Battle of the Combahee River facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of the Combahee River
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Date August 27, 1782 Location Beaufort and Colleton Counties, outside Beaufort, South Carolina 32°34′57″N 80°34′24″W / 32.58250°N 80.57333°W / 32.58250; -80.57333 Result British victory
Belligerents
United States	Great Britain
Commanders and leaders
Mordecai Gist John Laurens  †	William Brereton
Strength
200 regulars	150 regulars
Casualties and losses
2 killed 19 wounded	Unknown

The Battle of the Combahee River was a small but important fight during the American Revolutionary War. It happened on August 27, 1782, near Beaufort, South Carolina. This battle was one of the last fights before the British left Charleston in December 1782.

A brave American officer, Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, died in this battle. He was only 27 years old. Laurens was known for wanting to end slavery. He had also worked as a diplomat and helped George Washington. People called him "one of the bravest and most gallant of the American officers."

Why the Battle Happened: Seeking Supplies

British Forces Under Siege

By late 1781, British soldiers in Charleston were almost trapped. General Nathanael Greene's American forces were very active nearby. British General Alexander Leslie asked for a truce in March 1782. He wanted to buy food for his soldiers and the people in the city.

Greene's Refusal and British Forays

General Greene said no to the truce. So, General Leslie announced he would send out groups to find food by force. To stop these British trips, Greene put together a group of 300 soldiers. This group, called a "light brigade," had infantry and cavalry. General Mordecai Gist of Maryland led them.

The Hunt for Rice on the Combahee River

On August 21, General Leslie sent out two groups to find food. One went to St. Helena's Parish. The other, led by Major William Brereton, went up the Combahee River. They were looking for rice to feed their soldiers. When Greene found out, he sent Gist's group to the Combahee River to stop Brereton.

Gist's Arrival and Laurens's Plan

Gist reached the north side of the river on August 25. But Brereton had already arrived and taken control of the ferry. On August 26, Gist learned that 300 of Brereton's men had crossed the river. He sent some of his soldiers to attack the British before sunrise the next day.

Colonel John Laurens had just arrived from outside Charleston on August 26. He asked Gist if he could take a small group further downriver. Laurens wanted to set up a small fort, called a "redoubt," at Chehaw Point. From there, they could shoot at the British as they left. Gist gave Laurens 50 Delaware infantrymen and an artillery captain named James Smith with a "howitzer" (a type of cannon).

The Battle Begins: An Ambush and a Hero's Fall

Laurens's March to Chehaw Point

Laurens and his soldiers spent the night at a friend's plantation house near the Combahee River. They left around 3:00 AM on August 27. Their goal was to reach Chehaw Point.

British Ambush and Laurens's Charge

The British had moved quietly downriver, expecting Gist's actions. Before Laurens's group could reach the redoubt, 140 British soldiers had already set up an ambush. They hid in tall grass about one mile from Chehaw Point.

When the British soldiers stood up to fire, Laurens immediately led a charge. He attacked even though the British had more soldiers and a better position. The British immediately opened fire. In their first shots, Laurens was hit and fell from his horse with deadly wounds. The artillery captain and other American soldiers also fell. The American troops became disorganized and retreated, leaving their howitzer behind.

Gist's Arrival and Retreat

Gist had found out the British had left at 4:00 AM. He was only two miles away and quickly approaching. He led 150 cavalry soldiers to help Laurens. A captain under Laurens, William McKennan, said Laurens seemed "anxious to attack the enemy" before the main group arrived. McKennan thought Laurens "wanted to do all himself, and have all the honor."

Gist arrived with his cavalry in time to help the Americans retreat. However, he could not get back the howitzer or force the British out of their position.

After the Battle: A Costly Fight

The British soldiers eventually returned to their boats. Major Brereton's men continued to search for food. Meanwhile, Gist dealt with the results of the battle. John Laurens and one other American soldier died on the battlefield. Nineteen more American soldiers were wounded.