supposed to have taken the column of present fit for duty as
exhibiting the strength of the army on the day of the
battle; but as this return was made the day after the
action, the author has supposed that the killed, wounded,
and missing, must be added to the numbers fit for duty on
the day of the return, to give the actual strength of the
army at the time of the engagement.]

The plan which the strength of Camden and his own weakness had induced
General Greene originally to adopt, was still substantially pursued.
He remained in the vicinity of that place, and by the activity of his
cavalry, straightened the communication of the garrison with the
neighbouring country. Their distress for provisions had been
considerably increased by the progress of Marion and Lee.

[Sidenote: Several British posts taken.]

Lieutenant Colonel Lee joined Marion a few days after he was detached
from the camp on Deep river; and these two officers commenced their
operations against the line of communication between Camden and
Charleston, by laying siege to fort Watson, which capitulated in a few
days. The acquisition of this fort afforded the means of interrupting
the intercourse between Camden and Charleston, and opposed an obstacle
to the retreat of Lord Rawdon which he would have found it difficult
to surmount.

From the increasing perils of his situation, his lordship was relieved
by the arrival of Colonel Watson.

In attempting to obey the orders, which were given by Lord Rawdon on