To Lord George Germain

from Major-General Augustine Prevost

Head Quarters, Ebenezer in Georgia
April 26, 1779

Dear General,

...the rebels in considerable force, had taken post at Briar Creek, 13 miles above our post at Hudson's, and that they were busied in repairing the bridge, (which had been destroyed by Colonel Campbell in his return downwards) as if intending to advance by that route, our post was reinforced, and dispositions secretly made to give them a proper reception.

Accordingly Major M'Pherson, with the 1st battalion 71st regiment, and some irregulars, with two field pieces, was directed by Lieutenant Col. Prevost to advance towards the bridge to mask the movements he himself had made with the 2d battalion...to amuse and keep Mr. Lincoln in check, should he in the mean time attempt anything in this quarter.

Our plan was happily effected...The second in command, Brigadier General Elbert, one of their best officers, several more of note, in the whole twenty-seven officers, were taken, with near two hundred men, about 150 killed on the field of battle and adjoining woods and swamps; but their chief loss consists in the number of officers and men drowned in attempting to save themselves from the slaughter, and plunging into a deep and rapid river..."

Lt. Colonel Campbell adds to the foregoing accounts, that at Augusta and round it, the inhabitants, to the amount of 1400 men, submitted, swore allegiance to the King, took the benefit of his Majesty's gracious protection, and were formed into 20 companies, in the stile of militia, for the
defence of their property against the incursions of the rebels from Carolina. That since the last action many deserters from the Continental troops in Carolina had come.

An intercepted letter from General Lincoln to the Congress informs them that he could not stand against the English army, unless considerably reinforced, as he was obliged to leave 800 men in Carolina, to prevent the inhabitants giving up the town to the English.

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