Aftermath
Thirty Tories were counted dead, while the Rebels had only two casualties, one of whom later died of his wounds. 850 Tories were captured, including Brig. General MacDonald. This quick defeat ended organized Tory activity in the area for several years. Less than two months later in April, North Carolina became to first state to vote for independence.
Maj. General Henry Clinton arrived at Cape Fear on March 12 to find no Tories. He remained there until May 31, while Commodore Peter Parker's fleet straggled in after having been dispersed during its crossing because of storms. Clinton and Parker now discussed what to do since their invasion of North Carolina had counted on Tories to augment their force. They settled on a direct assault on Charleston, which would also end in defeat.
