(1780)
The battle of Camden, South Carolina was a stunning defeat for the American Army. However the battle of Camden did effectively remove the politically appointed General Hortio Gates, and place the new General Nathaniel Greene, a man Washington had hoped would replace him should anything befall the Commander in Chief.
Hortio Gates, the victor of Saratoga, had assumed command of the Army in the South, and things were going poorly. Gates a political appointee had little appreciation for the depravity and poor condition of the troops in the south. In addition, Gates also had a false sense of confidence when meeting the enemy.
Lord Cornwallis, had occupied Camden, South Carolina, a town thus named for Charles Pratt, Lord Camden. After gaining initial control of the seaports and the coastal towns (as with the capture of Savannah, and Charleston), the British forces moved into the “backwater towns” establishing a series of outposts, and reestablishing British rule. Lord Rawdon was to establish strong outposts at Camden, Cheraw, Hanging Rock, and Rocky Mount.
Lord Cornwallis, recalling his other troops from their outpost has assembled a garrison force of 2,200. He has also occupied the home of the local South Carolina Militia Col. J. Kershaw. His troops include the famed Tarlton legion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, a Riding Regiment, and Highlanders, all battle tested and strong.