Burke, Thomas
physician, lawyer, governor, author, was born in 1747, in Ireland. In 1776 he was a member of the provincial congress at Halifax, and a volunteer at the battle of Brandywine. He was a delegate to the continental congress from 1777 to 1781; in the latter year was chosen governor of North Carolina; while in that position was seized by the tories as a prisoner of state, and, being transferred to Charleston, was sent, by General Leslie, to James' island on parole, where he was detained as a hostage. Becoming exasperated, after four months' imprisonment, he determined to escape, in which purpose he was successful. He addressed a letter to General Leslie, informing him of his reasons for withdrawing, but considered himself subject to the disposal of the British authority; an exchange was effected by General Greene, and he returned to his position as governor; tired from public life the next year. He died Dec. 2, 1783, in Hillsborough. re-