Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1858-08-21

| lately issued
a certain mythical halo has hitherto sur
rounded the history Of the old Nrginan wa
goner. whose prowcss was an important fea
tnre in the successful assertion of our nationa
Independence. The writer of this volume
has had access to various authentic materials
consisting Of the manuscript correspondence
| of Gen. Morgan with Washington. Greene
Lafayette, Jefferson, Hamilton, and many
other distinguished men of the Revolutionar
era, together with valuable contributions
from persons who were in possession of trust
worthy sources Of information. Eor the first
time, accordingly we have a complete bio
graphical narrative of Morgan's military ca
reer, and are enabled to form an adequate
estimate Of his services TO the cause OF the
Revolution.
General Morgan, as his name indicates,
was Of Welsh extraction. His parents were
ameng the emigrants from that country who
settled on the banks of the Delaware between
the years 1920 and 1870. He was born in
1876, in the county of Ilunterdon. New.
Jersey, but before be became Of age his resi-
dence was removed to Virginia. His early
education was entirely neglected. WheH
first known in his adopted State be could
scarcely read, was unable to write a legble
first rules Of arithmetic His manners were
rude and unpublished. From the time that
he was able to labor he was kept constantly
at work by his father in clearing land, split
ting fence rails, and in performing other
tasks belonging 10 robust boy on an uEim-
proved farm His departure from home was
owing to misunderstanding with his father,
and was without the knowledge or consent of
either of his parents. His first employment
in Virginia was on farm in Berkeley equity
He at once showed himself to be very indus
trous and capable of performing a large
amount Of labor. His first task was to grub
dp piece of rough land, for which be was TO
be paid by the acre. lie performed this so
satisfactorily that he soon had plenty Of the
same kind and was at length engaged 20
Superintend a sawmil. In this business he
remained for nearly year. when he obtained
a situation as WAGNER, in the service OF n
neighboring trader. At that time the en-
ployment was profitable and an important
one. There were no steamboats, nor rail-
roads, and supplies for the region west Of the
Blue Ridge were transported in wagons from
tae older settlements east of that range Of
lnountains. The wages which Morgan re-
ceived were much better than those which
he had earned at the sawmll. Besides. he
had already formed the design Of becoming
"a WAGNER on his own account as soon as he
could purchase wagon and horses, and in
little more than two years he set up in the
business for himself During this period his
personal Improvement was no less striking
than the favorable change in his crcumstan.
ces. The haIfformed boy had developed
into man; his mental growth had recei ed
a strong impulse and he became great
favorite with his companions by reason of his
strength and spirit his frank and good.hu-
mored bearing, and his rich fund Of natural
wit which he kept in constant exercise. His
habits and manners harmonised with those
of the people by whom he was surrounded,
and the traits of character which he displayed
naturally destined him to become their
leader
While pursuing his occupation as WAGNER,
he was called to exercise his energies in a
more important sphere. The advance OF
Braddocks army through a wide extent Of
required ample means of trans
portaton, aud 1t was not easy to obtain the
necessary supply Of horses aud wagons,
Morgan was induced to join the expedition,
which promised adventures entirely congenial
with his bold and resolute spirit. lie thus
relnquished his peaceful pursuits, and COM
menced his military career in the humble
capacity of teamster. During this march
an incident occurred which gave him fresh
reputation as young fellow Of dauntless
pluck
"A difficulty arose, e,,between the captain of
company of Virginia troops Ito which Nor
gan was attached in his capacity of WAGNER,
his wagon being laden with their baggage)
aud powerful fellow who accompanied the
army, and who had the reputation of being q
sklllful pugilst, and bally. 1t was agreed
between the disputants that upon the first
halt the matter should bo settled by fight.
AS soon as the company halted for dinner,
the captain stepped out to meet his antago-
nist when be was sccosted by Morgan
Captain, said he, you must not fight
that man.
why not 2 inquired the officer.
"'Because,' replied Morgan, you are our
captain, and II the fellow was to lick you. ws
should be all dsgraced. But, l will fgbt
him, and it be licks me, it will not hurt the
credit of the company
The captain demonstrated but disliking
the necessity OF placing himself on level
with blackguard aud perceiving that his
antagonist was perfectly willing to accede'to
the arrangement, he consented. Morgan,
stripping himself. at once engaged the bully.
and in very short space OF time. gave him
so severe a beating that he was unable to
rise from the ground. The prowess displayed
by one so young, against man oil mature