Struggle for the Hill

After Lord Rawdon reinforced his flanks, American and British soldiers exchanged musket volleys for several minutes. The battered British units on Rawdon’s left soon began to fall back. Just as American victory seemed assured, a sharpshooter killed Captain William Beatty of the 1st Maryland, throwing Beatty’s company and the one adjacent to it into confusion. The units retreated, and Colonel John Gunby halted the rest of the regiment and fell back to reorganize his troops. The 2nd Maryland, isolated by Gunby’s withdrawal, came under heavy fire and began to retreat. So did the 1st Virginia moments later, forcing Greene to order the 2nd Virginia to fall back. Rawdon’s troops surged forward, drove off the disorganized Continentals, and occupied the hill.

Camden, South Carolina · United States