Joseph Hewes, of N. C., Thomas Lynch, of S. C., and George Ross, of Pa., signers of the Declaration of Independence, died during this year.
1780.
Jan.—The British send a large force to capture Charleston, S. C., and overrun that State.
Feb. 11—British troops are landed on St. Johns Island, and the fleet blockades Charleston.
May 6—Fort Moultrie, being invested by sea and land, surrenders to the British.
” 12—Charleston surrendered by Gen. Lincoln.
” 29—Col. Tarleton surprises Buford, American, at Waxhaws. Buford is totally defeated. South Carolina is now treated as a royal province, all opposition being overcome, for the present.
June 23—A sharp action between the British Generals Kniphausen and Clinton, with 6,000 troops, and Gen. Greene, with 1,500. The town of Springfield was burned, but Greene, taking a strong position, stopped the advance of the enemy, and he retired to Staten Island.
July 10—The Count de Rochambeau, with a fleet and 6,000 French troops, arrives at Newport, R. I. They are blockaded by the British.
Aug. 6—Col. Sumter gains a brilliant victory at Hanging Rock, S. C.