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HUGH WADDELL
& NC PROVINCIAL FRONTIER COMPANY
  aptain Hugh Waddell (1734-1773) was given command of one North Carolina provincial company, and tasked with the defense of the western frontier in 1755 by Governor Arthur Dobbs. Governor Dobbs found Waddell to be in "every way qualified for such a command, as he was young, active and resolute."
Earlier that year, Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia offered Waddell any service in his power. In 1756, Waddell served as a commissioner of peace, the only NC representative in a negotiated settlement with the Catawbas and Cherokees.
 Following the construction of Fort Dobbs in 1756, the Frontier Company began construction of a fort for the protection of the Catawbas in present day South Carolina. However, the fort was never completed due to border disputes with that colony.
Dobbs promoted Waddell to major, who then served under General Forbes in the Ohio River Valley where he commanded three companies of George Washington’s combined Virginia/North Carolina provincial brigade.
During the Forbes expedition, Waddell excelled in leadership, military skills and tactics. His sergeant, John Rogers, took the only Indian prisoner who gave General Forbes intelligence concerning Fort Du Quesne. Upon his return following the capture of the French stronghold, Waddell was given a colonel's commission and was ordered to command the militia from Rowan, Anson and Orange counties to act along with the provincials. |
