ran abruptly into the Continentals and halted
in place to engage them. A fierce firefight en-
sued, with heavy losses on both sides before
Greene ordered his Virginia and Maryland
regulars to charge the British line. Stewart’s
line collapsed and retreated in confusion to
beyond the camp. Their commander then gal-
loped off the field in a frantic effort to rally
them.
At this juncture, Greene appeared to have
won a resounding victory, but control of
events quickly went awry. His surging line, in-
stead of pursuing the British, stopped and
began wildly plundering their camp. More se-
riously, as the cavalry under Washington and
Lee moved around the British right, they trot-
ted headlong into the elite battalion under
Maj. John Majoribanks at the thickets. Several
well-placed volleys sent the troopers flying
rearward, and Colonel Washington was
wounded and captured. Some of Greene’s
men had sorted themselves out, however, and
made directly for the brick house to the rear
of the camp. This was occupied by several
Loyalist troops, who barricaded the door and
poured a heavy fire upon their assailants. Sud-
denly, Majoribanks judged the moment right,
and he charged the Americans milling in the
camp. Stewart, having rallied part of his force,
did the same, and Greene’s entire line was
forced back in semiconfusion, losing two
small cannons. Wishing to avoid further dam-
age, Greene then sounded the retreat and
withdrew. Both sides had fought with com-
mendable steadiness and determination.
Eutaw Springs is distinct in being the last
major combat of the American Revolution on
southern soil. It was also one of the costliest.
Greene had suffered 139 killed, 375 wounded,
and 8 missing, nearly a quarter of his force.
Stewart’s losses were heavier still, amounting
to 85 killed, 351 wounded, and 430 missing
and presumed captured. The casualty rate ap-
proached 42 percent and included gallant
Major Majoribanks, who was fatally wounded.
This was the highest percentage suffered by
any army during the entire war. The thin red
line had been perilously stretched, indeed, but
it proved resilient under capable leadership.
Stewart’s losses, however, could not be easily
replaced. Once Greene withdrew back into the
interior, he likewise abandoned Eutaw Springs
and marched for the safety of Charleston on
the coast. Once again, the wily Greene had
lost a battle but accomplished his mission:
The Santee region of South Carolina was now
free of British influence.
In May 1782, Stewart gained a promotion
to colonel and was placed in charge of the
Charleston garrison. He returned to England
and obscurity shortly thereafter, rising to
major general in April 1790 and dying there in- He was an adept tactician and a capable
regimental officer.
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