Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-03-10
COLONIAL MANSION.
THE FAMOUS HISTORIC "ErPEs
PLACE. IN HALIFAX COUNTY.
1t was Once the Headquarters of
Tarieton-'rse Recovery Of Her
stolen Pony by Hiss Eppes-An In
cident of CORVALLIS.

Passengers on tnc Sout4i-pocitd '."-' "
the Atlantic-Coast Line. looking west as
they 20 whirllng beyond the old historic
town of Halifax. just before the trains
reach Quankay creek. will see situated
among some fine old trees the dilapidated
hull of a once famous old mansion. noted
FAR and near for the lavish hospitality
of its owner, the beauty. culture, anu
refinement OF his daughter ana the
kn,ghtly bearing Of his sons.
This was IN the old days. more than
100 years ago, when the State was In
arms-not on account OF the civil war,
hut when the British red-coats were at
tempting to trample under foot the glori-
Gus liberties OF the American people.
The house referred to stards Just as II
did in the long ago. But Its WINDOWS are
shattered. its grounds are Sesolate, ana
ontv the ghosts OF memory walk its de-
serted halls now. Every plank and every
nail I'm It were imported, and many OF
its timbers are as sound to-day as they
were a hundred years ago. This Is the
famous Eppes place, erected and owned
by Captain Eppes. Of noble ancestry. IL
was here that General Tarleton, COM
mander Of the British Legion, mace nus
HEADQUARTERS while in Halifax county.
AT THE SAND TIME.
Some OF the historians appear not 10
agree as 10 the fact that CornWaiiis anu
Tarleton were in this county at the same
time But II is a well-known fact to the
old inhabitants Of this section that such
was true. This is established by little
incident: While Tarleton was making
himself at home at the residence OF Cap
tain Eppes one OF Cornwallis's men came
tp from his camp, about one mile below, on
Roanoke river, and carried off beautiful
pony, the property and pet OF MISS Eppes.
She was a lovely type Of the pure south
ern girl, with wavy golden hair and
clear. peach-llke complexion. When she
discovered the loss OF her pet she did
not go into Mysteries, but, with that
dauntless courage inherited. she invaded
the enemy's camp, saw and recognized
her pony. She said not word, but as
quick as a fash she mounted the Noble
little animal and. with a wave of the
hand, rode in triumph through the lines.
When the British realized what she had
done they took OF their hats and cheered
her until she was out Of sight.
Another little fact connected with North
Carolina history not generally known is
this:
LENGTH OF ABSENCE.
About this time Colonel Nicholson, the
grandfather of DR.. ]. T. Bethany, OF
Enfield was a recruiting officer. and lived
upon a beautiful estate near Fishing
creek. An avenue about quarter OF a
mile long led to the house. He had been
very active In stirring up the patriots,
and this fact becoming known 10 Lord
CORVALLIS, he resolved TO make pris )ner
OF Colonel Nicholson. But the Colonel
was not to be caught mapping. On his
estate. Just 10 the rear OF his home, were
and are to-day, immense thlckets OF reeds.
In the thlckest OF this jungle he had pre-
pared for an emergency. 1t came sooner
than he expected. Sitting in his hall
one day he saw n company OF red-coats
enter the avenue, In two minutes he was
gone. The men rode up and asked to see
him. Mrs. Nicholson informed them that
he was from home. How long will he be
absent?" inquired an officer. Just as
long as you remain In this nelghborhood,"
replied Mrs Nicholson.
We'll, we hear he has some famous old
apple brandy" said one OF the men, land
We must have some Of It,"
That is true" replied the lady. Here
are the keys; help yourselves"
LITERALLY.
They did help themselves, and pretty
literally. Taking brandy, bacon, and
other things. they rode to the head Of the
avenue. where they spent the night drink
ing and carousing. They called up many
OF the darkies of the place and had them
70 drink. dance. and sing. All night the
great camp fires roared and msrrlment
was Kept up. They remained until they
had nnished the last of Colonel Nichol-
sons hne old brandy and then they rode
away
Whole books could be written OF inst
such little incidents. They have been
handed down from father to son. and n
does seem a pity to let them pass into
oblivion.