feb 17, 1781 - Skirmish at Hart's Mill

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Capt. Joseph Graham with 20 N.C. cavalry, and Capt. Richard Simmons with 20 mounted N.C. militia, both acting under Brig Gen Andrew Pickens set an ambush for a British lieutenant, a sergeant, 24 privates and 2 loyalists at Hart's Mill on Stoney Creek three miles (Graham says ten) west of Hillsborough. Graham letter, “The commanding officer and party returned and gave Capt. [Richard] Simmons directions to go behind the swell in the ground until he got the buildings between him and the [British] guard and then advance; while at the same time, the Cavalry would make a diversion to our left.
The Captain had his men across the great road to Mebane's, and the Cavalry turning to the left, entered an old field in open order, upwards of two hundred yards from the enemy. They galloped across at right angles to their lines completely attracted their attention and drew their fire; until Simmons's party reached the small buildings, and fired from the corners of both at the same instant.
Those of the enemy who did not fall, fled. The Cavalry came down at full charge, and by the time the guard had fled one hundred yards beyond the river their front was overtaken, and the whole killed or captured. " On February 23, Pickens wrote to Greene from "Camp Hyco [River]," near Hillsborough. In reporting “McCall's” attack, he stated that his men had achieved a victory “that would have done Honor to the most disciplined Troops.” 8 British were killed or severely wounded, and 10 and several Loyalists captured.

Pickens further told Greene that he would move that evening or tomorrow to Stony Creek. He also said that Col. Lock, who was camped four miles below at High Rock Ford, was badly in need of ammunition, lead in particular, which he would have Lock send to Greene for. In his request to Greene on February 24, from High Rock, Lock said his men did not have a "Second ball," and asked Greene for 200 troops.

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