Page 98 - Foy

THE BATTLE AT MOORE CREEK BRIDGE
February 27, 1776

This battle, which took place in early 1776 In North Carolina, is of great interest
to our line of the FOYs because our ancestor, JAMES FOY, SENIOR, was one
of the military officers that led the patriots (rebels) in battle.

Early in February 1776 the English controlled North Carolina governor issued a
manifesto for all North Carolina Loyalist to rise against the rebels. By the 18th
of February about 2,000 English Loyalist had assembled and in late February
they began to march toward a major road between Cross Creek and Wilmington
where they were to establish a blockade. Many of those Loyalist were Scotts (a
large percentage of the population of North Carolina were Scottish) and were
dressed in kilts. Bagpipes skirled as they marched proudly toward their

destination.

On February 27 these marchers found their route blocked at Moore’s Creek, a
swampy stream flowing into the Black River eighteen miles from Wilmington.
The North Carolina rebels had built up earthworks overlooking a bridge the
British troops had to cross. The Loyalist, from their location, could not see that
the Patriots. Besides building earth bunkers above the bridge, the rebels had also
removed the planks from the floor of the bridge. They had also greased some of
the framework.

Seeing only the earthworks and without reconnaissance or plans the officers of the
Loyalist ordered their troops to charge the bridge and drive the patriot force out
of their bunkers. The cheering, bagpipe playing Highlanders charged but came

to a sudden halt when they reached the bridge. The bridge had no floor.

Unable to ford the creek, a few brave Loyalist souls tried to cross the bridge on
its framework but were promptly shot. The rebels from behind their bunkers then
poured several volleys into the milling mass of Loyalist and within minutes all the
Loyalist were in flight.

Losses were light. Thirty Loyalist were killed; forty were wounded; only two
patriots were wounded. The next day the Loyalist surrendered. Most were told
to go back to their homes and they did. Loyalist sentiment in North Carolina was

Ch. 10 Pg. 5