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Extract.- From Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, dated Camp, at Wynnesborough, December 3, 1780. SUMPTER having passed the Broad river, and joined Brannen, Clarke, &c., I detached Major M'Arthur with the 1st battalion of the 71st, and the 63d regiment, after having sent my aid-de-camp, Lieutenant Money, to take the command of it, to Brierley's ferry, on Broad River, in order to cover our mills, and to give some check to the enemy's march to Ninety Six. At the same time I recalled Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton from the low country. Tarleton was so fortunate as to pass not only the Wateree, but the Broad river, without General Sumpter's being apprized of it, who having increased his corps to one thousand, had passed the Ennoree, and was on the point of attacking our hundred militia at Williams' (a.) house, fifteen miles from Ninety Six, and where, I believe, he would not have met with much resistance. Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton would have surprized him on the fourth of Ennoree, had not a deserter of (b.) the 63d given notice of his march: He, however, cut to pueces his rear guard in passing that river; and pursued his main body with such rapidity, that he could not pass the Tyger, and was obliged to halt on a very strong position, at a place called Blockstock's, close to it; Tarleton had with him only his cavalry, and the 63d mounted, his infantry and a three pounder being several miles behind. The enemy not being able to retreat with safety, and being informed of Tarleton's approach and want of infantry, by a woman (c.) who passed him on he march, and contrived by a nearer road to get to them, were encouraged by their great superiority of numbers, and began to fire on the 63d, who were dismounted. Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton, to save them from considerable loss, was obliged to attack, although at some hazard, and drove the enemy with loss over the river: Sumpter was dangerously wounded, three of (d.) their colonels killed, and about one and twenty men killed, wounded, or taken. On our side about fifty were killed and wounded, Lieutenants Gibson and Cope, of the 63d, were amongst the former, and my aid-de-camp, Lieutenant Money, who was a most promising officer, died of his wounds a few days after. Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton, as soon as he had taken care of his wounded, pursued and dispersed the remaining part of Sumpter's corps; and then, having assembled some militia under Mr. Cunningham, whom I appointed brigadier general of the militia of the district, and who had by far the greatest influence in that country, he returned to Broad river, where he at present remains; as well as Major M'Arthur, in the neighbourhood of Brierley's ferry. It is not easy for Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton to add to the reputation he has acquired in this province; but the defeating one thousand men, posted on very strong guard, and occupying log houses, of that spirit and those talents which must render the most essential services to his country. Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton commends much the good behaviour of the officers and men under his command; and he particularly mentions Lieutenant Skinner, of the 16th regiment of infantry, who does duty with the legion, as having distinguished himself. (From A History of the Campaigns of 1780 and 1781, in the Southern Province of North America?, by Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, pp203-205.) Tarleton, Ch 3., [M], p. 203 12/3/1780 |
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