On May 29, 1780, British commander Banastre Tarleton engaged and overwhelmed a Patriot force under the command of Abraham Buford in a dreadful defeat for the Patriots. However, Continental forces in the South turned this stunning loss into a propaganda victory, stirring up anti-British sentiment throughout the colonies.
How It Ended
British Victory. Once Tarleton’s attack commenced, the Patriot lines were quickly overwhelmed and routed from the field. Many Patriot survivors recalled how the British massacred many men who tried to surrender—resulting in Tarleton becoming known as a butcher and the engagement becoming a battle cry for Patriot forces citing “Remember Waxhaws!” in the Southern Theatre.
In Context
On May 12, 1780, Charleston, South Carolina, fell to the British under the command of Sir Henry Clinton. With plans to return to New York, Clinton transferred command to his deputy, Gen. Charles, Lord Cornwallis.
