On August 1, a skirmish occured between a Loyalist force of 210 men, commanded by Major Patrick Ferguson, and a Patriot force of 196 men. In a fifteen-minute fight, the Loyalists were driven back. Casualties were heavy on both sides.

While Ferguson was in the Spartanburg District and on his way toward Gilbert Town in Rutherford County, NC, a detachment of his army had a severe skirmish with Col. Elijah Clarke at Green Springs. Col. Clarke and his company, some two hundred in number, had stopped at the plantation of Capt. James Dillard (Little River District Regiment), who was with them, and, after partaking of refreshments, proceeded to Green Springs.

The same evening, Ferguson arrived at Dillard's, whose wife soon learned from the conversation of some of his men that they knew where Col. Clarke was encamped and intended to surprise him that night. She hastily prepared supper for Ferguson and his men and while they were eating she stole from the room, bridled a young horse, and without a saddle rode to the encampment of Clarke, and warned him of the impending danger.

In an instant every man was at his post and prepared for the enemy. Very soon, Capt. Dunlap with 200 mounted men sent by Ferguson fell upon Col. Clarke's camp. Day had not yet dawned and the enemy was greatly surprised and disconcerted when they found the Americans fully prepared to meet them. For fifteen minutes the conflict raged desparately in the gloom, when the Loyalists were repulsed with great slaughter, their survirors hastening back to Ferguson's camp.