dec 14, 1780 - Skirmish at Nelson's Ferry

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Lt. Col. Nisbet Balfour changed the Charles Town-to-Camden supply route from the shorter route of Nelson's Ferry and the Santee Road, to the much-longer one going from Moncks Corner to Friday's Ferry on the Congaree River. Lt. Col. Balfour ordered that boats on the Santee River stay below Murry’s Ferry. However, one boat which did not receive the directive in time and was captured and burned at Nelson's Ferry by Col. Marion's men on 14 December. Although a detachment of the 64th Regiment of Foot was posted at Nelson's Ferry at the time of the raid, their numbers were not sufficient to pursue Col. Marion's large number of mounted men.
The Patriots swarmed aboard the seized vessel and removed all stores, sails, hardware, and everything else of military value, then they applied the torch. For approximately the next six days, both enemies lay watching each other, taking an occasional random shot.

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