Donald Campbell - Bonnie Prince Charlie's Protector (4)
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.
