The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1855-05-09
Peter Franchises, tlao S;all.o,;
OF tl1G Western EHe.,ai.UuaGTc.

As late as the year 1886, there
lived i'll Western Virginia. Il RAN
whose strength was SO remarkable, us
to win him the title Of the :: ':Eiryinia,
Samson" IL, knew nothing Of his
birth or parentage, but supposed he
was born in Portugal, from whence
he WAS stolen when II child, and ear.
ricd to Ireland. is earliest rcculcc
tiuns were those Of l.ny hnrL in the
latter country. While yet Il lad. he
Hpprcnliceu himself to Il sea capt lin i.
for seven years, in pay for Il passage
to this country. On his arrival, his
time and services were sold t,a Mr.
Winston, OF Virginia, in whose $vryi
'ccs iic rou,aincd until the brc;lNin.
ont Of the Revolution. Being OF an
adventurous turn rt' mind, ic sought
and obtained permission Of his master
to join the army, and was engaged in
active service during the whole con
test. Such WAS his strength and per
sonal bravery, that no enemy could
resist him. lie wirlucl sword. the
blade Of which WAS five feet in length
as though it had been y feather, and
every one who came in contact with
him paid the forfeit of his life. At
Stoney Point, he was enc oi'thc "iur
lorn hope" which was advanced to
cut away the abattis; and, next to
Major Gibbol, WAS the FRS. lnan 10
enter the works. At I:randywigc and
Monmouth he exhibited the mos,
fearless bravery, and nothing but his
ahabillty to write, prevented his p.o'
motion to commission. Transferred
to the South, he took part in most of
the engagements. in that section and
towards the close Of tic war, he WAS
engaged in Il contest which exhibited
ina striking manner, his remarkable
self confidence and courage.
One day, while accommodating, he
stopped at the house Of q man by the
Aamc of W to refresh himself.
While at he table lie WAS surprised
by nine British troopers; who rode up
. to the house, and told linn he was
their prisoner. Seeing ;hat he was
I 80 greatly outnumbcred, he pretended
to surrender, and the dragoons seeing
chat he was apparently very peaceful
2y inclined, after diSarming him a.
lowed him considerable freedom, while
they sat down to parlakc Of the food
which he had left When disturbed
Wandering out into the door yard, he
was accostcd by the Paymastcr, who
demanded of him everything Of value
about him at the risk Of his life, in case
OF refusal. /" have nothing to give"
said francisco, $50 use your pleasure"
"Give up those massive silver buckles
ia your Shoes" said the dragoon.--
"Ihcy were the gift Of II friend" re-
piled francisco, sand give them to
you never shall; take them if YOU
will, you have the power, but never
Mill give them to any one Putting his
sabre under his arm, the soldier stop.
ed down to take them. francisco
seeins his opportunity, which was too
good to be lost. seiged the sword, and
drawing it with force from under the
arm OF the soldier, dealt him q severe
blow across the skull. Although
severely wounded, yet being brave
lnan, the dr"ssoon drew pistol and
aimed it ut his antagonist, who was
TOD quick for him, however, and as lie
pulled the trigger a. blow Of the sword
hsarly scvcrad his wrist ard placed
all'n hors dn combat. The report OF
The pistol drew the other dragoons in.
to the yard as well rs W., who