ubdue the Appalachian Indians, who had done great mischief and murder in this (the Cape Fear) section, and he completely subdued them.
He also commanded the forces sent by Gov. Charles Craven to succor the inhabitants, whose borders were ravaged by the Tuscaroras in 1713, and many of the inhabitants massacred, among them John Lawson, the first historian of North Carolina. He was accompanied by a strong force, and completely routed the savages. A severe engagement near Snow Hill in Greene County.*
* Johnson Traditions, 230;
Davis's Address, 12.
He remained in North Carolina about seven months, when he returned home. Until 1693 the two Provinces were together, and under one Governor. The renown gained in the Indian wars was well calculated to render Col. Moore a favorite with the people. In 1719, when then quarrel between the people and the Government occurred, true to the instincts of his race, he was with the people, and was well qualified to be a leader in perilous and troubled times. Robert Johnson was at this time the Royal Governor. The people proclaimed against him and deposed him 28th November, 1719, and with this proclamation went up the expiring sighs of the Proprietory Government, and James Moore was elected by the people Governor. He was succeeded the same year, (1719) by Arthur Middleton, and as he disappears from South Carolina history it is probable he came to Cape Fear.*
He never married. His younger brother, Maurice, accompanied him in his campaigns against the Indians.
Such was the inviting character of this section, its genial soil and mild climate, that many of the family settled on the Cape Fear. Of these Mr. Davis was correct when he said "they inherited the rebellious stock of their race; it was not in their name or blood to be other than patriots, or to shrink from any sacrifice at the call of their country." In a dispatch from Governor Burrington as early as February, 1735, he shows his instinctive dread of such patriotic and pure-hearted men, and thus describes them:
"About twenty men are settled at Cape Fear from South Carolina. Among these are three brothers of a noted family, by the name of Moore. They are all of the set known by the name of 'the Goose Creek faction.' These people were always very troublesome in that Government, and will be so, without doubt, in this. Already I have been told they will spend a good deal of money to get me turned out. Messengers are continually going to Mosely and his crew, to and from them." Such was the repulsion of the representative of royalty to the advocates of popular rights and equal justice.
Colonel Maurice Moore, to whom we have already alluded as the younger brother of Governor James Moore, the second, was a soldier, brave, energetic and successful. He had accompanied his brother in his expeditions to Northern Carolina, and was impressed with the character of the country. He had two years later commanded a troop of horse in the service of Eden, (Governor of North Carolina in 1713,) and marched to the Cape Fear to subdue the Indians, who were fierce and troublesome in that section. As Governor Eden resided in Chowan, it is inferred that he first went there. Three years after his expedition he was concerned with Edward Mosely in some matters of importance. He is supposed by Martin to have settled upon the Cape Fear about 1723. The dispatch already quoted of Governor Burrington shows "that three brothers by the name of Moore were located, in 1735, on the Cape Fear." These three brothers were Colonel Maurice Moore, Roger and Nathaniel. To these three men is due the permanent settlement of the
| Index - Contents |
 |
|
| ||
|
||