nety-six, about thirty miles distant, when an
express arrived from Gen. McDowell, with a letter from Governor
Caswell, dated on the battle ground of Camden, informing him of Gates'
defeat and advising him to get out of the way. This advice came in
good time, for on the next day a strong detachment from Ferguson's
army sallied forth to overtake the victors, but through the energy and
activity of Col. Shelby the designs of the enemy were completely
baffled.

The brilliancy of the affair shone more brightly by the dark gloom
which now overspread the public mind in consequence of the defeat of
Gen. Gates at Camden. This caused Gen. McDowell to disband for the
present his little force and retire beyond the mountains. The whole
country was now apparently subjugated, the hopes of the patriot were
dimmed, and many took protection under the British standard. But the
brave spirits of the west, as firm as their native mountains, were
still undismayed; and, if for a moment subdued, they were not
conquered, and the fire of freedom glowed deeply in their patriotic
bosoms.

At this gloomy period, Col. Shelby, in consultation with Col. Charles
McDowell, proposed to Colonels Sevier and Campbell to raise a force as
quickly as possible from their several counties, and attack the
boasting Ferguson. A concert of action, and junction of their forces
were promptly agreed upon, the battle of Kings Mountain followed soon
thereafter, and the result is well known. It will be seen, the first
movement for organizing forces and bringing to a speedy accomplishment
this most decisive victory of the South originated in Western North
Carolina.

Inspired by this victory, the forces of North Carolina assembled under
General Davidson at New Providence, in Mecklenburg County, near the
South Carolina line. Gen. Smallwood, with Morgan's light corps and the
Maryland line advanced to the same point. Gen. Gates, with the remnant
of his army, and General Stevens with levies from Virginia enabled
General Greene, after he assumed the chief command in December, 1780,
to hold Cornwallis in check and frustrate his design, at that time, of
marching to Charlotte.

It was at the suggestion of Col. Shelby that General Greene sent out
the expedition which achieved the brilliant victory at the Cowpens. In
1781, Col. Shelby served under Gen. Marion, and with Col. Mayhem, was
in the skirmish near Monk's Corner. On attacking this post it
immediately surrendered with one