He was placed with a command, in the winter of 1777, on the west side of Schuylkill, to prevent the country people from supplying the British, who were then in possession of Philadelphia, with pro

visions.

The eclat which Gates gained by the capture of Burgoyne, induced Congress to invest him with the command of the armies in the southern states, in order, if possible, to retrieve the American affairs in that quarter. Notwithstanding the displeasure he manifested towards Morgan at Saratoga, on account of his failure in detaching the confidence of that officer from the commander in chief, he strongly solicited Morgan to accompany him to his southern command, which was as strongly resisted, until Morgan's resentment was somewhat blunted by the reception of a brevet brigadier general's commission. He however, did not join the southern army, until after Gates' discomfiture at Camden, which caused Congress to transfer the command of the south to general Greene, who fully retrieved the Amerian affairs in that quarter.

To his command was committed a division composed of several corps, destined for operations in the western quarter. They were, on their march, to be strengthened with mountain militia from Carolina and Georgia. His orders were to pass the Catawba, and take post in the country between Broad and Pacolet rivers, which with corresponding dispositions, was to secure provisions for general Greene's army. During this march, he received a part of the expected succour, and, after having passed Broad River, took a position near its confluence with the Pacolet. At the time Cornwallis learnt the dispositions of Morgan, general Greene was seventy miles on his right, and Morgan fifty miles on his left. Alarmed for the safety of Augusta and Ninety-six, Cornwallis despatched Tarleton with a body of troops, either to force Morgan to battle, or to drive him back into North Carolina. Aware of Tarleton's advance, Morgan took his measures accordingly. The former gave his troops but little repose, until he came up with the latter at the Cowpens, where he intended to give his adversary battle, which he wrongfully supposed to be the intention of Morgan to avoid, who halted his troops for repose, and determined to give battle when offered.

Tarleton's judgment being overruled by irritation of temper, be advanced at the dawn of day, (January 17, 1781.) Apprised of his movements, Morgan was duly prepared for action. Morgan addressed his troops, exhorting them in

appropriate lan

guage to display their constancy and valor, and then took post in the line, awaiting in silence the advance of the enemy.

Gratified with the prospect of an engagement, and presuming on success, Tarleton hurried the disposition of his forces, which were not complete, when his line began to push forward, his reserve waiting for subsequent orders. Mor in's light troops quickly fell back and ranged with Pickens' as they had been directed. After an obsti

G

nate contest on both sides, Tarleton was compelled to yield the palm of victory to a force inferior in number. On this occasion, Congress passed a resolve approbatory of the conduct of Morgan, his officers and privates, caused a gold medal to be presented to brigadier general Morgan, a sword to brigadier general Pickens, a silver medal to cols. Howard and Washington, each, and a sword to captain Triplet. In this memorable battle of the Cowpens, Tarleton had every advantage in point of ground, cavalry, and numbers, aided by two pieces of artillery, of which his adversary had none. ing by this victory, Morgan immediately began to fall back. He crossed Broad river on the evening of the day of battle, and proceeded by forced marches towards the Catawba, general Greene having determined to retreat into Virginia. Morgan continued his route, and being joined by Greene, with a few dragoons, effected the passage of that river, although keenly pursued by Cornwallis. Having been attacked by frequent rheumatic affections on the retreat to Guilford court-house, he intimated a wish to retire.

Profit

He left the army at Guilford court-house, and returned to his seat in Frederick, where he continued in retirement until the insurrection in the western parts of Pennsylvania, in 1794, when he was detached by the executive of Virginia, at the head of the militia quota of that state, to join the troops called out by the president of the United States, to smother discord in its embryo. When the main army withdrew, he was left in command in the disaffected districts, until the spring of 1795, when by the orders of President Washington, he disbanded his troops and afterwards returned to the bosom of his family. Having by long and arduous services established his character as a soldier, he now embarked in another sphere. He offered himself as a candidate to represent the Congressional district in which he resided, in the house of Representatives of the United States. Baffled in his first attempt, his second succeeded, and having served out his constitutional term, he declined a re-election. On account of ill health, and a gradual decay of his constitution, he removed from Saratoga, his seat in Frederick, to Berresville, or as it has been called, Battletown, the scene of his early life, and thence to Winchester, where death closed his earthly career, in 1799. His education was circumscribed, which necessarily limited the sphere of his acquirements. In private life he was amiable and sincere. He was not a rigid disciplinarian, but governed more by confidence than by command. He was of an enterprising disposition, but calm and collected in the hour of danger, prone rather to forgive than re sent injuries; but resentful of indignities.