STORIES OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIERS

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William Richardson Davie

William Richardson Davie came into the world under the auspices of the crown of Britain at Egremont, England, on June 20, 1756. In 1763 his father brought him to North Carolina and left him with the Rev. William Richardson a maternal uncle, who adopted him as a son and gave him a liberal education. At the commencement of the Revolution he resolved to join the patriots in the defence of equal rights. He was soon put in command of a company of dragoons and annexed to the legion under Count Pulaski. In a few months Capt. Davie was promoted to brigade major of cavalry. When General Lincoln attempted to dislodge Lieut. Colonel Maitland at Stono, Maj. Davie was severely wounded and disabled for five months. After his recovery he raised a corps of one company of dragoons and two of mounted infantry and spent the last shilling of a large estate in furnishing equipments and supplies for the service. He participated in the trying scenes of the southern campaigns under Generals Gates, Greene and others, until the foe was conquered and Independence secured. No officer of his grade did more to promote the cause of Liberty. After the war he became an eminent lawyer. He was a member of the Convention that framed the Federal Constitution. Every station he occupied in public and private life he filled with dignity and integrity. He was a Major-General of the Militia, Governor of his State and minister to France in 1799. On his return his amiable wife was ill and soon died. He then removed to South Carolina and died at Chester in 1820.

Source: The Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution by L. Carroll Judson