Battle of Fishing Creek Summary

Overview

• Date: August 18, 1780
• Location: Chester County, South Carolina
• Key Figures:
  • American Commander: General Thomas Sumter
  • British Commander: Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton
• Result: British victory

Background

• Following the defeat at Camden, Continental forces scattered and sought safety.
• Major General Horatio Gates left South Carolina, losing reputation and command.
• Brigadier General Thomas Sumter captured Fort Cary, taking British supplies, cattle, and prisoners.

Battle Details

• Sumter's forces, burdened with prisoners and supplies, moved north along Wateree and Catawba Rivers.
• British forces, under Tarleton, pursued Sumter with a relentless pace.
• Sumter's forces, exhausted from the march and climate, camped by the Catawba River.
• Tarleton's troops launched a surprise attack, crossing the river and catching Americans off guard.

Key Events

• Tarleton, without resting his troops, refitted with light infantry and cavalry, crossed the Catawba River.
• The British Legion surprised the American camp, leading to a chaotic and devastating attack.
• Many Americans were killed or captured; Sumter narrowly escaped.

Outcome

• Tarleton's forces suffered minimal losses (9 British soldiers).
• American casualties were significant, with 150 dead and 300 captured.
• British rescued prisoners and reclaimed supplies.
• Highlighted the collapse of American forces in South Carolina post-Camden defeat.

Significance

• Demonstrated Tarleton's effective and aggressive military tactics.
• Further demoralized Continental forces in the southern theater.
• The defeat was a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the Continental Army in the South.

Notable Incidents

• Colonel Thomas Taylor and Lt. Col. Henry Hampton's daring escape.
• The intensity of the attack, with many American troops drunk and unprepared.

Related Events

• The skirmish at Musgrove Mill on August 19, 1780, provided a glimmer of hope for the revolutionaries despite harsh setbacks.