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 General Smallwood was reGeneral Gates was superseded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.-2. 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?

GENERAL MORGAN.

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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?

upon which the line commenced to retire. Morgan directed it to retreat towards the cavalry and assume a new position.

11. The British, thinking this movement was precursor of a flight, rushed forward with impetuosity and in disorder, to complete the triumph. Howard had not yet reached the position marked out by Morgan, but perceiving their condition, he suddenly faced about, and poured in upon the astonished enemy a close and murderous fire, and then cheering his men, broke in upon them with the bayonet.

12. The charge was terrible and decisive; and the day was won. The slaughter of Camden was repaid; the whole British infantry was killed or taken. The enemy's cavalry had pursued the retreating militia to their horses, and had begun to sabre them when Col. Washington charged upon them, and drove them before him.

13. Never was a complete or more glorious victory. The force of Morgan did not much exceed eight hundred men-only half of whom were regulars and only eighty cavalry-while that of Tarleton reached a thousand, comprising three hundred and fifty cavalry. This force was entirely destroyed.

Questions.-11. What did the British think? What did Howard do? 12. What is said of the charge? What further is said? 13. What was the force of Morgan? What was Tarleton's?

COLONEL HOWARD.

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14. "The weight of the battle fell upon Howard, who sustained himself admirably in those trying circumstances, and seized with decision the critical moment to complete with the bayonet the advantage gained by his fire." Yet he had won the battle without orders; and after he had swept the field by his glorious charge, Morgan rode up to him and said severely: "You have done well— for you are successful-had you failed, I would have shot you."

15. At one moment, Howard held in his hands the swords of seven British officers, who had surrendered to him, one of whom clung to his stirrup, begging quarter. Congress awarded him a silver medal.

16. Morgan's aid on this memorable day was a young Maryland officer, Major Edward Giles, who distinguished himself, and was one of the five officers named in the resolution of thanks passed by Congress in 1781.

Questions.-14. Who deserves the credit of the victory? What did Morgan say? 15. How many British officers surrendered to Howard? 16. Who was Morgan's aid?

1

CHAPTER XIII.

BATTLE OF GUILFORD COURT HOUSE-Greene's Retreat -Williams Covers the Retreat-Battle-Cornwallis' Desperate Resort-George Fox's Remark-Americans gain Possession of Strongholds-Unsuccessful Attack on Ninety-Six.

times the two armies were within musket shot of each other.

2. Had Williams' corps, which was in the rear, become involved with the advance of the enemy,

Questions.-1. What was Greene compelled to do? What was this retreat remarkable for? 2. What would have been the result of conflict?