"The Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill, 1781: Tactical and ..." Topic

…Strategic Study

"The Battle of Hobkirk's Hill was fought on April 25, 1781, not far from Camden, South Carolina. Camden was the main operational post for the British establishment of backcountry fortifications. Camden also guarded a crucial network of roads leading to Charleston where supplies and communications would be brought into the interior from coastal ports. If Camden were abandoned, posts such as Augusta, Ninety Six, and other posts would fall. Lord Francis Rawdon, now commanded Crown forces in the interior since his predecessor Lord Charles Cornwallis had marched to Virginia in order to re-supply and refit his army. Rawdon decided that he must destroy the American army in the field. The American Army, under the command of Major – General Nathanael Greene, was poised on a ridge known as Hobkirk's Hill. A British force led by Rawdon launched an attack in order to drive Greene's forces from their position and possibly destroy them. Following heavy fighting between both Greene's and Rawdon's forces, Greene retreated, leaving Rawdon forces in command of the hill. Despite his tactical victory, Rawdon found it necessary to abandon Camden a few weeks later and withdrew his force to nearby Charleston, South Carolina. Despite the loss, the Battle of Hobkirk's Hill was a strategic victory for American forces since it forced the British to abandon their string of outposts in the South Carolina backcountry. In describing the engagement that took place at Hobkirk's Hill, the tactics utilized by both sides will be explored to further enhance the understanding of the contest fought between Greene and Rawdon…"

link

Armand