Following their defeat at Saratoga in upstate New York in 1777; the British decided to implement a Southern Strategy against the American insurgents; a plan to “roll up†the rebellious colonies from Georgia through the Carolinas to Virginia. Instead; they triggered a savage partisan war of raids; ambushes; assassinations; and large pitched battles that rivaled any fought in the northern colonies. Untrained Patriot militiamen―occasionally stiffened by contingents of the Continental Line―were pitted against Britain’s Cherokee and Creek allies; and Loyalist militia and British regulars led by General Cornwallis and his two ablest subordinates; Patrick Ferguson and the ruthless Banastre “Bloody Ban†Tarleton. In October 1780 the Loyalist militia was virtually destroyed at King’s Mountain; the battle that Lord Clinton; the British commander in Chief; said was “the first link in a chain of events that followed each other in regular succession until they at last ended in the total loss of America.†Other defeats at Blackstock’s Farm and Cowpens; and a Pyhrric victory at Guilford Courthouse; gutted the British Southern Army and drove Cornwallis north to encirclement and surrender at Yorktown. This study uses battlefield terrain analysis and the words of the officers and common soldiers; from pension records and little-known interviews; to bring to life the crucial role of one militia regiment―the Second Spartans of South Carolina--that fought in virtually every action of the vicious back-country war that decided the fate of America. Or as one private in the Second Spartans said; expressing admiration for his colonel: “. . . a few Brave Men stood true for the cause of liberty.â€
#158737 in Books 2015-10-19 2015-11-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x .90 x 6.10l; 1.18 #File Name: 1611212669288 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Interesting and InformativeBy Michael D.Wade Sokolosky and Mark A. Smith answer the question; "What was the Confederate Army doing while Sherman marched north from Savannah through the Carolinas in 1865?" Prior to this treatise; many may have felt the Battle of Wise's Forks to be of little significance... nothing more than Rebel "gnats" bothering the "giant" of the Union Army. The authors successfully dispel that thought with sound reasoning based on their military experience. This book is thoroughly researched and footnoted; with numerous photographs of the men and women involved in the battle and appendices relating interesting anecdotes. Satisfactory maps illustrate troop positions and movements; and provide a clear perspective of why the Union forces so thoroughly held off the Confederate attack on March 10; 1865. A great read.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. in March 2015 including Confederate battle strength and documented losses along with great maps and period photographsBy Andrew B.This is a very thorough and interesting look at a little known Civil War battle. The authors provide detailed information about the fight near Kinston; N.C.; in March 2015 including Confederate battle strength and documented losses along with great maps and period photographs. A ton of research and work obviously went into this book; which is a must have for anyone interested in Sherman and the Carolinas Campaign.6 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Very good read! It has something for any military history ...By Harold Taylor GrayVery good read! It has something for any military history fan. The brigade level troop movement to the travails of the individual foot soldier are documented with vivid clarity. Loved it.
