January 16, 1780 at Trafalgar (The Moonlight Battle) – British Admiral George Rodney, with 21 ships of the line, engages an inferior Spanish squadron of 11 ships that departs Cadiz. Rodney, on his way to the Americas, gleans information about the Spanish squadron from a captured merchantman and reverses his course. The Spanish, being outnumbered, try to flee back to port. Only one Spanish ship manages to return to the safety of the port of Cadiz. Although the victory has no major strategic significance, Rodney’s order of “general chase” and fighting by moonlight make this a legendary engagement.
April 1, 1780 at South Carolina coast, South Carolina (Fair American vs. Elphinstone and Arbuthnot) – On April 1, the South Carolina State Navy ship Fair American, commanded by Capt. Charles Morgan, teamed up with the Privateer Argo and was able to capture the two Privateer brigs, Elphinstone and Arbuthnot. The Loyalist ships were from New York and had been bound for St. Kitts.
Conclusion: American Victory
October 7, 1780 at Charlestown, South Carolina (Fair American vs. HMS Rodney) – On October 7, the South Carolina ship Fair American joined with the Privateer Holker. Together, they captured the brig HMS Rodney. The Rodney was bound for Charlestown.
Conclusion: American Victory
October 14, 1780 at Charlestown, South Carolina (Fair American vs. HMS Richard) – On October 14, the South Carolina ship Fair American joined with the Privateer Holker. Together, they captured the brig HMS Richard.
Conclusion: American Victory
November ??, 1780 at Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina (Battle of Ocracoke Inlet) – In November, the North Carolina privateer General Nash struck again, capturing the brigs HMS Aggie, HMS Prince of Wales, and the HMS Kattie near the Ocracoke Inlet.
Conclusion: American Victory
