British Army Independent Companies in South Carolina facts for kids
The British Army Independent Companies of Foot were special military groups that served in North America a long time ago. They were different from regular army regiments because they worked on their own. These companies first started in North America in 1664.
The first Independent Company in South Carolina was formed in 1721. It was later dissolved in 1737 when a new group called Oglethorpe's Regiment was created. In 1746, three more independent companies were sent to South Carolina, but they only lasted three years.
After Oglethorpe's Regiment was also dissolved in 1748, three new independent companies were formed in South Carolina. Many soldiers from the old regiment joined these new companies. These three companies played a part in important conflicts like the French and Indian War and the Cherokee War. They fought in battles such as the Battle of Fort Necessity, the Braddock Expedition, the battle of the Monongahela, and the siege of Fort Loudoun. All independent companies in North America, including those in South Carolina, were disbanded in 1763.
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What Were Independent Companies?
Independent companies were military groups that did not belong to a larger army organization called a regiment. In England, similar independent groups had existed since the late 1400s.
The first three English independent companies arrived in Boston, North America, in 1664. They helped conquer the Dutch colony of New Netherland. During the French and Indian Wars, these independent groups were stationed in several colonies, including New York, Massachusetts Bay, Virginia, and South Carolina.
By 1740, only four independent companies remained in the Thirteen Colonies, all in New York. However, after Oglethorpe's Regiment was dissolved in 1748, three new independent companies were formed for service in South Carolina. These seven companies (four in New York and three in South Carolina) were the ones that served during the French and Indian War.
Life in the Community
The soldiers in these independent companies were usually recruited in Britain. They rarely, if ever, went back to Britain after their military service ended. While the British Army often recruited from poorer people, independent companies sometimes had an even lower status. Their ranks were often filled by former soldiers or even those who had left regular service without permission. Their officers were often experienced non-commissioned officers who had been promoted.
Since the military leaders in Britain often overlooked these independent companies, they became very reliant on the local American communities. These communities often helped them with food, clothing, and places to live. Because of this, the soldiers soon became a part of the local society. Their military service often became a side job, as they also took on civilian work.
South Carolina: 1721–1737
In 1719, the province of South Carolina felt threatened by Spain and asked Britain for military help. The British government gathered men from various garrison companies in Britain to create an independent company of 100 soldiers. This company was sent to South Carolina in 1721.
The company was first stationed at Fort King George, a fort previously guarded by local scouts. After a fire destroyed the fort in 1727, the company moved to Port Royal. In 1730, some of the company moved to St. Simons Island in Georgia. There, they built and guarded Fort Delegal. When Oglethorpe's Regiment was authorized in 1737, the South Carolina independent company was dissolved. Its soldiers formed the core of the new regiment.
South Carolina: 1746–1749
During King George's War, South Carolina wanted its own troops, not just those based in Georgia. So, in 1746, three independent companies were sent to South Carolina from London. These companies were not at full strength, with only 60 officers and other ranks. The plan was to recruit more men in Charleston and Virginia.
After the war ended, these companies were disbanded, along with Oglethorpe's Regiment. However, three new independent companies would soon be formed to serve in South Carolina. The soldiers who were discharged could choose to join the new companies, return to England, or stay in Georgia.
South Carolina: 1749–1763
Before the French and Indian War began, Lieutenant Colonel George Washington was ordered to remove the French from Fort Duquesne. An independent company from South Carolina, led by Captain James Mackay, was sent to help him. However, they faced defeat and surrendered with Washington at the Battle of Fort Necessity.
Captain Mackay, who was an officer with the King's official commission, refused to take orders from Washington. This was because Washington was a provincial (local) officer. Washington initially left Mackay and his company at Fort Necessity when he moved towards Fort Duquesne. This was because Captain Mackay refused to let his men work on the road Washington was building without extra pay. However, during the battle, Mackay's company fought bravely and suffered more losses than Washington's Virginians.
Later, the same company, now led by Captain Paul Demere, took part in Braddock's Expedition. They suffered another defeat at the battle of the Monongahela. When inspected, this company was found to be in much better military shape than two New York independent companies that also joined the expedition. During the battle, they formed the rearguard (the group protecting the back) with a company of Virginia rangers. As the army made a confused retreat, the steady fighting spirit of these two companies saved the remaining soldiers from being completely surrounded and wiped out.
A second South Carolina independent company, under Captain Raymond Demere, helped build Fort Loudon on the Tennessee River in 1756. This fort was built at the request of the Cherokee people in the Overhill Cherokee country. Captain Demere's company then guarded the fort, with him as its commander. In 1757, Captain Paul Demere took over command.
At the start of the Cherokee War, South Carolina Independent Companies were guarding Charleston, Fort Prince George, and Fort Loudon. Soon, hostile Cherokees surrounded both forts. Fort Loudon had to surrender in 1760. After the surrender, all but one officer were killed, and the soldiers became Cherokee hostages. After the war, the prisoners were exchanged for payment and released. Fort Prince George managed to hold out until it was finally relieved in 1761.
Disbandment
In 1763, all the independent companies in British North America were disbanded. This was a new policy to replace them with regular British army regiments that would be permanently stationed in America.
Campaigns
- Fort Duquesne Campaign, 1754.
- Braddock's Campaign, 1755.
- Cherokee War, 1759–1761.
