WAR
CLOUDS and the BATTLE FOR INDEPENDENCE
The Roster of South CarBolina Patriots in the American Revolution by Bobby Gilmer Moss reflects ADAM McKEE's Revolutionary War service. He served on horseback in the SC Militia from February 1779 to May 1780 under Captain Rosamond (AA5088; P310)
A copy of the "indented certificate" paying him for his service adds a little detail to this basic information. There were two brief periods of service, one in February 1779 and the other in January 1780. The service totalled twelve days and payment was authorized to him on 20 Apr 1785 for one pound, fourteen shillings and three pence (plus interest of two shillings and four pence) Both of these periods of service preceeded the Battle of 96 and likely reflected periods of alert rather than active battle. In 1779 Adam would have been in his forties and had small children at home.. With many of the younger males away in military service he and others less attuned to long marches but still proficient with their guns would have been a part of the local defense militia
A pension record by Thomas Norwood of Abbeville County who entered service in 1781 (later than documented service for Adam McKee) describes a march to Cuffy Town, enrolling a a regiment of horsemen and proceeding to Augusta, Geargia where they "attacked a number of British and Tories garrisoned in Grayson's Fort, which was taken and several enemy killed, then marched to Cambridge, or Ninety Six, to guard baggage and provision wagons for use of Gen'l Green, who had then beseiged the British at Ninety Six". Samuel Norwood who was likely related to this Thomas Norwood was a cofounder along with Adam McKee and others of what became Greenville Presbyterian Church
Ninety Six byRobert D. Bass describes the struggle for the South Carolina Back Country and is used as background for the following paragraphs. The British forces had set up camp in the upland South Carolina area about three miles from present-day Ninety Six, SC. By 1779 Adam would have been in his mid to late forties. Many of the younger men had probably already joined the American Revolutionary Army so it was up to some of the middle-agers left behind to guard the home front. Up until 1780 the Old 96 District had been a relatively quiet region in the western Upcountry. Adam's term of service was during a "watch and wait" period just prior to the Battle of Long Cane..
Lt. Col J.H. Cruger, the commander of the British forces had a reputation for treating the local populance with gentleness and firmness. However reacting to uproar and rebellion particularly prevalent around Long Cane settlement (3 miles from Troy, SC) a confrontation appeared imminent. Two American Colonels, Elijah Clarke and James McCall, decided to plan a raid on the British forces. They were joined by Col. Benjamin Few from Georgia and established a camp at Long Cane.
The date was December 11, 1780 when the Redcoats set up camp just three miles from the partisan camp. The fuse was lit. The Patriots were warned about the approach of the Redcoats and were instructed to engage the enemy until the main forces could be organized. A pamphlet prepared for a 1989 re-enactment of the battle describes the confrontation which occured on December 12 and was probably the only "battle" fought in the area.
The advance force, commanded by Clarke was a relatively small number of
only a hundred or so men. The
Patriots rode less than a mile and a half before encountering the enemy.
Quickly they dismounted and formed their lines with the Loyalists in the
fore. The Loyalists were soon
joined by the Regulars. Clarke knew
he was far outnumbered and quickly sent a message urging Few to hurry their
relief. Soon afterwards, Clarke was
wounded and carried from the field. The
Regulars and their boyonets were just too much for the Patriots.
With McCall and Lindsey both wounded, the Patriots began to retreat.
Allen immediately threw in his dragoons who turned the Patriots' retreat
into a rout. Total Patriot
casualties numbered 21 dead and wounded while the British had only three
casualties.
Another account places the "Battle of 96" as occurring at Fort Star in May/June 1781,
A two month siege by forces led by General Nathaniel Greene failed to capture Ft. Star but after British reinforcements arrived and the siege was lifted, they "gracefully" abandoned the fort and retired to the coast.
This second account mentions "a series of lesser skirmishes and scares" which occurred earlier. Ft. Star was just 15 or 20 miles east of Adam's home place. It is now the site of Ninety Six National Historic Site.
Thomas Norwood's pension application describes a second period of service in Capt Rosamond's Company involving the Battle of 96. Thomas had received permission and returned home from his first period of service when "at home news of the seige being raised and the whole American force marched off from Ninety Six reached him". He reenlisted and was marched off to Broad and Congaree Rivers, then back to Ninety Six which place the British burned before they left and which we found in ruins. At this time applicant with whole company was discharged" As family background for the Norwoods, Thomas was born in Augusta Co, VA 17 June 1761 so their migration path to Abbeville was not the same as either Adam McKee or the Dixons, but may have been similar to that of Thomas McKee.
Whichever date and account we accept as representing the Battle (Long Cane or 96), Adam McKee's term of service had ended and we have no indication that he was among the Patriot forces at the Battle of Long Cane. Had he been, the service records would have undoubtedly reflected it. However these battles and skirmishes so close to home would have been very much on the minds of Adam and his family. There was a family tradition that Adam McKees house was burned by the Tories. I have not found any confirmation of this but it quite possibly occurred.
.
Following the Revolution, talk undoubtedly turned to the establishment of our newly independent nation. Civic and church concerns were among those where he left a discernable mark in record books.
ADAM McKEE had served on the jury in 1777. The records show that he served again in 1787.