Monck’s Corner, South Carolina- 14 April, 1780: Successful night attack by Banastare Tarleton against American militia and Continental cavalry commanded by Colonel Isaac Huger. Tarleton caught the Americans by surprise, captured their extensive wagon train loaded with supplies for the besieged Charleston, and inflicted over 100 casualties.
Lenud’s Ferry, South Carolina-6 May 1780: More a rout then a battle, here a body of Continental infantry commanded by Colonel Abraham Buford was caught by surprise in their camp and overwhelmed by Banastare Tarleton’s Legion. The regiment was scattered and suffered the loss of five officers and 35 men.
Waxhaws, South Carolina-29 May 1780: Battle between Banastare Tarleton’s Legion and Continental cavalry commanded by Colonel Abraham Buford. Tarleton attacked Buford, who deployed his dismounted men in a line and inflicted heavy casualties. Many were killed while trying to surrender, though it should be noted Tarleton had been shot off his horse and was no longer in direct command. The Americans lost 113 dead and 203 captured. The battle became a rally cry for American partisans who used the term ‘Tarleton’s Quarter’ throughout the rest of the war. The battle made Tarleton notorious throughout the south.
Williamson’s Plantation, South Carolina- 12 July 1780: Defeat of Tory militia commanded by the infamous Captain Christian Huck by the American Captain William Bratton, whose command swept into the Tory camp, massacred Huck’s men, and pursued the survivors for miles afterword. A major defeat for Tory forces which affected their moral throughout the colony and a turning point in the southern campaign.
Rocky Mount, South Carolina- 1 August 1780: A Tory fort held by 150 regulars and militia, Rocky Mount was attacked by a body of militia commanded Thomas Sumter. Because Sumter lacked artillery, he was unable to breach the walls of the fort. The Tories held on and compelled Sumter to withdraw.
Hanging Rock, South Carolina-6 August 1780: Tory Regular camp west of Camden attacked by militia commanded by Major Robert Davie in conjunction with Sumter’s assault on Rocky Mount. Davie first encountered a body of Tory militia at a nearby farmhouse and destroyed it. He then set upon Hanging Rock proper. Sumter rushed up from Rocky Mount but the combined attack was repulsed by the Tories. Sumter’s men, now bolstered by more reinforcements from Rocky Mount, repulsed the counterattack, scattering the remaining Tories to the woods. The Tories counterattacked again, retaking the camp and forming a square inside. Sumter was unable to crack the Tory square and withdrew, taking with him much plunder from the camp.
Fishing Creek North Carolina-18 August 1780: Battle pitting Thomas Sumter’s militia against Banastare Tarleton and his British Legion. Tarleton caught Sumter’s unit unawares and charged their camp, killing 150 and taking 300 prisoners and 44 wagons. A major defeat for Sumter.
Musgrove’s Mill, South Carolina-18 August, 1780: Pre-cursor to the battle of King’s Mountain in which a party of American militia led by Elijah Clarke and Isaac Shelby attacked the rear of Patrick Ferguson’s column. Ferguson took heavy losses in an ensuing counterattack, 63 dead, 90 wounded, and 70 captured.
Great Savannah (Nelson’s Ferry)- South Carolina, 20 August, 1780: In the aftermath of the disastrous defeat at Camden, Francis Marion led a body of militia against British and Tory regulars at Nelson’s ferry, launching a successful surprise attack which swept the enemy from their camp and liberated about 150 Continental prisoners.
Wahab’s Plantation, North Carolina- 21 September 1780: Tarleton’s legion, commanded by Major George Hangar (Tarleton was ill), was on the march west when a detached group of 60 dragoons was surprised at camp by an American night attack, losing 15-20 men.
Cedar Springs, South Carolina-12 July 1780: Action in which patriot militia commanded by Colonel John Thomas ambushed a group of Tory militia who were making their way to the American camp expecting to catch them unawares. Instead, the approaching Tories took heavy fire from militia concealed in the woods, forcing them to withdraw.
Fishdam Ford, South Carolina -9 November, 1780: Clash between Thomas Sumter’s militia and British and Tory Regulars commanded by Major James Wemyss. The British force attacked Sumter’s camp at night, but was discovered before they could achieve complete surprise. Sumter’s men got off several volleys, inflicting many casualties and wounding Wemyss, before withdrawing.
Blackstocks, South Carolina- 20 November 1780: After the battle of Fishdam Ford, Tarleton pursued Sumter across South Carolina. Knowing he was pursued by Tarleton, Sumter gathered his troops at Blackstocks Plantation and deployed them for a fight. As Tarleton approached, Sumter ordered his men to attack, first hitting him in the flank, then the front. The attack delayed Tarleton’s advance long enough for Sumter to slip away at night.