Rebecca Brewton (Motte) was born on the 28th of June, 1738. She later married Jacob Motte in 1758, she was the mother of six children with only three living to maturity. Her husband had died in the early beginnings of the Revolutionary War leaving her a widow. This great woman lived in a beautiful mansion on the south side of the Congree River in South Carolina.
In the early part of May 1781, British soldiers under the command of Captain McPherson took possession of Mrs. Motte's plantation home to use as a fort. McPherson along with about 175 of his British soldiers fortified her home, surrounding it with a trench and parapet. She moved into a small farm house on the plantation. Soon a force led by Francis Marion and Lighthorse Harry Lee laid siege to Fort Motte and called upon the British commander to surrender, Captain McPherson refused. The British captain left them no other alternative but to burn the plantation mansion. Upon hearing Marion and Lee's plans for her home Mrs. Motte replied: "I am gratified with the opportunity of contributing to the good of my country, and I should view the approaching scene with delight." Mrs. Motte even presented Lee with the combustible arrows that were used in the burning of her home. History says she inherited them from her brother Miles Brewton who had brought them from East India.
The bow and arrows were placed in the hands of Nathan Savage, a private in Marion's army. He shot three arrows that impacted and ignited the roof. Captain McPherson seeing his men could not easily put out the burning mansion quickly threw out the white flag to surrender. Marion and Lee's men took back possession of the Motte mansion and their men where able to put out the fire on the roof saving the mansion house.In true southern hospitality Mrs. Motte cooked a dinner later that evening for both the American and British officers and served it in her dining room.
Rebecca Motte was a woman we can all look to as an example of fortitude and bravery during difficult times. We need to look within ourselves and find that courageous person as well, and to always carry a good attitude with a sense of class.
Marion. Friends! fellow-soldiers! we again have heard
The threats of our proud enemies; they come,
Boasting to sweep us, like the chaff, away.
Shall we yield? shall we lie down like dogs beneath
The keeper's lash? Then shall we well deserve
The ruin, the disgrace that must ensue.
Ne'er dream submission will appease our foes;
We shall be conquered rebels, and they'll fear
The spirit of liberty may rouse again;
And therefore will they bind us with strong chains,
New cords, green withes, like those which Samson bound,
And we, alas! shall have been shorn and weak,
On Folly's lap, if we yield up our freedom.
MRS. S. J. HALE'S TRAGEDY, "ORMOND GROSVENOR." ACT IV.
2 comments:
I remember growing up on the Molly Pitcher story and later learning it was in dispute as to the authenticity. Having four girls though I love the history involving women. Thanks for sharing this one!
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