began their retreat, they observed soldiers dead on the ground, one of them scalped and his ears cut off, though not quite dead; from which it is very clear that one or more of the Provincials had the cowardice to go in amongst the Regular Troops, and cut off the ears of a soldier that had fallen, though not quite dead.

This, my Lord, may seem no less odd than true, for it is fully proved; for unless the soldier’s ears had been cut off whilst among the body of Regulars, they could not possibly have known it, as they do not pretend, nor the Provincials believe, that they ever regained any ground they had retreated over; and besides, my Lord, as proof, if his ears had been cut off after they had retreated, and left him on the ground which the Provincials had gained, the King’s Troops could not possibly have seen him to prove it. Another instance, my Lord; one of them had the cowardice to strike Major Pitcairn at the head of his Troops; so that, my Lord, I think I have very fully proved to your Lordship at least, (and for which I hope to be rewarded,) the clearest and most flagrant instances of American cowardice, and which, I think, is quite sufficient to satisfy your Lordship, that a few more Troops, in addition to those.

disaffected persons in Rowan and Tryon (now Lincoln County) were Sent for, examined, and convoyed (after it was satisfactorily proven they were inimical) to Camden, in South Carolina, for safekeeping.

We do farther certify, that the acts passed by the Committee of Safety, were received as the civil, law of the land in many cases, and that Courts of Justice for the decision of controversies between the people were held, and we have no recollection that dissatisfaction existed in any instance with regard to the judgments of said Courts.

We are not, at this late period, able to give the names of all the Delegation who formed the Declaration of Independence; but can safely declare as to the following persons being of the number, viz: Thomas Polk, Abraham Alexander, John M‘Knitt Alexander, Adam Alexander, Ephraim Brevard, John Phifer, Hezekiah James Balsh, Benjamin Patton, Hezekiah Alexander, Richard Barry, William Graham, Matthew M‘Clure, Robert Irwin, Zacheus Wilson, Neil Morrison, John Flenniken, John Queary, Ezra Alexander.

In testimony of all and every part herein set forth, we have hereunto set our hands.

FROM JOHN SIMESON TO COLONEL WILLIAM POLK.

“PROVIDENCE, January 20, 1820.

“DEAR SIR: After considerable delay, occasioned partly to obtain what information I could, in addition to my own knowledge of the facts in relation to our Declaration of Independence, and partly by a precarious, feeble old age, I now write to you in answer to yours of the 24th ult.

“I have conversed with many of my old friends and others, and all agree in the point, but few can state the particulars; for although our County is renowned for general intelligence, we have still some that don’t read the publick prints. You know, in the language of the day, every Province had its Congress, and Mecklenburgh had its County Congress, as legally chosen as any other, and assumed an attitude until then without a precedent; but, alas! those worthies who conceived and executed that hold measure, are no more; and one reason why so little new light can be thrown on an old truth, may be this—and I appeal to yourself for the correctness of the remark—we, who are now culled Revolutionary men, were then thoughtless, precipitate youths; we cared not who conceived the bold act, our business was to adopt and support it. Yourself, sir, in your eighteenth year and on the spot, your worthy father, tile most popular and influential character in the County, and yet you cannot state much from recollection. Your father, as commanding officer of the County, issued orders to the Captains to appoint two men from each company to represent them in the Committee. It was done. Neill Morrison, John Flenniken, from this Company; Charles Alexander, John M‘Knitt Alexander, Hezekiah Alexander, Abraham Alexander, Esq., John Phifer, David Reese, Adam Alexander, Dickey Barry, John Queary, with others, whose names I cannot obtain. As to the names of those who, drew up the Declaration, I am inclined to think Doctor Brevard was the principal, from his known, talents in composition. It was, however, in substance and form, like, that great, national act agreed on thirteen months after. Ours was towards the close of May, 1775. In addition to what I have said, the same Committee appointed, three men to secure all the military stores for the County’s use—Thomas Polk, John Phifer, and Joseph Kennedy. I was under arms near the head of the line, near Colonel, Polk, and heard him distinctly read a long string of grievances, the declaration, and military order above. I likewise heard Colonel Polk have two warm disputes with two men of the County, who said the measures were, rash and unnecessary. He was applauded and they silenced. I was then in my 22d year, an enemy to usurpation and tyranny of every kind, with a retentive memory, and fond of liberty, that had a doubt arisen in my mind that the act would be controverted, proof would, not have been wanting; but I comfort myself that none but the self-important peace-party and blue-lights of the East, will have the assurance, to oppose it any further. The biographer of Patrick Henry, (Mr. Wirt) says he first suggested independence in the Virginia Convention; but it is known they did not reduce it to action—so that it will pass for nothing. The Courts likewise acted independently. I myself heard a dispute take place on the bench, and an acting Magistrate was actually taken and sent to prison by an order of the Chairman.

“Thus, Sir, have I thrown together all that I can at this time. I am too blind to write, fair, and too old to write much sense—but if my deposition before the Supreme Court of the United States would add more weight to a truth so well known here, it should be at the service of my fellow-citizens of the County and State generally.

“I am, Sir, your friend and humble servant,

“JOHN SIHESON, SEN.”

“P. S. I will give you a short anecdote. An aged man near me, on being asked if he knew any think of this affair, replied, “Och, aye, TAM POLK declared independence lang before any body else.” This old man is 81.”

CERTIFICATE OF ISAAC ALEXANDER.

I hereby certify that I was present in Charlotte on the 19th and 20th days of May, 1775, when a regular deputation from all the Captains’ companies of Militia in the County of Mecklenburgh, to wit: Colonel Thomas Polk, Adam Alexander, Lieutenant-Colonel Abram Alexander, John M‘Knitt Alexander, Hezekiah Alexander, Ephraim Brevard and a number of others, who met to consult and take measures for tho peace and tranquillity of the citizens of said County, and who appointed Abraham Alexander their Chairman, and Doctor Ephraim Brevard Secretary; who, after due consultation, declared “themselves absolved from their allegiance to the King of Great Britain, and drew up a declaration of their independence, which was unanimously adopted; and employed Captain James Jack to carry copies thereof to Congress, who accordingly went. These are a part of the transactions that took place at that time, as far as my recollection serves me.

ISAAC ALEXANDER.

October 8, 1830.

CERTIFICATE OF SAMUEL WILSON.

STATE OF NORTH-CAROLINA, Mecklenburgh County:

I do hereby certify, that in May, 1775, a Committee or Delegation from the different Militia Companies in: this County, met in Charlotte; and after consulting together, they publickly declared their independence on Great Britain, and on her Government. This was done before a large collection of people, who highly approved of it. I was then and there present, and heard it read from the Court-House door. Certified by me.

SAM’L WILSON.

CERTIFICATE OF JOHN DAVIDSON.

BEAVER DAM October 5, 1830.

DEAR SIR: I received your note of the 25th of last month, requiring information relative to the Mecklenburgh Declaration of Independence. As I am, perhaps, the only person living who, as a member of that Convention, and being far advanced in years, and not having my mind frequently directed to that circumstance for some years, I can give you but a very succinct history of that transaction. There were two men chosen from each Captain’s company, to meet in Charlotte, to take the subject into consideration. John M‘Knitt Alexander and myself were chosen from one company; and many other members were there that I now recollect, whose names I deem unnecessary to mention. When the members met, and were perfectly organized for business, a motion was made to declare ourselves independent of the Crown of Great Britain, which was carried by a large majority. Doctor Ephraim Brevard was then appointed to give us a sketch of the Declaration of Independence, which he did. James Jack was appointed to take it on to the American Congress, then sitting in Philadelphia, with particular instructions to deliver it to the North-Carolina Delegation in Congress, (Hooper and Caswell.) When Jack returned, he stated that the Declaration was presented to Congress, and the reply was, that they highly esteemed the patriotism of the citizens of Mecklenburgh; but they thought the measure too premature.

I am confident that the Declaration of Independence by the people of Mecklenburgh was made publick at least twelve months before that of the Congress of the United States.

I do certify that the foregoing statement, relative to the Mecklenburgh Independence, is correct, and which I am willing to be qualified to, should it be required. Yours respectfully,

JOHN DAVIDSON.

DR. J. M. Alexander.

LETTER FROM J. C. M. KAMSEY.

MECKLENBURGH, T. October 1, 1830.

DEAR SIR: Yours of tho 21st ultimo was duly received. In answer I have only to say, that little is in my possession on the subject alluded to which you have not already seen. Subjoined are the certificates of two gentlemen of this County, whoso respectability and veracity are attested by their acquaintances here, as well as by the accompanying testimonials of the Magistrates in whose neighbourhood they reside. With this you will also receive extracts from letters on the same subject from gentlemen well known to you, and to the Country at large.

I am, very respectfully, yours, &c.

J. G. M. RAMSEY.

CERTIFICATE OF JAMES JOHNSON.

I, James Johnson, now of Knox County, Tennessee, but formerly of Mecklenburgh County, North-Carolina, do hereby certify, that to the best of my recollection, in the month of May, 1775, there were several meetings in Charlotte concerning the impending war. Being young, I was not called on to take an active part in the same; but one thing I do positively remember, that she (Mecklenburgh County) did meet and hold a Convention, declared independence, and sent a man to Philadelphia with the proceedings. And I do further certify, that I am well acquainted with several of the men who formed or constituted said Convention, viz: John M‘Knitt Alexander, Hezekiah Alexander, Abraham Alexander, Adam Alexander, Robert Irwin, Neill Morrison, John Flenniken, John Queary.

Certified by me this 11th day of October, 1827.

JAMES JOHNSON, in my seventy third year.

CERTIFICATE OF ELIJAH JOHNSON AND JAMES WILHITE.

We, Elijah Johnson and James Wilhite, acting Justices of the Peace for the County of Knox, do certify, that we have been a long time well acquainted with Samuel Montgomery and James Johnson, both residents of Knox County; and that they are entitled to full credit, and any statement they may make to implicit confidence.

Given under our hands and seals this 4th day of October, 1830.

ELIJAH JOHNSON, (seal.)
JAJIES WILHITE, (seal.)

Justices of the Peace for Knox County.

Note.—Mr. Montgomery’s certificate does not purport to state the facts as haying Come under his own personal observation. It is therefore omitted in this publication.