osition the
efforts of Greene were directed. The American general reached Camden
before the express, but Rawdon was apprised of his approach in
sufficient time to call in all his detachments, and to prepare for the
struggle. Rawdon had about 900 men under his command, and Greene about
1500 regular troops, and some corps of militia. Yet, although his force
was greatly superior, the American general did not venture to storm or
to invest Camden, but took up a position on Hobkirk's-hill, about two
miles off, designing to remain there till he should be joined by Lee and
the independent partisan, Marion, each with a considerable force. Lord
Rawdon seems to have been aware of his expectations, and he resolved to
attack him on Hobkirk's-hill before they could be realised. Rawdon was
successful. He charged the enemy with such impetuosity that they were
utterly routed, leaving behind them between two hundred to three hundred
killed or wounded, and about one hundred prisoners. Greene retreated
to a creek about twelve miles off, where he encamped to wait for
reinforcements, to attend to his sick and wounded, and to levy supplies
for his half-famished men. Lord Rawdou's loss amounted, in killed,
wounded, and missing, to two hundred and fifty-eight, and as this number
could be ill spared out of so weak, a force, and some reinforcements
which he expected had not yet joined, he was obliged to retire from
the scene of his victory, and to act on the defensive. A portion of the
troops he expected arrived soon after at Charlestown, and Rawdon
marched thither to effect a junction. In his absence, Greene captured
Orangeburg, Fort Motte, Granby, and several other places, after which
he invested the strong post of Ninety-six, which was considered as
commanding the whole of the back country. Before this post could be
reduced, however, Lord Rawdon was enabled to bring up his forces, and he
retired into North Carolina, with his enemy in full pursuit. The British
general soon perceived that it was in vain to pursue the American force,
and he returned to Ninety-six, and from thence to Charlestown, taking
with him all the loyalists in that district. Greene now returned to
South Carolina, and being joined by detachments, under Lee, Sumpter,
and Marion, he encamped on the hills of Santee. Lord Rawdon retired
soon after to Orangeburg, from whence, on account of ill-health, he was
compelled to return to England. His troops were left under the command
of