In March 1778, Loyalist activity again swelled in South Carolina, and Fanning raised a company of Loyalist militia which raided Patriot sympathizers on the Georgia border. After being wounded and nearly captured, Fanning accepted a pardon from South Carolina Governor John Rutledge in August 1779.
In March 1778, Loyalist sentiment surged in South Carolina, leading to Fanning's formation of a company of Loyalist militiamen who targeted Patriot supporters along the Georgia border. Following being injured and narrowly escaping capture, Fanning received pardon from South Carolina Governor John Rutledge in August 1779.