Battle of Portevent's Mill

Battle of Portevent’s Mill
Part of the American Revolutionary War
DateMay 16, 1781
Location
Near present-day Garland, North Carolina
Result Patriot victory.
Belligerents
Loyalist militia Patriot militia
Commanders and leaders
Cap. Middleton Mobley Col. James Kenan
Strength
100 75
Casualties and losses
12 killed
4 wounded
12 captured
3 killed
3 wounded

The Battle of Portevent’s Mill was fought between Patriot militia and Loyalist militia near present day Garland, North Carolina in Sampson County, on May 16, 1781 during the American War of Independence

Patriot scouts were combing the area and discovered Loyalist soldiers under the command of Captain Middleton Mobley encamped at Portevent’s Mill grinding corn. They returned to their commander, Colonel James Kenan, and had informed him of their discovery. The Patriots would launch a surprise attack at the Loyalist encampment and after intense fighting the Loyalists would eventually retreat into Black Swamp.