Charlotte Hornets in the Revolution - William Richardson Davie's Harassment
Yesterday, we studied the life of Allen Jones but I realized I had never written about his son-in-law William Richardson Davie.
Davie played a much bigger role than Jones did, both fighting in the Revolutionary War and creating the American Government.
Davie’s role was so big, in fact, that he gets two articles. Today we will discuss his activity as an Officer in the war and tomorrow we will review his time as a builder of the United States.
If you want to read tomorrow’s article about Davie as a Governor, Educator and Constitutional Convention Delegate, make sure you subscribe to my email list here.
William Richardson Davie
William Richardson Davie was born in England and moved to North Carolina with his family as a teenager.
As a young man, Davie began studying law but dropped out in 1779 to fight for independence.
At just 22-years-old William was given the rank of Major in the North Carolina Militia and took charge of a band of cavalrymen.
The Battle of Stono Ferry
Davie was led his men on horseback during the Battle of Stono Ferry.
This engagement was an attempt by the Americans to attack a retreating British force, but they were held off.
While participating in a charge, William was shot in the side and fell from his steed.
Fortunately, he was able to evade capture and clear the field.
Davie was sideline for several months, during which he returned to complete his law studies.
The Battle of Charlotte
William could not be kept out of the fight long.
He returned to the army as soon as he could and was again given command of a cavalry.
Davie was responsible for harassing the British as they moved north into his State.
Eventually, he dismounted his men at Charlotte and scattered them about town.
When Cornwallis arrived, Davie’s 150 soldiers held off approximately 2000 enemy troops before retreating.
The Redcoats turned around and retreated, which William’s cavalry continuing to harass them.
Cornwallis famously responded to these events by calling Charlotte a ‘hornets’ nest’ of resistance. (Hey sports fans, if this sounds familiar, it is the story that led to the modern NBA team the Charlotte Hornets.)
Commissary General
Davie was fortunate to have missed the disastrous Battle of Camden, though he had made every effort to be there.
Arriving just after the fighting ceased, he took up his usual tactic of harassing the Redcoats.
It was not long until Major General Nathaniel Greene showed up to take command of the Southern Department.
Impressed by what he learned of Davie, and in need of someone who knew the area, William was given a promotion to Commissary General of North Carolina. In this position he supplied the troops of the Carolinas with food, clothing and ammunition through the remainder of the Revolutionary War.
Want more Founders from North Carolina?
OK, here you go:
Richard Dobbs Spaight Overcomes Defeat
Timothy Bloodworth and His Futile Fight Against The Constitution
William Hooper Isn’t a Loyalist…Despite What You Heard
Later in life, William Davie wrote an autobiography.
‘A Memoir’ is an interesting primary resource from someone right in the middle of everything.
If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
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