BATTLE AT CAMDEN.

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He refused to do so, thinking he had a sufficient force for his purpose. He learned to regret his

folly.

9. De Kalb had already selected a route for the army, somewhat circuitous, but through a fertile country, where provisions and supplies could be obtained. Gates, notwithstanding the remonstrance of Gen. Williams, changed the course to a more direct one, but through a barren and exhausted district.

10. The result was disastrous; the men were compelled to live on green corn and unripe fruit, producing sickness and death. The horses, destitute of forage, were unable to support the forced marches, and the whole army, when it approached the enemy, was broken down, and scarcely fit for service.

11. The first battle in which they were called to engage was at Camden. Lord Cornwallis, the leader of the British, and Genl. Gates, had formed the design of surprising each other, and the advance parties of each met at half past two o'clock in the morning.

12. After some skirmishing, as if by mutual consent, both armies ceased their fire, and drawing back awaited the dawning of day. opened on both sides at day-break.

The artillery
To teach the

Questions.-9. What had DeKalb done? What did Gates do? 10. What was the result? 11. What was the first battle they were called upon to engage in? 12. When did the battle commence?

Virginia militia to stand the fire of the enemy, Col. Otho H. Williams, of Maryland, with a party of volunteers, moved in their front against the British artillery, to draw and sustain their fire. Cornwal lis immediately threw forward his veteran corps. The Virginia militia, scarcely waiting to deliver one fire, threw down their arms and fled. One regiment of North Carolina militia followed their shameful examplę. Another North Carolina regiment, however, cheered by the firm bearing of the Marylanders, maintained its ground.

13. At the moment the left wing broke, Cornwallis elated with success, ordered a charge to be made on the right. But Gist's brigade was immovable. For a while the terrific struggle seemed of doubtful issue-"bold was the pressure of the foe," exclaims an eye witness, "firm as a rock the resistance of Gist-now the Marylanders were gaining ground."

14. The gallant Howard, at the head of Williams' regiment, impetuously broke upon the enemy, and drove the opposing corps before him. At this moment, Webster, second in command of the enemy, brought his veteran guards upon their flank. They were instantly met by the second Maryland brigade under Smallwood.

Questions.-12. What did Col. Williams do? What did Cornwallis? What, the Virginia militia? Who followed? 13. What is said in this section? 14. What is said of Howard? Of Webster? Who met him?

15. Finding his flank once more protected, and his Marylanders bearing up with unflinching valor, the brave De Kalb, although outnumbered two to one, resolved to make one great and final effort with the bayonet. Dreadful was the charge. The two lines seemed mingled with each other, the weaker going down before the stronger. The veteran troops of Cornwallis were beginning to give way; a single corps of cavalry would have completed the victory. The folly of Gates in refusing to recruit that arm of the service, when entreated to do so, rendered this impossible.

16. The advance movement left Smallwood's brigade exposed on the flank, which was immediately attacked by the enemy. But Gist and DeKalb continued to maintain their ground. — Cornwallis, alarmed at the unexpected resistance of the Maryland line, and having before experienced its desperate valor with the bayonet, now brought his whole force upon it. The whole British army was poured upon these two devoted brigades.

17 Eight hundred men stood their ground unsupported, and surrounded by more than two thousand British regulars, but fighting on with unflinching hearts. The cavalry was suddenly

Questions.-15. Describe the charge of the Marylanders? What rendered their charge useless? 16. How were the Marylanders left? What did Cornwallis have to do? 17. What is said in this Bection?

thrown upon their front and rear; the inequality was too great. These gallant men were compelled

to fly.

18. The loss was severe. De Kalb was slain. The North Carolinians lost four hundred men taken prisoners, sixty killed and wounded. But the Maryland line and the Delaware regiment suffered most. The Virginia militia, to the regret of all, escaped with the loss of only three men.

19. The thanks of congress were voted to Gist and Smallwood for their exemplary skill and bravery on this disastrous day. Lieut. Col. Williams was everywhere in the heat of the battle, and Lieut. Col. Howard gave proofs of that cool and daring courage which distinguished him as one of the first and bravest of Maryland's sons.

Questions.-18. What is said of the loss? What, of the Virginia militia 19. What did Congress do? What is said of Williams

and Howard?

COWPENS.

167

CHAPTER XII.

THE BATTLE OF COWPENS-Recruiting-Consolidation of the Line--Col. Williams-General Morgan retreats before Tarleton-Makes a Stand-Marylanders Sustain the Battle-Victory-Col. Howard.

1. Smallwood and Gist remained at Charlotte with about one hundred

and fifty officers and men to rally their scattered soldiers. By certain cool and skilful measures Smallwood succeeded, in about ten days, in collecting upwards of seven hundred non-commissioned

officers and men, which number was increased by the recapture of a hundred and fifty continental prisoners taken at Camden. They were recaptured by Marion, on their way, under escort, to Charleston.

Questions.-1. What did Smallwood and Gist now do? How many did they collect?