Ninety-six, Fort
A defensive work on the site of the village of
Cambridge, in Abbeville district,
S. C.; so named because it was 96 miles from the frontier fort, Prince George, on the
Keowee River, 147 miles northwest from
Charleston.
On May 22, 1781,
General Greene commenced the siege of this fort.
It was garrisoned by American loyalists, commanded by
Lieutenant-Colonel Cruger.
Greene had less than 1,000 regulars and a few raw militia.
The fort was too strong to be captured by assault, and regular approaches by parallels were made under the direction of
Kosciuszko.
The work of the siege was interrupted by an occasional sortie for about a month, when
Greene, hearing of the approach of
Rawdon with a strong force to relieve
Cruger, made an unsuccessful effort (June 18) to take the place by storm.
On the following evening
Greene raised the siege and retreated beyond the
Saluda River.
Rawdon pursued them a short distance, when he wheeled and marched to
Orangeburg.
Soon afterwards the fort was abandoned, and the garrison joined
Rawdon's troops on their march to
Orangeburg, followed by a train of frightened Tory families.
Greene also followed, but soon retired to the high hills of
Santee to refresh his troops.