Part 23 (1/2)

10. When Fanning captured Governor Burke at Hillsboro, the Chief- Magistracy of the State devolved upon Colonel Alexander Martin, of Guilford. This latter gentleman had seen some service in the field as an officer of the Continentals. Governor Burke was treated, from the hour of his capture, with extraordinary harshness. He was compelled to march all the way to Wilmington, and, after some delay, was sent thence by s.h.i.+p to Charleston.

11. General Leslie, who commanded the British army in South Carolina, placed the captive Governor upon an island near Charleston, where the deadly malaria was supplemented by danger of a.s.sa.s.sination from certain Tories, who were loud in their threats of executing such a purpose. Burke made repeated applications for a change of quarters, or for exchange as a prisoner, but was told that he was kept as a hostage to be executed in case of the capture and punishment of David Fanning.

12. After months of torture from such treatment, Governor Burke, feeling that he was justified in disregarding his parole, effected his escape and returned to North Carolina. He resumed his office for the short interval between his return and the meeting of the Legislature. To his great discomfiture, he was defeated at the next election for Governor by Alexander Mafitin.

The members of the General a.s.sembly could not forgive this breach of his parole, and he regarded their act as evidence of public condemnation. His sensitive spirit brooded over this.

His domestic relations were not such as to soothe and sustain his wounded mind, and the life that opened with such brilliant promise soon closed in gloom. Governor Burke died and was buried on his farm near Hillsboro. No stone has ever marked the spot. He left one child, a daughter, who died unmarried.

13. General Griffith Rutherford had been a prisoner in the battle of Camden. Upon his exchange, he at once renewed his efforts to deliver North Carolina from her foes. He soon collected a body of Mecklenburg and Rowan militia and marched for Wilmington.

14. On nearing the city he received news of Lord Cornwallis's surrender at Yorktown, on October 19, 1781. He pushed on his lines, and arriving in Wilmington he found that Major Craig had taken s.h.i.+p and was flying from the land he had so scourged by his presence.

15. The number of men enlisted from North Carolina in the Continental army during the Revolutionary war was: in 1775, 2,000; 1776, 4,134; 1777, 1,281; 1778, 1,287; 1779, 4,930; 1780, 3,000; 1781, 3,545; 1782, 1,105; 1783, 697. The State furnished, in Continental troops and militia, 22,910 men.

QUESTIONS.

1. What British forces were in North Carolina after the departure of Cornwallis? Who was in command at Wilmington?

2. Can you tell something of Major Craig?

3. Tell something of the character of David Fanning.

4. Give further description of his traits. Mention the horrible condition of the State under Fanning's exploits.

5. Relate Fanning's attack on the Chatham courtmartial.

What occurred at Colonel Alston's house?

6. What officer went to attack Fanning? What was the memorable exploit of Fanning On September 12th, 1781?

7. What preparations were made for a fight at Lindley's Mill?

8. Describe the engagement.

9. What occurred at Elizabethtown?

10. Who became Governor after Governor Burke's capture?

How was Governor Burke treated?

11. What further account is given of his treatment?

12. Mention the concluding events of his life.

13. What was done by General Rutherford upon his exchange?

14. What did he find upon his arrival at Wilmington?

15. State the number of men enlisted in North Carolina during the Revolution.