The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1849-06-20

Lug aGldCcks sOI ldrletOn, dS usual, i
was impetuous, and for while the
American militia was driven helplessly
before It; but soon they rallied. under
cover Of o few continentals belonging
to Morgan's command, and in turn for
ced the British to give ground. These
brave soldiers of the line, led by their
colonel, now charged with the bayonet,
when the route Of the royal infantry
became complete. IS
Washington, with his cavalry, had
been waiting impatiently q chance to
participate in the fight; but having been
stationed as partial reserve, the order
for him to engage did not forsom time
arrive. His troops shared his enthusi-H
asm. Composed chiefly of young meu
of family, and mounted ON thorough
bred animals, they presented q formi-
dable appearance, as they stood, await-
ing the order to engage, the horses
champing at the bit, and tho riders
nervousiy lingering their swords: they
saw the onset of the British, the fight
of tbs first line, and the partial panic
that extended through the foot soldiers
with horror; but still their leader re-
mained unmoved. Many had never
been in battle before, and such believed
the day lost; among these was Albert.
AT last the confusion became 80
great around them that troops so un.
disciplined, if less brave, would have
taken to ignominious flight; for the de-
feated militia were pouring down upon
them from all sides, almost compelling
them to break their ranks, or see the
fugitivcs perish under the hoofs oftheir
horses. But now Washington seemed
to rouse from his inaction. Ordering
his men first to allow. the flying militia
to gain their rear, he then directed
them, his sharp, quick tones showing
that the moment for action had come,
to close up and prepare to charge.
AS he spoke, lie pointed with his
sword ahead. and our hero beheld the
renowned regiment Of Tarleton coming
down upon them at full gallop, amid q
cloud Of dust, driving before them a
mass Of dismayed fugitives. The keen
eye of Washington measured, for an
instant, the distance between them, and
then said,
i want no fire arms used today, my
lads. Stick to the cold steel. And
now, for Gcd and your country
charged
Away went the troop, like thunder
bolt suddenly looscd from cloud, with
every scabbard jingling, every steed
snorting with excitement, and the solid
earth shaking under thom. In full
career they burst upon the flank of the
enemy, who, disordered by his pursuit,
could make but feeble resistance.-
Horse and rider went down before the
impetuous charge of the Americans,
who for while fairly rode down their
foes. But British valor soon proved
too weak for tho combined patriotism
and courage of Washington's cavalry;
and the royal troops, turning their bri-
dies, took to ignominious fight.
Con, on cried Washington waving
his sword for his men to follow; 'remem-
Der the crueltics of these myrmidons.
Revenge for our slaughtered country
men,
At the word, his men, thus remind
ed Of the butchery of the Waxhaws and
and of the other atrocities perpetratcd
under the eye Of Tarleton, spurred their
horses afresh, and dashed on in pur-
suit! A complete panic had now ta-
ken possession of the royal cavalry,
who hurried on at full gallop, each man
thinking only Of himself. Close on.
their heels followed the indignant Amer.
leans, cutting down mercilessly every
red-coat they overlook, until the road
was strewed with the dead Foremost
in this pursuit rode Washington, a pre-
cedcnce he owed, not only to his supe-
rior stced, but to his cagerncss to over
take an officer just ahead, whom he
Judged to be Tarleton himself from his
effort to rally the fugitives.
The tremendous pace at which Wash
ington rode, at last carried him so far
ahead ofhis men, that, at bend in the
highway he found himself totally alone.
At this moment, the British, looking
back, perceived his situation, and i'm
mediatoly turned on him, his principle.
assailants being Tarleton and two pow
erfnl dragons.
Knowing, however, that assistance
must be close at hand, Washington res
olutely advanced to meet tho enemy,