Chapter V: The Highlanders in North Carolina (2)

Manifestos being the order of the day, Thomas Rutherford, erstwhile patriot, deriving his commission from the Provincial Congress, though having alienated himself, but signing himself colonel, also issues one in which he declares that this is "to command, enjoin, beseech, and require all His Majesty's faithful subjects within the County of Cumberland to repair to the King's Royal standard, at Cross Creek, on or before the 16th present, in order to join the King's army; otherwise, they must expect to fall under the melancholy consequences of a declared rebellion, and expose themselves to the just resentment of an injured, though gracious Sovereign."[49]

On February 1st General MacDonald set up the Royal Standard at Cross Creek, in the Public Square, and in order to cause the Highlanders all to respond with alacrity manifestos were issued and other means resorted to in order that the "loyal subjects of His Majesty" might take up arms, among which nightly balls were given, and the military spirit freely inculcated. When the day came the Highlanders were seen coming from near and from far, from the wide plantations on the river bottoms, and from the rude cabins in the depths of the lonely pine forests, with broadswords at their side, in tartan garments and feathered bonnet, and keeping step to the shrill music of the bag-pipe. There came, first of all, Clan MacDonald with Clan MacLeod near at hand, with lesser numbers of Clan MacKenzie, Clan MacRae, Clan MacLean, Clan MacKay, Clan MacLachlan, and still others,--variously estimated at from fifteen hundred to three thousand, including about two hundred others, principally Regulators. However, all who were capable of bearing arms did not respond to the summons, for some would not engage in a cause where their traditions and affections had no part. Many of them hid in the swamps and in the forests. On February 18th the Highland army took up its line of march for Wilmington and at evening encamped on the Cape Fear, four miles below Cross Creek.

The assembling of the Highland army aroused the entire country. The patriots, fully cognizant of what was transpiring, flew to arms, determined to crush the insurrection, and in less than a fortnight nearly nine thousand men had risen against the enemy, and almost all the rest were ready to turn out at a moment's notice. At the very first menace of danger, Brigadier General James Moore took the field at the head of his regiment, and on the 15th secured possession of Rockfish bridge, seven miles from Cross Creek, where he was joined by a recruit of sixty from the latter place.

On the 19th the royalists were paraded with a view to assail Moore on the following night; but he was thoroughly entrenched, and the bare suspicion of such a project was contemplated caused two companions of Cotton's corps to run off with their arms. On that day General MacDonald sent the following letter to General Moore:

"Sir: I herewith send the bearer, Donald Morrison, by advice of the
Commissioners appointed by his Excellency Josiah Martin, and in
behalf of the army now under my command, to propose terms to you as
friends and countrymen. I must suppose you unacquainted with the
Governor's proclamation, commanding all his Majesty's loyal subject
to repair to the King's royal standard, else I should have imagined
you would ere this have joined the King's army now engaged in his
Majesty's service. I have therefore thought it proper to intimate to
you, that in case you do not, by 12 o'clock to-morrow, join the royal
standard, I must consider you as enemies, and take the necessary
steps for the support of legal authority.

I beg leave to remind you of his Majesty's speech to his Parliament,
wherein he offers to receive the misled with tenderness and mercy,
from motives of humanity. I again beg of you to accept the proffered
clemency. I make no doubt, but you will show the gentleman sent on
this message every possible civilty; and you may depend in return,
that all your officers and men, which may fall into our hands shall
be treated with an equal degree of respect. I have the honor to be,
in behalf of the army, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant,

Don. McDonald.
Head Quarters, Feb. 19, 1776.
His Excellency's Proclamation is herewith enclosed."

Brigadier General Moore's answer:

"Sir: Yours of this day I have received, in answer to which, I must
inform you that the terms which you are pleased to say, in behalf of
the army under your command, are offered to us as friends and
countrymen, are such as neither my duty or inclination will permit me
to accept, and which I must presume you too much of an officer to
accept of me. You were very right when you supposed me unacquainted
with the Governor's proclamation, but as the terms therein proposed
are such as I hold incompatible with the freedom of Americans, it can
be no rule of conduct for me. However, should I not hear farther from
you before twelve o'clock to-morrow by which time I shall have an
opportunity of consulting my officers here, and perhaps Col. Martin,
who is in the neighborhood of Cross Creek, you may expect a more
particular answer; meantime you may be assured that the feelings of
humanity will induce me to shew that civility to such of your people
as may fall into our hands, as I am desirous should be observed
towards those of ours, who may be unfortunate enough to fall into
yours. I am, Sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,

James Moore.
Camp at Rockfish, Feb. 19, 1776."

General Moore, on the succeeding day sent the following to General MacDonald:

"Sir: Agreeable to my promise of yesterday, I have consulted the
officers under my command respecting your letter, and am happy in
finding them unanimous in opinion with me. We consider ourselves
engaged in a cause the most glorious and honourable in the world, the
defense of the liberties of mankind, in support of which we are
determined to hazard everything dear and valuable and in tenderness
to the deluded people under your command, permit me, Sir, through you
to inform them, before it is too late, of the dangerous and
destructive precipice on which they stand, and to remind them of the
ungrateful return they are about to make for their favorable
reception in this country. If this is not sufficient to recall them
to the duty which they owe themselves and their posterity inform them
that they are engaged in a cause in which they cannot succeed as not
only the whole force of this country, but that of our neighboring
provinces, is exerting and now actually in motion to suppress them,
and which much end in their utter destruction. Desirous, however, of
avoiding the effusion of human blood, I have thought proper to send
you a test recommended by the Continental Congress, which if they
will yet subscribe we are willing to receive them as friends and
countrymen. Should this offer be rejected, I shall consider them as
enemies to the constitutional liberties of America, and treat them
accordingly.

I cannot conclude without reminding you, Sir, of the oath which you
and some of your officers took at Newbern on your arrival to this
country, which I imagine you will find is difficult to reconcile to
your present conduct. I have no doubt that the bearer, Capt. James
Walker, will be treated with proper civilty and respect in your camp.

I am, Sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,

James Moore.
Camp at Rockfish, Feb. 20, 1776."

General MacDonald returned the following reply:

"Sir: I received your favor by Captain James Walker, and observed
your declared sentiments of revolt, hostility and rebellion to the
King, and to what I understand to be the constitution of the country.
If I am mistaken future consequences must determine; but while I
continue in my present sentiment, I shall consider myself embarked in
a cause which must, in its consequences, extricate this country from
anarchy and licentiousness. I cannot conceive that the Scottish
emigrants, to whom I imagine you allude, can be under greater
obligations to this country than to the King, under whose gracious
and merciful government they alone could have been enabled to visit
this western region: And I trust, Sir, it is in the womb of time to
say, that they are not that deluded and ungrateful people which you
would represent them to be. As a soldier in his Majesty's service, I
must inform you, if you are to learn, that it is my duty to conquer,
if I cannot reclaim, all those who may be hardy enough to take up
arms against the best of masters, as of Kings. I have the honor to
be, in behalf of the army under my command,

Sir, your most obedient servant,

Don. McDonald.
To the Commanding Officer at Rockfish."[50]

MacDonald realized that he was unable to put his threat into execution, for he was informed that the minute-men were gathering in swarms all around him; that Colonel Caswell, at the head of the minute men of Newbern, nearly eight hundred strong, was marching through Duplin county, to effect a junction with Moore, and that his communication with the war ships had been cut off. Realizing the extremity of his danger, he resolved to avoid an engagement, and leave the army at Rockfish in his rear, and by celerity of movement, and crossing rivers at unsuspected places, to disengage himself from the larger bodies and fall upon the command of Caswell. Before marching he exhorted his men to fidelity, expressed bitter scorn for the "base cravens who had deserted the night before," and continued by saying:

"If any amongst you is so faint-hearted as not to serve with the
resolution of conquering or dying, this is the time for such to
declare themselves."

The speech was answered by a general huzza for the king; but from Cotton's corps about twenty laid down their arms. He decamped, with his army at midnight, crossed the Cape Fear, sunk his boats, and sent a party fifteen miles in advance to secure the bridge over South river, from Bladen into Hanover, pushing with rapid pace over swollen streams, rough hills, and deep morasses, hotly pursued by General Moore. Perceiving the purpose of the enemy General Moore detached Colonels Lillington and Ashe to reinforce Colonel Caswell, or if that could not be effected, then they were to occupy Widow Moore's Creek bridge.

Colonel Caswell designing the purpose of MacDonald changed his own course in order to intercept his march. On the 23rd the Highlanders thought to overtake him, and arrayed themselves in the order of battle, with eighty able-bodied men, armed with broadswords, forming the center of the army; but Colonel Caswell being posted at Corbett's Ferry could not be reached for want of boats. The royalists were again in extreme danger; but at a point six miles higher up the Black river they succeeded in crossing in a broad shallow boat while MacLean and Fraser, left with a few men and a drum and a pipe, amused the corps of Caswell.

Colonel Lillington, on the 25th took post on the east side of Moore's Creek bridge; and on the next day Colonel Caswell reached the west side, threw up a slight embankment, and destroyed a part of the bridge. A royalist, who had been sent into his camp under pretext of summoning him to return to his allegiance, brought back the information that he had halted on the same side of the river as themselves, and could be assaulted with advantage. Colonel Caswell was not only a good woodman, but also a man of superior ability, and believing he had misled the enemy, marched his column to the east side of the stream, removed the planks from the bridge, and placed his men behind trees and such embankments as could be thrown up during the night. His force now amounted to a thousand men, consisting of the Newbern minute-men, the militia of Craven, Dobbs, Johnston, and Wake counties, and the detachment under Colonel Lillington. The men of the Neuse region, their officers wearing silver crescents upon their hats, inscribed with the words, "Liberty or Death," were in front. The situation of General MacDonald was again perilous, for while facing this army, General Moore, with his regulars was close upon his rear.

The royalists, expecting an easy victory, decided upon an immediate attack. General MacDonald was confined to his tent by sickness, and the command devolved upon Major Donald MacLeod, who began the march at one o'clock on the morning of the 27th; but owing to the time lost in passing an intervening morass, it was within an hour of daylight when they reached the west bank of the creek. They entered the ground without resistance. Seeing Colonel Caswell was on the opposite side they reduced their columns and formed their line of battle in the woods. Their rallying cry was, "King George and broadswords," and the signal for attack was three cheers, the drum to beat and the pipes to play. While it was still dark Major MacLeod, with a party of about forty advanced, and at the bridge was challenged by the sentinel, asking, "Who goes there?" He answered, "A friend." "A friend to whom?" "To the king." Upon this the sentinels bent their faces down to the ground. Major MacLeod thinking they might be some of his own command who had crossed the bridge, challenged them in Gaelic; but receiving no reply, fired his own piece, and ordered his party to fire also. All that remained of the bridge were the two logs, which had served for sleepers, permitting only two persons to pass at a time. Donald MacLeod and Captain John Campbell rushed forward and succeeded in getting over. The Highlanders who followed were shot down on the logs and fell into the muddy stream below. Major MacLeod was mortally wounded, but was seen to rise repeatedly from the ground, waving his sword and encouraging his men to come on, till twenty-six balls penetrated his body. Captain Campbell also was shot dead, and at that moment a party of militia, under Lieutenant Slocum, who had forded the creek and penetrated a swamp on its western bank, fell suddenly upon the rear of the royalists. The loss of their leader and the unexpected attack upon their rear threw them into confusion, when they broke and fled. The battle lasted but ten minutes. The royalists lost seventy killed and wounded, while the patriots had but two wounded, one of whom recovered. The victory was lasting and complete. The Highland power was thoroughly broken. There fell into the hands of the Americans besides eight hundred and fifty prisoners, fifteen hundred rifles, all of them excellent pieces, three hundred and fifty guns and short bags, one hundred and fifty swords and dirks, two medicine chests, immediately from England, one valued at £300 sterling, thirteen wagons with horses, a box of Johannes and English guineas, amounting to about $75,000.

Some of the Highlanders escaped from the battlefield by breaking down their wagons and riding away, three upon a horse. Many who were taken confessed that they were forced and persuaded contrary to their inclinations into the service.[51] The soldiers taken were disarmed, and dismissed to their homes.

On the following day General MacDonald and nearly all the chief men were taken prisoners, amongst whom was MacDonald of Kingsborough and his son Alexander. A partial list of those apprehended is given in a report of the Committee of the Provincial Congress, reported April 20th and May 10th on the guilt of the Highland and Regulator officers then confined in Halifax gaol, finding the prisoners were of four different classes, viz.:

First, Prisoners who had served in Congress.

Second, Prisoners who had signed Tests or Associations.

Third, Prisoners who had been in arms without such circumstances.

Fourth, Prisoners under suspicious circumstances.

The Highlanders coming under the one or the other of these classes are given in the following order:

Farquhard Campbell, Cumberland county. Alexander McKay, Capt. of 38 men. Cumberland county. Alexander McDonald (Condrach), Major of a regiment. Alexander Morrison. Captain of a company of 35 men. Alexander MacDonald, son of Kingsborough, a volunteer, Anson county. James MacDonald, Captain of a company of 25 men. Alexander McLeod, Captain of a company of 32 men. John MacDonald, Captain of a company of 40 men. Alexander McLeod, Captain of a company of 16 men. Murdoch McAskell, Captain of a company of 34 men. Alexander McLeod, Captain of a company of 16 men. Angus McDonald, Captain of a company of 30 men. Neill McArthur, Freeholder of Cross Creek, Captain of a company of 55 men. Francis Frazier, Adjutant to General MacDonald's Army. John McLeod, of Cumberland county, Captain of company of 35 men. John McKinzie, of Cumberland county, Captain of company of 43 men. Kennith Macdonald, Aide-de-camp to General Macdonald. Murdoch McLeod, of Anson county, Surgeon to General Macdonald's Army. Donald McLeod, of Anson county, Lieutenant in Captain Morrison's Company. Norman McLeod, of Anson county, Ensign in James McDonald's company. John McLeod, of Anson county, Lieutenant in James McDonald's company. Laughlin McKinnon, freeholder in Cumberland county, Lieutenant in Col. Rutherford's corps. James Munroe, freeholder in Cumberland county, Lieutenant in Capt. McKay's company. Donald Morrison, Ensign to Capt. Morrison's company. John McLeod, Ensign to Capt. Morrison's company. Archibald McEachern, Bladen county, Lieutenant to Capt. McArthur's company. Rory McKinnen, freeholder Anson county, volunteer. Donald McLeod, freeholder Cumberland county, Master to two Regiments, General McDonald's Army. Donald Stuart, Quarter Master to Col. Rutherford's Regiment. Allen Macdonald of Kingsborough, freeholder of Anson county, Col. Regiment. Duncan St. Clair. Daniel McDaniel, Lieutenant in Seymore York's company. Alexander McRaw, freeholder Anson county, Capt. company 47 men. Kenneth Stuart, Lieutenant Capt Stuart's company. Collin McIver, Lieutenant Capt. Leggate's company. Alexander Maclaine, Commissary to General Macdonald's Army. Angus Campbell, Captain company 30 men. Alexander Stuart, Captain company 30 men. Hugh McDonald, Anson county, volunteer. John McDonald, common soldier. Daniel Cameron, common soldier. Daniel McLean, freeholder, Cumberland county, Lieutenant to Angus Campbell's company. Malcolm McNeill, recruiting agent for General Macdonald's Army, accused of using compulsion.[52]

The following is a list of the prisoners sent from North Carolina to Philadelphia, enclosed in a letter of April 22, 1776:

"1 His Excellency Donald McDonald Esqr Brigadier General of the Tory Army and Commander in Chief in North Carolina. 2 Colonel Allen McDonald (of Kingsborough) first in Commission of Array and second in Command 3 Alexander McDonald son of Kingsborough 4 Major Alexander McDonald (Condrack) 5 Capt Alexander McRay 6 Capt John Leggate 7 Capt James McDonald 8 Capt Alexr. McLeod 9 Capt Alexr. Morrison 10 Capt John McDonald 11 Capt Alexr. McLeod 12 Capt Murdoch McAskell 13 Capt Alexander McLeod 14 Capt Angus McDonald 15 Capt Neil McArthur[53] 16 Capt James Mens of the light horse. 17 Capt John McLeod 18 Capt Thos. Wier 19 Capt John McKenzie 20 Lieut John Murchison 21 Kennith McDonald, Aid de Camp to Genl McDonald 22 Murdock McLeod, Surgeon 23 Adjutant General John Smith 24 Donald McLeod Quarter Master 25 John Bethune Chaplain 26 Farquhard Campbell late a delegate in the provincial Congress--Spy and Confidential Emissary of Governor Martin."[54]

Some of the prisoners were discharged soon after their arrest, by making and signing the proper oath, of which the following is taken from the Records:

"Oath of Malcolm McNeill and Joseph Smith. We Malcolm McNeil and
Joseph Smith do Solemnly Swear on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty
God that we will not on any pretence whatsoever take up or bear Arms
against the Inhabitants of the United States of America and that we
will not disclose or make known any matters within our knowledge now
carrying on within the United States and that we will not carry out
more than fifty pounds of Gold & Silver in value to fifty pounds
Carolina Currency. So help us God.

Malcolm McNeill,
Halifax, 13th Augt, 1776. Joseph Smith."[55]

The North Carolina Provincial Congress on March 5, 1776, "Resolved, That Colonel Richard Caswell send, under a sufficient guard, Brigadier General Donald McDonald, taken at the battle of Moore's Creek Bridge, to the Town of Halifax, and there to have him committed a close prisoner in the jail of the said Town, until further orders."[56]

The same Congress, held in Halifax April 5th, "Resolved, That General McDonald be admitted to his parole upon the following conditions: That he does not go without the limits of the Town of Halifax; that he does not directly or indirectly, while a prisoner, correspond with any person or persons who are or may be in opposition to American measures, or by any manner or means convey to them intelligence of any sort; that he take no draft, nor procure them to be taken by any one else, of any place or places in which he may be, while upon his parole, that shall now, or may hereafter give information to our enemies which can be injurious to us, or the common cause of America; but that without equivocation, mental evasion, or secret reservation, he pay the most exact and faithful attention to the intent and meaning of these conditions, according to the rules and regulations of war; and that he every day appear between the hours of ten and twelve o'clock to the Officer of the Guard."[57]

On April 11th, the same parole was offered to Allan MacDonald of Kingsborough.[58]

The Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, at its session in Philadelphia, held May 25, 1776, ordered the Highland prisoners, mentioned on page 219, naming each one separately to be "safely kept in close confinement until discharged by the honorable Congress or this Committee."[59] Four days later, General MacDonald addressed a letter to the Continental Congress, in which he said,

"That he was, by a party of horsemen, upon the 28th day of February
last, taken prisoner from sick quarters, eight miles from Widow
Moor's Creek, where he lay dangerously ill, and carried to Colonel
Caswell's camp, where General Moore then commanded, to whom he
delivered his sword as prisoner of war, which General Moore was
pleased to deliver back in a genteel manner before all his officers
then present, according to the rules and customs of war practised in
all nations; assuring him at the same time that he would be well
treated, and his baggage and property delivered to him, &c. Having
taken leave of General Moore and Colonel Caswell, Lieutenant-Colonel
Bryant took him under his care; and after rummaging his baggage for
papers, &c., conducted him to Newbern, from thence with his baggage
to Halifax, where the Committee of Safety there thought proper to
commit him to the common jail; his horses, saddles, and pistols, &c.,
taken from him, and never having committed any act of violence
against the person or property of any man; that he remained in this
jail near a month, until General Howe arrived there, who did him the
honour to call upon him in jail; and he has reason to think that
General Howe thought this treatment erroneous and without a
precedent; that upon this representation to the Convention, General
McDonald was, by order of the Convention, permitted, upon parole, to
the limits of the town of Halifax, until the 25th of April last, when
he was appointed to march, with the other gentlemen prisoners,
escorted from the jail there to this place. General McDonald would
wish to know what crime he has since been guilty of, deserving his
being recommitted to the jail of Philadelphia, without his bedding or
baggage, and his sword and his servant detained from him. The other
gentlemen prisoners are in great want for their blankets and other
necessaries.

Donald McDonald."[60]

The Continental Congress, on September 4th, "Resolved, That the proposal made by General Howe, as delivered by General Sullivan, of exchanging General Sullivan for General Prescot, and Lord Stirling for Brigadier-General, be complied with."[61]

This being communicated to General McDonald he addressed, to the Secretary of War the following:

"Philadelphia Gaol, September 6, 1776.
To the Secretary of War:

General McDonald's compliments to the Secretary of War. He is obliged
to him for his polite information, that the Congress have been
pleased to agree that Generals Prescott and McDonald shall be
exchanged for the Generals Sullivan and Stirling. General McDonald is
obliged to the Congress for the reference to the Board of War for his
departure: The indulgence of eight or ten days will, he hopes, be
sufficient to prepare him for his journey. His baggage will require a
cart to carry it. He is not provided with horses--submits it to the
Congress and Board how he may be conducted with safety to his place
of destination, not doubting his servant will be permitted to go
along with him, and that his sword may be returned to him, which he
is informed the Commissary received from his servant on the 25th of
May last.

General McDonald begs leave to acquaint the Secretary and the Board
of War, for the information of Congress, that when he was brought
prisoner from sick quarters to General Moore's camp, at Moore's
Creek, upon the 28th of February last, General Moore treated him with
respect to his rank and commission in the King of Great Britain's
service. He would have given him a parole to return to his sick
quarters, as his low state of health required it much at that time,
but Colonel Caswell objected thereto, and had him conducted prisoner
to Newbern, but gently treated all the way by Colonel Caswell and his
officers.

From Newbern he was conducted by a guard of Horse to Halifax, and
committed on his arrival, after forty-five miles journey the last
day, in a sickly state of health, and immediately ushered into a
common gaol, without bed or bedding, fire or candles, in a cold,
long night, by Colonel Long, who did not appear to me to behave like
a gentleman. That notwithstanding the promised protection for person
and property he had from General Moore, a man called Longfield Cox, a
wagonmaster to Colonel Caswell's army, seized upon his horse, saddle,
pistols, and other arms, and violently detained the same by refusing
to deliver them up to Colonel Bryan, who conducted him to Newbern.
Colonel Long was pleased to detain his mare at Halifax when sent
prisoner from thence to here. Sorry to dwell so long upon so
disagreeable a subject."[62]

This letter was submitted to the Continental Congress on September 7th, when it "Resolved, That he be allowed four days to prepare for his journey; That a copy of that part of his Letter respecting his treatment in North Carolina, be sent to the Convention of that State."[63]

Notwithstanding General Sir William Howe had agreed to make the specified exchange of prisoners, yet in a letter addressed to Washington, September 21, 1776, he states:

"The exchange you propose of Brigadier-General Alexander, commonly
called Lord Stirling, for Mr. McDonald, cannot take place, as he has
only the rank of Major by my commission; but I shall readily send any
Major in the enclosed list of prisoners that you will be pleased to
name in exchange for him."[64]

As Sir William Howe refused to recognize the rank conferred on General McDonald, by the governor of North Carolina, Washington was forced, September 23, to order his return, with the escort, to Philadelphia.[65] But on the same day addressed Sir William Howe, in which he said:

"I had no doubt but Mr. McDonald's title would have been
acknowledged, having understood that he received his commission from
the hands of Governor Martin; nor can I consent to rank him as a
Major till I have proper authority from Congress, to whom I shall
state the matter upon your representation."[65] That body, on
September 30th, declared "That Mr. McDonald, having a commission of
Brigadier-General from Governor Martin, be not exchanged for any
officer under the rank of Brigadier-General in the service either of
the United States or any of them."[66]

On the way from North Carolina to Philadelphia, while resting at Petersburg, May 2, 1776, Kingsborough indited the following letter:

"Sir: Your kind favor I had by Mr. Ugin (?) with the Virginia money
enclosed, which shall be paid if ever I retourn with thanks, if not I
shall take to order payment. Colonel Eliot who came here to receive
the prisoners Confined the General and me under a guard and sentries
to a Roome; this he imputes to the Congress of North Carolina not
getting Brigadier Lewes (who commands at Williamsburg) know of our
being on parole by your permission when at Halifax. If any
opportunity afford, it would add to our happiness to write something
to the above purpose to some of the Congress here with directions (if
such can be done) to forward said orders after us. I have also been
depressed of the horse I held, and hath little chance of getting
another. To walk on foot is what I never can do the length of
Philadelphia. What you can do in the above different affairs will be
adding to your former favors. Hoping you will pardon freedom wrote in
a hurry. I am with real Esteem and respect

Honble Sir,
Your very obedt. Servt.
Allen MacDonald."[67]

June 28, 1776, Allen MacDonald of Kingsborough, was permitted, after signing a parole and word of honor to go to Reading, in Berks county.[68] At the same time the Committee of Safety

"Resolved, That such Prisoners from North Carolina as choose, may be
permitted to write to their friends there; such letters to be
inspected by this Committee; and the Jailer is to take care that all
the paper delivered in to the Prisoners, be used in such Letters, or
returned him."[68]

The action of the Committee of Safety was approved by the Continental Congress on July 9th, by directing Kingsborough to be released on parole;[69] and on the 15th, his son Alexander was released on parole and allowed to reside with him.

Every attempt to exchange the prisoners was made on the part of the Americans, and as they appear to have been so unfortunate as to have no one to intercede for them among British officers, Kingsborough was permitted to go to New York and effect his own exchange, which he succeeded in doing during the month of November, 1777, and then proceeded to Halifax, Nova Scotia.[70]

The Highland officers confined in prison became restive, and on October 31, 1776, presented a memorial, addressed to the North Carolina members of the Continental Congress, which at once met with the approval of William Hooper:

"Gentlemen: After a long separation of eight months from our Families
& Friends, We the undersubscribers, Prisoners of war from North
Carolina now in Philadelphia Prison, think ourselves justifiable at
this period in applying to your Honours for permission to return to
our Families; which indulgence we will promise on the Faith & honour
of gentlemen not to abuse, by interfering in the present disputes, or
aiding or assisting your enemies by word, writing, or action.

This request we have already laid before Congress who are willing to
grant it, provided they shall have your approbation.

Hoping therefore, that you have no particular intention to distress
us more than others whom you have treated with Indulgence, we flatter
ourselves that your determinations will prove no obstruction to our
Enlargement on the above terms; and have transmitted to you the
enclosed Copy of the Resolve of Congress in our favor, which if you
countenance; it will meet with the warmest acknowledgement of Gentn.

Your most obedt. humble Servts.,

Alexander Morison, Ferqd. Campbell, Alexr. Macleod,
Alexr. McKay, James Macdonald, John McDonald, Murdoch
Macleod, John Murchison, John Bethune, Neill McArthur, John
Smith, Murdo MacCaskill, John McLeod, Alexr. McDonald, Angus
McDonald, John Ligett."[71]

It was fully apparent to the Americans that so long as the leaders were prisoners there was no danger of another uprising among the Highlanders. This was fully tested by earl Cornwallis, who, after the battle of Guilford Courthouse, retreated towards the seaboard, stopping on the way at Cross Creek[72] hoping then to gain recruits from the Highlanders, but very few of whom responded to his call. In a letter addressed to Sir Henry Clinton, dated from his camp near Wilmington, April 10, 1781, he says:

"On my arrival there (Cross Creek), I found, to my great
mortification, and contrary to all former accounts, that it was
impossible to procure any considerable quantity of provisions, and
that there was not four days' forage within twenty miles. The
navigation of Cape Fear, with the hopes of which I had been flattered
was totally impracticable, the distance from Wilmington by water
being one hundred and fifty miles, the breadth of the river seldom
exceeding one hundred yards, the banks generally high, and the
inhabitants on each side almost universally hostile. Under these
circumstances I determined to move immediately to Wilmington. By this
measure the Highlanders have not had so much time as the people of
the upper country, to prove the sincerity of their former professions
of friendship. But, though appearances are rather more favorable
among them, I confess they are not equal to my expectations."[73]

The Americans did not rest matters simply by confining the officers, but every precaution was taken to overawe them, not only by their parole, which nearly all implicitly obeyed, but also by armed force, for some militia was at once stationed at Cross Creek, which remained there until the Provincial Congress, on November 21, 1776, ordered it discharged.[74] General Charles Lee, who had taken charge of the Southern Department, on June 6, 1776, ordered Brigadier-General Lewis to take "as large a body of the regulars as can possibly be spared to march to Cross Creek, in North Carolina."[75]

Notwithstanding the fact that many of the Highlanders who had been in the battle of Moore's Creek Bridge afterwards engaged in the service with the Americans, the community was regarded with suspicion, and that not without some cause. On July 28, 1777, it was reported that there were movements among the royalists that caused the patriots to be in arms and watch the Highlanders at Cross Creek. On August 3rd it was again reported that there were a hundred in arms with others coming.[76]

As might be anticipated the poor Highlanders also were subjected to fear and oppression. They remained at heart, true to their first love. In June, 1776, a report was circulated among them that a company of light horse was coming into the settlement, and every one thought he was the man wanted, and hence all hurried to the swamps and other fastnesses in the forest.[77]

From the poor Highland women, who had lost father, husband, brother in battle, or whose menfolk were imprisoned in the gaol at Halifax, there arose such a wail of distress as to call forth the attention of the Provincial Congress, which at once put forth a proclamation, and ordered it translated into the "Erse tongue," in which it was declared that they "warred not with those helpless females, but sympathized with them in their sorrow," and recommended them to the compassion of all, and to the "bounty of those who had aught to spare from their necessities."

One of the remarkable things, and one which cannot be accounted for, is, that although the North Carolina Highland emigrants were deeply religious, yet no clergyman accompanied them to the shores of America, until 1770, when Reverend John McLeod came direct from Scotland and ministered to them for some time; and they were entirely without a minister prior to 1757, when Reverend James Campbell commenced to preach for them, and continued in active work until 1770. He was the first ordained minister who took up his abode among the Presbyterian settlements in North Carolina. He pursued his labors among the outspreading neighborhoods in what are now Cumberland and Robeson counties. This worthy man was born in Campbelton, on the peninsula of Kintyre, in Argyleshire, Scotland. Of his early history but little is known, and by far too little of his pioneer labors has been preserved. About the year 1730 he emigrated to America, landing at Philadelphia. His attention having been turned to his countrymen on the Cape Fear, he removed to North Carolina, and took up his residence on the left bank of the above river, a few miles north of Cross Creek. He died in 1781. His preaching was in harmony with the tenets of his people, being presbyterian. He had three regular congregations on the Sabbath, besides irregular preaching, as occasion demanded. For some ten years he preached on the southwest side of the river at a place called "Roger's meeting-house." Here Hector McNeill ("Bluff Hector") and Alexander McAlister acted as elders. About 1758 he began to preach at the "Barbacue Church,"--the building not erected until about the year 1765. It was at this church where Flora MacDonald worshipped. The first elders of this church were Gilbert Clark, Duncan Buie, Archibald Buie, and Donald Cameron.

Another of the preaching stations was at a place now known as "Long Street." The building was erected about 1766. The first elders were Malcolm Smith, Archibald McKay and Archibald Ray.

There came, in the same ship, from Scotland, with Reverend John McLeod, a large number of Highland families, all of whom settled upon the upper and lower Little Rivers, in Cumberland county. After several years' labor, proving himself a man of genuine piety, great worth, and popular eloquence, he left America, with a view of returning to his native land; having never been heard of afterwards, it was thought that he found a watery grave.

With the exception of the Reverend John McLeod, it is not known that Reverend James Campbell had any ministerial brother residing in Cumberland or the adjoining counties, who could assist him in preaching to the Gaels. Although McAden preached in Duplin county, he was unable to render assistance because he was unfamiliar with the language of the Highlanders.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 21: North Carolina Colonial Records, Vol. IV, p. 931.]

[Footnote 22: _Ibid_, p. 447.]

[Footnote 23: _Ibid_, p. 490.]

[Footnote 24: _Ibid_, p. 533.]

[Footnote 25: _Ibid_, p.453.]

[Footnote 26: See Appendix, Note C.]

[Footnote 27: _Ibid_, Vol. VIII. p. 708.]

[Footnote 28: _Ibid_, Vol. IX. p. 79.]

[Footnote 29: _Ibid_, p. 544.]

[Footnote 30: _Ibid_, Vol. VIII, p. XXIII.]

[Footnote 31: _Ibid_, Vol. X. p. 577.]

[Footnote 32: _Ibid_, p. 173.]

[Footnote 33: See Appendix, Note D.]

[Footnote 34: _Ibid_, p. 45.]

[Footnote 35: _Ibid_, p. 325.]

[Footnote 36: _Ibid_, p. 190.]

[Footnote 37: _Ibid_, p. 266.]

[Footnote 38: _Ibid_, p. 326.]

[Footnote 39: _Ibid_, p. 595.]

[Footnote 40: _Ibid_, Vol. XI. p. 403.]

[Footnote 41: _Ibid_, p. 324.]

[Footnote 42: American Archives, 4th Series, Vol. IV, p. 84.]

[Footnote 43: See Appendix, Note E.]

[Footnote 44: North Carolina Colonial Records, Vol. X, p. 65.]

[Footnote 45: _Ibid_, p, 117.]

[Footnote 46: American Archives, 4th Series, Vol. IV. p, 981]

[Footnote 47: _Ibid_, p, 982.]

[Footnote 48: _Ibid_, p. 983.]

[Footnote 49: _Ibid_, p. 1129.]

[Footnote 50: N.C. Colonial Records, Vol. XI, pp. 276-279.]

[Footnote 51: _Ibid_, Vol. X, p. 485.]

[Footnote 52: _Ibid_, pp. 594-603.]

[Footnote 53: See Appendix, Note H.]

[Footnote 54: _Ibid_, Vol. XI. p. 294.]

[Footnote 55: _Ibid_, Vol. X. p. 743.]

[Footnote 56: American Archives, Fourth Series, Vol. V, p. 69.]

[Footnote 57: _Ibid_, Vol. V, p. 1317.]

[Footnote 58: _Ibid_, p. 1320.]

[Footnote 59: _Ibid_, Vol. VI, p. 663.]

[Footnote 60: _Ibid_, p. 613.]

[Footnote 61: _Ibid_, Fifth Series, Vol. II. p. 1330.]

[Footnote 62: _Ibid_, p. 191.]

[Footnote 63: _Ibid_, p. 1333.]

[Footnote 64: _Ibid_, p. 437.]

[Footnote 65: _Ibid_, p. 464.]

[Footnote 66: _Ibid_, p. 1383]

[Footnote 67: North Carolina Colonial Records, Vol. XI. p. 295.]

[Footnote 68: Am. Archives, 5th Series, Vol. I. p. 1291.]

[Footnote 69: _Ibid_, p. 1570.]

[Footnote 70: "Letter Book of Captain A. MacDonald," p. 387.]

[Footnote 71: N.C. Colonial Records, Vol. X. p. 888.]

[Footnote 72: See Appendix Note F.]

[Footnote 73: "Earl Cornwallis' Answer to Sir Henry Clinton," p. 10.]

[Footnote 74: N.C. Colonial Records, Vol. XI. p. 927.]

[Footnote 75: Am. Archives, Fourth Series, Vol. VI, p. 721.]

[Footnote 76: N.C. Colonial Records, Vol. XI. pp 546, 555.]

[Footnote 77: _Ibid_, p. 829.]