USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, vol. XXII, pt. 1 > Part 16
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but herbs, except three eggs; my wounds, at that time being trouble- some and offencive, for the want of dressing, I got my Horse again, and moved about twelve miles to a friend's house; where on my ar- rival, I made a signal, which they knew, to acquaint them, of my be- ing alive-a young girl of fourteen years old, came to me; but when she came near enough to see me, she was frightened so at the sight, she run off. I persued after her on horseback, telling her who I was; She said she knew it was me, but I was dead; that I was, then, a spirit and stunk yet. I was a long time before I could get her to come to me. I looked so much like a rack of nothing but skin and bones, and my wounds had not been dressed, and my clothes all bloody. My misery and situation was beyond explanation, and no friend in the world that I could depend upon; However, these people seeing me iu that distrest situation, took the greatest care of me, and drest my wounds. My horse having been seen by some of the Rebel party, They concluded I was not killed; and wrote several letters which they gave one of my friends, offering to treat with me; and advising me to surrender; threatening at the same time, in case I did not, to banish eight families of my friends out of South Carolina. A limited time was given for my answer, but it had expired, before that I received the letters ; in consequence of which, their threats were put into execution ; and the people's property was taken from them, and they confined. On the receipt of my letter, the people were liberated, but their properties were still detained.
The second day, after, I treated with the Colonel of the Rebel Militia, and had an express sent off to Gov. Rutledge at Charlestown, about a week after his answer came back with a conditional pardon for that which I had done, should be forgotten, and that I should live quietly and peacefully at home; and be obliged to pilot parties through the woods as occasion might require.
Before 1 excepted of these conditions, I advised with my friends, and company, who all approved of it, as it conduced both to their ease, and safety.
I remained at home a year and twelve days, and was repeatedly urged for to except of a company in the Continental service, which I always refused.
After the reduction of Charlestown, myself and one William Cm- ingham, concluded for to embody a party of men, which we affected.
We determined for to take Col'n Williams, of the Rebel Militia,
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prisoner, and then to join Capt. Parish, who was to raise a company and assist us. Col'n Williams got notice of it and pushed off; and though we got sight of him, he escaped us.
We now found ourselves growing strong, and numbers flocking daily to us.
I then took the King's proclamations and distributed them through the country, for upwards of a hundred miles.
Capt. Parish had command of the party, and marched up to Ninety- Six, which he took command of, without firing a shot, where I found him again. The day after, we marched about 12 miles, to Gen. Williamson's at Whitehall; who commanded a fort with 14 swivels, and two companies of provincial troops. On our approach, he met us, about three miles of the Fort, attended by several officers, re- questing he might discharge the troops, and have protection for him- self and them.
We granted him what he requested; and took possession of the Fort, and their arms, which they piled up; after that they marched out of the garrison.
Three days after that, Col. Piekins, with 300 men, marched ont and laid down their arms.
General Robert Cunningham, of the Loyal Militia, now took the command ; and formed a camp.
We kept scouting parties, through the country, and had many skirmishes ; but none of consequence.
After the British American troops, had taken possession of Ninety- Six, I continued scouting on the Indian lines, util Col. Innis for- warded his march up to Musgrove Mill, on the Innoree River, I then joined them with a party of fourteen men.
The following morning the pickets were attacked by a party of Rebels. Col. Innis ordered us to advance and support them, which we did, and followed them until we arrived where the main body lay, under Col. Williams, Col. Innis was unfortunately wounded, with several other officers.
We engaged them for some time, and then retreated about a mile and a quarter ; where we encamped and in the night, marched off to- wards Ninety-Six, under command of Capt. Depister.
The next morning 1, and my small party returned back to the Indian lines. We continued scouting on the lines, for some time, until I met with Capt. Parish, of the British American South Caro-
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lina Regiment, who gave me a list of some soldiers that he had per- mission for to visit their families in the country, on the return from Florida to Ninety-Six. I was desired by him for to go to give them notice for to join their regiments. On this expedition, I fell in with Major Ferguson's party, which was defeated five days afterwards. The Rebels after that, began to be numerous and troublesome; and little or no regulation amongst us, I made the best of my way to Deep River, North Carolina, where I remained until the month of Febru- ary, 1781.
I was, during this time, discovering the disposition of the people ; being informed that Lord Cornwallis was marching that way, I kept my intentions seeret, until I received certain accounts. I then caused this advertisement to be published, and used all my influence to get all the Loyalists to join me, and defend ourselves, when occasion might require. A true copy of which is here set forth.
"ADVERTISEMENT.
"If any of his Majesty's loyal and faithful subjects, able and willing to serve in the Royal North Carolina Regiment commanded by Col. Hamilton, are hereby requested to repair to his encamp- ment. The Bounty allowed for each man, is three Guineas; and the terms of engagement are that he shall serve during the Rebellion, and within the Provinces of North and South Carolina, and Virginia only ; that during his service he shall be entitled to Clothing, Pay, Provisions, and all the advantages of his Majesty's Regular, and Provincial Troops, and at the end of the Rebellion, when he becomes discharged, of course, he is to receive as a reward for his services during the war, a free grant of Land agreeable to his Majesty's procla- mation."
Of his persuing Gen. Greene, as far as Hillsboro, this struck such a terror on the Rebels, and was so pleasing to us, that we imme- diately disarmed the disaffected and embodied about 300 men under the command of Col. Pyles. He fell in with a party of Rebels (Col. Lee's dragoons) and lost 20 men killed beside the wounded, that died afterwards. At this time I was with a small party at Deep River, where I took two Rebel officers, prisoners and several soldiers. I then directed my march where I left Col. Pyles and came in a little distance of the Dragoons, that had eut him up, when I was informed of his misfortune by some of his party that had fied ; we then sepa-
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rated into small parties and took to the woods for some time.
The day Lord Cornwallis defeated Gen. Greene at Guilford, I was surprised by a Capt. Duek, with a company of Rebels, where I sus- tained a loss of all our Ilorses, and arms; we had one man killed on each side.
The day following, myself, and three more of the company, fur- nished ourselves with arms, and persued the Rebels, who we discov- ered had gone to their respective homes with their plunder. We visited one of their houses and found the horses which had been taken from the friends of the Government ; and discovering one of the said party in an out house. 1 fired at him, and wounded him in the neck with buckshot; but he escaped. We then mounted ourselves, and turning the other horses into the woods, we returned back to Deep River. We kept concealed in the woods and collected 25 men, having sconts ont continually until we proceeded to Dixon's Mill, Cane Creek, where Lord Cornwallis was there encamped. On our arrival there his Lordship met us, and asked me several questions respecting the situation of the country, and disposition of the people. I gave him all the information in my power, and leaving the company with his Lordship, I returned back to Deep river in order for to conduct more men to the protection of the British arms.
Two days following, I returned to the army at Chatham Court House, after being surprised and dispersed by the Rebel Dragoons; on my bringing in 70 Loyalists, I joined my company again and went with his Lordship, to Cross Creek, and as we had lost most of our horses, we determined to return to Deep River, and join his Lord- ship when on his way to Hillsborough. General Greene followed his Lordship as far as Little River, and then returned to Ramsey's Mills on his way to Camden; his men marched in small parties and dis- tressed the friends to Government, through the Deep River settle- ment ; I took 18 of them at different times, and paroled them, and after that we were not distressed by them for some little time; after a little while some of us had assembled at a friend's house, where we were surrounded by a party of 14 Rebels under the command of Capt. John Hinds ; we perceived their approach and prepared for to receive them; when they got quite near us, we run out of the door of the house, fired upon them, and killed one of them; on which we took three of their horses, and some firelocks-we then took to the woods and unfortunately had two of our little company taken, one of which
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the Rebels shot in cold blood, and the other they hung on the spot where we killed the man a few days before. We were exasperated at this, that we determined to have satisfaction, and in a few days I collected 17 men well armed, and formed an ambuscade on Deep River at Coxe's Mills, and sent out my spies. In the course of two hours, one of my spies gave me information of a party of Rebels plundering his house, which was abont three miles off. I instantly marched to the place and discovered them in a field near the house. I attacked them immediately, and kept up a smart fire for half an hour, during which time we killed their Captain, and one private, on the spot-wounded three of them, and took two prisoners besides eight of their horses well appointed, and several swords. This hap- pened on the 11th of May, 1781. The same day, we persued an- other party of Rebels, and came up with them the morning following; we attacked them smartly and killed four of them on the spot, wounded 3 dangerously and took one prisoner with all their horses, and appointments. In about an hour after that, we took two men of the same party, and killed one more of them; the same evening we had intelligence of another party of Rebels, which were assembling. about 30 miles off in order for to attack us; as I thought it best to surprise them where they were collecting, I marched all night and about 10 o'clock next morning, we came up with them; we com- meneed a fire upon each other, which continued for about 10 minutes when they retreated ; we killed two of them, and wounded 7, and took 18 horses well appointed; we then returned to Deep River again. I still kept the company together, and waited for another opportunity, during which time, I took two Rebel soldiers and parolled them, who gave me information of a Col. Dudley coming from Gen'l Greene's camp at Camden, with baggage.
I mounted my men and set forward in search of them; and I concealed my men by the side of the road; and I thought the time long; according to information I had from the sokliers-I took one .man with me, and went to see if I could make any discovery. I rode a mile and a half, when I saw Col. Dudley with his baggage. 1 then wheeled my horse, and returned to my men; where I came within a hundred yards of them. Dudley and his Dragoons were nose and tail and snapped their pistols several times. I then, or- dered a march after them, and after marching 21/2 miles I discovered them, and immediately took three of them prisoners, with all the
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baggage and nine Horses. The baggage I divided among my Men, which agreeably to Col. Dudley's report was valued at £1,000 ster- ling. I returned to Coxe's Mill and remained there till the 8th June; when the Rebels embodied 160 men to attack me, under the command of Cols. Collyer and Balfour. I determined to get the advantage by attacking them, which I did with 49 mien in the night, after marching ten miles to their encampment. They took one of the guides, which gave them notice of my approach. I proeceded within thirty steps of them; but being unacquainted with the grounds, ad- vanced very cautiously. The sentinel, however, discovered my party, and firing upon us, retreated. They secured themselves under the cover of the houses, and fences ; the firing then began; and continued on both sides for the space of four hours ; being very cloudy and dark - during which time I had one man killed, and six wounded; and the guide, before mentioned taken prisoner; whom they killed next morning in cold blood. What injury they suffered, I could not learn. As the morning appeared, we retreated, and returned again to Deep River; leaving our wounded men at a friend's house, pri- vately.
The Rebels then kept a constant scouting, and their numbers were so great, that we had to lay still for some time; and when Collier and Balfour left the settlement, he and the said Colonel Dudley, be- fore mentioned, took the place with 300 men from Virginia. Ile took a negro man from me and sold him at public auction for 110 pounds; the said negro was sent over the mountains, and I never saw him since. At length they all began to scatter; and we to em- body. William Elrod being jealous of my taking too much com- mand of the men, and in iny absence, one day, he pursuaded them that I was a going to make them regular sokliers, and canse them to be attached to Col. John Ilamilton's Regiment ; and vindicated it, by an advertisement, that I had handed to several of the Loyalists; that I thought had the greatest influence with the Loyalists. lle so prevailed with the common sort, that when I came to camp I found most of my men gone; I then, declared I never would go on another scont, until there was a Field Officer. The majority chose me. They, then, drew up a petition to the commanding officer of the King's troops.
A general meeting of the Loyalists was now called, in order, for to appoint a connnanding officer of the Militia; it was still determined
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that I should be the person. I accordingly set off, for Wilmington, being 160 miles, with a petition of the people, to the officer command- ing, at that post, for his approbation. On my arrival there, Major Craig, who commanded, treated me, with every respect, and approved of said petition ; and gave a commission as Col. of the Randolph and Chatham Militia-a copy of which is hereunto annexed.
"By James Henry Craig, Esqr., Major in his Majesty's 82d Reg. commanding a detachment of the King's Troops in North Caro- lina, ke., &e., To David Fanning, Esqr.
These are to appoint you, to be Colonel of the Loyal Militia, in Randolph, and Chatham Counties, who are directed to obey you, as such, in all lawful connmands, whatsoever; and you are authorized to grant commissions to the necessary persons of known attachment to his Majesty's person, and Goverment, to act as Captains and subalterns to the different companies of the Militia aforesaid. As Colonel, you are hereby fully impowered to assemble the militia, and lead them against any parties of Rebels, or others; the King's che- mies, as often as necessary, to compel all persons whatsoever to join yon-to seize and disarm, and when necessary to detain, in confine- ment, all Rebels or others, acting against his Majesty's Gov't; and to do all other aets becoming a King's officer, and good subject.
Given at Wilmington, this 5th July, 1781.
J. Il. CRAIG, Major, Commaning the King's Troops."
On the 12th July, I returned from Wilmington, and ordered a 'general muster; and then gave the following commission to the gen- tehnen herein after named of their respective companies.
By DAVID FANNING, ESQ., Colonel of the Loyal Militia of No. Ca. Greeting :
To
Having received sufficient testimony of your Loyalty and Zeal for his Majesty's Service and relying on your courage and good conduct I do hereby appoint you to be of a com- pany in the district of You are, therefore, dili- gently and carefully to discharge the duty of such ; obeying all orders and directions, which you may receive from time to time, from any superior officers, in his Majesty's Service, and all others. The in- ferior officers of his Majesty's subjects, of that and every other com-
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pany are directed and requested to obey you as
of said company.
Given under my hand at Coxe's Mill this -, 1781 DAVID FANNING, Col. Com'g his Majesties Loyal Militia, &c.
THE NAMES OF THE COMPANIES OF RANDOLPH COUNTY, AS THEY WAS COMMISSIONED IN THEIR DIFFERENT COMPANIES.
1. John Rains, Capt. 16 July, (promoted Major 13 Oct, ) 1781. William Rains, Lt. Thomas Donnelly, Ensign. Jolm Spinks, Ser. Maj.
2. Geo. Rains, Capt. In Charleston at the peace. Ebenezer Wollaston, Lt. do. Robt. Rains, Ensign in N. C.
3. Win. Finnacon, Capt. in N. C., now. Rich'd Bird, Lieut do. Cornelius Latham, Ensign do.
1. Michael Robbins, Capt. last account in N. C. William Hillis, Lt. in Florida at the peace. Daniel Brown, Ensign. Killed in N. C. by the Rebels.
5. Robert Turner, Capt. in N. C. Absolem Autrey, Lt. in Florida. . Win. King, Ens. joined the Rebels.
6. Stephen Walker, Capt., murdered. Frederick Smith, Lt., hanged at Hillsboro, for his loyalty. Wm. Hunsucker, Ens., do do.
7. Jos. Currie, Capt. In Florida at the peace. Benj. Shields, Lt. in N. C. Jas. Rains, Ens. in S. C.
THE NAMES OF THE OFFICERS OF THE DIFFERENT COMPANIES IN CHATHAM COUNTY.
8. Thomas Dark, Capt. Hanged at Hillsboro for his loyalty. Win. Hoocher, Lt. Murdered by the Rebels. Henry Ramsour, Ens. In Charleston, S. C., at the peace.
9. Win. Lindley, Capt. Murdered by the Rebels. Wni. Poles, Lt. Went to Penns.
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Wm. McPherson, Ens. In Charleston.
10. Sam'l Dark, Capt. At last account in N. C. James Ellett, Lt. Drowned in Florida. Thos. Ellett, Ensign. In Florida.
11. Benj. Underwood, Capt., late in New Brunswick. Fred Smith, Lt., in N. C. Adam Smith, Ens., in N. C.
12. Wm. Deaton, Capt. Killed in battle on the day after the rebel, Gov. Burke was taken. Wm. Carr, Lt. In West Indies.
John Erwen, Ens. Florida.
13. Martin Kendrick, Capt. N. C. Thos. MeDowell. Rebel Capt. Win. Brown. Joined the Rebels.
NAMES OF OFFICERS IN ORANGE COUNTY.
14. Rich'd Edwards, Capt. Killed in battle. Edward Edwards, Lient. Killed 13th Sept.
Thos. Estwick, Ensign.
15. Stephen Holloway, Capt. Killed in battle. John Hastings, Lieut. Now in N. C. Ab'ın Nelson, Ens.
THE NAMES OF OFFICERS IN THE DIFFERENT COMPANIES IN CUMBER- LAND COUNTY.
· 16. John Cagle, Capt. Hanged by the Rebels at P. D. Jacob Mauney, Lieut. In N. C. Wm. Dunn, Ensign.
17. Meriday Edwards, Capt. East Florida. Reuben Shields, Lient. N. C. Win. Hancock, Ens.
18. Alex. MeIver, Capt. Murdock Martin, Lt. England.
19. Win. McCloud, Capt. Alex'r McLoud, Lt.
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THE NAMES OF THE OFFICERS IN ANSON COUNTY.
20. Win. Price, Capt. Killed by the Rebels. Win. Fanning, Lt. Hanged.
21. Win. MeKnight, Capt. Murdered. Stephen Phillips, Lt. In S. C.
22. Abner Smally, Capt. In Burke Co., N. C. Jos. Hodge, Et. Murdered by the Rebels.
Those gentlemen had their appointment from Major Ferguson in So. Ca., in July, 1780, but joined all according to their dates.
On my return to Deep River I immediately caused a general Mus- ter of the Loyalists, which I collected to the amount of 150 men, but finding them deficient in arms I discharged all except 53, which I appointed fully; out of which, I collected from the whole, and ordered the rest, to be ready to join me when I called for them, I, also, gave the foregoing commissions, to the different officers set forth, who rendered many services to the British Goverment, during the late war, who singulared themselves with me in the interior parts of that rebellious Country, and subdued the greatest part of the Province; so far that the wirst of the Rebels come to me, begging protection for themselves, and property. The exertions of myself, and the other officers had the whole country under the protection of the British Government, until long after the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and the evacuation of Wilmington; and after all the British Troops was called to their different posts on the Sea shore.
I continued acting in the interior parts of North Carolina, and was like to obtain a truce with the Rebels in the heart of the country. Those people have been induced to brave every danger and difficulty during the late war, rather than render any service to the Rebels- their properties real and personal, taken to support their enemies- the fatherless and widows stripped, and every means of support taken from them-their houses and lands and all personal property taken, and no resting place, could be found for them. As to place them in their former possessions, is impossible-stripped of all their prop- erty, driven from their Houses- deprived of their wives and chil- dren-robbed of a free and mild government-betrayed and deserted by their friends, what can repay them, for the misery ? Dragging out a wretched life of obscurity and want, Heaven, only, which smooths the rugged paths, can reconcile them to misfortune. Num-
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bers of them left their wives and children in North Carolina, not being able to send for them; and now in the West In.lies and other parts of the world for refuge, and not returned to their families yet. Some of them, that returned, under the act of oblivion passed in 1783, was taken to Hillsboro, and hanged for their past services that they rendered the Goverment whilst under my command. I am fully sensible of the good designs that Goverment intends for the Loyalists in so repeatedly renewing the act. I can solemnly declare that, I think, Major John Rains, and Capt. George Rains two of the diservingest officers that ever acted in America during the late war, either in provintial or Militia; and to my certain knowledge John Rains had two Mills burnt; Three dwelling Houses and besides a barn, and property totally taken away. I have given a direct ac- count of the officers opposite their names as I possibly can ; also their promotions and deaths. What I have set forth, I will further vin- dicate. Besides other officers of other counties that joined me at different times, and places, as I shall refer to, in other parts of my Journal; in particular Col. Arch MeDugald and Samuel Andrews who joined mne several times. Given at King's County, New Bruns- wiek, Nov. 29th, 1789.
The Rebels on the same day held a general muster at Chatham Court House, abont twenty-five miles, where I had assembled, and the day following were to call a court-martial for the trial of several Loyalists, who had refused to bear arms, in opposition to govern- ment. Upon receiving this intelligence I proceeded, towards the Court House, 17 miles, that night, with the men I had named; and the morning following, by 7 o'clock, I arrived there. I surrounded the place, where they were. I expected to find members of the Court Martial, but they had dispersed the evening before, and were for to meet at 8 o'clock. I then posted piekets on every road, and within the space of two hours, took 53 prisoners-among them, the Colonel, Major and all the militia officers of the county, except two, who had not attended; and also one Continental Captain, with three of their delegates to the General Assembly. I immediately marched them to Coxe's Mill, and parolled all except 14, who I knew were violent against the government. Those I conducted to Wilmington and de- livered to Major Craigg. I then represented to Major Craigg that with his approbation, I would establish certain regulations for the conduct of the militia; which he approved of ; and he was obliging
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enough, on my giving them to him to correct, and confirm; the following rules, which were printed and distributed in the country.
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE WELL GOVERNING THE LOYAL MHAITIA OF THE PROVINCE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
1st. No person to be admitted a militia man until he takes the Oath of Allegiance to his Majesty, which is always to be done before the senior officer of the Regiment on the spot.
2d. All persons once enrolled, in a Militia company, and having taken the oath above mentioned, will be considered as entitled to every priviledge and protection of a British subject, on being detected joining the Rebels, will be treated, as a deserter, and traitor.
3d. Every militia man is to repair, without fail or excuse, except siekness, at the time appointed, to the place assigned by his Col'n or Capt. with his arms, and accourtrements, and is not to quit his company, on any pretence whatever, without the knowledge and per- mission, of his Captain or commanding officer.
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