To counter the rising Patriot fever, the British took to the backcountry and started raising their own Loyalist militias. In the Ninety-Six District a new regiment was raised and given to Maj. Daniel Plummer. Alexander Chesney had been a Patriot in the SC 6th Regiment, but after the fall of Charleston he took the oath and became a lieutenant and a captain in this regiment. Lt. Chesney commanded a small force of men who skirmished with some Patriots at Bullock's Creek.

The Patriots, led by Col. Thomas Brandon, were attempting to cross the ford at Bullock's Fork and Capt. Reed fell behind the others. He was killed by the Loyalists. His mother, having found out who the murderers were, followed Col. Brandon to North Carolina and implored him to avenge the death of her son.