A Patriot ambush at Shallow Ford helped delay British reinforcements to Charlotte, contributing to Cornwallis's retreat from North Carolina in 1780.
Key Facts
- Date
- October 14, 1780
- Loyalist force size
- Fewer than 350 mounted militia
- Patriot force size
- 300 militia
- Loyalist killed
- At least 14
- Loyalist captured
- About 40
- Patriot killed
- 1 (Captain Henry Francis)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the British occupation of Charlotte, Loyalist militia under Colonel Gideon Wright and Captain Hezikiah Wright were crossing the Yadkin River heading northwest along Mulberry Fields Road, apparently moving to reinforce British positions. Major Joseph Cloyd assembled approximately 300 Patriot militia to intercept them roughly one mile from Shallow Ford.
On October 14, 1780, Patriot militia ambushed the Loyalist column as it crested a ridge above the Whig position at about 9:30 in the morning. Fire was directed at the front of the Loyalist column, causing confusion among a force only partially across the river. At least 14 Loyalists were killed, including Captain Joseph Bryan, and roughly 40 were captured. Only one Patriot, Captain Henry Francis, died.
The skirmish was one of several engagements that successfully delayed British reinforcements to Charlotte. Combined with the larger Patriot victory at King's Mountain and persistent harassment throughout the Carolinas, the battle contributed to Cornwallis's decision to abandon Charlotte and retreat south in November 1780.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Major Joseph Cloyd.
Side B
1 belligerent
Colonel Gideon Wright, Captain Hezikiah Wright.