The Carbon County news. [volume] (Red Lodge, Mont.) 1924-1931, 1929-05-09
Col. WIZ7Ia/zz
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charged with his cavalry on the left of Towards
line and relieved the pressure there somewhat.
1t became evident tc Howard that when Tare-
ton should bring his reserves into action his ex-
posed right flank might be thrown into confusion
and he ordered the flank company TO change front
to the right. His orders misunderstood and
this company began to retreat. The officers along
Howard's line seeing this, and supposng that or
derS had been given for a retreat faced their men
about and began to retire. Morgan who was en-
gagged in reforming the militia, was surprised to
see his Contnentals, who had fought so valiantly
at Camden, in apparent retreat. He quickly rode
over to Howard. "What are you rereang for?'
he shouted. "Simply change of position to pro-
tect my right flank" replied Howard. care you
beaten?" asked Morgan. Pointing to his men.
Howard said, MEN who retreatng in that
order are not beaten"
Morgan then ordered Howard to continue his
retiring movement until he reached the rising
ground in the rear and then rode back to select
the position where they were to make their stand.
The British, seeing this movement and believing
victory within their grasp, pressed forward with
fixed bayonets. Tarletons cavalry ordered
to charge. BY this time not more than thirty
yards separated the "retreating' Americans and
the victOry-fushed redeoats Suddenly Howard
gave sharp order. His men wheeled right-about
face and from their guns poured 3 sheet of fame
which stopped the British in their tracks and
threw them into great confusion. Howard then
gave the order "Charge bayonets!" Back
the ground which they had just crossed swept
Towards Maryanders. Like a thunderho Wash,
ingtons cavalry dashed down upon them. The
panic which caught the British infantry spread
to Tarleton's dragons and general flight fol
lowed. Tarleton tried in vain to rally his men
but it was useless. Within twenty minutes after
the battle began it was and the British were
completely defeated. Tarleton had suffered a
loss of 40 killed, 200 wounded, and 531 taken
prisoner. The American loss was slight-12 killed
and 60 wounded The spoils Of their victory
amounted to standards, cannon, 500 stands
of arms 100 dragon horses and 35 wagons.
at appeared to the British when Towards line
fell back" writes the army war college historian,
that victory was at hand and so it would have
been had the line been composed of men less
Injured to battle than were the COntinentals 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 a
moment a scene of dumbfounded surprise. con.
fusion and panic seldom witnessed in battle The
outcome resulted in of the most gloriously
unexpected victories of the Revolutionary war.
AS a result of this brilliant victory Morgan and
his men were given the thanks of the United
States "for their fofttude and good conduct dis.
played in the action at Cownens' under a resolu-
ton of congress, March Q, 1881. The resolutions
further provided that gold medal be presented
to General Morgan; silver medals to Coonels
Washington and Howard and sword to Colonel
Pckens.
Tarleton, in his report to CORVALLIS, attributed
his defeat 'to the bravery or good conduct of the
Americans; to the loose manner Of forming which
had always been practced by the Kings troops
in America or to some unforeseen event, which
may throw terror into the most disciplined sol
diers or counteract the Disconnected designs
Whatever the reason however, It was a Gripping
blow to Corvallis for the victory of Cowpens
had deprived him of his most effective light in
fantry and as later events proved. it led even
tuay to his downfall. On January 10 CORVALLIS
started in pursuit of Morgan to cut him off, from
joining Greene and, if possible, to recapture Nor
gan's prisoners. BY superb march Morgan
eluded him and joined Greene in North Caro-
lima. Then followed the mastery series of ma
neuvers by the "Rhode Island blacksmith
(Greene) which ended in the battle of Gufort
Court House and finally forced tornwallis to re
treat into Virginia. He took his position at York
town. Washington completely deceived the British
in the North as to his future plans marched
South, swooped down upon Cornwallis-and thu
rest is hstoryl