The War in the Northwest 343 



his hair; 'for it was singed on one side of his head. 

 When the Holston and Watauga men gained the 

 crest the loyalists broke and fled to the east end 

 of the mountain, among the tents and baggage wag- 

 ons, where they again formed. But they were hud- 

 dled together, while their foes surrounded them on 

 every hand. The fighting had lasted an hour; all 

 hope was gone ; and De Peyster hoisted a white flag. 

 In the confusion the firing continued in parts of 

 the lines on both sides. Some of the backwoodsmen 

 did not know what a white flag meant; others dis- 

 regarded it, savagely calling out, "Give them Bu- 

 ford's play/' in allusion to Tarleton's having refused 

 quarter to Buford's troops. 62 Others of the men 

 as they came up began shooting before they learned 

 what had happened; and some tories who had been 

 out foraging returned at this moment, and also open- 

 ed fire. A number of the loyalists escaped in the 

 turmoil, putting badges in their hats like those worn 

 by certain of the American militia, and thus pass- 

 ing in safety through the whig lines. 63 It was at this 

 time, after the white flag had been displayed, that 

 Colonel Williams was shot, as he charged a few of 

 the tories who were still firing. The flag was hoisted 

 again, and white handkerchiefs were also waved, 

 from guns and ramrods. Shelby, spurring up to 

 part of their line, ordered the tories to lay down 

 their arms, which they did. 64 Campbell, at the same 

 moment, running among his men with his sword 



6-2 Deposition of John Long, in "Enquirer," as quoted. 

 63 Chesney, p. 333. 4 Shelby MS. 



