The brunt of the battle fell on the American centre, composed of Campbell's and Shelby's men, who sustained the whole fight for nearly ten minutes [Footnote: Campbell MSS.

Letter of Col.Wm.Campbell, Oct.

10, 1780, says 10 minutes: the official report (Gates MSS.) says 5 minutes.] until the two wings had had time to get into place and surround the enemy.

Campbell began the assault, riding on horseback along the line of his riflemen.

He ordered them to raise the Indian war-whoop, which they did with a will, and made the woods ring.