North Carolina in the American Revolution-- Part 2: Battle of Peacock's Bridge

From the Carolana site.

In the last post, I listed four engagements in the state of North Carolina, one being the Battle of Peacock's Bridge.  I'd never heard of it before so further research was needed.

This battle occurred early in Cornwallis' move from Wilmington to Virginia in 1781.  He had been defeated at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse and was recuperating in Wilmington.  He sent Lt.Col. Banastre Tarleton's Legion forward toward Virginia to gather intelligence and to force mills along the way to grind grain for the British.

His troops consisted of 180 dragoons and a few light companies of the 82nd Regiment and the Royal North Carolina Regiment of Loyalists.  All were mounted.

On the banks of the Contentnea Creek, Col. James Gorham and 400 Pitt County militia met Tarleton's force at Peacock's Bridge.  The dragoons galloped across the bridge and easily scattered the Patriots.

This took place in Wilson County, N.C., near the Wayne and Greene County border.

--Cooter