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The Battle of Parker's Ferry
August 13, 1781 at Parker's Ferry, South Carolina
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Earlier in August, Col. William Harden commanded a force of American troops at Parker's Ferry. Parker's Ferry is located about 30 miles west-northwest of Charleston. American commanders gave orders to Maj. Thomas Fraser and his force of 200 dragoons to go to Parker's Ferry and give support to Harden. About 450 local Tories were creating an uprising in the area. Harden also requested some reinforcements in a request to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene. Greene sent Brig. Gen. Francis Marion and a force of 200 soldiers. Marion had to march over 100 miles to get to Parker's Ferry.
On August 13, Marion arrived at Parker's Ferry and joined Harden. Marion set up an amsush on the causeway that led to Parker's Farry and sent a group of his fastest cavalry to lure Fraser into the trap. Fraser ordered his men to charge the American position and ran straight into the ambush. he was soon hit by riflefire. Although being wounded, Fraser rallied his men and launched another attack. He was soon hit two more times by the Americans. The Tories soon had no choice but to retreat with their remaining forces. Marion could not pursue the Tories because of a lack of ammunition.
