After the victory at Kings Mountain many Overmountain Men disbanded and headed back over the Appalachians. A contingent remained to deliver the remaining Loyalist forces to Colonial Army jurisdiction at Hillsborough North Carolina. This march was brutal for the captured Loyalists and resulted in brutal beating and murders as part of the journey(1). If a Loyalist could not keep pace he was often trampled to death. By the evening of October 14th a makeshift trial was held for loyalist forces. 36 men were convicted of various crimes, while 9 of these men were hung by an oak tree at nightfall. Shortly after these trial the Loyalist were turned over to the Continental Army. By the time the Loyalist were turned over little over a hundred had remained. Most loyalist were able to escape due to the careless nature by which they were marched. In many areas tens to hundreds managed to escape under cover of the thick woods. At this same time the Colonial forces were shrinking as Overmountain Men were slipping back over the Appalachians.(2)
1.Allen, Thomas B. "THE OVERMOUNTAIN MEN." Military History
2.Copeland Draper, Lyman, Anthony Allaire, and Isaac Shelby. King's Mountain and Its Heroes.
2.Copeland Draper, Lyman, Anthony Allaire, and Isaac Shelby. King's Mountain and Its Heroes.