On July 12, 1780, during the American Revolution, the Battle of Williamson’s Plantation (also known as Huck’s defeat) was fought in South Carolina during the Revolutionary War’s Southern Campaign

On July 12, 1780, during the American Revolution, the Battle of Williamson’s Plantation (also known as Huck’s defeat) was fought in South Carolina during the Revolutionary War’s Southern Campaign. The Revolutionary War in the South had not gone well for the Americans during 1780.

Essentially the entire American Army was captured when the city of Charleston, South Carolina was taken by the British in May 1780. After that, most major towns of South Carolina were seized by British forces. Raiding parties of mounted Loyalists, who were Americans loyal to the British, began ravaging the state, seeking out Patriot militia or civilians. Few Patriot military units continued to operate in South Carolina. On the evening of July 11, Captain Christian Huck and around 130 Loyalists arrived at the plantation of Patriot Colonel William Bratton, with the intent of capturing him. Unfortunately for them, Bratton was away leading raids on some local Tories, leaving only his wife Martha at their home. Huck’s Loyalists soon began vigorously questioning her as to her husband’s whereabouts, with one Loyalist even pressing a reaping hook against her neck. While this was happening, a slave on the Bratton’s plantation named Watt escaped and found Colonel William Bratton, telling him of the Loyalists’ presence. Bratton then mobilized his Patriot militia, numbering around 150 men, and moved off toward a plantation owned by James Williamson, where Huck’s men had moved on to and camped. Arriving the next morning, July 12, in total darkness, the Patriots crept up on the sleeping camp of Tories. They took careful aim, with some even using a fence as a support, and opened fire. The result was devastating. The Loyalists were caught completely off guard by the Patriot militia. Their commander, Captain Christian Huck, quickly and frantically mounted a horse, trying in vain to rally his men. He did not get far. A Patriot rifleman quickly spotted him, leveled his weapon, and sent a ball flying into Huck’s head, killing him instantly. Some of the Tories attempted to surrender and others tried fleeing, but in the end almost the entire force was killed, wounded, or captured by the Patriots. The battle was a huge morale boost to Americans everywhere and was one of the first Patriot victories in the Southern Campaign. Also, on this day in U.S. history: 1812: U.S. forces led by General Hull invade Canada in the War of 1812. 1862: Congress authorizes the Medal of Honor, the highest award given for military valor in action. 1954: President Eisenhower presents a plan for an interstate highway system.

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