The Patriot Leaders in North Carolina - Brigadier General Alexander Lillington




The American Revolution in North Carolina

Brigadier General Alexander Lillington

Lillington, the county seat of Harnett County, is named for Revolutionary War hero General Alexander Lillington. The General is buried in an isolated area in Pender County, North Carolina.

General Alexander Lillington commanded the Patriot forces at the Battle of Moores Creek on the 27th Feb 1776 and by his military skill and cool courage in the field at the head of his troops secured a complete and decisive victory to intellectual powers of a high order. He united an incorruptible integrity and a devoted and self sacrificing patriotism. A genuine lover of liberty, he perilled to secure the Independence of his country and died at a good old age.

Alexander Lillington was appointed colonel of the Minute Men of Wilmington District in 1775, about 150 of whom he commanded at the battle of Moore's Creek Bridge.

At age sixteen, Daniel Ball first entered the service of the United States in December 1779. He was drafted into the Militia in Franklin County, North Carolina, under Capt. Richard Ransome, Brigadier General Alexander Lillington's command. Due to illness he was discharged 10 March 1780, at Charleston, South Carolina.

A few months later, in June or July 1780, Daniel volunteered, and entered service again in Franklin County, under Capt. Harrison Mason in the Regiment commanded by Col. William Brickell. This Regiment proceeded to South Carolina and joined the Continental Army under General Gates, participating in the Battle of Camden.