USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, vol. XXII, pt. 1 > Part 15
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Howel Moss.
James Hague. John Morris. L-
John Lane.
James Paschale.
John Hargrove.
Sherwood Sims, Jr. William Sims.
Lennard Sims.
John Rice.
Elisha Sims.
Sam'l Crafton.
Charles ITammack.
William Key.
John Beaver.
John Glover.
Richard Lewis.
176
STATE RECORDS.
Randolph Mitchell.
Benjamin Thomas. Charles Dotson. Argil Hancks.
Job Hammond. Rawleigh Hammond. Robt. Gillespie. Thomas Lanier.
Josiah Mitchel.
Sam'l Hammond.
Laban Lindsey.
Sherwood Sims.
Jonathan Graves.
William Todd.
Samuel Searcy.
Henry Lyon.
Nicholas Jeter.
Joseph Linsey.
Henry Fleeman.
David Hammock.
Richard Hargrove.
James Mitchel.
Francis Williams.
William Cuningham.
George Gayden.
Ben Johnson.
Elisha Paschal.
James Buchanan.
Simon Williams.
Sam'l Maning.
John English.
Benjamin Guy.
John W. Daniel.
John Chadwick.
William Dotson.
Sam'l Chapmen.
John Howel.
Nathaniel Roberson.
Thomas Sims.
Robt. Hyde.
William Wiers.
Stephen Turner.
William King.
Philemon Hilliard.
Thomas Riley.
Semple Muillachy.
Thomas Key.
Joseph Skeliton.
James Webb.
Daniel Williams.
Edmond Jones.
Bartlet Searcy.
The following took the Oath in Country Line District. JOHN YOUNG, ESQ. :
Joseph Bridgers produces a Certificate.
William Yancey.
John Stovall.
Ralph Neal.
William Pool.
Joel Chandler.
Drury Stovall. John Jones.
Charles Spaulding.
Henry Spalding.
Samuel Harrison.
James Yancey, Jun.
William Buchanan.
Lewis Yancey.
Samuel Whitehead.
M. Hunt.
Thomas Mutter.
177
STATE RECORDS.
Lab'n Johnston.
Ambrose Jones.
William Puryear.
Isack White.
Thos. Pool.
Benjamin Harrison.
Robert White. James Stanley. John Stovall.
Luke Sanders. .
Henry Malone.
Owen Griffin.
Stephen Hester, by certificate.
Littleton Johnston.
John Baynet.
Benjamin Bearden.
John Puryear.
John Hart.
James Yancey.
Hugh Salt.
Chas. Yancey.
James Williamson.
Thomas More.
William Wright.
John Dunkin.
William Stovaul.
John Wood.
Philip Yancey.
Josiah Farmer.
William Haggis.
George Newton.
Gideon Crenshaw.
William Royster.
Joseph Blanks.
Robert Puryear.
Iladen Pryor.
Barth'w Stovall.
William Owens.
Thomas Stovall.
Dan'l Malone.
Josiah Stovall.
William Puryear.
The names of the persons in County Line Distriet who have re- fused or neglected to take the Oath of Allegiance to the State of N. Carolina.
James Reed.
John W. Graves.
Josepth Hart.
Millington Easley.
Abraham Crenshaw.
John Chandler, Jun.
Ransom Boswell.
David Chandler.
John Reed.
Agron Pinson.
George Reed.
Jolm Young.
Benjamin Stovall.
A List of Persons who have taken the Oath of Allegiance in Goshen District : Thomas Grant. Charles Edwards.
Richard Davis.
Chisley Daniel.
22-12
178
STATE RECORDS.
Thos. Edwards.
David Knott.
Ben. Crenshaw.
Chas. Harris.
Hazlewood Wilkerson.
James IIarris.
David Bale.
Reubin Harris.
Rev'd George MeJohn provd'd Absolom Pryor. certificate of taking of oath. John Hath.
Stephen Gafford.
Wm. Ford.
Nathaniel Malone.
John Step.
Dan'l Malone.
Ned IToward.
Bartley Green.
James Noswell.
Robt. Sanford.
John Duncan.
William Allen.
James Knott.
IIenry Hester, a certificate.
William Gill, Jun.
Jas. Hester, a certificate.
John Owen.
Francis Hester, a certificate.
James Winfrec.
David Wilkerson.
Andrew Paterson.
John Wilkerson, Jr.
William Ballard.
Thomas Owen.
Jos. Gill.
Jolın Fitts.
Matthew Duty.
Minrod Ellis.
Win. Howel.
Joel Pope.
Wm. Whitehead.
Charles Wade.
Jos. Chandler.
Seth P. Pool.
Benja. Denney.
Win. Hart.
Dennis Obrian.
John P. Pool.
Wm. Page.
William Duty. Nath'l Page.
Patrick Obrian.
William Carter.
Francis IToward. .
James Landris.
Thomas Wright. William Glass.
John Pethypool.
Thomas Bond.
Rich'd Bennett.
John Owen.
Francis Howard, Jr., a certificate.
John Harris.
John Knott.
Sammel .Ward.
Reuben Jones.
Joseph Roberts.
Gabriel Jones.
Abraham Hester.
Rich'd Brigs.
Peter Burnett.
John Sanders.
John Wilkerson.
Milenton Easley. 1
George Malone.
John Downey.
179
STATE RECORDS.
A list of Names of such Persons as have either Refused or Neg- lected to take the Oath prescribed by law :
Richard Duty.
Daniel Grant.
This Book contains the Names of Persons that hath taken the Oath of Allegianee in the Nap of Reed District before me, ROBT. HARRIS. James Ross, Qualify'd. William (his X mark) Gathmore. Jacob Cozzart. John Bolling. James Bennet.
John (his X mark) Moss.
Wm. (his X mark) Trusty.
John (his X mark) Wilburn. Jesse Meadows.
James West.
Abraham Potter.
George Lane Moon. Geo. Thompson.
James Ham.
Thomas (his X mark) Fowler.
George (his X mark) Long.
Samuel Adams.
Job Green. Christian Walker.
Joseph Okey.
Stephen Ledlo.
Braeton Jones.
Elias Cozart.
George Thompson. Evens.
Edward Wilburn.
Jo. Mangum. Peter Holand.
James Bolling produced a certifi- cate from Gilford City, also
James Gallimore ..
George Wright. Zephaniah Waller.
Joseph Justice .. Anthony Cozzart.
William Suit.
John Gathmore.
William Bennet.
Frederick Ross.
Willm. Ross.
Telulu Veazey.
Sam'l Slaughter. Absolom (his X mark ) Fort.
James Gunter.
Robt. (his X mark) Russell.
Leonard Adcock.
Henry (his X mark ) Straiter. Jacob Holstein.
John Harris.
Samuel Boyd.
William Jones, Ju'r.
James Coble, Jun., produced a certificate.
William Jones.
Charles Grymes. William Ogilvie produced a cer-
tificate.
John Haig.
William Bolling produced a cer- tificate from Guilford County.
180
STATE RECORDS.
NARRATIVE OF COL'O DAVID FANNING,
WRITTEN BY HIMSELF, Detailing Astonishing Events in No. Ca., FROM 1775 TO 1783.
-
TO THE READER.
Courteous Reader :
Whoever thou art, the Author being only a Farmer bred, and not conversant in learning, thou may'st think that the within Journal is not authentic. But it may be depended upon on that every particu- lar herein mentioned is nothing but the truth: Yea, I can boldly assert that I have undergone much more than what is herein men- tioned.
Rebellion according to the Scripture is, as the Sin of Witchcraft; and the propagators thereof, has been more than once punished; which is dreadfully exemplified this day in the now United States of America but formerly Provinces ; for since their Independence from Great Britain, they have been awfully and visibly punished by the fruits of the earth being cut off ; and civil dissention every day pre- vailing among them; their fair trade, and commerce almost totally ruined ; and nothing prospering so much as nefarious and rebellious Smuggling. Whatever imperfections is in the within, its hoped will be kindly overlooked by the courteous Reader, and attributed to the Author's want of learning.
I do not set forth anything as a matter of amusement, but what is really, justly fact, that my transactions and scenes of life have been as herein narrated during the term of the Rebellion; and that con-
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STATE RECORDS.
duet, resolution, and courage perform wondrous things beyond eredi- bility, the following of which laudable deeds will give them, are exercised therein the Experience that I have gained.
In the 19th year of my age, I entered into the War; and proceeded from one step to another, as is herein mentioned, and at the conclusion thereof, was forced to leave the place of my nativity for my adher- ence to the British Constitution; and after my sore fatigues, I ar- rived at St. John River; and there with the blessing of God, I have hitherto enjoyed the sweets of peace, and freedom under the benevo- lent auspices of the British Government-which every loyal and true subject may enjoy with ine, is the wish of the Author.
King's County, Long Beach, New Brunswick.
DAVID FANNING.
June 24th, 1790.
PSALM 37 & 37.
"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright ! for the end of that man is peace."
.A. JOURNAL OF COL. DAVID FANNING'S TRANSACTIONS,
DURING THIE LATE WAR, IN AMERICA; FROM THE YEAR 1775, COMMENCING 1ST OF MAY; UNTIL THE PEACE.
Col. Thomas Fleachall of Fairforest, ordered the different Cap- tains to call the inusters, and present two papers for the inhabitants to sign. One was to see who was friends to the King and Govern- ment; and the other was to see who would join the Rebellion.
The first day of May, Capt. James Lindley, of Rabern's Creek,
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STATE RECORDS.
sent to me, as I was a Sergeant of the said company, to have his com- pany warned to meet at his house 15th of said month. I did ac- cordingly, and presented two papers; there were 118 men signed in favour of the King, also declared to defend the same, at the risk of lives and property, in July 1775. There was several advertisements set up in every part of said district, that there was a very good prespetearing minester to call at the Different places, to preach, and Baptise children.
But at the time appointed, instead of meeting a Minister, we all went to meet two Jews by name of Silvedoor and Rapely; and after making many speeches in favour of the Rebellion, and used all their endeavors to delude the people away, at last presented Revolution papers to see who would sign them; they were severely repremanded by Henry O'Neal and many others. It came so high, that they had much adue to get off, with their lives. The Rebels then found that we were fully determined to oppose thein. They began to embody in the last of said month ; to compel all to join them, or to take away our arms. Our officers got word of their intentions. I then got orders from the Captain to warn the Militia to assemble themselves at Hugh O'Neal's mill; which was done by several Captains' com- panys, and continued for several days under arms; and then both parties was determined on this condition, that neither parties should intercept caeli other. This continued for some time, until the Rebels had taken Thomas Brown, who after that had the honor to be Colonel of the Regiment of the East Florida Rangers, at Augusta. They burnt his feet, tarred, feathered and ent off his hair. After that he got so he was able to set on horseback, he came to our poast, and the Rebels then began to embody again. Col'n Fletehall found a large camp, and marched from the Liberty Springs to Mill Creek on our way towards Ninety-Six; Twelve miles from Ninety-Six the Rebels found that they were not strong enough for us, and sent an Express to Col'n Fletehall to come and treat with them, which said Fletchall did. But the terms of their treatment I did not know. We were all dismissed until further orders. In a short time after the Rebels took Capt. Robert Cunningham and carried him off to Charleston. Our party was then informed of his being taken off in the night time, and by making inquiry after him, we got information of a large quantity of Ammonition, that was there, on its way to the Cherechee Nation for Capt. Richard Paris to bring the Indians down into the
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STATE RECORDS.
settlement, where the friends of the Goverment lived, to murder all they could. We intercepted the amonition and took Capt'n R. Paris, who swore to these facts. We there formed a large camp, and Col. Fletchall being so heavy, he gave up the command to Maj. Jo- seph Robinson.
In the month of Nov'r 1775, the South Carolina Militia, of which I was at that time Sergeant, under the command of Major Joseph Robinson, laid seige to a Fort, erected by the Rebels at Ninety-Six ; commanded by Col. Mason : which continued for the space of three days, and three nights-at the expiration of which time the Rebels were forced to surrender, and give up the Fort and Artillery. Ma- jor Robinson then ordered the Militia to the North side of the Saluda River, and discharged them, for eighteen days. Afterwards orders were issued for every Captain to collect their respective companies at Hendrick's Mill, about 20 miles from Ninety-Six; The Rebels hav- ing received intelligence of our intended motion, they immediately marched before us; and took possession of the ground, which pre- vented our assembling there. But about 300 of our Men met at Little River and marched from thence to Reedy River; and en- camped at the Big Cane Break, for several days. The Rebels being informed of our situation, marched unexpectedly upon us, and made prisoners of 130 of our men; the remainder fled into the woods and continued there, with the Cherichee Indians until the 18th Jan'y 1776; when I was made a prisoner by a party of Rebels commanded by a Captain John Burns; who after detaining me four days, re- peatedly urging me to take the oath of allegiance to the United States, stript me of everything, and made me give security, for my future good behaviour, by which means I got clear ; On the 10th of May 1776 hearing the Rebels had issued a proclamation to all friends of government, offering them pardon and protection, provided they would return to their respective habitations and remain neutral, this induced me to return to my home, where I arrived on the 15th of June.
On the 20th, the Rebels being apprehensive of the Cherichee In- dians breaking out, despatched several emissaries among the Loyal- ists, for to discover their intentions. One of which was Capt. Ritchie, who came to me, and told me he was a friend to Govern- ment, and some time before left the Indian Nation, and then wanted a pilot to condnet him to the Indian Nation again. I agreed to con-
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STATE RECORDS.
duct him to any part of the country he wanted for to go, provided he would keep it secret. This he promised for to do. But imme- diately he went and lodged information against me, and swore that I then had a company of men, ready in order, for to join the Indians. In consequence of this, I was made prisoner again, on the 25th, by a Capt. John Rogers, and thrown into close confinement with three centinels over me. On the 1st of July, the Indians came down into the back country of South Carolina, and killed several families; at which time, the rebel camp being in great confusion, I made my escape, and went to my own house at Rabirn's creek ; but finding a number of my friends had already gone to the Indians, and more disposed so for to do, I got twenty-five men to join me; and on our arrival at Parishies plantation, on Reedy River, in the Indian land, ie formed a junetion with the Indians, on the 16th inst., in the evening; the militia and the Cherickees to amount to 260 surrounded the fort built with logs, containing 450 of the Rebels. After a smart fire on both sides for two hours and a half, we retreated without any injury except one of the Indian Chiefs being shot through the hand. I then left the Indians and pursued my way to North Carolina; where, on my arrival, I was taken up again, and close confined; but was resened by my friends, three different times. After which I made my escape good. I then endeavored for to go home again; and after experiencing munberless hardships in the woods, I arrived the 10th of March, 1777, at Rebun's creek, South Carolina.
I was made prisoner again on the 11th, by a Capt. Smith, bound hand and foot, and carried under guard, towards Ninety-Six gaol; after marching twelve miles, the company halted for the evening, and watching an opportunity, I cut the ropes I was bound with, and stript myself when the guard was asleep. I threw myself out of the win- dow and returned back to Reburn's creek, by a different way, from that which they had carried me prisoner. I was obliged now for to sceret myself in the woods, and was supplied with provision by some Quakers, and other Loyalists, in the neighborhood.
A company of Loyalists, of which I was one, was then raised by a Richard Parish, and it was determined to go to Mobile, and join tho British army. One of the company proving treacherous, gave infor- mation to the Rebels, who raised a body of troops for to suppress us. They took me, with five more prisoners, and carried us to Ninety-Six gaol, on the 5th August, 1777. Captain Parish escaped with some
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STATE RECORDS.
Loyalists, belonging to the company, and made his way good to the British army at Mobile, in West Florida. Myself, with five others, who were taken, remained in close confinement, until November fol- lowing, and we were tried for our lives, on a charge of High Treason, for rising in arms against the United States of America ; but were acquitted and went home. The fees and expenses of my confinement amounted to $300, Virginia money, allowing dollars at six shillings each, which I paid, and was then ordered back to the gaol for the rent of the room.
On the 1st of March, 1778, Capt. John York, of East Florida, received orders from the commander-in-chief for the Loyal Militia, of Georgia, and South Carolina, to assemble themselves. Accord- ingly they were embodied .- The majority of the people chose me their connauding officer, we took a number of prisoners, furnished ourselves with horses, and marched to Savannah river on the borders of Georgia, (two miles above Augusta). Capt. York, who was our pilot, then got discouraged, and would not suffer any of the militia to proceed with him back to East Florida except three men ; we were then under the necessity of returning home, upwards of one hundred miles, through the rebel country; and betake ourselves to the woods as formerly. During our retreat, we were persued by three hundred rebels; but we got back home to Reburn's creek safe. When the Rebels found we were returned, they raised a body of men for to take us; and for the space of three months kept so constant a look out that we were obliged for to stay in the woods; six weeks of which time I never saw a man, except Sanmel Brown ( who was afterwards killed at Tiger river, ) that shared my sufferings; we lived entirely without either bread or salt, upon what we killed in the wilderness. . We de- termined, let the consequences be what they would, to proceed to the settlement of Green River, North Carolina, where we rested our- selves at a friend's house, about a week. Here we parted. I then proceeded to Tiger river, where I arrived safe on the 1st of June, 1778. Myself, and Samuel Smith, now associated, and were taken by a company of rebels commanded by a Capt. Goiry. We made our escape the second night, by bribing the sentinel, and parted company. I met with one of the horses belonging to the rebels, about a mile from the house I had escaped from, and mounted him. They persued me through the woods by the horse's tracks, upwards of seventy miles, and came to Reburn's Creek where I lived. They were anxious to
=
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STATE RECORDS.
recover their horse from me, and promised for to return one of the four they had taken from me, if I would deliver up the said horse. This being agreed upon, I went with them for to receive my own horse back ; when we had advanced 30 miles we came near to where a rebel fort was; I desired them to go, a little out of the way, and avoid it, which they had promised to do before we proceeded on our journey. One of them laid hold of my horse's bridle, and told me to surrender myself a prisoner, for they were determined to confine me in the Fort, or carry me to Ninety-Six gaol, about 80 miles off. They said I was not in that damned tory country at that time. I, there- fore, after some conversation, coneluded to submit for to be disarmed at the time, as they threatened blowing a ball through me every in- stant, if I did not surrender; which I did. On my arrival at the Fort, I was stript of my clothes, and confined elose 'till morning, when they tied my legs under a horse's belly, and took mne before a magistrate to connnit me to gaol. However I was admitted to bail for my good behaviour. On my return to the people, who took iny horse, and clothes, and asking for them, I was retaken before another magistrate, and committed to gaol, under a stronger guard. On my proceeding towards the gaol, the guard was particularly careful about securing me; and in order for to do it, the more effectually tied me with a rope, to a stout fellow who was one of them. When I found him asleep, I took the opportunity to cut myself loose with a knife (or rather with a pair of horse fleames) which was accidentally left lying in the road, and throwing myself out of the window made my cseape, and took to the mountains for shelter. I continued there for some time, when Col. Mills of the Loyal Militia on knowing where I was, proposed at several meetings, we had, to raise a company ; which we did, of 500 men, for the purpose of going to St. Augustine. One of the company proved faithless, and gave information to the Rebels, who immediately embodied themselves, and took Col. Mills prisoner, with 16 of the company, and carried them off to Salisbury Jail. Myself with 14 more persued about 20 miles with an intention of resening them, until we were in sight of Gilbert Town; where the Rebels had a guard; and finding we could not affect our purpose at that time, our numbers being so small, and theirs increasing, we re- turned back. The Rebels persned us all night, and in the morning, we perecived them within shot of us; we fired upon them, which they returned; and continued skirmishing in the woods about an hour;
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STATE RECORDS.
when they retreated. What injury we did them we could not tell; on our part we suffered no loss. Here our party separated. I made way for Holsten River about 140 miles through the woods-I had proceeded about 40 miles on my way, when I was met by three men ; . one of which knew me. IIe came to me, with seeming friendship, and on taking my hand, ealled his companions to assist him in seeur- ing me; which they did; and made me a prisoner. They tied my hands behind my baek, and feet to each other under the horse's belly and took me to Ninety-Six Jail again, where I was closely confined for 17 days. During my confinement I got acquainted with a friend to the government, who lived there, by talking to him through the grates ; He furnished me with two files and a knife, by which means I cut through the iron bars and escaped. I returned again to Re- burn's Creek and after remaining some time in the woods there, I was advised by friends for to make peace with Capt. Gillian, who commanded a company of Rebels on the Indian lines. He said I durst not be seen by any one of the Rebel party, I got one of my friends to go to him, and desire him to meet me alone, at a particular place, and give him my word I would not injure him. We met accordingly, and passed our words for not to disturb or injure each other, We con- tined our meetings, in the woods, generally, every day, or two, for the space of a month; until we were discovered by some of his com- pany ; who threatened for to have him punished for treating with me; however he still met me, now and then; and introduced a friend of his to me; who he told me I might depend upon. One day, I ob- served an alteration in their behaviours, and asked them when at some distance, if he meant for to keep his word with me. Ile replied "by all means." We were all on horseback, and I had my rifle across my saddle. When we were going to part, as I expected, he suddenly scized my rifle; and the man who was with him seized hold of my horse's bridle, he presented his rifle to my breast and told me I was his prisoner, or a dead man. I was under the necessity to surrender, and they carried me again to my old quarters at Ninety-Six, where we arrived on the 11th of Oet'r, 1778. I was stripped entirely naked, thrown into irons and chained to the floor. I remained in that situation until the 20th of December following, when I again made shift, for to get my irons off, and having sawed one of the grates some time before, I again escaped by means of fellow prisoner, who supplied mne with some old elothes, of which I made a rope to let me
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STATE RECORDS.
down; I received a fall in getting down, but luckily did not hurt my- self. The Gaoler heard me fall, and presented a musket at mne, out of a window; but I avoided him. He alamned the guard and they persued me; but however I got clear off. I found myself much hurt by a fall I got in their chasing me. I got back to Reburn's Creek; but was taken in three days; and again introduced at Ninety-Six. I was chained and ironed as before, in the centre of a room 30 feet square; forty-five from the ground, the snow beating in, through the roof, with four grates open night and day. I remained in this state eleven days; I got my chains off in the night of the 12th ; The Gaoler did not chain me down again ; but I had still part of them remaining on one of my legs, which weighed seven pounds and three quarters. I continued loose in Gaol until the 13th of February, 1779, when I took a bar out of the window, in the night, and prised one of the planks out of the floor of the Room, and from theuce went down- stairs ; I found the door fast, secured; but I went to a breach, I had formerly made in the back of the chimney, and got out. One of my fellow prisoners escaped with me, and we kept together for some time after. We found a number of Horses grazing in a field belonging to a company of Rebels, under the command of Capt. Fair; who that night come into Town. We mounted each of us, and rode off to Re- burn's Creek. On our way, we stopped at a house, and furnished ourselves with a Rifle and a pair of Pistols; we also supplied ourselves with elothing. By this time, the neighborhood was alarmed and the Rebel militia sent in pursuit of us. They laid several am- buscades, but without effect, and continued embodied, for six months. I was so fortunate as for to escape; but my companion was taken. The day after, he was taken, I was riding through a piece of timbered woods, when I discovered a party of men-they discovered me, and pursued on full speed for seven miles; but I was lucky enough to escape them; but my Horse falling, threw me, and I unfortunately lost my rifle. An advertisement was, then, made public, for appre- hending me; and a reward of Seventy silver dollars, and Three IIun- dred paper ones, was offered to take me. This made me very cau- tions, notwithstanding which I was betrayed and fired upon by a party of Rebels, in muunber, sixteen; I received two bullets in my back; one of which is not extracted. I luckily kept my seat in the saddle, and rode off. After proceeding 12 miles I turned my horse into the woods, and remained there eight days; having no support
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