In November of 1780 Cornwallis himself took notice of the impact that Marion was having on British supply lines and troop movements. He personally ordered Tarleton to take an entire brigade of redcoats and sweep the wilderness around Williamsburg until Marion was found and captured. Tarleton began his campaign by assaulting Williamsburg to try and draw Marion out but all it did was inspire other militia forces to rise up against him. In the ensuing Battle of Black Mingo, Tarleton fought against a localized uprising of armed American colonists and Marion’s Raiders who joined the battle halfway through. As soon as Marion revealed himself, Tarleton broke off the assault on the town and chased after the American Colonel with all he had. Marion, outnumbered, retreated into the swamps of southwestern South Carolina and led the British on a long and punishing chase.
1. How did Tarleton draw Marion out and how did Marion respond?
Francis Marion only engaged the British when he had the advantage, frequently drawing them into ambushes in the swamps.
2. Should Marion have just fought Tarleton outright?