SOUTH CAROLINA 



333 



iug the bitter persecution of his province at Loudun, his 



native town, where fifteen hundred Huguenots were com- 

 pelled to recant in a single night by two companies of 

 dragoons. Stealing away from his home with his wife 

 and child, under cover of the darkness they made their 

 escape, and when La Kochelle could not afford shelter 

 they came to America, being among the early settlers in 

 South Carolina, where two children were born to them. 

 From this family came John Huger, who was made sec- 

 retary of the new state after the Provincial Congress had 

 been dissolved ; and Benjamin Huger, who entertained 

 the army as captain, and by merit was advanced to the 

 rank of major. In the attack upon Charleston by the Killed in 1779 

 British in 1779, by a false alarm at night the militia were 

 led to fire upon the supposed advancing enemy. By this 

 unfortunate mistake Major Huger, who was without the 

 lines on duty with a party, was killed by his own coun- 

 trymen. He is described as " a brave officer, an able 

 statesman, and a highly distinguished citizen." He led 

 his company in the defense of Fort Moultrie, which was 

 one of the brilliant events in the state's revolutionary 

 history. 



Eminent service was rendered also by Colonel Daniel 

 Horry, of a Huguenot family. After a long series of dis- coionei Horry 

 asters, for the greater safety of its people the State Assem- 

 bly passed a severe militia law, intended to strengthen 

 the Continental army. The extent and variety of mili- 

 tary operations in the open country pointed out the ad- 

 vantages of cavalry ; and a regiment of dragoons was 

 raised and put under command of Colonel Horry. While 

 its work was very different from that which made the 

 dragoons of France a terror to the innocent Huguenots, 

 this regiment did most valiant service under its brave leader, 

 who possessed something of the dash and daring that made 

 Marion conspicuous. Marion himself, in his exploits. Regiment of 



, Dragoons 



received great assistance from the active exertions of the 

 French officers, Colonels Peter and Hugh Horry, Colonel 



