Griffith Rutherford
Encyclopedia
Griffith Rutherford was an officer in the American Revolutionary War
, a political leader in North Carolina
, and an important figure in the early history of the Southwest Territory
and the state of Tennessee
.
During the French and Indian War
, Rutherford became a captain of a local British
colonial militia. He continued serving in the militia until the start of the revolution in 1775, at which time he enlisted in the North Carolina militia as a colonel
. He was appointed to the post of brigadier general
of the "Salisbury District
" in May 1776, and participated in the initial phases of the Chickamauga Wars against the Cherokee
Indians along the frontier. In June 1780, he was partly responsible for the Loyalist
defeat in the Battle of Ramsour's Mill
. Rutherford was present at the Battle of Camden
on 16 August 1780, where he was taken prisoner by the British. After being exchanged
in 1781, Rutherford participated in several other campaigns, including further attacks on the Chickamauga faction
of the Cherokee.
Originally from Ireland
, Rutherford immigrated with his parents to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Colony, at the age of eighteen. In 1753 he moved to Rowan County
, in the Province of North Carolina
, where he married his wife, Elizabeth. An active member of his community, Rutherford served in multiple civil occupations. He was a representative of both houses of the North Carolina House of Commons
, as well as an unsuccessful candidate for governor. Rutherford was an advocate of the anti-federalist
movement, and was appointed President of the Legislative Council of the Southwest Territory
in 1794. Rutherford retired to Sumner County, Tennessee
, where he died on 15 August 1805, at the age of 84.
to John Rutherford, who was of Scot-Irish descent, and Elizabeth [née Griffin], who was of Welsh
descent. Little is known about his early life until he immigrated to Philadelphia at the age of eighteen. His parents died during the voyage from Ireland, and for a period of time he worked on a relative's farm. It was here that Rutherford was taught how to survey land
. Around 1753, he moved to Rowan County, North Carolina Colony, bought two tracts of land about seven miles (11 km) from the town of Salisbury
, and married his neighbor's sister, Elizabeth Graham, who bore him ten children. One of their sons, James Rutherford, later became a major
during the Revolutionary War, dying in the Battle of Eutaw Springs
. Rutherford also became well acquainted with Daniel Boone
, with whom he would frequently go on hunting and surveying expeditions After the French and Indian war, Rutherford became increasingly active in his community. He is listed as a member of the North Carolina General Assembly in 1766, a sheriff and a justice of the peace
of Rowan County from 1767 to 1769, and a tax collector.
(1758); the battle at Fort Dobbs (1760); and James Grant's campaign
against the Cherokee in the southern Appalachians
(1761). By the end of the war, he had achieved the rank of captain. Between 1769 and 1771, he embraced the colonist's cause during the Regulator Movement
, eventually commanding a local militia which participated in the Battle of Alamance
(16 May 1771). The following month, Rutherford retired to Salem
to recover from an acute attack of gout
.
. Throughout that year, his regiment helped to disarm and disperse Loyalist groups in the South Carolina back country, most notably during the "Snow Campaign" in Ninety Six, South Carolina
. Rutherford represented Rowan County at the Fourth Provincial Congress in Halifax
, which lasted from 4 April to 14 May 1776. During the conference, he helped develop and write North Carolina's constitution
, and was promoted to brigadier general of the "Salisbury District". In the summer months following the conference, he raised an army of 2,400 men to campaign against local Cherokee Indians who were attacking settlers on the western frontier.
at the Swannanoa Gap, passed up the valley of Hominy Creek, and crossed the Pigeon River
. They then passed through Richland Creek, near the present day town of Waynesville, North Carolina
, and crossed the Tuckasegee River near an Indian settlement. They moved further onwards towards the Cowee Gap
, where they had a small engagement with a band of Cherokee, in which one of Rutherford's men was wounded. After that conflict, they marched to the Overhill Cherokee
"Middle Towns" (on the Tennessee River
), where he met General Andrew Williamson
of South Carolina on September 14. Williamson was on a similar mission and readily joined forces with the original three regiments.
The now four regiments skirmished with hostile Indians at Valley Town, Ellijay
, and near the southern Watauga
settlements (present day northeast Tennessee). Eventually, the Indian tribes were subdued at the cost of three fatalities to Rutherford's regiment. Casualties to the Indians, however, were severe. By the end of the conflict, the four regiments had destroyed 36 Indian towns, decimated acres of corn farms, and chased off most of the Indians' cattle. Afterward, Rutherford returned home by the same route. He arrived back in Salisbury in October, where he disbanded his troops.
and other settlements, the South became the focus of English attack starting in 1778. Governor Richard Caswell
of North Carolina identified this threat and immediately ordered militia to regroup. Rutherford, who had been checking on Loyalists since his return to Salisbury in 1776, received word of this by October. Governor Caswell and Rutherford met in Kingston, North Carolina on November 25 to discuss the specifics of Rutherford's assignment. Apparently a fleet of British ships were en route from New York
, heavily endangering key coastal cities. Rutherford was able to amass a force which reached the border of South Carolina by early December and established headquarters farther south in Purrysburg
the following month.
With the cities of Savannah
and Augusta
taken by February, the campaign was severely weakened. Rutherford moved his troops near Augusta, where he supported General John Ashe during the Battle of Brier Creek
on March 3. Soldier's enlistments soon began expiring; by April 10 most of Rutherford's forces returned to North Carolina.
The loss of Charleston
in 1780 was a huge blow to the Southern Campaign and posed a significant threat to neighboring North Carolina, which lacked adequate defenses due to expiring enlistments. Rutherford saw this danger, calling back his remaining troops stationed in South Carolina and ordering all soldiers from Salisbury to rally near Charlotte, North Carolina
. A force of 900 had accumulated by early June.
—and issued orders for local officers to disperse the group before they evolved into an even greater threat. After collecting troops from Rowan and Mecklenburg
counties, Rutherford moved his men to the Catawba River
and crossed it at the Tuckasegee Ford on June 19. He sent word to Colonel Francis Locke, of Rowan County, to rendezvous with him about 16 miles (25.7 km) from Ramsour's Mill, near the forks of the Catawba. Locke accumulated a force of 400 men and encamped at Mountain Creek, which was 35 miles (56.3 km) away from Rutherford's position, though still approximately the same distance from Ramsour's Mill as Rutherford's position was. It was resolved by Locke and his officers that a junction with Rutherford was unrealistic given the distance between the two regiments and the limited amount of time before the Loyalist group grew too large to safely engage. Therefore, it was decided Locke's forces would attack the Loyalist's position immediately. Colonel Johnson, one of Locke's subordinates, informed Rutherford of the new situation by 10 o'clock PM.
Locke's forces left their encampment late in the evening of June 19; arriving at the Loyalist position by early morning, June 20. The Patriots took the Loyalists by surprise. While at first bewildered and confused, the Loyalists retaliated by firing at Locke's cavalry, who were forced to fall back. The Patriots eventually forced the Loyalists to retreat to their camp, though it was discovered that they were regrouping on the other side of the mill stream. At this point, since an immediate attack from the Loyalists was expected, messages were sent to Rutherford, who had advanced to within six miles (9.6 km) of Ramsour's, to immediately move forward. Rutherford met Locke within 2 miles (3.2 km) of Ramsour's, where he was informed that the Loyalists were in full retreat.
from the South. State defenses had been reduced to a number of partisan
militia companies led by local leaders. In response to the loss of military presence, Congress
sent Horatio Gates
, who had distinguished himself at Saratoga
, to reform the Continental Army in Charlotte, North Carolina
. Against the advice of his officers and without knowing the capabilities of his troops —some of which were untested in battle —Gates marched toward South Carolina on July 27 with a force of over 4,000 men. He aimed at capturing the crossroads town of Camden, North Carolina
, which would have provided the Continental Army with a strategic control point for the South Carolina back country. Lord Rawdon, who was stationed there with 1,000 men, alerted Lord Cornwallis
of Gates's movements on August 9. Cornwallis arrived at Camden by August 13 with reinforcements, increasing the British presence there to over 2,000 men.
The battle ensued at dawn on August 16, 1780. Rutherford was positioned in the center of the Continental formation with other North Carolina militia. During the battle, he was wounded and taken prisoner. He was detained for ten months at Castillo de San Marcos
in St. Augustine, Florida
and was later exchanged for another prisoner in 1781.
, beginning with the Loyalist force at Raft Swamp. During October and November, Rutherford continued to force the Loyalists into Wilmington, and eventually surrounded the city, successfully cutting off British communications and supply lines. The commanding British officer, Major Craig, was soon afterward informed of Cornwallis's surrender at Yorktown, and his forces at Wilmington were hastily evacuated.
In 1782, following his success at Wilmington, Rutherford again fought the Chickamauga in the west. He followed the same route he had taken seven years before, which his soldiers had marked. No known accounts were written of the campaign, though in the end it was a success.
in 1788, he had reservations about the Constitution —as did other anti-federalists at the meeting. Rutherford asked if he could challenge some of the clauses. While each clause was able to be challenged individually, regardless of opposition from federalist
, Samuel Johnston
, and others, Rutherford rarely spoke during the meetings. His final decision to vote against the ratification of the Constitution led to the loss of his seat in the state senate. However, his reputation with his colleagues was relatively unaffected, and he was elected Councilor of the State.
Rutherford acquired nearly 13,000 acres of Washington District
land awarded to him for his service in the North Carolina Line. Rutherford relocated to this area, in what is today Sumner County, TN, in September 1792. Two years later, he was appointed President of the Legislative Council of the Southwest Territory.
Rutherford died in Sumner County, TN on 10 August 1805.
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
, a political leader in North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, and an important figure in the early history of the Southwest Territory
Southwest Territory
The Territory South of the River Ohio, more commonly known as the Southwest Territory, was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from May 26, 1790, until June 1, 1796, when it was admitted to the United States as the State of Tennessee.The Southwest Territory was...
and the state of Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area...
.
During the French and Indian War
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War is the common American name for the war between Great Britain and France in North America from 1754 to 1763. In 1756, the war erupted into the world-wide conflict known as the Seven Years' War and thus came to be regarded as the North American theater of that war...
, Rutherford became a captain of a local British
Kingdom of Great Britain
The former Kingdom of Great Britain, sometimes described as the 'United Kingdom of Great Britain', That the Two Kingdoms of Scotland and England, shall upon the 1st May next ensuing the date hereof, and forever after, be United into One Kingdom by the Name of GREAT BRITAIN. was a sovereign...
colonial militia. He continued serving in the militia until the start of the revolution in 1775, at which time he enlisted in the North Carolina militia as a colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
. He was appointed to the post of brigadier general
Brigadier General
Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000...
of the "Salisbury District
Salisbury District, North Carolina
The Salisbury District of North Carolina, was originally one of several colonial judicial districts established in 1766. Immediately preceding the onset of the American War of Independence, these six regions, in 1775, were broadened into "de facto" militia districts.The Salisbury District was based...
" in May 1776, and participated in the initial phases of the Chickamauga Wars against the Cherokee
Cherokee
The Cherokee are a Native American people historically settled in the Southeastern United States . Linguistically, they are part of the Iroquoian language family...
Indians along the frontier. In June 1780, he was partly responsible for the Loyalist
Loyalist (American Revolution)
Loyalists were American colonists who remained loyal to the Kingdom of Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War. At the time they were often called Tories, Royalists, or King's Men. They were opposed by the Patriots, those who supported the revolution...
defeat in the Battle of Ramsour's Mill
Battle of Ramsour's Mill
The Battle of Ramsour's Mill took place on June 20, 1780 near present-day Lincolnton, North Carolina, during the British campaign to gain control of the southern colonies in the American Revolutionary War. About 400 American militia defeated 1,300 Loyalist militiamen. The battle did not involve any...
. Rutherford was present at the Battle of Camden
Battle of Camden
The Battle of Camden was a major victory for the British in the Southern theater of the American Revolutionary War...
on 16 August 1780, where he was taken prisoner by the British. After being exchanged
Prisoner exchange
A prisoner exchange or prisoner swap is a deal between opposing sides in a conflict to release prisoners. These may be prisoners of war, spies, hostages, etc...
in 1781, Rutherford participated in several other campaigns, including further attacks on the Chickamauga faction
Chickamauga Indian
The Chickamauga or Lower Cherokee, were a band of Cherokee who supported Great Britain at the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. They were followers of the Cherokee chief Dragging Canoe...
of the Cherokee.
Originally from Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, Rutherford immigrated with his parents to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Colony, at the age of eighteen. In 1753 he moved to Rowan County
Rowan County, North Carolina
-Demographics and economics:As of the census of 2010, there were 138,428 people, 53,140 households, and 37,058 families residing in the county. The population density was 270.7 people per square mile . There were 60,211 housing units at an average density of 117.7 per square mile...
, in the Province of North Carolina
Province of North Carolina
The Province of North Carolina was originally part of the Province of Carolina in British America, which was chartered by eight Lords Proprietor. The province later became the U.S. states of North Carolina and Tennessee....
, where he married his wife, Elizabeth. An active member of his community, Rutherford served in multiple civil occupations. He was a representative of both houses of the North Carolina House of Commons
North Carolina General Assembly
The North Carolina General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of North Carolina. The General Assembly drafts and legislates the state laws of North Carolina, also known as the General Statutes...
, as well as an unsuccessful candidate for governor. Rutherford was an advocate of the anti-federalist
Anti-Federalism
Anti-Federalism refers to a movement that opposed the creation of a stronger U.S. federal government and which later opposed the ratification of the Constitution of 1787. The previous constitution, called the Articles of Confederation, gave state governments more authority...
movement, and was appointed President of the Legislative Council of the Southwest Territory
Southwest Territory
The Territory South of the River Ohio, more commonly known as the Southwest Territory, was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from May 26, 1790, until June 1, 1796, when it was admitted to the United States as the State of Tennessee.The Southwest Territory was...
in 1794. Rutherford retired to Sumner County, Tennessee
Sumner County, Tennessee
Sumner County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of 2000, the population was 130,449. Its county seat is Gallatin, but its largest town is Hendersonville...
, where he died on 15 August 1805, at the age of 84.
Early life
Griffith Rutherford was born about 1721 in IrelandIreland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
to John Rutherford, who was of Scot-Irish descent, and Elizabeth [née Griffin], who was of Welsh
Welsh people
The Welsh people are an ethnic group and nation associated with Wales and the Welsh language.John Davies argues that the origin of the "Welsh nation" can be traced to the late 4th and early 5th centuries, following the Roman departure from Britain, although Brythonic Celtic languages seem to have...
descent. Little is known about his early life until he immigrated to Philadelphia at the age of eighteen. His parents died during the voyage from Ireland, and for a period of time he worked on a relative's farm. It was here that Rutherford was taught how to survey land
Surveying
See Also: Public Land Survey SystemSurveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them...
. Around 1753, he moved to Rowan County, North Carolina Colony, bought two tracts of land about seven miles (11 km) from the town of Salisbury
Salisbury, North Carolina
Salisbury is a city in Rowan County in North Carolina, a state of the United States of America. The population was 33,663 in the 2010 Census . It is the county seat of Rowan County...
, and married his neighbor's sister, Elizabeth Graham, who bore him ten children. One of their sons, James Rutherford, later became a major
Major
Major is a rank of commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every military in the world.When used unhyphenated, in conjunction with no other indicator of rank, the term refers to the rank just senior to that of an Army captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel. ...
during the Revolutionary War, dying in the Battle of Eutaw Springs
Battle of Eutaw Springs
The Battle of Eutaw Springs was a battle of the American Revolutionary War, and was the last major engagement of the war in the Carolinas.-Background:...
. Rutherford also became well acquainted with Daniel Boone
Daniel Boone
Daniel Boone was an American pioneer, explorer, and frontiersman whose frontier exploits mad']'e him one of the first folk heroes of the United States. Boone is most famous for his exploration and settlement of what is now the Commonwealth of Kentucky, which was then beyond the western borders of...
, with whom he would frequently go on hunting and surveying expeditions After the French and Indian war, Rutherford became increasingly active in his community. He is listed as a member of the North Carolina General Assembly in 1766, a sheriff and a justice of the peace
Justice of the Peace
A justice of the peace is a puisne judicial officer elected or appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace. Depending on the jurisdiction, they might dispense summary justice or merely deal with local administrative applications in common law jurisdictions...
of Rowan County from 1767 to 1769, and a tax collector.
French-Indian War
Rutherford began his long career as a soldier in 1760 during the French and Indian War. He was a participant of several battles and skirmishes during the war, most notably the Battle of Fort DuquesneBattle of Fort Duquesne
The Battle of Fort Duquesne was a British assault on the eponymous French fort that was repulsed with heavy losses on 14 September 1758, during the French and Indian War....
(1758); the battle at Fort Dobbs (1760); and James Grant's campaign
Anglo-Cherokee War
The Anglo-Cherokee War , also known as the Cherokee War, the Cherokee Uprising, the Cherokee Rebellion, was a conflict between British forces in North America and Cherokee Indians during the French and Indian War...
against the Cherokee in the southern Appalachians
Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains #Whether the stressed vowel is or ,#Whether the "ch" is pronounced as a fricative or an affricate , and#Whether the final vowel is the monophthong or the diphthong .), often called the Appalachians, are a system of mountains in eastern North America. The Appalachians...
(1761). By the end of the war, he had achieved the rank of captain. Between 1769 and 1771, he embraced the colonist's cause during the Regulator Movement
War of the Regulation
The War of the Regulation was a North Carolina uprising, lasting from approximately 1760 to 1771, in which citizens took up arms against corrupt colonial officials...
, eventually commanding a local militia which participated in the Battle of Alamance
Battle of Alamance
The Battle of Alamance was the final battle of the War of the Regulation, a rebellion in colonial North Carolina over issues of taxation and local control. In the past, historians considered the battle to be the opening salvo of the American Revolution and locals agreed with this assessment...
(16 May 1771). The following month, Rutherford retired to Salem
Salem, North Carolina
Salem is a census-designated place in Burke County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 2,923 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Hickory–Lenoir–Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
to recover from an acute attack of gout
Gout
Gout is a medical condition usually characterized by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis—a red, tender, hot, swollen joint. The metatarsal-phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe is the most commonly affected . However, it may also present as tophi, kidney stones, or urate...
.
Revolutionary War
Rutherford entered the war in 1775 as a colonel following his appointment to the Rowan County Committee of SafetyCommittee of Safety (American Revolution)
Many Committees of Safety were established throughout Colonial America at the start of the American Revolution. These committees started to appear in the 1760s as means to discuss the concerns of the time, and often consisted of every male adult in the community...
. Throughout that year, his regiment helped to disarm and disperse Loyalist groups in the South Carolina back country, most notably during the "Snow Campaign" in Ninety Six, South Carolina
Ninety Six, South Carolina
Ninety Six is a town in Greenwood County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,936 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Ninety Six is located at ....
. Rutherford represented Rowan County at the Fourth Provincial Congress in Halifax
Halifax, North Carolina
Halifax is a town in Halifax County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 344 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Halifax County...
, which lasted from 4 April to 14 May 1776. During the conference, he helped develop and write North Carolina's constitution
Constitution
A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed. These rules together make up, i.e. constitute, what the entity is...
, and was promoted to brigadier general of the "Salisbury District". In the summer months following the conference, he raised an army of 2,400 men to campaign against local Cherokee Indians who were attacking settlers on the western frontier.
Campaign against the Cherokee
Rutherford's regiment rendezvoused at Fort McGahey with the Guilford and Surry regiments under Colonels James Martin and Martin Armstrong on July 23. From there, the three groups traveled through the Blue Ridge MountainsBlue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian Mountains range. This province consists of northern and southern physiographic regions, which divide near the Roanoke River gap. The mountain range is located in the eastern United States, starting at its southern-most...
at the Swannanoa Gap, passed up the valley of Hominy Creek, and crossed the Pigeon River
Pigeon River (Tennessee - North Carolina)
The Pigeon River of western North Carolina and east Tennessee rises above Canton, North Carolina. Below this, it flows roughly parallel to Interstate 40 for many miles and is impounded by a dam -- Walters Dam -- belonging to Progress Energy before entering Tennessee, where it flows into the French...
. They then passed through Richland Creek, near the present day town of Waynesville, North Carolina
Waynesville, North Carolina
Waynesville is a town in and the county seat of Haywood County, North Carolina, United States. It is the largest town in Haywood County and the largest in Western North Carolina west of Asheville. Waynesville is located about or 50 km southwest of Asheville between the Great Smoky and Blue...
, and crossed the Tuckasegee River near an Indian settlement. They moved further onwards towards the Cowee Gap
Cowee Gap
Cowee Gap is a mountain pass located between Highlands and Cashiers in the far southern part of western North Carolina. It is located on the Eastern Continental Divide, which also forms the boundary between Macon and Jackson counties, and between the Cullasaja River and Chattooga River basins to...
, where they had a small engagement with a band of Cherokee, in which one of Rutherford's men was wounded. After that conflict, they marched to the Overhill Cherokee
Overhill Cherokee
The term Overhill Cherokee refers to the former Cherokee settlements located in what is now Tennessee in the southeastern United States. The name was given by 18th century European traders and explorers who had to cross the Appalachian Mountains to reach these settlements when traveling from...
"Middle Towns" (on the Tennessee River
Tennessee River
The Tennessee River is the largest tributary of the Ohio River. It is approximately 652 miles long and is located in the southeastern United States in the Tennessee Valley. The river was once popularly known as the Cherokee River, among other names...
), where he met General Andrew Williamson
Andrew Williamson (soldier)
Andrew Williamson was a Brigadier-General in the Continental Army in the American War of Independence.Williamson was born in Scotland. As a youngster he emigrated with his parents to British Colonial America and settled in Ninety Six, South Carolina. Williamson grew up to became a prominent...
of South Carolina on September 14. Williamson was on a similar mission and readily joined forces with the original three regiments.
The now four regiments skirmished with hostile Indians at Valley Town, Ellijay
Ellijay, Georgia
Ellijay is a city in Gilmer County, Georgia, United States. The population was 1,584 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Gilmer County.Ellijay lies where two rivers, the Ellijay and the Cartecay, come together to form the Coosawattee River...
, and near the southern Watauga
Watauga Association
The Watauga Association was a semi-autonomous government created in 1772 by frontier settlers living along the Watauga River in what is now present day Elizabethton, Tennessee...
settlements (present day northeast Tennessee). Eventually, the Indian tribes were subdued at the cost of three fatalities to Rutherford's regiment. Casualties to the Indians, however, were severe. By the end of the conflict, the four regiments had destroyed 36 Indian towns, decimated acres of corn farms, and chased off most of the Indians' cattle. Afterward, Rutherford returned home by the same route. He arrived back in Salisbury in October, where he disbanded his troops.
Southern theater
British strategists viewed the Southern colonies, especially lightly populated Georgia, as the most vulnerable of all. Despite early victories won by the Patriots at CharlestonBattle of Sullivan's Island
The Battle of Sullivan's Island or the Battle of Fort Sullivan was fought on June 28, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, also known as the American War of Independence. It took place near Charleston, South Carolina, during the first British attempt to capture the city from American rebels...
and other settlements, the South became the focus of English attack starting in 1778. Governor Richard Caswell
Richard Caswell
Richard Caswell was the first and fifth governor of the U.S. State of North Carolina, serving from 1776 to 1780 and from 1784 to 1787....
of North Carolina identified this threat and immediately ordered militia to regroup. Rutherford, who had been checking on Loyalists since his return to Salisbury in 1776, received word of this by October. Governor Caswell and Rutherford met in Kingston, North Carolina on November 25 to discuss the specifics of Rutherford's assignment. Apparently a fleet of British ships were en route from New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, heavily endangering key coastal cities. Rutherford was able to amass a force which reached the border of South Carolina by early December and established headquarters farther south in Purrysburg
Purrysburg, South Carolina
Purrysburg was a colonial town in Jasper County, South Carolina. While the town itself was abandoned, the settlers were successful. The town was located on the South Carolina bank of the Savannah River....
the following month.
With the cities of Savannah
Capture of Savannah
The Battle of Savannah, or sometimes the First Battle of Savannah due to a siege later in the campaign, was an American Revolutionary War battle fought on December 29, 1778 between local American Patriot militia and Continental Army units holding the city and a British invasion force under the...
and Augusta
Augusta, Georgia
Augusta is a consolidated city in the U.S. state of Georgia, located along the Savannah River. As of the 2010 census, the Augusta–Richmond County population was 195,844 not counting the unconsolidated cities of Hephzibah and Blythe.Augusta is the principal city of the Augusta-Richmond County...
taken by February, the campaign was severely weakened. Rutherford moved his troops near Augusta, where he supported General John Ashe during the Battle of Brier Creek
Battle of Brier Creek
The Battle of Brier Creek was an American Revolutionary War battle fought on March 3, 1779 near the confluence of Brier Creek with the Savannah River in eastern Georgia...
on March 3. Soldier's enlistments soon began expiring; by April 10 most of Rutherford's forces returned to North Carolina.
The loss of Charleston
Siege of Charleston
The Siege of Charleston was one of the major battles which took place towards the end of the American Revolutionary War, after the British began to shift their strategic focus towards the American Southern Colonies. After about six weeks of siege, Continental Army Major General Benjamin Lincoln...
in 1780 was a huge blow to the Southern Campaign and posed a significant threat to neighboring North Carolina, which lacked adequate defenses due to expiring enlistments. Rutherford saw this danger, calling back his remaining troops stationed in South Carolina and ordering all soldiers from Salisbury to rally near Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. In 2010, Charlotte's population according to the US Census Bureau was 731,424, making it the 17th largest city in the United States based on population. The Charlotte metropolitan area had a 2009...
. A force of 900 had accumulated by early June.
Battle of Ramsour's Mill
After rallying troops at Charlotte, Rutherford received information that Loyalists were gathering at arms at Ramsour's Mill —near present day Lincolnton, North CarolinaLincolnton, North Carolina
Lincolnton is a city in Lincoln County, North Carolina, United States, within the Charlotte metropolitan area. The population was 10,683 at the 2010 census. Lincolnton is located northwest of Charlotte, on the South Fork of the Catawba River, and near the junction of State Highway 27 and U.S. Route...
—and issued orders for local officers to disperse the group before they evolved into an even greater threat. After collecting troops from Rowan and Mecklenburg
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
-Air:The county's primary commercial aviation airport is Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte.- Intercity rail :With twenty-five freight trains a day, Mecklenburg is a freight railroad transportation center, largely due to its place on the NS main line between Washington and Atlanta...
counties, Rutherford moved his men to the Catawba River
Catawba River
The Catawba River is a tributary of the Wateree River in the U.S. states of North Carolina and South Carolina. The river is approximately 220 miles long...
and crossed it at the Tuckasegee Ford on June 19. He sent word to Colonel Francis Locke, of Rowan County, to rendezvous with him about 16 miles (25.7 km) from Ramsour's Mill, near the forks of the Catawba. Locke accumulated a force of 400 men and encamped at Mountain Creek, which was 35 miles (56.3 km) away from Rutherford's position, though still approximately the same distance from Ramsour's Mill as Rutherford's position was. It was resolved by Locke and his officers that a junction with Rutherford was unrealistic given the distance between the two regiments and the limited amount of time before the Loyalist group grew too large to safely engage. Therefore, it was decided Locke's forces would attack the Loyalist's position immediately. Colonel Johnson, one of Locke's subordinates, informed Rutherford of the new situation by 10 o'clock PM.
Locke's forces left their encampment late in the evening of June 19; arriving at the Loyalist position by early morning, June 20. The Patriots took the Loyalists by surprise. While at first bewildered and confused, the Loyalists retaliated by firing at Locke's cavalry, who were forced to fall back. The Patriots eventually forced the Loyalists to retreat to their camp, though it was discovered that they were regrouping on the other side of the mill stream. At this point, since an immediate attack from the Loyalists was expected, messages were sent to Rutherford, who had advanced to within six miles (9.6 km) of Ramsour's, to immediately move forward. Rutherford met Locke within 2 miles (3.2 km) of Ramsour's, where he was informed that the Loyalists were in full retreat.
Battle of Camden
The losses at Savannah, Charleston and the Battle of Waxhaws had practically driven the Continental ArmyContinental Army
The Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in...
from the South. State defenses had been reduced to a number of partisan
Partisan (military)
A partisan is a member of an irregular military force formed to oppose control of an area by a foreign power or by an army of occupation by some kind of insurgent activity...
militia companies led by local leaders. In response to the loss of military presence, Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
sent Horatio Gates
Horatio Gates
Horatio Lloyd Gates was a retired British soldier who served as an American general during the Revolutionary War. He took credit for the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga – Benedict Arnold, who led the attack, was finally forced from the field when he was shot in the leg – and...
, who had distinguished himself at Saratoga
Saratoga campaign
The Saratoga Campaign was an attempt by Great Britain to gain military control of the strategically important Hudson River valley in 1777 during the American Revolutionary War...
, to reform the Continental Army in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. In 2010, Charlotte's population according to the US Census Bureau was 731,424, making it the 17th largest city in the United States based on population. The Charlotte metropolitan area had a 2009...
. Against the advice of his officers and without knowing the capabilities of his troops —some of which were untested in battle —Gates marched toward South Carolina on July 27 with a force of over 4,000 men. He aimed at capturing the crossroads town of Camden, North Carolina
Camden, North Carolina
Camden is the county seat of the consolidated city-county of Camden County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is located on the eastern banks of the Pasquotank River, across from which lies Elizabeth City. It currently has two traffic lights, and is centered at the intersection of U.S....
, which would have provided the Continental Army with a strategic control point for the South Carolina back country. Lord Rawdon, who was stationed there with 1,000 men, alerted Lord Cornwallis
Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis
Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis KG , styled Viscount Brome between 1753 and 1762 and known as The Earl Cornwallis between 1762 and 1792, was a British Army officer and colonial administrator...
of Gates's movements on August 9. Cornwallis arrived at Camden by August 13 with reinforcements, increasing the British presence there to over 2,000 men.
The battle ensued at dawn on August 16, 1780. Rutherford was positioned in the center of the Continental formation with other North Carolina militia. During the battle, he was wounded and taken prisoner. He was detained for ten months at Castillo de San Marcos
Castillo de San Marcos
The Castillo de San Marcos site is the oldest masonry fort in the United States. It is located in the city of St. Augustine, Florida. Construction was begun in 1672 by the Spanish when Florida was a Spanish territory. During the twenty year period of British possession from 1763 until 1784, the...
in St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is a city in the northeast section of Florida and the county seat of St. Johns County, Florida, United States. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer and admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, it is the oldest continuously occupied European-established city and port in the continental United...
and was later exchanged for another prisoner in 1781.
Later War
Following his release, Rutherford returned to Salisbury in September 1781 to find his home ransacked by British troops. In the summer of 1781, after a short reunion with his family, Rutherford took command of a North Carolina militia numbering 1,400 men. After training his new militia, he allegedly began to brutally attack Tory militias and communities alike —this according to several reports sent to his superior, General Greene. This was much to the dismay of Greene, who told Rutherford that these methods would only bring more people to the Loyalist cause and that he should consider alternative strategies. While these reports were later found to be untrue, Rutherford directed his force from small Loyalist militias to the British encampment and surrounding militias at Wilmington, North CarolinaWilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington is a port city in and is the county seat of New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. The population is 106,476 according to the 2010 Census, making it the eighth most populous city in the state of North Carolina...
, beginning with the Loyalist force at Raft Swamp. During October and November, Rutherford continued to force the Loyalists into Wilmington, and eventually surrounded the city, successfully cutting off British communications and supply lines. The commanding British officer, Major Craig, was soon afterward informed of Cornwallis's surrender at Yorktown, and his forces at Wilmington were hastily evacuated.
In 1782, following his success at Wilmington, Rutherford again fought the Chickamauga in the west. He followed the same route he had taken seven years before, which his soldiers had marked. No known accounts were written of the campaign, though in the end it was a success.
Later life
Rutherford had been appointed to North Carolina's senate in 1779 and continued to serve in this position until 1786. He was opposed to the restoration of Loyalist lands and supported and assisted in their confiscation while serving on the Council of State. Rutherford ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1783. He was an ardent anti-federalist during the national debate of the recently created United States Constitution. At the Constitutional Convention held at Hillsborough, North CarolinaHillsborough, North Carolina
Hillsborough is a town in Orange County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 5,653 at the 2008 census. It is the county seat of Orange County....
in 1788, he had reservations about the Constitution —as did other anti-federalists at the meeting. Rutherford asked if he could challenge some of the clauses. While each clause was able to be challenged individually, regardless of opposition from federalist
Federalist
The term federalist describes several political beliefs around the world. Also, it may refer to the concept of federalism or the type of government called a federation...
, Samuel Johnston
Samuel Johnston
Samuel Johnston was an American planter, lawyer, and statesman from Chowan County, North Carolina. He represented North Carolina in both the Continental Congress and the United States Senate, and was the sixth Governor of North Carolina.-Early Life and Revolutionary Politics:Johnston was born in...
, and others, Rutherford rarely spoke during the meetings. His final decision to vote against the ratification of the Constitution led to the loss of his seat in the state senate. However, his reputation with his colleagues was relatively unaffected, and he was elected Councilor of the State.
Rutherford acquired nearly 13,000 acres of Washington District
Washington District, North Carolina
The Washington District of North Carolina was in a remote area west of the Appalachian Mountains, officially existing for only a short period of time , although it had been self-proclaimed and functioning as an independent governing entity since the spring of 1775...
land awarded to him for his service in the North Carolina Line. Rutherford relocated to this area, in what is today Sumner County, TN, in September 1792. Two years later, he was appointed President of the Legislative Council of the Southwest Territory.
Rutherford died in Sumner County, TN on 10 August 1805.
Legacy
These areas are all namesakes of Griffith Rutherford:- Rutherfordton, North CarolinaRutherfordton, North CarolinaRutherfordton is a town in Rutherford County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 4,131 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Rutherford County.-Geography:Rutherfordton is located at ....
- Rutherford County, North CarolinaRutherford County, North Carolina-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 62,899 people, 25,191 households, and 17,935 families residing in the county. The population density was 112 people per square mile . There were 29,535 housing units at an average density of 52 per square mile...
- Rutherford County, TennesseeRutherford County, TennesseeRutherford County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2010 census, it is the state's fifth-largest county by population with 262,604 people, an increase of 44.3 percent over the 2000 population of 182,023. Its county seat is Murfreesboro, which is also the geographic...