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Extract from the enclosed letter to General Washington, dated Hillsborough, Aug. 30, 1780. SINCE my public letter to Congress, I have been able to collect authentic returns of the killed, wounded, and missing of the officers of the American line, Delaware regiment, artillerists, and those of the legion under Colonel Armand. They are enclosed. The militia broke so early in the day, and scattered in so many directions upon their retreat, that very few have fallen into the hands of the enemy. By the firmness and bravery of the continental troops, the victory is far from being bloodless on the part of the foe; they have upwards of five hundred men, with officers in proportion, killed and wounded. Lord Cornwallis remained with his army at Camden, when I received the last accounts from thence. Two days after the action of the 16th, fortune seemed determined to continue to distress us; for Colonel Sumpter, having marched near forty miles up the river Wateree, halted with the waggons and prisoners on the 15th. By some indiscretion, the men were surprised, cut off from their arms, (a.) the whole routed, and the waggons and prisoners retaken. Colonel Sumpter, since his surprise and defeat up the west side of the Wateree, has reinstated and increased his corps to upwards of one thousand men. I have directed him to continue to harass the enemy upon that side: Lord Cornwallis will, therefore, be cautious how he makes any considerable movement to the eastward, while this corps remains in force upon his left flank, and the main army is in a manner cantoned in his front. Anxious for the public good, I shall continued my unwearied endeavours to stop the progress of the enemy, to reinstate our affairs, to recommence an offensive war, and recover our losses in these southern states. (From A History of the Campaigns of 1780 and 1781, in the Southern Province of North America?, by Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, pp150-153.) Tarleton, Ch 2., [P], p. 150 8/30/1780 |
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