of, three at a time, the remainder, through mitigating
circumstances and the entreaties of their Whig acquaintances, were
respited. Several of the Tories, thus leniently dealt with, afterward
joined the Whig ranks, and made good soldiers to the end of the war.

In 1815, through the instrumentality of Dr. William M'Lean, of Lincoln
county, a head-stone of dark slate rock, was erected at King's
Mountain, near the spot where Ferguson fell. It bears this
inscription: On the east:

"Sacred to the memory of Maj. Wm. Chronicle, Capt. John
Mattocks, William Robb and John Boyd, who were killed at
this place on the 7th of October, 1780, fighting in defence
of America."

On the west side:--"Col. Ferguson, an officer of his Brittanic
Majesty, was defeated and killed at this place on the 7th of October,
1780."

Incidents: Among the captured Tories were Captain W---- G---- and his
lieutenant J---- L----, both of whom were sentenced to be hung next
morning at sunrise. They were first tied separately, with leather
strings, and then closely together. During the night they managed to
crawl to the waters edge, near their place of confinement, and wet
their strings; this soon caused them to stretch so greatly as to
enable the _leather-bound prisoners_ to make their escape, and thereby
deprive the "Mountain Boys" of having some contemplated fun. Like the
Irishman's pig, in the morning "they came up _missing_."

As a foraging party of Tories, belonging to Ferguson's army, was
passing up King's Creek, they took old Arthur Patterson and his son
Thomas prisoners; who, being recognized as noted Whigs, were carried
to Ferguson's camp, threatened with hanging, and a guard placed over
them. As the battle waxed warm and the issue of the contest seemed to
be turning in favor of the American arms a call was made upon the
guard to fall into line and assist their comrades in averting, if
possible, their approaching defeat. During the commotion the old man
Patterson moved gently to the back ground and thus made his escape.
Thomas Patterson, not liking the _back movement_, watched his
opportunity, _between fires_ and charge of the enemies' position,
dashed off boldly to the Whig lines, about one hundred yards distant,
and reached them safely. He immediately called for a gun, which being
furnished he fought bravely to the close of the engagement.

For several particulars connected with the battle of Kings Mountain,
hitherto unk