Capture of Savannah

During this action British forces under Lieutenant-Colonel Archibald Campbell captured the city of Savannah, Georgia. Savannah was defended by Continental troops under General Robert Howe. Howe had on hearing reports of the British fleet occupied the city with 550 Continentals which were reinforced by militia. The British landed their troops near Girardeau's plantation. On hearing this Howe sent some Continental's to take control of the bluffs facing the landing areas, but after firing a few shots the Continental's retreated. The British advanced till they were within sight of Howe's line which appeared quite strong. A slave however revealed a path through which the American line could be outflanked. As soon as the flanking troops reached their objective (which turned out to be the Continental barracks. The British infantry charged resulting in a retreat of the defenders which turned into a rout. The Americans desperately attempted to escape through to escape through the swamps, but were cut off by a force sent for that reason. Some Continentals managed to escape before they were cut off, and many tried to swim a creek. However many drowned in the attempt to swim it. A rear guard managed to cover the remaining troops' retreat. The British captured the city with the loss of 7 killed, and 17 wounded. Howe lost 83 killed, and 11 wounded plus a number that drowned. Howe was court-martial-ed, but was exonerated. He was however admonished on not opposing the British landing with a more significant force, or withholding his force altogether. 

By CWS