Tariton was execrated for many years after the revolutionary war as the most remorseless of marauders.
He seems to have been quite an angel of light compared to
Kilpatrick.
The following story is told by him in his "Campaigns," a book that, we believe, has nearly gone out of print.
We tell it in our own words, not having the work before us.
While the royal army was on the march from
Wilmington to
Virginia, Tariton's logion in advance, an aid of the
commanding General (Lord Cornwallis) came riding up at full speed.
He bore orders for Tariton to halt and draw his men up in a single line on the side of the road.
He had hardly done so when Cornwallis and his staff came up, bringing with them two inhabitants of the country.
He explained the cause of the order in a few words.
One of the countrymen, in the presence of the other, had been robbed of articles of value by two of the dragoons, who had entered his house contrary to the express orders of the
General which forbade the troops to molest or plunder the inhabitants.
He had brought them both along that they might identify the robbers.
This they soon did, and the property stolen was found upon them.
Two ropes were fixed to the limb of a tree, and the men were hung on the spot.
One of
Kilpatrick's men is found with certain teaspoons belonging to
Jas M. Morson, and marked with his initials, in his knapsack.
He is beyond the reach of his commander, so that he cannot be appealed to for justice, But there can be no doubt that, were it otherwise, any such appeal would be vain.
The very object of the expedition was to plunder and destroy private property.
The same persons who stole the plate burnt the house and barn.
What a contrast between the
British and the
Yankee officers ! The former were gentlemen, and although by no means remarkable for gentleness of disposition, would have scorned to disgrace their cause, and dirtied their hands, with the plunder of a private family.
But
Kilpatrick is a genuine Yankee.
His highest exploit has, thus far, consisted in robbing hen-roosts, and stealing negroes.
He has never fought a fair fight with any of our forces.
He runs as soon as he is brought face to face with real danger.
Nothing could have been more disgraceful than his flight when he was attacked by
General Hampton at Atlec's. The Yankee
General Meade knew what he was fit for, and chose him accordingly.
He is a mere hen-roost General and nothing more.
P. S. We are told that it was
Gregg, and not
Kilpatrick, who stole
Mr. Morson's spoons.
True,
Gregg happened to command that particular party; but the commander of the
expedition was
Kilpatrick.
He is responsible for all. He is the real "hen- roost" chap, and all the deeds of his subordinates are his deeds.
Doubtless he approves of
Gregg's rascality.
