Settlers.in the South were on both sides of the conflict as demonstrated by the battle of King's Mountain which was militia against militia i.e, not formal regiments and Scot-Irish were on both sides. Militia worn what they had at home and did not have special uniforms. Feelings ran deep and those with Loyalist sympathies were treated harshly after the British were defeated. They were fortunate if they were allowed to escape to Canada.
The Loyalist commander sought help.from the British army but it never came. The battle was over before they were aware of need and they gave up on controlling that Southern states with the one remaining battle of note being Cowpens.