USA > Tennessee > Sullivan County > Historic Sullivan; a history of Sullivan County, Tennessee, with brief biographies of the makers of history > Part 9
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This capture was followed in quick succession by varying victories at Musgrove's Mills and Cedar Springs. At the latter place, on the 8th of August, they encountered Ferguson's advance guard and dealt them a severe blow.
CORNWALLIS AROUSED.
Lord Cornwallis was now thoroughly aroused by the rapid and intrepid movements of the mountain men and ordered Col. Ferguson to go through these districts and line up and discipline the loyalists. So with his usual tact and persuasive manner he soon found himself at the head of two thousand men. But Shelby baffled every attempt Ferguson made to surprise and take his forces.
They were preparing to march against Ninety-Six when a horseman dashed up, carrying a message from
2Roosevelt's "Winning of the West."
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Gov. Caswell, apprising them that the southern grand army, under command of Gen. Gates, had been cut to pieces by Cornwallis on the field of Camden. The Gov- ernor urged Shelby to get his men out of the way as quickly as possible, for the general, flushed with victory, would improve the opportunity and try to catch him.
Their withdrawal was hampered by the large number of prisoners they had captured, but they marched day and night without rest, finding out later they had been hotly pursued by Capt. DePeyster and several hundred mounted men.
REFUGEES ON WATAUGA.
Returning home to the Holston settlements they found it had become the mecca for refugees from all parts of the South. These Holston people were noted for their hospitality and never refused to share what they had with all who came among them.
Not long after their return home Col. Ferguson, who had become irritated by their bold dashes, sent a message to Shelby saying, if the "back-water men" did not sur- render and espouse the cause of King George he would then come across the mountain and put them to the sword and burn their homes.
It must be kept in mind this little settlement was con- fronted with another foe-the Indians-an attack by them was liable to be made any day, more especially since the British had made allies of them. Yet, in the face of these dangers, Shelby sent a message by his brother to Col. William Campbell of Virginia, requesting him to join him and, mounting his horse, hastened to the home of Sevier, about fifty miles away.
He found Sevier in the midst of a jollification and barbecue. Himself a man of rather serious demeanor he spoke abruptly to his friend, telling him it was no time for fun-making, then explained to him his plans for a campaign, over which Sevier was as enthusiastic as he had a moment before been in the frolic.
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On returning home Shelby had a message from Col. Campbell declining to join him in the proposed expedition and saying he had raised a company and promised to assist in a movement to defend his own state against the invasion. Shelby sent a second and more urgent request and, at the same time, sent John Adair to intercede with Col. Arthur Campbell the ranking officer of the county. This concerted move had its effect-the appeal was so impressive that both Arthur and William Campbell entered patriotically into the campaign. Shelby's peti- tion to these men was in the nature of a pathetic descrip- tion of Col. McDowell's plight on being driven across the mountain and forced to refugee, away from his home and friends.
As preparations were being pushed Shelby and Sevier saw another trouble confronting them-the lack of money to carry out their project. At this juncture, seeing no other way to get it, Sevier went to John Adair, the entry taker of Sullivan County, and suggested the use of the public funds for this purpose, offering his and Shelby's personal security for the return of the loan. Adair's reply was characteristic of the times. "Col. Sevier," said he, "I have no authority by law to make that dis- position of this money-it belongs to the impoverished treasury of North Carolina, but if the country is overrun by the British, our liberty is gone. Let the money go too -so take it."3&4 The amount was nearly thirteen thous- and dollars.
By agreement all met at Watauga, the rendezvous, September 26th. It was the largest gathering that had been seen in this part of the country up to that time, was very impressive and caused great excitement. Shelby and Sevier each were there with two hundred and forty men. Campbell arrived with two hundred which was
3Draper's "Kings Mountain."
4Shelby and Sevier paid back every dollar of this money. Shelby in return for his services and sacrifices of money received "six yards of middling broadcloth." -Shelby MSS.
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afterwards increased to four hundred, Arthur Campbell ar- riving with two hundred more; and McDowell with a sufficient number to make, in all, more than one thous- and men ready to depart on the hunt for Ferguson.
The men wore "fringed and tasseled hunting shirts,5 girded in by bead-worked belts and the trappings of their horses were stained red and yellow. On their heads they wore caps of coon skin or mink skin with tails hanging down or else felt hats in each of which was thrust a buck tail or a sprig of evergreen. Every man carried a small- bore rifle, a tomahawk, and a scalping-knife. A very few of the officers had swords and there was not a bayonet nor a tent in the army."
When preparations were completed for their departure this grim host stood in silence for a while, listening to the benediction of Rev. Samuel Doak.
The route taken by this army was changed when it was found two of their number had deserted and gone to join Ferguson. It is said to have been the roughest march ever undertaken by an army of horsemen.
At the foot of the mountain they fell in with Col. Williams of South Carolina and other officers. After rapid marching for several days, much of the time in the
5This description of a hunting shirt is from Roosevelt's " Winning of the West,' who in turn gave credit to contemporary authority. It may compare with the gar- ment used in that campaign but we of this day do not recognize it as the description of the one which our forefathers have really brought down to the present generation. It was clumsily made, blouse fashion, reaching to the knees and, gathered up, was tied around the waist. In the fulth was often carried heavy burdens, as much as "a bushel of corn" at one time.
I found Roosevelt the most painstaking of our historians-it was possible for him to be- because he was prepared to meet the expense of lengthy research, when in doubt about historical events concerning this section, he is "trumps." I kept him at my elbow as I did my Thesauras. There is no question, but that he regarded our section as the richest in the multiformity of historic lore of any in America. It was out of this field that he created that wonderful work, his "Winning of the West" which probably is the best literary fruit of his productive pen. It is therefore to be regretted, in view of his thorough research and lofty aim, that he did not live a few years among the people whose ancestors he has undertaken to describe. He could then be more in sympathy with their sentiments-I don't mean biased, as he is with the cowboys on the plains with whom he herded cattle, sat about the campfires and followed in hunts and jaunts. And so he has under- taken to tell the world about a people whose acquaintance he has formed in research, rather than through association and, like most of our northern annalists, more of a historical critic than a historical narrator-exact and exacting.
I hardly ever read Roosevelt that I don't feel like putting on an overcoat- so many icicles on his adjectives. He reminds me of a great iceberg, beautifully chisled and chilly, that has lost its moorings in the frozen north and floated down here on our mild sea of sentiment, cited often, but stayed away from.
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rain, at which time they protected their guns with their hunting shirts, they decided to drop some of the horse- men as their slow movement impeded the progress. They had already dropped the cattle that were driven along and thereafter subsisted upon wild game, killed along the route, and the parched corn carried in their wallets.
MILITARY COURTESY.
An unusual piece of military courtesy took place on this march. There was no recognized leading officer so Shelby suggested that one be selected and desired Campbell to assume command as it would take too long to send to headquarters for an officer. Campbell, on the other hand knowing that Shelby outranked him, requested him to serve as he had practically been in command up to that time. Shelby explained that, if a North Caro- linian served, it should be McDowell as he was senior officer and while he was regarded as brave and efficient he was too slow of action to put into execution orders necessary for the rapid movements of the men.
Campbell thereupon assumed command, addressed the soldiers and requested all those who wished to withdraw to do so now and not wait until the battle. Not a man stepped from the ranks. It was found necessary, despite the enthusiasm of the men, to pick out the swiftest and less jaded of the horses with the least fatigued horsemen and the best guns and push on to catch Ferguson. The men were lined up and nine hundred and ten were selected while the remainder were asked to follow on as rapidly as they could. Some of the footmen, however, deter- mined not to be left behind, followed on foot, traveling almost as fast as the horsemen and arrived in time to take part in the battle.
They were now hot on the trail of Ferguson.
On the 6th of October, although a heavy rain was falling, they marched all night and came near the enemy the next day.
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When within about three miles of King's Mountain some of the men stopped at a farm house by the roadside to get some information. They were followed out by a young girl who inquired, "How many are there of you?" "Enough," was the reply, "to whip Ferguson if we can catch him." "He is on that mountain," she said, point- ing to an eminence now in sight.6
While Ferguson had been apprised, by the two deserters, of the coming of the mountain men, he was not prepared for such rapid marching and did not know they were in the vicinity until they were making ready to ascend the mountain. From a roistering, loud shouting throng they had now become more subdued in conversation, not wishing to be discovered. When within about a quarter of a mile of the spur" of the mountain the order went round to "halt, dismount and tie horses-take off great coats and blankets and tie to saddles-fresh prime guns and every man to go into battle firmly resolving to fight until he dies."&
It was a silent, grim and determined throng that now prepared to ascend-the troops having been disposed all around the mountain. The last orders were for every man to fight for himself, "to shout like hell and fight like devils."
Ferguson had previously declared, "I hold a position God Almighty cannot drive me from," but when he viewed the coming of the Americans he was fearful of the result.
The Americans charged up the mountain, but were repulsed with the bayonet, this weapon being used skill- fully by the British. But as soon as the men were driven down one side of the mountain the men on the other side would charge the heights, thus keeping the enemy alter- nately rushing from one side to the other. The Amer- icans were driven back a gocd many times, but would always rally and return.
6Draper's "King's Mountain."
7The battle was fought on a spur of the mountain, about sixty feet in height. SDraper.
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Some of his men urged Ferguson to surrender, but he declared that he would never surrender to such a set of bandits as the "backwoodsmen" and so cut down the white flag that had been hoisted.
He carried a whistle and wherever it sounded the battle was the fiercest. The mountain was "like a volcano" from the incessant firing and smoke of the guns.
DEATH OF FERGUSON.
In one of Ferguson's desperate charges he was recog- nized by the men of Shelby and Sevier-their guns turned on him and he was shot six or seven times, dying almost instantly.9
Shortly after his death the white flag was raised, but some of the Holston men did not know what it meant and kept on firing, when Campbell rushed up and begged them, "for God's sake cease firing." The bat- tle began about three o'clock in the afternoon and lasted one hour and ten minutes.
The effect of this battle was far-reaching. It caused Cornwallis to retreat and change his plans and, better than all, brightened the hopes of the despairing Ameri- cans everywhere.
Thomas Jefferson pronounced it "the battle that turned the tide of the Revolution."
9There is an old Revolutionary relic, reputed to have been the gun that killed Ferguson, known as "Sweetlips," that periodically or spasmodically makes its appearance before a too credulous public. This gun may have been in the battle of King's Mountain, but there is absolutely no authority for saying that it killed Ferguson. Even if it should be the one, it is a gruesome relic-an ugly weapon that has the ban of human blood. The spectacle of a public speaker holding it up at the conclusion of a splendid historical discourse, was not a fitting close and the audience received the announcement, "here's the gun that did the work," with silence if not a shudder. And this protest is offered, not so much to refute a claim, as to rebuke the display of barbarous sentiment that belongs to guilotine days. Besides it is ungenerous, disrespectful. Ferguson, withal a partisan and a hard fighter, was a courageous officer and always humane to a fallen foe.
Ferguson was shot many times and there have been many claims as to who killed him, each company of at least two regiments making a claim and no one, any more than another, with any authority.
Sullivan comes along with a tradition that one of her soldiers did the slaying. In the arrangement of troops, it happened that Shelby's and Campbell's troops, got together during the action and, as there were neighbors and friends in each company, mingled freely. In this way Rutledge, of Shelby's forces, and Snodgrass of Campbell's fought side by side, being neighbors at home. The latter had volun- teered under Campbell before the King's Mountain expedition was put on foot.
An officer was seen to ride back and forth and dismount, as if looking for something, (had dropped a medal) when Snodgrass shouted to Rutledge, "there he is George, give him a buck load," meaning two loads, one on top of the other. This was done and upon this the tradition was founded.
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE STATE OF FRANKLIN.
At the close of the Revolution the United States found herself burdened by an enormous debt, and some of the creditors were not easily induced to temper their de- mands by promises and uncertain delays. Congress then, in order to hasten relief, passed a recommendation, asking those states, which owned them, to cede certain outlying or unused Western lands to make a common fund, and thus relieve the strain on the nation's credit.
North Carolina was very generous in her surrender, in April, 1784, ceding practically all of what afterward be- came Tennessee, reserving control, however, pending its acceptance. Congress was allowed two years in which to accept this offer. The representatives of the four and only established counties in the territory ceded-Sullivan, Washington, Greene and Davidson, voted for the bill because North Carolina had almost ignored them in the distribution of service and funds and was of little aid to them. Their condition could not be made worse, so far as support was concerned, and they had no idea Congress, in its already crippled financial condition, would accept the offer as it would necessitate an additional outlay of funds in keeping the frontier protected.
North Carolina and her "over the mountain men" were in continual discord over the conduct of the settlements -the latter charging that ample provision was not made for the sustenance of the military-pay was small, and that grudgingly given. The State retaliated with charges of extravagance, even insinuating that the accounts sent in were false.
This was the condition of affairs the new settlement had to face-neglected by those in power, threatened all the time by Indian invasions, while criminal refugees sought
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their midst as a retreat. The only protection afforded them was in their self-constituted Regulators, who dis- pensed summary justice-and in this they were taking a step backward.
A band of regulators, however good their intentions, either become hardened in crime or have imputed to them the acts of rash imprudence and rascality done by others. It was therefore determined that some better means of defense was necessary and a convention was called, at which deputies, representing the sentiment of the people, were to assemble and decide what further steps should be taken for self-protection.
The convention met at Jonesboro, August 23rd, with the following deputies present: for Sullivan-Joseph Mar- tin, Gilbert Christian, William Cocke, John Manifee, Wil- liam Wallace, John Hall, Samuel Wilson, Stokely Donel- son and William Evans: for Washington-John Sevier, Charles Robertson, William Purphey, Joseph Wilson, John Irvin, Samuel Houston, William Trimble, William Cox, Landon Carter, Hugh Henry, Christopher Taylor, John Chisholm, Samuel Doak, William Campbell, Benjamin Holland, John Bean, Samuel Williams and Richard White: for Greene-Daniel Kennedy, Alexander Outlaw, Joseph Gist, Samuel Weir, Asahel Rawlings, Joseph Bal- lard, John Manghon, John Murphy, David Campbell, Archibald Stone, Abraham Denton, Charles Robinson and Elisha Baker.
Davidson county was not represented, being so far away the people were not especially interested.
A committee, with John Sevier, president and Landon Carter, secretary, was appointed to consider the situation. While they were debating measures to be adopted a mem- ber produced the Declaration of Independence and drew a parallel between their condition and the condition of the colonists when they declared themselves free.
Thereupon another member moved to declare the western colonies independent of North Carolina, which
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motion was unanimously carried. Upon a vote as to whether or not they would establish a new state, a major- ity decided to do so-a strong minority, however, opposed it. This opposition was led by John Tipton, who became an active representative of North Carolina and the dis- turbing element of the Franklin move.
Several names were submitted by which the new State should be known-among them Franklin, for Benjamin Franklin, and Frankland, meaning "land of the free." The former was chosen by a small majority. Both names have been handed down, which may have been through the influence of William Cocke, the chief penman and spokesman, who was in favor of the name Frankland and persisted in writing it that way.
After reading the plans of organization, framed by Messrs. Cocke and Hardin, the deputies considered the calling of a new convention to form a constitution.
The convention did not meet again until November. The Assembly of North Carolina was then in session at Newbern and repealed the act of cession, alleging that other States had not complied with their promises. This action was no doubt caused by the conduct of the Frank- lin movement. John Sevier, in view of the repeal, and as he had been appointed Brigadier-General by the same Assembly, concluded to "persue no further measure as to a new state," but his associates were not so easily pacified -they were determined to carry the project through.
JOHN SEVIER, GOVERNOR.
The next convention met at Jonesboro and again ap- pointed John Sevier, president and Landon Carter, secre- tary. A constitution was submitted, subject to ratifica- tion or rejection at some future meeting.
At the first legislative assembly, March, 1785, Landon Carter was elected Speaker of the Senate and William Cage, of Sullivan, Speaker of the House of Commons.
John Sevier was elected Governor.
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Among the laws enacted by that body was one parti- tioning Sullivan and Greene and forming Spencer county. The assembly of North Carolina later, disregarding this, erected the county of Hawkins, which name it now bears instead of Spencer. The Franklin Assembly also fixed the salaries of state officers. The governor's salary was fixed at two hundred pounds per annum, the supreme judges' at one hundred and fifty pounds per annum and the others in proportion.1
The price of commodities was also fixed, and it is inter- esting to note the then prevailing prices compared with those of to-day. "Good, distilled Rye Whiskey" is quoted at two shillings and six pence per gallon, while "good, country made sugar" is quoted at one shilling per pound. One pound of sugar would then buy nearly half a gallon of whiskey, while to-day half a gallon of whis- key (as long as it lasts) will buy forty pounds of sugar.
About this time the importance of the new State was made known to the old in a communication signed by the Governor and the Speakers of both houses. It wore the complexion of a dignified state paper. This caused Gov. Martin to issue a strong manifesto, in which he views at length the conditions in his own state and the country in general, and explains the tardiness in dealing with the Indians.
He coaxes, cajoles and threatens-"By this rash act a precedent is formed for every district and every county of the State to claim the right of separation," and again, "that you tarnish not the laurels you have so gloriously won at Kings Mountain and elsewhere, in supporting the freedom and independence of the U. S., in being concerned in a black and traitorous revolt." He advises them to
1It has been the custom of some historians to ridicule the Franklin com- monwealth for paying salaries in skins and the commodities of the times. Daniel Webster once twitted a congressman about paying the governor in fox skins, when in his own state musket balls had been used as money and milk pails had been accepted in payment of taxes. Besides, the Governor of Franklin was a little more choice than to accept fox skins-"it was mink, sir"! And mink skins were current in the proudest empires of Europe. Money, then, was very scarce. Our pale continental scrip, as proud as freemen were to look upon it, did not have color enough in its face to ask credit from some of its own im- poverished people ...
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meet the next legislature and present their grievances in the proper way, "and I make no doubt her generosity in time will meet your wishes."
Copies of his manifesto were sent broadcast and had the effect of weakening the cause of the "Franks."
The constitution first presented was an egregious blend, a fusion, with some poor insertions, of the constitutions of the United States, and of the States of North Carolina and Virginia. This was presented by the Tipton party and, among other features, provided that no one should hold office "if he were immoral, a Sabbath breaker, a cler- gyman, a doctor or a lawyer." Evidently the last restric- tion was aimed at William Cocke as he was spokesman for the other side and a lawyer. This constitution was not adopted.
The Assembly of North Carolina met in 1786, at Fay- etteville, and had under consideration the "New State" movement. Considerable correspondence had passed be- tween the governors of the two states. William Cocke was sent as ambassador and, being permitted the privilege of the floor, addressed the House for several hours.2
An act of pardon and oblivion was passed, affecting all offenders under the new government, who returned and avowed anew their allegiance to the old state.
The assembly held in office all who occupied those offices prior to April, 1784, and declared vacant all other posi- tions, as they considered an acceptance of office under the Franklin government equivalent to resignation from former office. They also ordered all back taxes, up to and of the year 1784, collected, and those due since to be rescinded. This kindly and considerate act strengthen- ed the North Carolina party and the opposition was grad- ually losing support.
The lack of unanimity in the new party evidently caused the old state to have patience and, unlike Virginia,
2Haywood.
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she was not unduly alarmed at the ultimate result.
It was further directed that the court for Washington county be held at William Davis', on Buffalo Creek, ten miles from Jonesboro. Later the court of the Sevier party was also held at Jonesboro.
WAR BETWEEN FACTIONS.
This conflict of courts brought on a conflict of the peo- ple. An argument took place between Sevier and Tipton on the streets of Jonesboro. Sevier hit Tipton on the head with a cane, the latter retorted with an oath and a blow, and the dispute degenerated into a common street fight. Fights became general. The rowdies of each party had no other argument with which to emphasize their allegiance than blows, and they were frequent. When officers were elected due consideration was given to a man's strength, as this qualification was often called to test. The sheriffs of both parties were physical giants.
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