mar 20, 1781 - Skirmish at Sampit Bridge

Description:

British Lt Col John Watson left Blakely's Plantation (Salters,SC)moving toward Georgetown. Brig Gen Francis Marion followed firing on the rear guard. Marion sent Lt Col Peter Horry's cavalry ahead to Sampit River Bridge to destroy the bridge and prevent Watson's crossing. Horry placed Lt John Scott's rifleman on the northeast side ot the river but when the British arrived and crossed the river with bayonets shining frightened the riflemen who did not fire. Marion attacked Watson from the rear but Watson fired grapeshot from his cannons driving Marion's men back. Watson left over 20 dead on the field and loaded wounded in his wagons forcing his way across the river to break contact.

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