Battle of Fishdam Ford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Fishdam Ford |
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| Part of the American Revolutionary War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States |
 Great Britain |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 Thomas Sumter |
James Wemyss  |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 525 militia | 210 regulars 40 militia dragoons |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| unknown | 20 killed or wounded | ||||||
The Battle of Fishdam Ford was a surprise attack planned by British forces during the American Revolutionary War. It happened around 1 AM on November 9, 1780. British Major James Wemyss led the attack against American Patriot militia. The Patriots were led by Brigadier General Thomas Sumter.
The attack failed because Sumter's camp was well-prepared. Also, Major Wemyss started the attack too early, before dawn. Wemyss was injured and captured during the battle. This event was a victory for the American Patriots.
Contents
Why the Battle Happened
British Plans in the South
The British had a plan to win the American Revolutionary War. They called it the "southern strategy." First, they captured Charleston, South Carolina in early 1780. Then, they pushed the American Continental Army out of South Carolina.
After a big win at the Battle of Camden in August 1780, British General Lord Cornwallis paused his army. He was in the Waxhaws area of northern South Carolina. Cornwallis thought British and Loyalist forces controlled Georgia and South Carolina.
Moving North and Facing Trouble
Lord Cornwallis then decided to move north into North Carolina. He wanted to deal with the remaining Continental Army units there. In mid-September, he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. But he found himself surrounded by active North Carolina militia and Continental Army groups.
After a major defeat for the Loyalists at Kings Mountain, Cornwallis went back to Winnsboro, South Carolina. There, he tried to stop the Patriot militia. These militia groups were causing problems for his supply and communication lines.
Two Troublesome Patriot Leaders
Two Patriot militia commanders were especially annoying to Cornwallis. They were Thomas Sumter and Francis Marion. Marion caused trouble in the northeastern part of South Carolina. His actions were so successful that Cornwallis sent Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton to hunt him down.
Sumter caused similar problems in the backcountry. Cornwallis sent Major James Wemyss to find Sumter. Wemyss had the 63rd Regiment and some Loyalist dragoons (soldiers on horseback).
Wemyss Finds Sumter's Camp
On November 8, Wemyss learned from local Loyalists where Sumter was. Sumter's camp was near Fishdam Ford. Wemyss got very detailed information about the camp. He even knew which tents to attack, including Sumter's.
Wemyss moved quickly and arrived near Sumter's camp early on November 9. He worried that Sumter's patrols would discover them. So, Wemyss decided to attack right away instead of waiting for dawn.
The Battle at Fishdam Ford
Patriots Are Ready
Sumter's men were careful about surprise attacks. These attacks were a common British tactic. Sumter's officers had told their men to sleep with their weapons ready. They also kept their campfires burning. They had clear instructions on how to get into formation if attacked.
Wemyss's Attack Fails
Major Wemyss led the British attack against Sumter's guards. But he was shot twice by musket fire and fell. His dragoons continued charging into the camp. The campfires lit them up, making them easy targets. Sumter's men had lined up in the woods just outside the camp.
Their first shots surprised the British lead company. Several British soldiers were killed or wounded. They retreated. Wemyss's infantry then moved into the camp. They also came under fire from the woods. The British tried a bayonet charge. But a fence in the darkness made it hard for them to reach the Patriot lines.
After about twenty minutes of fighting, the British retreated. They left their wounded, including Major Wemyss, on the field. The Patriots won the battle. General Sumter himself played almost no part in the fighting. He escaped from his tent to the riverbank early on.
What Happened Next
After the British failed at Fishdam Ford, Lord Cornwallis changed his plans. He called back Tarleton, who was hunting Marion. Cornwallis now wanted Tarleton to go after Sumter. He thought Sumter was getting ready to attack Ninety Six.
Tarleton and Sumter later met at Blackstock's Farm. Sumter almost got revenge there. Tarleton had nearly captured him earlier at Fishing Creek in August.
