The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

BATTLE OF EUTAW SPRINGS

The Battle of Eutaw Springs took place on September 8th 1781 and was the last serious engagement of the American War of Independence. Shortly after the capture of Ninety-Six, Nathanael Greene moved upon the British so secretly they were not aware of his presence. At Eutaw Springs he came upon them. At 4 am. on September the 8th, Nathanael Greene attacked the British in his usual order. The militia in the first line under Marion and Pickens did gallant service and were supported by the regulars in the second line. A bayonet charge followed, the British were routed and many fell or were made prisoners. A little later the retreating British took shelter in a brick house. Nathanael Greene's artillery was brought to bear upon it in vain. The gunners were shot and the pieces captured. A cavalry charge by Colonel George Washington was repulsed and that officer was taken prisoner. Thus there were two engagements. In the first Nathanael Greene won a brilliant victory, in the second he lost many of his best men. The total American loss was 554, that of the British 1000. Again a tactical defeat proved to the Americans a strategic victory. In the course of the night the British retreated to Charleston in such haste as to leave their wounded.
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