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Following the Battle of Culloden, there
was a dramatic change in the structure off society and
a breaking down of the clan system. The ties of kinship
were being set aside for monetary considerations. The
tacksmen were losing their position in society as the
Chiefs rented out the farms directly. Perhaps, in the
New World they would be able to re-establish the old
system and retain their social standing. Donald was
persuaded by his son, Black Kenneth that emigration
would be a good idea. He embarked with his family and
many of his subtenants in 1773, bound for Cumberland
County, North Carolina. Kenneth, however turned back
at Liverpool and took over the farm of Scalpay for himself.
The American War of Independence
In the New World, the hopes and aspirations
of the immigrants were soon dashed. North Carolina was
a divided colony. Economic and political controversy
with Britain was brewing into rebellion. By mid-1775
North Carolina had split into two groups: Patriots,
who were willing to take up arms for independence and
Loyalists, mainly the Crown officials, wealthy merchants,
planters, and others who were against war as a solution
to their grievances. The Highland immigrants on the
whole sided with the latter group. The Highlanders were
recruited by Josiah Martin, the last royal governor
of the colony. He first approached the tacksmen as being
natural leaders of their community. Among those he recruited
were Donald's son, John Campbell, and Allan MacDonald,
Flora's husband. The plan was for the Loyalist Scots
to cut off the American troops in North Carolina from
those in the South. They suffered a resounding defeat
at Moore's Creek, despite having an advantage in numbers.
The terrain was swampy and the creek could only be crossed
at the bridge. The Patriots arrived there first. They
removed the planks from the bridge and greased the girders,
then positioned their men on the far side of the bridge,
waiting in the darkness for the Scots.
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