USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, vol. XXII, pt. 1 > Part 19
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As I was obliged to lay neutral until I received their answer, which was to be upon terms of honour on both sides, as the different captains commanding the light horse, wrote to me respecting the same ; as appears from the following letters:
Sir :
I received a few lines this day, from Cap't Edward Williams, in- forming me, that you and he, had come down yesterday, and signified that you and he are upon terms of compromising matters, on condi-
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tions, that I will stop the County light horse from persuing you- You may rest assured, that it is my desire to be at peace with all men-Cap't Riddle and his company are at the Court House. 1 have ordered him to stand there, until further orders; and will send after Cap't Golston and desire him also; I shall set off this morn- ing to the Assembly, and if it is in my power to do, or canse any- thing to be done, that shall cause peace and harmony over the land, you may rest assured that I will do my best ; and second Cap't Wil- liams, though he gave me no account of your proposals ; and am With respect your humble serv't, ROGER GRIFFITHI, Major.
Ap'i 9th, 1782. To Col'o David Fanning.
CAMP AT MCCAN, Ap. 10, 1782
Sir :
I received orders from Major Griffith concerning some terms be- tween you and him and shall withdraw my men and Cap't Golston's as we are both together, and will not proceed any further after appre- hending you or yours, unless you come into our county doing mis- chief, until further orders.
From your humble serv't, JOSEPII ROSUR.
To Col'o David Fanning.
Hoping you nor yours will not interupt any of the inhabitants of Chatham until matters are further settled.
WILLIAM GOLSTON.
Sir:
I received your letter which gave me great satisfaction to hear that you, and some of the officers, have come upon terms of peace; which is all I could crave; but I should be glad with one of the officers in company, to meet you and have some conversation together, and be upon honour. If we can come upon terms agreeable to both, 1 should immediately march my company home. I shall be at Mr. Mullins', this evening at two o'clock ; and if you can meet us and converse across the river, or any other place you will choose.
Ap'l 12th, 1782.
To
Col'o David Fanning.
I am, Sir, Your ob't, TIIOMAS DOUGAN, Captain of Light Horse.
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Ap'] 17th, 1782.
Sir :
1, as an officer in the behalf of the State of North Carolina, have turned out, in order to suppress any persons disturbing the peace of said State; but when I arrived at Deep River, I understood that you, and Cap'ts Williams, and Dougan, were about to make a treaty of peace; which I approve of very well; and withdrew my froop toward home. But my great surprise, on my way, I learned that your meni, were robbing the peaceful and inoffensive people of Cane Creek, and Rockey River; which wicked condnet, and the great desire, I had, for the welfare of my Country, induced me to stay, a little longer, and endeavor to stop such robbery. I therefore wish to inform you that I did not pretend with any view of making you any way dis- honourable, but many persons are owing true allegiance to the laws of this State, are rimming at large; and call you their officer. As I hope you a gentleman, and will not protect any vagabond, I will thank you, to let me know every particular of your Treaty; what bounds you have; and upon the honour of a gentleman, I will not interrupt any person within said bounds, that is of good character with you. I would recommend, that you order Joseph Currie, and Blair, to return the widow Dixon's property, which they robbed her of; and I will not write to the Governor concerning it, as you want peace. Ile would think very little of your honour, if he heard your men were robbing his people, after you had petitioned to him.
1 am, Sir, in behalf of the State, EDWARD GUIN, Captain.
To Col'o David Fanning.
About the 18th of April Captain Williams, came to me, again, at Fork Creek and informed me that the original articles of treaty had been laid before the Governor, and Assembly ; and they were upon a conclusion of the terms I wanted ; but were prevented by a Colonel, who came from over the mountains and was one of the Assembly, who did everything against it. Their objections were; the articles respecting the Continental soldiers taken up, and they could not al- low any passports for any of the friends of the government to have any correspondence or connections with the British. Every other article they were willing to grant. Their Assembly continned on the business for three days; as Mr. Williams informed me. My answer was that "I would forfeit my life, before I would withdraw
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any one of the articles, that I had presented, as I wished to hold the same connection with the British, as formerly ;" I likewise told him that I had understood, that they had picked out twenty four of their best horses, and men, from Virginia in order to persue me, and my answer to Mr. Williams was "they might do their best and be damned" as I was fully determined to still support my integrity, and to exert myself in behalf of the King and country more severer than I ever did." With this Mr. Williams departed.
I then set out for Chatham, when I learned a wedding was to be that day. On my way I took one prisoner, before I came to the house. There, being but five of us, we immediately surrounded the house in full charge. I ordered them, immediately out of the House ; three of my men went into the house and drove them all out one by one; I caused them all to stand in a row to examine them, to see if I knew any of them that was bad men. I found one, by the name of William Doudy, concealed up stairs. One of my men fired at him; as he was running from one house to the other; he received the ball in his shoulder. I then having my pistols in my hands, dis- charged them both at his breast, with which he fell, and that night expired. I then paroled the rest, on the 25th.
I concluded within myself, that it was better for me to try and settle myself, being weary of the disagreeable mode of living I had borne with for some considerable time. For the many kindness and the civility of a gentleman who lived in the settlement of Deep River, I was induced to pay my addresses to his daughter, a young lady of sixteen years of age. The day of Marriage being appointed ; -on making it known to my people, Cap't William Hooker, and Captain William Carr, agreed to be married with me. They both left me to make themselves, and their intended wives ready. The day before, we were to be coupled, the Rebels, before mentioned, with those good horses, attacked us (Cap't Hooker's horse being tied so fast he could not get him loose, ) they caught him and murdered him on the spot. Myself and Cap't Carr, were married and kept two days merriment. The Rebels thought they were sure of me then ; however I took my wife and concealed her, in the woods with Can't Carr's, and caused an oration to be put out, that I was gone to Charlestown. In order to be convinced, the Rebels sent a man in, as a spy, with two letters from Gen'l Leslie with instructions for me 22-15
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to enlist men for the service which I knew was forged, in order to betray me and from the person or Conunanding Officer of the Rebel light horse. The following is one of which I gave Gen'l Leslie, that had his name signed to it :
CHARLESTOWN, 20th Jan., 1782.
Dear Colonel,
Altho I have not had the happiness of being acquainted with you, yet I can applaud you very much, for your spirited conduct and ac- tivity. The only objection I have to your conduct, is your being too strenuous with those who have been subjects to his Majesty, whom the Rebels have overcome and forced them to comply with their laws. If you would let them alone, the severity of the Rebels would canse them to return to their allegiance again. But Sir since you have made so brave a stand already, pray, stand steadfast to the end, and we shall be well rewarded at the last. Try to spirit up your men, and enlist, if possible, three hundred men this spring, ready to join three hundred more; which shall be put under your command; and as many more as you can get, and you be Brigadier General of them. We shall, I hope in the month of May land 1,300 troops in North Carolina, 300 of your corps, 1,600 in the whole, to act upon the defensive, until you are reinforced.
Keep good discipline among your troops, and keep out fellows, who will do nothing but plunder. They are but false dependence, and will not fight, but only corrupt good men. Every man you enlist for 12 months, shall receive ten guineas; and a full suit of clothes; as soon as we land our troops, and they appear under your command ready for action. I can assure you, tis your fame and worthy ac- tions has, through and by Maj'r Craigg given, reached his Majesty's cars, and I expect perhaps by the next packet boat you will get a genteel present from our gracious Sovereign. So hoping that you will be in the way of your duty, I will take leave of you, without mentioning your name, or subscribing mine, lest this might miscarry -the man who is entrusted with the care of this, dares not at present be seen in it; but a friend and send it to the man as is
Sir yours
To Col'o Fanning in No. Ca.
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STATE RECORDS.
A LETTER FROM THE TRAITOR WHO BROUGHT THESE TWO LETTERS FROM GEN'L LESLIE.
Dear Sir:
I would come to see you myself, but am afraid of the rebel light horse. I have a great many things to acquaint you with and a good deal of good news, but dare not write for fear of miscarriage. If you have any desire of seeing me you must come soon away, instantly. Don't let the bearer know the contents of the letters-the fewer trusted the better. In the mean Time,
I am your friend and serv't, JOSEPH WILSON.
Ap'l 29th, 1782. To Col'n Fanning.
My answer was in Maj'r Rains' name as follows :
Sir,
I am very sorry to think that there is so many damned foolish Rebels in the world, as to think Col'o Fanning would be ever de- ceived by such damned infernal writings, as I have received from yon. Col'o Fanning has gone to Charleston, and is not to return here 'till he comes with forees sufficient to defend this part of. the country. I would have you to disband; and be gone immediately ; for if I ever hear of any one of your people coming with any thing of the sort, I will come and kill them myself. I am in behalf of his Majesty's armies,
JOHN RAINS, Major of the Loyal Militia.
To Jos. Wilson.
On the 1st of May 1782 I heard a wagon being in the road, I imagined she was going down to market, as I heard of a munber of wagons which was to proceed down with liquor to the market. On the 2d I mounted and persued the wagon, which I heard of the day before; as I was abont setting out for Charleston I concluded to have a frolic with my old friends, before we parted. After riding about ten miles, I overtook the said wagon, which belonged to a certain man who had been taken prisoner and paroled by the British ; and had broken his parole. In the mean time, I was examining his papers I set a centinel over him. He knowing himself guilty, expected nothing but death. He took the opportunity, and sprung upon my riding mare, and went off with my saddle, holsters, pistols, and all
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my papers of any consequence to me. We fired two guns at him; he received two balls through his body but it did not prevent him from sitting the saddle ; and make his escape. I took the other man, and caused him to take me to the man's plantation ; when I took his wife, and three negro boys, and eight head of horses. I kept his wife for three days in the woods; and sent the man to see if he would deliver up my mare, and property, containing my papers; for which he wrote me the following insolent letter;
Sir, Col'o Fanning, I hope that you do not blame me for what I did. Hoping you will have mercy on me, as I am wounded, and let my wife come to me. Your mare shall be returned to you without fail. Your mare I don't crave, and I hope you don't covet mine. I beg that you will have pity on my wife and children. The negroes and horses I am willing you shall keep until you get your mare. I have sent to a Doctor. But the mare will be back to night. No more, but you may depend on my word.
ANDREW HUNTER.
I also received the following letter from Edw'd Williams, on the subject of the Mare:
Sir,
These few lines comes, to let you know that I have this day seen Mr. IFunter ; he is badly wounded and desires you would let his wife come to him immediately: As to the rest of his property, you are welcome to keep, until such time's you get your mare returned, which shall be as soon as possible, as she has gone at this time after the Doctor. But she shall be returned to you, with all speed, as soon as she returns. Mr. Hunter also is very ill.
I am your ob't humble servant, EDWARD WILLIAMS.
To Col'o David Fanning.
On the 7th of May, finding I could see no opportunity of getting my mare, notwithstanding she was one of my principal creatures, and a mare I set great store by, and gave One Hundred and ten guineas for her. I was obliged to let loose all his horses, except one, as they were of no account to me, in the situation I was in; the negroes 1 kept; I then proceeded to Major Raincy's truce land in Peedee in South Carolina, where I had made a truce with the Rebels, some time before; and I continued there until June, when I
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STATE RECORDS.
left my wife, horses and negroes; as I was entirely a stranger to the situation of the country and roads, I was obliged to procure a pilot to proceed to Charlestown, I could not get one for less than 20 guineas. After my departure I fell in with the rebel dragoons commanded by Colo. Ballie, from Virginia. I was with them for about an hour; and informed them that we were some of the rebel party then on our way to General Marion's head quarters. They never discovered otherwise; it being in the dusk of the evening. We fell in the rear, and went into the woods and struck our eamp, and promised them we would see them next morning. Ilowever we proceeded on that night, and arrived at Herald's point on the 17th June, and I imine- diately procured a passage to Charlestown, when I immediately ap- plied for a flag; to send after Mrs. Fanning and property. The flag had left Charlestown two days, when she came in, as Maj. Rainey, had applied to General Marion, for a pass for her, to pro- ceed to Charlestown ; Ile would not let her have any of our property, not even a negro to wait on her.
Soon after the Loyalists, That had got to Charlestown from differ- ent parts of the world hearing that the Southern Colonies were to be evacuated by the British forces, called a meeting to point out some measures to try to hold some foothold in the country, until we got some part payment for our property which we were obliged to leave if we ever left the country. Iland bills were printed and stuck up throughout the town for the Loyalists to choose their representatives to represent our situation and the desire we had to support ourselves and property. It was proposed that. 25 Gentlemen should be chosen a committee for that purpose. The day was appointed to take the vote. I was chosen amongst others; and drew up a petition and sent to Sir Guy Carleton, Commander in Chief; praying the liberty of keeping the town and artillery, as they then stood on the works; and despatched two gentlemen off with our petition; Our request was not granted. I have hereunto set forth the names of the gentlemen representatives :
Col'o Ballingall,
Robert Williams, Esq., Col'o Robt. Win. Powell,
Jas. Johnston, Esq.,
Lt. Col'o Dupont,
Col'o Gray,
John Gailliard, Esq.,
Col. Cassels,
Jolın Rose, Col. Pearson,
Maj. Win. Greenwood,
Col. Philips,
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Maj. Gabriel Capers,
Lt. Col'o Thos. Englis,
Win. Carson,
John Hopton, Esq.,
Dr. Win. Charles Wells,
Robt. Johnston, Esq.,
Col. Thomas Edgehill,
John Champniss, '
Andrew Millar, Esq.,
Col'o David Fanning,
Col'o Hamilton,
Doct. Baron.
Col. Sam'l Bryan,
I continued in Charlestown until the 5th of Sept. and my horses having got recruited, and one of my negroes having made his way good through the country, came down to me; I then set out for the country again, on account of my misfortune of losing my Mare, which was of great value to me. I went up to the settlement again, to the man I sent to Hunter before; and, he informed me, that Hunter refused five negroes for the mare, and would not return her. He also, went to where, I left one of the negroes and took him and sent him over the mountains to keep him out of my way. I continued in the settlement until the 22d of the month, trying to get her but was disappointed in my hopes. Knowing that Charlestown was to be evacuated, I was obliged to return ; and as I was on my way, I un- · derstood my mare was at a certain place, about 125 miles from Charlestown; being about half the distance from where, I then was; and my riding horse was so particularly known, I sent a man up to the house and he was known; they directed us the wrong way, and immediately sent word to where my mare was: I found out, we was wrong; and took through the woods, and to a house within half a mile, where they had word of my coming and was making ready to go to their assistance. On secing us come up, he immediately left his horse, and was running off through a field; he turned around and presented his piece and snapped; but she missed fire; With this, I ordered one of my men to fire at him, who shot him through the body, and dispatched his presence from this world. The other two men that was at the house did not run; and informed me that they had received word of my coming a half an hour before I arrived; and also that there were men lying in ambush ready to attack me. With this, as the man who had my mare had gone off with her, and having only two men and my negro that set out with me from Charlestown, also two little negroes that I had for my mare, I thought it was my best way to proceed to Charlestown ; and on the 28th Sept. I arrived
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at Charlestown, where the shipping was ready for me to embark for St. Augustine.
EAST FLORIDA.
We whose names are hereunto subscribed do hereby certify that Col'o David Fanning, late of the Province of No. Ca., acted in the station of Col'o of Militia of that Province, and was of the greatest service to his Majesty, in suppressing the rebels during the late re- bellion in North America; that he is worthy of every loyal subject ; both for his valour, and good conduct ;- that after he with his men took the town of Hillsborough, dispersed the rebel council, and took a great number of prisoners, was on that day wounded in the left arm-that finding the town of Wilmington evacuated by the British troops, and his wound not yet well, he for the safety of his people divided them, into sinall parties, and continued a long time in the baek woods-that after many skirmishes in No. Ca. in the month of June 1782 he with the utmost difficulty made his way through many interruptions of the enemy, to the province of South Carolina; where his Majesty's troops then lay ; and that he was obliged to leave the province, where he lived and his property, which we are informed was considerable ; and, that, he is now withont the means of subsistence, having lost his all, for and on account of his services and attachment to his Majesty's person and government.
St. Augustine,
20th Sept., 1783.
JOIIN HAMILTON, Lt. Col'o Comg R. N. C. Regt. JOHN LEGGETT, Captain R. N. C. Regt. ALX. CAMPBELL, Capt. S. C. Regt. GEO. DAWKINS, Capt. S. C. Regt.
DANIEL MeNIEL, Capt. R. N. C. Regt. MOSES WHITLEY, L.t. S. C. Regt.
Schedule of the property of Col'o David Fanning late resident of the province of No. Ca. but now of the province of East Florida, lost
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to him on account of his Zeal and Attachment to the British Govern- ment and never received any part or parcel thereof or any restoration of the same, viz .:
£ S.
550 acres of land in Amelia County in the Province of Virginia with a dwelling House and other necessary buildings, a large apple and Peach Orchard, and large improvements 687 10
550 acres of land near said plantation heir to the estate of my father and some improvement with a dwelling House 412 00
3 Saddle Horses 41 00
12 plantation Horses, three unbroke 96 00
2 negro Slaves. 100 00
Debts, notes, bonds &e 289 00
£ 1625 10
Personally appeared before me, one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace, St. Augustine Province of East Florida, Lieutenant Charles Roberson, Niell MeInnis, and Philip Whisenhunt; Refugees, of said East Florida ; who being called upon by the within mentioned Col'o David Fanning, to value the within mentioned property, who being duly sworne; and maketh oath upon the Holy Evangelists of Al- mighty God ; that the within mentioned property, are well worth the sms affixed to each article, as near the value as possible, if the same was to be sold, to their own knowledge and the best information they could get.
CHARLES ROBERSON, NEIL McINNIS, PHILIP WHISENHUNT.
Sworn at St. Augustine this 25 Nov., 1783, before me,
JOHN MILLS, J. P.
I took my passage and landed in New Brunswick on the 23d Sept., 1784, and went to Halifax to his Excellency, the Governor Carlton to know how I should get land, but he had not arrived, so returned on the 7th Nov'r and in August I received the following letter from Col'o John Ilamilton in answer to mine in regard to my claim :
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STATE RECORDS.
Dear Sir,
I received yours of the 9th Feb., 1785, a few days ago and notice the contents. I am sorry to inform you that your claims are not yet given in, but I expect the office for receiving Claims will be opened again by act of Parliament this session; when you may depend proper care shall be taken of yours. I am sorry to hear of your losses. I hope you are now agreeably settled, and making something for your family. I think if you can leave your business in proper hands, a trip to this country would be of service to you; tho' I don't think you would get half pay. The Government would settle an annuity on you for life; which cannot be done without you coming here.
If you come you may depend on all my interest in your favour, and I cannot help thinking it worth your while to come home.
I am dear Sir your humble servt, JOHN HAMILTON.
London,
May 10th, 1785.
In a short time after I heard that there was another aet of Parlia- ment passed to receive claims for losses and services, also that the Commissioners had arrived at Halifax. On the 20th March, I set out for Halifax, and presented a copy of my claim, as follows:
To the Honourable Commissioners appointed by act of Parliament,
further to enquire into the losses and services of the American Loyalists:
The Memorial of David Fanning, late Col'o of the North Carolina Militia, humbly showeth ; That your Memorialist is a Loyalist from North Carolina; who uniformly and religiously adhered to his duty and loyalty to the best of Sovereigns; for which he suffered perse- cution, and many other inconveniences-that your Memorialist, by a warrant from Major Craigg of the 82d Reg't then commanding at Wilmington was placed at the head of the Militia of that province- that, your memorialist during the late war, did command from one to nine hundred and fifty men ; with whom he was engaged in six and thirty skirmishes in North Carolina, and four in South Carolina; all of which were of his own planning and in which he had the honour to command-that your Memorialist killed many of the Rebels-and
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took many of them prisoners. Among the latter were, Governor Burke, his council, and many officers of distinction in the Rebel army-that your Memorialist was during that time, twice wounded, and fourteen times taken prisoner: That, on the conclusion of peace, your Memorialist settled two hundred and fifty souls in East Florida; and having took refuge in several parts of his Majesty's remaining possessions in America, finally settled in the province of New Bruns- wiek where he now is, in great distress, with his family. That your Memorialist, in consequence of his said loyalty, to his Sovereign; and the many services rendered him ; and attachment to the British Gov- ernment, had his property, real and personal, seized, confiseated, and sold by rebel authorities-Your Memorialists therefore that his case may be taken into consideration ; in order that he may be enabled un- der your report to receive such aid or relief as his case may be found to· deserve.
DAVID FANNING.
St. John, March 1st, 1786.
When I presented my claim to Peter Hunter, Secretary to the Commissioners ; he gave me no kind of satisfaction, and on my ask- ing him if I could could under an examination, he told me to be gone, he did not think the Commissioners would receive my claim. When I found I could get no hearing at Halifax, at that time, I returned home with a full resolution never to trouble myself any more. At the time of being in Halifax I met my old friend, Cap't John Leg- gett, of the Royal North Carolina Regiment, who said he would speak to the Commissioners in my favour. He also gave me a copy of the following letter from Lieut. Col'o Arch MeKay :
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