The Battle of Waxhaws (also known as the Waxhaws or Waxhaw Massacre, and Buford's Massacre) took place during the American Revolutionary War on May 29, 1780, near Lancaster, South Carolina, between a Continental Army force led by Abraham Buford and a mainly Loyalist force led by Banastre Tarleton. The American commander refused an initial demand to surrender, but when his men were attacked by Tarleton's cavalry, many of them threw down their arms to surrender. In a battle whose accounts differ on significant details, Buford apparently attempted to surrender, but was rejected. Fighting continued, including against men who had disarmed themselves.
Little quarter was given: out of over 400 men, 113 were slain outright, 150 were so badly injured that they could not be moved, and only 53 prisoners were carried off by the British. "Tarleton's quarter" became a common expression for not giving quarter in battle, and some subsequent battles in the Carolinas saw few prisoners taken alive.
Read more about Battle Of Waxhaws: Background, Prelude, Battle, Aftermath, Legacy
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“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”
—Bible: Hebrew Ecclesiastes, 9:11.