Final answer:
At the Siege of Charleston, 5,466 Continental Army soldiers fought under Major General Benjamin Lincoln. The siege ended with a significant American loss, marking a low point for the American Revolutionary War efforts. Leadership changes followed, eventually leading to later American victories.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Siege of Charleston, which took place from March 29 to May 12, 1780, the Continental Army was commanded by Major General Benjamin Lincoln. The American forces numbered 5,466, facing a British force of 13,500 soldiers under the command of General Sir Henry Clinton. After weeks of siege and an attempt by Lincoln to surrender with honor, the Americans were finally forced to surrender unconditionally on May 11 following a barrage with 'hot shot' cannonballs from the British forces. This event marked the largest American loss during the entire Revolutionary War, with many captured Americans being confined in prisons or aboard ships in Charleston Harbor.
The British victory in Charleston was complete and is often considered one of their best-executed plans during the war. However, the aftermath of the siege saw changes in American leadership, with General Nathanael Greene taking command and leading to future American victories.