ing beyond this spot, and had taken the road,
as it was reported, towards King's mountain, which was not above twelve
miles distant.

A few hours were given by Campbell to the refreshment of his troops, who
halted upon the bank of the river, where, having kindled their fires and
opened their wallets, they soon found themselves in a condition that
pleasantly contrasted with the discomforts of their ride during the
night. The enemy consisted principally of infantry--and Campbell, having
gained so closely upon their footsteps, felt no doubt of overtaking them
in the course of the day. He, therefore, determined to allow his men
full time to recruit their strength for the approaching conflict.

The rain had ceased before the dawn. The clouds had fled from the
firmament before a brisk and enlivening autumnal breeze, and the sun
rose with unusual splendor. It was one of those days which belong to
October, clear, cool, and exhilarating--when all animal nature seems to
be invigorated by breathing an atmosphere of buoyant health. For more
than an hour after the sun had cast his broad beams over the landscape,
the wearied encampment was seen stretched in slumber--the camp-guards
only, and some occasional parties on fatigue service, were to be
observed in motion. By degrees, the drowsy soldiers woke up, refreshed
by the change of weather, no less than by the repose which they had
snatched in the short moments of the halt. A general summons, at last,
brought every one into motion. By nine o'clock of the morning, the army
were in condition to prosecute their march, as little wanting in
alacrity or vigor as when they first commenced their labors; and, at the
hour designated, they were seen to prick forth upon their way with an
elastic movement that had in it the vivacity of a holiday sport. Even
our young martialist, Henry, had become so inured to the toils of the
road, that now, with the aid of a sleep which Horse Shoe had
affectionately guarded until the last moment--to say nothing of a good
luncheon of broiled venison, which the boy discussed after he had
mounted into his saddle--he might be considered the most light-hearted
of the host.

Towards noon, the army reached the neighborhood of King's mountain. The
scouts and parties of the advance had brought information that Ferguson
had turned aside from his direct road, and taken post upon this
eminence, where, it was evident, he meant to await the attack of his
enemy. Campbell, t