02/13/2026
Extract of a Letter from New Bern, North Carolina, dated February 13th, 1776:
"An express arrived here yesterday from the backcountry, informing us that the Regulators and Tories were gaining strength there and intended to march to Cross Creek, and from there to Cape Fear. I am of the opinion they will be well flogged before they reach Cape Fear, provided they engage in battle. Our Minute-Men and part of the militia march tomorrow and will join Colonel Caswell in Dobbs County (near present-day Kinston, NC). From there, he will march in two or three days with nearly a thousand men under his command."
While the Patriots were on the move, the Regulators and Tories encountered difficulties. The nearly 3,000 Regulators (Loyalists) who initially promised to march to the coast had a change of heart and returned home. On February 16, 1776, only 167 of the 3,000 Regulators mustered in Cross Creek, North Carolina (present-day Fayetteville).
Nearly 1,600 Loyalists, mainly Scottish Highlanders who had recently arrived in the colony of North Carolina, marched out of Cross Creek on February 19, 1776. Cold weather and rain plagued the Loyalists; many had no tents or shelter. Weary, cold, and sleep-deprived, the Loyalists attempted to take Moores Creek Bridge on February 27, 1776, the last obstacle before reaching Cape Fear. Just before daybreak, the Loyalists were "well flogged" and "met a proper reception" from the Minute Men who guarded Moores Creek Bridge, marking the first decisive Patriot victory of the American Revolution.
To learn more about the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, please join us on February 27-28th for our 250th Anniversary Event. You can also visit our website for more information.
