They were at length embarked at the Head of Elk, and conveyed by water to Petersburg, in Virginia, whence they marched towards South Carolina.

Their progress was delayed by that difficulty of obtaining subsistence which had induced Lord Cornwallis to suspend the invasion of North Carolina until harvest should be gathered.

No preparations having been made for them, they were reduced to the necessity of spreading themselves over the country in small detachments, to collect corn, and grind it for their daily food.

In this manner they proceeded through the upper parts of North Carolina to Deep River, and encamped near Buffalo Ford in July.

At this place the Baron halted for a few days, in some uncertainty respecting his future course.[25] [Footnote 25: Journal of Colonel Williams.] The militia of North Carolina, commanded by General Caswell, were beyond the Pedee, on the road to Camden, and had nearly consumed the scanty supplies which could be gleaned from a country that was far from being productive.