The true Democrat., 1856-03-11
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From the Louisville Democrat. Precious Relict of the Patriotism of Olden
 Times.
 We tender our thanks to Mr. Duncan and his friend for this very acceptable present. We shall keep it a highly-prized treasure.
 This letter from the Flights of Yorktown bears all the marks of age, but it is still almost as legible as when first written:
 Nicholasvius, Ky., Feb. 8, 1856. 10 tue Editors of the Louisville Democrat:
 GENTLEMEN: Several days ago MT. G. Blake man, of this county, presented me a number of letters written during the revolutionary war by his father-in law, James Irving, and take the liberty of sending to you one written by him during the siege and capture of Yorktown.- You will see that 1t was addressed to friend residing in Goochland county, Virginia. That friend died in Madison county, Kentucky, in lo42, aged eighty-one years; and James Irving, the last revolutionary soldier of this country, died in the year 1851, aged ninety seven years. He was of English origin, and was born in Mecklenburg county, Virginia, in 1854. He served seven years in the revolutionary army, Quebec; also at the battles of Monmouth, White
 
 Island and Yorktown; was severely wounded at Yorktown and Manmouth
 In conclusion, permit me to say that as this letter is the only one concerning the siege of Yorktown written by him 1 present it to you, trusting that you will keep it as long as you live.
 Yours very respectfully, M D.
 Flights betore Iorhtoa0n, Oct. 22 1781.
 "MY DEAR FRIEND JIM: As Captain Mack inly is on the eve of starting for Goochland I avail myself of leisure moment to drop you this nasty note. You will have no doubt heard of our good friend Charles Maxcey's death, from wounds he received early on the morning of the 16th. Charles Maxcey was true con- tlnental and good soldier and he died lament ed by every one who knew him. We buried him with the honors of war, General Greene shedding tears with us as we carried his dead body to the grave. Charles Maxcey received his death blow in the assault led by General Lafayette, as a true mark of his courage and love for America and General Washington He was wounded in the breast, thus showing you at once that he would not turn his back on the damned redcoats. Tell my father that all his sons fought bravely for General Washing ton and America. Tell him that Charles and John and myself have concluded to enlist again We are determined to have satisfaction for the death of Charles Maxcey, and we will have it. My wound on the knee Is almost wel and 1 feel 1 could kill all of old Cornwallis army of red coated dogs.
 ' It would have done your heart good to have witnessed the surrender of old Cornwallis on day before yesterday. They marched out of their coops in beautiful order, commanded by all their own officers, who were beautifully dressed up in bood-red uniforms We could scarcely keep from cursing them as they would pass by our soldiers, all ragged, with no hats scarcely on our heads Our good General Washington had much difficulty in keeping us from shooting some of the damned rascals down. large, rough looking Englishman, in passing by me, turned up his nose, and no soon. CT than 1t was done drew my gun down on him on the side fthe head, and the very much. But sorry to inform you that Colonel Hamiltoa made me leave ranks, guarded by ten continentals, though they did not keep me there long, for General Greene let me % free soon as the red coats had finished stacking their arms.
 "When come home I will tell you all the particulars of this fight. could talk with you and father and mother a twelve-month on all the hardships have suffered for my country As Captain Mackinlev returns write to me- and give my kindcst remembrance to Sally Ann, Julia Ann, and father, mother. and all our friends JAMES IRVING.
 "To JIMMY ROWLAND"