Battle of Monck's Corner facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Monck's Corner
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Date April 14, 1780 Location Moncks Corner, South Carolina 33°11′48″N 80°0′24″W / 33.19667°N 80.00667°W / 33.19667; -80.00667 Result British victory
Belligerents
Great Britain Loyalists	United States
Commanders and leaders
Banastre Tarleton James Webster Patrick Ferguson	Isaac Huger William Washington
Strength
1400 soldiers	500 militia
Casualties and losses
3 wounded	20 killed or wounded, 67 captured

The Battle of Monck's Corner happened on April 14, 1780. It took place near Charleston, South Carolina. At the time, British forces were trying to capture Charleston. This is called a siege.

The British forces were led by Sir Henry Clinton. A special British unit called the British Legion was involved. This unit was made up of Loyalists. Loyalists were American colonists who supported the British king. The British Legion was led by Banastre Tarleton.

Tarleton's troops surprised an American force at Monck's Corner. They quickly defeated the Americans. This battle was important because it blocked an escape route for the American army. The American army was trapped in Charleston.

Why the Battle Happened

British Plans for the South

The British wanted to take control of North and South Carolina. Capturing Charleston was their first big step. General Sir Henry Clinton arrived near Charleston on April 1, 1780. He began setting up his forces for the siege.

Defending Charleston

The city of Charleston was defended by American soldiers. These soldiers were part of the Continental Army. They were led by General Benjamin Lincoln. Even after the British siege started, more American troops arrived. On April 8, 750 soldiers from Virginia joined the defense. They were led by William Woodford.

Cutting Off Supplies

General Clinton learned that American supplies were coming. He wanted to stop them from reaching Charleston. So, he sent 1,400 of his men inland. They went about 30 miles (48 km) to Biggin's Bridge. This bridge was on the Cooper River. Their goal was to stop the American supplies.

American Forces at Monck's Corner

To protect their own supply lines, the British also needed to deal with an American force. This force was led by General Isaac Huger. Huger's troops were stationed at Monck's Corner. He had about 500 men. This included cavalry, or soldiers on horseback. The cavalry was led by Lt. Col. William Washington.

A Secret Letter

On the night of April 13, Tarleton found a letter. It was from General Huger to General Lincoln. This letter told Tarleton where Huger's troops were located. Tarleton then continued his march quietly.

The Battle Begins

A Surprise Attack

The British attacked very early in the morning. It was 3 AM on April 14. The American soldiers were completely surprised. The battle quickly turned into a defeat for the Americans.

Tarleton later wrote that the Americans were "completely surprised." He said that General Huger and other American leaders "fled on foot to the swamps."

American Losses

The Americans suffered many losses. Fourteen American soldiers were killed. Nineteen were wounded. Sixty-four were captured by the British. A big win for the British was capturing the horses. These horses belonged to the American officers and cavalry.

What Happened Next

Tarleton's Reputation

This battle was Tarleton's first major victory in the South. It helped him gain a reputation for quick, surprise attacks.

Aftermath of the Battle

After the battle, some of Tarleton's soldiers caused trouble. They were dragoons, or cavalry soldiers. One American commander, Vernier, was killed even after he asked to surrender. Some soldiers also behaved badly towards local people. Major Patrick Ferguson was upset by these actions. The soldiers responsible were sent back to the main British camp. They were punished there.

More American Losses

Some of the American soldiers who escaped regrouped later. They were led by Colonel Anthony Walton White. But Tarleton's forces attacked them again. This happened at Lenud's Ferry on May 6. The American troops were scattered once more.

Charleston Falls

General Lincoln was eventually forced to surrender Charleston. This happened on May 12. More than 5,000 American soldiers were captured. This was the worst American loss of the war. The United States Army did not have such a big loss again until the Battle of Harper's Ferry. That battle happened during the American Civil War.