This is the story of the desperate effort made by these civilized and intelligent people to preserve their homes and become American citizens. The fact that these law-abiding, peaceful residents of the mountains were herded into stockades, marched overland a thousand miles, and robbed of nearly all their possessions is a little-known and dismal page in American history. Originally published in 1950. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.