Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-08-06

ss. For the Journal
Tradition and History-Thc Battle at hoore,s Crcc,
..-r ..-.a Bridge.

Bridge.
Mr.. Editor Towards the close of 1775, Cover.
nor Martin sent commission of Brigadier General
to Donald Mcdonald, at Cross Greek, where Fav.
eiteville now stands ,-tugeher with procIamaton
calling or all loyal subjects 10 rally TO his standard
About the first of February General Mcdonald rails
ed the royal standard al Cross Creek and in a few
days he had fifteen hundred Highland Scotchmen
under bis command. Col Moore, as soon as he heard
of McDona.d's proclamation, marched with the first
Continental regiment and many of the militia of
the district of Wilmington as he could collect and n
few pieces of cannon. He halted near RockfSh Creek
in Cumberland County, about u miles from Cross
Creek, and Immediately prevented all communication
between Mcdonald and Governor Martin at the
mouth of the Cape Fear Gen Mcdonald at first
marched towards Col. Moore and halted few miles
from his camp He sent letter TO Col. Moore, en-
pressing the hope that in order to prevent the shed
ding OF blood he would submit to the constitution
and laws of the country. Col. Moore, in order 10
gain time, delayed answering his letter for few
days and then positively refused compliance ;ntima-
ting to the General that he prepared for any
emergency. AT the same time the General was in
formed of the motions OF Co.'s. Ellington and Cas-
well, who commanded the minute men of the district
of Wilmington and New Berne, and also of The ar
rival of Sir Henry Clinton in Cape Fear River with
reinforcement. Gen. Mcdonald, dreading TO find
himself surrounded. thought of nothing but making
his way to " ilmington, in order to join Sir Henry
CIinton-and believing that - he who runs awav
may live TO fight another day. he decamped at mid
night and attempted to clude the pursuit of Col
Moore. He crossed the Cape Fear and South Riv-
and the third day learned that Coils Llling.
ton and Caswell were encamped the east side of
Nloore's Creek, about Is miles from Wilmington,
with 1000 men.
On the reception of this intelligence, Gen MELON.
aid feigned himself sick. and Capt. Mcleod led on
his men about daylight on the 9th of February
they came in sight of the fires that Ellington and
CasweIl had caused to be kindIed on the west bank
no I'm fhou hat III,
bagpipes with great glee, the same tunes that was
played the bloody field of Culloden. On on they
came to that harvest of death.
Capt Mcleod led his men up to the bridge. and
found the planks had been removed and the SleeperS
creased. At this moment the Wings commenced
| firing from the entrenchment. As Caesar stopped
| on the banks of the Rubicon, so did Mcleod pause
for moment the banks of Moores Creek but
dehroned from the effects of ar ent &p,-
its. and he madly rushed :he Greek: his men
attempted to follow. AT this moment the Wings at
tempted to fire of their cannons. called " Lady
Covington,' out the match failed -the Tories are
fast crossing on the seepers-Tom. Larkins fires his
pistol in the touch hole of the cannon. and heap
of lfeless corpses fall into the Creek-McLeod fails
wounded. No longer able to stand he crawls to-
ward the entrenchment. calling to his men-.Comc
on. my brave boys the day is ours will eat din
ner this day either in Wilmington, or in hi" At
this moment the brave but rash Mcleod falls wound
ed in nine different places. The Eght-wood stump
on which be fell, be in the road that leads
to the New Bridge Immediately on the fall of Nc
Leod, the Royal Army attempted retreat but were
soon captured by Col. Ellington Search was made
| for Gen. Mcdonald and he was found about six
miles from the Bridge. When he was brought to
| the Bridge Of the Wings remarked in his hear
ing that he ought to be shot = he we'll knowing,
as prisoner of war, no harm would be done him,
remarked, In menacing manner This is your
day, but tomorrow may be mine" SHELTON.
Netr Han0rer County, n c.. JIV' 1852.