led the Camerons to join them and some other clans followed in a spontaneous, uncoordinated and disorganized charge in which many failed to use their firearms. Despite canister shot and volleys, the charge reached – and in places broke through – the Government front line (though many Highlanders were without targes to protect from bayonets). However, Coehorn mortar shelling and devastating enfilade musket fire from the deeply echeloned government forces killed those who had made a breakthrough, while the others, after suffering heavy casualties, fell back in a retreat that quickly became a rout. Moore's Creek Bridge The Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge, fought in 1776 in the Colony of North Carolina and one of the earliest battles of the American Revolution, has been called the "last Scottish Highland broadsword charge." It was fought between a collection of North Carolina Patriots and a loyalist force mainly composed of emigrant Scottish Gaels who had settled around the Cape Fear River. During the battle, the Highlanders attempted to charge the Patriots with their broadswords, but were gunned down due to the superior positions and equipment of the opposing side. At least 30 of the Scottish loyalists were killed, and many more were taken prisoner by the victorious rebels, who had by contrast lost only two men. The battle has been cited as one of the earliest major Patriot victories in the War of American Independence. See also Military history of Scotland Human wave attack Battle of Prestonpans (1745) References History of the Scottish Highlands Assault tactics Wars involving Scotland