Col. William Harden, with Brig. Gen. Francis Marion's consent, began operating between Charleston and Savannah to disrupt British lines in this area that was virtually a sanctuary for the enemy. He led his force of about 100 men down the Pocotaligo Road and ran into Capt. Edward Fenwick with thirty-five SC Dragoons near the Salkehatchie Bridge on April 5th.

Though outnumbered, the Loyalist cavalry quickly dispersed Col. Harden's men when they became disoriented in the dark.

One of Col. Harden's men, Paul Hamilton, wrote, "At midnight encountered a body of British cavalry near Saltketcher Bridge. The onset was in our favor, but, Harden being an indifferent commander, we were defeated and in the rout I suffered a hard pursuit....Our whole party was dispersed, and about 15 severely wounded with the sabre."

In mid-March of 1781, Marion finally agreed. This area was a virtual British sanctuary, and Marion himself had no men to spare from his current sphere of influence along the Pee Dee River.

Col. Harden's plan was to augment his 100 men with locals, but his recruiting again proved futile. However, he did not let this bother his plans. His first attempt - at Parker's Ferry - was quite a setback. This second engagement went no better.

SC Dragoons detachment led by Capt. Edward Fenwick, with 35 men

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