Over The Mountain Men in Carolinas
The Revolutionary War in the Southern Back Country by James Swisher
May 16, 2008
Indian Wars
When the French and Indian War finally ended and after the brief rebellion by Chief Pontiac, many Native Americans wanted to believe their troubles were coming to an end. Yet, even King George III’s Proclamation of 1763 granting Indian Territory west of the Appalachian Mountains was short lived. Colonists including criminals, gentry and general opportunists were eager to appropriate land in this supposedly tamed frontier. Even Crown officials ignored their Sovereign’s wishes and immediately began to encroach upon this territory. One, in particular was Lord Dunmore, lately governor of the Colony of Virginia. He especially recruited militia from the back country areas of Virginia and the Carolinas to wage war against those Indians who had the audacity to deny his claim to the riches in land he felt were among his perks as Governor. James Swisher shows us how many who would come back to haunt the British Crown got their first taste of battle in the wars that Dunmore and others in the south waged to appropriate Indian land.
Redcoats Fly South
In the first years of the American Revolution, British effort centered on what they felt was the source of discontent, New England. In 1779, the elusive prize of American Loyalty was determined to reside in the southern colonies. A vast reservoir of loyal subjects was thought to be only awaiting a call to arms and a show of their Sovereign’s support to sweep north and bring the colonies back into subjection. As a result, a new strategy emerged which concentrated on capturing the large southern cities to effect this transformation. At first, there was great success. Savannah, Georgia, and then Charleston, South Carolina fell prey to the mighty British Empire. Once Charleston was subdued, the clarion call went out for the King. Results were encouraging at first. There was even the total defeat of the American Army at Camden. However, Swisher outlines how making colonists declare their choice was the first step in a headlong race to disaster for the British Empire in North America.
Neighbor against Neighbor
Swisher’s greatest contribution in this work is his attention to the root of partisan violence and war in the south and then his detailed description of several pivotal battles. Especially done are some of the early battles which some have called the UnCivil War. In chapter 6, The Rise of Partisan Warfare, he introduces us to several leaders including the well known Andrew Pickens, Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter. We also get a telling glimpse of the hated Tory leader Banastre Tarleton. A bonus is a rare look at some of the unsung heroes in the South, including the Presbyterian elder, John Miller, Cavalryman Major William Davies and Colonel Charles McDowell. We also get to see important and telling accounts of the Battles of Ramseur’s Mill, Huck’s Defeat, Rocky Mount, Hanging Rock, Fishing Creek, Musgrove Mill and Black Mingo. These are all very obscure battles at first sight but Swisher is kind enough to reveal how these battles all had a large impact on more famous battles like Kings Mountain. This battle also gets an insightful treatment as the culmination of the UnCivil War which pitted the Over the Mountain Men against there Tory neighbors led by the innovative Redcoat Colonel Patrick Ferguson.
Washington’s General
Finally, the Author details the events that led to the incredible cooperation between George Washington’s favorite General, Nathaniel Greene, the several independent southern partisan leaders and that irascible old Wagoner recently promoted to Brigadier General, Daniel Morgan. This is one of the best and most detailed accounts this author has read on the Battle of Hannah’s Cowpens, The Race to the Dan and, the last straw in the Carolina’s for General Lord Cornwallis, Guilford Courthouse. There is not a Military History buff or an American Revolutionary War student who is not going to love this contribution to the scholarship of American History!
Source
The Revolutionary War in the Southern Back Country by James K. Swisher, 2008, Pelican Publishing Company, Inc
Source
The Revolutionary War in the Southern Back Country by James K. Swisher, 2008, Pelican Publishing Company, Inc.
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