In November of 1780, after Thomas Sumter's victory over Banastre Tarleton at Blackstock's Farm in neighboring Union county, the Patriot forces split up to return home. The Georgia militia under Twiggs, Clarke and Few were joined by the Lower Ninety Six Regiment under Hammond, McCall and Liddell. These Patriots received word that a Loyalist force was camped at "Hoil's Old Place" near present day Piedmont in Greenville County. When the Loyalists heard that the Patriots were coming after them, they abandoned their fort and retreated south across the Saluda River at Rutledge Ford.

The retreating Loyalists were met by the Patriot forces at Rutledge Ford, with several killed on both sides. However, the Patriots came out the victor, and continued to move toward Ninety Six in hopes of taking the fort (Fort Rutledge) from whence the Loyalists came. Later, the forces continued to move toward Georgia.