Plymouth advertiser. [volume] (Plymouth, Ohio) 1853-1988, 1855-07-28
An American Sampson.

oil "Ihe Western Sampson" lie knew
nothing Of his birth or parentsge, butsup-
posed he was born in Portugal, whence he
was stolen when chill and carried to Ire
land. His earliest recollections were those
Of boyhood in the latter country. While
yet a lad he apprenticed himself to sea-
captain Tor seven years, in pay for a pas
sage to this country. On his arrival his
time and services were sold to Mr.. Win
ston, OF Virginia, until the breaking out
OF the Revolution. Being Of an alven-
turous turn OF mind, he sought and OBJ
tained permission of his master to Join the
army, and was engaged in active service
during the whole contest. Such was his
strength and personal bravery that no en-
emy 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 "Forlorn Hope, which
was advanced to cut away the abattis 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 com
mission. 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 exhibi-
ted IN astriking manner his Self-conidence
and courage.
One day while reconoitering he stopped
at the house of man by the name of
Wilson, to refresh himself. While at the
table he was surprised by nine British
troopers who rodeup to the house AMI told
him he was their prisoner. Seeing that
he was SO greatly outnumbercd, he preten-
ded to surrender; and the dragons seeing
he was apparently peacefully inclined, af-
ter dlaarming him allowed him considera-
Bile liberty, while they sat down to partake
of the food which he had left when dis-
tubed. Wandering out in the door-yard
he was accostcd by the paymastcr, who
demanded Of him everything of value he
had about him, at the risk of his life in
the case Of refusal. Il have nothing to
give, said Francisco, so use your pleas
ure.' Give up those massive silver buckles
In your Shoes said the dragoon. They
We're the gift of a FRIEND replied Francis
co, and give them to you-I never shall;
take them if you will; you have the pow
es, but will never give them to any one.
Putting the sabre under his arm, the SOL
dier stopped down to take them. Fran
cisco seeing the opportunity which was too
good to be lost, seized the sword ,and draw
ing it with force from under his arm, dealt
him severe blow across the skull. Al
though being severely wounded, yet being
brave man, the dragoon drew a pistol
and aimed 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 de combat. The report OF the pistol
drew the other dragons into the Yard,
as well as Wilson, who very ungcncrous-
ly brought out musket which he handed
to one of the soldier and told him to make
use of it. Mounting the only horse they
could get, he presented the muzzle at the
breast of Francisco, and pulled the trig,
ger. Fortunately itmissed fire, and Fran
cisco closed in upon him. A short strug-
gle ensued, which ended in his disarmine
and wounded the soldier. Tarleton's
troop of four hundred men were now in
sight, and the other dragons were about
to attack him. Seeing his case was des.
perate, he turned toward an adjourning
thicket, and, as if cheering on party O
men, cried out, Come on my brave boys
nows your time; we will soon dispatch
these these few, and then attack the main
body! at the same time rushing at the
dragons with the fury of an enraged IT.
ger.
They did not wait to engage him, but
fled precipitately y to the troops, panic struck
and dismayed. Seizing upon the tritor.
GUS villain, Wilson, Francisco was about
to dispatch him; but he begged and plead
so hard for his life, that he forgave hin,
and told him to secrete for him the eight
horses which the soldier had left behind
them. Perceiving that Tarleton had dis
patched two other dragons in search ol
him, he made off into the adjoining wood,
and, while they stopped at the house, he,
like an old fox, doubled upon the rear and
successfully evaded their vigilance. The
next day he went to Wilson's for his hors-
es, who demanded two of them for his
services and generous intentions. Finding
his situation dangerous, and surrounded
by enemies where he should have found
friends, Francisco was compelled to make
the best oft, and left with six horses, in
tending to revenge himself upon Wilson
at future time; but as he said, 'Provi-
dence ordained that l should not to be his
executioner; for he broke his neck by a
fall from one of the heavy horses
Many other anecdotes are told of Fran
cisco, illustrative of his immense strength
and personal proves. At Camden, where
Gates was defeated, he retreated, and after
running along the road some distance, he
sat down to rest himself. He was accost-
ed by British dragoon, who presented a
pistol and demanded his immediate surren-
der. Hisgun being empty he feigned sub
mission and said he would surrender--at
the same time remarking that his gun was
Of no further use to him, he presented it
sideways to the trooper, who, reaching for