Bloody Ben Tarleton Chases the Swamp Fox

Francis Swamp Fox Marion eludes British forces. Care of Swamp Fox Optics.

From November 7 – 14, 1780, in the lowlands of South Carolina, along the Santee River, a cat and mouse game played out between two wily and deadly opponents; rebel leader Colonel Francis Marion and British dragoon commander Lt. Colonel Banastre Tarleton. What occurred over the course of that week could have been drafted by …

Battle of Hammond’s Store

Colonel William Washington by Pamela Patrick White

The Battle of Hammond’s Store, American victory, December 30, 1780 (some sources give Nov. 29th), was one of the more brutal and savage encounters of the war. Tory loyalists, mainly from Georgia, were raiding patriot settlements in South Carolina when Continental dragoons with mounted militia, under the commanded of Colonel William Washington, pursued and attacked. …

Battle of Blackstocks

Militia open fire.

The Battle of Blackstocks, November 20, 1780, was one of the more crucial battles of the southern war and important American victory. Yet the battle has been lost to history, overshadowed by the later Battle of Cowpens (January 17, 1781). But upon study, Blackstocks provides an insight, if not a preview, of why British Lt. …

Battle of Fishdam Ford

Militia volley.

The Battle of Fishdam (also Fish Dam)Ford, November 9, 1780, was a comeback victory for American General Thomas Sumter. His band of South Carolina militiamen withstood an assault by regular British troops while inflicting three times as many casualties and forcing the enemy to withdraw. The British were led by the despised Major James Wemyss …

Battle of Wahab’s Plantation

Swamp Fox attacks. Artwork by Dan Nance.

The Battle of Wahab’s Plantation (September 21, 1780) pitted a fast moving, aggressive rebel leader, Colonel William Richardson, against the British Legion’s Cavalry. Outnumbered three to one, the newly promoted militia leader was undaunted by the odds, ordering the early morning surprise attack that took the partisan cavalrymen by surprise. Swift and brutal, the tables …

Battle of Charlotte

Battle of Charlotte by Dan Nance.

The Battle of Charlotte (September 26, 1780) deservedly marked its place in the annuals of the American Revolution. A small rebel militia, led by able-bodied commander, Colonel William Richardson Davie, defiantly stood firm and faced British General Lord Charles Cornwallis’ army, sixteen times greater than their number. After fending off three assaults and driving the …

Battle of Blue Savannah: Francis Swamp Fox Marion

Francis Swamp Fox Marion and his band of rebel followers.

The Battle of Blue Savannah, September 4, 1780, was the second victory in as many weeks for Francis ‘Swamp Fox’ Marion leading partisan militia. The former commander of the 2nd South Carolina Continental Regiment had just scored his first victory against British Regular troops near Nelson’s Ferry on the Santee River at the Battle of …

Battle of Great Savannah: Swamp Fox’s First Victory

Swamp Fox leading his men.

The Battle of Nelson’s Ferry (also called Great Savannah), August 20, 1780, was Colonel Francis Marion’s (1732-1795) first battle as a partisan militia leader. It was also the first of many victories for the former Lt. Colonel of Continental troops. A man of small stature, his cautious nature combined with bold and daring aggressive attacks …

Major James Wemyss: Among Most Hated British Officers

Major Wemyss' troops burned homes and businesses at will.

Major James Wemyss, pronounced ‘Weems’ (1748-1833), of the 63rd Regiment of Foot had been labeled the second most hated British officer of the American Revolution, behind Lt. Colonel Banastre Tarleton; the dragoon commander who waged a brutal war in the south on anyone who would advance his ego and career. But for Wemyss, one who …