the contending parties, had made a similar appeal, specially to William Butler: "Billy, do not let them take me." The Whigs made one more charge and carrying off their comrades retreated, but found time to bury poor Vardell under a clay root and cover him with their swords. At some little distance from the scene of conflict they took refuge in a wooden outhouse, being pursued, but circumspectly, by the Tories. Watson, severely wounded, and the sudden apprehension of death, still maintained a military resolution. A woman happened to be in the house in which they entered whose infant, some three weeks old, was in a dwelling some distance off. Watson insisted she should be detained; that their weakened condition required concealment and she might betray them, They found, means, however, to get information of their perilous situation to Orangeburg, and Captain, subsequently General Rumph, hastened to their relief. Under his escort Watson was carried upon a litter in a dying condition to Orangeburg where he expired and was buried. William Butler superintended the military honors of his funeral. While serving with Ryan the subject of our memoir was engaged in another expedition against the Tories in Orangeburg District. They were in force near the Court House. A number of Tories, finding their condition desperate, deserted to the
