The Continental forces of South Carolina consisted of regiments raised by the state and incorporated into the Continental Army, the regular standing army authorized by the Continental Congress. These units were professional soldiers enlisted for longer terms, distinct from militia or short-term state troops. South Carolina contributed six main Continental regiments (1st through 6th South Carolina Regiments), which played critical roles in major engagements, though they suffered heavy losses in defeats like Charleston and Camden. These forces were often augmented by militia in battles.
Commanders and Key Figures
- Colonel Christopher Gadsden: Initial commander of the 1st South Carolina Regiment; a prominent Patriot leader and delegate to the Continental Congress.
- Colonel William Moultrie: Commander of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment; hero of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, later promoted to major general.
- Lieutenant Colonel William Thomson: Commander of the 3rd South Carolina Regiment (Rangers); key in early defense efforts.
- Colonel Isaac Huger: Later commander of the 5th South Carolina Regiment; fought at Charleston and other sieges.
- Colonel Isaac Motte: Succeeded Moultrie in the 2nd Regiment.
- Major General Benjamin Lincoln: Overall Southern commander at Charleston.
- Major General Nathanael Greene: Southern Army commander.
- Brigadier General Daniel Morgan: Led forces at Cowpen.
- Francis Marion: Who later transitioned to militia command.
- Charles Cotesworth Pinckney:
Number of Troops
South Carolina’s Continental Line initially comprised about 2,100 men across the first three regiments in 1775 (750 each for the 1st and 2nd, 600 for the 3rd Rangers). By 1776-1780, the total grew to around 3,000-4,000 with additional regiments, though attrition from battles, disease, and desertion reduced effective strength. At the Siege of Charleston, approximately 2,500 Continentals were part of the 5,000+ American forces surrendered. After reorganization in 1781, remnants were consolidated into fewer units, with totals rarely exceeding 1,000 active troops under Greene.
Major Battles
- Battle of Sullivan’s Island (June 28, 1776): Defended Charleston harbor against British naval assault; primarily 2nd and 3rd Regiments.
- Siege of Charleston (March 29-May 12, 1780): Major defeat; all six regiments involved in city defense.
- Battle of Camden (August 16, 1780): Routed by British; remnants of regiments under Gates.
- Battle of Cowpens (January 17, 1781): Victory under Morgan; South Carolina Continentals supported militia lines.
- Battle of Eutaw Springs (September 8, 1781): Bloodiest battle in South Carolina; Continentals under Greene inflicted heavy British casualties.
- Other engagements: Hobkirk’s Hill (April 25, 1781), Siege of Ninety Six (May-June 1781).
Casualties
South Carolina Continentals suffered disproportionately due to major sieges. At Charleston, American casualties totaled 5,506 (including 2,500+ captured Continentals, with 92 killed/wounded). Camden saw 1,900 American casualties (900 killed/wounded, 1,000 captured), including many from the 1st and 2nd Regiments. Cowpens had lighter losses at 149 American (25 killed, 124 wounded). Eutaw Springs resulted in 522 American casualties (139 killed, 375 wounded, 8 missing). Overall, the regiments were nearly destroyed by 1780, with high mortality from disease and imprisonment; estimates suggest over 1,000 total deaths across the war.