Carter, John Champe

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Carter, John Champe

CARTER, JOHN CHAMPE. (1758–1826). Continental officer. Virginia. John Champe Carter held the rank of ensign of the Seventh Virginia Regiment from 18 March 1776 until he resigned on 13 January 1777. On 30 October 1777 he became a captain of the First Continental Artillery. After the British took Charleston, Carter was part of the hasty retreat of those who were not included in the surrender of General Benjamin Lincoln. Carter was charged with not bringing his guns into action at Waxhaws, North Carolina, on 29 May 1780, when Colonel Banastre Tarleton caught up with and defeated the fleeing Americans. Taken prisoner at Waxhaws, Carter remained a prisoner until the end of the war. He became brevet major on 30 September 1783.

SEE ALSO Waxhaws, South Carolina.

                          revised by Michael Bellesiles