John Field; and finally the Fincastle men, from the Holston, Clinch, Watauga, and New River[9] settlements, under Col.

William Christian.[10] One of Christian's captains was a stout old Marylander, of Welsh blood, named Evan Shelby; and Shelby's son Isaac,[11] a stalwart, stern-visaged young man, who afterwards played a very prominent part on the border, was a subaltern in his company, in which Robertson likewise served as a sergeant.

Although without experience of drill, it may be doubted if a braver or physically finer set of men were ever got together on this continent.[12] Among such undisciplined troops it was inevitable that there should be both delay and insubordination.

Nevertheless they behaved a good deal better than their commander had expected; and he was much pleased with their cheerfulness and their eagerness for action.

The Fincastle men, being from the remote settlements, were unable to get together in time to start with the others; and Col.