When the thousands of troops faced each other eight miles north of Camden, South Carolina in August 1780, more than half of those on the side of the British were technically Americans. The battle had been brewing for almost five years, and had included moments of diplomacy, periodic taking and retaking of ground, strategy that sometimes worked, and officers who ranged from seasoned professionals to rank amateurs. Would the rebel troops fighting under the flags of various states under the leadership of Major General Horatio Gates prevail, or would the field fall to Lieutenant General Charles, Earl Cornwallis? In this collection of accounts from the American and British commanders and soldiers, along with the contemporary observations and reports by noncombatants, Piecuch follows the events leading to battle, the battle itself, and the aftermath, including the letter by the people of Charleston congratulating the victor, Cornwallis. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)