Hank Messick (1922–1999)

This book was written during the bicentennial. Normally, that would indicate a cash grab by the publisher and/or the author. However, that is not the case for this book.
The author takes the time to determine the underlying events that caused a group of men who were essentially beyond the normal influences of supporting the crown or fighting for the restoration of the status quo to march into battle against a force of the British army. These "mountain men" were mostly motivated by threats show more by Patrick Ferguson to level their towns in order to restore allegiance to the king.
The author chose a chain of events, culminating in the Battle of King's Mountain. The telling of those stories explains motivations of decisions made by the leaders. Readers must keep in mind that the men that went into battle at King's Mountain were not formal soldiers and they were not militia. Formal soldiers were subject to the rules and discipline of the army. Militia was governed by men selected by the colonies and their governors. These men selected their own leaders and assembled of their own accord with no sanctioned authority.
A very good read, especially for anyone wanting a better understanding of the partisan fighting that occurred in the south during the American Revolution. show less

Although I am not an expert on the Revolutionary War, I know something about the Battle of King's Mountain. I can't help thinking that the inherent drama in the hands of this author just fell flat. I kept reading, thinking that, once the battle started, it would get much better. Unfortunately, it did not. It had some merit for those who do not know the story of the "overmountain" men who showed that arrogant Redcoat what for, but I would recommend they read the story elsewhere.

"Just a matter of show business, the business there's no business like" (26).