At Sevier's log-house there was feasting and merry-making, for he had given a barbecue, and a great horse race was to be run, while the backwoods champions tried their skill as marksmen and wrestlers.

In the midst of the merry-making Shelby appeared, hot with hard riding, to tell of the British advance, and to urge that the time was ripe for fighting, not feasting.

Sevier at once entered heartily into his friend's plan, and agreed to raise his rifle-rangers, and gather the broken and disorganized refugees who had fled across the mountains under McDowell.

While this was being done Shelby returned to his home to call out his own militia and to summon the Holston Virginians to his aid.

With the latter purpose he sent one of his brothers to Arthur Campbell, the county lieutenant of his neighbors across the border.