The Loyalists (also known as Tories) in South Carolina represented a significant faction loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution. Comprising roughly half the population alongside Patriots, they included backcountry settlers, merchants, and former officials who viewed the rebellion as unlawful. Their forces formed provincial regiments and militias that supported British operations, particularly after the capture of Charleston in 1780, turning the conflict into a brutal civil war between neighbors. Loyalists participated in 16 of 19 major engagements in the state, often making up 50-100% of British forces. This report highlights their organization, key actions, and fate, emphasizing the human cost and reconciliation efforts post-war, in line with preserving South Carolina’s Revolutionary heritage for the Fort Dorchester Chapter.
Commanders and Key Figures
- Colonel Patrick Ferguson: British inspector of militia; led Loyalist forces at Kings Mountain until killed.
- Colonel Alexander Innes: Early organizer of Loyalist regiments.
- Colonel John Hamilton: Commander of the North Carolina Volunteers; supported operations in South Carolina.
- Major Patrick Cunningham: Backcountry Loyalist leader; involved in early uprisings like the Snow Campaign.
- Colonel Thomas Fletchall: Influential Upcountry Loyalist; rallied settlers against Patriots.
- Other key figures: Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton (British, but commanded Loyalist dragoons), Colonel David Fanning (North Carolina Loyalist active in SC borders), and local leaders like Moses Kirkland and Robert Cunningham, who led raids and reprisals.
Number of Troops
South Carolina had one of the strongest Loyalist contingents, with estimates of 5,000-6,000 men taking up arms and thousands more providing support (e.g., supplies, intelligence). Regiments included the South Carolina Royalists (up to 500 men), King’s Rangers, and Loyalist militias from districts like Ninety Six (over 1,000 at peaks). Backcountry uprisings in 1775 mobilized 2,000-4,000, though early defeats scattered them. By 1780-1781, Loyalist forces peaked at 3,000-4,000 active, integrated with British regulars, but attrition from defeats reduced them significantly.
Major Battles
Loyalists fought in defensive and offensive roles, often in partisan warfare. Key engagements included:
- Snow Campaign/Great Cane Brake (December 1775): Early backcountry uprising crushed by Patriots.
- Battle of Briar Creek (March 3, 1779): Loyalists supported British victory in Georgia/SC border.
- Battle of Stono Ferry (June 20, 1779): Defended against Patriot assault near Charleston.
- Battle of Musgrove’s Mill (August 19, 1780): Loyalist defeat by Patriot militia.
- Battle of Kings Mountain (October 7, 1780): Entire Loyalist force under Ferguson annihilated.
- Battle of Cowpens (January 17, 1781): Loyalists routed alongside British.
- Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill (April 25, 1781): Engaged under Rawdon; tactical win but heavy losses.
- Other engagements: Hanging Rock (August 6, 1780; Loyalist losses), Siege of Ninety Six (1781; held but evacuated), and numerous raids like Waxhaws (where Loyalists under Tarleton committed atrocities).
Casualties
Loyalist casualties were high due to guerrilla fighting and reprisals. At Kings Mountain, nearly 1,000 (157 killed, 163 wounded, 698 captured—many executed later). Cowpens: Part of 830 British/Loyalist (110 killed, 200 wounded, 520 captured). Hanging Rock: 200 (25 killed, 175 wounded). Musgrove’s Mill: 200+ (63 killed, 90 wounded, 70 captured). Overall, estimates suggest 1,000-2,000 Loyalist deaths in South Carolina actions, plus thousands imprisoned or displaced, with disease and executions adding to the toll.
Situation at the End of the War
As British forces evacuated Charleston on December 14, 1782 (now South Carolina Independence Day), Loyalists faced uncertainty. Many regiments, like the South Carolina Royalists and Rangers, retreated to East Florida before dispersing to Canada, the Bahamas, or other British colonies at war’s end. Approximately 4,500-5,000 emigrated, often with confiscated property and facing hardship in exile. However, the majority remained, benefiting from lenient Whig policies. The state confiscated estates of prominent Loyalists but moderated laws via petitions; many paid fines (e.g., 12% of property value) or switched sides earlier for pardons. Reintegration was swift for natives, though social stigma lingered. This reconciliation helped stabilize post-war South Carolina, underscoring the civil war’s divisiveness and the society’s path to unity.