ined rather to
hazard an action, notwithstanding our numbers were greatly
inferior to theirs. On the 5th we began our march, our baggage
and stores having been ordered to Howell's Ferry under a proper
guard. We moved by slow and easy marches, as well to disguise our
real intention, as to give General Marion an opportunity to join
us, who had been detached for the support of Colonel Harden, a
report of which I transmitted in my letter of the 5th, dated
Maybrick's Creek. General Marion joined us on the evening of the
7th, at Burdell's plantation, seven miles from the enemy's camp.

We made the following disposition, and marched at four o'clock
the next morning to attack the enemy. Our front line was composed
of four small battalions of militia, two of North and two of
South Carolinians; one of the South Carolinians was under the
immediate command of General Marion, and was posted on the right,
who also commanded the front line; the two North Carolina
battalions, wider the command of Colonel Malmady, were posted in
the centre; and the other South Carolina battalion under the (p. 053)
command of General Pickens, was posted on the left. Our second
line consisted of three small brigades of continental
troops--one from North Carolina, one from Virginia, and one from
Maryland. The North Carolinians were formed into three
battalions, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Ash, Majors
Armstrong and Blount; the whole commanded by General Sumner, and
posted upon the right. The Virginians consisted of two
battalions, commanded by Major Snead and Captain Edmonds, and the
whole by Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, and posted in the centre.
The Marylanders also consisted of two battalions, commanded by
Lieutenant-Colonel Howard and Major Hardman, and the brigade by
Colonel Williams, deputy adjutant-general to the army, and were
posted upon the left. Lieutenant-Colonel Lee with his legion
covered our right flank; and Lieutenant-Colonel Henderson, with
the State troops, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonels Hampton,
Middleton, and Polk, our left. Lieutenant-Colonel Washington,
with his horse and the Delaware troops, under Captain Kirkwood,
formed a corps of reserve. Two three-pounders, under
Captain-Lieutenant Gaines, advanced with the front line, and two
sixes,