The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-07-04


red, told plainly his descent. He gave his name az
IL mes Mcdonald, aged one hundred and four years
and n -oceeded to relate his story with candor and
;nt.IRI;ro,. -e that at once attracted attention.
army when % eish. zen years of age, in which he was
me- nj of The outbreak tween Great Britain and this
conntrv. He came over to Boston under Lord Howe's
command, where he imm.. a.ely deserted and Joined
the American forces. He a. ps;n oa..ae " pun,
Trenton, lost an eye at the murderous oowPsns and
saw CORVALLIS surrender his sword. He served
In the war OF 1872. he was acquainted with
all the hero generals Of the Revolution, and with
our distinguished public men down to the present
follows:- '''''''' : '''D '''' = 'A' ""' A'
He and his wife had been previously living in
Kentucky. while their only surviving daughter lived
at Black Rock, in the State Of New York. His wife
having died short time before, his daughter wrote
him, urgently requesting him to spend the remainder
Of his days with her. In compliance with her re-
quest be left Kentucky, taking boat to Cincn-
stracting all his money, his papers, and part of his
clothing, while on board the boat. At Cincinnati
kind hearted stranger supplied him with an oveycnat
and paid his fare to Columbus, whers he expected
learned that his companion had been carried to the
tm .rb. He then applied to the conductor who gave
him rec pass to Cleveland and directed him to call
on the am 'orites for aid He made his application,
tod sId 6at he been robbed Of them when
they offered him til ket to the almshouse. Indig.
nant the old soldier turnsd upon his heel with the
remark that he had fought too many battles in the
Revolution to die in poorhouse;" and going back
to the depot, he was passed free over the Iead to
Shelby, and from there on the Mansfield road to
Eandusky.
During his short stay here he related many inter.
esting anecdotes Of the Revolution. asked him if
he knew (" Mad Anthony?' Uhe name given by the
soldiers to General Wayne) 81 should think
ought to- he replied, for he knocked me down
once" had q splendid black horse-one that had
brought over from England. Many night have
slept the ground, while he would take his stand
over me, and there remain all night as dOce as
kitten but when the smell of gunpowder reached
his nosrils it seemed to transform him into perfect
their impress upon him and, although he had
grown in measure useless, there was an affection
existing between us that would not allow me to see
him suffer and so kept him fat and sleek. After
out on scouting excursion, the butcher came to
Mad Anthony to inform him that they were entirely
out Of meat with no prospects OF any through the
day. Wayne told him to kill and dress one Of the
best conditioned horses in the camp.
"On my return my messmate informed me that the
butcher had killed and dressed my horse. snatched
my naked sword, and after satisfying myself that
my favorites blood had been shed, started for the
butchers tent, determined to aveDge his death. The
butcher saw me coming and fled to Wayncs tent,
where he took shelter. When l reached it Mad
Anthony stood at the door. He asked me what
wanted, ! told him the butcher. He ordered me to
put my sword up and return. l refused, and at
tempted to pass him, when he straightway knocked
me down. Gathering myself up, | returned to the
tent and wept." -.
After giving vivid description Of the battle Of the
Cowpens, he described hand to hand conflict with
British officer. Afer several thrusts and parrys,
his (McDonald's) sword broke in the middle. He
snatched the pistol from his holster while the officer
following up his advantage gave him thrust in the
huf fCrfn mo
brain. Here the old veteran came to halt in his
story. When asked how the conflict finally ended,
he replied -" do not hike to say much about it, as
it would seem like boasting, but shot him."
lie att..r,uyed the success OF the American forces
~ +bo taking of Burgoyne more to Benedict Arnold
than 10 General Gates Arnold, ,, said he. = An0hs
a tiger. Mounted on an
/ 4..- =, ~Aormous glossy black
charger, whose name and tai vSld be seen glancine
| through the smoke Of the fight, he seemed to be
everywhere present, and tie life Of the battle Al
cne lime small party of British had wheeled large
cahron up on q little eninence which commanded
the American forces. One lnurderous discharge had
told but too well upon the American DIVISION when
Arnold gave the word to charge Leading on his
men, and closely followed by Mcdonald, Arnold
reached the piece just as the match was being up
| piled. Sprnging his enormous charger completely
over tie gun lengthwise, and striking off the hand
of the gunner at a blow, he sprung from his horse
and sejzing the gun with giant grasp. wheeled il
around and applying the match, sent its death
dealing volley into the ranks OF the retreatinG
| British"
These and many other anecdotes were related with
an intelligence and power OF description that would
have done honor to the historian. The old man, al
| though talkative was perfectly free from childish
ness; and thought while bid him farewell, as he
took the beat for Buffalo, that had enjoyed treat
such as 10 author Of history could give. had seer
living link connecting the present with the past
| one who had been perfectly familiar with all the
scenes Of the Revolution. Long may he live and re
tain his strength and vvacty-fora after him, ne el
| shall see his like again.
Mnnas To- hc Fyaue n, uf .Trslv,