The British Fortifications

Cruger assumed command at Ninety Six in August, 1780, and quickly strengthened the defenses. By October he had built a stockade and ditch around "ye Court house and the principle houses" and added blockhouses, probably on the Island Ford and Charleston roads. Cruger hinted to Lord Charles Cornwallis that "the Ideas of an Engineer would not injure us..." Lieutenant Henry Haidans, a military engineer, reached the post in early December and reported "the works in a much better state than expected..." Haldane recommended adding an abatis on a line 30 yards from the ditch and construction of the Star Fort to protect the eastern flank of the town.

Ninety Six, South Carolina · United States