Before continuing the campaign with the Battle of Hanging Rock 6 August 1780 here is a little background information on the distribution of Crown Forces in South Carolina. Based on Rawdon's and Cornwallis' correspondences as well as Tarleton's history here are the major British outposts guarding the South Carolina back country. The information may be of interest in creating a historical force or in setting up small skirmish type actions.
A. Lieutenant-colonel Balfour ( afterwards Lieutenant-colonel Cruger) commanded at Ninety Six: the force there consisted of a battalion of De Lancey's, and the South Carolina Royalists with the 16th and three other companies of light infantry.
B. Major Ferguson's corps and a body of loyal militia traversed that part of the province situated between the Wateree and Saluda, and sometimes approached the borders of North Carolina.
C. The post at Rocky Mount, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel George Turnbull, and defended by the New York Volunteers, a detachment of the British Legion, and a force of Loyalist militia.
D. The post at Hanging Rock, commanded by Major John Carden, and defended by the British Legion infantry, the Prince of Wales’ American Regiment, a detachment of the Royal North Carolina Regiment, Colonel Samuel Bryan’s North Carolina Volunteers, and some South Carolina Loyalist militia.
E. The post at Lynche’s Creek, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonels Francis Rawdon and James Webster, and defended by the 33rd Foot, the two battalions of the 71st Foot, and the Volunteers of Ireland.
F. The post at Camden, defended by the 23rd Foot and the British Legion dragoons, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Banastre Tarleton.
Thanks for sharing that Mark. Interesting to see the mix of forces at each post as well as the rank of the officers commanding. I can see this being a good guide for other campaigns too.
ReplyDeleteI think its an interesting guide for a gamer who wants to create a Wargames army too.
DeleteNice information Mark and I am looking forward to seeing you work your way through the various small scale actions of this campaign
ReplyDeleteYes! Always important to read what was actually said by people on the scene. When I worked for the National Park Service (1975-05) I found what participants said was often very different from how later writers interpreted that event. Too often authors look for the neat phrase or dramatic quote and ignore what does not fit their narrative.
DeleteI see the post Lynche's Creek has two tough officers.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed!
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