“H” is for Huck, Christian (d. 1780)

“H” is for Huck, Christian (d. 1780). Soldier.  Christian Huck, a loyalist captain of dragoons under Banastre Tarleton, gained notoriety in South Carolina during the Revolutionary War for his vicious acts and excessive use of profanity. A Philadelphia lawyer, Huck was known for his intense hatred of all patriots, especially Scots-Irish Presbyterians. He commanded British outposts around Camden and participated in other actions involving Tarleton's Legion. Before dawn on July 12, 1780, a force of 250 patriots tracked down Huck and his legionnaires at Williamson's Plantation, located in the New Acquisition District. The Tories, many of whom were still asleep, were taken completely by surprise and easily defeated. When he tried to escape, Christian Hook was mortally wounded. “Huck’s Defeat”--as the battle came to be known—proved to patriots that they could measure up to British regulars.