CHAPTER XIV.

BATTLE OF EUTAW SPRINGS-Disposition of the Troops ---Maryland Line charges the Buffs--Desperate Struggle-Marylanders Complimented on the Field—State Threatened with Invasion-La Fayette in Baltimore-Defence of the Bay-Washington's Design-Washington at Annapolis.

1. On the 21st of August, Greene broke up. his encampment, and hastened to the south to seek the enemy now under the command of Lieut. Col. Stewart. He overtook them at Eutaw Springs.

2. Greene advanced in two lines-the militia in front, the continentals in the rear. The Maryland brigade under Col. Williams, seconded by Lieut. Col. Howard, was on the left wing.

3. The militia advanced with spirit, and opened a heavy fire upon the enemy, which was soon briskly returned; but they maintained their ground until the British troops pressed close upon them.

4. The North Carolina troops were immediately ordered up to cover their retreat and check the advance of the enemy. This corps, consisting of newly raised regiments never before in action, pushed forward in good style and the conflict be

came warmer.

Questions.-1. When did Greene return south? Where did he overtake the enemy? 2. What was the position of the troops? 3. What is said of the militia? 4. What, of the North Carolina militia?

5. Greene now brought up the Maryland and Virginia lines, which advanced with a shout, and poured in a destructive fire upon the enemy. Stewart called up his reserve; the North Carolinians began to fall back, when Greene ordered the Marylanders and Virginians to charge with the bayonet.

6. At trailed arms, cheering vehemently, these two gallant brigades, led on by Williams, Howard and Campbell, rushed upon the enemy heedless of the close and deadly fire, which was repeatedly poured in upon them, as they advanced at a rapid pace. The shock was terrible.

7. Howard's regiment was received by the Buffs, an Irish corps, which had just joined the army; and here the fiercest struggle ensued. Neither would yield; but, crossing bayonets their ranks mingled together, opposing files sank down, each pierced with the bayonet of his antagonist.

8. Thus they were found, grappled in death and transfixed together upon the field of the slain, marking the spot where the Marylanders and Buffs had met in deadly conflict. The officers fought hand to hand. So bloody a strife could not continue long. The rest of the British line gave way, and the gallant Buffs, unable to maintain the conflict with the veteran Marylanders,

Questions.-5. Whom did Greene now bring forward? 6. Describe the charge? 7. By whom was Howard's regiment received? 8. What is said of this struggle? Who gave way?

broke and fled.

Greene rode up and complimented the Marylanders and their commander in the midst of the action.

9. The victory was complete, and the British were compelled to retreat. Having obtained an unassailable position, the pursuers were recalled, bringing with them three hundred prisoners and two cannons, one of which was captured by Lieut. Duval, of the Maryland line.

10. Greene attributed his success to the free use of the bayonet by the Maryland and Virginia troops. The thanks of congress were voted to each of the corps engaged.

11. The spirit of the hostile army was broken, and the royal supremacy in the south may be said to have terminated, overturned in a great part by the bayonets of Maryland.

12. Whilst the Maryland line was thus gloriously occupied in the south, its native State seemed, for a time, threatened with invasion. Arnold, the Traitor, had been detached to Virginia, at the head of an active body of British troops. Cornwallis hastened into Virginia, and forming a junction with the forces there, took the command of the whole upon himself.

13. La Fayette was at once dispatched by General Washington to Virginia, with a small

Questions.-8. What did Greene do? 9. What is said of the victory? 10. To what did Greene attribute the victory? 11. What is said of the hostile army? 12. What invasion threatened Maryland? 13. Who was despatched to make head against Cornwallis?

force to make head against Cornwallis. He passed through Maryland on his way, and was hospitably received by the merchants of Baltimore.

14. Being invited to a ball, he was there observed to be grave and sad. On being questioned by the ladies, as to the cause of his gloom, he replied he could not enjoy the gayety of the scene, whilst his poor soldiers were without shirts, and destitute of the necessities of a campaign. "We will supply them," exclaimed these patriotic women.

15. The pleasures of the ball-room were exchanged for the labors of the needle, and on the next day they assembled in great numbers to make up clothing for the soldiers. The husbands and fathers furnished the materials. The distresses of his corps were relieved. The history of this city during the last few years has proved that the women of the present day, whose kind hearts and fair hands have contributed to alleviate the wants of the suffering, are worthy descendants of those noble women of the revolution.

16. Great efforts were made to organize a force to repel an invasion, which the open condition of the bay might invite. The glory of the southern battles had re-awakened the spirit of the people of Maryland, and the measures proposed were promptly carried out. Provision was made for

Questions.-14. What anecdote is related of La Fayette? 15. What was done the next day? 16. What is said of the defence of the bay?

the defence of the bay, and several severe actions took place with the straggling cruisers of the A regiment was ordered to join La Fay

enemy.

ette in Virginia.

17. Washington, having formed the design of destroying Cornwallis, was now anxious to concentrate as strong a force as possible in that quarter, while the French fleet seized the mouth of the bay to cut off the retreat of the enemy.

18. On the 8th of September, Washington passed through Baltimore, where he was received with every mark of respect. An address was presented to him on behalf of the people, and the city was illuminated.

men.

19. On the 19th of October, 1781, Cornwallis surrendered with his whole force of seven thousand In this hard contested siege, a portion of the Maryland troops was engaged, maintaining the honor of the State and the fame of the old Maryland line.

20. In a letter to Governor Lee, of Maryland, Washington says, "my present engagements will not allow me to add more than my congratulations on this happy event, and to express the high sense I have of the powerful aid which I have derived from the State of Maryland."

Questions.-17. What design had Washington formed? What was done in order to carry out this plan? 18. When did Washington pass through Baltimore? 19. When did Cornwallis surrender? 20. What does Washington, in his letter to Gov. Lee, say?