New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-08-01

beach, when his attention wa attracted by the white
sails Of vessel which lay short distance from the
sbore. Az the approach Of several men from the vee-
sci in small boat bis companions fed, when Fran
cisco was enticed on board the vessel and brought to
this country. The vessel landed a, City Point about
fifty milee below Richmond, where be was sold Hspur.
chaser was man by the name Of Wright of Cum per-
land County. who proved ahard master At the break
ing out Of the Revolution Peter Francisco, who was
then only II years Of age expressed desire TO JON
the army but refused the privilege by his master
Col Winston Of Buckingham, who bad before mani
tested an interest in his welfare purchased bis time
of Wright and gave him his liberty. Very soon alter
wsrd Francisco joined the army, IN which be served
until the end Of the war, and was engaged IN almost
every battle of any consequence during the Revolt
ton.
Peter Francisco never lived in Western Virgins,
but while not in the service Of his country he resided
alternately in Cumberland Buckingham, Prince Ed
ward and Campbell Counties, in Eastern Virginia
He ded in the Winter of 1891, while Sergeant-atArms
in the Virginia House of Delegates, aud was buried
with military and civic honOrs in the ShockOe Hill
Bury ing ground at Richmond.
Having been apprentced at such early age and
entered serviceeven Of bis minority
be was deprived Of education, and thereby unfor;u-
nately rendered incompetent to occupy the position in
the army 10 which bis bravery and skill entitled him.
He nevertheless applied himself TO study during his
leisure moments and soon learned to read well; but
bis knowledge Of penmanship never extended further
than bis ability TO write his name. understand
from those who knew him well that be man OF
excellent historical and general information and pos
sessed store of bumor and anecdote which rendered
him at all times an agreeable companion and an ac-
ceptable visitor.
III ere formerly resided at Petersburg in this State,
an old gentleman named Burell who az City PGnt
and saw Peter Francisco when he landed there. He
repn scented him as fine looking boy, and says that
his attention was attracted TO him, among number
Of Others, by the fact that his clothing of the most
CANT kind though very dirty owing 10 the fact that
be bad not changed IL since he left his native cOun
try. Mr. BureI was of opinion, from his general ap-
pesrance that his parents persons of 10 ordinary
rank.
Peter Francisco was a man Of remarkably kind
disposition, and perhaps no man ever lived possessing
any thing like bis remarkable strength, VINO was not
more easily provoked iato difficulty Indeed, Frau
cisco has often been heard to say that he never but
on, struck man with his cenched fist, and then he
shattered a mans jaw-bone At single blow. The
proyOcaton which richly merlted the punish
ment. On another occasion, while III the service OF
his country be was uDjusily accused by Gen. Law
son of some imprOpriety Francisco assured him that
he was mistaken, at which Lawson flew into tertl-
bic rage, and told +. that he lied. Francisco
Indignantly resented the insult, for which Law
sOn ordered his men 70 take him under arrest.
Froncisco becoming enreged at such unjust treatment
drew bis sword and warned his companions in arms
that the fret no approached him should forfeit hls
life. His comrades who knew and feared nm, hesl-
taed to obey the order, when Francisco INQUIRED his
horse and soon disappeared. Being well acquainted
with the movements Of the "rebe forces he az once
repaired TO Gen. Washngtons quarters, and laid be-
fore him true stateme nc Of the case. He expected
of to la mt tpdQr wa II
most agreeably disappointed when his commander
ordered him 10 fall into line
At Camden where Gates was defeated, he reireated,
ana after running along the road some distance ne
sat down 10 rest himself He suddenly accOsted
by British dragOOn who presented pistol and de-
manded bis immediate surrender. His gun being
empty he fegned submission and said he would sur
render, at the same time remarking that his gun
of no further use TO him. he presented it sideways TO
the trooper who in reaching for IT threw himself OFF
bis guard, when Francisco, quick thought, ran him
through with the bayonet, and as he fell from bis
horse, Francisco mou ted and continued his retreat.
Soon aferward he overlook his commanding officer,
Col. Mayo of Powhaian, who being quite large,
hesby mani had sunk down on the roadside com
petely exhausted, and given himself up to the
mercy of the enemy. Francisco offered the Colonel
his horse, saying that he was young and active and
could make good his on foot. The Coo1el re-
fused he proered kindness, and remarked, You are
young, Peter and the country is in need of your
Services, while am getting old and worthless:
Make your escape and leave me alone. Even If
would accept your profered kindness, / AN not
able to raise myself into your saddle" Without fur
Their ceremony, Francisco disnouned, and taking COL
Mayo by bis collar and waistband, raised him iato
the saddle with as much ease he bad been child.
He then made good biz own escape. For this oct of
kindness Col NJ afterward presented him with thou
sand acres Of land IL Kentucky.
Several persons have attempted TO collect nforme
ton connected with the life aud public services of this
extraordinary man. for the purpose OF writing his his
tory, but such work has never yet made its appear
ance. And the editor of one of our city journals un-
dertook some time since through the columns OF ms
paper 10 induce the Legislature of Virginia to raise
suitable monument over the grave of Peter Francisco
but
They carved not q line
They raised not a stone"
md lis grave among the neglected Of any in
Il Richmond Cemeteries. J.h.f.
Richmond, ia, july -, 1850.