The war in South Carolina’s backcountry was fought between Colonists and Loyalists with no British involved. It was brutal and both sides engaged in tit-for-tat battles. Musgrove Mill was no exception.
About 200 Colonists were set to raid a Loyalist camp near Musgrove Mill which controlled the local grain supply and guarded a ford along the Enoree River. They anticipated a surprise attack but were shocked to find that the camp had been reinforced by Loyalists moving to join Patrick Ferguson’s force (which would fight later at King’s Mountain) swelling their ranks to nearly 400 men. It would be difficult to turn around since their horses needed rest and they were located by a Loyalist patrol. They would have to stand and fight.
The Colonists took position along a ridge in a semicircular position. A small force was sent forward across the Enoree to find the enemy. Once engaged they began to retreat intending to draw the Loyalists into an ambush. The Loyalists pursued and took the bait. Colonial fire took down a number of Loyalists but the Loyalist regulars did not run instead charging with their bayonets. Since the Colonials had no bayonets the Loyalists nearly carried the day but reserves of Overmountain Men were called in checking the attack and killing a number of Loyalist officers and driving off the Loyalists.
The entire battle had taken about an hour. Colonial casualties were less than 20. Loyalist casualties were unknown but they suffered over 100 with 63 men being killed and 70 prisoners begin taken. This victory could not have come at a better time since it came on the heels of Horatio Gates’ decisive defeat at Camden only three days prior. Ferguson rallied and attempted to pursue the Overmountain Men but couldn’t catch them. He would get his chance a few months later.
