Framed Attack of 2nd South Carolina Continentals on the Spring Hill Redoubt at the Siege of Savannah by A.I. Keller

Attack of 2nd South Carolina Continentals on the Spring Hill Redoubt at the Siege of Savannah by A.I. Keller depicts a key moment from the Siege of Savannah during the American Revolutionary War. The Siege of Savannah took place from September 16 to October 18, 1779, as a joint Franco-American effort to retake the city from British control. The pivotal assault occurred on October 9, 1779, targeting the Spring Hill Redoubt, a fortified position in the British defensive line. The allied forces, led by American General Benjamin Lincoln and French Admiral Charles Henri d’Estaing, planned a multi-pronged assault. The main attack focused on the Spring Hill Redoubt, believed by d’Estaing to be a weak point defended only by militia. In reality, it was reinforced by British regulars, including Scotsmen from the 71st Regiment of Foot and Loyalist troops. The 2nd South Carolina Continentals, under Colonel Francis Marion, were among the first to storm the redoubt. They faced intense resistance, climbing a bluff, crossing a ditch, and cutting through an abatis (sharpened tree branches) while under heavy musket and cannon fire from the redoubt and flanking batteries. Despite their bravery, the regiment suffered devastating losses. During the attack, several officers and soldiers attempted to plant their colors on the ramparts. Notably, Sergeant William Jasper, a hero from the earlier defense of Fort Sullivan, was mortally wounded while trying to raise the regiment’s flag. This act of valor became a symbol of the regiment’s determination, though it couldn’t turn the tide. The assault failed due to poor coordination, fog-induced confusion (which delayed the attack until daylight), and betrayal of the plan to British General Augustine Prevost by American deserters. The allies lost around 1,000 men—far more than the British casualties of about 150. The 2nd South Carolina Continentals were repelled, and the siege was abandoned shortly after.