apr 8, 1781 - Skirmish at Pocotaligo Road (Patterson's Bridge, Saltketcher Bridge)

Description:

On April 8th, Col. William Harden and his Patriot force set up an ambush at Patterson's Bridge. The Loyalist force, commanded by Capt. Edward Fenwick and thirty-five (35) South Carolina Light Dragoons, a recently formed Loyalist cavalry troop that had already defeated Col. Harden here three days earlier, discovered the ambush and fell back.

Col. Harden called his men out of the woods to make a charge against the Loyalists. Only a few came out, with the majority of the men being too far back in the woods to be recalled. Capt. Fenwick saw the small number of Patriots on the road and ordered his Loyalists to charge them, the sabers apparently proved too much for Col. Harden’s mounted men, they were scattered and fled the area.

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