The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1909-10-09

signed pOSltlOn. COl. N1COoHeh iS-
piled and soon the firing became gen.
eral. The battle lasted for an hour
and five minutes, and is easily to be
classed as wild, fierce struggle,
characterized by heroism and brav-
cry on both sides. For bayonets, the
British used the sharpened handles
of their butcher knives stuck into the
muzzle of their rifles and muskets.
The Americans fought principally
with their rifles; but there were nu-
merous single combats at close quar-
ters, and the grit, valor and daring
of the combatants was proved to the
utmost. The most marked feature of
the battle was the tactics Of the
Americans in meeting the charges of
the British and Tories. From their
position on the top of narrow ridge
the British could be picked off by the
American rihemen in the ravines on
either side. Had the British under
taken to stand and shoot it out, they
could have lasted but short while
Their only hope was to charge with
the bayonet, and this they attempted
to do. The Americans in front Of
them gave way with comparative
ease; but the Americans behind soon
showed up in their rear firing into
their backs. This compelled them to
face about and charge back up the
hill. The Americans who had been
following turned about and retreat
ed; but the Americans who had been
yielding also came back and served
them as the others had served them
before. These manoevers were re-
peated again and again to the in
creasing distress of the British, until
at length a white flag was raised.
Col. Ferguson cut the flag down
twice with his sword; then Ferguson
fell and the flag was raised again.
Having been fooled twice before, the
Americans continued to fire on the
British, now all huddled up among
their wagons and the firing did not
cease until the British threw down
their muskets and walked away from
them.
The Americans had for their coun-
tersign that day the word "Buford."
The word was necessary, because
many of the Tories were without uni
forms, and it was realized that there
would be times during the battle
W hen it would be difficulty to distin-
gUish friend from foe.
1t is pretty certain that the Brit
ish force numbered eleven hundred
and five men, and of these five hum
dred and five were either killed or
so badly wounded that they could
not be moved. The balance wele
.aken prisoners. How many fought
On the American side is uncer!aia.
OF the nineteen hundred and thirty
seven who left Cowpens the evening
before, many struggled during the
night, and the number who were n
at the beginning of the attack is va
Ijously estimated at from 750 to l.
zoo. There seems to be no doubt,
however, that people from the sur
rounding country for many miles
continued to arrive all during the
battle, and Joined in without stand
ing upon the manner of their so do
ing. The American loss was twenty
eight killed and sixty wounded.
The American army was disbanded
much more rapidly than it had as
sembled Most of the men remained
on the field that afternoon and night,
but the next morning, there was
general scattering North Carolina
and Virginia divisions took charge Of
the prisoners and hurried them into
the mountains, fearing that other
wise CORVALLIS might overtake them
and get the prisoners back.
The natural result of the defeat
of Ferguson was to undo all he had
done. and greatly weaken Cornwall
lis. The Americans got hold and be-
gan to overrun the country, and
when Tarleton was defeated at Cow
pens in January following, Cornwall
lis became convinced that this part
of the country was too warm, and
soon after met his firish at York
town.