Defiant Carolinians  is a compelling tale of the American Revolutionary War effort in South Carolina.  The never-ending action takes place in the Carolina lowlands, along the coast, and in the swamps bordering the region's vast rivers and forests.  Interactions between the warring factions of British redcoats, colonial American Tories, and South Carolina patriots are common as well as unexpected encounters with the forest and swamp denizens.          Captain Bowie Avery and his wife Taggan Adelaide, the main characters, move through the years of warfare with rousing encounters among a vast host of characters, fictional and historical.   The history is real and the reading encounter is remarkably informative and entertaining.  So mount up, hoist the American banner, draw your sword, and move out.         South Carolina saw much of the armed conflict that occurred during the American Revolution with over 400 battles and skirmishes within the boundaries of the state. Ted Gragg uses this fact and weaves an exciting adventure story through and around many recognized historical figures with his fictional characters. The story stretches along the coastal region of South Carolina from Wilmington, North Carolina. to Savannah, Georgia; from the swamps to the Piedmont, and from the foothills to the mountains. Defiant Caroinians drops you right into the Revolutionary War era, beside authentic historical figures. This tale entertains while representing life in one of America's most important periods. Mary M. Boyd Gerogetown County Historical Society Georgetown County Museum Defiant Carolinians is an intriguing historical narrative that any student of South Carolina history can appreciate and enjoy. Robert W. Hill IV Director of Museum Horry County Government Horry County Museum Defiant Carolinians offers an educational and thoroughly enjoyable glimpse into the life of dauntless American Revolutionaries. Additionally, there is a strong state and local historical flavor woven through their adventures and intimate involvement in the birth of our great nation. Jonathan Lucas Dieter, Jr. MD., FAALP       The American Revolution ranks supreme in the annals of mankind's efforts to achieve and maintain Liberty and Freedom.   The United States of America was founded through God's grace and the religious beliefs of the citizens of the colonies that would become the American nation.   The history of America is rich in achievement and astounding in the nation's success.   The freedoms guaranteed by Americans in the American Constitution are a challenge to the rest of the world....and it all began with the American Declaration of Independence in 1776.       The idea for this book originated in 1970 when I re-entered Coastal Carolina College, USC, following a four-year stint with the United States Air Force.  One course was on the American Revolution.  The Bicentennial Celebration of our country's birth was looming.  I needed a research paper on that conflict.  My wife Connie agreed to help with the necessary research for the project.  Our document chase led from Dr. James Norton's handwritten notes of the 18th century held at the Horry County Library to the pension records for American soldiers at the Library of Congress to Brookgreen Gardens for research into the original Order Book of General Francis Marion.  Many interviews with landowners throughout Georgetown, Marion, Williamsburg, and Horry Counties afforded oral passed-down family histories of the Revolutionary War Period.   One such interview with Mr. Wilson Vereen in 1973 provided in-depth information on the Battle of Bear Bluff in Horry County.  Several trips to the original settlement area of Willtown near the Black River along with visits to many historic riverine ferries and crossing sites provided period landscape understanding.  A wealth of information in Coastal South Carolina still awaits discovery. South Carolina was one of the thirteen original British colonies in America. The American Revolutionary War with England resulted in more military engagements in South Carolina than any other of the thirteen original American colonies. The fighting was fierce throughout South Carolina. The Church Act of 1706 founded the Church of England in South Carolina. Ten parishes were formed within the colony for civil government and church administration. Backcountry settlers were displeased with the Parish form of government. South Carolina citizens saw it changed with the advent of the 1769 District Court Acts and the formation of seven legal Districts within the new state of South Carolina. The evolving military actions of Defiant Carolinians occur within these District boundaries. The story is surrounded by truth. The fictional characters' actions and speech are interwoven with the historical characters and events. Ted L. and Connie B. Gragg Defiant Carolinians offers an educational and thoroughly enjoyable glimpse into the lives of daun