The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-07-11
SKETCHES OF THE REvoLUTIONARY
WAR IN NORTH CAROLINA.

II was cold, bleak winters midnight-the ground
covered with snow brilliantly Illuminated by the full
suddenly reused from sound sleep, by summons to
attend one of those urgent cases which seldom en-
courage excuses or delay.
Although called "Doctor," and educated as
physician, other engagements have superseded my
practice. endeavored, very civilly, TO extrcate
myself from the necessity of turning out. had u
cold was in perspiration-l did not practise
and did not wish to interfere with that Of others.
All such excuses are readily made; and sour pro-
fession" is as proficient in them, probably, as any
other!
The good neighbor who called me up, calmly met
all my objections with appropriate answers No
other doctor TO be had within miles; the nurse,
who was experienced, felt uneasy at the symptoms
the child was born; the mother feeble, exhausted,
and alarmed. In few words-for he was as slow to
speech as to anger--he showed me had but one
path to take-to go to the sick woman's chamber.
| made up my mind to take 'another-to my own
bed. Standing at a halfopened window, in the
keen wind, made this resolution appear almost i'm
peratve.
So, protesting to be very sorry could not go, l
closed my window upon the argument. But, as the
Friends" say, "my pind was not easy" have
a wife and chdren-God bless them!--of my own;
and as | crossed the room, i felt quite as much
vexed with myself as with the interruption.
fancied all the varieties of danger to which the
sex is subject sat such times" attempted to con-
suit my wife; who, kindly recognising all the obec-
tons had urged, was still opposed TO my resolu-
ton.
might 60 to bed, but to sleep was impossible
So my horse was brought, dressed, and set out;
and found myself, certainly, much more cheerful on
the road to my neighbours, than on my way to bed.
The route--though new one to me, and rough
one-was not long. arrived just as all my excuses
had been recapitulated by the messenger who woke
me; after which, he FASTENED home to his repose
Il raA hat he md Ia IF tba
where were gathered number Of the neighboring
women folk--received my presence as the greater
favor, after hearing such list of excuses.
My professional duties were slight reassured
all parties by decided opinion that their fears Of
danger were not well founded; and after careful at
tention to the feeble woman--wh0 was anxious, in
consequence of previous misehance--and caution to
the nurse, to whom took great fancy, | sat
myself down by rousing wood fire to gossip with
the 'comers.n
The nurse-an aged woman Of SO years, with
prominent features, oblong face, specialized nose,
and kerchef tied over her cap-exhibted so
much good sense and discretion in detailing, with
great emphasis, the pecularies of the case, that,
with professional tact, naturally endeavored to
show my satisfaction with, and render myself equal
ly acceptable to, her.
All the countenances encouraged conversation.
Some observations referring to "old times, !" brought
out the nurse, and offer the following tale Of the
revolution upon the authority of "Aunt Suzy, and,
as much as possible, in her own language.
1t was detailed while active preparations for re-
freshments- coffee, broiled ham, and hot biscuits
were perceptible from the kitchen in an clubhouse;
which seryed to satisfy the good woman in the
corner that the company was well attended to at
her inlying;whe the hustle Of the younger as
sistants in passing to and fro, in preparing for the
repast, was running accompaniment, suitable, no
doubt, to the occasion.
THE sKrRMisH AT THE CROSSROADS.
Joseph Graham was sergeant in regiment of
about seven hundred young men, who left Charlotte
TO meet the British as they advanced towards the
upper country from South Carolina.
Aunt Suzy's husband was also enrolled in this
band of patriots; and the morning they were to
march, she carried his clothes to him in Charlotte,
distance of about five miles, leaving her frst-born in
charge of her mother.
They were all in high spirits, she said, as she
saw the party set out: "Graham being left little
behind he went on in kind Of lively canter, as
he came out of the barracks to catch up. tie was
fine, fresh-lookng man, with fair long hair, which
strearned out behind as he ram" i,
aEysry whip-stiish Graham got advanced--he
went away sergeant, and came back edjptant;'
After the battle Of Camden, Lord CORVALLIS
marched into North Carolina; and, on the 26th day
of September, $780, he entered the town of Char
Iotte, The mounted American militia retreated,
lighting, out of the town. on the main road towards
Salisbury, pursued by the advance of dragons
under the command Of the celebrated Tarieton,
"The very devil, if he had come out Of his den,
could not have been more terrific than this tory
Tarleton! We called our dogs 'Tarleton, and every
mean thing we had!''
dOur people were pretty well jaded that day. Joe
Graham was very well dressed, with white shorts
and scarlet coat; he active and so busy that
his horse was outdone before he was aware Of it
having run backwards and forwards as adjutant--
although he was only 10 or 20 years old"
n. Ial Hat chv,aop fnfh
back road to cut off the retreat Of the Americans al
the crossroads nearly five miles from Charlotte
s.and the fight began at the stony knnb, little
nesked-up rise, between the crossroads and the
Westinghouse"
By some accounts, it is told, that scouting party
of mounted Americans were advancing towards
Charlotte, and had stopped for refreshmept at tht
crossroads, mile beyond the meeting hopse-Ithei
horses being tied to the trees and fencesi the LOOK
out walking from the door to the table, to help him
| self with the others. When the British light-hors'
were seen coming over the brow Of the hill or stony
knob, al n little distance, the scouts jumped e
their horses and scattered upon the different ROADS
whilst the troopers urged on in eager pursuit.
| But Aunt Suzy describes the party as ga stand o
men" who had been driven from Charlotte by thi
advance Of the British troops, oVeraken, and near,
headed by superior forces for as those In their rea
rapidly advanced, another party was seen pushing
down the cross-road TO meet them as they retreated
Several Of ho most active Americans pursued the roat
towards Salisbury; and they considered themseve
well mounted, and acquainted with the country,
was with prospect escape. But, as one Of then
afterwards remarked, "They thought their horses
were active, but they seemed to stand still wheI
pursued by the blooded horses rode by the English.
Graham was fne-looking horseaan, well armed
equipped, and mounted. As he rode furiously for
ward almost in the rear of his companions, he turn
ed in his saddle and fred his pistols at the most for
ward English trooper, who was closing upon hin,
but, although practised marksman, he missed hi
1 aim. by the motion Of his horse.
He stroye to oblige his enemy to come up will
him on the right-hand that he might use his sword
arm AGAINST him, but this was avoided; and, at
slight opening inihe road, the Englishman dashe'
alongside, and struck him a stunning blow upon tn
head, which was partially resisted oy ms guaru
have proved fatal "But he always attributed hi
life 10 his stock-bucke.n -,
aUur officers, ihen, dressed just like the British
and = verv large SILVER stoct-buckle was worn II
those days by such as were little up in the world
Il AT the third blow, his sword-blade was broke'
.,db he throuv mn his honda Il