Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1929-05-09

charged with his cavalry on the left OF fIowards
line and relieved Tire pressure there somewhat.
1t became evident &c Howard that wlen Tarle-
ton should bring his reserves Into action his
posed right flank mighf be thrown into confusion
and he ordered the flank company 10 change front
to the right. Ills orders were misunderstood and
this company began tn retreat The officers along
Towards line, seeing this. and snpnosina that or
ders had been given for retreat, faced their men
about and began to retire Morgan WIN WINS en-.
gagged in reforming the militia was surprised TO
see his tontinentals who had fought so valiantlg
at Camden. In apparent retreat. lie quickly rode
over to Howard what are you retreating for?"
he shouted. "simnly change Of position to pro
tect my right flank replied Howard. Are you
heatens" asked Morgan Pointing to his men.
Howard said, Men who are retreatng in that
~nrder are not heaten."
Morgan then ordered Howard 10 continue his
retiring movement until he reached the rising
ground In the and then rode back TO- select
the position where they were 10 make their stand
The British seeing this movement and believing
victory within their grasp pressed forward with
fixed hayonets. Tarletuns cavalry was ordered
To charge. Hy this time not more than thirty
yards separated fhe ..retreating' Americans and
the vicory-lushed rehcoats Suddenly Howard
gave sharp orders His men wheeled ruht-about
face and from their guns poured sheet Of flame
Al0nUpM- lHR~bIllISl~ IN -IngT- -ITHnkS ana
threw them into great confusion Howard then
gave the order "Charge bayonets." fack over
the ground which they had Just crossed swept
Towards Marylanders. Like thunderbolt Wash
ingons cavalry dashed down upon them. The
panic which caught the British infantry spread
to Taretons Dragons and general flight fol-
lowed Tarleton tried in vain to rally his men
but II was useless. Within twenty minutes after
the battle began 1t vas over and the British were
afatr, J1rx
loss Of ITO killed, 200 wounded AMI 531 taken
prisoner. The American loss was sght--12 killed
and GO wounded The spofls Of their victory
amounted to standards. cannon, 500 stands
of arms, 100 dragon horses and - wagons
1T appeared to the British when Iownld's line
fell back, writes the army war college historian
THAT victory was at hand and it would have
been had the line been composed Of men less
Injured to battle thnn were tire f0ntinpntais Of
Maryland and Delaware. There was no delay or
hesitation when the order to halt, face the enemy
and fire, was given, and there then occurred In
moment scene Of dumbfounded surprise. con.
fusion and panic seldom Witnessed in battle The
outcome resulted in one Of the most gorousy
unexpected victories Of the Revolutionary war
As result Of this brilliant victory, M Igan and
his men were given the thanks Of tue United
States for their fortitude and good conduct dis
played in the action at Cowpcns" under resou.
ton Of congress- March q. ISL The resolutions
further provided that gold medal he presented
70 General Morgan; silver medals to ColoneIs
Washington and Howard and sword to Colonel
Pickens.
Iarleton, IN his report to CORVALLIS, attributed
his defeat TO the bravery or good conduct Of the
Americans. to the loose manner nf forming which
had always been practlced BY the Kings troops
In America or to some unforeseen event which
may throw terror into the most disciplined sol
ders or counterfeit tile besconcertcd designs"
Whatever the reason however il was Il gripping
blow to Corvallis for the victory of cownens
had deprived him Of his most effective light In.
fantry and as later events proved, 1t led even.
tualy 70 lis downfall. ON January 10 CORVALLIS
started IN pursuit Of Morgan to cut him off from
joining Greene and, If possible. to recapturc Nor.
cams prisoners Iy superb march Morgan
Guided him and joined Greene III North Caro-
lima. Then followed the mnsicry scries IL ma.
nenvers by the "Itlnde Island blacssmtha
tGfeene) which ended in the battle III Guilford
Court House and finally forced ,or-.wals 10 r..
treai INTO virginia He took his position TIT York.
town washington completely. deceived tie -ErtEsh
II me North as in lis future lats niarellea
Snulh swooped down upon CurnWallis-anl the 4
y