The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1859-11-22
From the Hillsborough Recorder.
THE TORY'S MISTAKE.

1t was in the year 1871, that dark and gloomy
period of the Revolution, when Georgia and South
Carolina had been overrun by the British. Gene
raj Gates had been defeated ut Camden, aud Corn
wallis, with his victorious army, had marched into
North Carolina, compelling General Green, with his
little band of patriots, to retreat across Dan river
into Virginia for renforcements, to enable him to
give battle to his powerful rival CORVALLIS, find
ing all his attempts to bring Greene to action un-
successful, and ascertaining that he had safely
crossed the Dan returned in easy marches to Hills
borough, believing that North Carolina like Geer-
gia and South Carolina, was now ready to submit
to the Royal yoke. He had raised the Royal stan
dard on the goth of February, "and issued proc
amatiou inviting all loyal subjects to repair to it
and assist him to restore the English rule and it
at this time that the circumstance which We
wish to relate occurred. Living few miles south
or southwest from the town, was an old man by the
name of Baker, a rank old Tory, who hearing OF
the approach of CORVALLIS, and being too old to
join him soldier, greatly perplexed to
know how he could best exhibit his friendship and
zeal in the cause of the English; he referred the
matter to the consideration of the old lady, his
wife, who at once recommended that they should
gather up all the butter and eggs, of which they
had plenty and take them to CORVALLIS and make
him present of them; and she had no doubt but
it would insure them hearty welcome from his
Lordship. Such an excellent idea was immediate
ly adopted; and long before day the next morning
their packages Of butter and eggs were all ready,
and they set out their journey of loyalty, in
der to reach the town at an early hour, unfortu-
nately unconscious of the changes which had taken
place there the evening before. CORVALLIS being
informed of the advance of Gen. Greene towards
Guford Court House had suddenly broken up his
camp and left town, which entered by some Of
the American troops. But our Tories not being
Informed of this fact, continued their journey, and
about the break of day they crossed the bridge and
entered the southern part of the town; and here
they were met and hailed by some American dra-
goons, who were coming down towards the river,
the results of which we will give in a few verses
which We have often heard repeated by the old peo
ple
cold woman" says he, 40, what shall be done,
The great English Lord, CORVALLIS, has come;
He has raised his stardard is now in the town,
Has invited to come in all good friends Of the Crown"
Very WE'LL" says she, "you can understand,
Some butter and eggs can quickly command;
With these a present, to Cornwallis we'll go,
He'll be glad to receive them and welcome So"
With their packages all slung and long before day.
With their loyalty burning they far their way;
And at the break of the day they entered the town,
And here they met some dragons coming down.
''Hilloa,' say they, ''my good friends, which way
Are you going in this early part of the day 2"
ave good friends of the King o, long may he live
We have some butter and eggs to CORVALLIS to giye
every well, they replied, "we will escort you in town.
And doubt II be rewarded friends ofhe Crown"
They marched us to the market, where me they tied
And thrty-nne lashes were laid my hide.
My tears and entreatcs and prayers were in vain,
On my poor back the lasheS were heavily lain,
., never shall forget, so long as live,
The butter and eggs to Cornwas give.