While camped along the Long Cane Creek in November of 1775, Maj. Andrew Williamson of the Ninety-Six District Regiment, learned that a Loyalist force of more than 1,800 men were en route to the town of Ninety-Six. Maj. Williamson sent word to all militia units west of the Congaree River and soon men began to rally with his small band of captains. He quickly moved this small Patriot force, numbering less than 600, to the town of Ninety-Six and rapidly built a crude fortification of fence rails - a square breastwork - in a field near the town.

The field was known as Savage's Old Field and was on the plantation of John Savage. The fortified position around one of Mr. Savage's barns became known as Williamson's Fort. Maj. Williamson chose this position so that his artillery - three swivel guns - would have a better field of fire and could be used to their maximum potential.

Not long afterwards, Maj. James Mayson and seven companies of Rangers (SC 3rd Regiment) arrived to support Maj. Andrew Williamson's force, bringing plenty of supplies but no water.

Before the fortification could be completed, the Loyalist force under Maj. Joseph Robinson appeared on Sunday, November 18th, with drums beating and colors flying. The Loyalists took over the town of Ninety-Six and converted the jailhouse into a fortified position, then began the siege on Fort Williamson.

Fighting broke out with Patriot and Loyalist forces reportedly firing "rifles and muskets, from behind houses, trees, logs, stumps, and fences." The battle would rage on from the 19th of November until the 21st. With Maj. Williamson dangerously short on gunpowder, and with Loyalist forces fearful that Patriot reenforcements may arrive at any moment, the warring commanders agreed to cease hostilities and disband.

The "treaty" stated that Maj. Robinson would withdraw his Loyalist troops beyond the Saluda River so that Maj. Williamson could withdraw his Patriot troops without being molested.

James Birmingham, a South Carolinian, is considered as the first Southerner to die in the American Revolution for the Patriot cause. He had joined the Long Canes Militia, a company within the Ninety-Six District Regiment.

Commanding Officer - Maj. Andrew Williamson of the Ninety-Six District Regiment.

Ninety-Six District Regiment led by Maj. Andrew Williamson with the following companies:

Capt. Mathew Beraud with 13 men

Capt. John Erwin with 26 men

Capt. Joseph Hamilton (artillery) with 17 men and 3 swivel guns

Capt. Adam Crain Jones with 26 men

Capt. Thomas Langdon with 12 men

Capt. Francis Logan with 18 men

Capt. Robert McCreary with 30 men

Capt. James Middleton with 3 men

Capt. Alexander Noble with 4 men

Capt. George Reed with 25 men

Capt. Aaron Smith with 17 men

Capt. Charles Williams with 11 men

Little River District Regiment detachment including the following companies:

Capt. David Hunter with 19 men

Capt. James Pollard with unknown number of men

Capt. John Rodgers, Jr. with 20 men

Capt. John Rogers with unknown number of men (probably the same man as directly above)

Capt. James Williams with 28 men

Camden District Regiment detachment including the following companies:

Capt. Andrew Hamilton, Sr. with 23 men

Capt. Matthew Singleton with unknown number of men

New Acquisition District Regiment detachment led by Capt. John Anderson with 11 men

Lower District Regiment detachment led by Capt. Andrew Pickens with 40 men

Spartan Regiment detachment led by Capt. John Lisle, Jr. with unknown number of men

Independent Company of Rangers led by Capt. Benjamin Tutt with 34 men

Independent Company of Rangers led by Capt. Ezekiel Polk with unknown number of men

SC 3rd Regiment (Rangers) Detachment led by Maj. James Mayson with the following companies:

Capt. Nathaniel Abney with 23 men

Capt. Robert Anderson with 18 men

Capt. John Caldwell with 37 men

Capt. James McCall with 54 men

Capt. Hugh Middleton with unknown number of men

Capt. Francis Sinquefield with 17 men

Capt. William Wilson with 16 men

Georgia Militia detachment led by Capt. Jacob Colson with 18 men

1,892 Loyalists led by Maj. Joseph Robinson - the Ninety-Six District Loyalist Militia, New Acquisition Regiment with the following known companies:

Capt. Richard Pearis

Capt. John Mayfield

Capt. Benjamin Wofford

Capt. Mathew Floyd

Capt. David George

Capt. Patrick Cunningham

Capt. Evan McLaurin

Capt. Thomas Edgehill

Capt. Jacob Fry

Capt. Jones

Capt. James Phillips

Capt. George Zuber

Capt. William Hunt

Capt. Luper

Capt. Bowman

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