Did they practice the same tactics portrayed in the Mel Gibson film "The Patriot"? For example, burning the houses and killing the livestock of those who gave quarter to colonial soldiers, killing families of militia, killing surrendering soldiers, etc?
The unit depicted is based on the "British Legion" a mixed force of infantry, cavalry, and artillery led by LTC Banastre Tarleton.
Composed primarily of loyalists and operating usually alongside the 17th Light Dragoons the unit did operate with Cornwallis in the Carolina's and id in time get a bit of a black reputation, in particular after the reported killing if men attempting to surrender at Waxhaws. Though his was not the only such unit on either side to gain such a reputation during the war. Others included those led by John Graves Simcoe (the Queen's Rangers portrayed in the AMC shoe TURN) and Lee's Legion led by Light Horse Harry Lee (father of Robert E. Lee).