The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1857-11-12
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THE BATTLE ur CAMDEN,

soiueT ny pIoiesS'oi! uut yet, WHntlnS ln
many of those qualities which constitute n
great General. To him had been given the
glory Of Saratoga, when it properly be.
longcd to Scuyer, Arnold, and Morgan.
lie found the small American force under
the command Of Baron DcKalb, badly
armed, clothed, and equipped. However,
retaining DcKalb as second in command,
he issued calls for the militia: and collect.
ing quite an army pushed on towards Cam
den.
The British forces, at this time, were
mostly scattered about in small divisions,
but the largest body, under Lord Rawlon,
was stationed at Camden. Alarmed at the
approach Of Gates, Lord CORVALLIS hurried
from Charleston, to join Rawdon, and with
the utmost despatch effected a junction with
that General. The outposts were instantly
called in, and the British Generals reluc-
family decided to risk battle, although
they were cncumbercd with a large number
Of sick men, and Of their effective force
several hundred were tories.
About five o'clock on the evening of Au-
gust 18th, Gates commenced his march to-
wards the cncmy's camp. Tho American
army was mostly composed Of militia and
men who had been in the service bu:
short period. DcKalL's battalion being the
best corps in the whole force. Having
been formed with great caution, the army
began its march silcntly-Gatcs hoping to
fall upon the royal troops unawares. Not
word was allowed to be spoken in the
ranks, and over a sandy road the men
marched cautiously along.
But Cornwilis was too much on the alert
for Gates plan. Notwithstanding that his
army was greatly inferior in numbers to
the patriot force, the British General also
determined upon a surprise, and about IL
o'clock at night he put his army in motion,
and advanced with great care towards
Budglcy's mills, where lie supposed the
Americans were encampcd. Under these
peculiar circumstances, both armies, con-
cealed 10y the darkness, slowly neared each
other. On they came through the silent
gloom. There were no shouts of command
no rafting Of arms; all was mufficd, cau-
tious and wary. Gates had ordered Col
Armand, who commanded the vanguard, to
attack any force that might oppose him.
1t was very hot night, and the armies
marched leisurely along, until suddenly,
upon little hill near a stream called San
dcr's Creek, the advanced guard Of the
royal force stumbled directly upon the
Americans.
Each party was surprised, but quickly
recovering they fired just at the same in
slant. Several Of Armand's men were
killed, and his troops, panic stricken, fled
confusedly back upon the Maryland militia.
They, in turn alarmed with the idea that
the whole British force was upon them,
pushed back in disorder, and confusion pre-
vailed. But Potterfield and Armstrong,
who commanded the next dctachcdmcnts.
boldly advanced their men, and without
hesitation attacked the British van. Skir-
mishing continued for half an hour, when
both armies drew off their men to wait for
day-break. Gates instantly called coun-
Gil of war, to deliberate upon the most ap-
propriate mode of proceeding. DcKalb
advised retrcating to a stronger position.
Gen. Stevens was in favor of giving battle
on the spot, and Gates rashly fayoripg the
plan, preparations were made for action
The British army occupied strong position,
being defended in the rear by creek and
two impossible swamps, which also protec-
ted very effcctually both flanks. With a
firm and narrow front, CORVALLIS waited for
the Americans to begin the battle.
Gates formed his men in singular man.
ner, being prevented by the nature of the
ground from using the mass of his men to
advantage. 1t was piece of folly to give
battle to- disciplined force, upon such a
position, and every experienced officer in
the American force felt that defeat was Ger.
tain. The artillery of each army stood in
front Of the centre, and the cavalry in the
rear. Both Generals disposed their forces
under cover of the darkness, and as day
dawned on the morning Of August 10th,
both armies appeared in battle array. 1t
was very hot, and not a breath of air STIR
red the leaves or the waving grass, so soon
to I've trampled down and stained with l,u.
man gore. AS it grew light, each comman-
der endeavored to change the position Of
his men, and Gates forces being chiefly
raw militia, were considerably disordered
while going through their maneuvers.
CORVALLIS observing this, opened fire,
and the Virginia militia under Col. Stevens.
endeavored to return it. Instantly the Bri
s'sli right wing charged with great impetu-
osity, and the Virginians breaking ranks.