Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1860-08-23
CHAPTER XXI-coNTINUED.

tou, III spile VI euPetioI uuuuelo, mtuouc
the least intimidation.
His force consisted of FIVE hundred mill.
tia, three hundred regulars, and seventy
FIVE horse, under the command of Colonel
Washington. Tarleton had every prospect
of success. He had two field pieces, and
two hundred and fifty horse, beside his
thousand choice infantry. Longing to re.
venge the defeat of Kings Mountain, the
sanguiuary Briton burned for the encouu-
ter. That Morgan should desire the same
thing, was too improbable an idea for the
British commander to entertain for mo.
ment. 1t was madness that carried de-
feat on the very face of it. Fearing his foe
would escape him, Tarletou made feint to
cross the Pacolet above the position that
Morgan had taken, and thus place his ad-
versary between his own and the main army
under CORVALLIS, which was only days
march distant on the left. Morgan made
a corresponding movement, and the willy
Tarletou making night march, crossed the
river before daylight, few miles below
Morgan now made hurried retreat, and
before night, regainsd favorite position
above Thickety creek, on an emiuence some
times called 'Thickety Mount where he
made preparation to meet his pursuer.-
Here his army rested for the night, and re-
freshed themselves with quiet breakfast
The spot on which Morgan had taken ground
was an eminance which ascended gently for
about three hundred and fifty yards, and
was covered by an open wood. The mill
tia, commanded by Col. Pickens, were drawn
up about two hundred and eighty yards in
front of the regulars, and the horse, com.
manded by Col. Washington, under whom
was our friend Davie, were short distance
in the rear. They were covered by the de-
scending ground, which again arose to a
height sufficient to coveraa man on horse
back. The rear line was commanded by
Lieut.. Col. Howard, brave and efficient
officer. About one hundred and fifty yards
in advance of the first line, as many picked
rihemen were placed, scattered in loose or
der along the whole front. Those on the
right were commanded by Col. Cunningham,
of Georgia; those on the left, by Major
Mcdowell, of South Carolina. No particu-
lar order was given this scattering body,
but they knew their service.
MARK the epaulette men, was whispered.
The advanced party was ordered not to de-
liver,their fire until the British were within
fly yards, and this done, to retire, covering
themselves with trees, till reloading, they
could fire again.
Tarletou who believed that Morgan was
resolved on flight, hurriedly pursued him,
and came up with him about s o'clock on
the morning of the 18th, after five hours
march. What was his surprise to see his
adversary drawn up and ready for battle.
His uniform success, however, and the high
reuown his good fortune had given him,
inspired his troops with alacrity a | cour-
age, and he prepared at once for battle. Ad'
vancing to reconnoitre, he was prevented
by the picked riAemen, who gave his es-
cort discharge which made them tremble
at the deadly aim of the Southern rifle.
Tarletou now halted, and formed his line
about $50 yards from Morgan's detachment
Under cover of their artillery, they now ad
vauced with triumphant shout, pouring
in an incessant fire of musketry as they
came.
Hold your FIRE" cried Pickens; wait
till you see their eyes-ffty yards between
you, now boys-6re!
A deafening discharge was the answer,
and dead and wounded, commissioned and
con-commissioned, fell under that fatal and
deliberate volley. But this was not sufi
Client to repel the excited foe. They ad-
vanced rapidly, the militia were obliged to
retire, and were gallantly brought off by
Col. Pickeus, and formed on the right of the
second line. The British rent the air with
their shouts, as certain of victory, Tar
leton's cavalry pushed hard after the re-
treating militia. The British infantry hav-
ing crossed little valley in pursuit Of the
retreating enemy, now found themselves
within twenty PAGES of Howards regulars,
who at this moment, poured upon them
general and deadly fire.
On them, my boys' cried Howard, as
he sprang into the thickest of the fray
The day is our own. Down with the red
coats
sCharge the hunting shirt rascals,' cried
Tarleton; sdown with the rebels! Charge:
nv boys, Charge and again the British
bayonet told, as after an obstinate conflict,
the continentals retreated to the cavalry
Follow me- cried Mcdowell, pressing to
the front of the battle; remember Kings
Mountain, boys. We beat them once, we'll
beat them again! Come on, hunting
shirts, and let him who scorns the tartan
fear the dirk. Follow One more blow for
victory and freedom.
And they did follow, and nobly did those
unframed soldiers come to the charge The
havoc was fearful, but goaded by their com.
manders, the British sustained their posi-
ton, though thrown into some confusion.
Morgan's quick eye at once perceiving this,
h. rode up, exclaiming with loud voice,
while waving his sword to his hating troops
sHurrah my brave fellows! Form form
Old Morgan never was beat in his life!-
one fire more, my heroes, and the day is
our own y