The Battle of Lindley's Mill
September 13, 1781
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In "The Battle of Lindley's Mill" written by Algie I. Newlin, the battle at
the mill is described as one of the fiercest battles fought in Chatham County,
North Carolina during the Revolutionary War. The mill had become a favorite
rendezvous of Colonel Fanning and the Tories. (The Tories were colonists who
remained loyal to King George III of England).
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The Whig Militia Force was
seeking to release the captured Governor Thomas Burke, and the battle ended in
a draw. As neither side actually won, after the battle each accused the other
of leaving the field first.
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The Battle of Lindley's Mill closed the war in
North Carolina, and a month later, Lord Cornwallis surrendered the tattered
remains of a once proud British Army at Yorktown.
According to the
"History of Hillsboro, Orange County, North Carolina," the Regulators took 39
barrels of flour from the Lindley Mill on September 14, 1781. At this time
Thomas Lindley had a store and post office in his home, known as the Lindley
Store.
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Jean Hadley at
Battle Monument |
Sometime during the Battle of Lindley's Mill, Thomas Lindley was
killed - most likely in defense of his home. His family helped care for the
wounded and buried the dead - Tories and Whigs alike - in the church yard.
Photos courtesy of Jean Hadley.
