Balanced treatment of Ulster history

[Lallans]

It was actually North Carolina, in the Campbelltown/ Cross Creek Highland settlement that later became Fayetteville.

Somewhat related, the last Highland broadsword charge took place here in North Carolina at the Battle of Moore's Creek. The Loyalist Highland emigrants, were defeated by a largely English/ Scots-Irish group of Patriots. (BTW, What's the non-jingoist term to describe those who wanted to declare independance from GB? Rebels?)

David

In my book, the winners get to pick the terms they want to be called by so, although a Canadian, on this site I refer to the rebels as "Patriots". But I refer to those who remained on the British side as "Loyalists," and not "Tories" as most Americans would. Because of course both the UK and Canada have real living and breathing Tories (as in Conservatives) running our respective countries, and who have nothing to do with 1776.

[BoldHighlander]

Somewhat related, the last Highland broadsword charge took place here in North Carolina at the Battle of Moore's Creek.

"KING GEORGE & BROADSWORDS!"

(...sorry, couldn't resist sounding the battle cry heard at Moore's Creek )

[Mike_Oettle]

Thanks for the correction, David.

[McElmurry]

Even considering the recent tolerance regarding what constitutes suitable discourse for XMARKS it is easy for topics about English/Scottish/Irish history to go quickly out of bounds here. If you are interested in a spirited discussion of such things you might look in at Politics.ie. I have been lurking there for a few weeks and have learned quite a bit about what people think they know and a little bit about history. It is your usual mixed bag but enlightening on several levels none the less.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

It was actually North Carolina, in the Campbelltown/ Cross Creek Highland settlement that later became Fayetteville.

Somewhat related, the last Highland broadsword charge took place here in North Carolina at the Battle of Moore's Creek. The Loyalist Highland emigrants, were defeated by a largely English/ Scots-Irish group of Patriots. (BTW, What's the non-jingoist term to describe those who wanted to declare independance from GB? Rebels?)

David

How about "The Winners?"

Who were wielding the broadswords? Us or them? (he asked in a totally neutral voice)

[MacBean]

I believe the Loyalist, loser, Highlanders had the broadswords, and though my family probably considered themselves Highlanders, they would have fought on the Scots-Irish, winners, Patriot, Rebel side, and with rifles at long range and from behind trees, to avoid the dreaded bayonet.

I have seen good historians use the term Patriot, Whig, and Rebel interchangeably for the side that eventually won the war. I suspect in the Carolinas, the term Rebel sometimes appeals in that it carries over into the Civil War in a way they might favor romatically. Personally, I view the battle as just another interlude in the endless debate over central efficiency vs. decentralized freedom and incentive.

[BoldHighlander]

How about "The Winners?"

Who were wielding the broadswords? Us or them? (he asked in a totally neutral voice)

I believe the Loyalist, loser, Highlanders had the broadswords, and though my family probably considered themselves Highlanders, they would have fought on the Scots-Irish, winners, Patriot, Rebel side, and with rifles at long range and from behind trees, to avoid the dreaded bayonet.

To give a more detailed answer, here is my reply from 2009 in the thread:
Great kilts in the American colonies:

"King George and Broad Swords"

Just to add briefly, one other battle that gets lost in the mix was the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge (Febuary 27, 1776 at Willmington, North Carolina).

This pitted the local rebel faction against the Highlanders of Cross Creek & other loyalists. Some of the Highlanders were carrying traditional weapons, including broadswords. I've also read some accounts (including the NPS) that have some of the Highlanders wearing tartan (kilts etc) & charging into battle to the sound of the bagpipes.

Interesting points:

Those Highlanders who pledged service to the Crown, the British government promised 200 acres of land, cancellation of land fees, and tax exemption for 20 years.

Major Donald McLeod (one of the leaders of the Highlanders) gave the battle cry "King George and Broadswords!" to rally his men when stalled at the bridge (they subsequently lost the battle). McLeod went on to help form the 84th RoF Royal Highland Emigrants.

Flora MacDonald (yes, that Flora MacDonald, of '45 fame) helped raise the Highlanders of Cross Creek for service. Her husband (Allan MacDonald) was one of the officers involved.

The Moore's Creek NPS site
look for a small photo of the diorama that shows Highlanders in kilts & bonnets...

Moores Creek National Battlefield: An Administrative History - By Michael A. Capps and Steven A. Davis
includes an artist rendering of the failed assault upon the bridge, note some of the Highlanders are depicted in full Highland dress...

Additional links:

The Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge:
Febuary 27, 1776 at Willmington, North Carolina

Moore's Creek Bridge Historic Site

The Patriot Resource: Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge

[davidlpope]

How about "The Winners?"

Who were wielding the broadswords? Us or them? (he asked in a totally neutral voice)

Right, it was "them", the Highlander Loyalists [Romantic, but "Rong"] that participated in the last tartan bedecked, bagpipe accompanied, broadsword and targe charge.

"Us", i.e. the English/Scots-Irish "Patriots" [Less Romantic, more Rational], had the good sense to remove the cross-treads from the bridge the Loyalists had to cross in order to make the attack and then grease the remaining support beams which crossed over the creek. The resulting delay as the Highlanders slipped and slided as they tried to cross and the small cannon which the Patriots had aimed at the bridge ensured that the battle was short...

Although I haven't been able to establish a documented link, there were Popes from Sampson County (where my ancestors hailed from) on both sides of the skirmish, so I have a bit of a vested interest in drumming up awareness.

David

[BoldHighlander]

Don Troiani's interpretation of a Loyalist (Tory) Highlander at the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge:

[LostMcElmurry85]

I am a McElmurry myself and I was wondering if you could share with me what information on the McElmurry's you have, because I have been stuck on locating the origin of the McElmurry's before 1750. I don't know the plaid color or anything else before 1750. So if you could please send me some information I would appreciate it. Thanks!