed an associa- tion for defence of their liberties with the citizens of Brunswick, Bladen, Duplin, and Onslow; and declared themselves "ready to go forth and be ready to sacrifice their lives and fortunes to secure the freedom and safety of the country."
` When Governor Martin summoned his Majesty's Council to attend him on board the sloop-of-war, in the Cape Fear River, in Jan., 1776, the Committee informed the members, then on their way, that they could not, consistent " with the safety of the country, permit them to attend the Governor." .
A more decided act does not occur in the annals of any State.
To the Assembly that met at Newbern, on Aug. 25th, 1774, there appeared JOHN ASHE, WILLIAM HOOPER, from the county of New Hanover ; and FRANCIS CLAYTON, from the town of Wilmington.
In April, 1775, the same appeared at the same place, from the county, and CORNELIUS HARNETT from the town.
At Hillsboro', on Aug. 21st, 1775, from the county were GEORGE MOORE, ALEXANDER LILLINGTON, SAMUEL ASHE, WILLIAM HOOPER, JAMES MOORE, and JOHN ASHE; from the town, CORNELIUS HARNETT and ARCHIBALD MCCLAIN.
At Halifax, on April 4th, 1776, from the county, JOHN ASHE, JOHN DEVANE, SAMUEL ASHE, SAMPSON MOSELY, and JOHN HOLLINGSWORTH; and WM. HOOPER from the town.
The same appeared at the same place, Nov. 12th, 1776, which Convention formed our State Constitution.
Williamson's History of North Carolina, vol ii. p. 39.
,
-
278
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
By the Congress of April 4th, 1776, John Ashe was chosen Brigadier- General of the Wilmington District.
Alexander Lillington was appointed Colonel of the 6th Regiment.
Of the New Hanover Regiment, WILLIAM PURVIANCE was Colonel, SAMPSON MOSELY Lieutenant-Colonel, WILLIAM MOSELY Major, JOHN DEVANE 2d Major.
The first conflict of arms after the military organization of the State, occurred in this county, at Moore's Creek, on the 27th of February, 1776. This has already been referred to in the life of Caswell,* and in the life of Flora MacDonald. }
The Royal Governor, Martin, had taken refuge on board of a ship-of-war, on the Cape Fear River, and General Clinton with a large force appeared to reinstate him.
Governor Martin, working upon the loyalty of the Scottish popu- lation on Cross Creek (now Fayetteville), had persuaded them to rise and form a junction with General. Clinton. He had sent a commission to the chief of the Clan of MacDonald, as Brigadier- General, and they had assembled in strong force, and marched to- wards the Cape Fear.
On the 27th of February, 1776, they met at Moore's Creek, in Hanover County, Colonels Caswell and Lillington, with an inferior force. A severe conflict ensued; the Royalists were routed, their General, MacDonald, taken prisoner, and many killed and wounded.
This was most fortunate at the time. Had the Loyalists effected a junction with Clinton, they would have overrun the whole country, dispersed the friends of liberty, and encouraged its enemies.
I present Colonel Caswell's own official report of this battle.
A letter from Richard Caswell, to Mr. President Harnett :-
February 29th, 1776.
"SIR-I have the pleasure to acquaint you that we had an engagement with the Tories, at Widow Moore's Creek Bridge, on the 27th current. Our army was about one thousand strong, consisting of the Newbern Battalion of Mi- nute-men, the militia from Craven, Johnston, Dobbs; and Wake, and a de- tachment of the Wilmington Battalion of Minute-men, which we found en- camped at Moore's Creek the night before the battle, under the command of Colonel Lillington. The Tories, by common report, were three thousand ; but General MacDonald, whom we have prisoner, says there were about fifteen or sixteen hundred ; he was unwell that day, and not in the battle. Captain McLeod, who seemed to be principal commander, and Captain John Campbell, are among the slain."
In the same letter he says :-
" Colonel Moore arrived at our camp a few hours after the engagement was over. His troops came up that evening, and are now encamped on the ground where the battle was fought, and Colonel Martin is at or near Cross Creek, with a large body of men. These, I presume, will be sufficient to put a stop to any attempt of the Tories to embody again.".
The proceedings of the Committee of Safety for the Town of Wilmington, from 1774 to 1776, have been published, and evince the purest patriotism and unconquerable spirit of liberty. The members were sworn to secrecy, and exercised unlimited power over
* Vol. i. 88. + See Cumberland, chapter xxiii.
279
NEW HANOVER COUNTY.
the property, persons, and lives of the community. They provided arms for the defence of the country. Great as their powers were, in no instance were they used with injustice or oppression. Among these appear the names of JOHN BAPTIST ASHE, JOHN ASHE, SAMUEL - ASHE, CORNELIUS HARNETT, WM. HOOPER, THOMAS BROWN, THOMAS OWEN, ARCHIBALD MACLAINE, ALEXANDER LILLINGTON, SAMUEL SWANN, and others ?
The events of the Revolution and previous, and the recollections that cluster around their names, the sketch of their lives and ser- vices, and the history of the Town of Wilmington, and the County of New Hanover, would form of itself a volume of deep interest. Already have the character and services of one General John Ashe employed the pen of the biographer. May we not hope that this may stimulate other sons of the patriotic section of our State to preserve the record of their glorious ancestry ?
" Character is as important to a State as to individuals," and . that estimate is chiefly based upon the achievement and conduct of · its citizens.
ASHE FAMILY.
JOHN BAPTIST. ASHE, the founder and origin of the family, emigrated from England in the early part of 1727. He was the friend of Lord Craven, and under his powerful patronage, sought his fortunes in the Western World. He was a man of liberal education, accomplished manners, and superior intellect.
His name appears as one of the Council named in the Commission of George Burrington, as Governor of North Carolina in 1730 .**
He married Elizabeth Swann, a relative of Samuel Swann, who was an emi- nent lawyer, and compiler of the statute laws in 1752 (called Yellow Jacket.)
From this union sprung three children :-
I. JOHN ASHE, born 1721.
II. MARY, born 1723, who married Moore.
III. SAMUEL, born 1725.
I. John Ashe was distinguished in his, opposition, before the Revolution, to the Stamp Act; was Speaker of the Assembly, under the Colonial Govern- ment, from 1762, to 1765 ; remarkable for his talents, firmness, and fine per- sonal appearance. He was the officer who led the daring spirits of this sec- tion in that day.
He attacked Fort Johnston, ran the Royal Governor (Martin) on board of a sloop-of-war, and destroyed the fort. This was an overt act of treason against the Royal Government.
He was the first person in the State that ever received a commission from the people. In 1775, he declined the commission of Colonel, from the Royal Governor, Martin, and was appointed Colonel of New Hanover County.
. In 1776, he was appointed Brigadier-General of Wilmington District.
He served in the South, and at Brier Creek (1779) on the Savannah River, he was surprised by the enemy under General Prevost, and a great loss ensued. .
From General John Ashe, to Major-General Lincoln, giving an account of the disaster at Brier Creek :-
MATTHEW'S BLUFF, 3d of March, 1779.
SIR-I am sorry to inform you that at 3 o'clock P. M., the enemy came down upon us in force, what number, I know not. The troops did not stand
* Vol. i. 42.
27
280
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
fire five minutes ; many fled without discharging their pieces. I went with the fugitives half a mile, and finding it impossible to rally the troops, I made my escape into the river swamp, and made up in the evening to this place. Two officers and two soldiers came off with me. The rest of the troops have fallen, I am afraid, into the enemy's hands, as they had but little further where they could fly to. Luckily, Major Grimkie had got the artillery out of the boat, so I shall keep them here with General Rutherford's brigade, to defend this pass, until I receive further orders from you. This instant, General Bryant and Colonel Perkins have arrived. Colonel Eaton was drowned in crossing the river .*
Since writing the above, a number of officers and soldiers have arrived. We have taken a man who says he was taken by them, and would not take their oath, and was formerly under Lee, at the northward. He informed me that there were 1,700 red coats in the action, also a number of Tories from New York, Georgia militia, and Florida scouts ; that 1,500. men had marched up to Augusta, to fortify that place; that they are fortifying Hudson's strongly ; that the day they marched off, 7,000 men had arrived from New York. Generals Bryant and Rutherford are of opinion that it is better to retreat to your quarters, therefore, I am inclined to march to-night when we get our fugitives over.
I am, &c., JOHN ASHE.
MAJOR-GENERAL LINCOLN.
A Court-Martial was ordered, at the request of General Ashe, by General Lincoln, on the 9th of March, 1779 .; This Court decided, " that General Ashe did not take all the necessary precautions to secure his camp, and to obtain timely intelligence of the approach of the enemy, but the Court acquitted him of all imputations as to want of personal courage, and that he remained on the field as long as prudence and duty required." He returned to' his residence after this, near Wilmington, then in possession of the British, under Major Craig, and finally, he was betrayed, by his confidential servant, into the hands' of the enemy, and suffered a long and rigid confinement. While in confinement, he contracted the small-pox. He was released on parole, and died soon after with that disease, at the house of Colonel John Sampson, in Samp- son County, in October, 1781.
His son Samuel- served as a Captain of Light Horse, and rendered im- portant services in various expeditions against the enemy until the close of the war.
II. Samuel Ashe, son of John Baptist Ashe, born in 1725, was more of the statesman than soldier. He was an educated man, and by profession a lawyer. He was a member of the Provincial Council, and an ardent friend of liberty. He served throughout the war in various' military and civil' capaci- ties. He was a member of the State Congress at Hillsboro', on 21st August, 1775, and by this body appointed Paymaster of the first continental regi- ment, and a member of the body at Halifax in April, 1776, and a member of the Convention at the same place, 12th November, 1776, which formed our State. Constitution.
In 1777, he was one of the three Judges under the Constitution (John Wil- liams and Samuel Spencer being the other two), which he held until 1795, when he was elected Governor of the State.
The following letter from Governor Ashe will show the spirit of the times and the part he bore.
CAPE FEAR, 8th October, 1776.
MY DEAR SIR-Laudamus te Deum ! we can at present joyfully chant forth. The vessels of war lately here, I am just now informed, took their departure a few days since, first burning two of their tenders. We have now an open
* This was a mistake, for although Gen. Ashe believed that Eaton was drowned, he' arrived safely at Gen. Lincoln's camp, and gave early information of this vicissitude of war
t Of this Court, General William Moultrie was President, General Rutherford, Colonel Lock, and others, members. Its proceedings and the evidence, are reported in " Moultrie's Memoirs," ii. 338.
1
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NEW HANOVER COUNTY.
port, though I fear it will not long be one, unless your Honorable Board will hurry down some ball. I presume Mr. Hewes, with a budget of interesting northern news, is with you before this. Pray be so obliging as to communi- cate by a line what he, or any other, may have brought. We have none here since the Long Island affair ; not one syllable of Indian matters. Has Avery returned ? or have the Indians borrowed the poor fellow's nightcap ?. I wish to hear from that quarter. The humor of salt baking seems to be taking place here. I have seen some baked here, the cleanest and whitest of any salt, I think, I ever saw in all my life. Every old wife is now scouring up her pint pot for the necessary operations. God send them good luck. Pray tender my respectful compliments to every member of your Board, and believe me, Dear sir, with esteem, your obedient servant, SAMUEL ASHE.
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