Tarleton's Raiders
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Tarleton's Raiders was the name given to a band of British dragoons, under the command of Colonel Banastre Tarleton, during the American Revolution. The Raiders were founded early in 1780, with Tarleton at their head, and promptly saw action all across the southern colonies. Their most notable action came at the Battle of Waxhaw, a British victory. By mid-1781, the Raiders were conducting raids throughout southeastern Virginia. These raids served little purpose other than to terrorize the countryside and plunder some booty to send back to England. The raids were generally considered a success, although they did nothing to affect the outcome of the Revolution. The Raiders' most famous engagement during their foray into Southside was Francisco's Fight in July, 1781.