Hank Messick (1922–1999)

This book was written during the bicentennial. Normally, that would indicate a cash grab by the publisher and/or the author. However, that is not the case for this book.
The author takes the time to determine the underlying events that caused a group of men who were essentially beyond the normal influences of supporting the crown or fighting for the restoration of the status quo to march into battle against a force of the British army. These "mountain men" were mostly motivated by threats by Patrick Ferguson to level their towns in order to restore allegiance to the king.
The author chose a chain of events, culminating in the Battle of King's Mountain. The telling of those stories explains motivations of decisions made by the leaders. Readers must keep in mind that the men that went into battle at King's Mountain were not formal soldiers and they were not militia. Formal soldiers were subject to the rules and discipline of the army. Militia was governed by men selected by the colonies and their governors. These men selected their own leaders and assembled of their own accord with no sanctioned authority.
A very good read, especially for anyone wanting a better understanding of the partisan fighting that occurred in the south during the American Revolution.… (altro)