British-backed loyalist forces were destroyed at Moore’s Creek Bridge in early 1776

Evidence

Martin received word in January 1776 that Britain had ordered the requested troops to sail from Ireland and had dispatched General Henry Clinton from Boston to lead them. They were to reach Wilmington in late February. The governor called on backcountry loyalists to meet them there. Some 3,500 ill-equipped loyalists rallied in a raucous atmosphere at Cross Creek (now Fayetteville) in mid-February, but their numbers dwindled to about 900 as they marched toward the coast. This remnant consisted mostly of loyalist immigrants from Scotland armed mainly with broadswords against patriot musket-fire. They met total defeat with all killed or captured on February 27 trying to cross Moore’s Creek Bridge near Wilmington. — Edward J. Larson, Declaring Independence, 132