The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-06-07
HEROIC WOMAy.
Mrs. Martha Brntson's Bravcry-Hcr
Grandson Canning IL the R.nninn

women VINO became famous DURING tlt
Revolution, that OF Mrs. Martha Brattor
stands cut In propinence. Mrs. Bratton's
home was IN York county, about ten
miles south OF Yorkvllle. Her husband
VIM. Bratton. was a colonel IN Sumter
army. In June, 1870. Col. Bratton defeated
a British troop OF at Mobley's Meeting
House, In Fairfield county. To ayenge
this defeat. Capt Huck was sent out at
the head OF 400 British cavalry and a
large band OF Tories. On the 18th OF July
they reached Col. Bratton's house. Soon
after his arrival, Capt. Huck entered the
house and asked Mrs Bratton where her
husband was.
"He IS in sumter's army. where he
ought 10 be-" she replied.
Capt Huck then told Mrs. Bratton that
II her husband would give up the cause
OF his country and Join the Royalists he
should have a commission ia the Royal
service.
Mrs. Bratton answered that she would
far rather see him remain true 10 his
country. even though he should perish
in Sumters army
Her answer Infatuated Capt Huck and
his men who stood near. Capt. Huck gave
her little son. whom he was fondlns on
his knee. such a sudden ana violent push
that the child was hurt by the fall II
caused him. one Of the men, Scotch
man, seized a reaping- hook which hung
near. and brought II TO Mrs. Bratton
throat. saying lie would kill her II she
Old not immediately tell where her hus-
band could be found. But even this She
refused TO tell. Capt. Huck did not inter-
fere. but the officer second In command
compelled the brutal man 20 release her
capt. Huck ordered Mrs. Bratton 10
prepare supper for himself and rr h.s
men Mrs. Bratton's feelings, as she pre-
pared the meal for her uninvlted ana uh-
welcome guests was shown by the des-
perate idea that occurred 10 her 10 put
poison In the food But she shrank from
such an act. and after reflection. she gave
10 the plan. Then, too, she remembered
that her husband and lis men might even
than be near at hand and thus she might
deprive them OF a victory. AFTER supper
capt. Huck and his officers went about
half a mile away. TO spend the nlght IN
a house. owned by Mr.. Williamson mere
with their men encamped around thefh'
they slept in fanclec security.
I'm tho meanwhile, capt. Baton, with
about sevonty-nvo men, came into the
neighborhood from North Carolina, and
marched within short distance OF the
British encampmcnt. While the enemy
we're sleeping soundy they began the at
tack. Capt Huck rallied his men as
quickly as possible. but early in the
fight be and one OF HIS officers were Kill
ed. Then the men threw down their arms
and fed In the pursuit the conflict rag
ed around Col Bratton's house. Mrs.
Bratton and her children were IN great
danger OF being shot. she made her little
son sit within the chimney. While he sat
there a homb-sheu fell through the roof
La ff.isF hD
Il. picked IL up. and began a critical ex-
animation OF its chayacter and object. He
continued the inspection until he was
again brought within the line OF forth
cation. About daylight the firing ceased.
The early morning light displayed a ter
rfble scene. Scattered over the ground
lay the dead, the dying and the wounded.
Tho spring near by. once so clear and
pure. was red with the mingled blood OF
friend and foe.
As soon as possible Mrs. Bratton went
out on the battle-ground. When she
found that an Of her own dear ones were
s,orad She began 10 attend the wants ot
tho wounded. She threw open her mousse
10 all and tendcriy ministcred 10 irlend
and foe alike As she leaned over one
diving man. he opened his eyes and look
cd al her. They recognized eaca oiher'
lie was the Scotchmau who had attempt I
ed 10 take her life the evening before
with his dying breath, he murmured' |
MADAM forgive me-
sho answered him. "Tf God will forgive
Won. 1 most assuredly Will
Among the prisoners was the officer VINO |
took command when Capt Huck ieH. ne |
was sentenced 90 immediate o'ath' n". /
as a last favor De was allowed 10 see
Mrs. Batton. She at once recognized |
N... ID ID I|..H HIH| N
the Scotchman. She begged that Doe might |
be- SHARED. Her request was granted lie |
was given into her charge and she en-
tcriained him IN her own home until he |
was exchanged.
Another time during the war. Mrs Brat |
ton displayed her determined spirit Gov !
sent some ammunition 10 Col |
lsratton. but. he being absent his wife |
took charge of H. Some koyalists, hear
Ing Of it determined 10 secure IL for them
selves Mrs Bratfon determined That
they should not do SO. She laid tram
of powder from the place where it was
deposited 90 the place where she stood
N hen the detachment came In sight she
.et fire 10 it and blew it up. The officer
VAS cnragod and swore vengeance upon
he person who had outwItted him In
such n manner
ut was who dld g." said Mrs. Brat
ION. "the consequence be what 81 will. ]
glory iu having prevented the mischief
contemplated by the enemies OF my cOun-
49,"
During the remainder 81 the war Col
3ratfon was away from home almost con-
SANITY. His wife devoted herself 10 her
lciehbors and % her children. but was
.vcr ready 10 aid and encourage her
lciehbors.
when tho war was ended Col Bratton
continued the cultivation OF his farm.
There be and his wife lived 90 ripe old
zoe. They die1 within a year OF each
lthcr and now lie side 10y side ~ the old
yothosda grave yard Their descendants
.re numerous. Many Of them live in the
.cinitv of the old homestead. which was
made famous hy "Uucks Defeat" The
atte-eround. which is still marked by
ant. Huck's grave and the old house
tsclf. are owned by one OF their grand
.auchters. Mrs. a. B. Harris. OF Co.um-
ia s. @.
The little boy who sat within the Chin
lev during me battle-afterwards Or
ohm 5. R-attor-was the first OF three
enorations Of physicians. His son. Dr.
. r. Bratton. OF Yorkville. 90 whom |
m Indebted for some Of the facts of this
ketch. IS widely known as skillful
MUSICIAN and surgeon. Two OF his sons
ave adopted the profession. one OF
hem. DR.. Sumter Bratton, has recently
ettlcd I'm Columbia.
on July T.. lS9. az the suggestion Of
Dr. Jno. $. Bratton. the Goth anniversary
? HucEs defeat was celebrated on the
attle-ground The crystal water Of the
oring. which hny-nine years before was
ad with blood was the only beverage
So on the occasion. With II the follow
" toast was drunk:
THE memory Of Mrs Martha Bratton.
, the hands OF an infatuated monster.