Ash surprised and defeated....

Moultrie retreats....

Prevost marches to Charleston....

Lincoln attacks the British at Stono Ferry unsuccessfully....
Invasion of Virginia.
[Sidenote: 1779] After the relinquishment of that extensive plan of conquest which had been meditated against Canada, no other object seemed to call forth the energies of the nation, and a general languor appeared to diffuse itself through all the civil departments.

The alliance with France was believed to secure independence; and a confidence that Britain could no longer prosecute the war with any hope of success--a confidence encouraged by communications from Europe--prevented those exertions which were practicable, but which it was painful to make.
This temper was seen and deplored by the Commander-in-chief, who incessantly combated the opinion that Britain was about to relinquish the contest, and insisted that great and vigorous exertions on the part of the United States were still necessary to bring the war to a successful termination.
It being no longer practicable to engage soldiers by voluntary enlistment, and government not daring to force men into the service for three years, or during the war, the vacant ranks were scantily supplied with drafts for nine, twelve, and eighteen months.