Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1929-05-09
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topped the ridge along which the Mil Gap road
runs and these were selected lines of develop
-ment for The American troops
The main position the elevation just
south of the ravine In which up WAS established
TO its front for 800 yards there's scarcely per-
ceptihle slope downwards. reyond this the slope
Is greater dropping off into shallow ravine 704
yards from the main position. To the rear Of the
main position and just west OF the camp site IS
an elevation slightly higher than that of the main
position. This ridge continues across the road r
south and southwest direction but at slightly
less elevation From either side the terrain be-
tween the two visible under and through the
trees. The ground offered for either the
attack or the defense except such way furnished
by the trees. The TANKS of both armies were ex-
posed as the terrain was favorable In all directions
Tor the operations or mounted troops. The ravfne
In which Morgan camped and the oppo-
site side OF the road offered but little Interior
ence with the movement of foot or mounted troops.
Moreans plan of battle waste use the Maryland
Contnentals and The Virginia militia (of equal
worth to the Contnentas many had served in
previous campaigns) In his main position tho
summit Of the southermost ridge and astride the
Mill Cap road Washngton's dragons to the
number Of 50. augmented by the IS militia under
Mccall, were the main posted in the rear
OF the northernmost ridge where ground covar
was sufficient to protect them from hostile OIL (
servaton and fire and sufficiently near "as to tie
able to charge the enemy should they be broken"
The militia We're TO form interrupted line on
the TANKS In front, which position be
held only temporarily. when they with
draw and reform the TANKS of the main posi-
ton after reorganization had been effected ana
lend what assistance they could additional
At tits time Howard's Maryland and Delaware
Contlnenals consisted of 237 men. They were
placed the left of the line. astrde the Mill Gap
road. To their right Captain Beaties and
Major Tripletts companies of Virginia militia I'M
der the command OF the latter and totalng about
100 men. Captains Tate and Buchanan with about
100 OF the Augusta rinemen of Virginia. supported
the right OF the line In the advanced position,
which was to be abandoned early in the fight were
about 30s militia from North Carolina South Car
olina and Georgia, under Colonel Pickens These
troops were situated to guard the tanks. Major
Mcdowell of the North Carolina volunteers was
posted the right flank, $50 yards I'm front OF
Towards line. Major Cunningham OF the Georgia
volunteers was on the left fank-at the same dis
tance in front of Howards line. To the right or
Major Mcdowell posted the South Carolina
volunteers under Colonies 5Brannon and Thomas TO
the left Of Major Cunningham was posted the re-
mainder Of the South Carolina militia under Col
onel Hayes and Major Hammond The latter com
manded Major Mccall's regiment, he being with
Colonel Washington
From Pickens' line OF militia small parties Of
rinemen were sent $50 yards farther the from.
skirmish with the enemy. Mcdowell command
ed those in the right sector OF the sxirmsh line
and Cunningham, those In the left sector Patrols
covered the front and TANKS to give warning OF
Tarletons approach.
Tarleton broke camp at o'clock In the morn
Ing, determined to engage the Americans before
they could the Broad in they made
early march and continued their withdrawal
to strike them when astride the river.
When the British commander saw the DISPOSE
ton of Morgan's troops he delighted for he
believed that he could make short work OF them
He had force Of about 900 and although
he believed that Morgan's force totaled less than
1920 he felt that he could ignore the value of the
1000 militia and 300 hackwootsmen In Aorgan's
army and make quick job Of the 500 Continen
tails and 100 cavalry. Deploying his troops along
the line of M0rgans front he moved TO the at-
tack at about eight o'clock. Driving in the front
line skirmshes under Cunningham and Mcdowell
from whose fire Tarleton's infantry had suffered
but little, he advanced against Pckens' line Of
militia which kept up fire by regiments for
short time and then, according to their ORDERS
ratreateca The British line had still suffered bnt
little MS 1t approached the Continentais and vir
ginians under Howard, AS Towards men opened
fire the British advance temporarily checked
At this moment Tareton sent the two troops Of
dragons, which he had posted on each end of
his line TO guard his TANKS into action he now
had about $50 infantry In line. supported Nv two
guns uhFeepounders) and was opposed hy less
than 4@0 infantry In Towards tire The militia
which had withdrawn 10 the 1nyks Of llnwArtl's
line had not vet reformed aud II vas doubtful III
the moment whether they would he III nnv ugr
fnfetoHs Dungeons charEpd upon mem aniI we're
cutting tetH aelfH-