Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-04-25
9af4(i 9af4(iistellaneous R?eablng
PETER FRANCISCO, THE SAMPSON OF THE
WESTERN HEMISPHERE.

As late as the year 1886, there lived in
Western Virginia., man whose strength
was so remarkable, rs to win him the title
of the Virginia Samson" He knew moth.
ing of his birth or parentage, but supposed
he was born in Portugal, from whence ne
was stolen when child, and carried to Ire.
land. His earliest recollections were those
of boyhood in the latter country. While
yet lad, he apprenticed himself to sea
captain, for seven years, in pay for pas.
sage 10 this country. On his arrival, his
time and services were sold to Mr.. Win.
stun, of Virginia, in whose services he re-
maiued until the breaking out OF the Revo.
luton. Being of an adventurous turn of
mind, he sought and obtained permission of
his master to join the army, and was engas'
ed in active service during the whole contest.
Such was his strength and personal bravery,
that no enemy could resist him. he WELD.
ed a 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 liIe. At Stoney
Point, he was one of the "forlorn hope"
which was advanced to cut away the abatlis; !;
and, next to Major Gihbon, was the first
man TO enter the works. At Brandywine
and Monmouth he exhibited the most lear.
less 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 towards the close of the war,
he was engaged in contest which exhibited
in a striking manner, his remarkable self.
confidence and courage.
One day, while accommodating, he stopped
mt the house of man by the name oil w
-, to refresh himself While at the table
he was surprised by nine British troopers,
who rode up to the house, aud told him he
was their prisoner. Seeing that he was so
greatly outuumbered, he pretended to surren.
der, aud the dragons seeing he was appa.
reully very peacefully inclined, after disarm.
ing him, allowed him considerable freedom,
while they sat down to parlake ot the food
which he had lett when disturbed. Wan
dering out into the door yard he was accost.
ed by the Paymaster, who demanded Of him
everything of value about him at the risk of
his life, in case Of refusal. 81 have moth.
ing 10 give" said Francisco, so use your
pleasure" "Gve up those massive silver
buckles in your Shoes said the dragoon.
"rhey were the gift OF a friend" replied
Francisco, "and give them to you never
shall; take them if you will, you have the
power, but | never vii; gire them to any
one." Putting his sabre under his arm, the
soldier stopped down to take them. Fran
cisco seeing the opportunity, which was too
good 10 be lost, siezed the SWORD, and draw.
| ing it with force from under the arm Of the
soldier, dealt him severe blow across the
skull. Although severely wounded, yet be.
ing brave man, the dragoon drew a pistol
and aimed it at his antagonist, who was too
quick lor him, however, and as he pulled the
trigger blow of the sword nearly severed
his wrist and placed him horS dl combat.
The report of the pistol drew the other dra-
goous iu,o the yard as well us W, who
very ungeuerously brought out musket,
which he handed 10 one ut the soldiers, and
told him to make use Of it. Mounting the
only horse they could get at, lie presented
the muzzle at the breast Of Francisco and
pulled the trigger. Fortunately it missed
fire, and Francisco closed in upon him. A
short struggle ensued, which ended in his
disarn,iug and wounding the soldier. Tar
letons troop Of four hundred men were now
in sight, and the other dragoons were about
to attack him. Seeing his case was desper-
ale, he turned toward an adjoining thicket,
and as if cheering on party oil men, he
cried ont, "Come on, my brave boys; now's
YOUR time; we will soon dispach the few,
and then attack the main body" at the same
time rushing ut the dragons with the fury
of an enraged tiger.
They did moi wait to engage him. but tied
precipita,eIy to the troops. panic struck anu
disulayed. Seizing upon the trallorous VII
lain w. Francisco was about TO dispatch
him, but he begged aud plead SO hard tor h's
life, that he toryave him, and told HIM to
stcrete for him the eight horses winch llle
soldiers had left behind them.. Percelvlns
that 'iTariton had dispatched two other dra'
goons in. search OF him, he made Qft into