The Battle of Alamance was the final battle of the War of the Regulation, in which North Carolina farmers and backcountry residents rebelled against the wealthy and corrupt colonial officials.
Historical Context[]
Though the vast majority of North Carolina's population was rural farmers, most of the colony's political power was in the hands of a small number of city-based officials and merchants. The residents of the backcountry chafed under high taxes and a biased justice system. By the 1760s, the restless backcountry residents had coalesced into a loosely controlled group known as "Regulators." Between 1764 and 1771, the Regulators initiated various skirmishes with colonial forces.
Events of the Novels[]
The Fiery Cross[]
Though Jamie and Claire know and like a number of Regulators, Jamie has little choice but to obey when Governor William Tryon orders him to form a militia company to defend against Regulator forces. In May of 1771, Jamie and his men head to Alamance, where they are met by Regulator men. The battle begins with a skirmish on May 15, 1771, and ends on May 16 with a defeat of the Regulator forces. Tryon orders a number of Regulators hanged, though most are pardoned in exchange for a loyalty oath. The events of Alamance leave Jamie and Claire nervous for what it to come, and leave Roger with a lifelong injury.
Known Combatants[]
- Jamie Fraser
- Roger MacKenzie
- Isaiah Morton
- Manfred McGillivray
- Robin McGillivray
- William Buccleigh
- Hugh Fowles
- Joe Hobson
- James Hunter