The Life of George Washington, Vol. 4 | Page 3

divisions of the
British army, could be prevented only by intercepting Watson while at
a distance from Camden. For this purpose, he crossed Sand-hill creek
and encamped east of Camden, on the road leading to Charleston. It
being impracticable to transport the artillery and baggage over the deep
marshes adjoining the creek, Colonel Carrington with the North
Carolina militia was directed to convey them to a place of safety, and to
guard them till farther orders. The army continued a few days in its new
encampment, during which the troops subsisted on the scanty supplies
furnished by the neighbourhood. Greene was compelled at length, by
the want of provisions, to relinquish this position. About the same time
he received intelligence which induced him to doubt the approach of
Watson. On which he ordered Lieutenant Colonel Carrington to rejoin
him; and on the 24th, returned to the north side of the town, and again
encamped on Hobkirk's hill, a ridge covered with uninterrupted wood
through which the great Waxhaw road passes. The army was encamped
in order of battle, its left covered by the swamp of Pine-tree creek.
[Footnote 1: Higher up, this river is called the Catawba.]
{April 25.}
A drummer, who deserted on the morning after Greene's return, and
before he was rejoined by Lieutenant Colonel Carrington, gave
information to Lord Rawdon that the artillery and militia had been
detached. His lordship determined to seize this favourable occasion for
fighting his enemy to advantage, and, at the head of nine hundred men,
marched out of town on the morning of the twenty-fifth to attack the

American army.
Lieutenant Colonel Carrington had arrived in camp that morning, and
brought with him a supply of provisions which had been issued to the
troops, some of whom were employed in cooking and others in
washing their clothes. Notwithstanding those occupations, they were in
reach of their arms, and were in readiness to take their ground and
engage at a moment's warning.
[Sidenote: Battle of Hobkirk's Hill.]
By keeping close to the swamp, and making a circuit of some distance,
Lord Rawdon gained the American left without being perceived; and
about eleven, his approach was announced by the fire of the advanced
piquets, who were half a mile in front of Greene's encampment. Orders
were instantly given to form the American line of battle.
The Virginia brigade commanded by General Huger, consisting of two
regiments under Campbell and Hawes, was drawn up on the right of the
great road. The Maryland brigade commanded by Colonel Williams,
consisting also of two regiments, under Gunby and Ford, was on the
left, and the artillery was placed in the centre. The North Carolina
militia under Colonel Read formed a second line; and Captain
Kirkwood with the light infantry was placed in front for the purpose of
supporting the piquets, and retarding the advance of the enemy.
General Greene remained on the right, with Campbell's regiment.
Captain Morgan of Virginia, and Captain Benson of Maryland, who
commanded the piquets, gave the enemy a warm reception; but were
soon compelled to retire. Captain Kirkwood also was driven in, and the
British troops appeared in view. Rawdon continued his march through
the wood along the low ground in front of the Maryland brigade which
was in the act of forming, until he reached the road, where he displayed
his column.
Perceiving that the British advanced with a narrow front, Greene
ordered Colonel Ford, whose regiment was on the extreme left, and
Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, whose regiment was on the extreme

right, severally to attack their flanks, while Gunby and Hawes should
advance upon their front with charged bayonets. To complete their
destruction by cutting off their retreat to the town, Lieutenant Colonel
Washington was ordered to pass their left flank and charge them in the
rear.
The regiments commanded by Ford and Campbell, being composed
chiefly of new levies, did not change their ground, and perform the
evolutions necessary for the duty assigned to them, with the requisite
rapidity and precision; in consequence of which Rawdon, who instantly
perceived the danger that threatened his flanks, had time to extend his
front by bringing the volunteers of Ireland into his line.
This judicious movement disconcerted the design on his flanks, and
brought the two armies into action fronting each other. But the
regiments of Ford and Campbell were thrown into some confusion by
the abortive attempt to gain the flanks of the British.
Colonel Washington too was compelled by the thick underwood and
felled trees which obstructed his direct course, to make so extensive a
circuit, that he came into the rear of the British at a greater distance
from the scene of action than was intended, in consequence of which he
fell in with their medical and other staff, and with