The life of General Daniel Morgan, of the Virginia line of the army of the United States, with portions of his correspondence

Front matter

LIFE OF GENERAL DMIEL MORGAN.

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Preface

When a writer puts forth a book, the subject of which has prc-engagcd public sympathy, he is more than ordinarily obligated to furnish such explanations regarding its origin and character, as may give it a claim to public confidence. The chief, if not the only recommendations of this work, will be found in the motives which suggested it, and in the truthfulness of its details. However well-founded may be my fears, that I shall fail of success in all other respects, I cherish the hope that in these I shall prove more fortunate. Satisfaction to the reader and justice to myself, equally require, then, that in presenting these sketches to the pubhc, the considerations with which they originated, and the circumstances under which they were completed, should be briefly stated.

At the death of General Morgan, his papers, correspondence, &c., went into the possession of his son-in-law. General Presley Neville. During the fifteen or twenty years which succeeded, many of these papers were lost or destroyed. What remained of them at the termination of this period, however, were collected, arranged, and bound into two large volumes, by the general's grandson, Major Morgan Neville, to whom, at the death of his father, they were left. When he died, these volumes became the property of his widow, who submitted them to my perusal, with the object of ascertaining whether the publication of a select portion of their contents would be advisable or not.

This collection is a very valuable one, embracing as it does, letters hitherto unpublished, from Washington, Greene, Lafayette, Wayne, Gates, Jefferson, Hamilton, Henry, Rutledge, and many other distinguished men of the revolutionary era. It was with no little pleasure that I perused and re-perused these interesting relics of men and times associated with such glorious recollections. They furnish an epistolary history of the war, from the pens of its leading spirits ; and abound in facts and circumstances, yi PKEFACE.

which the historian has either failed or feared to notice. But what chiefly attracted my attention, was the additional light which they shed upon the private character and military services of General Morgan, and upon the details of his long and eventful career. Until I saw these papers, I labored under the common error of assigning to him a position among the worthies of the revolution, far below that which ije no^only deserved, but actually occupied. My curiosity to learn all that was attainable of his history was now aroused. After examining all the sources of information within my reach, I became convinced that few, if any, of the heroes of that day furnished larger contributions than he did to the glory of our arms, or surpassed him in the amount and value of their services. Nevertheless, I found that beyond a few brief, and generally incorrect sketches, and a short paragraph in a biographical dictionary, almost everything regarding him, not incidental to the history of the revolutionary struggle, existed only in a tradition, already distorted by the operations of time, and soon to be merged into an irreclaimable oblivion ; that his character and conduct had been misconceived in some cases, and misrepresented in others; and that from these causes, many of our revolutionary historians had been betrayed into statements at variance with facts, and injurious to his fame. The absence of full and correct information regarding a man whose name and deeds furnish so rich a source fui national pi'ide, has, besides, tempted Fiction to make him the theme of her legends. But the fanciful pictures vhich she has drawn, though recognizable, are not likenesses, while the) fall far short of the spirit and dignity which invested the reality.

The American people hold in especial reverence the memory of those whose patriotism and valor were rendered conspicuous in the revolutionary war. The day is far distant, if, indeed, such a day will ever arrive, when they will cease to regard with interest everything in relation to that band of heroes and sages. I felt that the merit of good intentions would at least be accorded him, who would essay to rescue so distinguished a name from the fate with which it was threatened ; and that if he should succeed in adding to the stock of correct information, regarding some of the most important events of the war, he might hope for a more gratifying indication of public approval. Yet, the original, and other sources of information then in my possession, furnished ample means, not only to compass these ends, but to vindicate his spotless reputation, to restore him to the high position which he occupied among the heroes and patriots of the war, and to win him a more enduring, if not a more favorable hold upon the memory of posterity. With reflections like these, originated the determi-

PREFACE. 711

nation on my part, to collect and arrange all the information concerning the general, that was attainable at eo late a day, and while drawing from this a detailed narrative of his eventful life, to obtain for his fame all the benefit which its testimony afforded.

But ample as were the materials furnished by Gen. Morgan's MSS., and the published memorials of the revolutionary war and of its leading spirits, much was yet to be gathered before a complete and connected chain of events could be formed. My efforts to supply this deficiency led iui into an extensive correspondence, and resulted in a great addition to my original stock of information. And here a proper occasion presents itself to make my acknowledgments to the gentlemen who so promptly responded to my calls for aid. To a large number of these, it would be but echoing the suggestions of my gratitude to express my thanks in connection with their names; but the fear that such a return would be distasteful to them, counsels me to be silent. A few, however, have contributed so largely and so valuably to my collections, as to render acknowledgments a duty as well as a pleasure. The first of these is the late Dr. Wm. Hill, of Winchester, Virginia. This gentleman, who died about three years ago, was one of Morgan's personal and intimate friends. He attended the general during the illness which terminated his life, and preached the funeral sermon which was delivered over his grave. To him I am indebted for a large collection of facts, anecdotes, &c., in relation to Gen. Morgan, which run through his entire career, and which are recorded from his own hps. It would be difficult to estimate the advantages I derived from this valuable contribution. Besides the intrinsic information which it yielded so largely, it served as an index, whereby the reduction of a chaos of facts into order was facilitated, and it explained circumstances, which, without it, would have remained inexplicable. Whatever of merit may be accorded to the connection of events, as displayed here and there through the work, will in a great degree be owing to the assistance I received from Dr. HilL To P. H. Skipwith, Esq., a grandson of Gen. Greene's, I am greatly obliged for copies of a number of letters, written by Gen, Morgan to Gen. Greene ; among others, the original report of the battle of the Cowpens, and the letters following that event up to the time when the American army reached Guilford Court House. These contributions were exceedingly valuable, as they added largely to the mass of testimony, proving that the statements of many historians, in relation to the operations of the adverse armies, before and after the battle of the Cowpens, are erroneous. My acknowledgments are likewise due to T. M. Nightingale, Esq., also a descendant of Gen. Greene, for portions of Morgan's correspondence, littl?

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less valuable and interesting than those received from Mr. Skipwith. I am also under obligations to Gov. Johnson, of South Carolina, not only for the valuable information which he caused to be prepared and sent to me, but for the lively interest which he manifested in the progress and object of my labors.

In the compilation of these Sketches, recourse was necessarily and frequently had to such published authorities as yielded the description of information I sought. I have had frequent occasion to profit by the details of works of this character ; but in no case have I knowingly done so, without making the usual marginal reference. Should any instance to the contrary be discovered, however, I hope it will be attributed to inadvertence rather than to design. From this general acknowledgment, I must, however, make an exception in favor of Judge Johnson's Life of Gen. Greene, to which work I am indebted for much and valuable information regarding Gen. Morgan's connection with the military operations in the South, during the years 1780 and 1781. The assistance I derived from Judge Henry's narrative, in describing Morgan's sufferings and services during the memorable expedition to and assault upon Quebec, and from Gen. Wilkinson's memoirs, in giving his participation in the campaign which terminated with the surrender at Saratoga, also deserve especial notice.

I will now close by declaring that if the result should prove in any degree an acceptable offering to the memory of the man whose life and services it purports to record, and whose fame it essays to preserve, I shall feel mj'self amply rewarded,

James Graham.

Nkw Obleans, ifay, 1866.

Chapter I

The Ancestry, parentage, and early history of General Daniel Morgan— Tlie imr«"essiona created by his first appearance in Virginia — His first employment — Superintends a mill — employed as a wagoner — Purchases a wagon and horses, and becomes a wagoner on his own account — His great and rapid improvement, physical and mental — Glance at the country and its population — He begins to attract notice— The opening of the seven years' war — Morgan engaged as a wagoner in the train of General Braddock — The army advances— The difficulties which it encounters in its march— Morgan fights and con- '•^uers a noted pugilist— Braddock's defeat— The retreat to Fort Cumberland— Measures of defence taken by the Virginia Assembly— Morgan employed as a wagoner in the service of the colony, IT

Chapter II

Morgan is engaged in transporting supplies — The attack of a band of Indians repulsed— He strikes an officer, and receives five hundred lashes — Anecdote — Inroad of the French and Indians— Surprise and destruction of Captain Mercer and his command — Morgan joins a body of militia sent to reinforce the garrison at Edward's fort — In an attack upon the fort, Morgan distinguishes himself — Receives commission as ensign — Falls into an ambuscade, is desperately wounded, but escapes — Remarks upon his character, habits, &c. — The meetings at Berry's tavern— His fights with Bill Davis— Anecdote — Morgan marries — Establishes himself at " Soldiers' Rest " — Pontiac's war — Morgan takes the field, and advances to Fort Cumberland— At the close of the war, returns home— His daughters — His moral and intellectual unprovement— Is commissioned a captain, 28

CHAPTER in.

Increase of population and resources of the Virginia Valley — Dissatisfaction of the Indians at the encroachments of the whites — The murder of Indians — Preparations for war — The expedition to the Wappatomica towns, under Major McDonald— Morgan commanda

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: CONTENTS.

a company therein— After destroying the towns, corn, Ac, McDonald retreats— Conflict with the Indians on the march— Arrival at Wheeling of Lord Dunmore with the northern division of the army— Is joined by Morgan— The army advances towards the Shawanese towns — Battle of the Point — Morgan marches with a detachment under Major Crawford, and destroys the hostile towns — Peace concluded with the Indians — Events preliminary to the Revolutionary struggle— Pledge of the troops to support the Bostonians in the event of hostilities — The war commenced — Morgan commissioned a captain of riflemen — Raises a company and marches to Boston — Joins a detachment commanded by Arnold, about starting on a secret expedition, 44

Chapter IV

Invasion of Canada — Arnold's expedition to Quebec — Joined by Morgan— Dispute in relation to command — Letter from Washington — Expedition moves up the Kennebec — Its progress, and the difliculties it encounters — Morgan's capacity for command, illustrated — Difficulties encountered by the expedition — It crosses the " height of land " — Morgan and his company attempt to descend the Chaudiere — Lose all their bateaux, and narrowly escape destruction in the rapids — Expedition sufifers dreadfully from hunger, cold and fatigue — Reaches the settlements at the river de Loup — Subsequently advances to Point Levi— Reflection— Sympathy of the inhabitants in the objects of the expedition— Morgan captures midshipman McKenzie — The humanity he displayed on that occasion — Preparations for crossing the St. Lawrence, and assaulting Quebec — The river crossed, . 55

Chapter V

Vigorous preparations of the enemy — Americans cross the St. Lawrence — Morgan proposes an immediate assault upon the town — Capture of Caldwell's house — Demonstration before the the town — Altercation between Morgan and Arnold — Americans retire to Point aux Trembles — On the arrival of Gen. Montgomery, they return and lay siege to Quebec — It is at length resolved to assault the town — The dispositions with this object, and the attack — Arnold, struck down, is succeeded in the command by Morgan — His intrepid conduct during the assault — Captures the first barrier — Advances against the second barrier — Encounters a body of the enemy — Morgan shoots their officer — Bloody encounter at the second barrier — Americans repulsed — Are at length surrounded by the enemy, to whom they surrender — The progress of Montgomery's division — Reflections, 82

Chapter VI

Governor Carleton — His kind treatment of the prisoners — Their efforts to escape — Morgan oflfered a colonelcy in the British service, which he rejects with indignation — Arnold Btill invests Quebec— Arrival of the British fleet, with an army of twelve thousand men — The British rule re-established over Canada — The prisoners petition Gov. Carleton for permission to return to their homes on parole — Their liberation — Morgan visits the American head-quarters— At the recommendation of the commander-in-chief, he i3

CONTENTS. XI

appointed colonel of the Rifle regiment — Recruiting for the new army- Morgan urged to push the enlistment for his regiment — He marches to Morristown — Formation of the regiment of Rangers — The instructions of the commander-in-chief, .... 109

CHAPTER Til.

The enemy advance in the direction of the Delaware — The Rangers approach, and attack their outposts and flanking parties — The enemy retire towards Auiboy — Attacked by Morgan, and pursued by him and Wayne as far as Piscataway — The enemy march to Westfield — Morgan engages their advance — On their retreat to Rahway, Scott and Morgan attack them with effect — Nortiiern army reinforced — Morgan ordered to Haverstraw — Uncertainty as to the enemy's designs — Morgan is ordered to hasten towards Philadelphia — After a period of doubt, receives orders to march to the north and join General Gates — Extracts of letters from the commander-in-chief in relation to Morgan and his corps— The situation of affairs in tlie north — Morgan arrives at Albany — Letter from General Gates to Morgan — Arrival of the latter at head-quarters — Morgan receives a flattering reception from General Gates — A battalion of light infantry is added to his command, 124

CHAPTER VIU.

The American army encamp on Behmus Heights — Morgan thrown forward to observe the enemy— He engages a German regiment, and forces it to retire— The British take a position nearer to the American camp — The events preliminary to, and attendant upon, the battle of Behmus Heights — Reflections on this battle — The letters of the opposing generals concerning it — The projected assault — Burgoyne resolves to await the expected junction with Sir Henry Clinton — Difficulty between Gates and Arnold respecting Moi-- gan and his command — Arnold resigns his command in the army — Gates refuses to be reconciled to Arnold, or to restore him to his command — Remarks on these circumstances, 140

CHAPTER IX.

Letter from Washington to Gen. Gates, and an extract from the latter's reply — Critical situation of Burgoyne — His advance leads to the second battle of Stillwater— Morgan's corps routs the British light infantry— Death of Gen. Frazer — Assault on the enemy's camp — Anecdote — CornWallis abandons his camp, and takes a new position — Morgan advances to impede the enemy's retreat — Skirmishes with their pickets— Ameiican army return to their entrenched camp, when Burgoyne retreats to the north bank of Saratoga creek, and encamps — He is overtaken by the Americans — Burgoyne meditates a retreat to Fort Edward — His advanced detachments driven back — He resolves to abandon his baggage, &c., and endeavor to escape by a night march — The hopelessness of his situation by the frustration of his scheme — Contemplated assault upon the enemy's camp — ■ Fortunate discovery of mistake — Position of the American army — Correspondence regarding a capitulation— Termination of the campaign— General reflections— Unfriendly conduct of Gen. Gates to Morgan- The cause of this change— Anecdote — Remarks on the propriety of employing marksmen, ......... 15T

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CHAPTER X.

Morgan marches from Saratoga, southward — Q-ates's unwillingness to supply the coo^ mander-in-chief with reinforcements — The latter's anxiety for the return of Morgau— - The opinion of the army regarding the rifle corps and its commander — Military eve v.\A — Morgan arrives at "Whitemarsh — Expedition under Cornwallis — Lafayette, with A portion of the rifle corps, engages and defeats a body of the enemy — Tl\e Britlcb advance to Chestnut Hill — Routs the Pennsylvania militia — Engaged by Morgan and Gcn-eral Gist, with Maryland militia — The latter obliged to yield — The riflemen, after a sanguinary conflict, retire in good order — The loss severe on both sides— Death of Major Morris — Lafayette — His generosity towards the widow and orphans of Morris— The American army goes into winter quarters— Disposition of troops— Foraging expedition of the enemy — Morgan in observation, has repeated skirmishes with them — Hardships he encountered from hunger, cold and want of rest — The enemy return to Philadelphiil — The distressing situation of the American army— Morgan leaves his command on a short visit home — His reception, 176

CHAPTER XI.

Morgan returns to the army— Opening of the new campaign— Abortive attempt to surprise Lafayette at Barren Hill— Morgan, with 400 volunteers, pursues the enemy- Preparations of the latter for some important movement — Consequent precautions of the commander-in-chief — Morgan's activity — His system of commanding — His aversion to flogging — Anecdotes — The enemy evacuate Philadelphia — The movements of the American army which followed — Morgan detached in aid of Gen. Maxwell— The British march to Monmouth C.H.— Morgan gains their right flanli— Captures their straggling parties— Plan to ensnare him recoils on its authors— Morgan and Dicliinson meditate an attack on the enemy's baggage— Change of dispositions in the British line of march — Battle of Monmouth Court-house — Morgan's disappointment at not having iad a share in the conflict— Enemy retreat to Middletown, followed by Morgan— Battle between his regiment and the British rear guard — The enemy embark for New-York, and Morgan marches for New Brunswick, 191

CHAPTER Xn.

Morgan commands Woodford's brigade— The rifle corps— Operations of tlie army — Letters from Lord Stirling— Correspondence in relation to recruiting service — Lette* from Lafayette— Movements of the enemy— American army goes into winter quarters — Morgan appointed colonel of the 7th Virginia regiment— Operations of the enemy on the Hudson — Gen. Woodford resumes his command — Causes operating on Morgan's mind, determining him to retire from the service — Letter from Washington — Morgan at home— Regret of the army at his retirement— Operations in the South— Gen. Gates appointed to the command of the Southern army— His letter to Morgan— Their reconciliation — Morgan refuses to comply with the demand for his services without an Kpcrease of rank--Take» the field oo hearing the result of the battlo of Camden, . 215

CONTENTS. XIU

CHAPTER Xin.

The dispositions and operations of tlie opposing forces — Morgan joins Gates at Hillsborough — The enemy advances towards North Carolina — Morgan offered a command in the North Carolina militia — Appointed by Gates to command a legionary corps — Battle of King's Moux.tain — Cornwallis retreats to Winnsborough — Morgan appointed a brigadier general — Letter from Gen. Gates — Morgan advances to vicinity of the enemy — Letter froc; Col. 0. U. Williams — Destitution of the army — Repulse of Major Wemys — Battle of Blackstock House — Capture of Col. Rugely and his command — Congress determines to supersede Gen. Gates — Gen. Greene — Uis arrangements, preliminary to taking the command of the Southern army — The general prospect — Gen. Greene's plan of action — Morgan appointed to a separate command — He marches to the west of Broad rivei -- Greene, with the main body, moves to the Pedee — Morgan's instructions, 236

CHAPTER XIV.

Morgan marches towards the Catawba river— His expectations of being joined by the miUtia disappointed — Causes of their non-appearance — Letter from Gen. Davidson — Morgan's arrangements — Detaches Col. Washington against a body of Tories — The latter cut to pieces — Washington destroys Fort Williams — Morgan sends another detachment to covc. Washington's retreat — Letters: from Morgan to Greene; from Gov. Rutledge to Morgan ; from Greene to Morgan ; from Col. 0. H. Williams to Morgan ; from G^i-eene to Morgan ; from Morgan to Greene ; from Greene to Morgan— Cornwallis directs Tarletou to advance against Morgan— Cornwallis puts his army in motion, 2C2

CHAPTER XV.

Morgan determines to take a position nearer to the fords of Broad river — Tarleton approaches — Morgan retires to Burr's Mills — Tarleton crosses the Pacolet — Morgan marches to the Cowpens, where he announces his intention of awaiting the enemy — Letter from Morgan o Greene, and reply thereto — Tarleton follows Morgan— A comparison of these officers — The motives which actuated them respectively in risking a battle — Morgan's preparations for the expected conflict — Anecdote — Tarleton approaches — Skirmish between the enemy's advance and the American patrol — The Cowpensr— Description of the field — Morgan's disposition of his forces — His directions and exhortations to the men — The enemy's cavalry drive in the American front — Tarleton's dispositions- His advance to the attack— The battle— The enemy routed— Conflict between Washington and Tarleton— The latter escapes capture only by a mistake of his pursuers— The results— Official account of the battle, with a list of the officers engaged therein., 281

CHAPTER XVI.

Reflections suggested by the battle of the Cowpens— Morgan's conduct on that occasion defended— The news of the victory received with joy throughout the country— Resolu-

XIV CONTENTS.

tions of Congress and letter of President Huntington— Resolutions of Virginia House of Delegates, and letter from Speaker, Richard M. Lee— Congratulatory letters from Gen. Davidson, Gov, Rutledge, Col. O. H. Williams and Gen. Sumter— After the battle, Morgan retreats across Broad river towards the Catawba— Cornwallis, deterred by the result of the battle, awaits a junction with Leslie before marching in pursuit of Morgan —Believing that the latter intended remaining north of Broad river, CornwaUis marches in that direction — Discovers his mistake — His unavailing pursuit— Morgan reaches the east bank of the Catawba — His letter to Gen. Greene— Reflections upon the military events just detailed — Morgan resolves to defend the fords of the Catawba— His letters to Gen. Greene from this quarter, 313

CHAPTER XVII.

The disappointment of Morgan's expectations of efficient aid from the militia— Joined by Gen. Davidson with eight hundred men — The British at length approach the Catawba — The river becomes suddenly impassable — Gen. Greene arrives at Sherrald's ford— The Catawba subsides, when Morgan retreats to the Yadkin— The fords of the Catawba guarded by Davidson and his militia — The enemy cross the river— Battle at McCowan's ford, and death of Davidson — Tai'leton's cruelty at Tarrant's tavern — Morgan crosses the Yadkin— His rear guard attacked by the enemy, who are repulsed— Cornwallis advances to the Yadkin, now also become impassable — He marches to the shallow fords — The American divisions concentrate at Guilford, C. H. — Morgan becomes too unwell to continue in the field— His letters to Gen. Greene regarding his ill-health, and signifying his wish for leave of absence — Greene determines to retire still farther — Remarks on the condition, objects and prospects of the contending forces — Morgan oflfered the command of the light troops — He obtains leave to retire — He is solicited to take command of the North Carolina militia — American army retreats towards Boyd's ferry — Morgan proceeds to Virginia — Reflections on the military events subsequent to the battle of the Cowpens, and on his participation therein — The misstatements regarding these events, and Morgan, which have crept into history, exposed, .... 838

CHAPTER XVIII.

Morgan determines to go home — Compelled from weakness to stop on the way— Extracts from a letter to Gen. Greene — His letter to Greene from Carter Harrison's— Reaches home— Letter from Gen. Greene, giving an account of the battle of Guilford C. H.— Morgan's reply — His health partially restored — Is solicited by the authorities of Virginia to give his aid in resisting her invaders — Letter from Lafayette — Resolution of the House of Delegates — Letter from Gov. Jefferson — Morgan suppresses the Claypoole insurrection— Rumors of the advance of the enemy into the valley— Removal of the prisoners — Martial spirit aroused — Address of the speakers of the Virginia Legislature to Morgan, soliciting his assistance — He raises a force of horse and foot, and marches to join Lafayette — Letters from the latter — Battle at Jamestown — Morgan joins Lafayette the day following— Is invested with the command of the cavalry and the light troops, 869

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CHAPTEE XIX.

Lafayette retires to Richmond— Wayne and Morgan posted at G-oode's bridge— Cornwallis marches towards Portsmouth — Tarleton dispatched to Bedford Co. — Unsuccessful attempt to intercept him — Letter from Lafayette — He encamps on Malvin Hill — Letters from Wayne — Morgan again unwell — Letter to Greene — The reply — Morgan returns home — Letter from Lafayette — Letter to Washington — The reply— Letter to Washington — The reply — removes to " Saratoga " — His elder daughter married to Col. Neville — Morgan's health partially restored — Letter to Greene — His conduct on the disbandment of the array — The Cowpens medal — Letter to J. F. Mercer — The reply — The soldiery become the victims of speculators — Morgan interferes in behalf of the former — His motives misrepresented by the speculators to the injury of his character — Washington in consequence, ceases to esteem him — An explanation is followed by a reconciliation — Morgan's conduct under the calumnies of his enemies — Extract of a letter from Col. C. M. Thurston, 890

CHAPTER XX.

Morgan in private life — Becomes wealthy, and rises in consideration — His younger daughter married to Major Heard — He obtains the Cowpens medal — Indian war — Defeat of St. Clair, followed by preparations for a new campaign— Morgan appointed a brigadier general — The excise law, and the consequences of its execution — Gen. Neville — Appointed inspector — Resistance to the law assumes the form of rebellion — Meetings of the insurgents — Gen. Neville's house attacked, and destroyed by fire— He and other persons obnoxious to the insurgents obliged to flee — Meeting at Braddock's field — The President resolves to maintain the laws — Sends commissioners to confer with the insurgents, and calls 15,000 men into service — The Convention at Parkinson's ferry — Morgan's opinion of the conduct of the insurgents — Is appointed major general of the Virginia militia — His alarm for the safety of his daughter and her children — Prepares to go to Pittsburg, but is dissuaded therefrom — Letter from Col. Neville — The alacrity with which the Virginians obeyed the President's call for aid — Letter to the President — The reply — Letter from Col. Hamilton — The militia advance into the theatre of disturbance —Morgan marches to Pittsburg— Termination of the "whisky insurrection "—The troops return home, 412

CHAPTER XXI.

Morgan stationed in the disaffected region — Resolution of Congress — A new force enlisted — Arrests — The judicious policy adopted by Morgan — Its happy results — His generosity —Is a candidate for Congress — Is defeated — Bad effects of his absence from the disaffected region — ^Letter from Washington — Morgan's reply — Termination of his military career — Is again a candidate for Congress — Is successful — Becomes unwell — Is reported dead — Extract of a letter from Washington — The eventual army — Letter from Washington — Morgan becomes religious — Remarks on this fact — Anecdotes — The closing scene — His death — His descendants — Concluaing remarks, 433

Afpbmdix, 4f>'^

THE LIFE

GENEEAL DAIIEL MORGAN

Chapter I

The Ancestry, parentage, and early history of General Daniel Morgan— The impressions created by his first appearance in Virginia — His first employment — Superintends a mill — employed as a wagoner— Purchases a wagon and horses, and becomes a wagoner on his own account— His great and rapid improvement, physical and mental— Glance at the country and its population— He begins to attract notice— The opening of the seven years' war— Morgan engaged as a wagoner in the train of General Braddock— The army advances— The difficulties which it encounters in its march— Morgan fights and conquers a noted pugilist— Braddock's defeat— The retreat to Fort Cumberland— Measures of defence taken by the Virginia Assembly— Morgan employed as a wagoner in the service of the colony.