A minor Revolutionary War engagement notable for a Loyalist militia victory and surrender terms negotiated by a Patriot commander's wife.
Key Facts
- Date (most accepted)
- July 29, 1781
- Alternate disputed date
- August 5, 1781
- Loyalist commander
- David Fanning
- Patriot commander
- Phillip Alston
- Outcome
- Loyalist victory
- Surrender negotiated by
- Alston's wife (Patriot side) and Fanning (Loyalist)
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the American Revolutionary War, the Carolinas experienced intense conflict between Loyalist and Patriot militia factions. Loyalist militia under David Fanning were active in suppressing Patriot resistance in the region, leading to an armed confrontation at the plantation of Patriot militia commander Phillip Alston, known as the House in the Horseshoe.
Loyalist militia under David Fanning attacked Patriot militia under Phillip Alston at Alston's plantation, the House in the Horseshoe, on or around July 29, 1781. The engagement ended in a Loyalist victory, with the surrounded Patriots compelled to seek terms of surrender.
The battle concluded with a Patriot surrender, the terms of which were negotiated by Alston's wife on behalf of the Patriots and by Fanning for the Loyalists. The episode illustrated the prominent role of militia and civilian participants in the southern theater of the Revolutionary War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
David Fanning.
Side B
1 belligerent
Phillip Alston.