"Matthew Thompson's career so far as learned at the following lengthy quotations:# After the surrender of Charleston, South Carolina in the Revolution, the people being still in Old Pickens Block House for fear of the Indians fell short of corn when the following men were sent with wagons to Coroneaco Creek to get a supply: Hugh PORTER, father of Alexander, Pastor of Cedar Springs Church, Jared LIDDLE, E. CRAWFORD, Andrew WHITE, Matthew THOMPSON, James BEARD, and SMITH–the last three being lads, one of the brothers of ANDREW PICKENS and others . They had crossed McCORD's Creek early in the forenoon and were ascending a hill when attacked by a party of Tories under John CRAWFORD, who shot E. CRAWFORD, Hugh PORTER and Pickens on the spot, taking the other prisoners too Saluda then beyond to Cherokee Indian line and delivered them to the Indians, who put most of them to death in cold blood, including Andrew WHITE, age 17 years, reports coming back that they were burned to death. The three lads, BEARD, SMITH and THOMPSON were spared or escaped after being put in a ring to be shot. "55(c). This son, Matthew THOMPSON, IV was of an adventurous nature. He was taking prisoner by the Indians during the Revolutionary War, and such was their cruelty to their prisoners that many of them were put to death by torture with pine fagots stuck into their bodies and set on fire. Having witnessed the scenes so often in camp, and believing that the time had come for his death, from the preparation his captors were making, Matthew feigned illness and on that account was allowed to pass in and out of camp under guard. He secured a bridle, hid it in his bosom, then selected the best horse in camp. The first opportunity that presented itself, he mounted his chosen steed and dashed away, amidst a shower of shot and lead, being pursued by the savages for 4 days and nights together. Such was the nature of the country that a horse could be tracked by the grass in the woods, and he had to conceal himself in the daytime and travel by night. As an aid to him in his travels, he would feel the bark of the trees to indicate to him the direction, North or South, and by star light he traveled for nine nights. At times he traveled in water courses, to evade his pursuers, and after nine days and nights, living on the curls of grape vines, buds and barks of trees, he succeeded in safely reaching his friends. It is not recalled whether he married or not*** and save the thrilling adventures next hereinbefore outlined little is known of him.
-CALHOUN, HAMILTON, BASKIN AND RELATED FAMILIES