Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-01-08

he was attacked by three ru1ans wnOm ne pled up III
together striking one of them and breaking his pohe'
1t is stated in Howe's History of Virginia. that "such was
his pc sonal strength that he could easily shoudera can
weighing pounds and our informant, highly re-
spectacle gentleman now residing in Buckingham COM
municaton before u.s. says 'He could take me in his rght
hand and pass the with me, and play my head
against The ceiling, though had been dol-baby MY
weight was 1876 pounds" Imagine such Samson as this
in the front of battle, waving his six feet sword
The following anecdoe, illustrative of Francisco's vaor,
has often been published -
While The British army spreading havoc and des-
oaton all around them by their punderngs and burnngs
in Virginia. in 76 Francisco had been reconnoerng and
while stopping at the house of Mr. s'"# then in Amelia,
now Nottoway county, nine of Tareons cavalry up
with three negroes and told him he their prisoner
Seeing he overpowered by numbers, he made ress
tance. Believing him be very peaceable, they all went
into the house, leaving him and the paymaster togeher
"Gve instantly all that you possess of value, said the
latter, cor prepare die" 81 have nothing to give up"
said Francisco, $50 your pleasure" "Delver instant
ly," reoed the soldier, hose massy silver buckles which
you wear in your shoes." "They were present from a
valued friend" replied Francisco, 'and it would greve
to part with them. Give them into your hands never
will You have the power take them if you think ft''-
The soldier put his sabre under his arm and bent down
take hem Francisco finding so favorable an opportunity
to his liberty stepped pace in his drew The
sword with force from under his arm, and instantly gave
him blow the scu. "My enemy" observed Fran
CISCO "was brave, and though severely wounded drew
pistol and in the same that he pulled the trigger
his hand nearly off. The bullet grazed my side.-
Ben he of The house very ungenerousy brought
muske and gave it of The British soldiers, and told
HIM make Of that. He mounted the only orse they
could get, and presented at my breast II missed fire.,
rushed on the muzze ofhe gum A short Struggle ens,ed
disarmed and wounded him. Tareton's troop Of four
hundred men in sight. All hurry and confusion
which increased by repeatedly haoong, loud as could
Come ny braUe boys NOUS yOlr time ,oe aOR soon
dispatch these e,c and then attack the main body! The
wounded man few the troop others panic
and fled seized Ben #+** and would have dispatched
him. bu, the poor wretch begged for his life he
y object Of my contempt, but pity. The eight horses
that left behnd,l gave him TO conceal for me- Dis
covering Tareon had dispatched ten in pursuit Of
made off. evaded their vigilance They slapped to re-
fresh themselves l. like an old fox doubled and fell on
their rear. went the next day Bel s""S for my hor-
ses he demanded for his trouble and generous nen-
ons. Finding my situation dangerous and surrounded by
enemies where Fought to have found frends went of
with my six horses. l intended TO have avenged myself
Of **** future day. but Providence ordained should
not be his executioner for he broke his neck by fall from
one of The very horses!"
Mr. Francisco in the year 9-, was elected Sergeant
alarms of The Virginia House of Delegates. He died in
the year 1881 and buried in the Shuckoe Hill burying
Ground No marks the place of his grave, but ;he
rank grass waves uyurianty the ashes of the
extraordinary soldier and among the rank and file Of
the American Revolutionary Army Flow such prodigy
of prowess and strength would have delighted the eye
Napoleon He would have placed Peter at the head Of
his grenadiers he would have covered him all over with
stars and orders of merit and if he had fallen he would
have commemoraed his fame with the title bestowed upon
one who not superior in valor to Peter Francisco
''Brauest Of The Brave."-Rich. Republican.
A PET BLAcKBIRD.-The pretty cottage Of Mr.. Thomp-
sun, merchant Gatehonse, which stands hillside
the enhance Of The town, presents many attractions the
curious Of which, perhaps, pet backbd. 1t
taken from the parent upwards Of ayear ago. and read
lily became domesticaed and familiar with children in the
house. Whilst quite content with town life and intercourse
and converse with the feathered Species 1t still
wildng of nature" with strong yearning towards the
woods, which it INDUCES daily, and has done for munhs
Not being confined within the limits Of cage, it is free to
rove large and has abused its liberty Every morn
ing /, leaves its home in the cottage for the pncey bowers
of Caly and there, at the distance of mile more may
be heard pouring forth its delicious tide of song Scarcely
has The suund died away, ill the whng Of his wings in
dcates its return for breakfast is The table, and backy
does not wish to ba behind On such OCCASIONS the bird
enters the window door, with the most perfect assurance
just if the house his own, and every Thing in il,
ties upon the table, hops from dish dsh and helps itself
according to fancy.
After satisfying its appetite it generally remains awhile
gambong with the children and if il flies off before din
ner sure to be back be second meal dispatched
in order TO get its share and, what is very remarkable
it has penchanl for raw meat In the matter Of bread and
butter, aso it quite at home and thinks nothing at al
of running off with slice Of the latter commodity if fresh
for Mr. Backbrd's palate is still so unsophscaed as NO
to covet salt It's nocturnal roOst is the kitchen chin
ney piece, and understand, by the regular hours he
keeps that he quite pattern for young dodgers The
bird is, on all these accounts, great vorite with the fam
lily, and is certainly pretty creature, well curious
one We saw it one night last week on its accustomed
perch and next morning again half mile oon The bound
airy wall of Caly estate had difficulty in recognizing
the feathered avorie by its shape, familiarity, and intel
ecua air. 1t had we dare say dscernmen enough to SET
tina, we were eyeing ntenty and as if aware Of our de-
sign waited long enough for 10 ''ake notes. regarding
its demeanor, as to be able to identify it, 1t then flew
over the wall, and handsomely repaid us with noes' o
its Of late has been seen in the company ofanoth
backbd, and we hope to hear of them both popping il
fine morning breakast-blacky having first begget
leave to introduce his mate Zone Of the amy"--a per
mission which we are sure would be willingly acceded to
-Dumffes Journal
KIssEs.-The ladies of Troy have introduced new fea
ture at their fairs, from which they realize much hand
than from lotteries, viz that of selling their
fectonary to gentlemen, Young and old All the best look