Battle Digest: Cowpens

Christopher J. Petty, Michael E. Haskew

• Publisher: Savas Beatie
• Year: 2020
• ISBN:
  9781649217004
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: Early American History
• Index: History

A concise summary of this turning point in the American Revolution with facts, maps, historical significance, strategies, and more. By the summer of 1780, Great Britain held the advantage in the American Revolution. A strategic shift to the south had borne fruit. British forces controlled the major ports of Savannah and Charleston, and Maj. Gen. Charles Cornwallis had recently trounced American forces under Gen. Horatio Gates at Camden, South Carolina. But Gen. Nathanael Greene, Gen. George Washington's newly appointed southern commander, was about to turn things around. Instead of massing his forces, he divided them, sending Brig. Gen. Daniel Morgan southwestward. When British forces caught up to Morgan at Cowpens in January 1781, he was more than ready. Morgan's victory was a tactical masterpiece, echoing Hannibal's ancient triumph over the Romans at Cannae. Cowpens set in motion a chain of events leading to Yorktown and, ultimately, American independence. Learn how Daniel Morgan effectively used the Continental militia while designing a tactical plan to exploit the overconfidence and aggressiveness of his British opponent, Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton. The Battle Digest summary includes all the key aspects of the campaign and battle, including maps, images, and lessons learned.

BATTLE DIGEST™

Lessons for Today’s Leaders Volume 1 * Issue 9

Early American Wars:

Cowpens

DATE:

January 17, 1781

LOCATION:

Cowpens, South Carolina

OPPOSING FORCES

American Continental Army: 1,065 Continental infantry, cavalry, and militia under the command of Brig. Gen. Daniel Morgan. Subordinate commanders included Col. Andrew Pickens of the militia, Lt. Col. John Eager Howard of the Continentals, and Brig. Gen. William Washington of the cavalry.

Reinforced British Legion: 1,150 British Regulars, Loyalist militia, cavalry, and artillery under Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton. Maj. Arthur MacArthur commanded the 71st Regiment of Foot, Fraser’s Highlanders. Maj. Timothy Newmarsh commanded the 7th Regiment of Foot, Royal Fusiliers.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

By the summer of 1780, Great Britain held the advantage in the American Revolution. A strategic shift to the south had borne fruit. British forces controlled the major ports of Savannah and Charleston, and Maj. Gen. Charles Cornwallis had recently trounced American forces under Gen. Horatio Gates at Camden, South Carolina. This crushing defeat set the stage for a potential death blow to the American Revolution in the south.

But Gen. Nathanael Greene, Gen. George Washington’s newly appointed southern commander, had other ideas. Greene, who would never win a battle but would be instrumental in winning a war, got off to an unconventional start. Instead of massing his forces, he divided them, sending Brig. Gen. Daniel Morgan southwestward.

When British forces caught up to Morgan at Cowpens in January 1781, he was more than ready. Morgan’s victory was a tactical masterpiece, echoing Hannibal’s ancient triumph over the Romans at Cannae. Cowpens set in motion a chain of events leading to Yorktown and, ultimately, American independence.

STRATEGY & MANEUVER

Actions by the British – After three years of fighting in the northern and mid-Atlantic Colonies, the British Army had little to show for its effort. Lengthening casualty rolls and skyrocketing costs roiled discontent among the British people and, more urgently, members of Parliament. British leaders hoped to break the stalemate in the Colonies by looking south. They believed Loyalist (Tory) sympathies were stronger there, that moderate weather would allow a longer campaigning season, and that American military organization in the region was questionable. It seemed a southern offensive might hold the key to victory.

In the autumn of 1778, Gen. Sir Henry Clinton, commander of British forces in North America, made his move. Soon Georgia and South Carolina fell under British control. Convinced that the situation was progressing well, Clinton returned to New York City and left his subor...

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• Battle Digest: Cowpens