Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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WAR Si The Story o?" 1 ?'ritten for the State by Mr?. Kobcrt ? Chapter, D. A. lt., and great grandi Ten miles to the ?outh of Vorkville, j ?. C., on the main road loading to Sheeter, there may he seen, a stone's ihrow to the right and directly in front of the old Bratton homestead, a slump of forest trees, with one huge sycamore standing with its white arms ttrctched forth over the held, like a ?el), grim specter to the front. Thc joft sighing of the pines scorns like a j requiem, for their sturdy roots spread i '.uto soil that l'?7> years ago was bath .jd in blood - the red, hot hearts' blood of thc foe that sought to take home and principle and right from our brave ancestors. Herc was fought the hattie ol' Hucks j Defeat-a battle which tardy justice low names as one of tho decisive vic tories of the American Revolution. Quoting from a recent address of tiie Hon. I). K. Finley, who is sus tained in his statement hy our own la mented McCrady, by Senator Henry Cabot Lodge and other present day iistorians, ho has this to say: "With out Hucks' defeat the battle of Mus jroTe's Mill would hardly have been louj?ht, and without these victories there is little likelihood that tho bat iles of Kings Mountain and Cowpens would have taken placo, and without these battles it is improbtblo thc War >f the Revolution would have been successful." The year 1780 found South Carolina in the deepest depression and gloom. Previous to this the Whigs had been fairly successful in their efforts to Doute the Tories, but suddenly, with Ibo fall of Charleston on the 22th of May, even the stoutest hearts for a moment quivered and asked with bated breath, what will tho end bo? Our armies had either been takon or dispersed, and for several weeks all military opposition to tho British bad scaned. Sir Henry Clinton proudly boasted that in South Carolina at least the devolution wau at an end Jot oh ! he know not that "York'a brave sons and true Were never known to quail or quake ! Ko prisoners they ; nor deigned to take Protection offered by the foe !" Seemingly in submission thc bravo SOOB of the upper Carolina were only laying their pl. .is and reorganizing Iheir forces. Under tho wiso leader ship of Cols. Lacey, Bratten and Neel, Maj. Winn, Capt. McClure and ethers, a scries of sudden and desul tory attacks were mado, which greatly harassed tho enemy, and no doubt ?roved unpleasant medicine to Sir Henry, administered so soon after his lordly boasting. To orush this bold and determined spirit, Capt. Christian Huok (his name belied his oharactcr) was sent out at the head of 400 oavalry and a well mounted body of Tories by Col. Turnbull of Rocky Mount, Chester County, with the following order: "To Capt. Christian Huck: "You are hereby ordered, with the cavalry at your command, to prooeed to the frontier of the province, collect ing all the royal militia with you, on your''march, and with said force to push the rebels as far as you may deem convenient." This Capt. Huck, says McCrady, was an American, a Philadelphia law yer, who had gone to the British at New "Pork and j '.oed Tarleton when he was ordered South. In his short career he became notorious for his vio lence and cruelties. Un tho evening of the 11th of July, 1780, Huck and his army arrived ot Brutton ville, presumably in search of Col. Bratton, thinking, no doubt, his capture and death would bc a good be ginning fer them. Col. Bration's home was rudely entered and taken possession of by the Tory officers. Capt. Huck used every smooth per suasion, followed by threats, inter mingled with tho vilest of oaths to force Mrs. Bratton to reveal her hus band's whereabouts-but to no avail. '?he only quietly, calmly replied that her husband was in Sumter's army. Finding all threats in vain, Mrs. Bratton was commandod to prepare ?upper for the Tory offiocrs, after which she and her family of little children were locked in the garret as prisoners. After partaking of tho meal, the self-inflicted visitors deoided . to spend the night in a vac int house not far distant, the property of Mr. .James Williamson. The army was encamped around it, in a fenoed field approached by a lane. Sentinels were jested around the fenoe, bub only neg ligent ?vatoh was kept. They fanoied themselves seoure, little dreaming of the avenging foe fast bearing down upon them. Upon the arrival of the army at Mrs. Bratton's, she dispatohed a faith ful negro slave, apparently to bring -. the cows from the pasture, but in .raality to go with all speed to meet iii/master and warn him of the enemy j *t his hattie. He met Col. Bratton 'ORI BS. luck's J )ei'eat. Moultrie Brat lou, of King'a Mountain daughter of Col. William B 'on. and hia little force only a few mile* distant at Fishing creek. I digress just herc to say that when death came to this honest white heart in ita ebony setting, he was tenderly and carefully buried by his master, and today his grave may bc seen not far distant from the historic il old home, marked by a marble slab bear ing thc following inscription : .Sacred tu thc memory of WATT, Who died December, l^iiT. During thc [(evolutionary war He served his master, Col. William Bratton, Faithfully, and his children With the same fidelity Until his death. Having heard of the order given by Col. Turnbull, Col. Gratton guessed rightly that his own home would bo in tho path of danger. Hastily col lecting his forces, he left Mcaklen burg County, North Carolina, with 125 men. About 50 of those dropped off, leaving only 75 determined souls to meet thc monster Huck. Most of these were neighbors of Col. Bratton, living in thc vicinity, and possibly this accounts ia part for thc signal victory they won. Their loved ones-helpless women and little children-were in danger; their homes and property were surrounded by tho hated Ked Coats, and strung to a ! mighty tension by recent atrocities, they fought with a strength born of despair, a strength that know no fail ing, knowing that before thom lay vic tory sweet or death in its bitterest form-no compromise for that brave little band. Arriving at Bratton ville under cover of darkness, the Whig? carefully con cealed their horses in a nearby thicket and awaited tho order to akf ?ck. Col. Bratton realizing that each moment was precious, and that a loat minuto might mean a lost victory, did not even take time to mako known his presence unto his wife, but proceeded at once to reconnoitre Huck's encamp ment. Ile passed within the line of senti nels, and ascertained where each was stationed, where the horses were picketed and other valuable informa tion. Hemming, he held a consulta tion with his officers, and it was de cided that they should advance at once. Tho time was about 4 a. m. Even nature lont her assistance to this supreme hour, for, aooording to a manuscript account of tho battle by Dr. William Brattoj, son of Col. Bratton and father of the late Gen. John Bratton, of Fairfield, a brilliant aurora borealis assited their move ments. Col. Bratton, with one-half of his mon, cautiously approaohed the upper end of the lane, while Capt. McClure, of Chester, a bravo, dashing officer, approached from the opposite end. They advanced to within 75 yards of the enemy and then opened fire. Huok was asleep at the time, and was aroused from his slumbers by the unwelcome sound of gun firing, lu his fancied security he did not im mediately arise, but not many mo ments passed ero ho realized the dan ger; hastily rushing out' and mount ing his horse, he attemntod to rally his troops. This he partially suc ceeded in doing, hui in the second charge ho was shot from his horse, and fell dead. Col. Adamson then assumed con trol, but pandemonium reigned among his men, aud when a olarion voice rang out on the July morning, "Boys, take the fence and every man his own commander," the Whig? leaped tue .fence and rushed upon tho enemy while the latter threw down their guns and fled in confusion. Tho vietory was complete. The bat tle lasted one hour, and at its close Cols. Huok and Ferguson, with 30 or 40 of their men, lay dead upon the field ; many were wounded and others taken prisoners. Strange ta relate, the Whigs lost only ono man-Camp bell, by name. This was the first encounter since the fall of Charleston with British troops. In the olash at Mobley's meeting house, at Fishing oreok and other points., it was Whig against Tory it is true, bot it wis brother against brother, joighbor against neighbor, friend against friond-all unorganized, undisciplined troops but on the field of Hook's defeat the Whigs were a little band of footsore, weary volunteers, unequally matched against regularly,trained and commis* sioned troops of his majesty's army. True Hook was not a British officer, but, quoting McCrady, "he wore the red coat of the British army and bore his majesty's commission in the Brit ish legion, whioh in three months' servios in South Carolina had made itself famous aud equally dreaded and hated by the people, among whom the atrocities had been committed." The victory herc gained fell like a ? mural?: of hope upou shoulders bent ?itli oppression aod disappointment. Knthusiasui aud fresh zeal were in spired-thc beacon light of liberty seemed not so far away, and buoyed up with hope, strong men pressed for rard eager to renew their allegiance to Sumter's standard. Thus reinforced, on the 30th of the same month, a spirited attack was made at Rocky Mount, and eight days afterwards another complete victory was gained at Hanging Kock. Then followed Cowpens and Kings Mountain. Thus on and upward-not always hy easy stages-slowly thc lad der leading to the high pinnacle of liberty and independence was climbed, until standing with feet firmly planted ou the last round at Yorktown, the proud banner of victory was floated ove: our beloved couutry. As a titting la.st word to this brief review of a battle fought, a battle won, 1 add the graceful response to a toast, delivered by Mr. G. U. S. Hart, of Vorkvillc, ou the occasion of the unveiling of thc monument to the but tle of Huck's defeat. "The day we celebrate-the 12th of July, 1780. ''Madam Regent and Daughters of the American Revolution, Mr. Toast master, Ladies and Gentlemen: "I am bidden to respond to the toast, 'Tho day we celebrate.' "The day wc celebrate is indeed a red-letter day upon the calendar of Carolina's Revolutionary history, ?ad ycu have boen reminded that thia is tho seoond celebration of tho event that markB that day-the defeat of Huck. Permit me to quote from what was said at the time of thc first cele bration by the orator of the day. 'No sculptured marble or monumental stone pointB UB to this battlefield and tolls of tho exploits and triumphs of tho men who gained this glorious vic tory ; but they are not forgotten-this everlasting hill is their proud monu ment-tho liborties we enjoy, the ohroniolo of their glory.' "Hut it can no longer bo said that 'No monumental stone points us to the battlefield;' for through the efforts of daughters true -Daughters of the American Revolution-a beautiful monument now marks tho place of that memorable struggle. "Permit me to quote further and from tho peroration of the orator of the day at the t.me of the former cele bration: ? 'More than half a century bas passed away since America was recognized among tbe nations of the earth as free and independent. The storm and tempest of balfe have long since ceased, and pro-peri vy and peace rest upon our happy country. The patriots and sages of the Revolution have not lived in vain. America is rapidly advancing to greatness and power. Her sway is over happy and peaceful subjects her dominion ex tends from ocean to ocean-her flag fir its proudly in every sea. Science and knowledge Boatter their rioh blessings in our midst, and a wise and efficient system of government ren ders our citizens intelligent, virtuous and happy. The inheritance be queathed to us hy our sires still re mains in cur hands. They fought for freedom and liberty-we enjoy for them.' j Let me say for the orator that his prophesy has been fulfilled-America] baa advanced to greatness and power. "Tell it to your children that they in turn may tell it to their children the story of the patriots bold who, on this field, struck so decisivo a blow for freedom and liberty. American liberty was cradled upon just suoh spots as this ; and bearing this in mind, and gathering fresh inspiration here, may we keep green the memory of our Patriot Sires." FOR WOMEN WHO CANNOT DB CURED. - Backed up by over a tliird of a century of remarkable and uniform cures, a record such aa no other remedy for the diseases and weaknesses peculiar to women ever attained, the proprietors of Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription now feel fully warranted in offering to pay $500 in legal money of the United States, for any case of Leucorrhea, Fe? male Weakness, Prolapsus, or Falling of Womb which they cannot cure. All they ask is a fair ana reasonable trial of their means of cure. The vice-President Independent Order .ff Oood Templara. Aa experience which mauy women Tiare wa* related by M Lu Arne? subbing*, of aji Bast ^Street, New York City, aa follow?: ?I very poor health for a year until lil* looked dark ? u? dreary to me. Had head aches, backache, alto pain, my aletp wa* broken ?nd fitful. I loa ged for health. Tried several medida** but none were of any tia*, lar hcMflt ?atti I took Doctor WeW? Fa vorite rreaerlptloB. I aeon realised that ,1 had found Ik* right remedy. It kelped nature td throw off the poisons that a* ta ral td Ult' Went* it mowed an pain* and strengthened digestir* organs, and brought th* rose* of health back to my cheeks. Thia medida* If taken occasionally keep* the system ia perfect condition, helping lt to throw off the disease nnd consequences of exposure to dampnesa. 7? am pleased td give lt my endorsement." ' ? Favorite Prescription ? makes weak women strong, sick women well. Ac cept no substitute for th? medicine which works wonder* for weak women. Dr. Pierce's Common Sense Medical Adviser is sent fret on receipt of ai on*? cent stamps for the paper-covered book, or 31 stamps for the cloth-bound. Ad dress Dr. R. V. Pierce, Buffalo, N. Y. H} lug Machine. Edison's eyes twinkle. His face laughs as he talks, ilia expression is as quick a? the electric spark, and even when the theme is serious there is hidden merriment around his eye's and in the lines of his mouth. Edi son's work is his pleasure, and con versely, his pleasure is his work. Tho day is too short for him. The night is his paradise. Time, tide, etc, play no part io his habits. Near ing Gi), he is as young as most men of 40. His clean-shaven, clear, almost transparent, complexion heightens the illusion of youth, and his brisk, sup ple, graceful step bespeaks that Gre of strong vitality in his blood. I am not a hero worshiper, but I have al ways found that men of power exhale a potential intellectuality. I wa? not doomed to disappointment on my re cent visit to Mr. Ed?ion at his labo ratory at Orange. N. J. Upon that occdsi'm I asked him to talk of aerial navigation-to tell me if the problem was approaching solution. Tho click of a telej?;aph instrument could not have been quicker thau his reply. "No," he said, "the time has not come for the production of an air ship of use commercially-capable of making regular trips from a given place to a given place. One never will bo built until a new motive power is produced." "Would the new motive power be found in some form of electricity?" "I cannot say," he replied to the question. "No man can say that, ? new motive power will alone solve the problem, but how I think it should be solved I will not say. I cannot dis cuss that. I have thought of it a great deal. I have experimented. I have built light motors, but I have not attempted to fly. The question is wholly and simply one of motive power-a power that is sufficient to combat the foroe of navigation, the lack of buoyancy, and sustain itself above the earth. "The airship must be of simple me chanism. No man can build a ma chino after the structure of a bird that will fly as a bird flies. The Creator alone did that. He built the bird wonderfully. I have thought of that question often. I have watohed tbem by the hour. Their muscles are peculiarly constructed-all their bones are hollow. They are born "flying machines." Their whole body works in harmony. There is nothing mys terious about it, yet a machine built like a bird, if it wero possible, could not stand the strain of air currents. ? bird is dependent upon the ourrent -floats on the current. It doesn't Boar until it is well up in the air. It flies instinctively."-Outing. Hie Vahie of Appearances. A captain of one of the ferryboats I plying in this harbor tells the follow ing story of the value of a coat of paint, says the New York Post. "Some years ago I owned a small sailing vessel engaged in the coast and West Indian trade. While we wera lying at an East River pier tak ing on a cargo for the West Indies a stranger approached, and after criti cally eyeing my craft, asked : " 'What'll you take for that boat?' " 'One thousand eight hundred will buy her,' I told him. V Til give you thirteen hundred,' replied the stranger. 'She is an old boat, and not worth any more.' "I refused his offer, and he soon disappeared, but I made up my mind that I would spend a little money for white lead and oil, and when I waB lying in port, unloading the cargo, I would have my men paint up the boat and improve her appearance. When I sailed into this port again she look ed as good as new. After reaching my pier, I saw the same fellow walking about looking the craft over. Soon be approached mc and asked : "'Excuse me, sir, but how much will you sell her for?' "'You can have her for $2,500,' I told him. , " 'Call it *2,300 and I'll take her,' ho replied, and it didn't take me long to accept the offer. I calculated I made about a thousand on $20 worth of paint." In au Indiana Coori. "I met ? colored man in the hall a while ago," said Judge McMaster, of the Superior Court. "He *.?as look ing for the court room in which he was to be a witness. " 'What sort of a case is it?' I ask ed him. " 'It's one ob dem petty lossity cases,' he answered. "Not long ago," the Judge con tinued, "a colored woman came ia here to see what could be done about her husband who is in prison. " 'What was your husband sen tenced for?" I asked her. "'Ah ain' shuah, but Ah thinks its emblazonment.' "-Indianapolis News. * - A girl is never too thin to dress as if she wer n't. - A worn tn gets very disappointed in a husband she doesn't think some other woman is trying to steal away from her. Foley's Honey and T&f forchUdre?,ssfetsure. No opiates. MOVED .yr INTO OUR NEW On South Main Street This Boom is splendidly fitted for the transaction'! of our business. We invite yon to call on ns in onr, New Quarters. m The Kind Yon Have Always Bought? and which lias been in use for over 30 years, bas borne the signature cc* ^0 - and bas been made under bis per ?^ AtJ&Tr^^V/ sonal supervision since Its Infancy? W??f* /'&?c4?4At Allow no one to deceive yon in this. All Counterfeits, Imitations and " Just-as-good" ore but Experiments that trifle with and endanger the health of Infants and Children-Experience against Experiment What is CASTOR IA (Castor!a is a harmless substitute for Castor Oil, Pore* goric> Drops and Soothing Syrups. It is Pleasant. It contains neither Opium, Morphine nor other Narcotic substance. Its age is its guarantee. It destroys Worms and aliuys Feverishness. It cures Diarrhoea and Wind Colic. It relieves Teething Troubles, cures Constipation and Flatulency. It assimilates the Food, regulates the Stomach and Bowels, giving healthy and natural sleep* The Children's Panacea-The Mother's Friend. GENUINE CASTOR I A ALWAYS Bears the Signature of Tha V\r\A VAU UOIFA Ulm?T D?nrifcf lily muu lim naiu mnajo uvUgiit In Use For C/er 30 Years. ?Mt CENTAUR OOMMNV, T. MURRAY STUC CT* ft CW Vo RR OITV. I IMPORTANT I Shingles, Lime, . Cement, Lathes, Br?ck?^??rBJ INVESTIGATE when im StS;' need of any kind of Turned and Scroll Work, ' TITTTT TI TIT n irimnmiT DTi:Tp"? BUILDING MATERIAL. Halp0tt'Cm8B' Seem* ? I don't seU yon EVERYTHING I ITl make tb0 othe? feUow KS THE BUILDER.) SELL YOU RIGHT. ANDERSON, S. C. LETTER TO EVANS PHARMACY. I wish to say that? your LIVER AND KIDNEY PILLS are better than anything of the kind I have ever used. They do all that a remedy of this nature could do. I I have been using EVANS' LTVi?R AND KIDNEY PILLS for seven or eight yesrs. S. L. RUSSELL. Anderson, S. C., Feb. 24, 1904. I ON HAND AND TQ ARBiyB... Two Cai? lioacLs o? FARMlCiaONS, ALL SIZES. Two Oars of Carriages, Buggies, Photons. All the leading makes. * Everything in our line at prices and on terms to suit our customers. FRET WELL - HANKS GO! ANDERSON, S, C. A. C. STRICKLAND, Office Over Farmers aiid Merchants Bank. ? SPECIAL attention given to tho higher classes of Dental work. Crown?'. Bridges and Porcelain Inlays, such us are done In the larger Cities. AU kinda of Plates wade. Gold Pal inga in artificial teeth any time after Platea are made. j?Oxyg?nCaa and liocal Anaesthetics given torteo Pain leas Extraction of taoth. Blooding and diseased gama treated. , . Jt?kf Au calla to tho country and near by Towns for tho Pataleas Extraction of Tooth promptly attaHiled to by ? corapo ?out asaltan t. ?LONG LOOK AHEAD A man thinks it in when the matter of lifo Insurance suggests itself-but clrciiiitiRifry ceo of late have shown how life hangs by a thread when war, flood, hurricane and fire suddenly overtakes you, and the only way . ' \ sure in a solid Company like- V ' _ TlaoMut?al Benefit Drop in and see us about it. M. M. MATHISON, STATE lea' Bank Building. ANDERSO K, 8. C