Smyrna times., 1855-05-02
Humorous Storp.
PETER FRANCISCO,
THE SAMPSON OF THE WESTERN
HEMISPHERE.


AS LATE as the year 1886, there lived in |
Western Virginia, u man whose strength was
so remarkable, as to win him the title of the |
" Western Sampson" He knew nothing of |
his birth parentage, but supposed he was
born in Portugal, from whence he was stolen
when a child, and carried to ireland. His ear
liest recolections were those of boyhood in
the latter country While yet lad, he APP
prenticed himself to a sea captain, for seven
years, in pay for Il passage to this country. On
his arrival, his time and services were sold to
Mr.. Winston of Virginia, in whose service he
remained until the breaking out of the Revo-
luton. Being OF an adventurous turn of mind,
he sought and obtained permission OF his mas
ter to Join the army, and was engaged in ac-
tive service during the whole contest. Such
was his strength and personal bravery, that no
enemy could resist him. He welded u sword
the blade of which was five feet in length, as
| though it had been a feather and every one
who came in contact with him paid the forfeit.
of his life. At Stoney Point, he was one of the
" forlorn hope" which was advanced to cut
away the abatis, and next to Major Glbbon, was
the first man to enter the works. At Brandy
wine and Monmouth, he exhibited the most
fearless bravery, and nothing but his inability
to write, prevented his promotion to u cOmnis-
in most of the engagements in that section,
and towards the close Of the war, he was en-
gagged in contest which exhibited in a striking
manner, his selt-conhdence and courage.
One day, while accommodating, he stopped at
the house of a man by the name of W, to re-
fresh himself. Whilst at the table he was sur
prlsed by nlne British troopers, who rode up to
the house and told HIM he was their prisoner.
Seeing that he was SO greatly outnumbered, he
pretended 10 surrender, and The drag goOns seeing
he was apparently very peacefully inclined,
: after disarnlng hun, allowed him considerable
/ freedom, while they sat down to partake of the
food which he had left when disturbed. Wan
derlng out into the doOr-yard he was aCcosted
by the Paymaster, who demanded of him every
thing of value about him, at the risk of his life
t in case of refusal. 81 have nothing to give" "
: said Francisco, " so use your pleasure" "GiVe
>. up those massive silver buckles in your shoes, y
. said the dragoon. "They were the gift of a
u FRIEND" replied Francisco, "and give them t.
J, you | never shall take them If you wIll-yOu
e have the power-but never will give them t,
:, any one."
Putting his sabre under his arm, the soldie
c stopped down to take them. Francisco seeing
the opportunity, which was too good to be lost
seized the sword, and drawing it with torc
from under the arm of the soldier, dealt him
severe blow across the skull. Although severe
ly wounded, yet being brave man, the dra
goon drew pistol and aimed it at his antago
mist, who was to quick for aim, however, and a
he pulled the trigger, blow from the swor
nearly severed his wrist, and placed him hor
de combat. The repor: Of the pistol drew tn
), other dragons into the yard, as well as w, ,wh
!" very ungenerously brought out musket, ,whic
he handed to one of the soldiers, and told hil
to make use of it. Mounting the only hors
:" they could get at, he presented the muZZle q
al the breast of Francisco, and pulled the trgge
nd Fortunately it missed fire, and Francisco close
ID in upon him. A short struggle ensued whc
"a ended in his disarmlng and wounding the so
2" der. Tarleton's troop of four hundred me
or were now in sight, and the other dragons wei
las about to attack him. Seeing his case was de
va perate, he turned toward an adjoining thicke
od and as if cheering on purity of men, he erie
out, "Come on, my brave boys, now's yol
10 time we will soon despatch these few, al
- then attack the main body 90 at the same tin
hit rushing at the Dragons with the fury of 1
eet enraged tiger.
TO They did not wait to engage him, but fl,
.rv preoptately to the troop, panc-struck and d
- mayed. Selling upon the traltorous vlllai
en- w, Francisco was about to despatch him, b
use he begged and plead so hard for his life, tn
# I he forpave him, and told aim to secrete for h
non the eight horses which the soldiers had left
-" hind them. Perceiving that Tarleton had d
10 spatched two other dragons in search of hi
an he made off into the adjoining wood, and VIII
on they stopped at the house, he, like an old ft
an doubled upon their rear, and successfully evad
-. their vigilance. The next day he went to w
'ai' for his horses, who demanded two of them
hIle his services and generous intentions. Findi
ues his situation dangerous, and surrounded by Ell
INV mics. where he should haye found friend, FIR,