The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1855-08-15
5tllstfllaneous.,
[From the Petersburg Intelligeneer.l

lFrom the Petersburg Intelligeneer.l
The American Samson.
As late as the year 1886, there lived
in Western Virginia man whose
strength was so remarkable as to win
him the title of "The Western Sam
son." He knew nothing of his birth or
parentage, but supposed he was born in
Portugal, whence he was stolen when a
child and carried to Ireland His ear
liest recollections were those of boyhood
in the latter country. When yet lad
he apprenticed himself to a sea-captain
for seven years, in pay for passage to
this country.
On his arrival his time and services
were sold to Mr.. Winston, of Virgin
ia, in whose services he remained until
the breaking out of the Revolution.
Being of an, adventurous turn of mind,
he sought and obtained permission of
his master 10 join the army, and was
engaged in active service during the
whole contest. Such was his strength
and persona! bravery that no enemy
could resist him He welded a sword,
the blade of which was five feet in
length, as though it had been feather,
and every one who came in contact with
him paid the forfeit OF his life.
At Stony Point he was one of the
'folorn hope" which was advanced to
cut away the abettis, and next to Major
Gibson was the first man to enter the
works At Brandywine and Monmouth
he exhibited the most fearless bravery,
and nothing but his inability to write
prevented his promotion TO commits
sion. Transferred to the South he took
part in most of the engagements in that
section, and toward the close of the war
he was engaged in contest which ex-
hibited in striking manner his self
confidence and courage.
One day while accommodating be stop
ped at the house of man by the name
of W to refresh himself While at
the table be was surprised by nine Brit
ish troopers, who rode up to the house
aud told him he was their prisoner.
Seeing that he was SO greatly outnum-
bered, he pretended to surrender, and
the dragoons, seeing he was apparently
peacefully inclined, after disarming him,
allowed him considerable freedom, while
they sat down to partake of the food
which he had left when disturbed.
Wandering out in the door-yard he
was accosted by the payuuaster, who de-
manded of him every thing of value
about him, at the risk of his life in the
case of refusal "I have nothing to
give" said Francisco, $50 use your
pleasure"
''Give up those massive silver buckles
in your Shoes" said the dragoon.''
"They were the gift of a FRIEND"
replied Francisco, "and give them to
you-I never shall; take them if you
will; you have the power, but I will
never give them to any one.
Putting his saber under his arm, the
soldier stopped down to take them.
Francisco seeing the opportunity, which
was too good to be lost, seized the sword.
and drawing it with force from under
the arm of the soldier, dealt him Sc
vere blow across the skull. Although |
severely wounded, yet being brave
man, the dragon drew pistol and aim
I'd it at his antagonist, who was too quick
for him, however; and as he pulled the
trigger, a blow from the sword nearly
severed his wrist, and placed him hOrs
ze com6a:.
The report of the pistol drew the
,ther dragons inte the yard, as well as
W, who very ungenerously brought
,ut a musket which he handed to one of
he soldiers and to Id him to make use
If it. Mounting the only horse they
,ocld get, he presented ths muzzle at
he breast Of Francisco, and pulled the |