A fictional account of families during the Revolutionary War by Jeannette Holland Austin
Finding the War
Emmett, Josh, and Giles galloped away and disappeared in the thick of the woods. Their determination to find the war took many uncharted turns until they found the long, winding trail to Moncks Corner, where they crossed the Santee River and camped for several days in search of food and water.
Under the vast expanse of the starry night, Giles found himself engulfed in a sea of uncertainty. Where were his brothers? Were they still in Charleston, or had they managed to escape?
Josh took a solemn tone. “Who can say what is to happen?
“We are yet alive to do the job,” Emmett said. “We shall help to end this war!”
“I wish I had your confidence,” Giles answered, sighing deeply.
“Never mind,” Josh said, “at the war’s end, we shall help you find your brothers!”
It was well into September before they reached the North Carolina border and encountered a small group of militia traveling toward King’s Mountain.
The rumors were that British Major Ferguson had permission from Lord Cornwallis to stage an attack atop the mountain. Emmett led a thunderous ride to the border, searching for the regiments, but the boys needed to catch up with the cavalry already gathering in the foothills. It was three o’clock in the afternoon before they reached the mountain, and the battle had already begun!
A group of hunters from the western frontier (Over the Mountain Men) rode past the boys on their horses, prepared for battle. Their horses were faster and well-armed with rifles and bluster guns.
Major Ferguson had established his camp on the summit of a rocky mountain, its sides covered with trees and rocks. He had bragged to Lord Cornwallis that he would have an easy win! Ferguson was so confident that he failed to prepare for other defensive positions.
to be continued