ate of the garrison. I cannot ascertain the
loss the enemy may have sustained, but judging by our own, it
cannot be inconsiderable. Our approaches were carried by two
trenches and a mine to within a few feet of the ditch of their
strongest fort, and our troops once took possession of it, but
their works were too strong to be escaladed. Instances of
consummate bravery were exhibited, but their fire was too fatal for
our people to remain in their fosse, and we were obliged to leave
it with loss."

But the most important battle, and the last of consequence, was that of
Eutaw. It was by no means as decisive as that of Cowpens, but it was
instrumental in putting an end to the war. Col. Williams displays his
knowledge of the enemy, and his skill as a soldier, in this prognostic
of the battle, which happened four days after that he writes as follows
from:

"FORT MOTT, on the Congaree River, _Sept. 4th, 1781_.

"I wrote last from the high hills of Santee, from which the army
moved the 23d of August, with the view of attacking the enemy at
Thompson's Farm, which is within half a mile of this place, but
having a large circuit to make before we could pass the Wateree and
Congaree rivers, which lay between us, the enemy took the
opportunity of retiring to Nelson Ferry, which is on the Santee
River, about forty miles below the confluence of the first
mentioned rivers, which form the last, within sight of our present
position.

"Having got the enemy so low down the country, a great point is
gained, and puts the laboring oar into their hands.

"We shall not be under the necessity of fighting, neither shall we
avoid it if a favorable opportunity offers. These large rivers,
which have all extensive marshy shores and but few ferries,
embarrass us on account of transporting our baggage, and will
subject the army to some inconvenience, but our circumstances,
taken altogether, are very different from what they were three
months ago, and are indeed a perfect contrast to the adverse
fortune that followed the heels of our retreating troops last
winter. If Col. Stewart, who has commanded the army since Lord
Rawdon's departure for Europe, thinks proper to risk an action, he
will be beaten."

Here we have his account of the battle itself:

"The British army, being reinforced by the 3d