George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 10

[338] column formed by Campbell's regiment on the right

Chap. XVI.} 1780. Oct.

centre, and Shelby's regiment on the left centre; so that Sevier's right nearly adjoined Shelby's left. The right and left wings were to pass the position of Ferguson, and from opposite sides climb the ridge in his rear, while the two central columns were to attack in front. In this order ‘the western army’ advanced to within a quarter of a mile of the enemy before they were discovered.

The two centre columns, headed by Campbell and Shelby, climbing the mountain, began the attack. Shelby, a man of the hardiest make, stiff as iron, among the dauntless singled out for dauntlessness, went right onward and upward like a man who had but one thing to do, and but one thought,—to do it. The British regulars with fixed bayonets charged Campbell; and his riflemen, who had no bayonets, were obliged to give way for a short distance; but ‘they were soon rallied by their gallant commander and some of his active officers,’¹ and ‘returned to the attack with additional ardor.’

The two centre columns, with no aid but from a part of Sevier's regiment, kept up a furious and bloody battle² with the British for ten minutes,³ when the right and left wings of the Americans, advancing upon their flank and rear, ‘the fire became general ’