Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 May 1896 — CORNSTALK MILITIA. [ARTICLE]

CORNSTALK MILITIA.

How a Patriot Guarded His Property from Redcoats. During the exciting times of the American Revolution the Eastern Shore of Maryland, while many were true patriots and thoroughly believed in and upheld the cause of American liberty, was yet a hotbed for Tories, who as firmly defended what they believed to be the rights of the King. The region aown as the Seaside, which extends along the western shore of Synepuxent Bay, was particularly well supplied with the adherents of George 111. A great-grandfather of George W. Purnell, now a prominent member of the bar. was a stanch defender of American independence and a commissioned officer in the militia, but owing to the depredations so frequently being committed along the seaside and about his own home, known as the Fairfield Farm, it became necessary for him to remain there to protect his property. The Tories about the country acted as pilots for the British soldiers, who frequently came in boats through the inlet at Chincoteague and up the Synepuxent Bay, the prosperous farms along the shore offering an excellent field for their raids. For the most part these farms were entirely unprotected, and the local Tories would guide the soldiers to those houses where they would probably get the most booty. It was told of Mr. Purnell that early one morning, while looking over his farm, and standing on a hill which commanded a view of the bay, he saw several boat-loads of redcoats making their way toward his own shore. He went to his house and summoned a dozen colored men about him and armed them with long cornstalks. Mounting an old gray horse, he marched his battalion down behind the hill, always keeping out of sight of the approaching British. As soon as he reached the foot of the hill on the inland side he called a halt and gave orders to his men. He stationed himself just at the brow of the hill, so that the head of his noble charger could just be seen by the men on the bay. Then came the order for his battalion to march ip review. In an unbroken line around and around the hill they marched, with their cornstalk muskets glistening in the sun. His twelve men made a fine showing, and the effect on the raiders was magical. The distance magnified the number. They saw the army and precipitately retreated. The fame of the valorous old gentleman has been handed down to the present generation.