may 4, 1779 - Skirmish at Tullifinny Hill

Description:

Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln sent 1,000 men to Brig. Gen. William Moultrie at Black Swamp to delay British Brig. Gen. Augustine Prevost from crossing the Savannah River. As soon as Prevost crossed the river with 2,000 troops, Moultrie abandoned Black Swamp, leaving only 100 men of the 5th SC Regiment to delay the British. Moultrie requested artillery from Governor John Rutledge, but none arrived. Neither Lincoln nor Rutledge thought that Prevost would make an attempt to capture Charles Town.

At the Coosawhatchie River, the remainder of the 5th SC Regiment rendezvoused with Moultrie. He decided to make a stand at Tullifinny Hill, a small hill overlooking the Coosawhatchie River, that he considered being more defendable. Moultrie had guards at all possible crossing points, and placed 100 men at the primary crossing point. He requested an additional 100 cavalrymen from Governor Rutledge, but they did not arrive.

Lincoln did send 250 hand-picked men under the command of Lt. Col. John Laurens. These men were mostly North Carolinian Continental Troops, known as the North Carolina Light Infantry.

On May 3, Moultrie sent Lt. Col. Laurens’ Light Infantry, and Militia companies, to bring back the rear guard before it was cut off. instead he chose to fight the British in what is now known as known as the battle of Coosawhatchie.

When the wounded Laurens returned to Moultrie's position on Tullifinny Hill, he told the general that the Patriots could not adequately defend their position based upon Prevost's strength. Moultrie suppressed his anger and ordered the bridge over the Tullifinny River destroyed. He retreated with his demoralized army towards Charles Town, burning bridges as he went.

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