“P” is for Port Royal Island, Battle of

“P” is for Port Royal Island, Battle of (February 3, 1779). The battle of Port Royal Island was part of a larger campaign. On February 2, an amphibious expedition of 150 infantrymen sailed up the Broad River. On February 3, the infantrymen landed on Port Royal Island. The soldiers marched to Port Royal Ferry but found it well protected. While returning to their ships, the British discovered a force of four hundred militiamen and some Continental troops. Though outnumbered, the British attacked. In sharp fighting lasting forty-five minutes, the Americans suffered about thirty casualties, while the British lost about seventy-five men. The campaign was inconclusive, but it demonstrated the ability of the British to use their command of the waterways to strike at both military and civilian targets and to strengthen the resolve of South Carolina loyalists.