Part 14 (2/2)

1771.

10. Matters continued to grow worse until, in 1771, Governor Tryon raised an army in the eastern counties, under a law of the a.s.sembly, and marched to Orange to put down what he called the ”rebellion of the Regulators,” Colonel Waddell, with another body of troops, marched from Salisbury to join him, but was met by the Regulators and driven back.

11. On the 16th of May, 1771, the force of Governor Tryon, numbering eleven hundred men, met about two thousand of the Regulators at a place called ”Alamance,” in Orange County. In the battle that ensued there was stubborn fighting until the ammunition of the Regulators was exhausted, and they were driven from the field. Many men lost their lives, and all that was gained by North Carolina, after a n.o.ble resistance to oppression, was that Edmund Fanning and others, who were largely responsible for all its disorders, left the province.

12. The brutal malice and cruelty in Governor Tryon's character was exhibited soon after the battle. Several prisoners were taken by him, and one of them, a poor half-witted youth named James Few, was, by Tryon's order, hung on the spot without trial.

Twelve other prisoners were soon convicted of high treason and sentenced to death. Six of them were hanged almost immediately; the execution of the others was delayed for a few days in order that a grand military display might be made on the occasion, the details of which the Governor superintended in person.

[NOTE--It has been said that the battle of Alamance was begun by Governor Tryon, who fired the first gun at a prisoner named Robert Thompson, killing him instantly. The men seemed to hesitate about beginning the fight, and Governor Tryon, rising in his stirrups, exclaimed: ”Fire! fire on them, or on me!”]

13. Governor Tryon left the province a month after the battle of Alamance to become, by the king's appointment, Governor of New York. He had signally failed to do his duty in compelling his subordinates to deal honestly with the people, but yet he retained the confidence of many able and patriotic men. Richard Caswell and many other leaders in the province were distressed that he had ceased to be the Chief Magistrate of North Carolina.

QUESTIONS.

1. How were the middle and western sections of North Carolina being peopled at this period?

2. Give some description of these people. How were they taxed?

3. What return did the sale of their crops bring them? How was theirs a hard lot?

4. By whom were the poor farmers being oppressed?

5. What noted man is now mentioned? Can you tell something of the acts of Herman Husbands in the province?

6. How did he shrink from becoming a member of his league?

7. What was the first trouble? How did they settle the matter?

Mention some circ.u.mstances of the trial of Husbands?

8. What was the result of Governor Tyron's visit to Hillsboro?

How did the trials at court terminate?

9. How were the Regulators affected by this ”mock judgment”?

Into what trouble did Husbands next fall?

10. What steps were taken by Governor Tryon towards crus.h.i.+ng the Regulators? By whom was his army reinforced?

11. Can you describe the memorable ”Battle of Alamance”? What benefit was derived from it? Point out on the map the scene of the battle.

12. What was Governor Tryon's conduct after the battle?

13. When did Governor Tryon leave North Carolina, and for what purpose?

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