Despite the defeat at Port Royal Island, General Augustine Prevost made a second attempt to capture Charleston by crossing the Savannah River with 2,400 British regulars, while William Moultrie, again outnumbered 2 to 1, chose to make a stand on a slight ridge at the Tullifinny River about 2 miles east of the Coosawhatchie River. He left about 200 men to guard the crossing and warn of the British approach, and as the enemy drew near, he was about to send an aide to withdraw them when Colonel John Laurens offered to lead them back. Trusting Laurens, Moultrie sent 250 men to help cover the flanks, but Laurens disobeyed orders, crossed the river, and formed the men in line for battle. He failed to take the high ground, his men suffered from well-placed enemy fire, Laurens was wounded, and his second in command fell back to the main force at the Tullifinny, where Moultrie was compelled to retreat toward Charleston.