jul 20, 1780 - Skirmish at Lawson's Fork

Description:

Anxious for the capture of Capt. Patrick Moore, Maj. Joseph Dickson and Capt. William Johnston were sent out to apprehend this noted Loyalist leader. On Lawson's Fork of the Pacolet River, near the old Iron Works, since Bivingsville, and now known as Glendale, the parties met and a skirmish ensued, in which Captain Johnston and the Loyalist leader had a personal rencontre. Capt. Moore was at length overpowered and captured, but in the desperate contest Capt. Johnston received several wounds on his head and on the thumb of his right hand. While bearing his prisoner toward the Patriot lines a short distance away, he was rapidly approached by several British troops. Attempting to fire his loaded musket at his pursuers, it unfortunately missed in consequence of the blood flowing from his wounded thumb and wetting his priming. This misfortune on his part enabled his prisoner to escape, and, perceiving his own dangerous and defenseless condition, he promptly availed himself of a friendly thicket at his side, eluded his pursuers, and shortly after rejoined the command. Location is area of the old Wolford Iron Works.

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