Beaufort was overtaken near the Waxhaw settlements, and summoned to surrender.

This person does not seem to have been designed by nature for military operations.

He halted at the summons, hesitated awhile, sent his wagons ahead, consulted with his officers, and did little or nothing farther, either for flight or conflict.

While thus halting and hesitating he was attacked by the impetuous Tarleton, offered a feeble resistance, unmarked by conduct or spirit, suffered the enemy to gain his rear, and finally grounded his arms.

He either did this too soon or too late.