The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1859-07-26
THE BLACK BOYS OF cABARRUs.

We copy from the Salisbury Watchman the
substance of the speech of Rufus Barringer, Esq.
at Concord, N. G. the 4th of July, in regard to
the destruction of the powder wagons by certain
citizens of that county before the Revolution
in response to the toast to the "Black Boys OF
Cabarrus, Mr. r. Barringer said These festive
scenes should serve to awaken enquiry INTO the
events they are intended to commemorate. In ad-
dition to the more prominent features of the Revo-
luton, we should seek to learn and perpetuate the
heroic achievements of our own sectlon-our own
people-our own fore-fathers.
The Committee on Toasts did well to remember
the "Black Boys" of the Revolution. Mr. Is thank
ed them for calling him to respond to that toast
He was proud of that achievement for his country,
and for his county Elsewhere every incident OF
the Revolution is gathered up and treasured as the
richest legacy-the dearest heritage ever bequeath
ed to any people Not so with us. We have
been sadly derelict in this duty. The destruction
of the Tea at Boston, by party OF some sixty
men disguised as Indians, has been bazened on
the page of history. Yet here is an event, similar
in character, prior in time, and equally, II not
more bold in daring, that is scarcely known be-
yond the limits of Cabarrus. It is well authentl-
Gated. Indeed, there is no doubt whatever as to
the main facts. Early in May, I'LL, Governor
Tryon in anticipation of Battle with the Regula-
tors ordered some three or four wagon loads OF
| powder lead, fints, and other munitions OF war
| from Charleston, S. c. to meet General Naddell
at Salisbury. AS they passed through Cabarrus,
with guard, they camped at the Phifer Hill
three and half miles West of this place, ON the
main road then leading from Charlotte to Saisbu-
ry A party of men from Rocky River blacked
themselves as negroes seized the wagons by force,
stacked the contents into great pile, and by
| train fred and consumed the whole. The party
consisted of Messrs James White, afterwards
brave and gallant soldier and officer In the Revolu-
ton y his brothers, John and William-a- cousin,
William White-a-brother-law Robert Caruthers,
BENJAMIN Cochran, Robert Davis, James Ash
more, Joshua Hadly, and or two others not
now recollected. These men did this thing, not
through any personal or local grievance; because
this section was then comparatively prosperous
and contented people But it was done through
sympathy for their brethren, the Regulators, In the
middle portions Of the State. There were gross
expressions and the most uni Just exactlon practlced
bv the ROYAL authorities in those sections. These
men had strong and clear sense OF right and
wrong, with generous sympathy for the oppress-
ed every where. They had keen foresight as to
the impending danger They saw an issue with
the Regulators was at hand, and that the best
service was to cripple the Governor IN his prepar-
ations for the Battle. This they did. The Battle
of Aamance was fought just afterwards, and the re-
suit NAV have been very different but for this
bold and daring deed They disguised themselves
because they knew the consequences, if discovered
The danger was not so much in the attack, as IN
the discovery But even in the attack, there was
danger Besides the and guard with the
wagon, the Red Hill at Phifers was then a we'll
known place of resort and the friends of the Royal
cause, at that early day, were still numerous ana
near. But they we're touching the Royal Governor
in tender point, in cutting off the sinews of war,
and they were not disappointed in the danger they
anticipated. They were pursued, as 1t were, with
; blood hounds They were hunted far and near.
They fed the country. They lay out concealed
the very spot being still known. Rewards were
offered and pardons promised to any one who
would inform Tradition says that two OF them
= Cashmere and Hadly) did turn Kings evidence.
it is probable they only accepted the offered par
don, and surrendered themselves. This only ln-
creased their danger but the others stouty refused
to do so, and though they often hotly pursued
the feeling of the country was so strongly with
them, that the friends of Liberty always managed
! to secure their escape.
How does this compare with the Boston Tea
PARTY? 1t occurred 1773, two years afterwards,
when the whole country had been excited and
aroused to the highest pitch of indignation The
Royal Governor of Massachusetts, (Hutchlns) was
manfestly a timid man; and he was willingly
relieved ofa difficulty by the destruction ofthe Tea
: The leaders understood this; and the party disgus
: ed as Indians boldly marched through the street
of the city in broad day. Their names were no
even asked for by the Royal authorities and no on'
pretended to modest them. Let us not detract from
r Boston. But here is deed at least equal to thei
l. exploit and is worthy ofremembrance by us, and
n brief notice on the page of history. And tor on
q Continued MIR b. l shall not cease my efforts TO
its ation until get picture In the Nort
E Carolina Reader representing Major White hrn
l. his pistol into the train of powder.
c This incident is further remarkable as Showing
the prompt spirit of forefathers when the hou
a of trial came As before remarked, the people G
/ this section were comparatively happy and prosper
u, GUS. Special efforts made by the Royal Gov
r ernors to conciliate them. In 1853, Gov. Iryo
made visit to this very county, (then part {
is Mecklenburg.) He first came to Salisbury d
he then visited Major John Phifer, at Red Hill
= Reviewed a regiment at Capt. Polk, s. look u
ct his quarters at Major Phifer's. Returned to Sa
le bury and reviewed a regiment there. Again n
of turned to Cabarrus and staid with Martin Phlit
Sc on Cold Water-went with Phifer and others
search for one of the corners of the Granville gran
C. which they found Cold Water. He the
C, called on Captain Barrnger in the eastern part
be the county-went from thence to Messrs. Alexal
ders on Rocky River. But notwithstanding the'
efforts to conciliate the people of this region,
= l771, they all sympathised with the Regulator
f. From 1771 to 1775, they protected the Black Bo,
from the powder and indignation and vengence
st the Royal Governor. In 1775, they declared il
if dependence and throughout the war, they sci
or forth as many and brave sons, as any other r
is' gion in America.