When We Were Greers, Part XV-C

by Glenn N. Holliman

Rallying the Troops at Alexander's Fork on the Green River


Near Gilbert Town, North Carolina the Over the Mountain men and other regional militias gathered on October 3, 1780 and prepared to continue their march toward the forces of Major Patrick Ferguson, commander of British troops in the area.  Ferguson had pledged to bring fire and sword to the Anglo-American frontier in the Appalachian Mountains.  Enraged, Patriot militia prepared to fight back. Others joined them.

The morning of October 3, 1780, reinforced by troops from South Carolina and Georgia, Col. John Sevier assembled the troops for a meeting.  Gathering the rugged, buck skinned men in a circle, Capt. Benjamin Greer's commander and neighbor, Col. Benjamin Cleveland of Wilkes County, North Carolina, spoke first.  Cleveland at the time was already up to 250 pounds, round in shape and in his early 40s.  A jovial man and one with a large appetite he is reported to have weighted 450 pounds at his death (probably a sudden heart attack at age 69 while eating).  He was known by his men as Old Roundabout.  Cleveland, for whom Cleveland, Tennessee and Cleveland County, South Carolina are named, adopted the personal soubriquet as his plantation's name in Wilkes County.

Like, my fifth great grandfather Greer, Cleveland had endured a summer of fighting the Cherokee, and probably felt fatigue.  However, he rose to the occasion and told those assembled they had a priceless opportunity to serve their country, and to leave a rich heritage to their children.  He further spoke words offering men a way out if they feared to go further.

Col. Shelby then proposed that those who desired to leave to step three paces to the rear.  No one did.  A murmur of applause rose from the hundreds of  men, proud of what they were doing.  Shelby advised that in soon meeting the foe they were to advance Indian style, hiding behind trees and rocks, killing and disabling all one could.

The troops were then dismissed to prepare several meals and for a march.  Colonels Cleveland and McDowell found some whiskey and shared it amongst the men.

Major Patrick Ferguson, commander of British forces, knew of this large group of Patriot militia. Fearing to be outnumbered, Ferguson set up a defensive perimeter in  rugged terrain just over the North Carolina border in South Carolina.

The scene and words quoted above are from the book (see below) by Pat Alderman, published, of course, by the Overmountain Press, Johnson City, Tennessee. I found this copy in December 2010 at the Historical Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee.  If a visitor there, do drop in and tour the Center and its adjacent museum.