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Battle of, August 16, 1780. On his appointment to command in the South, Gates determined to seize Camden, SC. He made an unwise choice of roads so that his army was exhausted when it came to face the enemy. When within ten miles of Camden he delayed two days. Meanwhile Cornwallis had come up from Charleston to assist Rawdon. Gates also made the fatal mistake of sending out 400 of his best troops on a foray. With 3052 troops, only 1400 of whom were regulars, he faced 2000 British veterans. Both parties attempted a night march, but as the surprise failed they waited for daylight. The American left of raw militia was routed. The right composed of Maryland regulars held its ground bravely until it was attacked upon its exposed flank and forced to retire. This it did in good order. Of the Americans 1000 were killed or wounded, and 1000 captured. The loss of the British was 324. It was a clear piece of bad generalship on the part of Gates, who fled precipitately to the North.