Note 4 — Chapter I
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We have not found the date of his death, but Horry gives the principal features of his will as he got them from the family. He calls Judith Marion "Louisa," but that is his picturesque way. She may have been "Judith Louisa"! Women's names were not of much consequence in those days.
"After having, in the good old way, bequeathed 'his soul to God who gave it,' and 'his body to the earth out of which it was taken,' he proceeds:—
"'In the first place, as to debts, thank God, I owe none, and therefore shall give my executors but little trouble on that score.
"'Secondly,—As to the poor, I have always treated them as my brethren. My dear family will, I know, follow my example.
"'Thirdly,—As to the wealth with which God has been pleased to bless me and my dear Louisa and children, lovingly have we labored together for it—lovingly we have enjoyed it—and now, with a glad and grateful heart do I leave it among them.
"'I give my beloved Louisa all my ready money—that she may never be alarmed at a sudden call.
"'I give her all my fat calves and lambs, my pigs and poultry—that she may always keep a good table.
"'I give her my new carriage and horses—that she may visit her friends in comfort.
"'I give her my family Bible—that she may live above the ill-tempers and sorrows of life.
"'I give my son Peter a hornbook—for I am afraid he will always be a dunce.'"
General Horry goes on to say that Peter was so stunned by this squib that he "instantly quit his raccoon hunting by night and betook himself to reading, and soon became a very sensible and charming young man."