Southern Campaign: Guerrilla Phase and Final Battles (1781-1782)

  • Cowpens (January 17, 1781): Spartanburg County. Double envelopment tactic crushed British. Forces: Patriots (1,065 under Brig. Gen. Daniel Morgan); British (1,150 under Tarleton). Casualties: Patriots (25 KIA, 124 WIA); British (110 KIA, 229 WIA, 829 MIA). Pivotal victory.
  • Siege of Ninety Six (May 22-June 19, 1781): Greenwood County. Longest siege; Patriots failed but forced British withdrawal. Forces: Patriots (1,000 under Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene); Loyalists (550 under Lt. Col. John Cruger). Casualties: Patriots (57 KIA, 70 WIA, 20 MIA); British (27 KIA, 58 WIA).
  • Eutaw Springs (September 8, 1781): Orangeburg County. Bloodiest battle in SC; tactical draw, strategic Patriot win. Forces: Patriots (2,200 under Greene); British (2,000 under Lt. Col. Alexander Stewart). Casualties: Patriots (119 KIA, 382 WIA, 78 MIA); British (85 KIA, 351 WIA, 257 MIA).
  • Combahee Ferry (August 25, 1782): Colleton/Beaufort Counties. British ambush killed Lt. Col. John Laurens. Forces: Patriots (200 under Lt. Col. Mordecai Gist); British (unknown under Maj. William Brereton). Casualties: Patriots (20 KIA, including Laurens); British (minimal).
  • James Island #2 (November 14, 1782): Charleston County. Last skirmish before evacuation; Patriots routed British foragers. Forces: Patriots (300 under Col. Thaddeus Kosciuszko); British (unknown). Casualties: Low; symbolic end.