Existing comment:
1775-1781
Battle of Cowpens, South Carolina
Daniel Morgan rose from a humble background as a wagoner in the British reserve during the French and Indian War to leadership positions in the Continental army. He was captured by the British at the Battle of Quebec in 1775, but was exchanged in time to join in the defeat of British General Burgoyne at Saratoga in 1777. Appointed a brigadier general, he commanded regular army and militia forces at the Battle of Cowpens in South Carolina.
Morgan won the respect of forces under his command through example and leadership. In an open field with the French Broad River to his back, Morgan formed his 1,040 men, including 400 militiamen, into two lines. After standing firm for two volleys the militiamen re-formed behind the regular army line and attacked the enemy's right flank at a critical point in the battle. Morgan's forces defeated British Lt. Colonel "Bloody" Tarleton forcing British troops into retreat and eventual surrender. |