On the evening of the 6th of October the Colonels in council unanimously resolved that they would select all the men and horses fit for service, and immediately pursue Ferguson until they should overtake him, leaving the remaining troops to follow after them as fast as possible.  Accordingly, nine hundred and ten men a mounted infantry, were selected, who set out about eight o’clock on the same evening and marched all night, taking Fergusons trail toward Deer’s Ferry, on Broad river.  Night coming on, and it being very dark, they got out of the right way, and for some time were lost, but before daylight they nearly reached the ferry.  The officers thinking it probable that the enemy might be in possession of the eastern bank of the river, directed the pilot to lead them to the Cherokee ford, about one mile and a half below.  It was on the morning of the 7th of October, before sunrise, when they crossed the river and marched about two miles to the place where Ferguson had encamped on the night of the 5th.  There they halted a short time and took such breakfast as their wallets and saddlebags would afford.  Every hour the trail of the enemy became more clearly visible, which served to quicken their movements and exhilarate their patriotic spirits.  About the time they marched from the Cowpens they were informed a party of four or five hundred Tories were assembled at Major Gibbs, about four miles to the right; these they did not turn aside to attack.  The riflemen from the mountains had turned out to catch Ferguson.  This was their rallying cry from the day they left the Sycamore Shoals, on the Watauga, to the present opportune moment for accomplishing their patriotic purpose.  For the last thirty six hours they had alighted from their horses but once at the Cowpens for one hour’s rest and, refreshment.  As soon as their humble repast was finished on the morning of the 7th, at Ferguson’s encampment, on the 5th just alluded to, the riflemen resumed their eager march.  The day was showery, which compelled them to use their blankets and overcoats to prevent their arms from getting wet.

After marching about ten miles, the riflemen met a young man named John Fonderin, riding in great haste from Ferguson’s camp, then scarcely three miles distant Col.  Hambright being acquainted with him and knowing that he had relatives in the enemy’s camp, caused him to be arrested.  Upon searching his person, he was found to have a fresh dispatch from Ferguson to Cornwallis, then at Charlotte, in which he manifested great anxiety as to his situation and earnestly solicited aid.  The contents of the dispatch was read to the privates, without stating Ferguson’s superior strength to discourage them.  Col.  Hambright then interrogated the young man as to Ferguson’s uniform.  He replied by saying, “Ferguson was the best uniformed man on the hill, but they would not see his uniform as be wore a checked shirt (duster) over it.”  Col.  Hambright immediately called the attention