The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1862-09-10

During the struggle for independence
the American parrots were as much ha-
rassed by the Tories as by the hired mor
ceuaries seat by despotic royalty to con-
quer and force them into submission to a
power which they hated.
Soon after the Southern forces were
placed under the command of General
Greene, the latter sent out General Nor
gan with one thousand men to cut off
those Tories infestiug the Western por-
ton of South Carolina
Scarcely had Morgan and his brave
| band taken their march. ere Cornwallis,
the British commander became aware of
the movement, and instantly dispatched
the blood thirsty Colonel Tarleton in pur-
suit. The indefatigable Morgan soon
learned of this, aud he accordingly halted
and prepared for battle. The enemy ap-
peared in such force. however, that Nor
gan retreated as far as Cowpens, little
town in the northern part OF what was
then Union County, where he determined
to meet the foe at all hazards.
The sun Of January 10th, was going
down as he entered the town, and so close
wac the pursuit that the dim shadows of
evening had not yet deepened into the
darker shades of night, before Tareton
came up. Of course it was too late to
commence battle; but each commander
spent most of the night in issuing orders
to, and arranging his troops for the con-
test of the morrow. The greater portion
of Morgans band consisted of the militia,
who though brave, were comparatively
undlsciplined, and of course, not likely to
long withstand the shock of charge of
thoroughly trained troops.
To the disposition of this part of his
command. therefore, General Morgan
directed his particular attention, and en-
deavored, by appropriate addresses 20
lnfuse within their breasts the same
indomitable courage that possessed his
own heart.
Among the militia were seven persons
"a father and his six sons-whom Gen.
eral Morgan especially complimented.
These seven patriot soldiers were nick
named, by their comrades, "THE LITTLE
REGIMENT" for a reason which the reader
will easily comprehend from the following
description:
John Hitler, Sr., then some fifty years
of age, stood six feet five and half
inches, was of fine proportion, ,and weighed
over three hundred pounds; while the
youngest, John Hitler, Jr., aged twenty
two, measured six feet three inches, and
weighed two hundred and fifty pounds.
The other FIVE brothers varied in size and
weight between these two In addition
to those gigantic proportions, the Hilliers
were possessed of enormous courage.
Though often before engaged in skir-
mishes, this was the first time they were
to take part in regular pitched battle,
and of course, the rest of the army were
somewhat anxious to know how they
would behave.
John" said general Morgan to the
elder Hitler, who, with his sons, was
eating hasty and frugal meal from off
fallen tree, III suppose that you and your
brave boys would rather fight together
than be separated %
"Yes, General" replied the patriot,
touching his rough cap respectfully, and
rising to his feet, II think we would be
of much more service to you and our
noble cause, when united than when
separated. You know General, that's
what Washington's all the time telling
US Americans-to stick together else zee
aciU get beat. And I tell that General,
Washington knoUs achats achat"
swell. john" rejoined General Nor
gan, smiling at the hero's quaint express
sion of his opinion of Washington's judg-
ment, "we'll have some warm work ip
the morning, and | am going to give ysu