Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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YORKVILLE ENQUIRER ISSUED SBMCIoWBEKLT. _ i l. x grists 80X8, Publishers J % Jfamilg flfirspapcr: dfor the promotion o|f the political, fuciat, Agricultural and Commercial interests of the people. !TeR"w'oLi^opT.Erivicit!!T^!<CR' established 1855. YORKVILLE, 8. C., TUE8DAY.JULY '->4, 19Q0. 1STO. 59. THE R A Story of the Timet Alexander BY JERE CHAPTER XII?Continued. What were the sensations of Colonel Burr when thus left alone with the illfavored man of crime, beneath whose root he was so strangely sheltered? To fear he was a stranger; but was there no doubt, no mistrust, no anxiety? Not a particle, tr mere naa peen ttuj yuipose to harm him, he knew that purpose could have been accomplished a hundred times over. For hours he had been In their power. There was no necessity for treacherous scheming to effect either his death or capture. Calm and self-collected always, the probability is that these reflections passed through his mind more like the flashes of instinct than the teachings of reason. Durand's good faith he could not question, and Jenkins had not given given him the slightest cause to harbor suspicion. Thus far he had done precisely what his comrade had told him, and done It In such a way as to make it certain that no sinister design troubled his brain. Nothing of this was lost upon Colonel Burr, and after Durand's departure he took his seat composedly by the fire, and began caressing one of the large wolf-hounds who was gnawing a bone at his feet, while Jenkins was bringing in some additional logs to heap in the chimney. After this, the outlaw placed two strong bars across the door, and, taking a seat, entered Into friendly chat with his guest upon subjects that offered no chance for party disagreement. At that period of the American Revolution it was not always safe to ask much less to answer, questions, and Jenkins was too well aware of the fact to trouble his visitor with impertinent queries; but what he did say was friendly, and his manner was wholly unembarrassed. Even the dogs seemed to understand that the stranger was to receive none but kindly treatment, for one of them, when he had finished his bone, laid his huge head upon Colonel Burr's knee, and looked wistfully up into his face as if soliciting a caress. Colonel Burr was passionately fond of a good dog. and an excellent judge of his points. The deep chest and sinewy loin of the noble animal supplied him with a subject for conversation until Jenkins rose, and, saying it was time they should go to sleep, spread blanket after blanket, and counterpane after counterpane, on the floor, until he had made a "paHet" as soft as a bed of LI?U L _ t IT> Gown upon wrnicn ne uivuru oun iv lie down and rest until Durand's return. He then sought his own couch, and the dogs unceremoniously disposed themselves at Burr's feet. It was long past midnight when Colonel Burr was roused by a fierce growl from his four-footed sentinels. The same sound awoke Jenkins, w*?o, springing from his bed. silenced the dogs by a stern whisper, "Hush, Brute! lie down. Cash!" and walking to the door, laid his head against it to listen. The sound of a horse's feet was heard approaching over the rocky path, and soon afterwards Alexis Durand shouted at the gate, "Open, Bill; it is me!' When the door opened and Durand entered. Burr discovered that he had added a rifle, together with a bulletpouch and a powder horn, to his equipments. His manner, too, was hurried like that of a man whom some danger threatened and who was impatient to be (tone. "It is later," he said, "than I expected it would be before my return. I had trouble to get away, and we may meet with more on the road. Get Mr. Jones's horse, Bill; we have no time to tarry here!" The horse* was brought, and, after bidding Jenkins a cordial, "good-by," the two mounted and rode down the mountain in a direction nearly at right angles with the road. From the many turnings and zigzags made by his iniide. Colonel Burr soon lost all idea of the direction they were traveling. Now they were winding among huge masses of white, rugged rocks; now the bed of a mountain torrent crossed their way; now a deep ravine, black and gloomy, barred their passage; anon they were skirting the base of a frowning precipice, and again climbing a steep ascent, which rose sharp and sudden before them. Colonel Burr could discover no sign of a path, but his conductor rode on, avoiding or surmounting obstacles with an unerring certainty that proved his perfect knowledge of every inch of the ground. Toward daylight they descended into the plain and Just as the sun was rising they emerged from a thick wood In full view of a broad and beaten road. Here Durand reined up. "You are safe, Colonel Burr?beyond the danger of interruption from our scouts. That road leads to George Washington's headquarters, and you are now within a few miles of his outposts." Burr turned toward his preserver and said, in a voice shaken by emotions he did not attempt to suppress,? "Mr. Durand, you have rendered me a great service, and I thank you from my heart. Not, however, for the life you have probably saved, for of that 1 take little heed: but it concerned my honor that the message I bear should be safely delivered. Is there nothing I can do to repay you?" "I was paid in advance. The man who saved my mother from insult has a right to work me in a chaingang, it he chooses." "That was an act of common humanity, for which I deserve no particular credit." "It was a rare one, sir, in those times and when I forget it, I hope the thunder may strike me. We Tories are human beings, although your Whig friends seldom treat us as such. We have had much to make us bloody, and lawless, and revengeful: and we have therefore done much at which good men must shudder; still, we are better than you give us credit for being and gratitude is not an obsolete word among us." "Of that I have ample proof. I wish IVALS.i I 4 of Aaron Burr and | Hamilton. i < CLEMENS. 1 i l you would let me show my own, by procuring for you a full pardon for all past offenses, with permission to remain peacefully at home, or join the American standard, as you may prefer." "You speak In kindness, colonel, and ( I hope you will not think I meet it rudely in saying that this good rifle is all the pardon I need. As for joining the American standard, I may think of that when I forget the wrongs I have suffered at American hands." "That there has been wrong on both sides, I know; but surely those who are in arms against their country could not expect to be treated very leniently." "Your historians, colonel, will tell one story, and ours another. If you succeed, yours will be believed?if we triumph, you will be the traitors. The judgment of posterity, therefore, upon our motives, will be worth just nothing at all; but if an account of the facts could be written precisely as they are, an impartial Jury would say that we have been at least as much sinned against as sinning. Take for instance, the case of Bill Jenkins, under whose roof you slept last night. At the beginnning or tnese trouDiea, ne was Just married, and there was not a more quiet, orderly, industrious young man in the colony of New York. He believed, honestly and conscientiously, that King George was entitled to his allegiance, and refused to join the rebellion. This subjected him to insult, and after awhile, to worse. He was dragged from his bed at night, tied to tree, and lashed like a condemned thief, until the blood ran down to his heels. His young wife, who was far gone In pregnancy, looked on the horrible scene till she fainted, and died the next day. In giving premature birth to the child she bore. Do you wonder that from that day Bill Jenkins became a house-burner and a murderer? Do you wonder that he forgot to distinguish between those who had wronged him and the party to which they belonged, and inflicted vengeance on all alike?" "No; but his is an extreme case; there are very few who have his excuse." "Not many, perhaps, who have suffered so much; but all of us have suffered in some way, and all of us have more or less to avenge." "Your way of stating the case is a strong one, Mr. Durand, when addressed to the ignorant and the unreflecting but a man of your education and Intelligence must understand that this is not a personal quarrel. It is a question of freedom?of freedom for the whole land, and for our whole posterity. There may be a dozen, or ten dozen, or ten thousand bad men among us, who commit wrongs and outrages upon 2 their fellow-men, in the mere wantonness of cruelty; but that does not affect the Justice of the cause any more than the bad conduct of a thousand hypocrites impairs the sanctity of the Christian religion. You have no more right to take up arms against your country, because a Whig has robbed your house, than you have to desert the i cause of Christ, because a professing Christian has cheated you in trade. ' You must remember, too, that the t things of which you complain were, in a great measure brought upon yourselves. If you had taken sides, in the v beginning, openly and boldly, for your c country, you would not have been molested. It Is no answer, to say that 2 you honestly believed your country to ( be In the wrong. It is not a case for c reasoning about right or wrong. If 1 ">" soiit ? otrnnir man Kaatine' vmir ' ?vu oan a ov? V115 IIIUII wvi*i *o J mother, I do not think you would trouble yourself to inquire what provocation she had given him. So, in this case, your country is engaged in an unequal war, and whether she is right or whether she is wrong, the arms, hearts, and swords of her sons are her legitimate property. Before the war began, it was your privilege to use argument, reason, and persuasion, if you chose to prevent it from breaking out; but when it did come, when the blood of your neighbors and friends was poured out like water upon their native fields patriotism, honor, manliness, ail demanded that you should raise your hand on the side of the oppressed." "We have no time now to argue the point, colonel, and we should probably be as far from agreeing, at the end of the discussion, as we are at this time. It is not safe for me to linger here. Good-by, and if ever you should meet my mother, tell her that her son obeyed her commands and paid a part of her debt. Tell her also that I shall keep on paying it, whenever a proper occasion arises." "At least," said Colonel Burr, extending a large seal ring as he spoke, "at least accept this, and promise me that if ever you get into trouble you will not fall to let me know It." "Gladly do I accept the ring," replied Durand; "but as for the promise of applying to you in any coming trouble that may overtake me, you must pardon me for not giving it. It will depend on circumstances, and of those I circumstances I must be the judge." , Colonel Burr extended his hand?the sturdy outlaw almost crushed it in his , i iron grasp; then, drawing his sleeve i across his eyes, as if to wipe away ' something misty that had gathered there, he turned his horse into the wood and rode rapidly back toward the Highlands. Colonel Burr had not ridden far, afi ter parting with Durand before he met a patrol of American horse, by whom he was conducted to the presence of ; the commander-in-chief. The message he delivered from General McDougall. I and his own remarks and observations upon the state of affairs around New I York, were considered so important that General Washington immediately I marched the largest part of his army t to the Highlands, and established his own headquarters at New Windsor, i within a few miles of West Point. The excitement which sustained him under the fatigues of his perilous Journey was over, and the reaction proved too much for Colonel Burr's feeble health. He was again prostrated, and, In that condition, was removed to New Haven, where, it was thought, he would have the benefit of better quarters and more regular medical attendance. He was lying at this place upon a bed of sickness when his old enemy, Governor Tryon at the head of twenty-five hundred men, sailed out of New York, on one of his usual plundering and burning expeditions. His first landing was near New Haven, and the frightened citizens, to whom his former merciless exploits were familiar, fled in all directions to the country. Vehicles of every imaginable description crowded the roads, and women and children ran screaming by the side of :helr household goods. Immediately jpon receiving intelligence of Tryon's anding. Colonel Burr rose from his sick couch, dressed himself, and repaired to a part of the town where he inderstood the militia were gathering 'or the purpose of making some show >f resistance. He found them assemcled together, Indeed, but utterly panc-stricken, and entertaining about as nuch idea of giving battle to the eneny as a drove of sheep might be expected to entertain in *he presence of i gang of ferocious wolves. Excited uid indignant, he addressed them in he fervent language of patriotism, lrging them to defend their firesides ind their altars from an insulting foe, ind pointing out how much better it vas to die nobly in a good cause than o live degraded and debased. The nen, however, were too much under he influence of fear to heed or even isten to his stirring appeals. A few fathered around him, but the greater cart began to slink away. Just as he vas about giving up in despair the ittempt to infuse some degree of man- i Iness into their bosoms, he was in- 1 ormed that the students were form ng themselves into military companies >n the college green, and thither he ode, followed by a few of the militia, vho had imbibed a portion of his own :ourage. Addressing the boys in a few mergetic words of encouragement ind commendation, he proclaimed his ' lame and former rank, and offered to ead them against the enemy. The lltle fellows answered with three hearty heers, and wheeling into column, 1 narched out to meet the forces of Govrnor Tryon. Shamed into courage by his gallant example, numbers of the ' nilitla joined them as they marched ilong, and by the time the enemy came n sight Colonel Burr was able to dis- i day so considerable a force that, after rylng the effects of a few shots, Gov rnor Tryon fell back to wait for his irtillery, which he had left behind, in he belief that no resistance would be >ffered. By a skillful disposition of '> lis little force, Colonel Burr succeeded n keeping the British at bay for hours, md thus enabled the citizens to re- I nove their valuables beyond the reach >f the marauders. The arrival of the 1 irtillery of course, compelled him to t roo t Kut If iirno in n v n a 11 a n t cucai, uui n new uviic ill calciiciii >rder, and his regiment of boys was 1 tafely conducted from the town. In ifter years there was no achievement 1 f his life upon which he dwelt with nore pleasure; and even in extreme old Lge his eye would sparkle at the menion of New Haven college. But it cost lim dear at the time. He was carried 1 rom his horse to a sick chamber, and 1 ontinued for months, a bed-ridden invalid. CHAPTER XIII. "Things done well, \nd with a care, exempt themselves from fear; rhings done without example, In their issue Vre to be feared." , When the resignation of Colonel Burr vas received at headquarters, Alexanler Hamilton could scarcely conceal lis joy; and as soon as he could seize in opportunity he went to communicate the glad tidings to Billings. That lark schemer had remained almost constantly with the main army. The irincipal part of his property was in he city of New York, and while that city was in possession of the British ind his own residence occupied, as it vas, by a British officer, he had a ilausihle excuse for remaining in the leld. His presence had long ceased .0 excite comment. In fact he was lot only heartily welcome, but his ibandonment of the army would have ieen looked upon as a calamity, for no nan ever Knew Deuer now 10 mane limself popular than James Billings, when he chose to exert himself for hat purpose. Professing to have no lome but that where the soldiers of lis country were found, he provided limself with a tent and wagon of his iwn, and whenever the army moved le moved with it. His command of noney often enabled him to furnish uxuries to the sick or wounded officers, which were very grateful to :hem, and were always remembered to hiis advantage. If the army remained for any length of time in one place, he generally contrived to secure a house, where his judicious hospitalities won for him golden opinions from all ranks and classes of the soldiery. Besides, it was known that he had rendered important services to the cause of the struggling colonists; and he obtained credit for a great deal more than was actually due him. Sometimes he would be gone for weeks?no one knew where, and few inquired. During his absence, he would turn over his field equipment to some necessitous officer, who was In this way enabled to enjoy a season of comfort that did not often fall to his lot, and who immediately became the devoted friend of the man to whom he was thus indebted. On two or three occasions, he had seized a musket and fought bravely in the ranks by the side of private soldiers; ac quiring a reputation, by so doing, for personal courage as high as that which was accorded him for patriotism and liberality. In every respect Mr. Billings was a popular and a trusted man. Toward Colonel Hamilton, in public, his manner was always scrupulously polile, and no one suspected the closeness of the intimacy between them. Their interviews were never frequent, and were generally contrived at times to excite the least observation. On the present occasion, Colonel Hamilton approached him during the day and said,? "If you are alone. Billings, and we can be undisturbed, I will come and sup with you tonight." "I am alone, or can easily be so. At 1 what hour shall I expect you?" I "Eight o'clock, if that hour suits you." I "Very well; until then, adieu." And < he turned with an easy, unembarrass- ( ed manner, to greet several officers who came up at the moment. . Col. Hamilton's impatience carried him to Billings' door a full half hour before the appointed time. That worthy, who was something df an epicure, was busy in giving instructions to his cook how to prepare his favorite dishes. The entrance of his guest inter- ' rupted this agreeable occupation, and, dismissing the man, he courteously invited Hamilton, according to the cus- i torn of the times, to Join him in a glass , ui iutturu a. Those who .live in camps cannot be very fastidious, and Mr. Billings was forced to be contented with one apartment for dining-room, sitting-room, and bed-room. In this department before supper, the servant was engaged in making preparations for the evening meal, and conversation of a confidential nature was therefore impossible. After it was concluded, and the two were left to themselves, Hamilton opened his budget of news, adding at the close,? "You see now that I was right in protesting against personal violence. We are rid of him. No one is to blame. We have no cause for self-reproach, and will be annoyed by no fears of a disgraceful exposure." Billings made no comment on this self-gratulatory address, merely inquiring,? "Has the resignation been accepted?" "No, but it will be. Such things are matters of course." "Study weil the letter of acceptance before you send it. Let It be perfectly courteous; but at the same time avoid strong expressions of regret, or strong commendation of his past services." I will write it; but the general frequently writes such letters himself, merely directing me to copy. In that case I can do nothing." "It would not be prudent certainly to show much feeling about it, and it may never be of the least importance. Still I would like to see that letter before It goes." "I will gratify you if I can; though I do not understand why you should consider it of the least consequence. He is out of the army?he is out of my way, and I do not care a farthing how much men may praise him for what he has done." "He is at present out of the army and out of your way; but It is by no means certain that he will stay so. At the expiration of a year, or less, his health may be restored, and he may then come back into the army and into your way too. I have studied his character to little purpose, if he will long rest contented in the walks of civil life when the clash of arms is sound- Ing in his ears." "You are mistaken, Billings. He cannot come back without entering below those who are now his Juniors, and his proud spirit will never consent to that." "I hope so; but I doubt. I have understood that he did acceDt the ab pointment of lieutenant colonel when ? the date of that appointment placed him below some who were his Juniors the preceding campaign. What he has done once he may do again. At all events, you ought to be careful to do nothing to facilitate his re-entrance Into military life. Keep him out by all means. The rewards that will follow success in this contest must be reaped by the sword, or all the teachings of history are false. Let us turn, however, to a question of more immediate concern; I mean the influence this resignation ought to have on your own course. Have you thought of that? Do you propose to remain In vour present position, or to exchange it for another?" "I have not had time to mature my plans. My Judgment, though, inclines me now, as heretofore to seek employment in the line." "My opinion has long been made up on that point. It must be done some day, and the sooner the better." "I wish from my heart that it could be done tomorrow; but I foresee that it will be a work of time. The difficulties I mentioned on a former occasion have been increased. I have become necessary to General Washington, and, in addition to the jealousies of the line officers, I shall also have to evercome his reluctance to part with me." "There Is an obvious mode of get? Jint u- r\ ?.|fh ling uver uiiu uiinuuiiy. v^uai i n ? > > . him upon some point of etiquette which involves no feeling and will leave no sting behind." "It may be a long time before any such chance will occur; and just now It would do no good, for he is fixed In his determination not to give staff officers commands equal to their staff rank in the line. I will have a better chance of weakening, if not reversing, this determination by remaining near his person." , "That is desirable. If It can be done; though in your place, I would not wait long in the hope of bringing it about. Where you are, promotion is next to impossible, and it is better for you to accept a place below your juniors than to continue in the staff. In the line, the whole field is open before you. Skill and courage are there certain of their rewards; and now that Colonel Burr has retired from the service, I know no competitor of whom you have reason to fear. You are a better soldier today than any general officer I in the army, and George Washington ' knows It; but Congress and the coun try do not know It. and will not know 1 It. so long as you are tied to the per- i son of the commander-in-chief and are > allowed to win no fame except such as 1 Is reflected from him. It Is better, I ' repeat to take any command you can I get In the Infantry, and trust to your I own exertions to rise from it. That you will rise. I know; and every step i makes the ascent easier and more i rapid." 1 "I did not suspect you. Billings, of calling my vanity to your aid. Your advice Ls sound enough to commend itself without such assistance, and I shall watch for an opportunity to act duly hurried. It is a maneuver which i My action, however, must not be un- I duly hurried. It is maneuver which requires skill and caution, and in 1 such cases time and chance are often our best friends." "Very good friends they are. if prop- , erly Improved; and I know of no one ; tetter qualified than yourself to make j the most of them." . There was a pause of some minutes ' in the conversation, which Bllllng3 employed In helping himself to a glass >f Madeira. TO BB CONTINUED. Iftiscfllanfous ^ftidini). SOME TRICKS IN ORATORY. Resorted to by Famous Speakers to Gain Their Point. One wonders of Demosthenes whether he ever In after years resumpd of set purpose that habit of stammering which he had taken such he- ( role means to eradicate. A stammer , s a most effective trick sometimes. ( ind we know that Alclblades found t tils lisp by 110 means the least useful ? it his many winning ways. The trick i n oratory combines both the conven- , :lonal meanings of the word; It Is T sometimes u habit, sometimes a will, c sometimes both. f Addison tells a capital story of a ^ rick In forensic oratory. At West- t ninster Hall "there was a counsellor f who never pleaded without a piece of ? oackthread In his hand, which he used l :o twist about his thumb or finger all c he while he was speaking; the wags t it those days called It 'the thread of e lis discourse,' for he was not able to t itter a word without It"?as a foolish r llent proved once to his own cost, for c le stole the thread and his advocate j ame to utter grief. i It Is the second description of trick, t he "taking dodge," to borrow a | ihrase from the vernacular, which is f he more generally Interesting. The c dassic instance which naturally oc- jj *11 pq t n otfarv nna la Piirtra'a fa m r*il a 'dagger scene" In the house of com- t nons when he emphasized his pero- a atlon regarding the Reign of Terror n France by dramatically throwing a I agger on the floor of the house as an ncample of the methods of the aposles of llber:y and fraternity. In a way this recalls an Incident of he recent election, says the London 31obe, though the oratorical trick In his case was unpremeditated. A canlldate?there is no need to mention lames?was advocating tariff reform vhen a zealous free trader threw an inwholesome tomato at him, an "arrument" which greatly delighted the :ealous one's faction. "Rotten, of jourse," remarked the candidate, "so nuch for cheap Imports." One of the tricks credited to Sherilan was very much on the lines of a 'amous "score" of classic times. A nember whose admiration for the >rllliant statesman was not tempered vlth discretion greatly annoyed Sher aan Dy continually ejaculating, near, tear!" without rhyme or reason. Sheridan determined to give him a esson. At the close of one of his ipeeches, denunciatory of some Individual. he used the words, "Where <ha.ll we find a more foolish knave, or i more knavish fool than he?" "Hear, tear!" came as usual from the trouilesome enthusiast. Sheridan bowed, hanked him for so obligingly supplyng the required information, and returned his seat. And long centuries before Demoshenes, inveighing against an oppolent who was suspected of recevllng tubsidles from the court of Persia, jassionately asked the crowded audi:nce, "Is he not Mlsthotos?a hlreIng." But, as though Inadvertently le pronounced the words so obviousy that the audience shouted out cor ections from all point9?"Mlsthotos! Mlsthotos!" the effect of which was o make citizens themselves apply the jpprobrious epithet. Not very dissimilar In character Is >ne of the many tricks attributed to ?urran. He was engaged on a case vhereln the principal witness on the >ther side was a gentleman of position vhose evidence, If accepted, would be oncluslve. In his opening speeen ?urran inveighed with all the bitterless and eloquence in his power igalnst the chief witness for the other tide, but w.thout actually mentioning lis name. When the time came for he witness?a Mr. Leger?to be iworn, Curran interposed in the blandest way that this was surely a needless 'ormality; Mr. Leger's character was such that he felt sure the jury would iccept his simple assertion. The un'ortunate man fell Into the trap. "I im glad. Mr. Curran, you have a beter opinion of me now than when you Irst spoke." "You admit, then, sir. hat, though I named no names, you eeognized my description as applying o yourself?" Another of Curran's oratorical ricks is not unlike one Sheridan perpetrated or. the house. In this case, he Ia?t sneaker, it will be remember ?d, had wound up his speech with a classical quotation, which, to judge 'rom the plaudits it received, made a nost effective point. Sheridan In his reply regretted the* honorable memler had not completed the quotation; He would do so himself, and the house would then see how fatal to the con:ention of the hono -able member was he authority he had cited. Wheretpon Sheridan with magnificent dramatic effect recited a sonorous piece if gibberish! And the house applaud?d vigorously. Curran's trick was at the expense if a preternaturally stupid jury. The ludge happened to be a consummate classical scholar, knowing Curran to be he same, was naturally astounded on Hearing him quote a piece of Latin as ^oming from the Phantasmagoria of he historian Heslod! "Your mean Latin poet, Mr. Curran. Heslod was i Greek, a poet, and not an historian, and I doubt whether he ever wrote a ivork called the Phantasmagoria. The ines are Juvenal's." "Heslod, my lord, I assure you, and Greek not Latin." "You must be out of your senses, Mr. Curran, or think I am out of mine. The lines are Latin." "Well, I 3 T cmoirfljf that U'P my iuru, i can uiiij ou66t? ? . leave It as an issue for the jury, and ' I'll be bound they will find it?Greek." The trick was perfectly effectual. Some Men Are Simply Fiendish.? Mr. Snagsby (rummaging in a closet). "Maria, this Is a new hat. Isn't it? Why don't you wear it? It looks better than anything you have worn this season." Mrs. Snagsby. "That's my old hat. It blew off my head the other day and was run over by a street car. . and I think you are just as mean as you can be."?Chicago Tribune. SOUTH CHROLH _T How the Spirit of Libert Uncoiiquen By REV. ltOIJEH From the Yorkvllle Enqtrirer of 1876 INSTALLMENT XVII. Battle of Hanging mock. The upper counties of South Carillna are classic ground. As time oils on, the thrilling events which ranspired in this region during he Revolutionary struggle, gathers iround them a kind of enchantment. Saratoga and Yorktown may be nore imposing and their memories nay be more deeply cherished, because more generally known; but the lelds upon which the greatest daring vas exhibited, and the most brilliant ieeds accomplished during the war or independence was in North and louth Carolina. Brave men and no ess brave women, entered into the ;ontest; not because they loved war, >ut because they hated oppression md loved liberty, without which, hey rightly thought, there could be 10 peace. When the British had completed their chain of military )osts, reaching from the Savannah iver to the Atlantic ocean, they hought their work was done. Nothng more, it was thought, remained or the troops of George the Third to lo, but the reorganization of the civil ifTairs of the state. From the limpid waters of the Waauga and Nolllchucky, to the iwamps of Georgia, brave and daring nen were assembling and talking over he state of affairs. By multitudes >f those who had been driven from heir homes by the invading foe to leek a place of refuge in the fastlesses of the mountains, was uttered n sullen mutterings and with knit irows?"give me liberty or give me leath." Major William Richardson Davie ormed a camp on the north side of fVaxhaw creek. To this brave North Carolinian, Colonel Hlggins, with the Mecklenburg militia; Col. Crawford vith some South Carolina troops ind thirty-live Catawba Indians unler their chief, New River, repaired. Between the two Carollnas there vas the kindest feeling and the greatest concert of action. They had >nly one object in view, and that vas to establish the independence of he colonies. in tne soumern pan. ui ua. :ounty, near the dividing line beween Kershaw and Lancaster, on he road leading from Lancaster vtlage to Camden, is a remarkable ock. From the peculiar shape, it is jailed "Hanging Rock," and it gives ts name to the creek on the east >ank of which It stands. Hanging Flock is about twelve miles, in a di ect line, east of Rocky Mount and ibout the same distance a little east >f south from Lancaster village and >etween twenty and twenty-five miles lorthwest of Camden. In shape and mbstance this rock as well as multludes of others In the same commulity, Is an object of wonder. Huge joulders are piled on top of each )ther, presenting to the beholder a nost fantastic appearance. In subitance these rocks are small Irreguar, hexagonal flint stones, mixed vith brilliant matter, black and imooth. The whole Is cemented together, forming a beautiful and wonlerful conglomeration. The one vhlch bears the name of Hanging dock, is twenty-five feet in dlameer and near one hundred feet high. Dn the west side it is nonowea oui, presenting an appearance not unlike hat of the rind of one-quarter of in orange. Xear this remarkable rock?on he west bank of Hanging Rock :reek?Major Carden was placed in . ommand of the British garrison, rlere on the sixth of August, 1780, he patriots under Sumter gained a rtctory over the British forces. Be'ore, however, we undertake to give i sketch of the battle of Hanging Rock, let us go back for a short time ind view the events which occurred n the vicinity. On the thirty-first of July, Sumter ittacked the British post at Rocky Mount and failed because he had no annon with which to demolish the og houses Into which the British retreated. On the same day, Ma|or Davie made a feint upon a deachment of the British post at Ranging Rock. The results of this " ' ? *" olrotnh brilliant arcair we gave m n.c it Rocky Mount. It Is. however, vorthy of a more minute descrip;ion. From the camp of Davie, on Waxlaw creek, Sumter and Davie set >ut on the night of the twenty-ninth it July. Sumter's point of destinaion was Rocky Mount; that of Davie, flanging Rock. The two commands narched together until they came to he forks of the road, when the troops inder Sumter took the road leading o Lamdsford. About sun rise, the 'orees crossed the Catawba. Davie ed his force, consisting of about ;ighty men, down the east side of he Catawba and in due time they irrlved in the neighborhood of Hangng Rock. " Whilst reconnoitering, he learned hat three companies of mounted in'antry, belonging to Bryan's command, were at a house in the Immediate neighborhood. These light nfantry having been sent out on a plundering expedition, were returnng to Major Carden's camp. For tome reason they had made a halt it this private house. Davie at once letermined to direct his attention to :hem, rather than to the main post. The house was at the bend of a lane. :>ne end of which led to a woods and the other end to the main camp of the British. The troops were so disposed that a portion of the cavalry was between those at the house and Garden's camp. Davie ordered the militia, who were all dressed in citizens' clothes, to enter the lane from the woods and charge down upon the detachment of the British. The sentinels of the enemy mistook the Whig militia for royalists and suffered them to pass unch tilenged. mi : us remuthm: f< y Was Kept Alive By an t! ible People. c w T LATIIAN, I>. D. gl al I. " I The militia having entered the lane, dismounted and poured in a deadly c< fire upon the detachment. Most of 'r them were loyalists, and they became panic stricken at the first fire. With- *r out making the least resistance, they P( made a dash for their camp. They d< were met by Davie's cavalry and cut 1,1 to pieces. Almost in a moment and totally fll unexpected they were surrounded by c< Davie's men. There was no time to ^ take prisoners, for the whole affair ol took place In full view of the British ** camp. Having secured sixty-four tv horses and one hundred muskets, a and leaving most of the British de- ts tachment dead on the ground, Davie, without the loss of a single man set ai out at full speed for his camp. a| There were few more brilliant ex- dl plolts than this performed during the war. The whole British camp a was called out to pursue Davie, but w It proved vain, as he reached his * camp in safety. It would be doing an injustice to j the memory of Major Davie, not to ^ mention another attack which he had made upon the British In the same region. About five miles from c) Hanging Rock. Is a place called the Flat Rock. It takes Its name from a fla? rn/ilf a.'hlf?h PfiVAPS nMrlv twenty acres of ground. A space r covering four acres Is naked, nearly flat, with pits a few inches in depth c| sunk In the surface. These pits are said to have been dug at an early ^ period by the Indians for the pur- j pose of holding water. Whilst Ma- c) Jor Davie was scouring the country j between Waxhaw creek and Hanging Rock, he learned that a wagon train ^ loaded with supplies for the garrison j at Hanging Rock, was passing be- rj tween the latter place and Camden. CJ The supplies consisted of rum, pro- t( visions and clothing. The guard con- e( sisted of an escort of cavalry and volunteer loyalists. Davie deter- g mined to attack this supply train. tl On the twentieth of July, at Plat A Rock, he came up with it and cap- g tured the whole party. After secur- e< ing the prisoners and destroying the fl, wagons and rum and provisions, he bmounted the prisoners on the cap- f( tured horses and set out at dark for c< his camp. Captain Petit, with the m guides and a detachment of cavalry, tj led the advance, William Polk, with s< a detachment of cavalry, took charge ^ of the prisoners. His place was in t( the centre. The rear guard was un- B der the command of Davie himself. P' Thus far the whole affair had been e< a complete success. About midnight w Just as the rear guard had entered a r< long lane, the van discovered some British concealed behind the lane- w fence. In a corn field. Major Davie A had calculated that he would be pur- Cl w sued by the British and an attempt jc made to rescue the prisoners. He ai regarded this lane as a favorable locality for such an enterprise, and ? had strictly charged Capt. Petit to ^ advance Into the lane and examine d It before the main body came up. s' This from some oversight Petit failed to do. So soon as the British w were discovered they were chal- 01 lenged, but gave no answer. On ?j being challenged a second time, gl they answered with a volley of small d< arms. The whole Whig force was in A the lane. The fire of the enemy commenced on the right and extended ^ In a running fire, down to the rear. W Davie, who perceived at once, the condition of things, rushed to the g] front and endeavored to push the a men through the lane as quickly as t< possible; but the advance party, un- P der Petit, not knowing that the enemy were in their rear, turned back w and could not be induced to advance. w w This caused the whole force to pass C( the ambushed enemy again. All that l? Davie could do was to retreat until h he got out of the enemy's fire, and q then hie off and pass their patrols. tl This he did very successruny, unaer ? the circumstances. The loss of the 01 ?11 Whigs was not great. The fire of g the ambushed forces was, through y mistake, directed against the British ri prisoners. These being mounted, C1 two on a single horse, suffered fearfully. Lieutenant Elliott was killed d and Capt. Petit and two men wound- ei ed. Davie and his party reached their camp next morning without p any other loss. p< After the fighting at Hanging Rock, the forces under Sumter and Davie were not discouraged. On the p| contrary, although no decisive vlcto- 8< ry had been gained at either place, ^ both men and officers were anxious r to meet the British and loyalists ir again. On consultation it was deter- * mined that the respective forces, un- tt der Sumter and Davie should meet at ai Landsford on the Catawba on the fifth of August. The Mecklenburg ' militia, under Col. Irwin and Major tl Davie's corps, with some volunteers, f< all amounting to five hundred, ineluding officers and men, met accord- s) ing to arrangement, Colonels Sum- ai t anov and HilL at Landsford with ! three hundred men. Here a consul- tj tatlon was held, with reference to ai what British post would be next at- s< tacked. The consultation was very unmilitary In one particular. Usual- c, ly only the officers consult when and a; how the enemy shall be attacked; *J but In this consultation the men e] claimed all the importance that usu- k ally attaches only to the officers. r< Both officers and men concluded that, all things considered, Hanging ti Rock presented the most favorable it point for an attack by a force such as was then assembled. No doubt y the facts pertaining to Hanging Rock is post were better understood by Davie than any other officer present. He ^ and his corps had been in Its vicinity al often and on two occasions to the great detriment of the loyalists. ? 1 The post at Hanging Rock was gar- a rlsoned by Col. Bryan's North Caro- r: 1 Una loyalists, part of Col. Brown's w Georgia and South Carolina loyalists; g the Infantry of Col. Tarleton's legion, is nd the Prince of Wales* American ?giment. The whole amounted to bout eight hundred men. mostly loyllsts, and under the command of [ajor Carden. The disposition of the British >rces was judiciously made. Hangig Rock creek was in the rear; on ie right flank was the British reglars; on the left flank was the North arolina Tory regiment. The centre as held by a part of Tarleton's lelon and Hamilton's regiment of loylists. The centre was separated *om the left flank by a skirt of oods. Such was the position held y the troops In the centre, that it >uld not be assailed without exposig those who attacked it to a deructive Are. The troops in the cen e were provided with a three ounder and were protected by a eep ravine. Capt. McCuilock commanded the centre. About dark on the evening of the fth of August, Sumter, Davie, La;y, Irwin, Hill and the troops under lem set out from the neighborhood f Lansford for Hanging Rock. At le dawn of day they arrived within ro miles of the British camp. Here halt was called, and the plan of atick settled. Sumter proposed that le troops march in three divisions id advance on horseback, directly gainst the centre of the British, and Ismount when In sight of the enemy. This mode of attack was agreeble to all the officers except Davie, ho advised that the horses be left t the place where they then were. :is objection to advancing on horsesick was the confusion which nearly Iways occurs when troops dismount i view of the enemy. Sumter's oplnin prevailed and the disposition of le troops was quickly made. The immand of the whole by universal msent, was Intrusted to Sumter. Dale commanded the division on the ght, which was composed of his wn corps and a small number of olunteers under Major Bryan. The )lumn on the left which was comosed of South Carolina refugees, osty from Chester and York counes was commanded by Hill. The intre, composed entirely of Meeknburg militia, was led by Irwin. In order to avoid the enemy's plck3, the three columns flled to the ft of the road, with the Intention to ?turn to it before approaching the imp of the enemy. The guides went >o far and when the approach to the lemy was made, it was found that le three divisions were all opposite ryan's Tory regiment which consulted the left flank of the British, t seven o'clock in the morning the iree divisions dismounted and rush1 upon the Tories. Irwin made the rat attack, which was soon followed y Hill and Davie. The Tories fled >r protection to the centre of the imp. This post was held by Capt cCullock, with one hundred and sixr of Tarleton's legion of infantry and >me of Hamilton's North Carolina ory regiment. The Whigs followed le discomfited Tories under Bryan. > within range of the centre of the ritish camp. Here they were unexectedly met by a terrific Are from te British legion. The Whigs pass1 on. Twice they we're charged ith fixed bayonets by the British igulars. A desperate effort was lade to retain the position and save le three pounder. Nothing could ith8tand the Impetuosity of the mericans. Although the British entre fought behind a fence ana as protected by a ravine it was >rced to give way. When Bryn's Tory regiment fled, Brown's regnent was also struck with consteration. When, however, Brown's ten saw the determination with hich the British regulars fought, a etachment of them went to the asstance of McCuliock. The Amerlans were not prepared for this and sfore they were aware a heavy fire as poured in upon, the militia now IT their guard on account of apparnt victory. It was not long before lese undisciplined Whigs rallied, and ettlng behind trees and bushes, made esperate havoc with their trusty ries in the ranks of the enemy. In a sw moments every British officer was tiot down and the Prince of Wales' merlcan regiment nearly annihilated, lajcr Davie seeing the condition of nings, rushed out from the right ank of the American forces and tiouted out: "Britons ground your rmii! you have but one officer left; > the ground, if your lives are worth reserving." The order was quickr obeyed. >r-? -.u i. ? - rx# offaira KlgTll Ul l II IS JUIltlUIC VTA. auau?, hen a complete victory seemed to be Ithln the grasp of the patriots, the hole thing was spoiled. The British immander with great coolness, now >d part of his remaining troops into is former position, and formed them i a hollow square in open ground, pposite to this and near the woods le other part, consisting mostly of [amilton's regiment of Tories, comlenced forming. After the rout nd surrender of a portion of the rltlsh a very large number of the /higs, thinking the victory complete, ushed to plundering the British unp. Not a few found the rum and ere drunk in a short time. Sumter lade a desperate effort to restore orer and make another dash upon the nemy, but only two hundred men >uld be got together. Major Davie ith his corps, made an attack upon [amilton's regiment, which was disersed on the first attempt. Davie was revented, however, from accompllshig anything of consequence from the ict that he was fired upon by two leces of artillery. Fortune also >ems to have favored the British aptains Stewart and McDonald with >rty mounted Infantry, returned from * oo oai? toof u/Q q ,ocKy muum ju.n o..i me vui.^o. i a critical condition. These officers hen they came in sight of the Ameran forces, extended their flies so as ) make the most formidable appearnce possible. This added to the conlsion of the Americans and a retreat ecame absolutely necessary. An hour was spent In plundering le British camp and making litters >r the wounded. The two armies, Dth In great disorder were in full lew of each other. The British louted three cheers for King George, nd the Americans answered it with iree cheers for George Washington, oaded with plunder and manf of lem full of rum. the militia were -ranged for retreat. All were tired; >me were wounded and were being irried on litters, whilst many were raggling Major Davie with his arps, covered the retreat. Exposed s were the Americans on their retreat ley were not troubed by Major Caren. He was satisfied to let well nough alone. The American loss In illled and wounded never was cor? ;ctly known. The British say that bout one hundred dead and wounded mericans were left on the field. Capita John McLure was among the lortally wounded. He died a short me afterward at Charlotte, North arollna. Colonel Hill and Major fynn were also wounded. The Britih loss was much greater than that f the Americans. Sixty of Tarleton's gion were killed and wounded. Capt. [cCullock who cammanded the legion tid two other officers were killed. Under the circumstances the Amerlans had the decided advantage in tie battle of Hanging Rock. Nearly II the men except Davie's corps were aw militia and totally ungovernable rhen the action commenced. Had Is soldiers not got to plundering and rinking, Sumter would" have demolihed Carden's command.