ed Lord Rawdon, who was much in need
of cavalry, and two days later he retreated to Orangeburgh.

The summer heats now coming on, Lord Rawdon proceeded to England on sick
leave, leaving Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart in command of the troops in
South Carolina and Georgia. The new commander at once proceeded with the
army to the Congaree, and formed an encampment near its junction with
the Wateree.

Towards the end of August, while Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart was expecting
a convoy of provisions from Charlestown, he received information that
General Greene, who had been reinforced and was now at the head of 2500
men, was moving towards Friday's Ferry on the Congaree. The American
cavalry was so numerous and enterprising that the expected convoy, then
at Martin's, fifty-six miles from the British camp, would inevitably
fall into their hands unless protected by an escort of at least 400 men;
and Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart's force being too small to admit of so
considerable a body being detached without risk, he determined to
retreat by slow marches to Eutaw Springs, about sixty miles north of
Charlestown, and meet the convoy on the way.

General Greene followed the retiring British, and, on the 7th of
September, arrived within seven miles of Eutaw Springs. Being there
reinforced by General Marion and his corps, he resolved to attack next
day. At six in the morning, two deserters from the American army entered
the British camp, and informed Stuart of the approach of the enemy; but
little credit was given to their report. At that time Major Coffin, with
140 infantry and 50 of the South Carolina Regiment, was out foraging for
roots and vegetables--the army having neither corn nor bread--in the
direction in which the Americans were advancing. About four miles from
the camp at Eutaw, that party was attacked by the American advanced
guard and driven in with loss. Their return convinced Colonel Stuart of
the approach of the enemy, and the British army was soon drawn up
obliquely across the road on the height near Eutaw Springs.

The firing began between two and three miles from the British camp. The
British light parties were driven in on their main body, and the first
line of the Americans attacked with great impetuosity. For a short time
the conflicting ranks were intermingled, and the officers fought hand to
hand. At that critical moment, General Lee, who had turned the left
flank of the British, charged them in the rear. They were