First Battle of Charleston (Prevost’s Raid)

Overview

In April 1779, General Benjamin Lincoln moved his army from lower South Carolina to reoccupy Augusta, Georgia, and reestablish American control of the state. British General Augustine Prevost crossed the Savannah River with 2,500 soldiers to counter Lincoln.

General William Moultrie’s withdrawal from Purrysburg, South Carolina, encouraged Prevost to continue his march northward toward Charleston. 

Prevost left most of his army west of the city and crossed onto the peninsula north of Charleston on May 11, 1779. Casimir Pulaski and his cavalry attacked Prevost’s advance force. The Americans were repulsed and returned to Charleston.

Moultrie tried to delay Prevost by exchanging letters while he waited for Lincoln to arrive with his army. Prevost withdrew on May 12, 1779, after learning that Lincoln was nearby.

The British fought a rearguard action at the Battle of Stono Ferry before retiring to James Island and Johns Island. Prevost returned to Savannah, where American and French forces besieged him in the fall of 1779.

Essential Facts

• Also Known As: First Siege of Charleston, Prevost’s Charleston Raid, Prevost’s Charleston Expedition.
• Date: May 11–12, 1779.
• Location: Charleston, South Carolina.
• Participants: United States of America and Great Britain.
• Key American Leaders: William Moultrie, John Laurens, Casimir Pulaski, John Rutledge, and Benjamin Lincoln.
• Key British Leaders: Augustine Prevost, John Maitland, and James Moncrief.
• Who Won: United States.
• Part Of: American Revolutionary War, British Southern Strategy.

Significance

The First Battle of Charleston is important to American History because of the role it played in allowing the British to retain control of Georgia and in setting up the Siege of Savannah (1779).

History

British Southern Strategy

Following the British surrender at Saratoga and General George Washington’s bold attack on General William Howe’s forces at Germantown, Pennsylvania, French officials were convinced the United States could win the war and agreed to form an economic and military alliance with the fledgling nation (see Franco-American Alliance). 

Although the British had captured the American capital, Philadelphia, in September 1777, the threat of a French attack on New York City led British officials to redefine their war strategy. Known as the “British Southern Strategy,” it was designed to use military force to isolate the New England Colonies, maintain control of Canada and New York City, and reestablish control of several valuable colonies, namely, Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia.

The plan involved concentrating military forces around New York City in the North, sending forces to conquer Georgia first, and then moving northward into the Carolinas. Once the Southern Colonies were firmly under British control, British officials intended to take Virginia, where they could establish a naval base in the Chesapeake Bay.

By doing this, Britain would control New York City, the most important port in the North, and the most important port cities in the South, including Savannah and Charleston. British officials assumed that if the war ended under such conditions, the United States would only include New England and possibly portions of New York outside the city.

British officials also believed there was significant Loyalist support in the Southern Colonies. George Germain, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, fully expected Loyalists would respond to the presence of British forces by taking up arms and joining the war effort. According to General Henry Clinton, commander-in-chief of British forces in North America, one goal of the strategy was to “…support the Loyalists and restore the authority of the King’s government.”

To prepare for the campaign, Clinton withdrew his army from Philadelphia and marched northward to New York City. General Washington and his Continental Army emerged from their winter encampment at Valley Forge and pursued Clinton’s Army. They clashed at the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse (June 28, 1778), an intense, day-long battle that ended in a stalemate. While Washington prepared his army to attack the next day, Clinton withdrew and completed his march to New York. Washington followed and stationed his army in northern New Jersey. At this point, the war in the Northern Theater became a stalemate.

In late 1778, Clinton initiated the first stage of the Southern Strategy by sending three expeditions to invade Georgia, reinforce the defenses in East Florida, and invade the Spanish colony in western Florida. These forces, led by Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell and General Augustine Prevost, pushed into Georgia, capturing Savannah and Augusta, the two key cities, and placing  Georgia firmly under British control.

Following a failed expedition into East Florida, General Robert Howe, commander of the Southern Department of the Continental Army, returned to Charleston. Unhappy with his performance, delegates from South Carolina and Georgia asked Congress to find a new commanding officer for the Southern Army. Congress agreed, and Benjamin Lincoln of Massachusetts replaced Howe on September 25, 1778. Howe remained in command until Lincoln could make his way to Charleston and officially take command.

For the next three months, British and American forces clashed with each other in the Georgia Backcountry and the Carolina Backcountry. Lincoln traveled to Charleston, arriving on December 4, 1778.

Capture of Savannah

Meanwhile, Howe made his way to Savannah, Georgia, where he took command of a small army that included Continental soldiers and Georgia Militia. 

• Campbell’s expedition landed at Tybee Island on December 23, 1778, and marched toward Savannah.
• Howe decided to defend the city rather than march north to join forces with General Lincoln at Charleston.
• The British attacked on December 29, crushed the Americans, and drove them out of the city.
• American survivors fled northward toward Purrysburg, South Carolina, which was north of Savannah, on the east side of the Savannah River

Soon after, Prevost joined Campbell at Savannah and assumed command of British forces. Prevost prepared to send troops to capture Augusta and recruit Loyalists in the Carolina Backcountry.

Actions at Briar Creek

Campbell left Savannah on January 24, 1779, and was harassed by Georgia Militia forces. On January 25, Campbell sent a detachment of light infantry and South Carolina Loyalists to secure the bridge at Briar Creek, Georgia. 

• The Georgia Militia was preparing to burn the bridge when the British.
• The British attacked. After nearly an hour of fighting, the Georgia Militia withdrew.
• 50 Loyalists were stationed at the bridge to defend it.

The next day, January 26, roughly 30 South Carolina Militia troops approached the bridge, unaware it was defended. The Loyalists opened fire on the Patriots, quickly routing them.

As Campbell continued his advance, he sent Major John Hamilton and Lieutenant Colonel John Boyd into the Carolina Backcountry to recruit Loyalists.

AHC Notes

• These small battles are also referred to as the First Battle of Briar Creek (January 25) and the Second Battle of Briar Creek (January 26).

Capture of Augusta

Campbell arrived at Augusta on January 29, 1779, which was occupied by General Andrew Williamson and South Carolina Militia troops. 

• Williamson withdrew, allowing Campbell to occupy the city on January 31.
• Campbell’s troops skirmished with Williamson’s rear guard as the main body crossed the Savannah River to the east side.

AHC Notes

• During his occupation of Augusta, Campbell called for Loyalists and Native American Indian allies to join his ranks. 
• Campbell also posted Colonel Daniel McGirth and his Loyalists on the west bank of the Savannah River, across from Williamson, to monitor American movements.

Battle of Port Royal

Meanwhile, General Prevost sought to establish a base of operations on Port Royal Island, near Beaufort, South Carolina. This base would allow British forces to organize and launch an attack on Charleston by land and water. 

• Prevost sent an expedition to seize Port Royal Island.
• Lincoln responded by sending General William Moultrie to block British landing parties. 
• Moultrie and his men won the Battle of Beaufort on February 3, 1779, which delayed British plans to capture Charleston.

On February 4, the South Carolina and American Gazette responded to the American victory, suggesting: “If the people of this state will now exert themselves, there may soon be another Burgoyne in the southern quarter of America.”

AHC Notes

• “Burgoyne in the southern quarter of America” refers to the British Surrender at Saratoga.

Loyalists March Toward Augusta

John Boyd made his way to present-day Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he was joined by Lieutenant Colonel John Moore and 250 North Carolina Loyalists. Boyd broke camp on February 5, 1779, and started his march to Augusta with around 600 men.

AHC Notes

• Captain Josiah Greer and 30 men from the Little River Regiment of the South Carolina Militia trailed Boyd’s column to Augusta.
• Greer was joined by additional militia units en route to Augusta, ultimately totaling around 250 men.

Siege of Carr’s Fort

By this time, Colonel John Dooly and his men from the Georgia Militia had taken a position on the east side of the river, across from Augusta. They were joined by Colonel Andrew Pickens and 250 men from the South Carolina Militia.

• Pickens took command when he arrived on February 8, 1779.
• They were joined by reinforcements from the North Carolina Militia.

On February 10, Pickens led an attack on Loyalists at Carr’s Fort, downriver from Augusta. Pickens laid siege to the fort, which was under the command of Captain John Hamilton. 

However, Pickens learned that John Boyd was headed toward Georgia and intended to cross the Savannah River at Cherokee Ford.

• Pickens abandoned the Siege of Carr’s Fort and marched toward Cherokee Ford.
• Hamilton and his Loyalists abandoned Carr’s Fort and marched toward Augusta.

Standoff at McGowan’s Blockhouse (Cherokee Ford)

Cherokee Ford was defended by Americans who were in a fortified building called McGowan’s Blockhouse. The garrison consisted of Lieutenant Thomas Shanklin and eight men. However, the blockhouse  

• As John Boyd approached the blockhouse, he sent a message to Shanklin.
• Boyd offered to pass without hostilities, but Shanklin refused, even though he was heavily outnumbered.

Captain James Little and 40 Georgia militia arrived to reinforce the blockhouse. Although Boyd outnumbered the Americans, he decided to avoid hostilities and went north to cross at Vann’s Creek in present-day Elberton, Georgia. While he moved to the Crossing at Vann’s Creek, he was unaware that Pickens and Dooly were closing in on him.

Battle of Vann’s Creek (Cherokee Ford)

Captain Little sent a message to his commanding officer, Captain Robert Anderson, asking for reinforcements, and then followed Boyd to Vann’s Creek. Anderson joined Little with South Carolina Militia units, but Boyd still outnumbered the Americans about 600 to 120. Anderson took command of the Patriot forces, who arrived at the crossing before the Loyalists and hid along the shoreline.

• The Loyalists started crossing the deep water at several locations.
• The Patriots opened fire, but were overmatched.
• Anderson ordered his men to withdraw from the Battle of Vann’s Creek.
• The Patriots retreated to McGowan’s Blockhouse.

Pickens arrived at McGowan’s Blockhouse and joined Anderson and Little. Together, they resumed the pursuit of Boyd’s Loyalists and crossed the Savannah River on February 12, 1779, at Cedar Shoal.

AHC Notes

• The incidents at Carr’s Fort, Cherokee Ford, and Vann’s Creek took place between February 10 and February 12, 1779.
• Collectively, they are often referred to as the Battle of Cherokee Ford.

Lincoln Dispatches American Forces

While these Patriot and Loyalist forces were maneuvering against each other along the Savannah River, General Lincoln marched from Charleston to Purrysburg.

The victory at Beaufort had increased support for the American war effort, and militia forces and volunteers joined Lincoln at his new camp, along with the remnants of General Robert Howe’s Army. As a result, Lincoln sought to push British forces out of Georgia and reestablish American control over the state.

• General Andrew Williamson and 1,000 men were across from Augusta, at Fort Moore’s Bluff.
• General Griffith Rutherford and 800 men went to the Black Swamp.
• General John Ashe and Colonel Samuel Elbert marched to reinforce Williamson. Ashe had 1,400 North Carolina Militia under his command, and Elbert had 100 Georgia Continentals. Ashe led the reinforcements, and they arrived at Williamson’s position on February 13.

Campbell Abandons Augusta

Over three days in the middle of February, the situation in Augusta changed due to a lack of Loyalist support and reports of Patriot forces gathering in the area.

• February 12 — Campbell decided to abandon Augusta and return to Savannah.
• February 13 — Ashe joined Williamson on the other side of the Savannah River.
• February 14 — Campbell left Augusta and marched toward Savannah.

Battle of Kettle Creek

Meanwhile, Boyd was still moving toward Augusta and crossed the Broad River on February 13, 1779, where it meets the Savannah River. He camped on the north side of Kettle Creek, about a mile from Carr’s Fort. However, he did not know that:

• Pickens was following him.
• Hamilton had abandoned Carr’s Fort.
• Campbell had abandoned Augusta.

On the morning of February 14, Boyd broke camp and prepared to march to Carr’s Fort. He marched two miles before stopping to butcher some cattle. American scouts who were following him sent a message to Pickens to let him know that Boyd had stopped and was vulnerable.

• Pickens decided to make a surprise attack at Kettle Creek.
• He organized his command into three columns.
• A skirmish between Pickens’ advance force and Boyd’s pickets alerted the camp.
• The Loyalists scrambled to organize their defenses but were overwhelmed.
• Boyd was mortally wounded, and his men fled.

AHC Notes

• Some accounts indicate the American victory at Kettle Creek influenced Campbell’s decision to abandon Augusta.
• The outcome temporarily reduced Loyalist support in the region and increased the number of militiamen who volunteered to join General Lincoln’s Southern Army.

Battle of Briar Creek

After Campbell left Augusta, John Ashe took his men, who were mostly inexperienced militia, and followed him. As Campbell advanced, he burned bridges to slow Ashe’s pursuit. 

Ashe crossed into Georgia on February 25, 1779. Two days later, he found the bridge over Briar Creek had been burned. The bridge was necessary to cross the creek, which was close to the Savannah River and surrounded by a deep swamp.

• Ashe ordered his men to start rebuilding the bridge. 
• He sent messages to Lincoln and General Griffith Rutherford, requesting reinforcements. 
• Once the reinforcements arrived, he planned to resume his pursuit of Campbell.

In Savannah, Prevost learned that Ashe was at Briar Creek. Although Campbell was already 15 miles south of Briar Creek, Prevost sent orders for him to turn around, return to Briar Creek, and engage Ashe. Prevost also sent reinforcements, including his brother, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Prevost, to help Campbell.

• On March 3, Campbell’s men moved into position and launched an attack. 
• They were within 150 yards when some of the Americans fired on them. 
• During the Battle of Briar Creek, a gap formed in the American line. 
• The British took advantage of the gap and rushed in with their bayonets fixed. 
• The militia forces panicked and fled. 
• Elbert and the Continentals held their ground, but they were surrounded, forced to surrender, and captured.
• Ashe led the survivors four miles to Matthew’s Bluff, where he joined Rutherford. 

Lincoln Marches Toward Augusta

Despite the loss at Briar Creek, Lincoln pushed forward with his plan to drive the British out of Georgia. He planned to march northward up the Savannah River with 4,000 men, cross to Augusta, and advance on Savannah through the Georgia Backcountry. He left the militia to defend Purrysburg and Black Swamp, while Williamson remained at Augusta. Lincoln left Purrysburg on April 20, 1779, and reached Augusta on April 29.

AHC Notes

• Purrysburg — Colonel John Stewart and 400-500 South Carolina Militia.
• Black Swamp — Moultrie and General Griffin Rutherford and 700-800 North Carolina Militia. 10 miles north of Purrysburg.
• Augusta — Williamson and 1,200 men on the east side of the river.

Prevost Attacks Purrysburg and Advances Toward Charleston

After Lincoln left Purrysburg, Prevost had two choices:

1. He could pursue Lincoln directly and move toward Augusta.
2. He could make a diversionary move, march into South Carolina, and threaten Charleston.

Prevost chose the latter, believing a diversion would force Lincoln to reverse course and protect Charleston.

Coosawhatchie Bridge and Tulifinny Hill

On the night of April 28–29, Prevost left Savannah, crossed over to Purrysburg with 3,000 men, and launched a surprise attack on the American camp. The British drove the Americans off and started their march to Charleston.

• Moultrie and the militia forces retreated and reorganized at Coosawhatchie, 40 miles slightly northeast of Savannah, on May 1.
• They burned bridges behind them to make it difficult for the British to cross waterways.
• Prevost continued his pursuit.
• Lincoln sent Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens with some North Carolina Continentals to reinforce Moultrie. Notable officers with Laurens were Major John Barnwall, his aide-de-camp, and Captain Thomas Flecthall.

Moultrie marched eastward toward Charleston. He crossed the Coosawhatchie River and the Tulifinny River, leaving men behind to defend the bridges and river crossings until his entire force had crossed. Moultrie stopped at Tulifinny Hill, a ridge overlooking the Tulifinny River, where he hoped to make a stand against Prevost.

Prevost arrived at the Coosawhatchie River on May 3, 1779. Moultrie decided to pull his men from the river and have them join him at Tullifinny Hill. He sent Laurens and 500-550 men to retrieve them and defend them during the withdrawal.

When Laurens arrived at the river, he deviated from his orders and deployed his men to engage the British. By this time, the British had taken shelter in nearby houses and were able to fire on Laurens and his men, who suffered casualties. Laurens himself was shot in the arm and had his horse shot out from under him.

• Laurens turned the command over to Captain Richard Shubrick.
• Although Laurens told him to maintain his position, Shubrick ordered a retreat.
• The Americans withdrew to Tulifinny Hill and rejoined Moultrie.

With Prevost advancing quickly, Moultrie decided to withdraw from Tullifinny Hill. He ordered the bridge over the river destroyed, then marched to Salkehatchie Chapel in present-day Salkehatchie, South Carolina.

• Moultrie crossed the Combahee River at the Salkehatchie Bridge.
• Local militiamen started abandoning Moultrie, as it appeared that Prevost was likely to capture Charleston.

Moultrie’s Retreat to Charleston

On the morning of May 4, 1779, Moultrie sent a message to Lincoln, asking him to return to Charleston to help defend the city from Prevost.

• Prevost was at Bee’s Creek, roughly five miles from Moultrie’s position.
• Moultrie marched to Ashepoo, South Carolina, on May 5.
• Moultrie was at Jacksonborough on May 6, 30 miles west of Charleston.

On May 6, Lincoln abandoned his plan to attack Savannah and started marching to Charleston.

AHC Notes

• Some accounts suggest that two battles were fought; one at Coosawhatchie and one at Tulifinny Hill. In his memoirs, Moultrie provides two accounts of the Battle of Coosawhatchie, which are somewhat confusing and make it seem as if he is describing two separate actions.
• It is certain that Laurens engaged the British at the Coosawhatchie River. However, according to Moultrie, he abandoned Tulifinny Hill because Laurens told him that Prevost was advancing with a superior force and he would not be able to hold his position.
• At least one account suggests that Moultrie returned to Tulifinny Hill, where he engaged Prevost on May 5, but was forced to withdraw.

Prevost Approaches Charleston

Prevost pushed toward Charleston. On May 7, 1779, the lead elements of his army, led by Lieutenant Colonel John Maitland, arrived at Fishpond Bridge, which had been destroyed by the Americans.

• Maitland and his men repaired the bridge and marched two miles east.
• American forces fired on them and then withdrew.
• On the night of May 7–8, Prevost crossed the Combahee River and joined Maitland.

American Forces Gather at Charleston

Moultrie arrived on the outskirts of Charleston on May 8, 1779. By this time, his force had been reduced to 600 men due to casualties and desertions.

• That same day, General Casimir Pulaski and his cavalry (Pulaski’s Legion) arrived, having been sent by General Washington.
• Lieutenant Colonel Francis Marion led troops from Fort Moultrie to the west side of Charleston.

On May 9, Governor John Rutledge arrived with militia from Orangeburg, and Moultrie finally reached Charleston.

Old Race Track

Up to this point, Prevost had encountered very little resistance and decided to make an attempt to capture Charleston. He crossed the Ashley River on May 10 and arrived at Charleston Neck on May 11, 1779.

That same day, General Pulaski led an expedition outside the city to build redoubts (earthen forts) at the Old Race Track. Pulaski hoped to build the redoubts and then lure some of the British forces into an ambush.

• Pulaski led his Legion cavalry, infantry, and militia out to engage the British.
• Unfortunately, he did this before his troops were in position in the redoubts.
• Major James Moncrief and his Georgia Dragoons (mounted infantry) engaged Pulaski’s force, inflicted heavy casualties, and drove Pulaski and the survivors back to Charleston.
• Despite the setback, Pulaski’s action delayed the British advance.

Moultrie Confident

Moultrie was confident that he could hold Charleston and had 3,200 men in strong defensive positions behind earthworks, ready to oppose Prevost and his 3,000 men. Moultrie was also in contact with Lincoln and knew he would arrive within days.

Negotiations

Governor Rutledge and the South Carolina Privy Council asked Moultrie to ask Prevost what the terms would be if they were to surrender. Prevost had his brother, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Prevost, formally request the city’s surrender. 

• At 11:00 a.m., Prevost sent a letter to Moultrie, pointing out that the British had treated the people of Georgia well, and the people of Charleston could expect the same “peace and protection.” However, anyone who refused would be “received as prisoners of war, and their fate decided by that of the rest of the colonies.”
• Prevost gave the Americans four hours to respond.

When Moultrie received the letter, he immediately showed it to Governor Rutledge, who responded by calling for members of the South Carolina government and some military leaders to gather with him at his home.

• The letter was read to the Governor’s Council, who argued over how to respond.
• Moultrie, Pulaski, and Laurens advised them not to surrender the city.
• Rutledge had received reports that indicated Prevost had more troops than Moultrie.

Panic in Charleston

Prevost moved within a mile of the city, which created panic. On the night of May 11, 1779, rumors spread that the British were advancing into the city.

• This led to accidental musket and artillery fire.
• In the confusion, there were 13 American casualties, including Major Benjamin Huger, who was killed by friendly fire.

Moultrie Responds

According to Moultrie’s account, the Americans did not officially respond to Prevost until May 12, 1779, when Moultre sent a letter to General Prevost that said: “I cannot possibly agree to so dishonorable a proposal as is contained in your favor of yesterday; but if you will appoint an officer to confer on terms, I will send one to meet him, at such time and place as you fix on.”

• A meeting was agreed to.
• South Carolina officials sent a letter offering the state’s neutrality for the remainder of the war in exchange for sparing the city.
• Prevost refused this offer.
• When the Americans received the message, they decided to defend the city.
• Moultrie started making preparations for battle.

Prevost Withdraws

At dawn the next morning, the Americans found that Prevost had withdrawn. Pulaski and his cavalry rode out to find him and learned he had gone to James Island, southwest of Charleston.

• Prevost had learned that Lincoln was returning to Charleston.
• Prevost lacked the artillery and naval support necessary to capture Charleston.
• While Prevost failed to capture Charleston, he succeeded in having Lincoln abandon his plan to attack Savannah.

Matthews’ Plantation

Prevost’s Army also seized valuable supplies and provisions during the march to Charleston, which slowed his march. To distract the Americans, he sent contingents of troops out to conduct raids

• On May 20, 1779, British troops attacked South Carolina Militia forces camped at Captain John Raven Matthews’ plantation on the Stono River.
• When the Americans surrendered, the British ignored their requests and massacred them.
• The militia commander, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Barnwell, suffered nearly 20 bayonet wounds. He survived and led his men during the Siege of Charleston (1780).

Stono Ferry

Prevost withdrew from James Island to Johns Island, then started marching to Beaufort, South Carolina, on June 16, 1779. Prevost constructed three redoubts at the Stono Ferry River and left 900 soldiers to cover the rear of the column.

• Lieutenant Colonel Mark Prevost was in command. However, he abandoned the post and took 1,200 men with him to Savannah. 
• Lieutenant Colonel John Maitland took command and had roughly 500 troops, including Loyalists, Hessians, and the 71st Highlanders.

When General Lincoln learned that Prevost had withdrawn, he led 1,200 of his troops, including Pulaski’s Legion, toward the British redoubts.

• The Americans advanced on June 20 and attacked the British at Stono Ferry.
• The Americans suffered heavy casualties during the battle and withdrew when British reinforcements arrived.
• The British tried to pursue the Americans, but Pulaski’s Legion cut them off, forcing them to withdraw.

British Forces at Beaufort

Prevost gathered his forces at Beaufort and then boarded a ship to sail to Savannah. He left a garrison at Beaufort under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Maitland. 

Criticism of Lincoln

Lincoln was criticized for leaving South Carolina undefended while he marched on Savannah.

• Lincoln submitted his resignation, which was accepted by Congress.
• Moultrie and Rutledge convinced him to remain.

Next Steps

The British maintained control of Georgia while the Americans, along with French reinforcements, planned to attack Savannah, culminating in the Siege of Savannah (September 16–October 18, 1779).