Battle of Black Mingo

The Battle of Black Mingo was a skirmish during the American Revolution. It took place in September 1780[nb 1] in the vicinity of Dollard's Tavern at Willtown near Rhems, South Carolina. General Francis Marion attacked and scattered a contingent of Loyalist troops that had been left to secure the region by Colonel Banastre Tarleton after his destructive march through the area. The Loyalists, under Colonel John Coming Ball, were driven into Black Mingo swamp after suffering significant casualties.[1][2][3]

Battle of Black Mingo
Part of the American Revolutionary War
South Carolina historical marker
Date September 14, 1780 Location Georgetown County, South Carolina 33°37′N 79°26′W Result Patriot victory
Belligerents
Patriot militia	Loyalist militia
Commanders and leaders
Francis Marion	John Coming Ball
Strength
50+	50+
Casualties and losses
2 killed 8 wounded	3 killed 13 wounded

Background

A company of militia was placed under the command of Brigadier General Francis Marion in the wake of the Battle of Ramsour's Mill. Marion then engaged in a series of guerrilla actions to harry elements of the British force and its Loyalist supporters. Following their victory at Camden the British sent out contingents to secure the countryside and capture prominent Revolutionary leaders like Marion. These activities reduced company morale, and the hunt for Marion caused men to leave his company, until he only had about 60 left and was forced to retreat into hiding in the swamps of the border between North and South Carolina.

The British then traveled across South Carolina, plundering and destroying Revolutionary properties. This prompted Marion to move into South Carolina, where Revolutionaries angered by the British action signed up in large numbers. He was alerted to the presence of a large number of Loyalists at Shepherd's Ferry, on the south side of Black Mingo Creek, then 15 miles (24 km) away. While the reports indicated that the Loyalist numbers were larger than his own, the enthusiasm of his men prompted him to agree to an attack.[1][2][3]

Battle

Marion had wanted to surprise the Loyalists with an early morning attack. The surprise was spoiled when, at nearly midnight, the lead horses in his column began crossing Black Mingo Creek via the wooden plank bridge 1 mile (1.6 km) downstream from the Loyalist Camp. Alarm shots were heard in the Loyalist camp, and Marion's company rushed to engage them. Marion divided his small force into three groups sending them down the main road, and off to the right and left, surrounding the Loyalist troops which were formed up in an old field adjacent to Dollard's Tavern. The Loyalists, although greater in number, found themselves between two firing lines, gave way after just a few rounds and retreated into the swamp. Although less than 100 men were engaged in the actual fighting that lasted maybe 15 minutes, Marion lost two men, including Capt. George Logan, and 8 wounded. The Loyalist lost three and 13 wounded or captured.[1][2][3][4]

Aftermath

Word of Marion's success spread, and he continued to recruit well after the battle. He also learned a lesson: he reportedly never again crossed a bridge intending surprise without first laying blankets down on it.[1][2][3]

See also

• Henry Mouzon
• Francis Marion

Notes

1. The date is reported as the 14th on the nearby South Carolina historical marker,[1] but as the 28th by Chandler.[2]

References

1. Inbody, Anna. "Black Mingo Creek: Fighting Among Neighbors". The Historical Marker Database. HMdb.org. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
2. J. W. Nelson Chandler, "Willtown, Black Mingo: The Rise and Fall of an Early Village in the South Carolina Lowcountry" in The South Carolina Historical Magazine Vol. 105, No. 2 (April 2004) pp. 107-134
3. James, William Dobein (1821). A Sketch of the Life of Brig. Gen. Francis Marion. South Carolina. p. Ch 2 Para 17.
4. Bellesiles, Michael. "Black Mingo Creek, South Carolina". encyclopedia.com, transcribed from Encyclopedia of the American Revolution: Library of Military History. Retrieved 2 July 2020.

• Moore, Horatio Newton (1845). The life and times of Gen. Francis Marion. J. B. Perry.