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 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. 
 
 The Story of the Battle of Coavpens. 
 
 THE CAROl.IXAS IN 17S0— A GLANXE AT THE MILITARY SITUATION- 
 MORGAN'S COMMAND— THE CHAIN OF EVENTS AS SHOWN IN LET- 
 TERS OF GREENE, MORGAN, PICKENS, RUTLEDGE AND OTHERS, 
 HITHERTO UNPUBLISHED. 
 
 {From The AVrcv and Courier, Charleston, S. C, May 10, fSSi.) 
 
 To the thoughtful attention of Mr. T. Bailey 
 Myers, of New York, one of the closest stu- 
 dents of our Revolutionary History, we are 
 indebted for the subjoined sketch of the mili- 
 tary situation in the Ca/olinas in 17S0, fol- 
 lowed by a number of letters from the collec- 
 tion of Mr. Myers, which have not hitherto 
 been published. In these letters the whole 
 -Jorious tale is told, and the Patriots and 
 Royalists of a century ago live and move be- 
 fore us. The interest Mr. Myers has taken 
 in adding to the literature of the celebra- 
 lion to-morrow, by placing these records 
 it our service, will be, we are sure, highly ap- 
 preciated by all the readers of The Nkws 
 AND Courier : 
 
 The Carolinas seemed to become, by a chain 
 of events, the debatable ground upon which 
 the result of the struggle for Independence 
 was to be determined. The fall of Charles- 
 ton, and General Lincoln's unavoidable sur- 
 render, as he had decided to bold it, had 
 ■'pened the door to the invaders, ft-om the 
 South as well as the North, and Sir Henry 
 v'Unton had entrusted to Lord Cornwallis, 
 a7i experienced, brave and cautious veteran, 
 the task of completing the conquest, by a 
 
 march from the one to the other, subjugatin? 
 all that he passed through, or as he would 
 see it, of restoring it to its allegiance '^.o 
 had advanced in .June, 17S0, into South Car- 
 olina with a small but efficient force, con- 
 fronted by the gallant old Baron de Kalb 
 with such small detachments as Oontcress 
 could spare from her active operations at the 
 North, where the war had long been waging, tf> 
 I which were added the militia of the country 
 I and the detached commands of its eflicie"*- 
 I partisan leaders, the last councerbalanced 
 I in part by the rallying of the Tories after 
 Charleston had fallen. All these details .are 
 familiar to every Southern reader, and have 
 been ably recorded by their historians and 
 elucidated by such printed testimony as 
 that of Moultrie, Green and Lee. They 
 are only alluded tu <*s a necessary preface to 
 some important records of the past which 
 bear upon events about to be commemorated 
 at the end of a century by the descendants 
 of those who participated in them, or in 
 whose neighborhood they occurred. His- 
 tory, like a mine, may be often dug over 
 without being entirely exhausted. It is the 
 intention of the compiler merely to present 
 
some crude ore that ho has been so fortunate 
 as to have become possessed of, (properly, if by- 
 chance,) leaving to the orator or the histori- 
 ographer of the Cowpeus Centennial the 
 agreeable duty of refining it into useful 
 
 metal. 
 
 Congress considering the readiest means 
 of success, perhaps with little appreciation 
 of DeKalb's merit, as subsequently devel- 
 oped and known amongst military men in 
 Europe, selected their recently successful 
 hero. General Horatio Gates, to succeed him. 
 Educated in the same school with Corn- 
 wallis, and equally experienced in arms, it 
 was held that his conquest would gracefully 
 supplement that of his other former asso- 
 ciate, Burgoyne. Gates hastened to his new 
 duty, only stopping to push forward rein- 
 forcements and supplies; reached the army 
 on the 2oth of July, 17S0, pressed forward 
 two days later to meet the invader, and on 
 the 16th of August was swept from the dis- 
 astrous field of Camden by a cloud of fugi- 
 tives he could not stem, a defeated com- 
 mander and a man of broken professional 
 fortune. Various opinions have been held 
 of the formation for the battle, his merits 
 ac p. soldier, even of his personal courage, of 
 his ambition and his schemes; but all admit 
 his fascinations as a gentleman. Ho held a 
 distinguished social position, arrayed around 
 him troops of friends amongst men of note, 
 and when he died, .widely regretted, at an 
 advanced age, left many namesakes as 
 tokens of his popularity. His official letter- 
 book during the period of this command, 
 lately exhumed from his muniment box 
 where he had placed it with his commis- 
 sions and military papers, nearly a century 
 ago, is now carefully preserved in Dr. 
 Thomas Addis Emmett's exhaustive 
 collection of American History; and 
 through his kindness, much of it was 
 printed in the October (Gates) number of the 
 ■'Magazine of American History." The com- 
 piler of this paper, long the friend and asso- 
 ciate in kindred pursuits of its present 
 owner, was so fortunate as to have had (with 
 the exception of the Editor) the only reading 
 of the complete manuscripts, and to be 
 therefore able to certify that, in his judg- 
 ment, although the prediction of the epi- 
 
 ^. 
 
 grammatic General Charles I.ee, that "his 
 Saratoga laurels would be turned into South- 
 ern willows" proved true, it ai)pears impos- 
 sible, from the contents, that he rushed into 
 battle, as history has generally claimed, 
 without preparation, relying on prestige and 
 not on prudence for success. Tlie labor and 
 detail of these letters, and their foresights 
 of wants, embarrassments and ditficultiee, 
 are everywhere shown in earnest appeals to 
 Congress, to Governors of adjacent States, 
 officers, contractors, agents entrusted with 
 property, to Caswell and other commanders 
 of detachments. They show, in a word, the 
 work of a man conscious of and seeking to 
 remove the difficulties incident to his new 
 duty. If, as it has been stated, liis hair grew 
 gray as he fled to Clermont, Charlotte and 
 Hillsboro', riding eighty miles in a day, 
 letters written on his way and on his 
 arrival, providing for a rally and new 
 efforts, show that his head was not in 
 sympathy with his heels, and that he 
 may have lost his prestige but not his dis- 
 cretion. This digression must be excused by 
 a desire to suggest an injustice in accepted 
 history near where its causes occurred. A 
 success at Camden might have deprived 
 botii Cowpens and Yorktown of their signifi- 
 cance as decisive battles of the Eevolntion. 
 
 On the 4th of December following. Gen. 
 Nathaniel (ii-eeue arrived with the approval 
 of both Washington and Congress, whose con- 
 fidence his merits had already won, to stem 
 the torrent by which Gates had been over- 
 whelmed. He had left Baron Steuben in 
 command in Virginia as a careful purveyor 
 and forwarder of supplies, and the only 
 Generals with him then were Smallwood 
 and Morgan. He seems to have taken at 
 once vigorous measures to restore the morale 
 of his army, and to increase its efficiency, 
 sparing Morgan — a tried soldier from Quebec 
 to Saratoga — for a detachment, which al- 
 though apparently attended with risk, in 
 the tactics it forced vpon the eneniy in turn, 
 was an early evidence of that military 
 sagacity which has given Greene so dis- 
 tinguished a place as a military commander. 
 A few days after his arrival he addressed 
 this letter, copied from the original and the 
 first of a*iew connected with the Battle ot 
 Cowpens, selected from his correspondence, 
 fuller in reference to other details thau on 
 this, and all unprinted heretofore to the 
 compiler's knowledge : 
 
 GREENE TO MOKGAN — THE DETACHED COM- 
 MAND FORMED WHICH WOX COWPENS. 
 
 Sir : You are appointed to the command of 
 a corps of Light Infantry, a» detachment of 
 Militia, and Lt. Col. Washington's Regiment 
 of Light Dragoons. With these troops you 
 will proceed to the West side of the Catawba 
 
river, wliere you will be joined by a body of 
 Volunteer Militia under the command of 
 Brig. Gen). Davidson of this State, and by 
 the Militia lately under the command of 
 Brig. Genl. Sumter. This force, and such 
 others as may join you from Georgia, you 
 will employ against the enemy on the West 
 side of the Kiver, either offensively or de- 
 fensively as your own prudence and discre- 
 tion may direct, acting with caution, and 
 avoiding surprizes by every possible precau- 
 tion. For the present I give you the entire 
 command in that quarter, and do hereby re- 
 quire all Officers and Soldiers engaged in the 
 American cause to be subject to your orders 
 and command. The object of this detach- 
 ment is to give protection to that part of the 
 country and spirit up the people — to annoy 
 the enemy in that (juarter, — collect the pro- 
 visions and forage out of the way of the 
 enemy, which you will have formed into a 
 number of small magaziues, in or near the 
 position you may think proper to take. You 
 will prevent plundering as much as possible, 
 and be as careful of your provisions and for- 
 age as may be, giving receipts for whatever 
 you take, to all such as are friends to the 
 independence of America. Should the enemy 
 move in force towards the Pedee, where this 
 Army will take a position, you will move in 
 such direction as to enable you to join me if 
 necessary, or to fall ujjon the flank or into 
 the rear of the enemy as occasion may re- 
 quire. You will spare no pains to get good 
 intelligence of the Enemy's situation, and 
 keep me constantly advertized of both your 
 and their movements. You will appoint for 
 the time being a Quarter Master, Commis- 
 sary and Forage Master, who will follow 
 your instructions in their several lines. 
 
 Confiding in your abilities and activity, I 
 entrust you with this command, being per- 
 suaded you will do every iijinj'. in your 
 power to distress the #iiemy and a5ord pro- 
 tection to the country. 
 
 (.riven undf. my band at Charlotte, this 
 Ifith of December, 1780. 
 
 Nath. Greene. 
 
 To Brigr. Genl. Morgan. 
 
 town, and is on his march to Camden. Ilis 
 force is about 2,000, perhaps something less. 
 I also am informed Lord Cornwallis has col- 
 lected his troops at Camden. You will 
 watch their motions very narrowly, and take 
 care and guard against a surprize. Should 
 they move in force this way you will en- 
 deavor to cross the river and join u.«. Do 
 not be sparing of your Expresses, but let me 
 know as often as possible of your situation. 
 I wish to be fully informed of your prospect 
 respecting provisions, and also the number 
 of militia that have joined you. 
 
 A large number of tents and hatchets are 
 on the road. As soon as they arrive you 
 shall be supplied. Many other articles ne- 
 cessary for the Army, particularlj- shoes, are 
 coming on. I am sir. 
 
 Your humble servant, 
 
 General Morgan. Natu. Greene. 
 
 greene to morgan — a parting caution. 
 
 Camp at the Cheraws, 
 On the East Side of Pedee, 
 
 December 29, 1780. 
 Dear Sir: We arrived here on the 26th 
 iust., after a very tedious and disagreeable 
 march, owing to the badness of the roads 
 and the poor and weak state of our teams. 
 Our prospects with regard to provisions are 
 mended, but this is no Egypt. 
 
 I have this moment received intelligence 
 that General Leslie has landed at Charles- 
 
 ADJUTANT-GEN. WILLIAMS TO MORGAN. 
 
 Camp Hicks Creek on P. D., ) 
 30th Dec, 17S0. / 
 
 Dr. General: I enclose you a number of 
 letters by a Sergeant of Lt. Colonel Wash- 
 ington's Kegt. which I hope will arrive safe. 
 We are at present in a Camp of Kepose, and 
 the General is exerting himself and every 
 Body else to put his little Army in a better 
 condition. Tents in sufficient number for a 
 larger army than ours are coming from Phil- 
 adelphia. They are expected to arrive early 
 lu January. We also expect a number of 
 shoes, shirts and some other articles "':icu- 
 tially necessary. 
 
 Col. Marion writes the General that Gen. 
 Leslie lauded with his command at Chas. 
 town on the 20th inst., and that he had ad- 
 vanced as far as Monk's Corner. You know 
 Lord Cornwallis has collected his force in 
 Camden, pi-obably they mean to form a junc- 
 tion and attempt to give a ^low to a part of 
 our force, while we are divided aud most 
 jirobably that blow will be aimed at you. 
 as our position in the centre of a wilderness 
 is less accessi))le than your camp. I know 
 your discretion renders all caution from me 
 unnecessary, but my Friendship will plead 
 an excuse for the impertinence of wishing 
 you to run no risque of a Defeat. May your 
 Laurels flourish when your Locks fade, and 
 an age of Peace reward your toils in War. 
 My love to every Fellow Soldier, and Adieu. 
 Yrs mo. truly, O. II. Williams. 
 
 General Morgan. 
 
 Gen'l Greene desires you will please to 
 send returns of your command. Lt. Col. 
 Howard will please to make a distinct re- 
 turn of the Light Inf'y and mark all casual- 
 ties minutely that they may be entered in 
 our Muster Eolls. I have wrote to Col. 
 Washington for a special return of Cavalry, 
 called for by the Hou'le Board of War. 
 
 Thine, O. H. W. 
 
greene to jefferson— state aid from 
 virginia. 
 Camp on the River Pedee. \ 
 December 31st, 1780. ) 
 
 Sir: Since I wrote your Escelleucy last I 
 have taken uu entire new position with the 
 Army. One part is with me on this river about 
 80 miles from Charlotte, and the other is with 
 Gen. Morgan on Broad river, on the west side 
 of the Catawba, about 60 miles from Charlotte. 
 The state of the provisions as well as many 
 other reasons rendered this measure neces- 
 sary. Lord Cornwallis continues in the 
 neighborhood of Camdeu and General Lesley 
 has arrived at Charlestown, and is on his way 
 to join his Lordship. What they will attempt 
 ona junction of this force it is ditHcultto tell, 
 nor have I it in my power for want of hard 
 money to get the smallest intelligence. I 
 have giveu your Excellency such a full state 
 of this Department in my former letters, and 
 of the distress and suffering of your troops 
 in particular, that I will not pain your 
 liumanity by a repetition. 
 
 Since my "last the Cherokees have commit- 
 ted some depredations upon the Frontiers, 
 and the Militia have assembled and gone 
 against the lower towns, but with what 
 force I am not able to say. 
 
 For the aid of the Quarter M. Gteneral's 
 department 1 have found it necessary to 
 draw on your Excellency for one hundred 
 and three thousand, eight hundred and four 
 old Continental Dollars in favor of Mr. Patrick 
 St. T n.wrence, which I beg you to give orders 
 ior tb"? payment of. I am anxious to hear 
 what me^-sures your Assembly are taking re- 
 specting the several matters contained in the 
 requisition which I laid before them. 
 
 I am, with great respect, your Excellen- 
 cies most obedient. Humble servant. 
 
 Nath. Greene. 
 
 His Excellency Governor Jefferson. 
 
 COL. WILLIAMS ON GENERAL GATES. 
 
 Cam;- Hicks CltEEK, '.id .lanuary, 1781. 
 
 Dr Sir : The Bearer, a Corporal of the 3d 
 Regiment of Lt. Dragoons, is ordered to join 
 his Corps. He brings with him seven Pri- 
 vates, nine Horses iScc. Fifty tents have ar- 
 rived here and we expect more. I will be 
 glad to receive a return of the number you 
 have, when you send your next return of 
 men &c. It is said here that Genl. Lessly 
 has crossed Nelson Ferry. I think there is 
 no reason to conclude he intends to join Ld. 
 Cornwallis at Camden. But probably you 
 are more particularly acquainted with the 
 motions of those Gentlemen. 
 
 The Maryland State Eegt is arrived at 
 Holey's Ferry. I believe it will be em- 
 ployed on detachment and will not join the 
 Army in Camp, at leasttill the General hears 
 from Maryland. Doct Brown who has just 
 arrived and reassumes or continues his i)0St 
 
 in the Hospital Department, Informs me 
 that Major Giles told him and that he told 
 Genl Gates, 1 had, as well as others censured 
 his conduct in the action of Camdeu. The 
 letters I wrote on the suVyect contained 
 matter of fact. I always expected to be 
 called on as Evidence upon an Enquiry into 
 the Genls conduct. Therefore avoided giving 
 my opinion. If any of my friends impute 
 to the General as faults all the misfortunes 
 of that Day, it would have been as proper to 
 have given their own Opinions as to have 
 drawn improper conclusions from my infor- 
 mation and given me as the author. If I was 
 in presence of Genl Gates, or if it recurs to 
 certain private conversations I had with him 
 since the action he will not be surprised at 
 these reports. I am conscious of having 
 conducted myself with the strictest propriety 
 in thatatfair, as I shall upon Oath when re- 
 quired all and no more than what I have at 
 different times mentioned to the General, 
 audi have said much less to others. You 
 are particularly ac(iuainted with ray private 
 sentiments on the subject. I hope you will 
 believe I have at no time been inconsistent, 
 whatever construction may liave been put 
 upon my letters and whatever information 
 Major Giles might have reed on the sub- 
 ject. I shall quiet the old Geutlemans 
 doubts by letters, for in whatever Light his 
 Conduct may appear to the World I always 
 rather pitied than condemned his misfor- 
 tunes. My compliments to my Friends with 
 you and believe me yours, 
 
 O. H. Williams. 
 
 The writer of these letters, Gen. Otho H. 
 Williams, of Maryland, will be recalled as 
 one of the most distinguished and useful 
 officers of the Revolution. Although young 
 he had seen early service, with Cresap, was 
 as a major a prisoner at Fort Washington, 
 and exchar^ed for Major Ackland, and was 
 promote(\ to a regiment iu the Maryland 
 Line. At Camden, having assumed the 
 duties of Major .lohn Armstroi^g who wa;.; 
 sick, as adjutant-general to Gen. Gates, h(\ 
 led the skirmish line, and subsequently kept 
 his head in that disaster and was placed in 
 command of the remains of the gallant 
 Marylanders, doing much to restore disci- 
 pline. In Gen. Greene's campaign he was 
 frequently in command of detached parties 
 and particularl.v distinguishing himself at 
 Guilford and Eutaw Springs. He was an 
 officer of great courage, enterprize and re- 
 sources in difficulties. 
 
 MORGAN TO GREENE — FURTHER CAUTIONS 
 OF A SKILFUL COMMANDER. 
 
 Camp on P.^colet, January 4th, 1781. 
 Dear Sir: As soon as I could form a just 
 Judgment of our Situation and the Pros- 
 pects, I despatched Colonel Malmady to give 
 you the necessary Information, and I flatter 
 myself he has done it to your satisfaction. 
 
The Accouuts he briugs you of Lieut. Col. 
 Washington's success at Hammond's Stores, 
 is as authentic as any I have been able to 
 collect. It was followed by some small ad- 
 vantages. General Cunningham on hearing 
 of Waters' defeat prejiarcd to evacuate Fort 
 Williams, and had just njarched out with 
 the last of his garrison, as a party consisting 
 of about forty Militia Horsemen under 
 Colonel Hayes and ten dragoons under Mr. 
 Simmons, arrived with an Intention of de- 
 manding a Surrender. The Enemy's force 
 was so superior to theirs that they could 
 eflect nothing more thau the demolition of 
 the Fort. 
 
 Sensible of the Importance of guarding 
 against Surprizes I have used every precau- 
 tion of this Head. I have had men who were 
 recommended as every way calculated for 
 the business constantly watching the Motions 
 of the Enemy, so that unless they deceive 
 me I am in no danger of being surprized. 
 
 I have received no acquisition of force 
 since I wrote to you but expect in a few 
 days to be joined by Col. Clarke and Twiggs 
 Regiment. Their numbers I eanuot ascer- 
 tain. The men on the North side of Broad 
 River I have not yet ordered to join me, but 
 have directed their olliccrs to keep them in 
 (Compact Bodies that they may be ready to 
 march at the shortest notice. I intend these 
 as a check on the Enemy should they attempt 
 anything against my Detachment. 
 
 My Situation is far from being agreeable 
 to i..y Wi-shes or Expectations. Forage and 
 Provisions are not to be hai. Here we can- 
 not subsist so that we have but one alterna- 
 tive, either to retreat or move into C4eorgia. 
 A retreat will be attended with the most 
 fatal consequences. The Spirit which now 
 begins to pervade the People and call them 
 into the Field will be destroyed. The Mili- 
 tia who have already joined will desert us, 
 and it is not improbable that a Regard for 
 their own Safety will induce them to join 
 the Enemy. 
 
 I shall wait with impatience for your di- 
 rections on the subject of my letter by Col- 
 onel Malmady as till then my operations 
 must be in a manner suspended. 
 
 I am, dear sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 • D. Morgan. 
 
 Major General Greene. 
 
 The enclosed paper has just been put into 
 my hands by Colonels Pickens and McCall 
 who assure me the circumstances are exactly 
 as related. 
 
 greene' to morgan— guard against a 
 surprise. 
 Camp S. Carolina, 
 Ferry on the East Side of Pedee, 
 
 January Sth, 1781. 
 Dear Sir: (Jol. Malmady arrived here yes- 
 terday with your letter of the .''1st of Decem- 
 ber. Nothing could have atl'orded more 
 
 pleasure than the successful attack of Lieut. 
 Col. Washington upon the Tories. I hope it 
 will be attended with a happy influence upon 
 both Whig and Tory, to the reclaiming of 
 one and the encouragement of the other. I 
 wish you to forward to me an official report 
 as soon as possible, that I may send it to the 
 Northward. I have maturely considered 
 your proposition of an expedition into Geor- 
 gia and cannot think it warrantable in the 
 critical situation our Army is in. I have no 
 small reason to think by intelligence from 
 different quarters that the enemy have a 
 ij movement in contemplation and in all prob- 
 j' ability it will be this way from the impu- 
 'l deuce of the Tories, who are collecting in 
 Ij difl'erent quarters in the most inaccessible 
 j swamps and . morasses. Should you go into 
 : Georgia and the enemy push this way, your 
 [i" whole force will be useless. The enemy hav- 
 t ing no objects there but what is secure in 
 1 1 their fortifications, will take no notice of 
 your movement, but serve you as General 
 j Provost did General Lincoln, oblige you to 
 'I return by making a forward movement 
 j themselves, and you will be so far in the 
 Ij rear that you can do them no injury. But if 
 jl you continue in the neighborhood of the 
 ii place you now are and they attempt to push 
 j' forward you may intercept their conimunica- 
 1' tions with Charlestown, or harrass their rear, 
 ii both of which will alarm the enemy not a 
 !j little. 
 Ij If you employ detachments to intercept 
 
 I supplies going to Ninety -six and Augusta it 
 will perplex the enemy very much. If you 
 
 ' think Ninety-six, Augusta or even Savan- 
 nah can be surprized and your force will 
 admit of a detachment for the purpose and 
 leave you sufficiency to keep up a good 
 countenance you may attempt it. But 
 i don't think of attempting either unless by 
 surprize, for you will only beat your heads 
 j against the wall without success. Small 
 I parties are better to cfl'cct the purpose than 
 1 large bodies, and the success will not greatly 
 i depend upon the numbers, but on the secrecy 
 ' and spirit of the attack. 
 I I must repeat my caution to you to guard 
 
 I I against a surprize. You say the enemy and 
 Ii the Tories both will try to bring you into 
 
 disgrace if possible to prevent your influence 
 ij upon the militia, especially the weak and 
 !: wavering. 
 
 1 1 I cannot pretend to give you any particu- 
 ,; lar instructions respecting a position. But 
 jl some where between the Saluda and the 
 j north branch of Broad River appears the 
 j! most favorable for annoying the enemy, in- 
 terrupting their supplies and harrassing 
 their rear if they should make a movement 
 this way. If you could detach a small party 
 to kill the enemy's draught horses and re- 
 cruiting cavalry upon the Congaree it would 
 give them almost as deadly a blow as a de- 
 feat. . But this matter must be conducted 
 
G 
 
 •with great secrecy ami dispatch. Lieut. - 
 Col. Lee has just arrived with his legiou aud 
 Col. Greene is withiu a few days march of 
 this Avith a reinforcenieut. The order 
 is given to Capt. Marhury to make the pack 
 saddles at Salisbury. 
 
 I wish you to have liieut.-Col. Washing- 
 ton's horse kept in as good order as possible, 
 and let the militia light honse do all the 
 fatigue duty. We may want a body of lieavy 
 cavalry, and if they are broken down on 
 common duty we shall have nothing to de- 
 pend upon. 1 have ordered Major Camp- 
 bell, who is at Salisbury with 100 Virginia 
 riflemen, to join you. 
 
 I am, dear sir, your most obedient humble 
 servant, Nath. Greene. 
 
 Brig. -Gen. Daniel Morgan. 
 
 WILLIAMS TO morgan— PROPOSES TO SEE 
 IT OUT. 
 
 Camp Hicks Cheek. / 
 13tli January, ITtsL J 
 
 Dr. General : It is grateful to the soul of a 
 man of sensibility to find a friend in a man 
 of Sencc. Education is only a polish to our 
 Expressions, our tlioughts are the same, and 
 1 find as much real satisfaction in reading 
 your plain, friendly letter of the .3d inst., as 
 if it had been an Eulogium in Pindaric 
 Verse. I thank for your obliging senti- 
 ments in my favor, and will endeavor 
 always to deserve them by a conduct con- 
 sistent with the high ideas you have of my 
 moral rectitude and propriety. 
 
 Genl. Greene has just now received an 
 express with letters aiinouucing the arrival 
 of about 2..j00 brave fellows in Virginia. We 
 must see it out I Virginia I hope will pro- 
 vide for them. 
 
 Present me to Howard, Pindell, Giles, 
 Brooks aud all my other acquaintances. I 
 wish you every possible success, and am 
 Afl'ectionately yours 
 
 O. H. Williams. 
 Gen. Morgan, Pacolet, South Carolina. By 
 
 Express. 
 
 <;reene to morg.vn— hold your ground. 
 
 Camp on the Pedee, | 
 Jan. 13th, 1781. I 
 Dear Sir: I am this moment favored with 
 your letter of the 4th inst. Col. Malmedy 
 also delivered me your dispatches of the 30th 
 December, which I answered the bth inst., 
 wherein 1 inform j'ou that 1 cannot think 
 an expedition into Georgia eligible at this 
 time. Since I wrote you I have received 
 letters from Virginia informing me of the 
 arrival of General Phillips with a detach- 
 ment of 2,oU0 men from New York. This 
 circumstance renders it still more improper 
 for you to move far to the Southward. It is 
 my wish also that you should hold your 
 
 ground if possible, for I forsee the disagree- 
 able consequences that will result from a re- 
 treat. If moving as far as Xinety-Six or 
 any where in the neighborhood of it will 
 contribute to the obtaining of more ample 
 supplies, you have my consent. Col. Tarle- 
 tou is said to be on his way to i)ay you a 
 visit. I doubt not but ho will have a decent 
 reception and a proper dismission. And I 
 am happy to find you have taken every pre- 
 caution to avoid a surprize. I wish j ou to 
 be more particular as to your plan aud ob- 
 ject in paying a visit to Georgia. 
 
 Virginia are raising :5,Ono mt- n to reinforce 
 this Army. The Head Q'larters with the 
 Northern Army is at New Windsor. 
 
 General Morgan 
 
 Note. — The second pfige appropriated by fome 
 collector of autOfiraplis and not of liistor^ before 
 i c.ime into the compiler's po>s-c.ssioii. 
 
 RUTLEDCiE TO MORG.\N— SUCCESS ATTEND 
 YOU ! 
 
 Cheraws, Jany. 14th, 17S1. 
 DrSir: I received your favor of the 2d 
 instant. Sh'd have wrote to you sooner but 
 never knew of any person going your way 
 till after he had set out. The Enemy landed 
 in Virginia the beginning of this month 
 3,000 men (as it is said tho' perhaps the num- 
 ber is exaggerated) under Knyphausen. 
 Holland and Portugal iiave acceded to the 
 
 League of and the hitter has forbid ,iny 
 
 British vessel entering her Ports. Col. J. 
 Laurens is appointed Envoy Extraordinary 
 to France, to solicit sufticient aid to render 
 the next campaign decisive. This is all the 
 nev\'s we have had here. I thank you for 
 all the assurances contained in your letter, 
 but the matter will require address, dex- 
 terity aud despatch if attempted. I fear that 
 circumstances will not admit of an attempt 
 with a probability of success, in which case 
 it had better not be made. However you 
 are on the spot and can judge and I am sure 
 will act for the best. I rely on your good 
 management and best exertions, if a good 
 opportunity sh"d ofl'er. Success attend you 
 in all your undertakings. 
 I am with great regard 
 
 Dr sir yours sincerely. 
 
 J. RUTLEDGE. 
 
 p. .S. Remember me to Col. Pickens aud 
 Major Bowie. When you write to me by 
 any person who is to return desire him to 
 deliver the letter to me iu person and call on 
 me for an answer. 
 
 The Hon'ble Brigadier Gen. Morgan. 
 
 GREENE TO MORGAN— GREENE PREDI,.T3 
 COW PENS. 
 
 Camp on Pedee, January 19th, 17S1. 
 Dear Sir : Your favor of the 15th was de- 
 livered to me last evening about 12 o'clock. 
 
I am surprized that General Sumter should 
 give such an rf)rder as you mention to Col. 
 Hill, nor can 1 persuade myself but that 
 there must be some mistake in the matter, 
 for tbo' it is the most military to convey 
 orders throuj;h the principal to the depend- 
 ents, as well from propriety as respect, yet 
 this may uot always be convenient or even 
 practicable, and therefore to give a positive 
 order uot to obey was repugnant to reason 
 and common sence. As the head was sub- 
 ject to your orders, consequently the depend- 
 ents also. I will write General Sumter on 
 the subject, but as it is better to conciliate 
 than agrevate matters where everything 
 depends so much on voluntary principles, I 
 wish you to take no notice of the matter, 
 but endeavour to influence his conduct to 
 give you all the aid in his power. Write 
 him frequently and consult with him freely. 
 He is a man of great pride and considerable 
 merit, and sliould not be neglected. If he 
 has given such order, I persuade myself he 
 will see the impropriety of the matter and 
 correct it in future, unless personal glory is 
 more the object than public good, which I 
 cannot suppose is the case with him or any 
 other man who fights in the cause of Liberty. 
 I was informed of Lord Coruwallis' move- 
 ments before the arrival of your letter, and 
 agree with you in opinion that you are the 
 object; and from the making so general a 
 movement it convinces me he feels a great 
 inconvenience from your force and situation. 
 Gen. Leslie has crossed the Catawba to join 
 him. He would never barrass bis troops to 
 remove you if ho did not think it an object 
 of some importance. Xor would he put his 
 collective force in motion if he had not some 
 respect for your numbers. I am sensible 
 your situation is critical, and requires the 
 most watchful attention to guard aeainst a 
 surprize. But I think it is of great impor- 
 tance to keep up a force in that quarter, nor 
 can I persuade myself that the militia alone 
 will answer the same valuable purposes as 
 when joined by the Continental Troops. 
 
 It is not my wish you should come to ac- 
 tion unless you have a manifest superiority 
 and a moral certainty of succeeding. Put 
 nothing to the hazard, a retreat may be dis- 
 agreeable but uot disgraceful. Regard not 
 the opinion of the day. It is not our busi- 
 ness to risque too much, our afl'airs are in 
 too critical a situation and require time and 
 nursing to give them a better tone. 
 
 If General Sumter and you could fix upon 
 a plan for him to hold the post which you 
 now occupy, to be joined by the militia un- 
 der General Davidson, and you with your 
 force, the Georgia and Virginia militia to 
 move toward August or into that quarter, 
 I should have no objection to such a move- 
 ment; provided you think it will answer any 
 valuible purpose, and can be attempted with 
 a degree of safety. lam unwilling to recall 
 
 youifitcai be avoUled, but I bad rather 
 recall you by far than to expose you to the 
 hazard of a surprize. 
 
 Before they can possibly reach you I im- 
 magine the movements of Lord Cornwallis 
 and Col. Tarleton will be sufficiently ex- 
 plained, and you obliged to take some decis- 
 ive measure. I shall be perfectlj' satisfied if 
 you keep clear of a misfortune, for, tho' I 
 wish you laurels, yet I am unwilling to ex- 
 pose the common cause to give you an op- 
 portunity to acquire them. 
 
 As the rivers are subject to sudden and 
 great swells, you must be careful that the 
 enemy do not take a position to gain your 
 rear, when you can neither retreat by your 
 flank or front. The Pedee rose 25 feet the 
 last week in 30 hours. I am preparing boats 
 to move always with the army. Would one 
 or two be of u'sc to you ? They will be put 
 upon four wheels, and may be moved with 
 little more difticulty than a loaded waggon. 
 
 Gen. Davidson is desired to receive or- 
 ders, and in conjunction with Gen. Sumter 
 to consult with you, a plan for a combined 
 attack on one of the divisions of Lonl Corn- 
 wallis's army, and also respecting your 
 movements into Georgia. 
 
 I am, with esteem, dear sir. 
 
 Your most obedient, humble servant, 
 Natu. Gkeenk. 
 
 General Morgan". 
 
 The admirable strategy displayed by 
 Greene cannot fail to strike those of military 
 experience or education. While holding 
 Cornwallis in check, he was drilling and per- 
 fecting his main force, Kosciusko was pre- 
 paring the boats for an advance, Steuben^ 
 forwarding when possible material and men, 
 while Movsran's respectable detachment 
 threatened Ninety-Six, Augusta, and every 
 assailable point and compelled the enemy 
 soon also to divide and weaken their force. 
 They could not — it will have been noticed— 
 pursue Morgan, if he made an aggressive 
 movement, towards either Virginia or Geor- 
 gia, without leaving Greene in their rear. 
 He was in striking distance of Hillsboro' — 
 which he considered his base of supply- 
 Charlotte, or Charleston, and compelled them 
 to guard the radii from his centre. Tiie 
 gallant and etiicient Sumter, although dis- 
 abled by his wound at Blackstock, com- 
 manded a department in which Morgan was 
 operating, and the interference was with the 
 orders of Greene to Morgan, as the superior 
 officer of both, to establish depots in his 
 rear on which he could draw or fall back. 
 Gen. Sumter probably considered should be 
 promulgated through him. Such ditlerences 
 are so common as really to form an incident 
 of warfare. Col. Harry Lee had joined Gen. 
 Greene seven days before this letter was 
 written, with a well equijiped 300 of his long 
 delayed legion, to supply the place of Col. 
 
Arniand's legion dispensed with after Cam- 
 den, and his few other cavalry under Col. 
 Washington having been sp ;red to Morgan. 
 
 Morgan to Greene— Report of the Battle of 
 Cowpeus. 
 
 Camp on Cain C'keek on Pedee, ) 
 January 19th, ITbl. | 
 
 Dear Sir: The troops I have the honor to 
 command have gained a complete victory 
 over a detachment from the British Army 
 commanded by Lieut.-Col. Tarleton. It hap- 
 pened on the 17th inst., about sunri-'C, at a 
 place called the Cowpeus, near Pacolet 
 Eiver. On the 14th, having received intelli- 
 gence that the British Army were in motion, 
 and that their movements clearly indicated 
 the intention of dislodging me, 1 abandoned 
 my encampment at Glendale Ford, and on 
 the 16th, in the evening, took possession of a 
 post about seven miles from Chroke on 
 Broad River. My former position subjected 
 me at once to the operations of Lord Corn- 
 wallis and Colonel Tarleton, and in case of 
 a defeat my retreat might easily have been 
 cut off. My situation at Cowpeus enabled 
 me to improve any advantage that I might 
 gain and to provide better for my security 
 should I be uufortunate. These reasons in- 
 duced me to take this post notwithstanding 
 it had the appearance of a retreat. On the 
 evening of the lGth,the enemy occupied the 
 ground we had removed from in the morn- 
 ing. One hour before daylight one of my 
 scouts informed me that they had advanced 
 within five miles of our camp. On this in- 
 formation the necessary dispositions were 
 made. From the activity of the troops we 
 were soon prepared to receive them. Tbe 
 light infantry commanded l)y Lt.-Col. How- 
 ard, and the Virginia Militia under Major 
 Triplett, wi-re formed on a rising ground. 
 The Third Regiment of Dragoons consisting 
 of about 80 men under the command of Lt. 
 Col. Washington were so posted in the rear 
 as not to be injured by the enemy's fire, and 
 yet to be able to charge them should au 
 occasion offer; the Volunteers from North 
 Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia under 
 the command of Col. Pickens were posted to 
 guard the flanks. Major McDowal, of the 
 North Carolina Volunteers, were jx'sted on 
 the right flank in front of the line l.'>0 yards. 
 Major Cunningham, of the Georgia Volun- 
 teers, on the left, at the same distance in 
 front, Colonels Brannou and Thomas, of 
 the South Carolina Volunteers, on 
 the right of Major McDowal, and Col- 
 onels Hays and McCall of the same 
 corps to the left of Mnjor Cunningham. 
 Capts. Tate and Buchanan, with the Au- 
 trusta Riflemen, were to support the right of 
 the line. The enemy drew up in one line 
 
 four hundred yards in f*ront of our advanced 
 corps. The first battalion of the 71st Regi- 
 ment was opposed to our right, the 7th to 
 our left, the Legion Infantry to our centre, 
 and two companies of the light troops, 100 
 each, on our flanks. In their front they 
 moved two pieces of artillery, and Lieut.- 
 Col. Tarleton, with 280 cavalry, was posted in 
 the rear of the line. The disposition being 
 thus made, small parties of riflemen were 
 detached to skirmish with the enemy, on 
 which their whole line advanced with the 
 greatest impetuosity, shouting as they ad- 
 vtoced. Majors McDowal and Cunningham 
 gave them a heavy and galling fire, and re- 
 treated to the regiments intended for their 
 support; the whole of Col. Pickens' command 
 then kept up a fire by regiments, retreating 
 agreeable to orders. When the enemy ad- 
 vanced on our lines they received a well- 
 directed and incessant fire, but their num- 
 bers being superior to ours they gained our 
 flanks, which obliged us to change our posi- 
 tion. We retired, in good order, about fifty 
 paces, formed and advanced on the enemy 
 and gave them a brisk fire, which threw 
 them into disorder. Lieut.-Col. Howard ob- 
 serving this gave orders for the line to 
 charge bayonets, which was done with such 
 address that the enemy fled with the utmost 
 precipitation. Lieut.-Col. Washington dis- 
 covering that the cavalry were cutting down 
 our riflemen on the left, charged them with 
 such firmness as obliged them to retire in 
 confusion. The enemy were entirely routed, 
 and the pursuit continued upwards of 
 tweuty miles. Our loss was inconsiderable, 
 not having more than twelve killed 
 and sixty wounded. The enemy's loss 
 was 10 commissioned officers and over 
 100 rank and tile killed and 200 wounded, 
 29 commissioned ofliccrs and about r>00 pri- 
 vates prisoners which fell into our hands 
 with two pieces of artillery, two standards, 
 800 muskets, one travelling forge, thirty- 
 fiv6 baggage wagons, seventy negroes and 
 upwards of 100 dragoon horses, with all their 
 musick. They destroyed most of the bag- 
 gage which was immense. Although our 
 success was complete we fought only 800 
 men and were opposed by upwards of one 
 thousand chosen British Troops. Such was 
 the inferiority of our numbers that our suc- 
 cess must be attributed, under God, to the 
 justice of our cause and the bravery of our 
 Troops. My wishes would induce me to men- 
 tion the name of every private ceutinel in 
 the Corps. In justice to the brave and good 
 conduct of the officers, I have taken the 
 liberty to enclose you a list of their names 
 from a conviction that you will be pleased 
 to introduce such characters to the world. 
 Major Giles, my aid de camp, and Captain 
 Brooks, acting as Brigade Major, deserves to 
 •Jiave my thanks for their assistance and be- 
 i havior on this occasion. The Baron de 
 
Glabuck, who accompanies Major Giles wltVi 
 these despatches, behaved in such a-manner 
 as to merit your attention. 
 
 I am sir, Your obedient servant, 
 
 Dax Morgan. 
 Maj. Gen. Green'e. 
 
 A List of the comraisnoned ofticers in the action 
 of 17th January, 1781. 
 
 Of the Light Infantry. " 
 
 .Tohn E. Howard, Lt.-Col. Conimd'g'. 
 Henj. Brooks, Captain and Brig. Major. 
 Captains Robert Sherwood, Delaware. 
 
 Anderson, Maryland. 
 
 Dobson, 
 
 do. 
 
 jeutenants Kwing, 
 
 do. 
 
 Watkin.s, 
 
 do. 
 
 Hanson, 
 
 do. 
 
 Barnes, 
 
 do. 
 
 Miller, 
 
 do. 
 
 King, 
 
 do 
 
 Dyer, 
 
 do. 
 
 Smith. 
 
 do. 
 
 Of the Third Battalion of Dragoons 
 I..ieut -Col. Washington, Virginia. 
 Major Richard Call, do. 
 
 Captain Berrett, do. 
 
 I..ieiitenan' Bell, do 
 
 Cornet Sininion.s, South Carolina. 
 
 Of the Maryland Slate Battalion. 
 Edward Giles, Major and Act'g A. D. C. 
 
 Of the Virginia Militia. 
 .Major Triplet t. Ensigns Coinh.s, 
 
 * Captain.s B:iekus, McCorkill, 
 
 Tate, Wilson. 
 
 Gilniore. 
 
 The Baron de Glabuck served as volunteer 
 in Gen. Morgan's family, and Mr. Andrews 
 with Col. Washington's battalion. Col. Pick- 
 ens and all the officers in his corps behaved 
 well; but from their having so lately joined 
 the detatchraeut it has been impo.ssible to 
 collect all their names and rank so that the 
 General does not particularize any lest it 
 should be doing injustice to others. 
 
 By order of Brig. -Gen. Morgan. 
 
 Edward Giles, A. D. C. 
 
 DR. JACKSON TO MORGAN — WANTS OF THE 
 WOUNDED. 
 
 January 18th, 1781. 
 Sir: As the wounded must sutler much 
 from want of necessaries, and even medical 
 assistance, with your permission I should 
 wish to inform Lord Coruwallisof their situ- 
 ation, that if he thinks proper he may order 
 something for their relief, some Surgeons of 
 the General Hospital and Hospital appoint- 
 ments. From your very great politeness to 
 me I am confident that you will grant every- 
 thing that is reasonable or proper. 
 I have the honor to be. Sir, 
 Your most obedient humble servant, 
 
 KOBEET J.VCKSON. 
 
 Surgeon's Mate 1st Batt. 71 Regt. 
 B. Genl. Morgan. 
 
 
 
 TARLETON TO MORGAN— A REVERSE COURTE- 
 OUSLY ACCEPTED. 
 
 Near Turkey Creek, Jan. 19th. 1781. 
 
 Sir: The action of the 17th instant having 
 thrown into your hands a number of British 
 Officers and Soldiers I primarily request of 
 you that Attention and Humanity may be 
 exhibited towards the Wounded Officers and 
 Men, for whose assistance I now send a Flag, 
 Doctor Stewart and the Surgeon's Mate of 
 the Seventh JSegt. I secondly desire you to 
 inform me the Number and Inability of the 
 Prisoners, which the Fortune of \Var has 
 placed in your possession. 
 
 I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most 
 obedient and most humble servant, 
 
 B. Tarleton, 
 Lt. Col. Commdg R. L. 
 
 P. S. I have sent some money for the use 
 of the Prisoners. 
 
 It is clear from this graceful letter, con- 
 taining neither a word too much or too little, 
 even were it not shown in his interesting 
 and on the whole fairly impartial report, 
 that Banistre Tarleton, Lieutenant-colonel 
 in possession and Lieutenant-general, 
 Baronet, Knight of the Bath, and son- 
 in-law of the Dukeof Ancaster in expectancy, 
 daring and successful partisan as he was, 
 could conduct himself a§ a gentleman in ad- 
 versity, always a mark of breeding even 
 when surrounded by prosperity. Hcliad re- 
 treated to the pla3e ^vhere it was dated 
 and rejoined his indulgent commander. 
 
 PINDELL TO MORGAN — THE .SUFFEEI.,GS OF 
 THE WOUNDED. 
 
 Mt. JoRDANS NEAR THE CoW PEXNS, ) 
 
 •Jan'y 22d, 1781. j" 
 D. Gen'l : Enclo.sed I send a Flagg which 
 arrived yesterday from Colo. Tarleton. You 
 will see his own requisitions, in addition to 
 which Doct'r Jackson, in conjunction with 
 the Gentlemen who came with the Flagg, 
 (finding it impossil)le to have the wounded 
 properly provided for in this country,) are 
 desirous of having the men paroled and to 
 have permis.sion to take them within the 
 British li4es. They will give a receipt for 
 the number of wounded men they receive and 
 make a return of those that may recover to 
 our Commissary of Prisoners, when they will 
 exchange. I am of opinion also that they 
 cannot be provided for here, and think theiV 
 proposals of equal advantage to us. There 
 has been one instance of this kind at Stoney 
 Point. If it is not agreeable to you to have 
 the men paroled the surgeons will give a 
 receipt for the men and be accountable for 
 them. Some of them are still in the field 
 and have no salt. You will please to de- 
 spatch an answer as soon as possible, that we 
 may know in wh.tt manner to act, there is 
 no Regular Supply established yet. I wrote 
 you two or three days past "but have re- 
 
10 
 
 ceived no auswev. I wish some mode could 
 be established to remove our wouuded to 
 Salsbury. I am entirely out of Brandy and 
 Lint and sliall soon need a supply of medi- 
 cines. I am yours, &g., 
 
 E. PiNDELL. 
 
 Hon. Briirdier Gen'l MoRG.^.N, Command- 
 ing iu the Field near Catawba. 
 
 LA.ST WORD.S OF A PATKIOT. 
 
 The three following letters especially merit 
 a lasting record. The writer, Gen. Davidson, 
 of Rowan County, North Carolina, served 
 with distinction both North and South, join- 
 ing Lincoln in the latter, and when shot 
 through the body at Colson's Mills, had re- 
 ported for duty after two months. lie had 
 joined Morgan just previous to Cuvvpens with 
 one hundred and twenty \Vhigs whom he bad 
 recruited at Mecklenburg, where he bad 
 been educated and bis interests lay, and had 
 hurried back to bring into the field five hun- 
 dred more whom he had enrolled, and so lost 
 his coveted opportunity in that affair, and 
 at the writing of these letters at Charlotte 
 was hastening to his duty and his destiny. 
 Oa his arrival he was entrusted witk the 
 important duty of guarding the numerous 
 fords of the Catawba and to prevent the 
 crossing of Lord Cornwall is. or of Arnold, if 
 he arrived. On the 1st of February, five days 
 after the date of the last, he was killed at 
 McCowan's Ford, which he attempted to 
 holQ ith three hundred of his mounted 
 levy. Here Cornwallis, leading in person, 
 had bis horse shot under him, and one of his 
 most eflicieut officers. Col. Hall of the 
 Guards, was amongst the slain. Congress, 
 appreciating Davidson's services, voted five 
 hundred dollars for his monument, and it is 
 to be hoped tliat it still records his gallant 
 deeds and early death. It will be noticed 
 that he does not wish to be detained from 
 the field as a guard or escort for the prison- 
 ers, and was a prompt, decisive soldier : . 
 
 Dr. Gen'l : You'l please to accept my warm- 
 est congratulations on your late glorious vic- 
 tory. You have in my opinion paved the 
 way for the Salvation of this Country. I 
 hope Major McDowell & the volunteers (his 
 120) answered the Character I gave you of 
 them. The Militia are coming in fast to 
 this place, again Wednesday or Thursday 
 I shall be ready to march with a considera- 
 ble number of pretty good men whenever it 
 may be proper, and several Gentlemen from 
 the Country have oflered to embody the 
 Militia that are at homo, to conduct the 
 prisoners to any place that may be directed. 
 If you think well of this 111 thank you to 
 let me know by the bearer, Parson McCaull, 
 as I ha'/e men here from every Comnsny 
 who can carry despatches for ttie jurpose 
 
 immediately. I think I shall have GOO men 
 at least at the place of Rendezvous. 
 I have the honor to be my Dr. General, 
 Yours most respectfully, 
 
 W.M. L. Davidson. 
 Gen'l Morgan. 
 
 Charlotte, January 22d, 1781. 
 
 Sir : The enclosed despatches from Head 
 Quarters came to my hand to-day enclosed 
 in a letter from General Greene. The Gen'l 
 mentions to me the plan you suggested of 
 making a diversion to the Westward, and 
 seems to depend much on your judgment 
 respecting that matter. In the meantime I 
 am directed to make you acquainted with 
 my numbers and situation and hold myself 
 in readiness to execute any order you may 
 think proper to give. As the troops are now 
 collecting, returns cannot be made for some 
 time. Seventeen British So|diers taken on 
 the retreat the ITthinst. were brought in here 
 to-day. Your victory over Tarleton has 
 gladdened every countenance in this part. 
 We have had a Feu de Joy to-day in conse- 
 quence of it. 
 
 I have the the honor to be. 
 
 Your very obedient and humble servant, 
 W.M. L. Davidson. 
 
 Gen'l. Morgan. 
 
 Dear Sir : Just now my Quarter Master re- 
 turned from Captain Marbury, to whom I 
 sent an order for flints, and found he has not 
 any. 300 militia coming from the District 
 joins me, who are all wanting flints. If you 
 have any that you possibly can spare until I 
 can write and have a return from Gen. Greene, 
 shall replace them. Cannot hear where you 
 are. Should thank you to let me know, as 
 also the Prisoners. The enclosed is a just 
 account of tlie force at Camden commanded 
 by Lord Rawdon, given by Col. Adam Alex- 
 ander, just from that place from a Gaol con- 
 finement of four months. 
 I am, dear sir, 
 Your most bumble servant. 
 
 Wm. L. Davidson. 
 
 .Tan. 24. 1781. Camp near Charlotte. 
 
 Gen'l. MoEG.iN. 
 
 WILLIAMS TO MORGAN— CONGRATULATIONS. 
 
 Camp P. D., 25th January, 1781. 
 Dr. Genl : I rejoice exceedingly at your 
 success. The advantages you have gained 
 are important and do great Honor to your 
 little Corps. I am peculiarly happy that so 
 great a share of the glory is due to the 
 officers and men of the Light Infantry. 
 Next to the bai)pine.ss which a man feels at 
 his own good fortune is that which attends 
 his Friend. I am much better pleased that 
 you have plucked the laurels from the brow 
 of the hitherto fortunate Tarlton frhau if he 
 had fallen by the hands of Lucifer. Y^en- 
 
11 
 
 geance is not sweet if it is not taken as we 
 would have it. I am delighted that the ac- 
 cumulated honors of a youuj; Partisan sliould 
 be plundered by my Old Friend. We have 
 had a feu de joy, drank all your Healths, 
 Swear you are the finest Fellows, and love 
 you if possible more than ever. The Gene- 
 ral has, I think, made his compliments in 
 very handsome terms. Inclosed is a copy of 
 his order. It was wrote immediately after 
 we heard the news, and during the opera- 
 tion of some cherry bounce. Major Hyrne 
 is so obliging as to bring you a small Packet 
 from me. It is intended to qualify you to 
 let me hear from you now and then. I have 
 only to add a repetition of my best wishes 
 for you. t'ompts. to Howard and all friends. 
 Adieu. Yours sincerelv, 
 
 O. H. Willi .\ MS. 
 
 Yesterday the famous Major Gray, the in- 
 famous spy and notorious horse thief, lost his 
 mulatto Head. It is exhibited at Cheraw 
 Hill, a terror to Tories. 
 
 Brigadier General MoEG.vx. His Camp. 
 For'd by Major Hyrne: 
 
 KUTLEDGE TO MORGAN — PICKENS A BRKiA- 
 LIER. 
 
 Cheraws, January 2.")th, 1781. 
 
 Dr. Sir: I request that you will be pleased 
 to accept my warmest and moft cordial 
 thanks, & that you will present them to the 
 brave Ollicers and Men under your Command 
 for the good Conduct and Intrepidity mani- 
 fested in the Action with Lieut. Col. Tarle- 
 ton on the 17th instant. This total defeat of 
 chosen Yeteran British Troops by a number 
 far inferior to theirs will for Ever distinguish 
 the gallant men by whom the Glorious Yic- 
 tory was obtained, & endear them to their 
 country. I retlect on it with the greatest 
 pleasure as a X'l'csage of the happiest conse- 
 quence. It will excite many to emulate 
 their Patriotism, & by the undaunted Cour- 
 age & Perseverance of Freemen who are de- 
 termined to :uaiutain the Independence of 
 America, that must {with the Blessing of 
 God on our Arms) be firmly established. 
 Col. Pickens's behavior justifies the opinion 
 I have always had of that excellent Officer. 
 Inclosed is a Brigadier's Commission, of 
 which I desire his acceptance. 
 
 I am with great Eegard, Dr Sir, Your Most 
 Obdt. Servt, J. Eutledge. 
 
 Gen. Morgan. 
 
 GOVERNOR .JOHN RUTLEDGE'S ORDER. 
 
 Cheraws, January S-oth, 17S1. 
 The Regiments lately Colo. Pickens's & 
 Colo. Hammond's, Harden's & Gordu's Eegi- 
 nients are in General Pickens's Brigade. 
 The officers commanding these Eegiments 
 are therefore to obey his Orders as their 
 Brigadier General. J. EuTLEDGE. 
 
 To Col. H.\RDEN. 
 
 RL'TLEDGE TO MORGAN— HEALTH, SUCCES 
 AND EVERY BLESi-ING. 
 
 Cheraws, Jany 2.")th, 1781. 
 
 Dr. Sir : I am in great hopes that the late 
 affair with Master Tarleton will ati'ord an 
 opportunity of bringingaway all my Negroes 
 from Ninety-Six toSalisbury. If an attempt 
 can be made to remove 'em, with a proba- 
 bility of Success, I wish it may as soon as 
 possible. I hope by the good offices of Col. 
 Pickens and Capt. Wood and his brother 
 they may be got ofl". Tho' I have no doubt 
 of recovering and holding So. Carolina, yet 
 as I have lost -the two last years crops en- 
 tirely, besides suffering other incredibly 
 great damage by the Euemy, I w'd wish to 
 send my negroes, if I can, to some place 
 where I may perhaps make a little by them, 
 until we can so recover the Statts as that I 
 may replace them with some degree of 
 Safety. But I shall be too late to recover 
 any benefits by them this year, unless I can 
 get 'em away very soon, as the Spring 
 advances fast. You will excuse my giving 
 you any trouble about a private concern 
 when you have so much about the ])ublick 
 Trusts (fortunately for me) committed to 
 your charge. Health, success and every 
 Blessing attend you. 
 
 I am, dear sir, y'rs, J. Ettledge. 
 
 Gen. MoRG.^N. 
 
 SUMTER TO .MORGAN — ON THE .■VLERT, 
 
 Catawba Eiver, •28th January, 17.->1. 
 
 Dear Sir: I have every reason to believe 
 that the Enemy are not more than l,('.Ou 
 strong. I have had them repeatedly counted, 
 and could ascertain their number to a man 
 Jf3knowed what had escaped the defeat of 
 Col. Tarleton. Upon which happy event I 
 most heartily congratulate you. 
 
 I am, dear sir, your most obed't h'ble ser- 
 vant, Thos. Slmter. 
 
 Brig. Gen. Morgan. 
 
 GEN. morgan's LEAVE AFTER COW PENS. 
 
 Camp at Guilford Courthouse, I 
 Feby 10th, 1781. j 
 General Morgan, of the Yirginia line, has 
 leave of absence until he recovers J^s health 
 so as to take the field again. 
 
 Nath. Greene. 
 
 VIRGINIA S THANKS THROUGH EICHAKD 
 HENRY LEE. 
 
 Richmond, March the 21st, 1781. 
 Sir : It is with peculiar pleasure that I 
 execute the order of the House of Delegates 
 in transmitting to you their sence, and 
 thro them the sence that your country en- 
 tertain of the many signal services per- 
 formed by you in the various victories that 
 you have obtained over the enemies of the 
 iCJnited Stages, and more especially in the 
 
 LofC, 
 
12 
 
 late well-timed total defeat jriven to the 
 British Troops in Souft^f Caroliua. I am 
 directed to request of you, sir, that you will 
 convey to the brave Officers and Troops 
 under' vour command iu the action of the 
 17th of Jauuary, the sence entertained by 
 the House of Delegates of their valor and 
 great services upon that memorable occa- 
 sion. 
 
 Having thus discharged my duty to the 
 House of Delegates, permit me to lament 
 that the unfortunate state of your health 
 should deprive the public of those eminent 
 services in the field which you are so capable 
 of performing, and let me hope that it will 
 not be long before a return of health will 
 restore you to the army and your country. 
 
 I have the honor to be, with the very 
 greatest respect and esteem, sir, your most 
 obedient and very humble servant, 
 
 EicHAED Hexky Lee. 
 
 B. General iroRG.\N. 
 
 THE GRATITX'DE OF COXGEESS. 
 
 Congress on Friday, March !), 1781, recog- 
 nized the value of this important victory as 
 follows : 
 
 "The United States, in Congress assembled, 
 considering it as a tribute due to distin- 
 guished merit to give a public approbation 
 to the conduct of Brigadier General Morgan 
 and of the otiicers and men under his com- 
 nand on the 17th of .January last, wh3a 
 with eighty cavalry and two hundred and 
 thirty-seven infantry of the troops of the 
 L^nited States and five hundred and fifty- 
 three militia from the States of Virginia, 
 North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia 
 he obtained a complete and important vic- 
 tory over a select and well appointed detach- 
 ment of more than eleven hundred British 
 Troops C'.mmanded by Lieut. Col. Tarleton-, 
 do therefore resolve, 
 
 That the thanks of the United States in 
 Congress assembled be given to Brigadier 
 General Morgan, and the men under his 
 command for the fortitude and good conduct 
 displayed in the action at the Cownens, in 
 the State of South Carolina, on the seven- 
 teenth day of January last: That a medal of 
 gold be presented to Brigadier-General Mor- 
 gan, a medal of silver to Lieutenant Colonel 
 Washington of the Cavalry, and one of silver 
 to Lieutenant Colonel Howard, of the Infan- 
 try of the United States, severally, with 
 emblems and mottoes descriptive of the con- 
 duct of those olBcers respectively on that 
 memorable day. 
 
 That a sword be presented to Colonel 
 Pickens, of the Militia, in testimony of his 
 spirited conduct in the action before men- 
 tioned. 
 
 That Major Edward Giles, aid-de-camp to 
 Brigadier-General Morgan, have the brevet 
 commission of a Major; and that Baron de 
 Glabuck, who served with Brigadier-Gen- 
 eral Morgan as a Volunteer, have the brevet 
 commission of a captain in the Army of the 
 United States in consideration of their merit 
 and services. 
 
 Ordered that the commanding officers in 
 the Southern Department communicate 
 these resolutions in general orders.' 
 
 These resolutions were printed by Geu. 
 Moultrie iu his valuable Memoirs of the 
 Revolution, and test the appreciation of 
 that gallant officer, then a prisoner of war, 
 of the services and rewards of his more fortu- 
 nate brother soldiers. While Tarleton iu 
 his "History of the Campaigns of 1780-81"' 
 fairly records the detail of his defeat and 
 does justice to his opponents, he fails amongst 
 many documents to print his report of the 
 Battle of Cowpens, and merely an extract 
 from a letter to Lord Coruwallis to him^ 
 apparently a favorite officer and generally 
 addressed as "Dear Tarleton" — saying "You 
 have forfeited no part of my esteem as an 
 officer by the unfortunate event of the action 
 of the 17th. The means you iised to bring 
 the enemy to action were able and masterly, 
 and must ever do you honor. Your disposi- 
 tion was unexceptionable; the total misbe- 
 havior of too Iroops could alone have de- 
 prived you of the glory which was so justly 
 your due."' This from so distinguished a 
 soldier, suffering from the reverse, was an 
 unusual tribute to misfortune as well as 
 compliment to success. Twenty-nine com- 
 missioned officers killed, wounded and cap- 
 tured in so small a force, shows the 
 decisive character of the engagement, and 
 that the "misbehavior" was confined to the 
 men. It is to be regretted that Major Giles's 
 hasty report, in which his fellow traveller 
 with the good news. Baron Glabuck, and 
 himself are twice referred to, gives so little 
 detail of Col. Andrew Pickens's service no- 
 ticed by Congress, and that of his command, 
 who had joined the night before. The fol- 
 lowing letters, copies of which the compiler 
 had furnished to his friend. Col. Charles C. 
 Jones, Jr., of Augusta, an earnest contribu- 
 tor to history, particularly to that of his own 
 State, he considers it proper to include here 
 also in aid of the justice he seeks for those 
 enti,tled to notice of their service on that 
 day. The writer was one of the notable 
 patriots of that period, who from a soldier at 
 the defence of Savannah at eighteen to Ma- 
 jor-General and Governor, Avas always in 
 service and often distinguished. On this 
 day he was serving as Brigade-Major to the 
 gallant Pickens, and when writing these 
 letters as Senator in Congress. It is to be 
 hoped that these letters are not still cries 
 for justice at the end of a century : 
 
13 
 
 THE PEESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO MORGAN. 
 
 Philadelphia, April 11th, 1781. 
 
 Sir: Your letter of the 28th ult. hath 
 been duly received, with the standard of the 
 Seventh British Regiment which fell into 
 your hands in the battle of the 17th of Jan- 
 uary. This will be deposited with other 
 Trophies in the War Office, to remain a last- 
 ing evidence of the Victory that day obtained 
 with so much gallantry and Bravery. I am 
 sorry to find your health so much impaired, 
 hope by your jjresent retirement and B^laxa- 
 tion from the Toils of the Field, it may be 
 perfectly restored and your Country reap 
 signal advantages from your future services. 
 
 I have the honor to be with esteem and 
 regard, your most obedient humble serv't. 
 Sam HuNTiNCiTON. 
 
 Brig. Gen. Morgan. 
 
 MORGAN called FOR BY THE VIRGINIA 
 
 house of delegate.^. 
 
 In House of Delegates, ] 
 Saturday, 2d June, 1781. J 
 
 Eesolveil, That bis Excellency the Gov- 
 ernor be desired to call for the immediate 
 assistance of Brigadier-General Morgan to 
 take command of such Volunteers, Militia 
 or others, as be may be able speedily to em- 
 body aad march to join the Army under 
 command of the Hou'ble Major-Genial 
 Marquis la Fayette; that this Assembly 
 have the utmost confidence in the active ex- 
 ertion of General Morgan in the present, 
 emergency, and that the Cioveruor do trans- 
 mit to the said General so many proper com- 
 missions as may be necessary for the field 
 oflicers, captains, subalterns and others to be 
 by him appointed. 
 
 Teste. John Berkley, Clk H. of D. 
 
 governor nelson, op VIRGINIA. 
 
 KiCHMOND, July 20th, 17S1. 
 
 Sir: It will give me the greatest Pleasure 
 to comply witii the Resolution of the Assem- 
 bly, directing that you shall be presented 
 with a Horse, Sword, &c., as I shall ever be 
 happy to contribute towards rewarding dis- 
 tinguished merit. 
 
 I am under some difficulty with respect to 
 the Horse, because I may procure one that 
 may not suit You. If you know of one that 
 You wish to have, I will immediately direct 
 that he shall be purchased. The Assembly 
 intend that the present should be a Genteel 
 one, the horse therefore ought to be of the 
 first quality. 
 
 I am. Sir, with great esteem, Your Obed't 
 and very h'blc Serv't, 
 
 Thos. Nelson, Jr. 
 
 Brigadier Gcn'l Morgan. 
 
 Immediately after Cowpens Morgan, aware 
 of the junction of Tarleton with Cornwallis, 
 at once pressed towards the Catawba to form 
 his own in turn with Gen. Gi-eene, which 
 
 Some writers attributed (o a timidity im- 
 possible to his character, but was an- 
 ticipated by Greene who, also appreciating 
 the danger of a speedy concentrated action 
 against Morgan alone, had pressed on with a 
 small escort to consult how to improve and 
 secure the result of the victory, ordering his 
 troops to follow him. Then followed a series 
 of strategic movements, including the pur- 
 suit by Lord Cornwallis, intent on the 
 rescue of his troops and equipage, driving 
 Gen. Greene towards the riVer .fiaia, 
 the prostration of Morgan by rheuma- 
 tism, Col. Williams succeeding to the 
 command of the light troops, skirmishing 
 with the advance of Cornwallis, and cover- 
 ing the rear of Greene, until he had crossed 
 that river. How Cornwallis, recognizing 
 the escape, turned to rally the Tories en- 
 couraged by Greene's evacuation of North 
 Carolina, setting up the Royal standard at 
 Hillsboro' and inviting them with some 
 temporary success to join it, while Greene, 
 reinforced after three weeks' sufi'ering, ven- 
 tures to make a stand at Guilford, in which 
 both armies suffered severely, but the British 
 claimed a victory. Next Cornwallis moving 
 to Wilmington for supplies, and marching 
 on Petersburg to co-operate with Gen. 
 Phillips, and after a spirited campaign in 
 Virginia, more marked for skilful ma,- 
 ntBuvring and devastation than actual-' 
 fighting, findinc himself everywhere held 
 in check by LaFayette, supported by Wayne 
 and Steuben — the sponsors for his iniknt 
 command— and led .seaward by the delu- 
 sive prospects of co-operation by troops and 
 ships sent by Sir Henry Clinton from New 
 York. Finally, the inarch of Cornwallis to 
 Yorktowu, the delay of these reinforce- 
 ments—by fears at New York— until too 
 late, and the arrival of the French 
 fleet and army and fresh American 
 troops, and his investment and surren- 
 der after a gallant resistence. These 
 were the fruits of the seed planted at Cow- 
 pens which drew Cornwallis away from his 
 stronghold and precipitated history at York- 
 town. Gen. Greene meanwhile had turned 
 back to that old campaigning ground in 
 North Carolina, had fought the battle of 
 j Eutaw and was gradually reducing or iu- 
 I vesting the fortified British posts, and 
 j checking the advance of Lord Rawdon with 
 new forces. Then ensued a number of bril- 
 liant partisan achievements, rendered possi- 
 ble by the ab.sence of an overwhelming force 
 of regulars, in which Sumter, Marion, Niel, 
 Lacey and other local heroes, while showing 
 their valor and endurance, gave a color of 
 romance to the final days of the struggle in 
 the South of the incompetent or unwise 
 counsellors of a weak but well meaning 
 monarch, to hold those Provinces by divine 
 right alone, without recourse to the* dictates 
 of discretion. Finally the country was freed 
 
14 
 
 of outposts, aud tbe spirit of tbe people uu- 
 controUed swept the remains of the forces 
 into Savanna!) aud Charleston, aud towards 
 early evacuation. 
 
 lu alnjost the last skirmish there fell on 
 the Combahee, near Charleston, one who, 
 although but 29 years of age, had already 
 imprinted his mark on his country's histoi-y, 
 and whose life afforded a promise, the loss of 
 which alone seemed a national calamity. 
 Already as a soldier Col. John Laurens had 
 won the confidence of XVashiugton as a mem- 
 ber of his military family, and tbe warm per- 
 sonal friendship of Lafayette, an excellent 
 judge of character. As a diplomat entrusted 
 with important missions, he had done much 
 to cement the Freuch Alliance, and was the 
 welcomed fellow counsellor of sage states- 
 men. As a student of law in London, at the 
 outbreak of the Revolution, he had attended 
 the sessions of Parliament, and watched the 
 growing of the coming storm, and in his 
 letters had discussed it with his father and 
 bis friends. A study of many of those letters 
 which have been preserved have convinced 
 the compiler that his waiving more dis- 
 tinguished duties and following Greene to 
 Charleston to die in its defence near the 
 home of his boyhood made bis blood, shed at 
 the moment of its delivery, one of the 
 noblest seals set to his country's indepen- 
 dence. 
 
 The Cowpens Aledal. 
 
 FebrI'AKY Hth, 17S'3. 
 
 Dr Sii: I am induced to trouble you with 
 a few lines for two reasons. The first through 
 a reliance on your friendship, which I flatter 
 myself would prompt you to serve me if in 
 your Power, and second because you are the 
 on'y gentleman in office in Philadelphia 
 whose acquaintance would countenance such 
 a request. 
 
 The Honorable Congress after the action 
 at Cowpeus thought proi)er to vote me a 
 Medal for my conduct in tiiat aftair, and as 
 such an acknowledgement of uiy countrie's 
 approbation could not but be flattering to 
 the mind of a soldier I Lave made frequent 
 application to get, and have been as fre- 
 quently disappointed, (tcu. Lincoln once 
 informed me that nothing prevented its be- 
 ing sent to me but the low situation of finan- 
 ces, and J should have it as soon as there 
 was money to be had to defray the Expense. 
 Now sir, I not only wish you to expedite the 
 making of it, but that you may also pay 
 some attention to the manner in which it 
 may be done, and with devices properly em- 
 blematical of the aflair. I have so good an 
 opinion of your taste and general knowledge 
 as to wish to submit the luatter entirely to 
 your discretion, the expense cannot be con- 
 siderable, and I flatter myself the Financier 
 on a proper api)lication would advance a sum 
 sufticieut to defray it. especially to gratify 
 the inclinations of a man whose principal 
 
 aim it has been to obtain his Country's ap- 
 plause to his conduct. 
 
 I have the Honour, &c., &c., &c.. 
 
 D. Morgan. 
 To General Lincoln and Hon. John F. 
 Meecek. 
 
 Philadelphia, April 24tli, 1783. 
 
 Dear General : Col. Woods disapointed me 
 and left Town without an answer to the fa- 
 vour which you did me the honor to write 
 me some time since, aud the casual convey- 
 ances which chance ofiers to your parts of 
 the country have not compensated for his 
 neglect. The change in our circumstances 
 which the late pacification has made will 
 now permit the Secretary of War to carry 
 into immediate execution a Resolve of Con- 
 gress directing him to furnish the medals 
 voted to those whose Distinguished Merit 
 has drawn that mark of applause and grati- 
 tude from their Country during the late War. 
 You may depend on my attention to yours, 
 and if I have any talent at Design (which by 
 the V. ay 1 doubt extremely) it shall be aided 
 by tL ■ assistance of those whose imagination 
 I esteem as elegant as correct, and I hope 
 will eventually produce what ought to equal 
 your expectation frotn the hands you have 
 committed it to, if it does not meet your 
 approbation. * * •' 
 
 With sincere wishes for your health aud 
 happiness, I am, dear General, your most 
 obedient servant, John F. Mercer. 
 
 General MoRG.iN. 
 
 GEN. WASHINGTON FORWARDS THE MEDAL. 
 
 New York, March 25, 1790. 
 
 Sir: Yon will receive with this a Medal 
 struck by order of the late Congress in com- 
 memoration of your much approved conduct 
 in the battle of Cowpens, and ])resented to 
 you as a mark of the high sence which your 
 Country entertains of your services on th;it 
 occasion. 
 
 This Medal was put into my hands by Mr. 
 Jefl'erson, and it is with singular pleasure 
 that I now transmit it to you. 
 
 I am Sir, with very great esteem, your 
 most obedt servt, Geo. Washington. 
 
 General Morgan. 
 
 The papers from which these selections 
 are made were formerly bound in two vol- 
 umes and in a very woi-n condition. Many 
 of them had been mutilated by that class of 
 enthusiasts who prefer a cut signature — re- 
 garded as of no value by a collector of his- 
 tory — in their, own possession to a complete 
 document preserved elsewhere. This singu- 
 larly historical letter of W'ashington was 
 selected for such vandalism, but is restored 
 by the insertion of a similar waif, and like 
 ail the rest cleaned aud mounted by a skilful 
 artist, for one who appreciates the value of 
 the emanation from a brain that long since 
 
15 
 
 has slept, but uot a mecbauical sign manual 
 when detaolied from sucli siguificauce. 
 
 Capt. Gorriuge, who has recently made so 
 valuable and laborious a contribution to 
 science in securing, engineering to its site 
 and st'ttiug up in a tben unknown land the 
 Obelisk of Thotmes III, recently mentioned 
 to the compiler how one of his ship boys 
 having climbed up and broken a piece from 
 the nose of th,e Snhynx — in the fragments of 
 which the ^*B»^have for ages built their 
 nests — he, on learning the mutilation, di- 
 rected hini to throw it into the sea, as a 
 lesson more valuable than the results of the 
 mutilation could be. 
 
 jackson to morgan — a hkro of cowpens 
 complains of injustice. 
 
 - Senate Chamber U. States, ) 
 Philadelphia, .January 20th, 179."}. ) 
 Dear General: Since I last saw you in Phil- 
 adelphia, which I think was in 1791, a gen- 
 tleman has undertaken to write the history 
 of Georgia. Your address to the Georgia 
 Refugees, published at Pacolet, in South 
 Carolina, being in my liands, I gave it to 
 him amongst other material for insertion. 
 The ?ame gentleman, a Mr. Longworthy, has 
 applied to ma for other documents, and par- 
 ticularly to know if any Georgians were at 
 the Cowpens? None of the authors who 
 have written have mentioned them in that 
 action, nor did the account given by your 
 aid-de-camp, Major Giles, to Cougre.es, notice 
 them or any officer -belonging to the State; 
 although the officers of the other States were 
 generally nientioned and their militia ap- 
 plauded. The Georgians have imputed tliis 
 to the loss of your despatches, and not 
 to any intention of yourself, who have 
 always been one of their favorite com- 
 manders, but they think hard of the 
 silence respecting, them in that celebrated 
 action, and which did you the honor of turn- 
 ing the tide of affairs in favor of the United 
 States. My object of writing at present is to 
 request, if you see no Impropriety in it, your 
 >;iviug a certificate under your hand of there 
 being present three companies. The detach- 
 ment was s.uall, but if you recollect you 
 placed them in front of the whole, and they 
 strictly obeyed your orders in keeping up a 
 warm fire and gradually retreating. I could 
 wish your expressing that they behaved as 
 well as the other militia in the field. The 
 officers commanding, if you choose to say 
 anything of thera, were Major Cunningham 
 and Captains Samuel Hammonds, George 
 Walton and Joshua Inman, who all behaved 
 well, and the latter was peculiarly service- 
 able to you in advertising you of the Ene- 
 mies approach and skirmishing with their 
 advance. The detachment was under my 
 immediate command and direction, altho 
 I acf(>d also as Brigade Major to all the 
 Militia present. It is with difficulty I men- 
 
 tion myself, but having the honor of intro- 
 ducing Major Mc.^rthur, tlie commander of 
 the British Infantry, a prisoner on that occa- 
 sion tnken by myself, and having run the 
 utmost risque of my life in attempting to 
 seize the colours of the 71st Regiment in the 
 miist of it, on their attempt to form after 
 they were broken, being saved by an exer- 
 tion of Colonel Howards, and for which 
 I had the honour of your thanks on the 
 Field of Battle, I think it a duty to my chil- 
 dren, as the History of the State is to be 
 told, to have some insertion even of my con- 
 duct in that well fouyht battle. You, Sir, 
 were rendered immortal by the action, my 
 ambition is to let my descendants and the 
 citizens of Georgia know that I was present 
 and contributed my mite to your glory. 
 General Pickens has already certified to the 
 requests of this letter fully, but whilst you 
 are alive his certificate is not the best evi- 
 dence, and your testimony will be grateful 
 to the citizens of Georgia. I am sorry to 
 break ifi on the important business of your 
 present command, and should have waited 
 until the next session of the Federal Legis- 
 lature, when we hope to see you a member, 
 but for the pressing request of Mr. Long- 
 worthy to have the necessary papers. 
 
 I am, dear General, with the highest es- 
 teem and respect, yr old fellow soldier and 
 most obed't serv't, Jas. Jackson. 
 
 Major General Morgan. 
 
 If you could favor me with an Answer 
 previous to the rising of Congress, about the 
 1st of March, it would highly oblige me. 
 
 JACKSON TO morgan — GIVES DETAILS AS TO 
 COWPENS. ;<«». 
 
 Philadelphia. February 9th, l/:)^ 
 Sir: I did myself the honor of writing you 
 about a fortnight since, respecting the 
 service of the Geoi-gians under you at Cow- 
 pens;-, Lest two observations of mine in that 
 letter should be understood^I beg leave to 
 correct them. The- first was that I was 
 Brigade Major to all the militia present. 1 
 since recollect that you had militia from 
 Virginia. The second that I had your 
 thanks. I meant not by this your thanks in 
 orders, but verbally for my conduct, whiclj 
 a hundred living evidences could prove was 
 creditable to myself, and deserving of your 
 approbation. Col. McDowel now in Con- 
 gress and who commanded the North Caro- 
 lina militia on that day, is one of them. 
 Gen. Pickens written testimony I informed 
 you I was possessed of and under him it was 
 i acted. A circumstance I will take the 
 liberty of mentioning will serve to revive 
 your memory. You had placed a sergeant 
 over a cask of wine — after my return with 
 General (then Major) Mc.\rthur and who I 
 had left in custody of Col. Wa.shington. I 
 came accross this man and found him dealing 
 the wine out to all in his way. A wounded 
 
10 
 
 militia raau at some distance requested me 
 for a drop to revive him, which the 
 sergeant refused on my application. I 
 then ordered the men with me to drive 
 liim otf and take posseSsion of the cask. He 
 went and complained to you, and you came 
 very angry, and I expected would have 
 struck me. Feeling myself injured J ex- 
 plained to you the conduct of the Fellow, 
 and could not help adding that my conduct 
 had deserved a better return, mentioning 
 my leaving the British officer commanding 
 their Infantry with the Colonel (Washing- 
 ton.) It was then that you made the Ser- 
 geant beg my pardon on his knees, and gave 
 me your verbal thanks, which were repeated 
 where we stopped at a small town on 
 the borders of X. Carolina, and where we 
 (General Pickens's Brigade) took the Pris- 
 oners under charge and you parted from 
 us. Major Giles mentioned at Charlotte 
 on his tour to Congress my name as one 
 who had distinguished himself, and con- 
 sidering the responsibility of my station 
 and the risks I ran on that day I had 
 some right to expect to be named. I confess 
 I i\'as chagrined when the account came. I 
 after this ran the utmost risk of mj life at 
 Torrens's wlieu the British crossed the Ca- 
 tawba, and believe that in some measure, 
 owing to my exertions with a' few olEcers 
 and men, the slaughter was not so great as 
 ito*^'' ise would have been. At Salisbury, 
 where you bad reached, it was believed by 
 Cieneral Pickens and yourself that I was 
 killed. When I arrived I had the honor to 
 be received by you and him with Friendship 
 and satisfaction. At the Yadkin we parted, 
 and I had the happiness after to have my 
 'oi.duv't approbated by that great officer, 
 Genl Greene, who appointed me to the com- 
 mand of a State Legion. 
 
 I have been thus particui^.r ''°st so .long a 
 lapse of time should have made those circum- 
 stances escape your memory and which not 
 . being necessarily connected with the princi- 
 pal events and only concerning an Individ- 
 ual officer not likely to be retained. I had 
 the honor however in 1791 to have the prin- 
 lipal circumstances recognized by you. I 
 shall leave this in about a fortnight for Sa- 
 vannah. Should you not deem it proper to 
 L'ive a certidcate as to myself I will be happy 
 to have your approbation of the conduct of 
 my countrymen. 
 
 1 am Sir your most obedtservt, 
 3 AS. Jackson. 
 
 .Major General Morgax, Commanding. 
 
 PICKENS TO MOKOAN — JACKSON'S MERIT. 
 
 Dear General : Our friend General Jack- 
 sou has showed me this letter. His merit 
 cannot be forgotten by you. 
 
 I am dear General Your most Obedt Servt, 
 
 Ofh Feb 179."). Andw Pickens. 
 
 Gen. MoKCiAN, 
 
 General Pickens was then a member of 
 Congress. The tone of General Jackson's 
 last letter implies, in the neglect in replying 
 to the former one, a sense of injustice, per- 
 haps palliated by Gen. Morgan's engage- 
 ments as commanding the forces in the field 
 to sujipress the Whiskey Eebelliou. If not 
 so excusable— and there is no record to show 
 — he. had suffered in the same way by the 
 delay of his Cowpens medal, as will be seen 
 by his letter, February G, 1783. It will be 
 conceded by all familiar with history and 
 military affairs that there is no nobler trait 
 in a commander than carefully to record the 
 services of a subprdijJl^ and no more abject 
 worship of seJfisfejtSlRBdnality than to ab- 
 sorb the service aod-'^rtupitre^o the acknowl- 
 edgment due tu those t\!i'; hate yitlcd to in- 
 crease the creiiir ;^]vviiys gi<rejj to the suc- 
 cessful leader. I'.uf. periraps,'tis there was an 
 interval 01 Oiiiy twenty days between the 
 letters,- it whs Ihu. in<tividua!ity of General 
 JacksoQ that miidc him look for too early 
 attentio^. 
 
 MOEGA.V'S NEW COMMANDER — THE '^lARQUIS 
 DE LAFAYETTE. ■„■ "V^. 
 
 Richmond, 16th J^y, frSl. 
 
 Dr Sir: 1 have attached to your command 
 Major Nelson "s Coips and the Maryland Vol- 
 unteer Dragoons. I beg leave to recommend 
 the latter to. your attention. Most of them 
 are men of fortune who make great sacrifices 
 to serve the country. You will not there- 
 fore i)Ut them upon the duties of orderlys or 
 common camp dutys, which can be as well 
 performed by the Continental Horse. In 
 feverything else you will find them answer 
 your expectation. As they are only to be 
 subject to your orders when you have accom- 
 plished the objects n^ntioncd in my letter 
 of yesterday, or when it is decided that 
 Tarleton intends Southerly, and is beyond 
 the reach of being struck, you will be good 
 enough to order their return to Head Quar- 
 ters. It is my wish to dismiss them the mo- 
 ment it is in my power. 
 
 I am, Dr Sir, your obt servt, 
 
 Lafayette. 
 
 Brig. Gen. Morgan. 
 
 LETTER of COL. JOHN EAGER HOWARD. 
 
 Dear Sir : I am compelled to deny myself 
 the pl2asure of seeing you agreeable to pro- 
 mise. The General's Situatiou has detained 
 us here some days and we find it difficult to 
 leave him, as he will be entirely alone after 
 we go away as Mr. Richmond has an appoint- 
 ment; howevet, General Gist as well as my- 
 self are under obligations to return to Balti- 
 more without delay, which will oblige us to 
 set off in the morning. Was I alone nothing 
 should prevent me taking your house in my 
 .route: as it is, the General with me, in a car- 
 riage, which is at best a slow way of travel- 
 ling, and in tlicse stoney roads so tedious 
 
17 
 
 that I am oiit of temper with it, you must 
 excuse me this time. The other promise I 
 made yoii of visiting you whenever I came 
 up the country as far as Frederick, you may 
 most assuredly rely on, and in the meantime 
 nothing could make me happier than seeing 
 you in Baltimore. 
 
 I am, Dear Sir, yours sincerely, 
 
 J. E. IIOWAED. 
 
 Gen'l Gates, (Travellers Rest, Virginia,) 
 Sept. r2th, 1783, to Gen'l Moegan. 
 
 THE HERO OF CAMDE.V — DEAD BEFORE COW- 
 PENS. 
 
 Camp at Greenwich, ) 
 Near White Pi.ains, July 21, 1778. j 
 
 Sir: Give me leave to give your Excel- 
 lency aud Congress joy to be once more in 
 Philadelphia, but more peculiarly ou the 
 superiority America hath got over her Ene- 
 mies. I hope, with the assistance of your 
 good ally, you will be able to expel them 
 entirely from the Continent & the American 
 Coasts in a short time. I expect also that 
 what Count d'Estaing's tedious passage has 
 made us miss in Delaware may be taken in 
 New York Bay, f)ud all their shippings and 
 troops there will fall into your hands. Since 
 a few days I am recovering j)retty fast from 
 my late illness, and am actually much better 
 & stronger than I had reason to expect not 
 long ago. 
 
 Your Excellencies multiplied Businesses 
 aoes ■ ot permit me to trouble you any longer 
 with the care of my letters for Eiiropo. As 
 there is a King's Minister residing with 
 those States, I will apply to him for the 
 future for that purpose. I only request you 
 to send him the enclosed. I have the honor 
 to be, with great resj)ect, 
 
 Your Excellency's 
 
 Most Obedient and very 
 humble servant, 
 
 The Baron de Kale. 
 
 His Excellency, Henry Laurens 
 
 President of Congress. 
 
 Notes. 
 
 The report of the battle of Cowpens, given 
 above, was printed in a New Jersey news- 
 paper at the time, and is the only one of the 
 foregoing papers of which th9i?,ompiler, Mr. 
 Myers, has not the original. 
 
 Although the memory of Lord Cornwallis 
 was darkened by those charges of cruelty for 
 which the leajjer at least of an invading 
 army is often made unjustly responsible, he 
 may be considered the most efficient of the 
 British generals who served in America in 
 that war excepting, perhaps. Sir Guy 
 Carleton. Subsequently as Governor General 
 of the East Indies, he was the conqueror of 
 Tippoo Sahib, then Lord Lieutenant of 
 Ireland, dying as Governor General of India 
 in 1805. His controversy with Sir Henry 
 Clinton as to the causes of his failure in 
 
 America occupied much of the attention of 
 Parliament, and remains to us in several con- 
 flicting publicatious but throwing much 
 light on this period. 
 
 Gen. Tarleton sat for Liverpool in Parlia- 
 ment for twenty-two years and was Gover- 
 nor of Berwick, also, dying in 1833. His ap- 
 pearance is familiar to collec^tors of history in 
 the large mezzotint engraving of his portrait 
 by Sir Joshua Reynolds, representing him as 
 a dashing cavalry officer with his foot raised 
 ou a cariU'ju while adjusting his boot top, a 
 position severely criticised, as exposing the 
 best part of his person, by Col. deChamilly, a 
 partisan officer with whom he quarrelled on 
 technical matters, recorded in a pamphlet of 
 the time. 
 
 Col. John Eager Howard was already a 
 veteran at this time, having seen constaut 
 service from the outbreak of the war. He 
 was subsequently governor of Maryland aud 
 senator in Congress, declining more honors 
 than he accepted, and greatly esteemed he 
 died in 1827. His wife was the daughter of 
 Chief Justice Chew, around whose house he 
 had bravely fought at Germantown, when it 
 was to that battle like Uougomont at Water- 
 loo. 
 
 Col. William Aueustine Washington was 
 the son of Bailey Washington, of Virginia. 
 He also was a distinguished officer from the 
 commencement of the struggle to its close, 
 largely in the South. At Eutaw Springs he 
 was captured — his horse having been killed 
 under him — and not. released until the close 
 of the war. Marrying and settling in 
 Charleston, he declined to be a candidate for, 
 Govt-rnor, as the invaluable Dr. Lossiug has 
 recorded, "because he could not m&k^ a 
 speech," a modesty which often accompanies 
 courage. It is to be regretted that no letter 
 of his is found in this transaction, which 
 showed his great usefulness, to illustrate how 
 he expressed himself with the pen as well as 
 with the sword. 
 
 Governor John Rutledge, like many of 
 his contemporaries in South C:troliua, was 
 educated to the law in the Temple, at Lou- 
 don. Rsturniug in 17()1, he was early en- 
 tered in the contest ou the Colonial side. 
 He was a member of the First Continental 
 Congress in 1774, and two years after ap- 
 pointed Prpsidcnt and Commander-in-chief 
 of the Colony. Like many of those engaged 
 with him, he was a member of the more 
 privileged class, and at first declined to ac- 
 cept the new Corsstitution as too Democratic, 
 but finally yielded in 1779 aud became 
 Governor with almost unrestricted trust, 
 taking the field at the head of the militia, 
 and managing afiairs with ability until the 
 fall of Charleston circumscribed his control. 
 After the independence he was Judge of both 
 the Court of Chancery and Supreme Courts 
 of the United States, "dying in 1800. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
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