American militia continued the fight against the British in the Southern Campaign after Charleston and Camden

Despite heavy casualties, the loss of Charleston, and the defeat of the Continental army at Camden, American militia remained in the field and continued the fight against the British in the Southern Campaign. Under the command of Thomas Sumter, Andrew Pickens, Francis Marion, and William R. Davie, the militia continued to engage the British. The American militia gained some small successes, particularly those of Marion, which helped maintain Patriot morale.

One of the victories took place in Savannah. After a British army under Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell captured the city of Savannah, Georgia on December 29, 1778, the Americans were determined to take the city back in some battles. The battles are called "Great Savannah" and "Blue Savannah". Despite having small successes in the fight, Savannah remains in British hands until the end of the war.

Another victory is the victory of the "Battle of Black Mingo" which took place in the Black Mingo Creek, a tributary to the Black River in coastal South Carolina. Marion had wanted to surprise the Loyalists with an early morning attack. At nearly midnight, the lead horses in his column began crossing Black Mingo Creek. Marion divided his small force into three groups sending them down the main road, and off to the right and left, surrounding the Loyalist troops which were formed up in an old field adjacent to Dollard's Tavern. The Loyalists, although greater in number, found themselves between two firing lines, gave way after just a few rounds, and retreated into the swamp