>1768 I'm still confused. Why did Tryon make this >list 3 years before the battle? I think that your confusion comes from the fact that the subject line wasn't changed, and the word "execution" should have been deleted. This list is not a list of 12 men excused from execution after the Battle of 1771, but a list of 12 men singled out in 1768 as leaders of the Regulators and excluded from the general pardon to the Regulators at that time. The Battle of Alamance in 1771 was just the culmination and end of the Regulator movement. Events had been leading up to it and the Regulators had been in existence for several years before then. The Regulators had agreed among to 1. pay no more taxes until we are satisfied that they are agreeable to law 2. pay no officer any more fees than the law allows. 3. attend all meetings 4. contribute money to defray expenses 5. submit to majority rule in meetings In 1768 the Regulators asked to meet with the Sheriff and other officials of Orange County and show them a list of taxables, a record of public disbursements, and a copy of the law setting fees. The problem was that local officials were charging excess amounts to line their own pockets. The officials refused to meet, and Edward FANNING who held numerous offices in the county denounced the Regulators for even questioning the integrity of public officials. A Regulator horse, saddle and bridle were taken for nonpayment of taxes. On 8 April 1768 about 60-70 Regulators led by William BUTLER, Peter CRAVEN and Ninian Bell HAMILTON [my ancestor] rode into Hillsboro where they rescued the horse, took over the court, and fired on the house of Edward FANNING. In retaliation, FANNINNG had BUTLER and Harmon HUSBAND jailed in Hillsboro on charges of inciting rebellion. On 1 May 1768 a rescue party was formed. A ballad at the time was: >From Hillsborough Town the first day of May Marched those murdering traitors They went to oppose the honest men That were called the Regulators [stanzas two and three missing] At length their head man they sent out To save their town from fire To see Ned Fanning wade Eno Brave boys you'll all admire. With hat in hand at our command To salute us everyone Sir And after that kept off his hat To salute old Hamilton Sir. But old Hamilton like an angry man He still craved satisfaction For taking of Husbands away to the town It was a most villainous action. FANNING and John GRAY, lieutenant of the militia convinced the Gov. to issue a proclamation against the "rioters" and call out the militia. That list of 12 was those who were not pardoned. Information on the HAMILTON family below. Rick Saunders http://home.netcom.com/~fzsaund/hamilton.html No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.20.0/1268 - Release Date: 2/9/2008 11:54 AM