On November 9, 1780, British troops prepared to launch a crushing surprise attack on Patriot militia at Fishdam Ford, located in what is now rural South Carolina. The raid was a blow in Britain's broader Southern Strategy, a calculated attack that began in the South, chipping away at the rebellious colonies, and ultimately extinguishing the spirit of independence that spread throughout America.
When Major James Wemyss, a British officer notorious for his ruthless tactics, stalked toward the Patriot camp with 140 dragoons, he had one target in mind. It was General Thomas Sumter, a rebellious “gamecock” who led 300 South Carolina militiamen. Weemis' plan? In a pre-dawn raid, Sumter is taken from the camp. However, plans on paper often meet a different fate in the field. Instead of capturing Sumter, Wemyss found himself wounded, captured, and facing fierce resistance from patriots trying to defend their homeland.
This conflict at Fishdamford was more than just a skirmish. It was part of the brutal “brother against brother” conflict that tore the Santee River Valley apart. And Sumter and Wemyss were not used to this type of combat. Both gained experience in brutal guerrilla warfare waged in the swamps and farms of South Carolina. While Wemyss chased patriots into the outback, fellow British officer, the infamous Banastre Tarleton, hunted the elusive Francis Marion — the “swamp fox” — whose guerrilla tactics led him across the state. It was terrifying British supporters.
Preparation for Sumter
While Wemyss and Tarleton ravaged the countryside and raided farms, Sumter assembled a militia. His powers were so dedicated that people soon started calling him “Gamecock.” Hardened by the destruction of their homes and communities, these people vowed to avenge all the destruction the British forces had inflicted.
In his attempt to capture Sumter, Wemyss turned to Loyalist spies and intelligence for guidance. But Sumter was ready. He ordered his men to “sleep with their arms,” ​​kept fires burning, and posted guards around the camp. As Wemyss' forces closed in, the pre-dawn light revealed them to the waiting patriots, who picked them off with deadly precision. Soon Wemyss himself fell and was wounded. Disoriented and outgunned, the British dragoons staggered through the darkness into Sumter's well-prepared defenses. The game was over in 30 minutes, and Wemyss was lying injured on the field.
Less than two weeks later, Mr. Tarleton caught up with Mr. Sumter, seriously injuring him and forcing him to temporarily resign. But even with Francis Marion at the helm, the spirit Sumter inspired remained strong. These resilient Carolinians eventually pushed the British north, all the way to their last stand at Yorktown.
The past is prologue
Now, as then, Americans who cherish their freedoms are beset by those who are willing to give up their freedoms in the belief that central authorities have their best interests in mind. The Loyalists of yesteryear are the same today: citizens who ridicule patriots and label resistance to federal overreach as extremists.
Sumter's preparations at Fishdam Ford teach us that defending freedom requires vigilance, preparation, and fortitude. We too must “sleep armed” and protect our God-given right to keep and bear arms. But the Constitution itself is another weapon in our arsenal. We must take that principle to heart. Because it represents the timeless ideals of self-government and individual sovereignty.
And just as Sumter kept the campfire burning to reveal the advancing enemy, we must keep the flames of freedom burning in our communities. These fires, driven by faith, morality, and respect for the virtues of republicanism, are essential to a free people. To preserve these, we must teach emerging generations a deep respect for the liberties bequeathed to us by Providence and defended by our patriotic ancestors. Only by doing so can we honor their sacrifice and ensure that our freedoms never disappear.
