The Battle of Cowpens

Many may not know - this battle changed history - "shoot em in the epaulet" - Morgan later described having given “Benny,” his derisive name for Tarleton, “a Devil of a whipping.”

So, soon my wife and I are going to the battlefield in Cowpens, SC.

Cowpens - 1781

https://www.nps.gov/cowp/learn/historyculture/the-battle-of-cowpens.htm

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We recently visited Kings Mountain (there was an encounter there with Ferguson - he died in the battle full of hubris - there where some hill folks he encountered most determined to run up the “Mount” and pissed off to be honest) for the 2nd or 3rd time - and that is some fun history close by, but the Battle of Cowpens has a unique attribute in that some claim it had some “military first” events on the battlefield and was exceptional in many ways. I’ll tell one thing - the troops in this battle were told -

“just do this or that and then if you want to run away - then run away…”

Those kind of words to troops who maybe are a bit “green” actually help them achieve what is necessary - cause who wants to fight if there is no option of retreat?

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My father in law and I were discussing this battle when he came over to visit a few months ago, and on topics of this nature - once again I was impressed with his knowledge and insight. I reckon that must be why I married his daughter. It was so sad on the same very same day he fell off my porch steps and broke the shit out of his ankle.

Anyhow - his daughter and I are going to the field of battle historical physically and after that I’m going to come back and provide a detailed update here with images - so check back on this article sometime again in the not too distant future - I will have a “field report” - from “me”, Buffalo_Ken, a student of history for sure.

I’ll tell you this cause I already know - if not for the outcome of that battle I wouldn’t be typing this and the United States of America would not exist.

~~~~~~~~~~~ and now the “field report” ~~~~tis 2424 854~~~~

Yesterday, my wife and I visited the field of battle. The best analysis of this battle I’ve come across is presented here - so the details reside in this excellent historical video and assessment. So, I’ll share that first, followed by images from our field investigation, and then lastly present a few closing thoughts:

I can confirm that the info presented in this video is consistent for the most part with other info including the video at the National Park. So I think this a legitimate analysis done professionally.

Now here are some images from yesterday:

Now Tarleton's 71st Highlanders²⁷, held in reserve, entered the charge toward the Continental line, the wild wail of bagpipes adding to the noise and confusion. John Eager Howard's order for the right flank to face slightly right to counter a charge from that direction, was, in the noise of battle, misunderstood as a call to retreat. As other companies along the line followed suit, Morgan rode up to ask Howard if he were beaten. As Howard pointed to the unbroken ranks and the orderly retreat and assured him they were not, Morgan spurred his horse on and ordered the retreating units to face about, and then, on order, fire in unison. The firing took a heavy toll on the British, who, by that time had sensed victory and had broken ranks in a wild charge. This event and a fierce Patriot bayonet charge in return broke the British charge and turned the tide of battle. The re-formed militia and cavalry re-entered the battle, leading to double envelopment²⁸ of the British, perfectly timed. British infantry began surrendering en masse.

Knowing Cornwallis would come after him, Morgan saw to it that the dead were buried - the legend says in wolf pits -- and headed north with his army. Crossing the Broad River at Island Ford³⁰, he proceeded to Gilbert Town³¹, and, yet burdened as he was by the prisoners, pressed swiftly northeastward toward the Catawba River, and some amount of safety. The prisoners were taken via Salisbury³² on to Winchester, Virginia. Soon Morgan and Greene reunited and conferred, Morgan wanting to seek protection in the mountains and Greene wanting to march north to Virginia for supplies. Greene won the point, gently reminding Morgan that he was in command. Soon after Morgan retired from his duty because of ill health- rheumatism, and recurring bouts of malarial fever.

My Commentary

1. That Tarleton fella must of been a pompous elitist asshole. His “commission” was not earned - rather it was “bought” - so he must of come from moneyed family and this evidently and often does not result in creative thinking leadership especially on the field of battle.

2. The fact that he made his troops over weary with hard marching for several days and minimal rest/sleep prior to the engagement was poor leadership in so many ways - especially being he had not done proper scouting to know precisely what he was facing.

3. Morgan was a tactical genius and was “in the head” of that asshole pompous Brit full of himself and hubris. Morgan chose the field of battle even though I said to my wife while we were walking - seems not an ideal place to make a stand……but, the thing is Morgan knew Tarleton would also conclude as such and that would make his choices even more rash. Morgan must of realized - it was getting to be “do or die” time, so he was willing to take the risk.

4. Morgan was playing “head games” with Tarleton, but also was rallying his troops beforehand and - this is critical - gave the troops (particularly important for the militia) a simple task after which they could flee from the field. The task was just to take a few shots and then run like hell —— Morgan knew this would make the Brits think the enemy was fleeing, and perhaps more important when a troop is “green” (not battle hardened), it must have given the militia solace in their minds knowing, they just had to do the task at hand and then they had a good chance to run away and live another day - that is important for green troops and Morgan knew this.

5. During the battle at a crucial moment, an order was misinterpreted and or not heard (there was quite of bit of gunshot occurring) by the “Continental Regulars” and instead of pivoting their line to face the enemy they fell back. Well, this just made the Brits think they were running away as well as the previous lines had…..and to think, had the order been communicated properly, the outcome would still have been victory most likely, but not in such overwhelming numbers. This ironic turn of events was fateful - ain’t that how it often goes?

6. As they were falling back, Morgan (or was it Washington’s first cousin once removed?) realized what occurred but instead of panicking twas relayed to the troops - load your weapons and then turn and fire into their faces! Morgan is the kind of leader you want on your side I would say. Same goes for Washington’s first cousin once removed.

7. The Highlander troops under the “British Bunting” on the side of Tarleton charged further forward in what must have been a last ditch attempt to dish out death powered only by adrenaline being they were so weary coming into battle and probably not “thinking straight”. Their whole unit - “crack troops they were” was essentially “eliminated”.

8. As the Brits charged forward with killing on their minds, this is when the Continental Calvary (led by George Washington’s 1st cousin once removed) emerged on one of their flanks, and the militia folks who had been “getting a breather” in the nearby woods, came together and hit upon the other flank resulting in devastation for the weary Brits with a leader who was a pathetic general (never forget The Waxhaws I say)!

9. The ensuing “Double Envelopment” is supposedly the only one ever sucessfully implemented by troops from the new land being founded - up till the present day (most likely excepting situation where there were overwhelming odds which was NOT the case in this battle).

Hats off to Daniel Morgan - it unfolded and in less than an hour the history of the world changed forever.

Yet another fine telling of the story of the battle I just found and here it is:

A duel after one is defeated and a first cousin once removed tried to do the deed not yet done I reckon - but it will be done you can bank on that

Tarleton joined the fray of the melee and took a swing at Washington, too, which Washington blocked with the hilt of his saber. As Tarleton reined up his horse he was surrounded by American cavalrymen, but made good his escape. As he fled the field of action he took a final shot at Washington which wounded Washington’s horse.

Sadly, I wonder what Morgan would think now if he looked down upon what the country this battle helped materialize has become - cause I suspect he might wonder - was the battle even worth it? That is so sad, but in the present time how is one to know I reckon - Morgan did his job with precision, wisdom, and spirit - what more can a man do than that.

BK

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Pawpaw planted from seed:

Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer speak of the ideal of merica is what I think - what you think?

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Edit - tis 52724 2140 - do you doubt me? Here is the image in the message about to be posted in reference - I ain’t playing around - I like games but if you think you gonna harm many - then get ready - some of us know how to defend and we play to win.

Posted - you be on notice!

https://www.nps.gov/cowp/learn/historyculture/the-battle-of-cowpens.htm

Seems the text of this telling has changed and been improved since I first posted this article - and let me tell you after my sweetie and I visited the place in person and then drove back on the windy Carolina roads to a barbeque joint - let me tell you - us folks in the Carolinas may seem easy living to you observers but when push comes to shove we defend with ruthless fearsome willing force - and we play for keeps.

So know that - know that taking over the hills, forest, and river land in the Appalachia area is a fools game and if you come here with bad intent you will be refuted with ruthless FORCE in remembrance of the power of the forest and the folks lived here long before we did - we feel their energy - I respect said energy - and really tis not advisable to dismiss the power of energy in the place here - so you have been warned - don’t try to assert will or authority upon a place you just don’t comprehend - that is a message delivered in the battle of Cowpens. It is fierce and willful.