n to
Camden, and sometimes of those destined for Forts Granby and Ninety-Six.
A large new mansion-house belonging to Mrs. Motte, situated on a high
and commanding hill, had been chosen for this establishment. It was
surrounded with a deep trench, along the inner margin of which a
strong and lofty parapet was raised. To this post had been assigned
a sufficient garrison of one hundred and fifty men. This force was
increased by a small detachment of dragoons from Charleston, which had
been thrown into it a few hours before the appearance of the Americans.
The garrison was commanded by Capt. McPherson, a firm and gallant
officer.

Opposite to Fort Motte, to the north, stood another hill, where Mrs.
Motte, who had been expelled from her dwelling, resided in an old
farm-house. On this, Lee took position with his corps: Marion's men
occupied the eastern declivity of the same ridge on which stood the
fort.

The place was very soon invested. The six pounder with which Greene had
furnished Marion, was mounted on a battery raised in the quarter which
he occupied, for the purpose of raking the northern face of the enemy's
parapet. McPherson was in the possession of a wall-piece, but he had not
been able to adapt it for use before the investment took place. It does
not seem to have been even used during the siege. His chief hopes lay
in being relieved by a detachment from Camden, not doubting its arrival
before his assailant could push his preparations to maturity. The works
of the latter advanced rapidly, and the place was summoned on the 20th
of May. The reply declared the determination of the besieged to try the
strength and patience of the besiegers. These had now every motive for
perseverance. They were advised of the approach of Rawdon, with all his
force, to the relief of the fort. That stern commander, finding Camden
was no longer tenable against the increasing forces of the Americans,
and unable to maintain his several posts with his diminished strength,
was aiming to contract his scattered bodies into narrower limits.
Having made a second, but unsatisfactory, demonstration upon Greene,
he destroyed his unnecessary baggage, and, leaving Camden in flames, he
once more abandoned it to the Americans. Greene advised Marion of his
retreat, and urged him to expedition. On the next night he reached
the country opposite Fort Motte, and his numerous fires on the highest
grounds on his route, encouraged the garrison with hopes of s