There was no one to oppose him, for the American army had been captured with Charleston.
Another small army was got together in North Carolina and the command given to Gates, the victor at Saratoga.

One night both Gates and Cornwallis set out to attack the other's camp.

The two armies met at daybreak, the British having the best position.

But this really made little difference, for Gates's Virginia militiamen ran away before the British came within fighting distance.

The North Carolina militia followed the Virginians.