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.

Smallwood's

16. The advance movement left 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 section?

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?

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?

2. The seven Maryland regiments of the old line, were reduced into one, to be called the first Maryland, and placed under Colonel Otho H. Williams. The officers who thus lost their commands were ordered back to Maryland to take charge of recruiting stations. General Smallwood was reGeneral Gates was superseded

tained in the army. by General Greene.

3. Smallwood's detachment was drawn into the main army; and a chosen body of troops, four hundred of whom were of the old Maryland line, under Colonel Howard, was placed under the command of Morgan, to operate on the western quarter.

4. Cornwallis, learning the movements of the American forces, determined to strike a blow at Morgan, before he could be joined by the hardy mountaineers of the west.

5. He dispatched about one thousand men under Lieut. Col. Tarleton, to pursue him, while he, himself, put the main body in motion to cut off his retreat, if he should escape that active officer.

6. Morgan retreated with reluctance, although he was compelled to do so by the advance of Cornwallis, parallel to his route. Having at length gained sufficient time to risk an action with Tarleton, and having been joined by Gen'l Pickens with

Questions.. How were the regiments of the Maryland line reduced? Under whom was the regiment placed? 3. What was done with Smallwood's detachment? What, with Howard's? 4. What is said of Cornwallis? 5. Whom did he dispatch? 6. What did Morgan do? When did he determine to venture a battle?

a body of five hundred militia, he determined to await the coming of the enemy.

7. The ground was open and favorable to Tarleton, whose cavalry outnumbered that of Morgan three to one. As the enemy advanced, Morgan addressed his men; he directed the militia to deliver but two or three volleys, and then to retire and form behind the main line. He reminded the Marylanders of their past glory, and that victory was largely dependent upon them.

8. Tarleton advanced rapidly. The skirmishers delivered their fire, and fell back. The British pressed with loud shouts, upon the first line, which, undismayed, poured in a close and destructive fire. The enemy continued to advance with the bayonet, and the militia having only rifles retired in haste.

9. Believing the victory in their grasp, the enemy charged upon the continentals. They were met with unshaken firmness. The conflict was

desperate, and for a time seemed doubtful, but the unconquerable spirit of the Marylanders at length prevailed, and the enemy began to falter. Being reinforced by the reserves, they again advanced.

10. Howard ordered his flank company to change front, but mistaking the order it fell back,

Questions.-7. What is said in this section? 8. What is said in this section? 9. How was the charge of the enemy met? 10. What is said in this section?