BATTLE FOR KING'S MOUNTAIN

A sequel to Ritles at Ramsour's Mill (1961, p. 618) this continues the adventures of Zack Harper and his buddy Enoch Gilmer as they uphold the Rebel standard in the Revolutionary War. The British face a formidable enemy in the mountaineers of North Carolina and were it not for Tory support, they could never penetrate the Rebel woodlands. As a scout, Zark informs the Rebels of enemy positions and strategy, escapes from a British prison and is responsible for the dramatic victory in the battle on King's Mountain. But this bare outline of the plot hardly touches the essential quality of Mr. Wellman's book. With enormous perception, he captures the spirit of honor and Loyalty that characterized many of the leaders on both sides and the sustaining bond of friendship that prevailed when neighbors faced each other on hostile grounds. Touches of humor add to the muted gray tones that invariably dominate in an accurate interpretation of this era. Both books provide us with a thoroughly human portrait of men who fought a kind of war that has become as absolets as the life they led.