Cornwallis, Charles, British General

Autograph letter signed ("Cornwallis"), 1 1/4 pages 4to (9 7/8 x 7 7/8 in.; 252 x 200 mm), Camden, [South Carolina], 21 August 1780, to Thomas [Townshend], relaying news of his victory at Camden over Horatio Gates; light toning. Together with: Blank sheet docketed "Lord Cornwallis."  Blue folding case.

British victory at Camden. "I am very sure that you will sincerely rejoice at my having gained a compleat victory althou' it is at the expence of your old acquaintance Horatio Gates," Cornwallis crows, "of whose Canon, Baggage, Horses, & I may almost say Army I am now in possession."  Congress had appointed Gates, the Victor of Saratoga, to rally the militia to secure the South from the British.  Congress had not consulted with Washington who opposed the selection of Gates as commander of the Southern department.

The Battle of Camden scored a major victory for the British in the Southern theater during the war. On 16 August 1780, British forces under Lord Cornwallis routed the American forces of Major General Horatio Gates, about six miles north of Camden, South Carolina. The  victory effectively strengthened the British hold on the Carolinas after their capture of Charleston. The rout was an embarrassing defeat for Gates, whose army had possessed massive numerical superiority over the British force but were lacking in military training. Gates would  never hold a field command again.