creek, the road to Charleston crosses Watboo and Quinby
Creeks. The destruction of Watboo bridge rendered impracticable the
retreat by the eastern route, and this bridge, accordingly, became an
important object to both the British and Americans. A detachment of
Marion's men, under Col. Mayham, was sent forward to destroy the Watboo
bridge, and thus cut off the retreat of the enemy. But the position and
force of Col. Coates prevented the approach of Mayham, and he waited
the advance of the main body. On the 16th July, he was reinforced by a
detachment under Col. Peter Horry, who, assuming the command, proceeded
to the attempt upon the bridge. The enemy's cavalry opposed themselves
to the attempt; a short action ensued; they were defeated, and driven
back with loss. The mounted riflemen broke through them, and a number
of prisoners were taken. Horry then dispatched a party to destroy the
bridge, and remained to cover the men engaged in the work. But the
enemy soon reappeared in force, and Horry, with his working party, was
compelled to retire, in turn, upon the main body. Sumter, believing that
Coates had marched out to give him battle, took post in a defile, and
awaited him; but the purpose of the enemy was only to gain time--to
wear out the day, amusing him, while they made secret preparations for
flight. Their stores were accumulated in the church, which had been
their fortress, and, at midnight, the flames bursting through the roof
of the devoted building announced to the Americans the retreat of the
foe. The pursuit was immediately commenced, and, in order that it
might not be impeded, the only piece of artillery which Sumter had, was
unfortunately left behind, under Lieut. Singleton. Lee and Hampton led
the pursuit until, having passed the Watboo, they discovered that the
cavalry of the enemy had separated from the infantry, taking the right
hand route. Hampton then struck off in pursuit of the former, in hope
to overtake them before they could reach the river; but he urged his
panting horses in vain. They had completed their escape, and secured the
boats on the opposite side, before he could come up with them.

Marion's cavalry, meanwhile, under Col. Mayham, had joined the Legion
cavalry in pursuit of the infantry. About a mile to the north of Quinby
Creek, the rearguard of the retreating army was overtaken. With this
body, which consisted of one hundred men, under Capt. Campbell, was
nearly all the baggage of the