Tearcoat Swamp, South Carolina
Tearcoat Swamp, South Carolina
TEARCOAT SWAMP, SOUTH CAROLINA. 25 October 1780. Also known as Tarcote and Tarcot Swamp. With instructions from General Horatio Gates to continue his harassment of the enemy's rear, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Marion established a base at Port's Ferry. On 24 October he learned that Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Tynes was assembling Loyalist militia near Tearcoat Swamp, in the vicinity of where U.S. Highway 301 now crosses Black River. Marion was able to arm his 150 recruits with British firearms he had seized from the Loyalists at Nelson's Ferry. Marching quickly, Marion's force surprised the Loyalists shortly after midnight. Tynes apparently failed to post sentries, allowing the rebels to rush into the Loyalist camp firing their weapons. They received no return fire and routed the Loyalists, who lost 3 dead, 14 wounded, 23 prisoners, 80 good horses captured with their bridles, saddles, and blankets, and 80 new British muskets. More important, however, Loyalist activities in the area of the Santee and Peedee Rivers of South Carolina were completely squelched, and many Loyalists joined Marion.
SEE ALSO Marion, Francis; Port's Ferry, Pee Dee River, South Carolina.
revised by Michael Bellesiles