South Carolina was one of the most contested colonies during the Revolution, especially the later part when British strategy shifted to seeing if they might be able to split the Southern colonies off from the rest, and perhaps salvage something of their Colonies, recognizing the loss of New England and the Mid-Atlantic colonies was pretty a foregone conclusion once they found themselves also fighting France, Spain, and the Netherlands.
The conflict was particularly brutal there as well. More skirmishes and battles occurred there than in any other colony.
These fellows are Loyalists, and support the cause of the King. Figures by Brigade Games.
The fighting in South Carolina also involved the Cherokee tribes, who were ultimately pushed farther West.
Actions included several at Fort Ninety Six, many battles in and around Charleston during the first (1775) and second (1780) sieges of Charleston, numerous skirmishes and small actions, and the Battles of Camden, King's Mountain, Cowpens, and Eutaw Springs.
After failing to take Charleston in 1775, the British captured it in 1780, along with a large number of Patriots. This was largely a consequence of the South Carolina government's failure to cooperate effectively with the Continental forces.
The British only evacuated Charleston in December of 1782, effectively ending the Revolutionary War in South Carolina.
A very nice looking unit and lovely miniatures too. Great addition to your project and one that will see a fair bit of service I would say.
ReplyDeleteThere were plenty of Loyalists in every state, but especially New York state, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Most places they proved relatively reluctant to commit fully to the King's cause (and thus risk the ire of their Patriot neighbors, especially after the army had departed)
DeleteA useful unit a very well done Peter. I have only read snippets about the Charleston campaign but remember that there were some famous units and personalities involved.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lawrence. Cornwallis and Banastre Tarleton are best known on the King's side, while Horatio Gates (who got and took credit for Saratoga that really belonged to his subordinates) suffered a severe defeat at Camden and never got another important command thereafter, being replaced by Francis Marion, "The Swamp Fox".
DeleteA very nice looking regiment
ReplyDeleteThank you, Neil!
DeleteMore lovely figures Peter - I have played Eutaw Springs and wrote scenarios for Kings Mountain and the siege of Charleston 20+ years ago!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Keith. If you wrote (but perhaps never played) the scenarios for King's Mountain and Charleston, perhaps now is the time to dust them off?
DeleteHi Peter,
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff! A lovely paint job on some fine figures. Nothing like adding a bit of Loyalist militia to spice up the tactical choices on the tabletop!
All the best, Andy
Yes most states, especially outside of New England, raised Loyalist units and Militias.
DeletePeter, your collection of the period is getting more impressive by seven-league strides.
ReplyDeleteYes, it has gotten bigger than the original plans; looks like it will top out a little shy of 1,0000 figures once I add the French and a few Brunswickers!
DeleteSplendid looking loyalists!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Tank you, Iain!
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