1794 Map Depicting Battle of Saunder's Creek- A "Disastrous Defeat" for the Revolutionaries

An engraved map of the "Plan of the Battle Fought near Camden [South Carolina], August 16th, 1780" produced for Charles Stedman's History of the Origin, Process, and Termination of the American War, published January 20, 1794. Troops positioned on the map include "Volunteers of Ireland" and "Infantry of the British Legion" (Greencoats), as well as seven other units. Positions and lines of march have been outlined in British red and Continental blue, the watercolors believed contemporary. Expected age toning with areas of darkened handling marks; uneven tearing to left side edge where page has been removed from book, measuring 8.25" x 10.25" overall. Else, near fine. Provenance: Noted Philadelphia map and print specialist Lyn Glaser, 1972.

The Battle of Saunder's Creek (also referred to as Gum Swamp), was fought on August 16, 1780 between American forces commanded by Horatio Gates and British troops led by Charles Cornwallis. Some seven miles from Camden at approximately 2:00 AM, the two forces met each other near Saunders Creek, each hoping to surprise the other. A short battle ensued, with an account from Redcoat solider John Robert Shaw described in part: "the American cavalry being driven back… occasioned some disorder in their ranks; and having thus repelled them, we were eager for a general engagement". However, Gates' troops withdrew and fighting was resumed the next morning, marking a decisive victory for the British.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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