Aftermath: British Consolidation and Clinton's Departure

The surrender at Charleston left no substantial American army in the South, rendering the region vulnerable to British offensives. British forces consolidated their hold and, consequent to the May 29 Battle of Waxhaws, drove the remaining Continental Army troops from South Carolina. On June 5, 1780, Clinton sailed back to New York City, believing his presence necessary to defend against a potential Franco-American attack, leaving command of the southern theater to Cornwallis with orders to reduce opposition in North Carolina.