Part 16 (2/2)

SENECA HEROINES.

They fought like brave _men_, long and well.

HALLECK.

In the celebrated battle between the French and Indians, which occurred near Victor, in the western part of New York, in 1687, five Seneca women took an active part in the b.l.o.o.d.y conflict. Mr. Hosmer, the poet, alludes to the circ.u.mstance in one of his celebrated ”Lectures on the Iroquois,” from the ma.n.u.script of which we have been permitted to copy, as follows:

”The memory of ill.u.s.trious women who have watched in defence of altar and hearth, the deeds of the sterner s.e.x, has been enshrined in song, and honored by the Historic Muse. Joan of Arc, and the dark-eyed maid of Saragossa in all coming time will be chivalric watch-words of France and Spain, but not less worthy of record, and poetic embalmment, were the _five_[46] devoted heroines who followed their red lords to the battle-field near ancient Ganagarro, and fought with unflinching resolution by their sides. Children of such wives could not be otherwise than valiant. Bring back your s.h.i.+eld, or be brought upon it, was the Spartan mother's stern injunction to her son: but roused to a higher pitch of courage, the wild daughters of the Genesee stood in the perilous pa.s.s, and in the defence of their forest homes, turned not back from the spear, 'the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.'”

[46] _Vide_ Doc. His, Vol. 1. p. 256.

MARTHA BRATTON.

Not to the ensanguined field of death alone Is valor limited.

SMOLLET.

Our country first, their glory and their pride.

J. T. FIELDS.

Martha Bratton was the wife of William Bratton a native of Pennsylvania.

She was born in Rowan county, North Carolina. They settled near York ville, in South Carolina, where she died in 1816. Two or three anecdotes will suffice to ill.u.s.trate her character.

In June, 1780, a party of British and tory marauders, were attacked by a company of whigs under Colonel Bratton, at Mobley Meeting House, in Fairfield district, South Carolina, and defeated. Advertised of this disaster, Colonel Turnbull, commander of a detachment of British troops at Rocky Mount, Chester county, ordered Captain Huck to proceed with his cavalry to the frontier of the province, collecting all the royal army on his march, and if possible to subdue the rebels. An engagement soon took place between Captain Huck and Colonel Bratton; but before the battle, the Colonel's wife had an opportunity to display her character in a truly heroic manner. The evening preceding, Huck arrived at the Colonel's house, and entering in an uncivil manner, demanded of his wife where her husband was. She boldly replied ”He is in Sumter's army!” Huck then tried to persuade her to induce her husband to join the British, and even went so far as to promise him a commission, in case he would do so. But neither persuasion nor argument availed any thing. With the firmness of a true patriot, she a.s.sured him that she would rather see him--faithful to his country--perish in Sumter's army, than clothed with any power or graced with any honor royalty could bestow! At this point, a soldier, exasperated at her bold and fearless manner, seized a reaping hook that hung in the piazza and threatened to kill her if she did not give particular and full information in regard to her husband. But with the weapon still at her throat, she promptly refused; and, but for the interference of the officer second in command, she would have lost her life.

Huck now ordered her to prepare supper for himself and the whole band.

With this request she complied, and then retired to an upper apartment with her children. Supper over, Huck posted his sentinels along the road and went with his officers to another house, half a mile off, to pa.s.s the night.

Convinced that the royalists would seek revenge for their late defeat at Mobley's Meeting House, and naturally fearing that his own family might be among the victims, Colonel Bratton had that day marched from Mecklenburg county, North Carolina, with seventy-five men. Late in the evening he drew near his house, and learning that the enemy were there, and ascertaining their number, he made speedy preparations for an attack. The guard of the royalists was neglected, and he found no trouble in reconnoitering the encampment. All things ready, the attack was made before Huck had finished his morning nap. He awoke only to attempt to rally his men and then lie down again to sleep for ever! The tories seeing their leader fall, fled, or made the attempt. Some _did_ escape, others were killed, others taken prisoners. The firing ceased about day light, when Mrs. Bratton made her appearance. She received the wounded on both sides, and showed them impartial attention, setting herself to work immediately, dressing their wounds and trying to relieve their pains. She who was so brave in the hour of danger, was no less humane in a time of suffering.[47]

[47] The following toast was drunk at Brattonsville, York district, on the twelfth of July, 1839, at a celebration of Huck's Defeat.

”The memory of Mrs. Martha Bratton.--In the hands of an infuriated monster, with the instrument of death around her neck, she n.o.bly refused to betray her husband; in the hour of victory she remembered mercy, and as a guardian angel, interposed in behalf of her inhuman enemies.

Throughout the Revolution she encouraged the whigs to fight on to the last; to hope on to the end. Honor and grat.i.tude to the woman and heroine, who proved herself so faithful a wife--so firm a friend to liberty!”

Prior to the fall of Charleston at a period when ammunition was very scarce, Governor Rutledge intrusted to her a small stock of powder. This fact some tory ascertained, and communicated to the British at a station not far off. A detachment was forthwith sent out to secure the treasure, of which movement Mrs. Bratton received early intimation. Resolving that the red coats should not have the prize, she laid a train of powder from the depot to the spot she chose to occupy; and when they came in sight, she blew it up. ”Who has dared to do this atrocious act? Speak quickly, that they may meet the punishment they deserve,” was the demand of the officer in command. ”Know then, 'twas _I_,” was the dauntless reply of Mrs. Bratton, ”and let the consequences be what they will,” she added, ”I glory in having frustrated the mischief contemplated by the merciless enemies of my country.”

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