dec 1, 1780 - Skirmish at Hopkins' Place

Description:

Capt. Samuel Otterson, of the 2nd Spartan Regiment of Militia, was sent from the Union District with eight or ten men to spy on the Loyalists in the western Chester District. His patrol crossed the Broad River at Fish Dam Ford and rode to the home of Lt. Col. David Hopkins, which was deserted. Capt. Otterson noticed a fire about a quarter mile away. He crawled up to the ridge by himself and "discovered Tories, double his strength." They must be Loyalists or they would have been at Hopkins' place. He snaked his way back to his men so he would not be seen and ordered them to approach the enemy camp the same way. They were to fire when he gave the signal.
While they were snaking into position, the leader of the Loyalists, a Capt. Moore, "who was advanced in his years," rose out of his bedroll and went to the fire to stoke it. He was on his knees blowing up a blaze when Capt. Otterson gave the signal to fire. The Loyalist were defeated.

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