The First Link:
The Overmountain Victory,
Battle of King's Mountain, South Carolina, October 7, 1780,
"Turned the Tide Toward Success" in the American Revolution

The Years from 1776 to 1781
The Campaign & Battle
Part 1 of 4 Parts

The American Revolution began with a bang: Lexington and Concord, the battle of Bunker Hill, and the evacuation of Boston by the British in March, 1776. Within eight months it seemed the Revolution would fail with defeats of the Patriots around New York. Things were redeemed by the spectacular campaign that started with Washington's stunning triumph at Trenton as the year ended.

Similarly, the year 1780 seemed lost with the fall of Charleston in May, the devastation of a Virginia Continental unit at Waxhaws, the destruction of a Continental army under Horatio Gates, the hero of Saratoga, in August at Camden, South Carolina. Only militia units remained to contest the British presence. Then, in October, a militia army defeated the "western flank" of the British army at King's Mountain, South Carolina.

A new opportunity presented itself and, as the commander of all British forces in the colonies remarked, that defeat was "the first link of a chain of evils . that led to the loss of the American colonies."

King's Mountain and the campaign that preceded it are both the stuff of legend and are often ignored or misunderstood. A recent account boils down to two aspects: (1) The Patriots crossed the mountains and (2) The Loyalists aimed high. Other accounts treat it as a folk event or backwoods pageant. It is, in reality, a brilliant infantry action showing how intelligence, leadership, and sound planning can bring startling results.

Dr. Lyman Draper, in his definitive account confused the issue, for his map showed Roan Mountain as part of the Smokies! The Patriots did not cross the Smokies (Cherokee territory). They crossed the Unakas through Yellow Mountain Gap (Yellow Mountain to the north and Roan Mountain to the south), the Blue Ridge at Hefner Gap (Sevier and Shelby) and Linville Mountain, Gillespie Gap (Campbell), rejoining on the Catawba river, the South Mountains following Cane Creek, to the King's Mountain range.

The British commander's, Ferguson's, men didn't "aim too high." (It is true that some Patriot accounts do say that.) The author, like Draper, never visited the battle ridge or understood the bayonet/volley tactics. First, the British "Brown Bess" musket had no rear sight, uses no wadding, nor was it aimed: It was "presented" at shoulder height and pointed straight ahead. Standing on the highest point (the Centennial monument at the Kings Mountain National Military Park), the ground falls away at -45 degrees and more. The author is speculating now, but the "division" commanders led their men, not down the mountain but across the slope. Otherwise, they were firing at the sky. One of Ferguson's officers said they ran out of powder. How odd, since the Patriots carried their own.

1. The Patriot commanders called out their individual units to form the army. No higher civil or military authority authorized or organized the campaign. South Carolina's governor was at Hillsboro, N.C., consulting with N.C.'s governor. ("Where's the government of S.C.? In Governor John Rutledge's saddlebags.") They wrote to Virginia's Jefferson, but his letter to William Campbell arrived after he and his men had left. (Campbell left at the request of Isaac Shelby of Sullivan County (today's Tennessee) and Benjamin Cleveland of Wilkes County, N.C.!)
2. The commanders didn't know where Ferguson was and adjusted their course as events unfolded. The three Overmountain units from today's Tennessee and Virginia mustered at Sycamore Shoals with Charles McDowell's men (driven west). Other units joined them east of the Blue Ridge.
3. Over the two weeks of the march to the battle site, the commanders regularly assembled the men. "We know you should be at home for the harvest, so any who want to leave, just step forward" (my words). We know how that worked out! (Yes, some left - well, possibly a hundred - but they slipped away.
4. Every person they met, they questioned what they knew or heard about Ferguson. They needed to know him and his men. Yes, Shelby and McDowell had met parts of his army during the summer. Similarly, they knew and campaigned with many of the Loyalist officers, fellow militia men who'd worked together before the Revolution.
5. The commanders of the Patriot army had strong personalities, but they worked hard to make sure they were united. The man who should have commanded, Charles McDowell, to prevent disunity, accepted a bogus errand to seek a general officer and left.
6. They set up a command structure and then chose Virginian William Campbell, the only non-Carolinian, to take the lead. But every commander had his say.
7. At Green River on October 5, they learned Ferguson was east of them. They divided the army: The men with sound horses to proceed as quickly as possible; those whose horses had given out to follow as fast as they could. (Possibly 50 of the men with failed horses were in the battle. They gave their gear to a companion on horseback and then ran alongside the horses as well as they could. One man remarked that it was hard to keep up until the horses tired! The main contingent of men afoot would arrive at King's Mountain on the morning of October 8. (Hard, dedicated men, militia all.)
8. From Green River on the morning of October 6, they "marched" over 50 miles in about 36 hours. They stopped briefly at Cowpens to feed the horses and eat. They continued through the night, crossing the flooding Broad river at dawn. They commenced the battle at about 3 p.m. and it lasted about an hour.
9. On the 7th, they continued to ask anyone they encountered what they knew of Ferguson. They met several who had been in Ferguson's camp that morning and identified how the camp was laid out. They intercepted a 16-year-old courier taking a message to Cornwallis. (None of the couriers sent by Ferguson in several days before the battle reached Cornwallis.) Some of the Patriots were familiar with the ridge as a hunting ground. From this knowledge, they developed a battle plan.
10. Ferguson seemed reluctant to ask for help. Several of his messages hinted that help would be useful, but he never asked directly. The famous "last push" message is an example: "It's their last push in this quarter. A few dragoons would finish it." But he didn't say, "Send the dragoons."
11. We don't know how Ferguson's camp was laid out, but we can infer from their battle plan. The main camp was on the lower ground around the U.S. monument. We believe this area and the ridge were open, probably grassland, although the mountain is rocky. The surrounding area was climax forest with large trees, open understory, and few low limbs. The Provost Guard was probably on the ridge above the camp. This guard was likely the 100 or so Provincials in Ferguson's army. There were pickets around the area. Ferguson's Adjutant, Alexander Chesney, said he was reporting after reviewing the pickets that all was well when he heard the first shots from the Patriots surrounded the ridge. (We might call this the opening of that popular Cherokee plan, a "ring fight.") Because of the terrain, with only one road into the camp, Ferguson was trapped. He could not escape with any cohesion.
12. Then about 48% of the Patriot army (the Overmountain units) attacked the highest point and about 25% of the perimeter. Once the Overmountain men took that high ground, Ferguson could not easily retake the height, since the ridge is so narrow, even though his men couldn't "aim too high." (Curiously, Light-Horse Harry Lee was right: "The hill was more assailable by the rifle than defensible by the bayonet:" Brought about by the terrain and the Patriot plan.)
13. In summary, the Patriots were well-trained, disciplined, motivated, and well led. (Not well fed, but that's another story.) Campbell said "if you must fall back, go until you're safe, and then return" (the author's words). Shelby said, "Let every man be his own officer." The tough assignment of taking the high ground was given to the three largest units. (It took three assaults before they took the ridge. The Virginians who opened the assault took the most casualties.)

The battle of King's Mountain is pivotal, but what were the practical results? First, Cornwallis learned of Ferguson's fate a week after the battle when Tarleton visited the battle site. This added to his difficulties in Charlotte - He called it a Hornet's Nest because of the fierce resistance. (Later, the city would, appropriately, have a basketball team named the Hornets!) Cornwallis retreated to Winnsboro, South Carolina, and went into winter quarters.

George Washington picked Nathanael Greene to replace Gates after Camden and to form a third southern Continental army. He brought with him Daniel Morgan. Assuming command at Hillsboro, North Carolina, the state capitol at that time, he sent Morgan with part of his force to attack Ninety-Six. This would lure Tarleton, then Cornwallis, and the Race to the Dan was on as the British tried to capture and destroy Greene.

So Cornwallis was delayed from October until January in his invasion of North Carolina. A key time, for Greene and Morgan worked out a practical strategy.

We liked to say the Loyalists were "knocked out" of the war. But that isn't true. The continuing skirmishing right up to the evacuation of Charleston showed that. Furthermore, looking at Ferguson's army, those who survived and were able, returned to the Loyalist cause.

Recently, an author asserts the Appalachian backcountry people were not interested in the Revolution, wanting to overcome the elites of the Tidewater. King's Mountain puts the lie to that, for both Loyalists and Patriots were found in the backcountry. They fought fiercely for the two sides. In addition, the backcountry expressed their real desire for independence in two documents issued supporting independence in response to a request by the Continental Congress: The Fincastle resolves (Campbell was a signer) of what became Washington County, Virginia, and the Mecklenburg Declaration in North Carolina.

Here's a short summary and an explanation of what really happened:

As Ferguson and his Loyalist army moved north from South Carolina, word spread and Patriot units crossed the mountains under John Sevier and Isaac Shelby (modern Tennessee) and William Campbell (Virginia) - called the Overmountain men - moved toward him, picking up other Patriot units along their two-week march: Charles McDowell, Andrew Hampton, Benjamin Cleveland, Joseph Winston (North Carolina), James Williams and William Hill (South Carolina), and William Candler (Georgia). On October 6, hearing of the Patriot approach, Ferguson, chose a well-known hunting site with a large cleared area for his camp. Unfortunately, the surrounding area was heavily wooded, allowing the equal-sized Patriot force to surround and surprise him on October 7th. Despite having covered over fifty miles in about 36 hours, the Patriots attacked immediately. About one-half (the Overmountain men) assaulted the highest part of the ridge while the remaining Patriots prevented Ferguson's withdrawal. The Loyalists beat back two assaults on the height but the third overran Ferguson's forces, leading to a total defeat.

1. Summer of 1776, Virginia and North Carolina surveyed their boundary west of the Blue Ridge. Isaac Shelby is chosen by Virginia to command militia protecting the surveyors. Curiously, Shelby finds his home is in North Carolina, not Virginia. Two new counties are created, Sullivan and Washington, for the former Virginia settlements in the Watauga and Holston river valleys. Shelby is chosen militia colonel of Sullivan, Sevier colonel of Washington.


2. Summer of 1776, the British failed to take Charleston.


3. In 1777, just before the British campaign against Philadelphia, Ferguson established his rifle corps with his breech-loading rifle that is also equipped with a bayonet. On September 11, as part of the British move against Philadelphia, Ferguson's unit participated at Brandywine. Ferguson refused to fire on a Patriot or French officer "just engaged in his business." Ferguson's right arm is injured at the elbow and he will not be able to use his right arm the rest of his life.


4. During the winter's stay in Philadelphia, Ferguson learned to handle his reins with his right arm and his sword with his left. He also learned to write with his left hand.


5. When the British abandoned Philadelphia and retreated to New York through New Jersey in June of 1778, his riflemen are used at the battle of Monmouth. There are no reports of their action.


6. In New York, his rifle corps is disbanded.


7. Late 1778, the British captured Savanah.


8. Summer of 1779, British drive off French and American forces trying to retake Savannah. On October 5, Ferguson commanded a force that goes to Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, sailing up to Chestnut Neck, where they burned ships and several houses.


9. On October 10, they retreated, destroying a salt works, more houses, stores, and Tucker's Mill.


10. October 14, they surprised three companies of Patriots militia, taking only five prisoners and killing 40. Ferguson was criticized, but defended himself by saying it was dark. Sir Henry Clinton praised Ferguson, but Patriots denounced it as a "murdering expedition, worthy of the time of the Buccaneers."


11. October 25, Ferguson was promoted to Major in the 2nd Batallion, 71st Regt, the Highland Light Infantry. Late in 1779, Clinton chose Ferguson to command 300 American Volunteers and he is promoted to Lt. Colonel.

• February 11, 1780, British landed on St. John's island.


• March 29, British crossed Ashley river and began establishing artillery positions to besiege Charleston.


• April 10, Sir Henry Clinton and his Royal Navy commander called on Charleston to surrender.


• Brigadier General Griffith Rutherford, commanding North Carolina's Salisbury District, took militia to Charleston to help out. Since they can only stay for 30 days, Rutherford's second-in-command, Colonel Charles McDowell, took another party to Charleston the next month. Rutherford will follow in 30 days.


• April 12, the British and Americans started an artillery duel.


• April 13, Governor John Rutledge is persuaded to leave Charleston. General Benjamin Lincoln suggested the American army also leave. Civil authorities demanded the army stay and resist the siege.


• April 14, the British troops under Tarleton and Ferguson captured Biggin Bridge near Monck's corner. This closes the last land route out of Charleston.


• April 19, Lt. Governor Gadsden insisted the Continental Army units not abandon Charleston. Civilians say they will support the British if the army leaves. Lincoln agreed to hold out.


• May 7, Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's island fell to the British. The successful defense of this fort in 1776 prevented the British from taking Charleston.


• May 12, Charleston surrendered. Approximately 3,000 militia surrender and are paroled. About 2,000 Continentals are captured and are held waiting exchange. They will be held in prison ships in the harbor, where many will die. This follows the pattern established by the British earlier in New York. Interestingly, Major John Andre was in the city in disguise and came out openly after the surrender. (Andre would hang as a spy that fall after being caught out of uniform when visiting Benedict Arnold to arrange that's man's treason.)


• Hearing of the fall of Charleston, Colonel Abraham Buford, commanding Virginia Continental troops turns around to return to North Carolina. Banastre Tarleton and his British Legion follow, overtaking Buford at the Waxhaws. Buford unwisely decideed to make a stand and his command is overridden with about 200 killed and 50 captured. The charge is made that Tarleton's men do not allow surrender. From then on, Tarleton is called "Bloody Ban" and no quarter (not allowing surrender) is called "Tarleton's Quarter." The Patriot army's password at King's Mountain will be "Buford" and some will call for giving Ferguson's men "Buford's Play." (For movie fans, unlike Tavington, Tartleton survived the Revolution and lived a long life back in England. His fictional self in The Patriot was hanged.)


• May 18, Cornwallis set out for Camden and Ferguson with 100 to 200 Provincials left for Ninety-Six.


• June 3, Sir Henry Clinton declared that all citizens must support the King's government. In effect, this revoked the paroles of the militia.


• June 22, Ferguson arrived at Ninety-Six and established posts at Little River and Fair Forest. Ferguson is the Crown's government in Western South Carolina, issuing loyalty oaths, recruiting and training militia. His authority even allows him to perform marriages!


• July 11, a Patriot force of Elijah Clarke's Georgians set out to join McDowell. They represent themselves as Tories and attacked several Loyalists along the way. They joined McDowell at Earle's Ford on the Pacolet river July 13.


• July 12, Ferguson's militia failed to surprise a Patriot force at Cedar Spring and are driven off.


• July 14, a Provincial force of 70 under Major James Dunlap surprised McDowell, after he failed to put out pickets when his brother reassured him they are safe. Eight Patriots, including Noah Hampton, a son of Colonel Andrew Hampton of the Rutherford County, North Carolina, militia are killed. McDowell moved to Cherokee Ford of the Broad river.


• July 25, Major Charles Robertson with some of Sevier's men and 200 under Isaac Shelby joined McDowell. About the same time, Elijah Clarke joined Sumter on the Catawba.


• July 30, about 600 under Clarke, Shelby, Hampton, and Robertson surprised and captured Fort Thicketty (near today's Gaffney, South Carolina). Ferguson claimed the commander was cowardly in surrendering, but some at the fort say he deliberately allowed the Patriots into the fort. At this time, Ferguson has 1500 to 1800 men. McDowell has about 1,000.


• They returned to Cherokee Ford, but Shelby and Clarke take about 600 to Fair Forest (near Spartanburg). August 7, Dunlap with Provincials attacked them near Thompson's peach orchard. This opened two days of attacks and counterattacks over an area that includes Wofford's iron works. When Ferguson arrived with about 300, the Patriots were driven off, although they did take prisoners. Near the Pacolet river, they took up a position on a hill and Ferguson decided they're too strong.


• McDowell, meanwhile, moved his camp downstream from Cherokee Ford. James Williams joined him there. Shelby's men are nearing the end of their terms (30 days). Shelby and Clarke with 200 decided to attack Musgrove's Mill where Ferguson has about 200. They marched by night, passing close to Ferguson's camp. At Musgrove's Mill, Colonel Alexander Innes arrived from Ninety-Six with an additional 100. The Patriots took up a position about a mile from the mill. The sent out scouts who are attacked, but got away. Shelby and Clarke decided the horses were too tired to retreat, so they fortified the ridge with logs and brush. They sent Captain Shadrach Inman with 25 to start the battle, luring the Loyalists. The charge was relentless and Shelby was dislodged, but Clarke held, sending a small reserve to stabilize Shelby. At this time, Innes was wounded. Shelby's men counterattacked and the Loyalists fell back, leading to a rout by the Patriots, as Clarke's men joined in. Innes suffered 63 dead and 90 wounded. The Patriots took 70 prisoners. The Patriots had four dead and eight wounded. (Contemporary accounts say the Loyalists were over-shooting.) A letter arrived from McDowell with news of Camden. McDowell is retreating to Gilbert Town and advised Shelby to do the same.


• August 16, Cornwallis overwhelmed Gates at Camden, South Carolina. Griffith Rutherford is wounded and captured with the militia that stand and do not run. Rutherford will be held at Charleston and later transferred to a prison ship in New York. He's paroled in 1781 and returned home to recuperate, but never served again.


• August 18, Tarleton defeated Sumter at Fishing creek. Sumter is wounded. He will be recuperating through the fall. This set off a conflict between two factions within his command. William Hill accused James Williams of improprieties with captured property.


• August 19, Shelby and Clarke rejoined McDowell at Gilbert Town. They have covered 160 miles in two days and fought at Musgrove's Mill! Shelby proposed they raise an army from the Piedmont and the mountains large enough to engage Ferguson. McDowell agreed and will contact Cleveland (Wilkes County) and Winston (Surry County). McDowell will also arrange to hide the cattle from Ferguson. Clarke decided to return to Georgia. Williams took the prisoners to Hillsboro. Rutledge commissioned Williams a brigadier general. McDowell and Hampton stayed at Gilbert Town until Ferguson approaches.


• August 20, Cornwallis ordered all militia who "joined the enemy should be immediately hanged." Their property would also be seized and used to compensate Loyalists. The same day he reported that events were proceeding well in 96 District with the "active assistance of Major Ferguson, who was appointed Inspector General of the militia of this province by Sir Henry Clinton, had formed seven battalions of militia, consisting of above four thousand men, and entirely of persons well-affected to the British government, which were so regulated, that they could, with ease, furnish fifteen hundred men, at a short notice, for the defense of the frontier, or any other home service." But he goes on, "But I must take this opportunity of observing, that this militia can be of little use for distant military operations, as they will not stir without a horse; and on that account, your Lordship will see the impossibility of keeping a number of them together without destroying the country."


• August 29, Cornwallis wrote to tell Clinton that Ferguson "is into Tryon with militia that Ferguson deems capable of doing their duty and fighting well." Cornwallis then stated that "his own experience" and reports from other officers say they will not. (Tryon County, also called Old Tryon today, was renamed by the Patriot government of North Carolina as Burke, Lincoln, and Rutherford.)


• September 14, Clarke returned to Georgia and besieged Augusta.


• September 16, Clarke is driven off from Augusta, Georgia. He suffered 30 dead, including 13 who are hanged and 13 turned over to the Cherokee for execution. (The Cherokee are allied with the British.)


• In September, Ferguson moved up the Catawba to near Pleasant Garden (near present Marion). Returning, he camped at Brindletown (White Oak Spring). As he descended Cane Creek, he was attacked at Cowan's Ford by McDowell, who headed for the Watauga when driven off. Patriots suffered one dead and one wounded. Major James Dunlap of Ferguson's command was wounded and taken to Gilbert Town. Ferguson also was involved in at least two other skirmishes in the area: Allen's mountain and possibly Brindletown.


• September 23, camped at Higgins plantation in the today's Lincoln County, South Carolinian James Williams issued a recruiting call and assembled about 70 men. On October 2, he moved between the South Fork and the main Catawba to recruit the 250 men with Hill and Lacey. They refused. The same day, about 60 men under Graham and Hambright joined Hill and Lacey. On October 3, the two parties moved to the Flint Hill (today's Cherry Mountain), east of Gilbert Town.


• September 23, Ferguson received word from Cornwallis that about 80 Patriot dragoons under Davie are headed toward Gilbert Town. (There is no more word of this force and it does not interfere with Ferguson.)



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Monday, September 25 - During the day, Sevier's and Shelby's men joined McDowell's men at Fort Watauga at the Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga river. Late in the day, William Campbell brought in a group from Washington County, Virginia. His cousin, Lt. Col. Arthur Campbell, brought in a second group from Washington County.

Tuesday, September 26 - 20 Miles - With Reverend Samuel Doak's stirring prayer, they headed east toward Roan Mountain, camping for the night at the Shelving or Sheltering Rock at today's Roan Mountain State Park. A herd of cattle were driven along for food on the campaign. These proved too slow and were sent back. During the night, rain started.

Wednesday, September 27 - 8 Miles - They climbed up in the Yellow Mountain Gap between the Roan and Yellow Mountains of the Unaka range. The rain changed to snow, "shoe mouth deep," one account stated. On top, they mustered and fired their rifles to check all were workable. The muster revealed two of Sevier's men were missing: James Crawford and Samuel Chambers. They assumed they deserted to warn Ferguson. They continued east on Bright's Trace. They camped for the night on the mountain next to Roaring creek.

Ferguson sent Chesney to the Green river to intercept Clarke's people fleeing to the Watauga. Ferguson remained at Gilbert Town with the main army.

Thursday, September 28 - 20 Miles - The Patriots followed the North Toe river east to the Davenport place, where they stopped to eat and enjoy the spring water. They continued east to the mouth of Grassy creek, where they camped, near today's Spruce Pine.

Friday, September 29 - 16 Miles - They went up Grassy Creek to its source, where the army split: Campbell took the Gillespie Gap into Turkey Cove; Sevier and Shelby took Hefner's Gap into the North Cove. Turkey Cove was the home of both Henry Gillespie and William Wofford, who was the founder of the iron works on Lawson's fork in South Carolina. Wofford was suspected of being a Loyalist, so he was held "captive" through the night.

Ferguson furloughed some of his militia to go home. (Some accounts say thousands.)

Saturday, September 30 - 23 Miles (Shelby & Sevier) & 31 Miles (Campbell) - Shelby and Sevier crossed the Linville Mountain, following Paddie's creek and the Linville river down to the Catawba. Campbell left Turkey Cove, following the North Catawba and the main river until the two groups reunited about the Linville. Campbell's route is questioned by a story told years later by David Vance that they went through Pleasant Garden (near today's Marion), taking a shorter route toward King's Mountain.) The reunited army spent the night at the McDowell home in Quaker Meadows at Alder Springs (today's Morganton). The McDowells made sure all were fed and warm. Late that night the contingents under Benjamin Cleveland (Wilkes County) and Joseph Winston (Surry County) joined them.

Cleveland had been on the headwaters of the New river in the area of today's Boone when he heard to start for Quaker Meadows. He returned to Wilkesboro (about 10 miles), crossing the Yadkin river at the mouth of Warrior creek. He then traveled another 18 or 20 miles to Fort Defiance (the home of William Lenoir). They then proceeded 8 or 10 miles to Crider's fort (today's Lenoir). They reached the Lovelady's Ford on the Catawba, where some Tories ambushed the first arrivals, wounding Cleveland's brother, Larkin. He was taken by canoe up the river, the army continuing overland 8 miles to Quaker Meadows. (Larkin Cleveland was left in the care of the McDowells' mother to recuperate).

Ferguson received Sevier's deserters at Gilbert Town. After interviewing Chambers and Crawford, Ferguson tried to recall his furloughed men. Ferguson wrote to Cornwallis at Charlotte to tell him a Patriot army was on its way from the west and to ask for help. (His courier won't arrive at Cornwallis' headquarters until the morning of the 7th. Tarleton is ill with typhoid and no help is sent until a week after the battle. Ferguson is also coy, not directly asking for help.) Ferguson also wrote to Cruger at Ninety-Six asking for more militia. Ferguson publicly announced he's headed to 96 as he prepares to leave Gilbert Town.

Sunday, October 1 - 18 Miles - Under gray skies, they crossed the Catawba and headed south. About Brindletown, the rain set in hard. They stopped at Bedford's Hill (near today's Dysartsville) and camped. They found a peach orchard to supply food. Peaches are curious, for that is a fruit that can be eaten when it isn't ripe! Food now was a problem, for they had each brought a personal supply of parched corn, but that was eaten up by now.

Ferguson moved from Gilbert Town to Denard's Ford on the Broad river. From there, he issued a proclamation asking the Friends of the King to turn out:

"Gentlemen, unless you want to be eat up by an inundation of barbarians, who have begun by murdering an unarmed son before the aged father, and afterwards lopped off his arms, and who by their shocking cruelties and irregularities, give the best proof of their cowardice and want of discipline; I say, if you wish to be pinioned, robbed, and murdered, and see your wives and daughters, in four days, abused by the dregs of mankind - in short, if you wish or deserve to live, and bear the name of men, grasp your arms in a moment and run to camp. The Backwater men have crossed the mountains; McDowell, Hampton, Shelby, and Cleveland are at their head, so that you know what you have to depend upon. If you choose to be degraded forever and ever by a set of mongrels, say so at once, and let your women turn their backs upon you, and look out for real men to protect them."

Monday, October 2 - 0 Miles - The Patriots did not move on the next morning. The rain continued. The men relaxed, the officers dealt with a command tangle. Technically, Colonel Charles McDowell was in command. He was not popular. Shelby called him old and slow. They just didn't have confidence in his leadership. The officers resolved to take three actions: (1) The corps (militia unit) commanders would meet daily. (2) Since the militia were from North Carolina and Virginia, they'd send a messenger to request a general officer to command. (3) Shelby proposed Campbell, the Virginian, to command until the general officer arrived. Campbell reluctantly agreed. McDowell, wanting Ferguson to be met and defeated, agreed to a face-saving task. He would go to the Continental commander, Horatio Gates, and ask him to appoint a general to lead the army. And so he rode out of history while the army continued into glory.

Ferguson moved 4 miles toward Charlotte.

Tuesday, October 3 - 8 Miles - The last word they'd heard was that Ferguson was at Gilbert Town, not far away. The sun came out. They assembled the men. Benjamin Cleveland addressed the men:

"Now, my brave fellows, I come to tell you the news. The enemy is at hand and we must go up and at them. Now is the time for every man of you to do his country a priceless service - such as shall lead your children to exult in the fact that their fathers were the conquerors of Ferguson. When the pinch comes, I shall be with you. But if any of you shrink from sharing in the battle and the glory, you can now have the opportunity of backing out and leaving; and you shall have a few minutes for considering the matter."

After a pause, Major Joseph McDowell (younger brother of Charles) took up the talk:

"Well, my good fellows, what kind of a story will you who back out, have to relate when you get home, leaving your brave comrades to fight the battle, and gain the victory?"

Shelby now took up the interrogation:

"You have been informed of the offer. You who desire to decline it, will, when the word is given, march three steps to the rear, and stand, prior to which a few more minutes will be granted you for consideration."

After another pause, the individual commanders spoke to their men:

"Those who desired to back out would step three pacers in the rear."

Not a man moved. After a bit, the army applauded. Shelby remarked:

"I am heartily glad to see you to a man resolve to meet and fight your country's foes. When we encounter the enemy, don't wait for the word of command. Let each one of you be your own officer, and do the very best you can, taking every care you can of yourselves, and availing yourselves of every advantage that chance may throw in your way. If in the woods, shelter yourselves, and give them Indian play; advance from tree to tree, pressing the enemy and killing and disabling all you can. Your officers will shrink from no danger - they will be constantly with you, and the moment the enemy give way, be on the alert, and strictly obey orders."

Prepared, they were more cautious and alert as they followed Cane creek through the South Mountains. They camped below Marlin's knob, where scouts could observe Gilbert Town. They saw no sign of Ferguson.

Charles McDowell stopped at the two South Carolina camps at Flint Hill. He continued to Hillsboro, arriving about the same time as news of the triumph at King's Mountain. (Is it possible he dawdled along the way to make sure the army acted on its own?)

Ferguson received a reply from Cruger:

"With such a considerable force as you understand is coming from the mountains, I don't see how you can possibly [defend] the country and the neighborhood you are now in. The game from the mountains is just what I expected."

Cruger also said he has no militia to send.

Ferguson moved to Tate's plantation, back on the north side of the Broad river.

Wednesday, October 4 - 15 Miles - Continuing down Cane creek, they turned west at the old Fort Magahee and continued to Gilbert Town. This was the county seat of the new Rutherford County. This is the only site, other than the battle site, where both armies camped.

Ferguson remained at Tate's.

Thursday, October 5 - 13 Miles - They turned southwest, crossing Mountain creek where the Hamptons lived. James Williams met them, bringing news that Ferguson was heading toward Ninety-Six. Since this is what Ferguson said, Draper calls this just an honest mistake. Williams wanted to pass on the very latest word of Ferguson. They continued and crossed the Broad river. They met up with William Candler and the Georgia contingent. They camped by the Green river. A storm came up during the night. In the midst of the storm, Edward Lacey from South Carolina rode into camp. He came to update them on Ferguson, saying the Loyalists were headed east toward Charlotte, not Ninety-Six. No officer knew Lacey, so the questioning was close and sharp. We don't know what was said, but they came to believe him. Time was an enemy now. They agreed to meet the South Carolinians at the Cowpens, a stockyard at today's national battlefield and near today's town of the same name. The army was divided: The men with good horses would continue at their best pace. The men on foot whose horses had given out would come along as fast as they could. About 690 men went on foot under Captain William Neal. (They would arrive near the battle ridge the morning after the battle.) But, about 50 men on foot went with the horsemen. One remarked it was hard to keep up for an hour or so, but was much easier as the horses tired!

Ferguson readied to move.

Friday, October 6 - 21 Miles - Through a rainy night, they headed to Cowpens, where they stopped to feed the horses and themselves. They didn't camp, but moved on as soon as they were fed. About 50 acres of corn were eaten by the horses and men!

Williams sent Joseph Kerr to find Ferguson. About noon he found Ferguson stopped near King's Mountain. Pretending to be a Tory, Kerr was able to go among the Loyalists and determine their destination. He left Ferguson and rejoined the Patriots at Cowpens that night, reporting Ferguson was about 1500. Another spy was sent out by Chronicle, Enoch Gilmer. He went to a Tory home, explaining he wanted to join up. He returned to Cowpens, also reporting Ferguson on the road to Charlotte.

In the morning, Ferguson left Tate's and notified Cornwallis:

"My Lord: A doubt does not remain with regard to the intelligence I sent your Lordship. They are since joined by Clarke and Sumter - of course are become an object of some consequence. Happily their leaders are obliged to feed their followers with such hopes, and so to flatter them with accounts of our weakness and fear, that, if necessary, I should hope for success against them myself; but numbers compared, that must be but doubtful. I am on my march towards you, by a road leading from Cherokee ford, north of King's mountain. Three or four hundred good soldiers, part dragoons, would finish the business. Something must be done soon. This is their last push in this quarter, etc."

Notice he implies he's marching to Charlotte. He says help is needed and desirable, but stops short of directly asking. A later letter to Cornwallis indicated he would stop at the battle ridge on King's mountain to wait for the support Cornwallis would send. This letter was intercepted. A letter on the 7th may have gotten through on the evening of the 7th, too late. That intercepted letter may have provided the final information to the Patriots where Ferguson was. It also revealed these statements from Ferguson:

"I've taken up post on King's mountain. I'm king of the mountain and God Almighty could not drive me from it."

Ferguson did not fortify his position, but a tactical instructor from West Point once told the author Ferguson would not, since it was bad for morale. This instructor also thought Ferguson did not have enough men. (Notice Ferguson reacted quite differently from Shelby, Williams, and Clarke at Musgrove's Mill. They chose to roughly fortify their position and this was just sufficient to give them an edge.)

Saturday, October 7 - 33 Miles - They left Cowpens about nine at night. They were about 1100, but about 200 South Carolinians were left behind with worn out horses. Rain set in. Campbell's guides got lost. They were finally brought up about dawn. In fear of being ambushed at the Broad, the moved downstream to Cherokee ford where they crossed the rising stream.

Enoch Gilmer was sent ahead again. In the afternoon, Campbell, Sevier, and Cleveland proposed to stop to eat and rest. Shelby refused, saying, "I will not stop until night, if I follow Ferguson into Cornwallis' lines." They continued. They encountered two Tories who were "persuaded" to guide them to Ferguson's camp. The rain ceased. Some of Sevier's men stopped at a Tory house. The men were vague as to where Ferguson might be. Sevier's men left. They were followed by a young woman who assured them Ferguson was on a nearby ridge she pointed out.

A little later, they found Gilmer eating with a family. "We've got you," exclaimed Campbell. "Yes, and a true King's man," responded Gilmer. Campbell put a noose around Gilmer's neck. Chronicle asked they not hang Gilmer at the house, for his ghost would haunt the house. Campbell agreed, and they hustled him out. One of the women mentioned that morning she'd been in Ferguson's camp, about three miles away on a ridge where hunters were the previous year. Chronicle was one of those hunters. The commanders now devised a specific attack plan.

After two more miles, they interrogated two Tories, confirming the camp's location and the location of the pickets. They also captured Joe Ponder with a dispatch from Ferguson asking Cornwallis again for help. Ponder also revealed that Ferguson wore a checked duster (light coat) over his uniform. Hambright remarked, "Well, poys, when you see dat man in the pig shirt.mark him mit your rifles."

More confirmation came about a mile from the ridge. Ferguson paroled a prisoner, George Watkins, that morning from his camp.

The army formed in two lines, two abreast: Campbell on the right, Cleveland on the left. Winston and some men from Wilkes and Surry Counties, North Carolina, were sent more to the east. About 3 p.m., they dismounted. Several were left to guard the horses. Campbell visited all the units, encouraging again:

"If any of them, men or officers, were afraid, to quit the ranks and go home; that he wished no man to engage in the action who could not fight; that, as for himself, he was determined to fight the enemy a week, if need be, to gain the victory."

He then reviewed the plans with the officers, all being careful to speak loudly so the men could hear.

To begin, Shelby's men captured the pickets without firing a shot. Campbell encouraged his men:

"There they are my brave boys; shout like Hell, and fight like devils."

His men attacked from the southeast side at the highest point on the ridge that the Provincials held. The Provincials counterattacked, driving Campbell back to the bottom of the ridge. As the Provincials returned to the top, Shelby attacked, likewise being driven back. Now Sevier attacked, to be likewise repulsed.

Chesney says he was reporting to Ferguson that all was quiet at the picket posts when he heard the first shots. The Provincials' commander, Captain Abraham DePeyster, who was at Musgrove's Mill, remarked:

"These things are ominous - These are those damn yelling boys."

As each Patriot unit came into place around the mountain, they started up to engage with Ferguson's men.

Winston was ready to attack, only to find there was no enemy there. They'd attacked too far to the east! They moved a ridge over, while they were the last unit to engage, they closed the trap around Ferguson. He was now fully engaged on the battle ridge. Furthermore, he could only fight his way down, not being able to maintain his unit integrity.

As Campbell's men were forced down the ridge, Campbell rallied them:

"Halt! - return, my brave fellows, and you will drive the enemy immediately!"

Shelby's men were attacking at the same time. They, too, were driven down, finally stopping as the Provincials pulled back to return to the top. Shelby called out to rally his men:

"Now, boys, quickly reload your rifles, and let's advance upon, and give them another Hell of a fire."

Sevier's men climbed the ridge as both Campbell's and Shelby's were regaining their momentum. Sevier, too, was driven back. They also returned. Ferguson's men started a rumor that Tarleton's Legion was arriving. Shelby, Campbell, and Sevier rode among their men to steady them. Sevier called on the men to halt and they would treat Tarleton as they were treating Ferguson. The third time the Overmountain men reached the summit, they would stay.

One expressed the tactic they used to go up the mountain:

"When they turned, we turned."

As the Provincials withdrew, they exposed themselves to the attacking riflemen, who could aim uphill or down. Shelby said it succinctly:

"Never shoot until you see an enemy, and never spot an enemy, without bringing him down."

One of Campbell's officers, Reece Bowen, moving out in front was admonished to move from tree to tree, replied:

"Take a tree? No. Never! Never shall it be said, that I sought safety by hiding my person, or dodging from a Briton or Tory who opposed me in the field."

Unfortunately, that day he was killed.

The Patriot commanders stayed with their men, encouraging and directing the assault. Cleveland urged his men on:

"My brave fellows, we've beaten the Tories, and we can beat them again. They are all cowards: if they had the spirit of men, they would join with their fellow-citizens in supporting the independence of their country. When you are engaged, you are not to wait for the word of command from me. I will show you, by my example, how to fight; I can undertake no more. Every man must consider himself an officer, and act from his own judgement. Fire as quick as you can, and stand your ground as long as you can. When you can do no better, get behind trees, or retreat; but I beg you not to run quite off. If we are repulsed, let us make a point of returning, and renewing the fight; perhaps we may have better luck in the second attempt than the first. If any of you are afraid, such as shall take themselves off."

The chunky Cleveland's horse was twice wounded, so he was forced to "walk" up the mountain until one of his officers offered up a replacement.

Chronicle exclaimed:

"Yonder is your enemy, and the enemy of mankind!"

Cleveland urged his men:

"A little nearer to them, my brave men."

Hambright was wounded, but chose to stay on his horse, rejecting being taken out of the fight.

"Huzza, my prave poys, fight on a few minutes more, and the battle will be over."

Supposedly, Ferguson heard this and called to his men, "Huzza, brave boys, the day is our own." When it was suggested they should surrender, Ferguson replied, he never would "surrender to such damned banditti."

Many family members faced each other. The brother-in-law of Captain James Withrow from Rutherford County, begged for assistance.

"Look to your friends for help"

As the Overmountain men gained the ridge, they forced the Provincials down toward the main camp. Campbell, encouraged:

"Boys, remember your Liberty! Come on! Come on, my brave fellows; another gun, another gun will do it! Damn them, we must have them out of this!"

Now the combined men of Campbell, Shelby, Sevier, Williams, Lacey, Candler were coming together, forming a tighter ring as they pushed the Provincials from the summit. Now Winston, McDowell, Cleveland, and Chronicle blocked Ferguson from escape.

Throughout the short hour of the battle, Ferguson rode among his men, directing actions with two silver whistles. Reportedly, some white flags were displayed and Ferguson cut those down. At some point Ferguson charged as if to cut his way out. He was shot down. Most accounts say this happened at the end of the battle, but his commander of the Provincials, Abraham DePeyster, disagreed. He said Ferguson died in the first 15 minutes or so.

How did Ferguson die? That's an interesting discussion. One account says one of Sevier's men tried and his rifle misfired. His companion remarked, "Let's see what Sweet Lips can do," downing Ferguson. Other accounts say Ferguson "was shot to pieces." Yet one more retelling has Ferguson being thrown by his horse. James Williams rushed forward to capture him. Ferguson shot Williams with one of the pistols he carried and Williams shot back. Yet another says Ferguson and Williams engaged in a brief sword fight as Williams tried to take Ferguson prisoner. Yet another, says both Williams and Ferguson were shot down by the volley aimed at Ferguson.

As the Provincials and Loyalists began to surrender, some were shot down, the Patriots hollering:

"Give them Buford's play."

Shelby disagreed:

"Our men, who had been scattered in the battle, were continually coming up and continued to fire, without comprehending, in the heat of the moment, what had happened."

But Shelby also called to the Loyalists:

"Damn you, if you want quarters, throw down your arms."

Campbell saw one of his men firing and kicked the man's gun away, calling:

"For God's sake, don't shoot! It is murder to kill them now, for they have raised the flag."

Calling to the Patriots, Campbell repeated:

"Cease firing! For God's sake, cease firing."

DePeyster called out:

"Colonel Campbell, it was damned unfair."

To which Campbell replied:

"Officers, rank by yourselves. Prisoners, take off your hats and sit down."

The Loyalists and Provincials then stacked their muskets. As things quieted, Campbell led three huzzas for Liberty. It was done.

Ferguson's and Virginia Sal's bodies were wrapped in a "beef hide" and buried over near a stream where the road came up into the camp. Presumably, there was some dirt here for a true grave.

Sunday, October 8 - 12 Miles - That night on the mountain was described by one Patriot as "heart-rending." The two armies were exhausted. The wounded and dying were scattered all about. With only Doctor Uzzal Johnson, from Ferguson's Provincials, available to treat the wounded, it was chaotic. Some accounts say the Provincials were treated first, then the Patriots, and the Loyalist militia may not have been treated.

A moving part of the commemoration at the Kings Mountain National Military Park is when they perform their Lantern Tours of the battle ridge at night. This represents the night after the battle. Two events are startling: (1) There may be a child or a spouse looking for their spouse, sibling, or parent and (2) Dr. Johnson pleading for support as he tries to save wounded men.

David Witherspoon described the "groans of the dying, and the constant cry of 'Water! Water!" John Spelts remembered:

"The groans of the wounded and dying... truly affecting... piteously for a little water... in the hurry, confusion, and exhaustion... these cries... from the Tories... little heeded."

The Patriots were tired, hungry, but they were required to guard the prisoners while they feared Tarleton would show up.

First thing in the morning, Campbell sent scouts to intercept the footmen and start them home.

About 10 they were ready to leave. There were about 600 prisoners, each to carry one or two of the 1500 muskets, the flints removed, captured. The wounded unable to walk, were placed on horse-drawn litters, but many walked.

That afternoon, James Williams died. They stopped for the night north of Buffalo creek at the abandoned plantation of a Tory. That provided fence rails to burn and a sweet potato patch for food. The footmen joined them.

Monday, October 9 - 2-1/2 Miles - In the morning, they decided to bury Williams, so they didn't leave until the afternoon.

Tuesday, October 10 - 20 Miles - They continued up Broad river and camped near Second Broad river, a tributary of the Broad.

Wednesday, October 11 - 12 Miles - They reached John Walker's plantation on Cane creek, almost to Gilbert Town. They were almost back on the route they'd taken to King's Mountain. (Interestingly, Walker later moved to Mountain creek, near the Green river, also on the route to the battle. Both houses still stand.)

Campbell issued a General Order to prevent mistreatment of the prisoners:

"... request the officers of all ranks in the army to endeavor to restrain the disorderly manner of slaughtering and disturbing the prisoners. If it cannot be prevented by moderate measures, such effectual punishment shall be executed upon delinquents as will put a stop to it."

Thursday, October 12 - The army partially moved to Gilbert Town, where the Loyalist militia were put in a pen previously used by Ferguson to hold Patriot prisoners. The Provincial prisoners stayed at Walker's. The harassment of the prisoners continued. Patriots, also, were slipping away in small numbers. As one remarked much later, "We did what we came for and were finished."

Most pressing for Patriot and prisoner alike was the lack of food. The two armies had been through the area during the summer and fall, so most surplus food was used up. Of course, the two sides had also burned crops of their opponents, a seemingly useful measure. One Patriot remarked that:

"green pumpkins, sliced and fried, about the sweetest eating I ever had in my life."

Friday, October 13 - 6 Miles - Campbell issued another General Order that the wounded who could not walk be placed in local homes and left behind. This affected both prisoners and Patriots. The army moved to Bickerstaff's or Biggerstaff's.

Saturday, October 14 - Two problems were constantly bedeviling the party: Desertion of Patriots who were also pestering the local population and the prisoners who were slipping away in steady, small numbers. Campbell issued another General Order:

"... with anxiety that I hear the complaints of the inhabitants on account of the plundering parties who issue out of the camp, and indiscriminately rob both Whig and Tory.[Officers should] exert themselves in suppressing this abominable practice, degrading the name of soldiers... "

The stain upon the triumphant Patriot army was the hangings at Biggerstaff's (in Rutherford County, North Carolina, near today's Rutherfordton). Patriots from the Carolinas requested trial of the Loyalist. Shelby stated that a report was received that eleven Patriots were hanged at Ninety-Six. Campbell ordered a court martial. Isaac Shelby always insisted the trials at Biggerstaff's were not military but civil, since most of the N.C. militia commanders were justices of the peace and those tried were N.C. citizens. Shelby said they sent for the N.C. code from Gilbert Town, the local county's seat. (The court room was in William Gilbert's house.)

The trial ran into the night. Thirty-six (or 30 or 39, reports vary) captured Loyalists were condemned to hang and nine were hanged. Curiously, five of the nine condemned were residents of Rutherford County: Colonel Ambrose Mills, Captain Walter Gilkey, Captain James Chitwood, Lieutenant Lafferty, and John Bibby.

The two deserters discovered at Yellow Mountain Gap and captured at King's Mountain were brought to trial. Both were released on Sevier's word. It's said Crawford did it for the money, understandably. Chambers was young and just along for the adventure, understandably.

The hangings took place from a large tree called from then the Gallows Oak (one of many in America). It is long gone, but the site is preserved by Rutherford County.

The hangings ended in a curious way. Isaac Baldwin was bound, but his young brother ran up to give one last expression of his love. This display covered his cutting the ropes, allowing the condemned man to run off. Despite the army gathered around, he ran away and was not captured.

At this, Shelby proposed stopping the hangings and pardoning those still alive. The court agreed. Oddly, some witnesses say that Campbell ordered an end to the courts martial and pardoned those not hanged. The hangings, however, were finished. Yes, we believe most accused were guilty only of participating in a civil war.

One account written in the 20th century calls Campbell the peacemaker, opposed to the hangings. This is unlikely, for Campbell was known in Virginia as "the scourge" of Loyalists. It was said, one day on the way home from church, he spied an infamous Tory and gave chase. The man rode his horse into the river to escape. Campbell followed, riding him down. Campbell then sent the children and women home so they wouldn't witness the hanging!

Sunday, October 15 - 32 Miles - About 2 a.m., one of the reprieved men reported to Shelby that Tarleton was expected that morning. Campbell then ordered the army to be on its way. About 5 a.m. the prisoners and victors marched. The wounded Patriots were hidden nearby in the South Mountains. Rain started as they left. Later that morning, the Biggerstaff family buried the hanged men.

Ironically, the Patriot army was fleeing from Tarleton, but Cornwallis and Tarleton were leaving Charlotte, returning to South Carolina. According to Lord Rawdon, fleeing "three thousand" Overmountain Men!

Monday, October 16 - at 2 a.m., they crossed the rising Catawba to safety at Quaker Meadows (today's Morganton, North Carolina). Once again, the army were guests of the family of Charles McDowell. The prisoners and Patriots camped as they could in the fields, with fence rails for fires to warm them and what food was available to sustain them. Interestingly, the Provincial officers were guests of the McDowells in their home.

As the sun rose and they dried, the army dissolved. The different units left for their home areas. A group of Campbell's men, the Wilkes and Surry men, and possibly some of McDowell's people escorted the prisoners. They arrived at Bethabara (a Moravian town) near today's Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on the 24th of October.

Campbell, Shelby, and Cleveland prepared their "Official" report announcing the battle and victory. (The other commanders had left at Quaker Meadows.) On the 12th of October, the report was given to Horatio Gates (still the Southern commander) at Hillsboro. He notified Colonel William Preston in Virginia at the lead mines at Fort Chiswell to prepare barracks for the prisoners. Preston replied that his county (Montgomery) "is the most Tory-laden in Virginia." Campbell was detached to take their report to Thomas Jefferson, who passed it on to Congress. Congress, in turn, asked Jefferson to prepare lists of the Loyalist prisoners to pass onto the various governors to determine what to do with them.

Meanwhile, the prisoners were dribbling away. Some were injured or killed trying to escape. But others were successful. November 5, Allaire and two other Provincials got away. They were pursued, unsuccessfully. They hid in the woods in the day and traveled at night, finding food where they could and support from Tories. By November 23, they reached Ninety-Six, about 300 miles away. They then returned to Charleston.

In December, Nathanael Greene replaced Gates. In February, DePeyster and Ryerson were paroled to Charleston, and then exchanged.

In the end, the number of prisoners was fewer than anticipated. The 600 at King's Mountain were down to 300 at Bethabara: 50 Provincials, and 250 Loyalist militia. There were 300 Patriots guarding them. November 7, North Carolina took charge of 185 of theirs. Most were enlisted into the Patriot militia or the North Carolina Continental Line. The remainder were taken from Bethabara to Hillsboro.

Greene dispatched Morgan with a force to take Ninety-Six. They reached Lawson's Fork, near Wofford's iron works, when they heard Tarleton was after them. Morgan moved north and crossed the Pacolet river. Unable to cross the Broad river into North Carolina before Tarleton arrived, he stopped at the Cowpens, a stock yard halfway between the two rivers. He spent the night laying out the battleground and coaching and preparing his army. Tarleton passed him to the east and turned back.

January 17, Tarleton caught up with Morgan and attacked immediately. Tarleton failed to understand Morgan's disposition. The Legion easily drove off the first line of sharpshooters, losing many officers and mounted troopers. The second line of militia fired a volley or two, as requested by Morgan, and then filed off. Mistaking this retreat for a collapse, Tarleton's army surged ahead. Morgan's Continentals fired and pulled back, then turned and fired again. Thinking the battle was won, Tarleton's regulars were stunned and devastated. William Washington's Continental Dragoons stopped the Legion dragoons from interfering. Tarleton and the surviving Legion fled.

The usual accounts support the incorrect idea that Morgan's back was to the Broad river. Both he and Tarleton were marching north. After crossing the Pacolet, Morgan stopped at Cowpens; Tarleton passed to the east of Morgan, marching all night to attack from the north with an exhausted army. Morgan was also protected on his right by a swamp. (See Babbit's A Devil of a Whipping.)

Tarleton and the remaining Legion - mounted - fled. The infantry were left behind to surrender. (These prisoners were taken north through Gilbert Town, eventually into captivity in the Shenandoah Valley!)

Soon, Cornwallis returned from South Carolina, attempting to catch Morgaan and Greene. This is called the March to the Dan. In a wonderful display of generalship, Greene moved quickly, using all the flooding Piedmont North Carolina rivers to protect him and slow Conrwallis. "Light Horse" Harry Lee's Patriot dragoon's constantly scouted around Cornwallis, making sure Greene knew where Cornwallis was. The Patriots - including Continentals - brought all the boats to the north side of the rivers. Cornwallis was always behind and bedeviled by the lack of boats. Cornwallis foolishly burned his wagons to speed his troops up, only to find he could not feed his men. Greene won the race, getting across the Dan river into Virginia where he could resupply and gather up reinforcements.

When Greene's army was refreshed, he recrossed the Dan and headed south, meeting Cornwallis at Guilford Court House.

March 15, Cornwallis "won" at Guilford Court House. Greene abandoned the field, but Cornwallis lost a third of his men. He retreated to Wilmington, later going into Virginia.

In June, Cornwallis captured and burned Richmond. He failed to capture the government or receive a formal surrender.

Tarleton took Charlottesville, almost capturing the governor, Thomas Jefferson. Seven members of the House of Burgesses and one Congressman were captured. (When Jefferson's term was up, the General Assembly had difficulty choosing a successor. Virginia had three governors in a few months!)

Cornwallis abandoned Richmond and skirmished with Lafayette's Continentals before retreating to Williamsburg and, finally, Yorktown.

• This is Part 1 of 4 parts: The Campaign & Battle of King's Mountain.
• Part 2 is more information on the two armies and various ideas on the battle
• Part 3 deals with controversies of the battle
• Part 4 explains the development of the National Military Part, the National Historic Trail, OVTA, popular materials on the battle, and source materials