tion, because they
could not help themselves, manifested their antipathy to the British
government; while those who were in heart favourable to the cause of
King George, were indignant at seeing the disloyal part of the community
enjoying immunities and advantages, which they would employ against the
English on the first opportunity. The disaffected were encouraged by the
hope of speedy aid from Virginia and by congress, who were resolved to
make the most strenuous efforts to recover South Carolina. At length,
therefore, treachery began openly to show itself. One Lisle, who had
taken the oath of allegiance, and obtained rank and command, went over
to the republicans with a battalion of militia, well equipped with arms
and ammunition. A similar instance of treachery also occurred in another
part of the province, where a colonel of militia, who was entrusted with
the escort of some sick and wounded soldiers, carried them into North
Carolina, and gave them up to Baron de Kalb, a German, who was at the
head of some regular troops, and of 3000 militia. Kalb was appointed
to drive the royalists out of the country in North Carolina, and to
encourage the disaffected in South Carolina. He was soon joined by
General Gates, whom congress sent to take the supreme command of
the American forces. On his arrival, Gates having 6000 men under his
command, prepared at once to drive the British from their line of posts
across the state of South Carolina, and carry the war up to the very
walls of Charlestown. Intelligence of these preparations induced Lord
Cornwallis to repair to Camden, though his effective force did not
exceed 2000 men. After some skirmishing, and two attacks on detached
positions, conducted by Colonel Sumter, and both unsuccessful, Gates
moved forward to Camden, in the full assurance of victory. Having
received intelligence of this, Lord Cornwallis, instead of retreating or
waiting to receive Gates, set out in the dead of the night to meet him.
The advanced parties met in the woods at two o'clock in the morning, and
a Maryland regiment was defeated; but after this temporary conflict
both armies betook themselves to rest, and waited for the morning light.
When the morning dawned, Cornwallis discovered that the ground which
he occupied was exceedingly favourable for an action; his flanks being
secured by two swamps, which narrowed the ground in his front by which
Gates must advance. He formed in two lines: the first consist