Banastre Tarleton letter to Charles Cornwallis, 30 May 1780

My Lord, Waxhaws, May 30, 1780.

I have the honour to inform you that, yesterday at three o'clock, P.M., after a march of 105 miles in 54 hours, with the corps of cavalry, the infantry of the legion mounted on horses, and a three-pounder, at Waxhaws, near the line which divides North from South Carolina, the rebel force, commanded by Colonel Burford, consisting of the 11th Virginia and detachments of other regiments from the same province, with artillery and some cavalry, were brought to action.

After the summons, in which terms similar to those accepted by Charlestown were offered, and positively rejected, the action commenced in a wood : the attacks were pointed at both flanks, the front and reserve by 270 cavalry and infantry blended, and at the same instant all were equally victorious, few of the enemy escaping, except the commanding officer, by a precipitate flight on horseback.

It is above my ability to say anything in commendation of the bravery and execution of officers and men. I leave their merit to your Lordship's consideration.

I have the honour, &c.,

Ban. Tarleton, Lieut-Col.,

Commanding British Legion.