While making dispositions to dislodge it, he accidentally fell in with a negro, who informed him of a private path leading through the swamp, round the right of the American lines to their rear.

Determining to avail himself of this path, he detached a column under Sir James Baird, which entered the morass unperceived by Howe.
[Sidenote: General Howe defeated by the British under Colonel Campbell, who takes possession of Savannah.] As soon as Sir James emerged from the swamp, he attacked and dispersed a body of Georgia militia, which gave the first notice to the American general of the danger which threatened his rear.

At the same instant, the British troops in his front were put in motion, and their artillery began to play upon him.

A retreat was immediately ordered; and the continental troops were under the necessity of running across a plain, in front of the corps which had been led into their rear by Sir James Baird, who attacked their flanks with great impetuosity, and considerable effect.

The few who escaped, retreated up the Savannah; and, crossing that river at Zubly's ferry, took refuge in South Carolina.
The victory was complete, and decisive in its consequences.