Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-11-09

lcavalry under Armstrong came dashins
up. Both parties were taken by sur
prise. Neither suspected the other tc
be within striking distance. Armstrong
reported the condition of things to Lee
neglecting to mention the fact tha'
Quinby bridge interposed between hin
and Colonel Coates. Lee hastily ano
Armstrong to strike the enemy boldly
without moments delay. Armstrong
beyed promptly, leading his detachment
hurriedly over the partially demolished
bridge in the face of Colonel Coates
howitzer. Rendered furious by the an
cry commands of Lee, Armstrong mad
ly rushed in upon the British, drove
the artillerists from the howitzer and
swept everything right and left before
him. Lieutenant Darlington followed
Armstrong. Captain O'Neal at the
head Of the third section attempted to
fellow Darlington. but by this time
the loose planks had by the rapid
motion Of the horses been thrown from
the sleepers causing a chasm in the
bridge. O'Neal could not urge his
horses to leap the chasm. At this mo-
ment Maham, at the head Of a detach-
ment of Marion's cavalry came up and
passed O'Neal. Maham's horse was
shot down. Captain McCauley, who
was leading Maham's front section,
leaped the chasm in the bridge and
Joined In the fierce hand to hand con-
flict with the enemy.
The British by this time began to
collect in force and the American de-
tachments which had crossed the
bridge were sorely pressed. whilst those
on the opposite side Of the creek could
render them no assistance. Colonei
Lee, assisted by Maham and DR.. Irving,
exerted himself in attempting to repair
the bridge but without success. Arm
strong, Darlington and McCauley soon
found themselves alone. OF the few
soldiers who had been able to cross the
bridge, but single one remained.
Coates and a few followers under cover
of a wagon, fought desperately. His
infantry were fast coming to his sup
port
In this perilous condition Of affairs,
Armstrong, Darlington and McCauley,
determined to save themselves by
flight. Through the confused squads
Of British forming on the causeway
in front of the bridge these gallant SOL
diers dashed. So soon as they could,
they filed to the left and concealed
themselves in the woods.
Coates now left without foe. soon
advanced to the bridge and with the
howitzer which still remained he soon
drove away Lee. and having completed
the destruction Of the bridge. retired
with the howitzer to Shubrick's plan
tation and took post behind the houses.
The creek was narrow but deep and
such was the swampy nature OF the
banks that 1t could not at that place be
crossed except on the bridge.
The Americans determined to fight,
rapidly made circuitous march and
having crossed the creek came up with
Coates late In the afternoon. Here the
fight was renewed. Colonels Lacey,
Polk, Middleton and Taylor of Sum-
ters' command closed in upon the enc
my. Marion's shattered command was
divided into two divisions and a fight
resembling in many respects that OF
Kings Mountain was begun with spir-
it and waged with determination.
Coates had the advantage Of position
and whilst he had but one piece Of ar
tillery, the Americans had none.
The Americans were now within
striking distance of Charleston. Lest
they should be overpowered and cut to
pieces by succor sent to Coates from
that post, it was deemed proper to re-
tire. At dark the thinned divisions OF
the partisan chiefs were led from the
field Of conflict. Armstrong who with
Darlington and McCauley had again
Joined their commands, was sent to the
field of conflict at Quinby's bridge to
bring off the dead and wounded. The
dead were placed on the pommels Of
the saddles before the men and thus
carried off, The wounded were con-
veyed away in the easiest manner pos
sible. Out Of reach of the enemy, one
grave was dug and the dead placed In
1t and covered.
The affair at Quinby's bridge was
one of the most spirited fights that oc-
CURED during the Revolutionary war.
The loss Of the Americans in killed,
wounded and prisoners is not accur-
ately given. In proportion to the num-
ber of men engaged. it was very great.
mostly in killed and wounded as few
prisoners were taken. The British lost
in the several engagements, in prison
ers alone near two hundred men and
nine officers. A large amount Of val
liable stores, wagons and horses fell
into the hands Of the Americans. Be-
sides these the Americans captured the
paymasters money chest which con-
tanned seven hundred and twenty gum
eas. This money General Sumter or
dered to be divided amongst the SOL
diers.
OF the troops engaged at Quinby's
bridge and Shubricks farm, the ma
jority were South Carolinians. On the
goth of August, the day after the bat
tie the troops reached Nelson's ferry.
Here they rested for day and night
and then by easy marches proceeded to
join General Greene on the High
Hills Of Santee.
Tc BE CONTINUED.
INTRODUCTION OF PEANUTS.