Maj. John Carden, with 800 men of the Prince of Wales American Regiment (Loyalists) and two field pieces, were on their way from Camden to the first battle at Hanging Rock (too late), when they met some of Col. Thomas Sumter's forces foraging for food around Rocky Creek.

Col. Sumter ordered Col. Winn to take 100 men and delay Maj. Carden until everyone could safely withdraw. Col. Winn sent Capt. Coleman (GA) and William Stroud ahead, while the rest saddled up. These two men were captured and immediately hanged by the Loyalists beside the road.

The two sides exchanged long-range fire, but did not get close enough to get fully engaged. Col. Andrew Neel did get too close and was shot in his saddle - he died on the road near the Loyalist forces. Another of Col. Winn's men was wounded.

Maj. Carden withdrew back towards Rocky Mount and Col. Winn pursued them at a distance, but broke off as the enemy approached their camp at Rocky Mount. The next day, Lt. Col. James Hawthorn was sent under a flag of truce to bury Col. Andrew Neel. Hawthorn reported that he thought the Loyalists had lost 12-14 men killed and/or wounded.

Col. Thomas Sumter - Commanding Officer

Fairfield Regiment detachment led by Col. Richard Winn with unknown number of men

GA Captain Coleman

New Acquisition District Regiment detachment led by Col. Andrew Neel (killed), Lt. Col. James Hawthorne with unknown number of men

Maj. John Carden - Commanding Officer

Prince of Wales American Regiment with 800 men and two field pieces

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