Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1876-07-27

ertsfs Of 1ge Somg. TEhmS-
8.
the country, to capture the scattered Wings
and to cut off or capture all supplies designed
for the Americans.
After the battle of Camden, or rather du'
ring the battle, General Gates, panic stricken
set out for Charlotte. 1ncited either by feal
or cruelty, he rode so rapidly as to kill three
horses. Late in the night he arrived at Char
lotte, and took up lodging at the house Of the
widow Mason. Here, having taken seat or
the piazza, he called for pipe, smoked and
reflected upon the terrible misfortune which
had befallen him. From Charlotte, he set out
for Salisbury; thence he went to Hillsboro
and on the twentieth of August, four days
after the battle of Camden, he wrote to the
President of Congress thus: I'm the deepest
distress and anxiety of mind, I am obliged to
acquaint your excel!ency with the defeat Of
the troops under my command"
General Sumter, after the surprise at Fish
ing creek, made his way to his old camp on
Clem's branch, ten miles east Of the Nation
ford. Colonel Lacey, who was with him, was
sent back into the counties of York and Ches.
ter, to gather up those who had made good
their escape from Tarleton, at Fishing creek,
and to secure recruits for his regiment from
the scotch.Irish of that region. Lacey was
successful, and soon Joined Sumter with re.
spectacle regiment of mounted infantry. Maj.
Davie, with small force, was with Sumter.
Colonel James Williams, about the same time,
with body of North Csrolinians, encamped
in the same region. The Wings had met with
sore reverses, but were not discouraged. They
determined to throw every obstacle in their
power, in the way of CORVALLIS.
On the. eighth of September, Lord Corn
wallis having made, as he thought, all neces-
sary arrangements, set out for Charlotte.
CORVALLIS thought that so soon as the results
of the late engagements were fully known
throughout North and South Carolina, that
the loyalists would be made bold and the pa
triots awed into subjection. In this he was
mistaken. From the Savannah river to the
Atlantic ocean, and from Charleston to the
mountains, and even beyond the mountains,
small but active and determined partisan
corps were in the field annoying the British
posts whenever favorable opportunity was
presented. Tarleton, whose military judg.
ment was scarcely inferior to that of Corn
wallis, was not in favor of advancing into
North Carolina by the way of Charlotte. The
place was known all over England. Every
officer in the British army had heard Of the
"pugnacious and pertinacious" disposition Of
the people.
CORVALLIS had made every provision that
be could for the undertaking The several
British posts in the State were put in proper
condition. General Patterson, on account Of
bad health, being advised to leave Charles.
ton, the command of that post was assigned
to Colonel Balfour. Brown was left in COM
mand of Augusta Cruger, of Ninety-six
and Turnbull, of Camden. Redoubts were
constructed to defend magazines and keep
open free communication between the up
country and Charleston. Evidently, when
the time arrived to act, the undertaking as
sumed digni6ed proportions. From Camden
to Charlotte was only short distance, and
the only foes who stood in his way had been
twice routed. The territory between Camden
and Charlotte had so often been traversed by
both armies, that it was we'll nigh desert.
In order that the army might suffer as lit.
tie as possible, during the march, from the
want of supplies, Colonel Tarleton was order.
ed by Lord CORVALLIS to lead his command
over the Catawba river, at the ferry opposite
Camden, and 10 march up the west bank Of
the river as far as Landsford, and then to
cross. CORVALLIS himself, with the 7th, 23d,
93rd and 71st regiments of infantry, the vol
unteers of Ireland, Bryan's and Hamilton's
regiments of loyalists, four pieces Of cannon,
fifty wagons and detachment of cavalry,
marched up the eastern bank Of the Catawba
river. The particular route followed by these
British chieftains possesses much interest to
the student of history. Yhe difficulty Of
tracing it with absolute accuracy, makes it
still more interesting. From Camden, Corn.
wallis directed his course to Hanging Rock.
At Pleasant Hill, short distance from
Hanging Rock, he took to the left, passing
between where Lancaster village is now situa-
ted, and the Catawba river. Ono mile and a
half above Landsford, was the mill of John
Blair, the uncle of General James Blair.
CORVALLIS took possession of this mill.
Tarleton followed the trail of Sumter as far
as Fishing creek, and then followed the road
leading by Union Church as far as Will
ford's mill-then Whites. At, Williford's
mill, he took the road leading to Landsford.
On the march, Tarleton took sick and the
command of his corps devolved upon Major
Hanger. On the 22nd of September, Corn.
wallis ordered Tarleton to cross the river at
Blair's ford, near Blair's mill. The sick and
a small guard were left at Blair's mill; the re-
naming force moved forward for Charlotte.
The route chosen was up what is called the
Sugar, more properly, "sugaw creek" road.
The distance from Landsford to Charlotte,
in direct line, is about forty miles. The dis
tance was comparatively short, but it was at
tended with serious difficulties. Majors Davie
and Davidson we're in the field, collecting