Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-04-12
MisttlIaHeous 6lrauinGs


VS. ern Hcnisphere.
AS late as the year 1886, there lived in
Western Virginia, a man whose strength was
SO remarkable, as to win him the title of the
Virginia Samson He knew nothing Of his
birth or parentage, but supposed he was born
in Portugal, from whence he was stolen when
child, and carried to Ireland. His earliest
recollectons were those of boyhood in the
latter country. While yet lad, he appren
rcei himself to sea captain, for seven years,
IN pay for passage to this country. On his
arrival, his time and services were sold to
M Winston, of Virginia, in whose services
hs 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 active
service during the whole contest. Such was
his strength and personal bravery, that no
enemy could resist him. He welded 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 abattis, and, next to Major Gibbon,
was the first man TO enter the works. At
Brandywine and Monmouth he exhibited the
most fearless bravery, and nothing but his ina
blity to write, prevented his promotion to a
commission. Transferred to the South, he
took part in most of the engagements in that
section, and towards the close Of the war, he
was engaged in a contest which exhibited in
striking manner, his remarkable selfconfdence
and courage.
One day, while accommodating, he stopped
at the house of q man by the name of w -.
to refresh himself While at the table, he was
surprised by nine British troopers, who rode up
20 hoh tol1 ~.
ner. Seeing that he was so greatly outnum-
bered, he pretended to surrender, and the dra.
goons seeing he was apparently very peacefully
inclined, after disarming him, allowed him con-
siderable freedom, while they sat down to par
take of the food which he had left when dis
turbed Wandering out into the door yard, he
was accosted by the Paymaster, who demanded
of him everything Of value about him at the
risk OF his life, in case Of refusal 81 have
nothing to give, said Francisco, $50 use your
pleasure" Give up those massive silver
buckles in your Shoes said the dragoon
They we're the gift of friend" replied Fran
cisco, and give them to you never shall !;
take them if you will, you have the power, but
never will gice them to any one" Putting
his sabre under his arm, the. soldier stopped
down to take them. Francisco seeing the OPP
portunity, which was too good to be lost, sezed
the sword, and drawing it with force from I'M
der the arm of the soldier, dealt him a severe
blow across the skull. Although severely
wounded, yet being a brave man, the Dragon
drew pistol and aimed it at his antagonist.
who was too quick for him, however, and as he
pulled the trigger blow Of the sword nearly
severed his wrist and placed him hors du com
dragons into the yard as we'll as w -, who
worry n pOopa 10 oht IL
he handed to one of the soldiers, and told him
to make use of it. Mounting the only horse
they could get at, he presented the muzzle at
the breast of Francisco and pulled the trigger
Fortunatelyit missed fire, and Francisco closed
IN upon him. A short struggle ensued, which
ended IN his disarming and wounding the sol
der. Tarleton's troop of four hundred men
were now in sighs, and the other dragons
were about to attack him. Seeing his case
was desperate, he turned toward an adjoining
thicket and as if cheering on o party of men
he cried out, Come on, my brave boys; now's
your time we will soon dispach these few, and
then attack the main bodyl'' at the same time
rushing at the dragons with the fury of al
enraged tiger.
They did not wait to engage him, but fiec
precipitately to the troops, panic struck anc
dismayed. Selling upon the traitorous villain
w, Francisco was about 10 dispatch him, but
he begged and plead so bard for his life, that
he forgaye him, and told him to secrete fol
him the eight horses which the soldiers had
left behind them. Perceiving that Tarlton had
dispatched two other dragons in search o
him, he made off into the adjoining wood, anc
while they stopped at the house, he, like an ole
fox, doubled upon their rear, and successfully
eyaded their vigilance. The next day he wen
IN w for he horoac ba da,ro,dad 49, ~ IL -
for his service, and generous intentions. Find
ing his situation dangerous, and surrounded b,
enemies, where he ought to have found friends
Francisco was compelled to make the best o
it, and left with his six horses, intending to re
vengc himself upon W. at future time
"but,h as he said, "Providence ordained thai
i should not be his executioner, for be broke
his neck by fall from one Of the very horses.
Many other anecdotes are told of Francisco
illustrative OF his immense strength and per
sonal prowess AT Camden, where Gates was
defeated, he retreated, and after running along
road some distance, he sat down TO rest him
self, He was suddenly accosted by British
dragon, WHO presented pistol and demanded
his immediate surrender. His gun being empty
he feigned submission, and said he would sur
render, at the same time remarking that his
gun was no further use 10 him, he presented il
sideways to the trooper, who, in reaching FOL
it, threw himself off his guard /; when Francisco
quick as thought, ran him through with the
bayonet, and, as he fell from his horse, b,
mounted him and continued his retreat. Over
taking his commanding officer, Colonel Mayo
Of Powhattan, he gave up the animal, 70
which act of generosity the Colonel afterward
presented him with thousand acres Of Ian,
in Kentucky.
Tho following anecdote exemplifying hi
peaceful nature and his strength, is also told o
Francisco. How true it is, we cannot say, bu
we tell it as it was told to us many years ago
while he was living in Buckingham county
Virginia:
One day while working in his garden he was
accosted by stranger who rode up to the fence
and inquired Of him if he knew where q mar
by the name of Francisco lived 2"
Raising himself from his work, and eyeinf
his interrogation, who appeared to be one Of tho
halfhorses, halfaligator' breed Of Kentuck
ians, he replied, "Well, stranger, don't know
Of any person by that name in these parts but
myself"