The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-09-01
MECKLENURG COUNTY, NORTH
REco1LEcr1oNs OF CROSS CREEK
From the Fayetteville Observer.

| The HlghlanderS of Scotland, after thel
defeat at Culloden in l746, migrated to
North Carolina, under the advice of Neil
Mcneil. They found a resting place or
the banks of Cape Fear, at what has re-
mained the head Of navigation on that river
to the pres ent time.
AS early as 1862 Cross Creek and Camp.
bellton (now Fayetteville began to assume
Importance in a commercial point of view,
the fame whereof attracted many from
abroad, and amongst others James Porter
field, an Irishman by birth, but who for
some years had been a resident of Penn
sylvania. Mr.. Porterfeld had FIVE children
Eleanor, who intermarried with Col.
| Thomas Owen, the father of Gen. James
and the late Gov. John Owen one son who
died in early life John and James, who
| for many years were merchants in Fayette-
vile. and Denny, who is the subject of this
| brief sketch.
On the breaking out of the Revolutionary
war, the whole family of Porterfelds
espoused the Whig cause. In the death of
u OdlIlcS OIlGIlI0lu, OcIl. CuO loSb Oil
able and Influential friend. But his widow,
animated by the same ardent temperament
made her mansion headquarters for the
Wings of Cross Greek. She was celebrat-
ed as an expert cartridge maker, and fire.
quently spent nights in preparing bullets
to be used by the Americans. At that time
she lived in the house that has for many
years been known as the residence of John
McLeran, decd, and now of his son Will
liam.
Under such father and mother, and in
such times, Denny Porterield grew to
manhood. He became soldier, served
with distinction in the American army, and
attained the rank of Major. It is not our
object to give detailed account Of the ex-
ploits of Denny Porterfeld, but will simply
endeavor to record his daring bravery as
exhibited in his last battle.
1t is a we'll known fact that while Corn
wallis retreated from Guilford Court House
ria Fayetteville and Wilmington t. York
town, where he was compelled to surrender
to the prowess of Washington, Gen. Greene
instead of pursuing him, determined to re-
lieve North and South Carolina from the
prosecutions of Lord Rawdon, and so press
ed upon him, that in July 1871 he took post
at the Eutaw Springs, where the Americans
attacked him and drove him from his en-
trenchments. Foremost in this intrepid
charge was the high-souled and valorous
Denny Porterfeld, who seemed to have a
charmed life, as he exposed himself upon
his mettled charger, with epauletts and red
and buff vest on, to the murderous fire of
the enemy. Lieut.. Col. Campbell received
a mortal wound while leading the success
full charge. Porterield and his brave COM
panions rushed on to avenge his death, and
took upwards of five hundred prisoners.
In their retreat the British took post in
strong brick house and picqueted garden,
and from this advantageous position, un-
der cover, commenced firing.
At this crisis in the battle, Gen.
Greene desired to bring forward reinforce
ments to storm the house. To save time
it became important, that some one should
ride within range of the British cannon
1t was in reality forlorn hope. The
American General would detail no one for
the enterprise, but asked if any would
volunteer. Instantly Denny Porterfeld
mounted his charger and rode into his
presence. Gen. Greene inquired if he was
aware of the peril, if he know that his path
lay between converging fires, and in full
sight of the British army. Poterfeld
modestly replied, that when he entered the
American army he had subjected his powers
of mind and body to the glorious cause,
and if needs be was prepared to die in its
behalf.
Greene communicated the command,
which was to order into service a re-
served corps that lay in ambuscade, ready !
to advance upon receiving the signal agreed
on.
With brave and undaunted bearing
Major Porterfeld dashed off upon his fleet
courser, and so sudden and unexpected was
his appearance among the British, and so
heroic the deed, that they paused to ad-
mire his bravery, and omitted to fire until
he was beyond the reach of their guns ;
but on his return, they fired, the shot took
effect in his breast, and the brave Denny |
Porterfield fell. and sealed his devotion to
the cause with his blood on the plains of
Eutaw. His horse escaped unhurt, gallop- |
ed into the American ranks, and never
halted till he reached mis- accustomed place
in the ranks.
Gen. Greene, who witnessed the instincts
of the animal, shed tears, and ordered David
Twiggs, father of Miss Winny Twiegs now
of Fayetteville, to take charge of the horse
and carry him to Mrs. Porterield at Cross
Creek. And upon Sunday afternoon the
mother Of the distinguished gentleman who
some of the facts detailed, |
to have met David Twiggs |
coming into the Cross Greek, who in one |
breath announced the fall Of his beloved |
Major and the success of the American