The troops having embarked, the fleet and convoy sailed from New York on the 26th of December, and after experiencing much tempestuous weather, which separated the fleet and occasioned the loss of several transports, arrived at the Savannah about the end of January, 1780, and gained the harbour of North Edisto, on the coast of South Carolina, in February. The troops were immediately landed, and took possession of John's and James's Island, the Royal Fusiliers taking post at Stono-ferry on John's Island. The passage of the Ashley River was effected on the 29th of March, and on the 1st of April the army besieged Charlestown. The works were carried on with perseverance and judgment, and, on the 11th of May, all things being ready for a general assault, the governor capitulated, and ten American regiments, with three battalions of artillery, and the town and county militia, became prisoners of war.
The loss of the royal army in this siege was only seventy-six killed and one hundred and ninety wounded, including all ranks. The Royal Fusiliers had one man killed and two wounded.
1781
The regiment appears to have been in garrison during the remainder of this year; and in January, 1781, it was ordered to proceed to Fort Ninety-Six, which place was then besieged by the Americans; but when on the march, the regiment received orders to join a body of troops under Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, and march against General Morgan, who was posted at Pacolet with a strong division of the American army. "The progress of the King's troops was greatly impeded by heavy rains, which swelled the rivers and creeks; yet Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton conducted his march so well, and got so near to General Morgan (who was retreating before him), as to make it dangerous for him to pass the Broad-River, and came up with him at eight o'clock A.M. on the 17th of January, at a place called Cow-Pens. The attack was begun by the first line of infantry, consisting of the Seventh regiment, the infantry of the legion, and the corps of light infantry annexed to it: a troop of cavalry was placed on each flank: the first battalion of the seventy-first, and the remainder of the cavalry, formed the reserve. The enemy's line soon gave way, and their militia quitted the field; but our troops having been thrown into some disorder by the pursuit, General Morgan's corps faced about and gave them a heavy fire: this unexpected event occasioned the utmost confusion in the first line. The two three-pounders were taken, and I fear the colours of the Seventh regiment shared the same fate."[14]
In this unfortunate engagement the Royal Fusiliers sustained a very serious loss in killed, wounded, and taken prisoners.
1782
1783
The regiment was subsequently placed in garrison in South Carolina, where it remained until 1782; when, the British Government having been induced to concede the independence of the United States, pacific overtures were made, which were succeeded by a cessation of hostilities. South Carolina was evacuated, and the Royal Fusiliers proceeded to New York, where they remained until the conclusion of the treaty of peace in 1783, when they returned to England; at the same time the establishment was reduced to eight companies.
1784
1785
1786
After occupying quarters at Gloucester and Plymouth, the regiment proceeded to Scotland in the spring of 1786.
1788
1789