When the Holston and Watauga men
gained the crest the loyalists broke and fled
to the east end of the moimtain, among the
tents and baggage wagons, where they again
formed. But they were huddled togettier,
while their foes surrounded them on eveiy



THE WEST 173

hand. The fighting had lasted an hour ; all
hope was gone; and De Peyster hoisted a
white flag.
In the confusion the firing continued io
parts of the lines on both sides. Some of
the backwoodsmen did not know, what a
white flag meant; others disregarded it, sav-
agely calling out, " Give them Buford's
play," in allusion to Tarleton's having re-
fused quarter to Buford's troops.®* Others
of the men as they came up began shooting
before they learned what had happened ; and
some tories who had been out foraging re-
turned at this moment, and also opened fire.
A number of the loyalists escaped in turmoil,
putting badges in their hats like those worn
by certain of the American militia, and thus
passing in safety through the whig lines.*'
It was at this time, after the white flag had
been displayed, that Col. 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.** Camp-
bell, at the same moment, running among
his men with his sword pointed to the
ground, called on them for God's sake to
cease firing ; and turning to the prisoners he

"Deposition of John Long, in Enquirer, as
quoted.
•*Chesney, p. 333.
•* Shelby MS.
