Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1899-03-11
Before the Battle of Lexington
People of North Carolina
Ousted the British.
First Battle of the American
Revolution Fought
in 1771.
HISTORY NOT GENERALLY KNOWN.

For years previous to the breaking out
of the Revolution the people of North
Carolina were in constant revolution
against the brutal tyranny of their British
Governors. In 1866 an organization or con-
federation known as the Regulators, ="
was formed for the purpose of resisting
the expressions of the infamous Gov
Tryon. A vigorous and successful war
was carried on for several years, but on
May l6, l77l, the patriots met with a
disastrous defeat on the river Allamance,
which compelled them to give up the
struggle for the time being, and submit
to the conqueror.
Gov. Tryon's conduct after the battle
of Allamance is characteristic of British
methods of suppressing a rebellion"
"With the implacable spirit of revenge, I"
says the historian, LOSING, che spent his
wrath upon his prisoners, and some Of
his acts were worthy only of barba-
rian. Having rested few days near
the battle-ground he went on as far as the
Yadkin, and, after issuing d proclama-
ton of pardon to all who should lay
down their arms and take the oath of
allegiance before July 10, except few
whom he named, he made circuitous
route through Stokes, Rockingham and
Cuilford counties back to Hillsborough,
exhibiting his prisoners in chains in the
villages through which he passed. He
exacted an oath of allegiance from the
people, levied contributions of provisions,
chastised those who dared to offend him,
and at Hillsborough he offered large
reward for the bodies of Husband 1.-THE
leader of the Regulatory and other Reg
ulators, dead or alive On his march
he held court-martial for trying civil
cases, burned houses and destroyed the
crops of inoffensive people. At Hills
borough he held court-martial for the
trial of his prisoners. Twelve were con-
demned to suffer death; six were re-
prieved and the others were hung,
among whom was Capt. Messer, whose
life had been spared few days before
by the intercession of his little child.
His thirst for revenge satiated, Tryon re-
turned to his palace at Newburn, where
he remained but short time, having
been called to the administration of af-
fairs in the Province of New York"
Josiah Martin succeeded Tryon as Gov
.ernor. His administration was better
than his predecessors. He tried to con-
ciliate the Regulators, and was success
full in enlisting many of them on the side
of the Government. But the vast ma
jority of the patriots held aloof, hoping
that an occasion would soon arise that
would give them another opportunity of
asserting their independence and over
throwing British rule. They were
not disappointed. Before IVA all the
northern colonies were in open rebellion
against the tyranny of George III. and
his ministers, and a general outbreak
against British misgovernment seemed
imminent. During the summer of IVA
large numbers of the inhabitants of
North Carolina held public meetings, in
which they signifed their approval of
the course pursued by their Northern
brethren, and Endorsed the proposal of
the people of Massachusetts for the call
ing of Continental Congress.
A general meeting of delegates from
the several towns of North Carolina was
proposed to be held at Newburn on Au-
gust 25, IVA. Although the Governor
proclaimed" the meeting, it was held
and was largely attended. John Harvey,
late speaker of the Assembly of the col
ony, presided, and resolutions were
adopted denouncing taxation without
representation; reprobating the tea and
other duties; expressing great sympathy
for the people of Massachusetts, and con-
demning the Boston Port bill as "cruel
infringement of the rights and privileges
of the people" The delegates also signed
non-importation agreement, and ex-
pressed their hearty approval of the
proposition for a general Congress.
In April, 1875, Gov. Martin, by procla-
nation, fixed a day for the assembling
of the Legislature. John Harvey, who
presided over the Newbern Convention,
summoned the people to meet as PRO
vincial Congress" on the same day.
Martin tried to prevent the meeting Of
the peoples deputies, but failed. He also
failed in his attempt to keep the two AS
semblies distinct. He denounced the Con-
tinental Congress as 'seditious and
wicked" "highly offensive to his males.
ty," and called upon the people ITO re-
member their allegiance and to faithfully
maintain it." His appeals were in vain,
for both Assemblies concurred in approx.
ing of the proceeding of the Continental
Congress of 1774, and in appointing dele
gates to new one to meet in Philadel.
phia in May, 1875.
The Governor and the representatives
of the people were now fairly at issue.
The latter organized a Provincial Con
gress, and, assuming the functions OF
Government, sent forth an address to the
people, recommending the adoption Of
measures for resistance similar to those
pursued in other colonies. Martin was
now thoroughly alarmed, and set to work
to organize a military force to crush the
rebels" He sent messengers to Cross
Creek, where there was large settlement