of a
destructive discharge of grape, they gained the summit of the hill and
pierced the American centre. The militia fell into confusion, their
officers were unable to rally them, and General Greene ordered a
retreat. The pursuit was continued for nearly three miles. The Americans
halted for the night at Saunders' Creek, about four miles from Hobkerk's
Hill, and next day proceeded to Rugeley Mills, about twelve miles from
Camden. After the engagement the British returned to Camden. The
American loss was 300; the British lost 258 out of about 900 who were on
the field.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 6: "The True History of the Siege of Savannah," published
1780.]

[Footnote 7: "The Campaigns of 1780 and 1781, in the Southern Provinces
of North America," by Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, London, 1787.]

[Footnote 8: Tarleton, p. 461.]

[Footnote 9: "Martial Register," vol. iii. p. 110.]

CHAPTER III.

THE RELIEF OF NINETY-SIX, 1781--THE BATTLE OF EUTAW SPRINGS,
1781--REMOVAL TO THE WEST INDIES.

Lord Rawdon was not in a position to follow up his success at Hobkerk's
Hill, and on the 3rd of May, 1781, Greene passed the Wateree, and
occupied such positions as to prevent the garrison at Camden obtaining
supplies. Generals Marion and Lee were also posted at Nelson's Ferry, to
prevent Colonel Watson, who was advancing with 400 men, from joining
Lord Rawdon, and Watson was obliged to alter his route. He marched down
the north side of the Santee, crossed it near its mouth, with incredible
labour advanced up its southern bank, recrossed it above the encampment
of Marion and Lee, and arrived safely with his detachment at Camden on
the 7th of May.

Thus reinforced, Lord Rawdon determined to attack Greene, and, on the
night of the 8th, marched from Camden with his whole force. Greene, who
had been informed of this movement, passed the Wateree and took up a
strong position behind Saunders' Creek. Lord Rawdon followed him and
drove in his outposts, but, finding the position was too strong for his
small force, he returned to Camden.

Camden being too far advanced a post for Lord Rawdon to hold with the
few troops at his disposal, he evacuated it on the 10th of May, and
retired by Nelson's Ferry to the south of the Santee, and afterwards to
Monk's Corner. In the meantime, attacks were made on the British posts
in Georgia, Augusta itself being taken on the 5th of June, while the
post of Ninety-six in South Carolina was close