USA > North Carolina > North Carolina, 1780-'81 : being a history of the invasion of the Carolinas by the British Army under Lord Cornwallis in 1780-'81 > Part 16
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The Tory bullet that killed General Davidson, the absence of General Rutherford, who was a prisoner, and the magnanimity of the North Caro- lina soldiers-coincided to place General Pickens in command of a full regiment of splendid troops, who followed him with unswerving devotion in the short but brilliant campaign which followed.
This organization being completed. the brigade marched, via Salem, to Guilford Court-House, where. "learning that Greene had passed the Dan and Cornwallis had retired to Hillsboro, they moved slowly towards the enemy."
General Caswell was now engaged in calling out the militia in the middle and eastern part of the State and had succeeded in collecting a considerable force with which he was threatening the left Hank of Cornwallis. General Greene was, at this period. apprehensive that Cornwallis would march into Virginia by way of Halifax, North Carolina, cross-
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ing the Romoke at that place. Kosciusko had been sent to that point to throw up breastworks and General Greene was resolved to prevent the enemy getting possession of that town if possible. "Being accessible from the ocean, having a very fertile country around it, convenient to Chesapeake and possessing the only manufactories in the State, it was too strong a military point to surrender without a struggle."> As we have but little informa- tion in regard to the whereabouts of General Caswell when the battle of Guilford Court-House was fought, a month later, I am of opinion that he was at Halifax for the defence of that place. to which General Greene was so anxiously looking. I find the following order from Governor Abner Nash to General Caswell, in the 4th volume of the Uni- versity Magazine, which throws considerable light on the movements of troops in North Carolina during February and March, I7SI:
"NEWBERN, February 23d, 1781.
"Major General Caswell will march the detachment of militia now assembled and assembling to Halifax, or to such other parts as the motions of the enemy or the exigency of the public affairs may require. He will also take such measures for posting these, as well as the militia of Halifax district, in such a manner and fortify in such places as he shall deem best for the public security. He will take such order respecting the militia, in Hills- boro and the other western districts, as shall seem expedient. The General will also, on his arrival at
*Johnson's Life of Greene, vol, I. p. 454.
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Halifax. call on the other members of the Council Extraordinary" to meet, and he will pursue such further steps as may be conchided on by the said council, for the further operations of the militin against the enemy. General Lillington having the command of the militia in the district of. Wilmington, and there being no occa- sion for the presence of any other general oficer there, Brigadier General Caswell: will serve in the army to the westward and take his orders from the Major General. who will also commission the officers for the Light Horse corps in such way tagreeable to the resolve of the General Assemblyras he shall deen best for the public service.
"The General will endeavor to have General Butler supplied with ammunition as speedily as possible, and he is earnestly requested to send forward, with dispatch, any important intelligence he may receive respecting the motions of the enemy.
"A. NASH."
It is more than probable that Caswell, as Major General, detached General Butler and General Eaton. with their brigades, to the assistance of General Greene (as they were at Guilford Court- House) and remained himself in the command of the eastern part of the State, with Halifax as head- quarters. This is in accord with the general scope of Greene's plan for preventing the invasion of Virginia by that route.
It is much to be lamented that General Caswell did not have sufficient sagacity to place these brigades under the command of some one of the
¥He was the son of Governor Caswell.
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numerous Continental soldiers, from Washington's ariny, who were then in the State. It was the appointment of General Stevens, of Virginia, to command her militia, that caused that particular brigade in her service to do such noble work at Guilford Court-House. But Governor Caswell had more genius for the forum than for the field; in the former he was foremost in zeal and devotion to American liberty, but as a soldier he obtained but · few honors on the field of battle. There was a jealousy in the minds of the militia against the veterans, and Caswell seems to have shared in it to a great degree.
General Greene was anxious that Brigadier General Jethro Sumner, of Warren, who had greatly distinguished himself in the New Jersey campaign under Washington, should command the North Carolina troops who were to join him, and wrote to General Sumner suggesting that he should make this known to General Caswell.
In a letter from General Sumner to General Greene, dated February 24th, 17SI. he says :
"I received yours of the roth inst. on the 21st, and immediately, through Major Hawkins, aid to Maior General Caswell, I proffered my assistance and sent expresses to Lieutenant Colonel Ashe and Major Mur- free, who, by the temporary arrangement of the officers of the North Carolina line, present in the State, were to take charge of two of the regiments. to acquaint them without delay that it was your wish that they join the militia camp to render such assistance as may be in their
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power. I await General Caswell's sentiments respecting myself. However, since I wrote him, I am informed by Major Eaton" that General Jonest is desirous that I take charge of the brigade of Halifax. which I believe will amount to 1506 of 1800 men. I shall make it my business to see General Jones to-morrow and shall, if I have the offer of that brigade, inform you. I am satisfied it will meet the approbation of the great majority of the officers and soldiers of that brigade-I mean as a Continental officer, who, two years ago, the militia were very averse to."
The information alluded to was that "General Jones was sick and compelled to return home, and that he would have been exceedingly happy to have given the command of his brigade to you (Sumner) provided he had continued with it, but as he is obliged to return, the command devolves on General Eaton.t who insists on taking it."
The services of General Summer were not accepted, and there is some ground for believing that they were repelled with circumstances calculated to offend that gallant and distinguished officer.
On the rith March. General Summer writes Governor Abner Nash :
"Second thoughts are often best ; therefore, I now write under apprehension that my attending you, where General Caswell may be, will be injurious to my char- acter, and perhaps hurtful to his. For my part, I declare
*Pinkethan Eaton. + Willie Jones. iThomas Eaton.
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that I wish to render service to my country at this alarm- ing crisis. Believe me, I only wish to have no enemy."
Neither the expressed wishes of General Greene nor the desires of the Governor prevailed. Caswell seems to have been inexorable. Neither Summer. Ashe nor Murfree were given commands, but the militia were left under inexperienced officers in this great crisis of the State, when discipline and military · skill were so essentially necessary to success. It is useless to conjecture what might have been the result at Guilford Court-House if the North Carolina militia had been commanded by Sumner and Ashe, as the Virginians were by General Stevens. We can only regret that such a patriot as Governor Caswell should have been so narrow and contracted in his views and so obstinate in maintaining them.
The Legislature of North Carolina met at Halifax the 1Stli day of January, 1781, and directed their attention at once to the defence of the State. "Bills were passed for giving greater efficiency to the militia and for the reorganization of the Continental battalions; the latter, nominally six, were reduced to four and provision made for speedily filling up the ranks to the proper complement." " The Board of War" was discontinued. By an extraordinary stretch of authority, whose only palliations were the crisis and the purity of their motives, they established a "Council Extraordinary," to consist of three persons of integrity and abilities such as the General Assembly can have the greatest confi-
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dence in, and invested the actual Governor. Nash, and this council, with the powers of government, "after the expiration of his, Nash's, official term." provided the invasion of the enemy should prevent the holding of elections and the meeting of the Assembly at the usual thine. After thus guarding against the chances of war, the Assembly closed the session February i4th, I,SI.
The "Council Extraordinary," newly created, consisted of General Richard Caswell of Lenoir County, Colonel Alexander Martin of Guilford County, and Mr. Bignal of Newbern. This "Council Extraordinary" succeeded to all the powers of the recent " Board of War" and "Coun- cil of State," and was required to keep a journal.
This renewed expression of confidence in Colonel Martin is evidence of his constancy and fidelity to the cause of independence. He may not have been adapted by nature to the duties of a soldier, but his fidelity as a citizen and civilian were never questioned.
I have not been able to trace the history of Mr. Bignal.
The formation of this "Council Extraordinary " was analogous to the action of South Carolina, which had clothed Governor Rutlege with dictato- rial powers: "inter arma leges silent." Happily for the State these powers were not abused. It was to this "Council Extraordinary " that Governor Nash alludes in his order to General Caswell, and which, it seems, was about to assemble at Halifax.
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In the meantime, on the 29th day of January 1781. Major James H. Craig, with an English force, took possession of Wilmington. Greene no doubt had some intimation of this movement before it was made, but supposed it was to be under the command of Arnold, and attended with the atrocities which characterized his expedition into Virginia. Cornwallis, of course, was cognizant of this part of the plan of invasion into North Carolina, and ex- pected to open a communication with Major Craig, through the loyalists of the Cape Fear, who abounded in that, region, though they had not ein- bodied to any considerable extent since the battle of Moore's Creek. They were waiting the advent of the British army, and, for the present, contenting themselves with predatory excursions here and there in that region.
The American troops had suffered painfully in their long marches through the mud and ice of a dreary winter, more severe than usual at this period. The Maryland line, which had been ex- posed without tents ever since Morgan left Char- lotte in December, and which had now been in retreat from the 17th day of January to the 15th of February, were the greatest sufferers. After Greene crossed the Dan an inspection of the line showed S6r men fit for duty, and 274 in the hospitals.
General Greene writes Washington a doleful account of the condition of the army. We copy it :
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"IRWIN'S FERRY, Feb. 15th, 1;SI.
" The miserable situation of the troops. for want of clothing, has rendered the march the most painful im- aginable. many hundreds of the soldiers tracking the ground with their bloody feet. Your feelings for the sufferings of the sollier, had you been with us, would have been severely tried."
How little does the average reader appreciate the privations and exposures of the soldier ! They turn from it with impatience to listen to the tale of combat and the shout of victory, and, too often, amid the comforts of home, are disposed to criticise the errors of the field. The endurance and forti- tude of these soldiers are as noble evidences of their true manhood as their most splendid exploits on the field of battle. Under excitement one may be nerved to deeds of daring, but to submit to priva- tion and nakedness and hunger, in the cheerless inactivity of a bivonae, requires the sternest stuff that men are ever made of.
On the 17th the report exhibited, of men fit for duty: infantry, 107S. artillery 64, cavalry 176, Legionary infantry 112-1430 in all.
It would be a story too tedious and vexations to recount all the perplexities of General Greene at this time. Arnold had invaded Virginia and plun- dered Richmond; the whole State was in terror at his approach, and the reinforcements intended for Greene's army were diverted to the James River. The militia of eastern North Carolina were march-
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ing to the assistance of their neighboring Statt. Finally, when the Baron Steuben had organized 4oc regulars, under Colonel Richard Campbell, and 26co militia, and had them on their way to camp, the whole militia turned back on a false rumor that Cornwallis had retreated to Wilmington, and only Campbell persevered in the march and reached Greene.#
Maryland had early adopted the policy of enlist- ' ing for the war, and to that fact may be assigned the splendid heroism of her troops in the South. Virginia and North Carolina ouly partially adopted this policy, and the Continental line of the latter was now in prison, and the militia of both States being generally called out for six weeks, spent one- third of this time in getting to camp and the other two-thirds in calculating the day of their return. They came without drilling or discipline, with only ordinary guns, without bayonets or equip- ments. and were a poor match for veteran soldiers, armed and equipped for battle. It was this short- sighted policy that prolonged the struggle for inde- pendence, and for a long time held the event of it in doubt. Colonel Lee very truthfully remarks that the exposure of such undisciplined troops to the attack of trained soldiers was murder. The riflemen of the mountains, the volunteers of King's Mountain and Cowpens, were not of this class, and
*Richard Campbell was afterwards killed at Eutaw, and must not be confounded with Colonel William Campbell, who commanded at King's Mountain.
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we will discover Greene's mistake in supposing that the ordinary militia could be depended on like these highland hunters.
As som as General Stevens had conveyed the Cowpens prisoners to a place of safety he joined Greene's army, and being authorized to raise troops. for six weeks' service, soon raised roco men from the counties in Virginia around Greene's camp. With the reinforcement of Colonel Richard Camp- bell's regulars and Stevens' militia, and the brigade of North Carolinians under Pickens, Greene deter- mined to recross the Dan, and on the 23d day of February he entered North Carolina again. This was three days after Cornwallis entered Hillsboro. His lordship was greatly encouraged by the num- bers of men who flocked to Hillsboro from curiosity or for gain, and he offered "guineas and lands to those who would enlist under his banner;" but it was only a day or two subsequent that he sorrowfully wrote to the British ministry that he was "sur- rounded by timid friends and inveterate enemies." His lordship also did the region of Orange and Guilford counties the distinguished honor of de- claring. "I could not get one hundred men in all the Regulators' country to stay with us even as militia."# It was another " Hornet's Nest" his lordship had gotten into. There was one regiment of the Pritish army under Colonel Hamilton, form- erly of Halifax, North Carolina, called the North Carolina regiment, but it was like the street in.
*Cornwallis to Clinton, April toth, 1751.
IS
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Damascus, only will & straight. This regiment was formed at St. Augustine, Florida, from renegades who came in from every quarter, and with but a small proportion from North Carolina. Colonel Hamilton, however, was an English gentleman of culture and refinement, and was honorable and brave as a soldier, never allowing his troops to plunder or murder: He was for years English Consul at Norfolk, after the revolution.
Before Greene recrossed the Dan, Colonel Otho Williams, with the same detachment which was placed under him to cover the retreat. was pushed forward with orders to hang on the enemy's flanks and watch his movements. and if the British army started for Wilmington, to harass and retard its march. Lee and Washington, with their cavalry, were also directed to watch every opportunity to strike the enemy and overawe any rising of Tories in the lower settlements. General Butler was, at this time, marching up the Cape Fear with his brigade of militia, and at one time Lee thought of joining him and making a sudden attack on the British.
General Pickens did not remain idle, and, as we stated, had marched with his North Carolina brigade of infantry, under Colonel Locke of Rowan, and cavalry under Graham, towards Hillsboro in search of adventure, and with him was McCall of South Carolina, with about thirty cavalry and a few Geor- gians. Cornwallis was scarcely encamped at Hills- boro before Pickens' command was hovering around him in sight of the town. On reaching Stony Creek, ten miles from Hillsboro, General Pickens
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sent Captain Graham forward with twenty cavalry and twenty infantry, under Captain Richard Sin- mions, to examine the position of the enemy and to strike a blow if practicable. Captain Graham discovered a detachment of British soldiers, unm- bering twenty-five men, at Hart's Mill. on the Eno, one mile and a half from Hillsboro. He concealed himself for the night. and as soon as it was light enough for the riflemen to see the sights on their guns, he made a sudden onset upon them, taking them entirely by surprise, and captured their cap- tain, sixteen privates of the regulars and two Tories. One sergeant and eight privates were left on the ground killed or wounded. This was a brilliant opening for the Whigs, and threw the British camp into consternation for awhile. The whole of Tarle- ton's cavalry were paraded and sent in pursuit, but in vain. Captain Graham baffled his pursuers and reached the camp in safety. Judge Johnson falls again into an egregious error in ascribing this coup de main to Captain MeCall of his own State, when in fact he was ten miles from the scene. This is a second glaring injustice done to North Carolina; for this success, though comparatively small, was greatly commended by General Greene and caused rejoicing all around the camp. It was a gem of a skirmish, and shone brightly, if not with extended effulgence. In reflecting on these injustices done one State by another, we cannot refrain from quot- ing from Judge Johnson himself the tacit acknowl- edgment of his fault. He says:
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"There is and perhaps ought to be a clannish spirit in the States of the Union which will ever dispose the writers they produce to blazon, with peculiar zeal, the virtues and talents of the eminent men of their respective States. It is a tendency so natural to man that religion, the retirement of the cloister and the barefooted friar. who has renounced the world, acknowledge its influence in exaggerated eulogies on a patron saint or beatified brother. And it will probably happen that, in future times, the States that have produced the ablest writers will enjoy the reputation of having produced the ablest statesmen, generals and orators."
South Carolina did not lack for an "able writer" or a "clannish spirit" in the distinguished biogra- pher of General Greene.
Graham and his men had just tumbled down for a little rest after this arduous duty, when they were startled by the cry. "Tarleton's coming!" The whole camp was astir in a moment and put in readi- ness to receive the charge: when, to their great joy, it was discovered to be Colonel Harry Lee and his cavalry, who had started to surprise this same detachment at Hart's Mill.#
On the night of the 21st of February, General Greene, attended by a small escort of dragoons, crossed the Dan and visited Pickens and Lee to confer with them as to the future movements of the army and the proper measures to annoy the enemy. Having spent the greatest part of the night in anxious consultation, Pickens and Greene
*Graham, in University Magazine.
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"wrapped up in their cloaks and shared the same blanket in a refreshing nap."
Pickens being the superior officer, was given the command of Lee's Legion as well as his own brigade, as one corps, and both officers were exhorted to harmony and good will. This visit was another of Greene's bold enterprises, which to us. at this day, appears almost reckless, vet, as he returned safely next morning, we must admit he did not err in his calculations.
About the 2 1st or 22d February, General Pickens was apprised of the advance of Colonel John Preston and Colonel William Campbell (he of King's Moun- tain famel with a reinforcement to join his command, and on the next day perhaps, for we camiot fix the exact days. the General also was informed that Tarleton, with his cavalry, four hundred infantry and two pieces of artillery, had left Hillsboro in the direction of Haw River to the west.
Being apprehensive that Tarleton would fall in with these approaching reinforcements, and feeling strong enough now to cope with him. Pickens called in his forces and set out in pursuit of Tarleton.
They found he had crossed the Haw River, and at noon of the 25th of February, they were so near to him as to capture two of his officers who had lingered behind, and while eager in the pursuit, and with even the order of attack arranged, a mnost singular occurrence happened, which defeated all their ardent hopes of destroying this "scourge" of the British army. As Johnson says that Lee's
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account of "Pyle's Defeat," sometimes termed "Prle's Massacre," is inaccurate and fanciful, I will do as I have done before -- give the unvarnished story as it is related by Joseph Graham, who prepared it for Judge Murphy, to be incorporated into a history of North Carolina. Resuming the narrative at the junction of Lee's force with Pickens, he writes :.
"The whole army moved a few miles and encamped . at an adjacent farin for the night. The next day it was in motion, in different directions, nearly the whole day : but did not go far, beating down nearer Hillsboro. The two corps kept near each other, though they moved and camped separately, as they had done the previous evening. Reconnoitering parties, which were sent out in the evening and had returned in the night, gave notice of a detachment pas-ing from Hillsboro towards the ford on Haw River.
" Pickens and Lee put their forces in motion at an early hour, and came into the great road eight miles west of Hillsboro, near Mebane's farm.
" The whole of the militia cavalry, seventy in number, that had swords, were placed under Captain Graham. and in the rear of Lee's horse. Such of Graham's men as had not swords were ordered to join another company. They followed the enemy's trail on the road to Haw River, with the cavalry in front.
"During the whole day's march every man expected a battle and hard fighting. Men's countenances on such occasions indicate something which can be understood better than described in words. The countenances of the whole militia, throughout the day, never showed better.
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"Lee states (page 311) that Pyle's men, on seeing the militia in the rear of his cavalry, recognized and fired on them.
" The true statement of this is, that Major Dickson, of Lincoln, who commanded the column on our right (when the disposition for attack had been made at the last farm), had been thrown out of his proper order of march by the fences and a branch, and when Pyle's men were first seen by the militia they were thought to be the party under Dickson, which had come round the plantation and gotten in the road before them. On coming within twenty steps of them. Captain Graham discovered the mistake ; seeing them with cleaner clothes than Dickson's party, and each man having a strip of red cloth on his hat. Graham, riding alongside of Cap- tain Eggleston, who commanded the rear of Lee's horse, remarked to him : " That company are Tories. What is the reason they have their arms?" Captain Eggleston, addressing a good-looking man at the end of the line, supposed to be an officer, inquired, "To whom do you belong ?" The man promptly answered, " A friend to
his majesty." Whereupon Captain Eggleston struck him over the head. The militia looking on and waiting for orders, on this example being set, rushed on them like lightning and cut away. The noise in the rear attracted the notice of Lee's men, and they turned their horses short to the right about five steps, and in less than a minute the attack was made along the whole line. The same page . states that ninety loyalists were killed. The next day our militia counted ninety-three dead, and there was the appearance of many more being carried off by their friends. There were certainly many more
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