Before he was able to execute this plan, General Prevost withdrew his troops from Augusta to Hudson's Ferry.

Ash was then ordered to cross the Savannah, and take post near the confluence of Briar Creek with that river.

This camp was thought unassailable.

Its left was covered by a deep swamp, and by the Savannah.

The front was secured by Briar Creek, which is unfordable several miles, and makes an acute angle with the river.
[Sidenote: Ash surprised and defeated by Prevost.] Having determined to dislodge the Americans from this position, Prevost kept up the attention of General Lincoln by the semblance of a design to cross the Savannah; and, at the same time amused General Ash with a feint on his front, while Lieutenant Colonel Prevost made a circuit of about fifty miles, and, crossing Briar Creek fifteen miles above the ground occupied by Ash, came down, unperceived and unsuspected, on his rear.