A must read for anyone wishing to gain an understanding of the southern campaigns. Jim Swisher's skillfully crafted study brings enlightenment to these engagements with his in-depth descriptions of developing strategies and their collective results.
--F. Lawrence McFall, Jr., historian

This outstanding, carefully researched, and readable book examines the social and political tensions from 1774 to 1781 detailing events and battles. . . . The character, background, and influences that affected this southern back country area warfare were the proud and ferocious American fighters who stood up to the British forces with few overwhelming victories--[but] nevertheless [won] our independence.
--Cranston Williams, Jr., retired newspaper executive and former board member, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Virginia

Brings to life a little-known aspect of Revolutionary War history in a largely overlooked part of the colonial American landscape and truly allows the reader to understand the commonalties and divergences of the lives and personalities of the men involved in this series of battles. Swisher's book well augments the experiences of the colonial back country frontier soldier as well as the Hessian and British soldiers who were involved in a military campaign on shores entirely foreign to them. This book balances insightful historical research into a Read More chevron_right

A must read for anyone wishing to gain an understanding of the southern campaigns. Jim Swisher's skillfully crafted study brings enlightenment to these engagements with his in-depth descriptions of developing strategies and their collective results.
--F. Lawrence McFall, Jr., historian

This outstanding, carefully researched, and readable book examines the social and political tensions from 1774 to 1781 detailing events and battles. . . . The character, background, and influences that affected this southern back country area warfare were the proud and ferocious American fighters who stood up to the British forces with few overwhelming victories--[but] nevertheless [won] our independence.
--Cranston Williams, Jr., retired newspaper executive and former board member, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Virginia

Brings to life a little-known aspect of Revolutionary War history in a largely overlooked part of the colonial American landscape and truly allows the reader to understand the commonalties and divergences of the lives and personalities of the men involved in this series of battles. Swisher's book well augments the experiences of the colonial back country frontier soldier as well as the Hessian and British soldiers who were involved in a military campaign on shores entirely foreign to them. This book balances insightful historical research into a forgotten series of battles in colonial history with a fascinating portrayal of the human element during the Revolutionary War.
--Karen Castanes, associate director, Historic Sandusky Foundation, Lynchburg, Virginia

Author James K. Swisher has received the Jefferson Davis Medal and the Virginia State Library Book of the Year Award. He lives in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Few studies have focused on the southern campaign of the Revolutionary War without clear bias. British accounts, while considerably more accurate in military detail, are slanted to protect the reputation of their officers, and most early provincial accounts demonstrate a position that lionizes local heroes. Historical records are scarce because few frontier militia members could read or write well. Here, James K. Swisher demonstrates in captivating detail how Lord Cornwallis was eventually defeated by a coalition of backwoods militia and Continental regulars under the direction of innovative and confident officers willing to use new combat strategies.

Jacket art: William Ranney's Battle of Cowpens (courtesy of the South Carolina Senate) chevron_left Read Less