Battle of Earle's Ford

Front: After British forces took Charleston in May 1780, they set up outposts in the backcountry and attempted to control the state by encouraging Loyalists. Patriot militia from Ga. and N.C. operated with S.C. militia as opportunities arose. On the night of July 14-15, 1780, one of a series of engagements in the vicinity took place nearby, just E of Earle’s Ford over the North Pacolet River. Reverse: Col. Charles McDowell, with 300 N.C. militia, and Col. John Jones, with 35 Ga. militia, camped near the ford on the night of July 14. Maj. James Dunlap, with 70 British dragoons and Loyalists, surprised the Patriots sleeping in their camp but retreated when he saw he was outnumbered. The Americans lost 8 men killed and 24 men wounded; the British and Loyalists lost a single man wounded.