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118. The Dark Days .- Instigated and aided by the agents of Great Britain, and impelled by feelings of hostility to those whom they regarded as intruders upon the hunting grounds which they had
1 Putnam, p. 170.
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GROWTH OF THE CUMBERLAND SETTLEMENTS.
so long held sacred from human habitation, the Indians began a series of invasions and depredations. The fate of the Cumberland settle- ments trembled in the balance. They were invaded by Indians from the North, and Indians from the South. The block-houses and forts which they had erected saved them from destruction. Within these block-houses they could resist the attacks of invading parties, but they were constantly subjected to the fire of lurking foes, to such an extent that they could not venture out to cultivate the crops, and starvation began to stare them in the face. In addition to this, their ammunition began to fail, and there was no means within reach to replenish the supply. In this crisis, James Robertson made a perilous journey to the East to procure ammunition.
119. Freeland Station .- The Renfroe settlement on Red River, above Clarksville, had been destroyed by the Indians, and other stations had been abandoned. Many of the settlers had returned to the East. Deeply discouraged, the remaining pioneers were contemplating the abandonment of the Cumberland. At this juncture, Colonel Robert- son returned from the East with a supply of ammunition, January 15, 1781. He was joyfully welcomed at Nashborough, where he remained for a few hours, and went to spend the night with his family at Free- land Station. He was just in time. That very night Freeland Sta- tion was attacked by a band of Chickasaws. Robertson's timely arrival saved the garrison. The presence of the Indians was not suspected, and the gate to the fort had not been fastened. The sur- prise was complete. It so happened, however, that Colonel Robert- son had not retired. He heard the Indians around the garrison, and fired upon the advancing foe. Sleeping always with their rifles with- in reach, the garrison was speedily rallied. After a severe fight the Indians were repulsed, and the sound of the swivel at Nashborough announced that relief was coming. The Indians retired, carrying their dead and wounded with them. In this attack the gallant Major Robert Lucas, who has already been mentioned as having joined Col- onel John Carter, in the purchase of Carter's Valley in 1775, was killed, and also Colonel Robertson's faithful negro servant. The force of the Indians has been variously estimated from fifty to two hundred. After their repulse they moved about the vicinity, com- mitting depredations.
120. Result of the Battle of Freeland .- This was the last battle with the Chickasaws. Soon afterwards Colonel Robertson held an interview with Opiomingo, the Chickasaw Chief, and entered into an
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HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
alliance by which the Chickasaws were detached from British inter- ests, and were ever afterwards the cordial and faithful allies of the Cumberland colonists. The Chickasaws had become inflamed against the Cumberland settlers on account of the occupation by General George Rogers Clark of a fort within the territory which they claimed. This cause of enmity was removed by the intervention of Colonel Robertson, and the Chickasaws were appeased. Moreover, they were the ancient, implacable enemies of the Cherokees, with whom the Cumberland settlers were at war, and readily entered into friendship with those who were at war with their hereditary enemies.
Freed from invasion by the formidable tribe, the colonists en- joyed a brief respite. Yet, they were by no means free from hostili- ties. Roving bands of Indians-Cherokees, Chickamaugas, Creeks from the South, Shawnees, Delawares, Wyandots from the North - committed depredations, fired from ambush, waylaid travelers, and kept the settlers in continual alarm. During this period many colo- nists lost their lives by the tomahawk and rifle.
121. The Battle of the Bluffs .- This irregular ,warfare was followed by the best concerted and most formidable invasion made by the Indians. During the night of April 1, 1781, an Indian force reached the vicinity of the Bluffs unobserved. There they secreted themselves and remained undiscovered until the following morning. April 2d. The strength of this force is variously estimated. Ramsey is content to call them "a numerous body."1 Other historians estimate them at from five hundred to one thousand. Historians generally credit this attack to the Cherokees, although there is reason to believe that it was a concerted movement, in which many tribes were engaged, some of them being Northern tribes. This battle is full of romantic incidents. The Indians had, with wonderful secrecy, encompassed the fort during the night. Early the next morning they sent three Indians forward, who fired on the fort and retreated. Unaware that a strong force was investing the fort, a party of more than twenty horsemen, probably led by Colonel Robertson, pursued the savages to their cover. At a point which is now the corner of College and Demonbreun streets, they encountered a large body of Indians. Dis- mounting from their horses they formed on foot and charged the enemy in front. Suddenly a large force of Indians broke cover from a position on the flank and rear of the whites, and rushed forward to capture the horses.
1 Ramsey's Annals, p. 452.
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GROWTH OF THE CUMBERLAND SETTLEMENTS.
Still another strong body of Indians, who had lain in ambush, rushed forward with yells, and intervened between the sallying party and the fort. At this critical juncture the dogs, a large number of
BATTLE OF THE BLUFFS. CHARGE OF THE DOGS.
which had been confined in the fort, were turned loose upon the Indians. It is related that the gate was opened for them, and they were incited to attack the Indians by Mrs. Robertson, who, in the
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moment of desperation, was inspired to this novel expedient by noticing the excitement of the dogs. Their furious onset was as suc- cessful as Hannibal's famous charge of the yoked oxen. The noble animals rushed straight upon the Indians, and sprung at their throats. Disconcerted at this unexpected onslaught, the Indians turned to their own defense. Meanwhile the other party of Indians had become scattered in pursuit of the horses, which had taken fright and were running loose.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, the small party of whites who had been cut off passed through the gap in the Indian lines, and most of them reached the fort in saftey. There was some further fighting, which ended in the repulse of the Indians. They continued the investment until the next day, when they were joined by re-in- forcements, and seemed contemplating an attack by storm. A well directed fire from the swivel, loaded with pieces of iron, terrified them, and caused their immediate retreat.
122. Incidents of the Battle .- Col. Robertson probably made no written report of the battle, certainly none which has come down to history. The accounts of historians are gathered from various sources, and are somewhat conflicting. On the main points they all agree. The complete surprise, the ambush of the charging party, and their miraculous escape, the flight of the horses, and the charge of the dogs, though variously narrated, may be regarded as authentic.
This battle is remarkable for the number of instances of individ- ual gallantry. In fact, the deeds of individual heroes recall the fights around the walls of Troy. Among those who especially distinguished themselves were John Buchanan, Alexander Buchanan, James Leiper, Samuel Barton, and Isaac Lucas. The following were killed : Peter Gill, Alexander Buchanan, George Kennedy, Zachariah White, and James Leiper. Among the wounded were James Manifee, Joseph Moonshaw, Isaac Lucas, Edward Swanson, and Samuel Barton. 1
123. The Guerrilla Warfare .- The Indians now abandoned the plan of besieging the fortified places, and instituted a guerrilla warfare. which proved exasperating and fatal. They aimed to drive the settlers from the country by rendering their residence insecure, and preventing them from following the pursuits of agriculture. They
1 This is one of the most interesting of Indian battles. Students should read the following works, where it is described more in detail than the limits of a school-book will permit : Haywood's History, pp. 117-120; Ramsey's Annals, pp. 452-455 ; Putnam, pp. 129-133 ; Rear Guard of the Revolution, pp. 34-41.
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GROWTH OF THE CUMBERLAND SETTLEMENTS.
sent small detachments to lurk in ambush to kill all who were unpro- tected, to watch the cornfields, murder the laborers, destroy the crops, capture the horses and cattle. This species of war- fare led to many romantic ad- ventures, and the history of this period is full of wonderful personal feats, hair-breadth es- capes, and in- stances of pa- tient fortitude. The settlers be- INDIANS ATTACKING A PIONEER CABIN AT NIGHT. came discouraged, and contemplated abandoning the settlements.
124. The Council-1782 .- In this year affairs had assumed a gloomy aspect. Many of the settlers had been slain by the Indians, and others had returned to the East; many of the stations had been abandoned, and others were so weakened as to be untenable; agricul- ture had been nearly destroyed, and there seemed no avenue of indus- try ; life and property were insecure, starvation seemed to threaten. A general council was called to consider the proposition of abandon- ing the Cumberland. This proposition was strongly favored by many of the best men. Robertson was firm, and he was strongly supported by Andrew Ewin, Anthony Bledsoe, Isaac Bledsoe, Isaac Lindsay, Thomas Molloy, George Freeland, Samuel Barton, Daniel Smith, and others. Robertson, in a forcible address, admitted the dangers and discomforts of the present, but he drew a vivid picture of the future. He pointed out that the Revolutionary War was practically ended, that with its close the Indians would lose the alliance and aid of the British, while the colonists would receive accessions in wealth and pop- ulation from the influx of soldiers who would come to occupy their bounty lands. He appealed to every motive of pride and patriotism, and urged them to "Fight it out here." He ended by declaring that he would be the last man to leave. His strong sense and eloquence pre- vailed. The settlers caught his spirit, and went back to their fields
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HISTORY- OF TENNESSEE.
with renewed confidence and energy, determined to "fight it out." Robertson's predictions were ultimately verified, but Fate was still holding in reserve many trials which would test the manhood of the pioneers.
125. Effect of the Preliminary Treaty of Peace .- When it be- came known that a preliminary treaty of peace between Great Britain and the United States had been signed at Paris, November 30, 1782, the Cumberland people hailed it with joy. Now that the Indians would no longer be incited to war and aided by Great Britain, they hoped for a respite from Indian hostilities. In this they were disap- pointed. The British did, indeed, cease from active support of the Indians, but they took no measures to restrain them. The Indians had become inflamed against the Cumberland settlers, and had acquired the habit of invading their country. They continued the guerrilla warfare, though less actively than before. On the whole, the affairs of the Cumberland began a steady improvement. Not only were the hostilities of the Indians somewhat relaxed, but the settlers had acquired more skill in Indian guerrilla warfare, and were better organized for military operations. The deeds of such scouts as Buch- anan, Castleman, Rains, David Hood, Thomas Sharp Spencer, and others have rarely been surpassed in romance, and are illustrious in history. 1
We must now leave the Cumberland settlers for a while, and turn to note the events which were occurring elsewhere.
CHAPTER XIII.
WATAUGA IN THE REVOLUTION.
126. The South Overrun .- May 12, 1780, just one day before the Cumberland settlers completed and signed their "Compact," Charleston, S. C., together with the American army which defended it, was surrendered by General Lincoln to General Sir Henry Clinton, commanding the British army. Savannah, Ga., had been previously occupied, and the entire southern coast was in possession of the British. Lord Cornwallis moved to the north and west, and routed the American army under Gates at Camden, while Sumpter was defeated by Tarlton. Colonel Clarke, of Georgia, who was operating along the Savannah River, was driven from the field and found tem-
1 See Putnam, Chapters IX. and \., and other annalists of the period.
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WATAUGA IN THE REVOLUTION.
porary refuge on the Watauga. Marion and Lee were powerless to protect the country.
Supposing all opposition at an end, Lord Cornwallis issued a proclamation threatening severe penalties against all who should give aid to the American cause, summoned all loyalists to enlist in the English army, and relying on these recruits to hold the country in subjection, marched north to overrun North Carolina.
Feeling secure on his right flank, which extended towards the Atlantic coast, he formed a mounted force of English regulars and tories to guard his left flank against attack from the west. The com- mand of this body was entrusted to Maj. Ferguson, a brave and skill- ful English officer.
Keeping Ferguson somewhat in advance, and on his left, Corn- wallis advanced into North Carolina, and took post at Charlotte.
127. The Mountaineers .- Previous to the movement into North Carolina, Cornwallis had learned to beware of the pioneers "from over the mountains." When Colonel Clarke, of Georgia, had taken refuge in the Watauga country to rest and refresh his men, he carried with him on his return a number of recruits from Watauga, among others Rob- ert Bean. These Watauga men rendered signal service in the victory which Clarke soon afterwards gained. Returning home, these moun- taincers inflamed their associates by relating the atrocities practiced by the tories on the defenseless patriots. A little later, Shelby, in Sullivan County, and Sevier, in Washington County, in obedience to the command of General Rutherford, had levied one hundred men each, and were on the point of moving to the defense of Charleston, when news arrived that Charleston had fallen, and that the enemy were moving northward, and were approaching the North Carolina line. Both of these energetic commanders doubled their levies, and with two hundred mounted men each, marched promptly to the camp of Colonel McDowell, who commanded the North Carolina troops at Cher- okee Ford, in South Carolina. Sevier, being unable to leave home. sent his regiment under the command of Maj. Charles Robertson.
128. The Mountaineers Gain Distinction .- Colonel Shelby was detached with six hundred men to operate against a force of tories under comniand of Col. Patrick Moore, a noted loyalist. He found Colonel Moore strongly entrenched on the Pacolet River, in a redoubt known as Thicketty Fort. Capt. William Cocke, subsequently United States Senator from Tennessee, was sent to demand the surrender. This was refused, whereupon Colonel Shelby drew up his men to
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HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
storm the fort. Alarmed at the formidable appearance, Colonel Moore proposed to surrender on condition that his men should be paroled, not to serve during the war, unless exchanged. The date of this sur- render was July 30, 1780.
Colonel Shelby, in command of six hundred men, was attacked at Cedar Springs by Ferguson with his entire command. After a sharp fight, Shelby withdrew, but with the honors of war.
August ISth occurred the battle of Musgrove's Mill, on the Enoree River. This feat resembled one of Forrest's most daring raids. It displayed a species of strategy peculiar to Tennessee military genius. Colonel Shelby, learning that a party of four or five hundred tories was encamped at Musgrove's Mill, determined to surprise them. But Ferguson's force of two thousand men lay between. Shelby, with his famous six hundred men, four hundred Tennesseans, and Clarke's Georgians, and Williams' South Carolinians, moved rapidly during the night by a circuitous route, passed around Ferguson's camp, and reached the vicinity of Musgrove's Mill before day. While formning his line for the attack at day-break, Colonel Shelby was surprised to learn that the enemy had just been reinforced by a detachment of British regulars and tories under the command of Colonel Innis. In this dilemma it was not safe either to attack or retreat. The enemy had discovered his presence, but was not aware of his force. He decided to prepare a hasty ambush, and sent forward Capt. Shadrach Inman with a small force to entice the enemy to attack him. The strategem was entirely successful. The enemy attacked and were completely routed. Shelby pursued them for a short distance, capturing many prisoners, and contemplating an attack upon the post at Ninety-Six, when his movement was suddenly arrested by a courier from Colonel McDowell announcing the disastrous defeat of Gates at Camden. His position was now full of danger. It would require the utmost skill and energy to effect his retreat. This was successfully accomplished. Escaping with his prisoners and booty, he evaded pursuit, and rejoined Colonel McDowell on the following day, sixty miles from the battle-field, in the mountains, where he turned over seventy prisoners.
The period of the enlistment of the Tennesseans had now expired. After consultation with McDowell and the other leaders, measures were concerted for future campaigns against Ferguson, and the Ten- nessee troops returned home full of confidence in themselves, and covered with glory.
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WATAUGA IN THE REVOLUTION.
129. The Gathering .- After the battle of Cainden, and the rout of the American Army under Gates, Cornwallis moved into North Carolina and took post at Charlotte, as previously related. Ferguson, guarding his left flank, easily overran the country to the west, and approached the mountains. He had learned a wholesome dread of the mountaineers, from whom he had received the only check in his career of victory. Meanwhile, Shelby and Sevier had been in con- sultation with Colonels Arthur and William Campbell, of Virginia, with the purpose of levying a force sufficient to cope with Ferguson. This purpose was strengthened by a message which Colonel Shelby re- ceived from Ferguson, threatening to destroy the Watauga settlement.
Monday, September 25, 1780, Colonel William Campbell, of Vir- ginia, commanding four hundred men, Colonel Isaac Shelby, of Sullivan County, Tennessee, and Colonel John Sevier, of Washington County, Tennessee, each commanding two hundred and forty men, established their camp of eight hundred and forty mounted men at Sycamore Shoals. The next day, after prayer by Rev. Samuel Doak, the com- bined forces started on their march to capture Ferguson. Trusting to their good horses, their well-tested Deckhard rifles, and their own vigorous manhood, they never for a moment doubted the result. On the march they were joined by Colonel Cleveland and Colonel Win- ston, with three or four hundred North Carolinians, October I, and later by volunteers all along the route. Halting for two days. a council was held, and Colonel William Campbell, of Virginia, was selected to command the expedition. Subsequently other forces joined on the march. Among these were Sumpter's South Carolinians, un- der Lacey, and the commands of McDowell, Hambright, and Will- iams. Ferguson was at Gilbert Town when he learned of the approach of the mountaineers. He retreated and took position on King's Mountain. He was pursued and attacked at this place. Two days before overtaking Ferguson, Colonel Campbell inspected his troops. Finding many of the horses worn out, he selected nine hundred and ten of the best mounted men, and with these continued the pursuit. leaving the remainder of his command to follow more slowly. This force of nine hundred and ten men fought the battle of King's Mount- ain. October 7, 1780, the pursuers arrived at the foot of the mountain.
130. Battle of King's Mountain .- This mountain resembles a truncated cone, from which a long spur projects. The circular plain at its top is bald, while the sides of the mountain are covered with small trees and undergrowth, and are very rocky. Upon this plain at
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BATTLE OF KING'S MOUNTAIN.
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WATAUGA IN THE REVOLUTION.
the top Ferguson was entrenched with some eleven hundred men. About twelve o'clock, October 7, 1780, the nine hundred and ten men under command of Colonel Campbell reached the foot of the mount- ain unobserved by the enemy. They picketed their horses in the woods, and placed a small guard over them, which somewhat reduced the force that entered the battle. Dividing into two columns, which moved on foot in diverse directions, they encircled the mountain. When the heads of the two columns met, Ferguson was surrounded. Wheeling into line, the American force began to climb the sides of the mountain. The maneuver had been nearly completed before their presence was discovered. The annexed diagram shows the plan of attack and the position of the troops. Ferguson sent Capt. Abram De Peyster, his second in command, to charge with the bayonet upon
Campbell and Shelby, who were approaching along the spur. He drove
them down the mountain. About the same time the American troops
on the opposite side of the mountain made a fierce assault, which com- pelled Ferguson to recall De Peyster from his charge. As De Peyster retreated up the hill the practiced riflemen of Shelby and Campbell" followed their retiring footsteps, and picked them off at leisure. Similar tactics were employed throughout the fight. The American forces, hidden by the trees and rocks, used their unerring rifles with terrible effect upon the enemy exposed on the bald plain above, sur- rounding Ferguson's camp like a rubber band, yielding to pressure at any point of attack, and closing with elastic force when the pressure was removed.
The remarkable spectacle was presented of an inferior force sur- rounding a superior force, and pressing it to destruction. No battle scene was ever more striking. The stalwart mountaineers, in their hunting shirts and picturesque costumes, moving actively and grace- fully along the mountain sides, receding or advancing as occasion required, using their faithful rifles as coolly as at target practice, grad- ually contracting the encompassing circle until the well trained Brit- ish regulars were crushed by the pressure.
After an hour of fighting Ferguson fell, and his second in com- mand, De Peyster, surrendered. The loss of the British was fearful- two hundred and twenty-five killed, and one hundred and eighty wounded. The proportion of the killed to the wounded testifies to the deadly accuracy of the mountain rifles. Seven hundred prisoners were taken, fifteen hundred stands of arms, and large stores of supplies. The loss of the Americans was thirty killed, and about sixty wounded.
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HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
The Americans retreated with their prisoners and captured stores, and successfully eluded pursuit. Having accomplished their purpose of destroying Ferguson, Shelby and Sevier returned home, and dis- banded their men.
131. The Effect of King's Mountain .- This battle is ranked by historians as one of the decisive battles of the Revolution. It defeated the plans of Cornwallis, and forced his return to the Atlantic coast, General Washington proclaimed the result of the battle of King's Mountain in general orders to the army, as "an important object gained and a proof of the spirit and resources of the country." Con- gress expressed in its resolves " a high sense of the spirited and mili- tary conduct of Colonel Campbell, and the officers and privates of the militia under his command." Thomas Jefferson said : "That memorable victory was the annunciation of that turn of the tide of success which terminated the Revolutionary War with the seal of independence."
132. Honors to the Heroes of King's Mountain .- Sevier, Shelby, and their officers and soldiers were greeted with the highest honors upon their return home, and became the idols of their countrymen. The North Carolina Legislature voted thanks to the officers and men, and presented swords to Sevier and Shelby. Similar honors were awarded to Campbell and his men by Virginia. These honors were merited by the bravery and skill which they displayed. By no other tactics could Ferguson's forces have been captured, and such tactics could have succeeded at no place but King's Mountain, 1
CHAPTER XIV.
THE STATE OF FRANKLIN.
133. Sevier Invades the Cherokees .- The absence of so many of the defenders of Watauga had encouraged the Cherokees to plan an invasion of the country. The heroes of King's Mountain returned just in time. Receiving positive information that a strong Indian
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