On a dark February night after days of rain had drenched the troops and pushed creeks out of their banks, flooding roads and paths, loyalist forces struggled through tangled forests and swampy lowlands where military campaigns often bogged down and lost strength and morale. After two weeks of maneuvering, numerous desertions, and a 70-mile march through unfamiliar terrain, their leaders were determined to reach the coast with their troops and a train of thirteen heavily laden wagons. Around tidal creeks, thickets of briars and grapevines made cross-country passage nearly impossible except at crossings like Moores Creek Bridge.