jo
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 
 AT LOS ANGELES
 
 
 CALDWELL, C. (of Caswell^ 
 
 /County, N. C.). Thoughts on Febrile* 
 
 Masms. As published in The Transj'l- 
 
 vania Journal of Medicine. Lexington, 
 
 1830. $3.00 
 
 371a. ' Memoirs of the Life and 
 
 Campaigns of Hon. Nathaniel Greene. 
 Portrait and Plates. Phila., 1819. $10.00 
 
 With sketcl'.es of North Carolina in the 
 Revolution, appendix contains the Mecklen- 
 burg Declaration 1st printing in a book. 
 
 372. Autobiography of, with 
 
 notes, etc., by H. W. Warner. Portrait. 
 Phila., 1855. $6.50 
 
 \Vith a bibliography of the North Caro- 
 linian's writings. 
 
 373. Oration, Feb. 5, 1802. 
 
 Phila., 1802. $7.50 
 
 374. Elements of Phrenology. 
 
 Plates. Lexington, Ky., 1827. $6.00 
 
 375. Phrenology Vindicated. 
 
 Lexington, 1835. $5.00 
 
 376. Thoughts of the Teaching 
 
 and Diffusion of the Science of Medi- 
 cine in Western America. Lexington, 
 Ca. 1820. $7.50 
 
 377. Thoughts on the Educa- 
 tion, Qualifications, and duties of the 
 Physicians of the U. S., Louisville, 1849. 
 
 $6.00 
 
 378. Report made to the Legisla- 
 ture of Kentucky on the Medical Dept. 
 of Transylvania University. Lexington, 
 1836. $5. 
 
 379. Reel" f '

 
 /; * /+-, 
 MEMOIRS 
 
 THE LIFE AND CAMPAIGNS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 MAJOR GENERAL IN THE ARMY OP THE UNITED STATES, AND COMMANDER OP THE 
 SOUTHERN DEPARTMENT, IN THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 
 
 BY CHARLES C ALDWELL, M. D. 
 
 OF NATURAL HISTORY IV THF. UNIVERSITY OF PEVVYIYANTA. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 PUBLISHED BY ROBERT DESILVER, NO. 110 WALNUT STREET, 
 
 AXD THOMAS DESILVER, NO. 2, DECATUR STREET. 
 .T. Maxwell, printer. 
 
 : : : ;
 
 EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA, to wit: 
 
 BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the 31st day of May, in the forty-third 
 year oi the independeuce of the United States of America, A. D. 1819, 
 Robert and Thomas .Desilver of the said district, have deposited in this 
 office the title of a book, the right 'whereof the}' claim as proprietors, in 
 the words following-, to wit: 
 
 Memoirs of the Life and Campaigns of the Hon. Nathaniel Greene, 
 Major General in the Army of the United States, and Commander of the 
 Southern Department in the War of the Revolution. By Charles Cald- 
 well, M. D. Professor of Natural History in the University of Pennsyl- 
 vania. 
 
 In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States entitul- 
 ed, " An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing- the copies of 
 maps, charts, and books to the authors and proprietors of such copies du- 
 ring the times therein mentioned." And also to the act, entitled, " An 
 act supplementary to an act entitled " An act for the encouragement of 
 learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the au- 
 thors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mention- 
 ed, and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving 1 , 
 and etching historical and other prints. 
 
 DAVID CALDWELL, 
 Clerk of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania-
 
 TO THE 
 
 SURVIVING OFFICERS 
 
 THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMY, 
 
 Tliis ivork, commemorative of one of their ablest 
 commanders, and most beloved companions in arms, 
 is respectfully dedicated, imth a sincere wish, that in 
 the evening of a life of patriotism and honour ', tliey may 
 be permitted to repose in the lap of comfort, by 
 
 Their very humble and 
 
 Obedient servant, 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
 Philadelphia, Juno 1st, 1819. 
 
 (3653
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 THAT Republics are ungrateful and unjust to their 
 benefactors, is a sentiment which has been repeated 
 and credited, until it has passed into a proverb. 
 
 Without intending to enter formally into a dis- 
 cussion of this subject, we will be permitted to ob- 
 serve, that we know not from what source evidence 
 can be derived to confirm the accusation. The 
 records of the celebrated republics of antiquity do 
 not furnish it. Nor is it to be found in the usages 
 of the republics of modern Europe, any more than 
 in those of monarchies or aristocracies. 
 
 Although it is true, that in consequence of a per- 
 secuting spirit of party, characters of great distinction 
 and worth, experienced occasionally in ancient 
 Greece, ingratitude and injustice; yet, when passion 
 subsided, and faction ceased to govern the state, the 
 current of public feeling usually resumed its proper 
 
 channel, and merit was in the end acknowledged 
 
 i 
 and rewarded. 
 
 That this return of their fellow citizens to reason 
 and justice, occurred, in every instance, during the 
 lives of the individuals injured, we do not maintain.
 
 VI 
 
 But, when that was not the case, death, from what- 
 ever cause it might arise, rarely failed to subdue 
 and propitiate their enemies, heighten and confirm 
 the zeal of their friends, and procure for their me- 
 mories, all that their warmest admirers could wish. 
 
 Under these circumstances, if the enraptured poet 
 refused or neglected to celebrate them in verse, the 
 sober historian supplied his place, while the painter 
 or the statuary willingly aided, in recalling their 
 images, and perpetuating their fame. To render the 
 tribute the more complete, the labours of the four 
 were oftentimes united. 
 
 As a single but striking instance, from the num- 
 bers that are on record, the conduct of the Atheni- 
 ans, in relation to Socrates, might be adduced in proof 
 of what we have here stated. 
 
 To the case of the illustrious benefactors of Rome, 
 similar observations may be correctly applied. What- 
 ever might be the severities of their treatment, during 
 life, death procured for them justice and renown. 
 The same tongues that had defamed them, while 
 faithfully engaged in the service of the common- 
 wealth, praised them in the tomb; and the very 
 hands that had wielded the weapons of their de- 
 struction, were not backward in rearing their mo- 
 nument.
 
 PREFACE. Vll 
 
 Brutus eulogized Cavsar, after he had assassinated 
 him; and Lepidus, one of the triumvirate that voted 
 his death, is said to have written a panegyric on 
 Cicero. Eminent benefits conferred on the state, 
 whether in a civil or military capacity, were sure 
 passports to bronze or marble, to the praises of the 
 orator, to history, or the canvass. 
 
 Of the affairs of Carthage our information is less 
 
 O 
 
 extensive, and perhaps less accurate. 
 
 Limited, however, as it is, we derive from it a 
 certainty, that during life, wealth and influence were 
 the usual reward of those, who distinguished them- 
 selves in the wars and councils of the republic; that 
 their families were often ennobled, on account of 
 their services; and. that after death, although fre- 
 quently inflicted by violence and injustice, 1 general 
 mourning and public honours bore testimony to 
 their worth. 
 
 By the gratitude of Switzerland, Tell, for his ser- 
 vices, was all but canonized; and his posterity dis- 
 tinguished by the favours of the state. 
 
 We perceive, then, no cause to believe, that in 
 the nature of a republic, there is any tiling peculi- 
 arly calculated, to render it either ungrateful or un- 
 just to individuals, by whom its interests have been 
 ably promoted. Were a blemish so deep inevitably
 
 Vlli PREFACE. 
 
 attached to it, the fact would constitute a weighty 
 objection against the reputed advantages of that form 
 of government, and render doubtful its preference to 
 others. For, whether they be found in a public insti- 
 tution, or in the hearts of individuals, the failings al- 
 leged imply a flagrant violation of right. It may be 
 safely added, however, that, wherever they predomi- 
 nate, they arise much more from some defect in the 
 moral constitution of man, than from any thing pecu- 
 liar in the civil compact. 
 
 To proclaim the faults of our own country, is 
 painful and mortifying. But whether we speak, or 
 write, or act, truth should be our object. And it 
 cannot be denied, that to the people and government 
 of the United States, the vices of injustice and ingra- 
 titude to public benefactors, are more deeply imputa- 
 ble, than to those of any other nation. 
 
 This is true, in a more especial manner, in rela- 
 tion to posthumous honour and reward. Although 
 living characters of high distinction suffer repeatedly, 
 in this country, from the coldness of neglect and the 
 bitterness of calumny, they are seldom without cause 
 endangered in their persons or driven into exile. But, 
 contrary to the usages of the ancient republics, those, 
 to whose wisdom and toils we are indebted for many 
 of our choicest privileges and most valuable enjoy-
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 ments, are suffered to repose unnoticed in the grave. 
 While even the savage dwells with fond admiration on 
 the names of the warriors and sachems of his tribe, 
 and carefully interweaves their stories in his traditions, 
 we permit the deeds of our most illustrious benefactors 
 to be swept from remembrance by the current of 
 time, and irrevocably consigned to the waves of 
 oblivion. 
 
 To inquire into all the causes of this neglect is 
 not our intention. The exemption of our country 
 from war, and the general felicity of our situation, 
 rendering us less dependant on the benefactions of 
 great men, constitute one of them. But the most 
 operative and fruitful of them is, our want of a genu- 
 ine spirit of patriotism. 
 
 Did we love our country to the extent we profess 
 
 to do, we would love and cherish every thing that 
 
 might minister to its greatness and glory. But the 
 
 richest source of a nation's glory consists in the 
 
 illustrious natives of its soil. While we continue to 
 
 neglect these, in vain will we boast of our national 
 
 spirit and national pride. They are little better 
 
 than empty sounds. Patriotism holds no alliance 
 
 with apathy and indifference. It is an active and 
 
 comprehensive virtue, which essentially influences 
 
 life and conduct. It is a love of all that constitutes 
 
 b
 
 \ PREFACE. 
 
 country; and is defective in those, who are indiffer- 
 ent to the reputation of their distinguished fellow 
 citizens, o- 1 .ally such of them as have been pub- 
 lic be ^actors. 
 
 This fatal deficiency in the United States, in- 
 duces us to direct our admiration abroad, and fix it 
 too much on distant objects. Dazzled by the glitter 
 of foreign countries, much of which is artificial and 
 perishable, we are blind to the less ostentatious but 
 more substantial merits of our own. 
 
 This is true, in relation more especially to our 
 sentiments of distinguished military men. On the 
 heroes of Europe, who fulminate at the head of pow- 
 erful armies, we bestow a degree of homage to 
 which they are not entitled, and deny justice to some 
 of those of America, who, on every principle of fair 
 competition, have a stronger claim to renown, from 
 having effected more with feebler means. 
 
 That this charge is founded in truth, may be abun- 
 dantly proved from the histories of most of our revo- 
 lutionary officers. 
 
 In relation to general Greene, in particular, so 
 marked has been our indifference, and so unrelenting 
 our neglect, that they are a reproach to the nation. 
 
 Nea^ forty years have elapsed, since that great and 
 excellent man rescued the south from the sword of
 
 PREFACE. XI 
 
 the invader; and upwards of thirty, since he descended 
 to the grave. Yet where has been the gratitude, the 
 justice, or even the courtesy of his country? while 
 the people of the United States have been enjoying 
 the privilege of independence, and basking in the 
 sunshine of freedom, which he, by the force of his 
 genius and the toil of years, contributed to establish, 
 his life and achievements have remained unnoticed. 
 Nor does the evil terminate here. No inconsidera- 
 ble portion of the materials necessary to complete his 
 biography have been lost, through the negligence of 
 those to whom they were entrusted. 
 
 In various parts of the country, individuals are 
 known to have been in possession of volumes of his 
 official letters, some of which no doubt contained 
 
 interesting information, on the subject of his cam- 
 
 . 
 
 paigns. But, on the strictest inquiry, few of these 
 documents are now to be found. Most of his co- 
 temporaries having also passed away, tradition itself, 
 in relation to him, is much less fertile than comports 
 with his merit and extensive services. 
 
 That the historians of the revolutionary war have 
 spoken of him repeatedly and creditably, is true ; 
 because, without some account of his military ope- 
 rations, their narratives would have been defective. 
 But, that they have done him justice, will not be
 
 Xll PREFACE. 
 
 maintained, by any one that has looked into the 
 transactions of his life. As is too often the case, in 
 the partial administration of human affairs, much of 
 the fame that belonged to him, has been arbitrarily 
 passed to the credit of another. 
 
 That we have ourselves succeeded in doing jus- 
 tice to his memory we do not venture to believe. On 
 this point, however, we will be permitted to lay 
 claim to the humble merit, of honest intention and 
 sedulous endeavour. We have spared neither trou- 
 ble, nor cost having written very many letters, vi- 
 sited many distant individuals, and travelled more than 
 a thousand miles- to procure information: and all 
 that was made accessible to us we have faithfully 
 used. To Mr. Christopher Greene of Rhode Island, 
 brother to the general, with whom we had an inter- 
 view, we are indebted for several interesting facts. 
 Under this head we shall only add, that we hope we 
 shall not be accused of vanity for believing, or arro- 
 gance for asserting, that there are few persons living, 
 who can attentively peruse this volume, without know- 
 ing much more of general Greene, on closing, than 
 they did on opening it. The documents and other 
 sources from which we have derived our information, 
 as ample and authentic as any now existing.
 
 PREFACE. Xlll 
 
 If, in speaking of the characters and exploits of 
 Greene and his officers, we should be thought to 
 have occasionally substituted the language of pane- 
 gyric for that of cool and dispassionate biography, 
 it is because the nature of the subject demanded it 
 Splendid actions and exalted qualities, cannot be 
 represented in humble expressions. As well might 
 we attempt to depict the rainbow in faded colours. 
 Nor have we yet learnt the art of disguising our 
 feelings, when excited by objects that fire the ima- 
 gination, or when treating of topics which appeal to 
 the heart. This is more especially the case, if the 
 subject have a reference to any thing connected with 
 the glory of our country. 
 
 From a faithful examination of their conduct and 
 sufferings, so exalted is our admiration of the offi- 
 cers generally of the southern army, that, with all 
 our endeavours, we honestly believe the tribute we 
 have paid them is below their worth. 
 
 All our facts of primary importance, touching 
 the life and character of Greene, rest on the au- 
 thority of written testimony. For some of those of 
 minor consequence, we are indebted to tradition. 
 Neither respecting him, however, nor any other per- 
 son or topic, have we hazarded a statement which 
 we do not believe. We are responsible for our own
 
 XIV PREFACE. 
 
 veracity in narrating, but not for that of others in 
 reporting. 
 
 Of Buford's defeat, two accounts have appeared 
 on record, differing essentially from each other with 
 regard to a leading and important fact. 
 
 In one of them it is stated, that Tarleton sum- 
 moned colpuel Buford to surrender, on the terms 
 recently granted to the regular troops that had been 
 captured in Charleston; and, that the latter refused: 
 in the other, that Buford offered to surrender on 
 those terms, and colonel Tarleton refused, and im- 
 mediately commanded the massacre to begin. 
 
 We have adopted, in our narrative, the latter ac- 
 count, for two reasons. It is generally credited in 
 the southern states: and we were intimately acquaint- 
 ed with one of the surviving American officers, by 
 whom we have oftentimes heard it confirmed. 
 
 The only event of moment, in the description of 
 which we have ventured to differ materially from 
 other writers, is that of the battle of Ramsaour's mill. 
 
 That that affair has never been correctly repre- 
 sented in history, we firmly believe: and consider 
 it a matter of surprise and regret. 
 
 From the grounds on which we rest the verity of 
 our own account of it, we cannot withhold our re- 
 spect. They are, the universal representation of it,
 
 PREFACE. XV 
 
 at the time of its occurrence; and repeated conver- 
 sations, which we have ourselves held, with various 
 individuals who were engaged in the action. ' 
 
 So sanguinary was the conflict, and so gallant and 
 honourable on the, part of the whigs, that we have 
 often heard it denominated the " Bunker's hill" of 
 the south. 
 
 In composing the present work, our leading ob- 
 jects have been, to pay a just though long neglected 
 tribute to one of the most distinguished benefactors 
 of our country, to aid in the defence of the American 
 character, against the imputations which assail it 
 from abroad, and, to show, that in the greatness and 
 glory of our own countrymen, we may find ample 
 scope for that admiration, which has hitherto been 
 too much engrossed by foreign splendour. 
 
 With what effect we have laboured on these topics, 
 the public will judge. 
 
 Philadelphia, June 1st, 1819.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 BRIEF view of the causes, which, previously to their separation, tend- 
 ed to bind the British colonies to the mother country; and were cal- 
 culated to dishearten the first leaders of resistance to ministerial 
 oppression, and prevent them from engaging in the revolutionary 
 war. The effects of the revolution, on our own country, and its prob- 
 able influence, on the condition of man. The merit and glory of 
 those concerned in its achievement. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The ancestry, birth, and education of Nathaniel Greene. His first appear 
 ance in public life, as a member of the legislature of his native colo- 
 ny the part he there sustained his sentiments, on the right of the 
 subject, and the power of the ruler the character of his eloquence 
 his conduct, on the commencement of the revolutionary troubles- 
 his conference with a deputation, from the society of Friends his dk- 
 mission from that society. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Commencement of the war of the Revolution. Mr. Greene, at first a 
 private, in a short time, with the rank of brigadier general, takes 
 commanaof the Rhode Island militia repairs to Cambridge addres- 
 ses general Washington, as commander in chief is promoted, by 
 congress, to the rank of major general, in the regular army. His 
 conduct, on Long and York islands opposes, successfully, in a coun- 
 cil of officers, the proposition, made by general Lee, for the entire 
 evacuation of the latter accompanies general Washington, in his 
 retreat through New Jersey is present at the. capture of the Hes- 
 
 C
 
 XV111 CONTENTS. 
 
 sians, in Trenton his advice, on that occasion is present, also, in 
 the battle of Princeton distinguishes himself, in the battle of Bran- 
 dy wine remonstrates with the commander in chief, for not doing jus- 
 tice, in general orders, to Weedon's brigade commands the Ameri- 
 can right wing, in the battle of Germantown, and acquits himself to 
 the satisfaction of general Washington is ordered into New Jersey, 
 at the head of a strong detachment of troops, to watch the move- 
 ments of lord Cornwallis The opinion of his lordship respecting him. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The office of quarter-master general offered to general Greene he, at 
 first, declines; but, afterwards, accepts it, on certain conditions. The 
 importance and difficulties of the appointment. His able and excel- 
 
 > lent administration of it its effect ou the spirits of the soldiers, and 
 the movements of the army the British evacuate Philadelphia 
 battle of Monmouth, and the part which general Greene bore in it 
 the services he rendered, and the distinction he acquired, in the ope- 
 rations of the army, in Rhode Island, under the command of general 
 Sullivan receives the thanks of general Washington, for his good 
 conduct, iu checking, at the village of Springfield, the advance of a 
 division of the British army, that threatened the magazines and stores, 
 at Morristown the murder of Mrs. Caldwell Greene's conduct in 
 the affair of Andre. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Greene having, heretofore, acted in a secondary capacity, is now trans- 
 ferred to the command of the army of the south, where, left to follow 
 the bent of his genius, his great character is more perfectly develop- 
 ed condition of the southern department character of the war, in 
 that quarter atrocities of the British Buford's defeat, cruelties of 
 causes of the sanguinary character of the war, in the south mark- 
 ed with more of private passion, and individual adventure, than in 
 the north rich in partisan enterprise, and chivalrous exploit cha- 
 racter and conduct of general Marion of general Sumpter of ge- 
 neral Pickins of colonel Davie the spirit of the country sustain- 
 ed, and the enemy greatly annoyed, by these four partisan officers 
 reception of the British army, in Charlotte defeat of colonel Fer- 
 guson, and its effects singular enterprise of coloael White Battle
 
 CONTENTS. XIX 
 
 of Ramsaour's mill description of the combatants the romantic 
 gallantry, displayed by the whigs death of captain Falls avenged by 
 his son, a youth of fourteen deadly aim of the tory riflemen. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 General Gates appointed to the command of the army of the south his 
 high reputation, with the confidence and expectancy, it excited his 
 imprudence and precipitancy his defeat, before Camdcn fall of 
 the baron de Kalb last moments of that officer noble conduct of 
 his aid, colonel du Buysson the baron's character flight of Gates, 
 not consistent with his former reputation consternation of the 
 country taught by misfortune, Gates becomes more prudent, and 
 circumspect a court of inquiry into his conduct, ordered Greene 
 appointed to succeed him his conduct and sentiments, on the oc- 
 casion sets out for the south visits, on his route, the governors of 
 the states, constituting the southern department, which is, now, en- 
 larged, so as to embrace all the territory, south of Pennsylvania is 
 in danger of falling into the hands of the tories arrives in Charlotte, 
 the head-quarters of general Gates the mutual delicacy, and mag- 
 nanimity, of the two commanders Gates, in a very comph'mentary 
 style, surrenders the command of the army to Greene the dignified 
 and courteous reply, of the latter Greene is the advocate of the 
 reputation of Gates, and so continues the latter takes leave of his 
 successor, and of military life his dreary and disconsolate journey 
 to the north reflections on his fall from favour, and public confidence. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The difficulties Greene had to encounter, in first entering on the com- 
 mand of the southern army weak state of the army provisions and 
 military stores wanting the system pursued, by him, the only one cal- 
 culated to save from ruin The plans of military operation, in 
 America, more extensive, than in Europe, and, therefore, require 
 more genius for execution reasons for this opinion campaigns of 
 Greene, compared with those of Napoleon and Wellington Ame- 
 rica not degraded by works of inferiority the reverse, nearer the 
 truth instances in proof of this Frederick and Napoleon, per- 
 haps, excepted, Greene, an abler commander, than any Europe has 
 produced for centuries Greene, by his wisdom and industry, greatly
 
 XX CONTENTS. 
 
 meliorates the condition of bis array the composition of his army 
 sketches of the characters of his principal officers of general 
 Morgan of colonel Washington of colonel Howard of colonel 
 Williams of colonel Lee. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 THE character of the soldier, formed, by that of his officer Greene 
 sensible of this, rejoices in the high qualities of the officers of his ar- 
 my takes great pains to acquire a knowledge of the force, and ca- 
 pabilities of the enemy founds his estimate on the character of 
 lord Cornwallis, the commanding general, <and the number of his 
 troops state of the country, in relation to parties whigs tories 
 neutrals or ineffectives extreme difficulties of the mode of warfare, 
 necessary to be pursued, and the consummate talents, its execution 
 required The positions of the rival armies Greene opens the 
 campaign Tarleton detached, by lord Cornwallis, against Morgan 
 retreat of the latter battle of the Cowpens description of 
 subsequent movements of the two armies Greene, leaving the main 
 division of his army, under the command of general Hugher, joins 
 Morgan, on the east bank of the Catawba commences his celebrat- 
 ed retreat character of that retreat compared with the retreat of 
 Moreau He passes the Yadkin the two columns of his army join 
 at Guilford court house retreat continued the able disposition of 
 his troops pushes for the lower Dan fortitude and good conduct 
 of his rear guard passes the Dan lord Cornwallis gives up the 
 pursuit, issues a proclamation, and erects, in Hillsborough the royal 
 standard various modes of warfare disquisition on the term victory 
 wherein victory consists Greene determines to recross the Dan- 
 the legion under Lee, advances goes in quest of Tarleton cuts to 
 pieces a large body of tories, under colonel Pyle Greene follows, 
 with the main column baffles all attempts of lord Cornwallis, to force 
 him, prematurely, to battle receives reinforcements and supplies 
 Battle at Guilford court house description of Greene retreats, in 
 order, from the field, but prepares to renew the combat lord Corn- 
 wallis too much crippled to pursue commences his retreat Greene 
 becomes now, the pursuing party recommends the wounded and 
 sick, of both armies, to the humane attention of the inhabitants of 
 New Garden, a wealthy settlement, of the society of Friends givea 
 over the pursuit of lord Cornwallis, and encamps at Ramsay's mUl -
 
 CONTENTS. XXI 
 
 His situation and prospects greatly meliorated the foundation now 
 laid, for the reconquest of the south Greene's agency in the cap- 
 ture of lord Cornwallis Difficulty in settling his plan of future op- 
 erations opinions of his officers determines to march to the south 
 His opinion of lord Goruwallis, and his probable movements. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 The condition of South Carolina and Georgia amount of Greene's ar- 
 my too small to attempt a war of general actions Greene determin- 
 es to strike the enemy in detail conscious of the perils before him- 
 resolves to encounter them his sentiments on the occasion detaches 
 Lee's legion, to join Marion marches, with the main body, against 
 lord Rawdon, posted at Camden disappointed, and injured in his 
 eperations, by not meeting Sumpter, in the neighbourhood of Camden 
 lord Cornwallis confounded by Greene's movement the latter 
 takes post, in front of Camden British garrisons fall, in succession 
 capture of fort Motte Greene derives, from the captured posts, arms, 
 provisions, and military stores battle of Hobkirk's Hill description 
 of subsequent movements of general Greene and lord Rawdon 
 successes of Lee and Marion lord Rawdon retreats towards Charles- 
 ton, his communication with his posts cut off Lee advances on the 
 British garrison, at Augusta Greene invests Ninety-Six aftermuch 
 gallantry and skill, in attack and defence, Augusta falls Greene fails 
 in an attack on Ninety-Six account of on the advance of lord Raw- 
 don, now reinforced, Greene retreats, and the other pursues Greene's 
 noble resolution pursuit ceases Ninety-Six evacuated lord Raw- 
 don now retreats, and Greene pursues the enemy having escaped 
 him, he retires to the high hills of Santee, to give repose to his army, 
 during the summer heats. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Greene is satisfied with his army his gigantic plan of operations, for the 
 entire recovery of the southern department in consequence of infor- 
 mation from general Washington, he relinquishes a part of it. The 
 execution of colonel Hayne, with Greene's conduct on the occasion 
 the salutary effects of that conduct colonel Hayne's letter his de- 
 portment at the place of execution, compared with that of major An- 
 dre all thugs considered, the preference given to the conduct of the
 
 XX11 CONTENTS. 
 
 American Greene marches in quest of the enemy advances on 
 them, at the Eutaw springs the battle of that place description of 
 a singular and interesting military adventure. The British army 
 retreats, and the American pursues the shattered and enfeebled con- 
 dition of the former Greene's relative condition meliorated, by every 
 operation in which he engages this an evidence of the superiority of 
 his genius. Unable to compel the foe to another action, he falls back, 
 by easy marches, to the high hills of Santee. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Disappointed, in the promised co-operation of the French sea and land 
 forces, for the entire recovery "of the southern department, general 
 Greene determines, again, to attempt it, single-handed moves from 
 the high hills, and takes post in the neighbourhood of Charleston 
 confines the enemy to their lines meditates daring enterprises 
 against them projects an attack on St. John's island one of the most 
 arduous, bold, and magnificent, that marked the course of the revo- 
 lutionary war account of. Reinforcements arrive from the North. 
 Expedition against the enemy in Georgia, led by general Wayne 
 the character of that officer his successes and reverses augments 
 
 ^ his reputation discontents in the army of Greene a conspiracy 
 formed to deliver him to the enemy discovered, quelled, and the 
 ringleader put to death the remainder desert to the enemy. No na- 
 tive American engaged in the plot colonel Laurens exchanged be- 
 fore his turn difficulties in relation to assigning him a command 
 Greene's anxiety on the subject makes an arrangement in behalf 
 of Laurens the discontent excited by it Greene adheres to his 
 purpose. The officers of Lee's legion resign. On a suggestion from 
 Greene, they withdraw their resignation, and refer their wrongs to 
 congress. General Leslie, DOW holding the chief command of the 
 British forces in the south, proposes, in a letter to general Greene, 
 to relinquish all further marauding excursions, on condition that he 
 be permitted to purchase, at a fair price, provision for his troops 
 Greene is anxious to accede to the proposal; but the civil au- 
 thority oC South Carolina, whose business it was to decide, refuse 
 plundering invasions continued. In repelling the last of them, colonel 
 Laurens is killed. The character of that officer. He fell a sacrifice 
 to the short sighted policy of his native state. Charleston evacuat- 
 ed the American army enters as the British retire the joy of the
 
 CONTENTS. XX111 
 
 inhabitants the reception of Greene gratitude shown him addres- 
 ses from different bodies arrangements to gratify and amuse him 
 his extreme modesty reflections on his situation. 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 The American army, encamped near Charleston, in the utmost want of 
 clothes and provisions discontent and mutinous spirit thence aris- *- 
 ing. Charleston threatened with pillage conduct and determina- 
 tion of Greene on the occasion similar resolution of Bernadotte 
 Contract of Banks Greene becomes his surety Banks turns spe- 
 culator, and fails Greene supposed to have^een concerned with 
 him, from motives of profit. Charge refuted before congress result 
 highly honourable to Greene. Purity and uprightness of his char- 
 acter. Peace restored. Greene returns to Rhode Island his recep- 
 tion there gratified by the attention of his neighbours and friends 
 troubles in Rhode Island. Spirit of intolerance towards the Tories- 
 Greene the advocate of moderate measures intercedes and remon- 
 strates, in behalf of the tories. His reasoning prevails harmony re- 
 stored presents made to Greene, by the three southern states 
 His engagements during his residence in Rhode island sails for 
 Georgia settles on his estate, near Savannah, and becomes a plant- 
 er his habit of v/alking without his hat is attacked by a " stroke 
 of the sun" his death its effect in Savannah his interment fu- 
 neral procession proceedings of the Cincinnati resolution in fa- 
 vour of Greene's eldest son that youth drowned his flatteriLg pro- 
 mise congress votes to Greene a monument its inscription monu- 
 ment not yet erected the spot where the relics of Greene lie not 
 known remarks on private character, in biography cannot be ac- 
 curately drawn, unless by those intimately acquainted with the per- 
 son to be described traits of Greene's private character description 
 of his person his family analysis of his military character.
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 I. Greene's letter to the president of congress, preparatory to bis resij: 
 
 nation of the office of quarter-master general. 
 II. Official report of the battle of Guilford. 
 III. Official report of the Battle of Hobkirk's Hill. 
 IV Assault of Ninety-Six. 
 
 V. Official report of the battle of Eutaw Springs, 
 VI. Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.
 
 MEMOIRS 
 
 OF 
 
 MAJOR GENERAL GREENE, 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 BRIEF view of the causes, which, previously to their separation, tend- 
 ed to bind the British colonies to the mother country; and were cal- 
 culated to dishearten the first leaders of resistance to ministerial 
 oppression, and prevent them from engaging in the revolutionary 
 war. The effects of the revolution, on our own country, and its prob- 
 able influence, on the condition of map. The merit aud glory of 
 
 those concerned in its achievement. 
 - > 
 
 T e 
 
 IF within the memory of man, or the compass of 
 
 history, any class of individuals have merited, beyond 
 others, the honours and rewards of their cotempo- 
 raries, the gratitude of posterity, and the admiration 
 of the world, it is those, who, unmoved by difficulty, 
 danger, and misfortune, directed the councils, and 
 led to victory the arms of their country, in the long 
 and sanguinary contest, which resulted in the Inde- 
 pendence of the United States,
 
 2 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 As auxiliary to the formation of a correct estimate 
 of that achievement, and of the merit of the leaders, 
 by whom it was conducted, a few considerations 
 arising out of it, and calculated to shed light on its 
 nature and character, will constitute no unsuitable 
 introduction to the Memoirs of an officer, who per- 
 formed in it a part, that was signalized alike, by its 
 brilliancy and usefulness. 
 
 From the relationship which nature herself had 
 established, the British Colonies, in North America, 
 felt themselves attached to the mother country, by 
 all those sacred and endearing affinities, to wbich, 
 from moral, no less than physical motives, the heart 
 surrenders itself, under the sanction ofthe judgment, 
 as binding, indissolubly, the child to the parent. Nor 
 did distance of situation, diversity o {'/condition, or 
 lapse of years, appear to have any influence, in weak- 
 ening the bonds which, thus, united them. If not ac- 
 tually augmented, with the progress of time, those 
 ties were, at least, maintained, by a variety of causes, 
 in their original strength. To this the colonists them- 
 selves contributed, by a careful preservation, on their 
 part, of a community of language, religion, manners, 
 customs, and civil institutions, with their transatlantic 
 brethren.
 
 INTRODUCTION. 3 
 
 Frequent intermarriages and emigrations, literary 
 and scientific connexions, a commercial intercourse 
 mutually beneficial, and a constant reciprocation of 
 kind offices, gave to the attachment between the in- 
 habitants of the two countries, whatever additional 
 force, it could derive from social and peaceful con- 
 siderations. 
 
 But even war., with all its miseries and offensive 
 features, had contributed, not a little, to endear to 
 each other, the British and the Americans. Associat- 
 ed in interest, as well as in friendship and kindred 
 alliances their enemies, for a century and a half, 
 had been the same. Long accustomed to embark, 
 harmoniously, in the same cause, they were habituat- 
 ed to endure, together, the same hardships, to face 
 the same daggers, to mingle in the same combats, to 
 share the same triumphs, to experience the same re- 
 verses, and, in various parts of the world, to fertilize 
 the same plains, and redden the same seas and 
 oceans, with their blood. 
 
 This identity of occupation and fortune, under 
 circumstances peculiarly calculated to awaken the 
 feelings, and cherish the generous virtues of the 
 heart, was productive of strong individual friendships. 
 These, being multiplied and extended with the pro- 
 gress of population and mutual intercourse, added
 
 4. INTRODUCTION. 
 
 greatly to the amount, and seemed to guaranty the 
 permanence, of national attachment. 
 
 Such considerations, various in themselves, but 
 identified in their tendency, and further corroborated 
 by reciprocated sentiments of national pride, consti- 
 tuted a ground of great strength, why England and 
 America should long remain, in the relative condition, 
 of parent state and dependent colony. They must, 
 consequently, have augmented, in a corresponding 
 degree, the reluctance and mental conflict of those, 
 who were compelled, by injustice, to sever the con- 
 nexion. "Where the motives to a continued union 
 were so numerous and strong, nothing but a sense of 
 paramount duty, operating on minds of the highest 
 order, could have awakened a sentiment leading to a 
 separation. 
 
 But the reasons for remaining thus relatively unit- 
 ed did not terminate here. Considerations suggest- 
 ed by prudence, and strengthened by sentiments of 
 self-interest, added to their number. 
 
 By the valour and discipline of her troops, the ge- 
 nius and practical skill of her officers, and the suc- 
 cess of her arms, in recent wars, Great Britain had 
 rendered herself the terror of Christendom. Although 
 
 
 
 she was, now, at peace, in her European connexions, 
 her means of annoyance, and her disposition to tyr-
 
 INTRODUCTION. 5 
 
 ranize and trample on right, had never, before, been 
 so abundant and threatening. With a population 
 overflowing, and easily convertible into soldiers, her 
 spirit was haughty, restless and aspiring, the resour- 
 ces of her treasury ample and unemployed, and her 
 army and navy, powerful and enterprising, ready to 
 strike, with terrible effect, wherever they might be 
 directed by an ambitious ministry. 
 
 The fortresses and strong holds of America, were 
 already occupied, by heavy detachments of her choi- 
 cest troops. She had a knowledge of the geography 
 and resources of our country, sufficient for the pur- 
 poses of military operations. Her ships of war, sta- 
 tioned in our harbours, or cruising on our coasts, 
 gave her an entire command of our waters; and she 
 had, at her disposal, of transports and other shipping, 
 a sufficient amount, to convey to our shores, in the 
 shortest period, such additional forces, with their 
 stores and munitions, as exigencies might demand. 
 
 These preparations and facilities, placed it in her 
 power to commence oh us, at any moment, a ruinous 
 war, with every conceivable advantage on her side. 
 
 On the part of the colonies, all was comparative 
 feebleness and want. 
 
 The settled belief \ almost universally entertained 
 by them, that British valour and skill in arms, were
 
 6 INTRODUCTION.- 
 
 absolutely irresistible, was itself a consideration that 
 disheartened and appalled. In any but minds of the 
 firmest texture and most daring resolution, it was 
 alone sufficient, to repress every thought of open re- 
 sistance, even to acts the most grievous and oppres- 
 sive. By entirely closing every reasonable, and dark- 
 ening every possible, prospect of success, it was pe- 
 culiarly calculated, to wither hope and preclude ex- 
 ertion. 
 
 The population of the colonies, being less than 
 three millions, was thinly scattered over a vast ter- 
 ritory; and, having never been summoned to act in 
 concert, had no common rallying point, or centre of 
 attraction. As yet, the commerce of the North with 
 the South, or indeed of any one distant section of 
 the country, with another, had scarcely an existence. 
 The inhabitants of different, especially of remote 
 colonies, having but very little knowledge of each 
 
 other, were bound together by no powerful ties of in- 
 
 i 
 
 terest or sympathy; and, from an entire want of sta- 
 tistical information, were perfectly ignorant of the 
 local and general resources of the country. On these 
 points, intelligent strangers, who, having visited the 
 new w T orld, from motives of curiosity, had made the 
 tour of the- colonies, were much better informed, than 
 the natives themselves. Under such circumstances,
 
 INTRODUCTION. 7 
 
 should the colonists, in a moment of desperation, 
 have the audacity to attempt a scheme of resistance, 
 it seemed impossible for them to put forth, with any 
 effect, even the small degree of strength and energy 
 they possessed. 
 
 But the amount of their wants and apparent fee- 
 bleness, in relation to a war with the mother country, 
 is not yet summed up. 
 
 By sea, they were open to every assault. So ab- 
 solute was their state of destitution here, that they 
 had neither ships of war afloat, navy yards for their 
 erection, timber to construct them, materials to equip 
 them, nor naval officers of experience and skill, to 
 be placed in the command. Nor, without these, was 
 it possible for them, in case of hostilities with the 
 parent state, to procure, from foreign countries, sup- 
 plies of such articles, as their exigencies might re- 
 quire. From that quarter, therefore, nothing present- 
 ed itself, but nakedness and imbecility, engaging in 
 a contest with armour and strength. 
 
 By land, their wants were equally discouraging. 
 The only elements of an army they possessed, were 
 in themselves. They had strength and hardihood of 
 person, intellects active, independent and cultivated, 
 a spirit of enterprise invigorated and emboldened 
 by the love of freedom, constitutional ardour ajid in-
 
 8 INTROt>UCTIO>. 
 
 trepid hearts, but nothing more. Of public arms, 
 
 X 
 
 armories, cannon foundaries, magazines, and war- 
 like munitions generally, they were entirely destitute. 
 Of able and experienced officers, they had but 
 few; of engineers, practically versed in their profes- 
 sion, not one. No military schools having existed in 
 the country, and none of their youth having been re- 
 gularly bred to arms in the schools of Europe, war, 
 as a science, was altogether unknown to them. 
 
 Connected with these alarming deficiencies, ap- 
 peared, though at a distance, another very gloomy 
 and disheartening prospect 
 
 Open hostility with the parent state would be ac- 
 counted rebellion ; and a rebellious temper is apt to 
 prove contagious. France, Spain, Holland, Portugal, 
 Denmark and Sweden, had, each of them, colonial 
 possessions, either on the continent, or in the islands, 
 of America. Apprehensive, that if suffered to sur- 
 vive and prosper elsewhere, the spirit of revolt might 
 spread to these establishments, those warlike nations 
 might deem it expedient, to aid Great Britain, should 
 the conflict appear doubtful, in reducing to submis- 
 sion her disobedient colonies. But, admitting the 
 practicability of contending with England single- 
 handed, a confederacy of the most powerful of the 
 European states, would be altogether irresistible.
 
 INTRODUCTION. 9 
 
 A chain of reasoning like this, could scarcely fail 
 to occur to the cool and reflecting Americans; and 
 would necessarily augment, in their apprehension, 
 the dangers of resistance, to arbitrary and oppressive 
 ministerial projects. 
 
 Under auspices, apparently the most propitious, 
 an appeal to arms, by a colony, against a parent 
 state, is an act of intrepidity, unusually daring. Su- 
 peradded to the ordinary dangers, attendant on a 
 state of war, a failure of the enterprise, is followed 
 by executions, attainders, disfranchisements, exile, 
 and whatever else an exasperated government can 
 inflict on rebellion. But, under a deliberate view, 
 and a solemn sense, of all the difficulties and dan- 
 gers I have, here, enumerated, with nothing to sup- 
 port them, but their trust in Heaven, and a full con- 
 viction of the righteousness of their cause, to hazard 
 every thing, in defence of the violated rights of their 
 country, argued, in the leaders of the American re- 
 volution, a spirit of lofty heroism and generous devo- 
 tion, which has no parallel, in the pages of history. 
 
 \ 
 On a cast so unpromising and full of peril, a stake 
 
 so momentous has never been risked. 
 
 Our estimation of the motives Which influenced 
 them, is still further heightened by the recollection.
 
 10 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 that, in all they hazarded, suffered, and achieved, 
 those leaders acted for others, rather than themselves. 
 
 Most of them, being men of comparative wealth 
 and elevated standing among their fellow subjects, 
 would have felt, but slightly, the oppression that was 
 meditated against their country. Their chains would 
 have been light; and they might even have negotiat- 
 ed, with an artful ministry, such terms, as would have 
 secured to them an increase of rank and influence, 
 from the projected arrangements. From humble com-, 
 moners, they might have procured an elevation, by 
 royal favour, to provincial nobility; with an annexa- 
 tion of large estates to splendid titles. Thus, might 
 they have been gratified, at once, in two dominant 
 passions, cupidity and pride. 
 
 But, far above the sphere of selfish propensities, 
 sordid considerations could not touch them. Feeling 
 for the miseries that were preparing for others, in- 
 dignant at the thought of unconditional subjection, 
 on their part, and arbitrary control, on that of their 
 rulers, and preferring a life of freedom, though asso- 
 ciated with poverty, to all that affluence and slavery 
 could offer, they magnanimously resolved, to vindi- 
 cate the insulted majesty of their native land, and de- 
 fend her rights from lawless domination, or sacri- 
 fice in a cause so just and glorious, themselves.
 
 INTRODUCTION. 11 
 
 their fortunes, and the hopes of their descendants. 
 And, for the attainment of their end, in the conflict 
 that ensued, they were equally prodigal of their trea- 
 sures and their blood. 
 
 Conspicuous in the midst of those patriots and 
 heroes was Nathaniel Greene, a major general in 
 the armies of his country, and commander of her 
 forces in the southern department, whose life and 
 character are to constitute the subject of the present 
 volume. 
 
 But, as further preparatory to an entrance on out- 
 work, we must beg to be indulged in a few addition- 
 al preliminary remarks. 
 
 To furnish a representation, in any measure satis- 
 factory, of the magnitude and importance of the 
 American revolution, it is necessary to embrace in 
 the statement, a few of its immediate and most pro- 
 minent consequences. Without such a view of it, 
 complete justice can never be done to the merit of 
 those, by whom it was achieved. For, it is in the ac- 
 tions of individuals, connected with their effects, that 
 we must look for the standard of their greatness and 
 fame. 
 
 By the event of the revolution, the American peo- 
 ple were elevated to the enjoyment of a state of free-
 
 12 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 dom, much more rational, perfect and desirable, than 
 had ever before fallen to the lot of humanity. Their 
 opportunities for improvement intellectual and phy- 
 sical, for raising the character of man to the loftiest 
 pitch, of which it is capable, and for the ultimate at- 
 tainment of glory and felicity, were placed beyond 
 those of any other nation. 
 
 Independently of the trammels imposed by gov- 
 ernments, more or less arbitrary, in the countries of 
 the old world, the march of reason, and the freedom 
 of human action, are there restrained, in no incon- 
 siderable degree, by custom and prejudice. By law- 
 lessly trenching on freedom of conscience, and stern- 
 ly inderdictirig liberality of research, the abuses of 
 religiofl have contributed, not a little, to the same ef- 
 fect From father to son, the established order of 
 things regularly descends, with, comparatively, but 
 few marks of meditated, and fewer still of actual 
 improvement. Hallowed by time, and venerated for 
 its antiquity, innovations on this order, in any degree 
 striking, are held inadmissible. If amended at all, it 
 must be by changes, so gradual in their advance, as 
 to be scarcely perceptible. Hence, in relation to the 
 general condition of society, except when some con- 
 vulsion occurs, an age effects but little alteration. Se
 
 INTRODUCTION, 13 
 
 slow is the progress of melioration and reform, in the 
 civilized nations of Europe and Asia.* 
 
 I know it is maintained, by writers of distinction, 
 that, in savage life, freedom of thought and action 
 exists in its highest perfection; and, that, there, man 
 enjoys opportunities of happiness and correct intel- 
 lection, limited only by the extent of his capacities. 
 But, when fairly analysed, few opinions are found 
 to be more erroneous and untenable. 
 
 If the freedom of the savage is unshackled by hu- 
 man laws, and arbitrary tyrants of his own race, it 
 is severely restricted, by his ignorance and imbecili- 
 ties, his superstitions and his fears. Nor is the sway 
 of custom and usage, over any other individual, more 
 imperative and inflexible. His character conforms 
 to the habits of his tribe; and their practices consti- 
 tute the objects of his earnest imitation. From his 
 ignorance of the laws and operations of nature, he 
 beholds, in most of the physical phenomena around 
 him, the workings of a benign or a malignant spirit, 
 
 * It will be observed, here, that our allusions are confined to the ge- 
 neral state and condition of society, moral and physical; not to the pro- 
 gress ofliterature and science. We also wish it to be borne in mind, 
 lliat we mean to except from the course of our remarks, such effects as 
 result, occasionally, from the operation of great, but accidental causes. 
 Our observations are directed, only, to the common course of events; 
 and to that we believe them perfectly applicable.
 
 14 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 according as the result is propitious or hurtful to him; 
 and his soul, appalled with terror, or paralyzed with 
 awe, is rendered incapable of exertion and inquiry. 
 Admitting, therefore, that he were even divested of 
 the indolence of his disposition, and his love of ease, 
 which appear to be so deeply radicated in his nature, 
 as to control his destiny, he enjoys no real freedom 
 of action or thought, while enfeebled by a want of 
 knowledge, and enslaved by the superstitions and 
 fears that accompany it. The infant that is too imbe- 
 cile to move, possesses no more effective freedom of 
 action, than if it were under absolute restraint. Nor 
 does the mind of the savage, when blinded by igno- 
 rance, and interdicted from exertion, by some irre- 
 sistible prejudice or passion. Centered, as they are, 
 in. his own person, and constituting a part of himself, 
 the dominion which these powers exercise over him, 
 is the more imperative and unrelenting. 
 
 But, equally remote from the narrowed condition 
 of the savage mind, and that of the civilized mind of 
 
 the eastern hemisphere, is the intellectual condition 
 
 % 
 
 of the American people. Relieved, by cultivation, 
 from the natural restraints of ignorance and super- 
 stition, it has not yet submitted to the artificial ones, 
 imposed by government, custom, and the abuses of 
 religion.
 
 INTRODUCTION. 15 
 
 On emigrating to the new world, our forefathers, 
 many of whom were distinguished among their co- 
 temporaries, for enlightened minds, and most of 
 them for independent spirits, brought with them much 
 of the information, with but little of the prejudi- 
 ces, and other intellectual trammels of Europe. They 
 had it, now, in their power, without subjecting them- 
 selves to censure or remark, to retain so much of the 
 fruits of their original education, and of their former 
 habits and modes of life, as they might find advanta- 
 geous, and to reject such parts as had already become 
 useless, or were likely to prove injurious. Nor was 
 it possible, in the nature of things, that they should 
 not, in some degree, adopt the measure. 
 
 The novelty of their situation, called imperatively 
 for a corresponding novelty, in their trains of thought 
 and their courses of action: and, to a certain extent 
 the requisite changes were, in time, effected. For, if 
 free from control, the enlightened mind be permitted 
 to profit by observation and experience, it rarely fails 
 to form, at length, those opinions, and to pursue, in 
 practice, that line of conduct, which are best adapt- 
 ed to existing circumstances. Touching this point 
 cultivated man possesses a kind of intuition, from 
 which he derives the same advantages, that inferior 
 animals do from instinct. If left unmolested, he
 
 16 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 seldom goes wrong; but conforms, in his actions, to 
 reason and nature. 
 
 Such, in a degree that had no precedent, was the 
 case with the original colonizers of North America. 
 From the time of their first settlement, in the wilds^ 
 they had selected, they began to assume a new char- 
 acter, suited to their altered condition and necessities. 
 The extent of the theatre, on which they were plac- 
 ed, the grandeur and magnificence of surrounding 
 scenery, the unlimited freedom they now enjoyed, 
 and the labours and dangers they were compelled to 
 encounter, gave to them a compass of thought, an in- 
 trepidity of intellect, a loftiness of spirit, and an ener- 
 gy of character, far beyond what they had before 
 possessed. To their descendants, these qualities were 
 transmitted, not only unimpaired, but augmented and 
 confirmed, by the early operation of the same causes, 
 that had originally produced them. Thus arose a new 
 people, formed by circumstances, accidental but ir- 
 resistible, for high destinies, and deriving from na- 
 ture the elements of greatness. 
 
 But the operation of moral and political causes, is 
 capable of countervailing or greatly modifying, the in- 
 fluence of those, that are physical and local. If it does 
 not entirely subvert nature, it can enfeeble her pow- 
 ers, and confine her movements. Hence, it was not
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 until alter the achievement of their Independence, 
 that the American people became duly sensible, of 
 the force and compass of their own energies. They 
 were now, for the first time, made acquainted with 
 themselves, and with the entire extent of the advan- 
 tages they enjoyed. Their views being thus expand- 
 ed, and their pride and sensibilities as a nation, 
 awakened, from that era, commenced their inarch 
 towards greatness and glory. 
 
 Out of their own moderation, and the wisdom and 
 enlightened policy of their delegates, arose state con- 
 stitutions of the fairest promise, and a form of gener- 
 al government, excellent beyond what the world had 
 beheld. While they themselves were earnestly en- 
 gaged, in joint endeavours to improve those institu- 
 tions, distant nations, attracted by the spectacle, gazed 
 with wonder, at the stupendous achievements of a 
 new people. 
 
 The advantages accruing from these establish- 
 ments, gave a fresh spring to national exertion and 
 individual adventure. Beneath the hand of industry 
 and enterprise, the progress of improvement soon 
 became conspicuous; the western forests fell with a 
 rapidity, that was altogether unexampled, and plenty 
 overspread the wastes of barrenness; in all directions 
 the face of the country was covered with the fruits
 
 18 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 of skilful cultivation; numerous manufacturing insti- 
 tutions for supplying the necessaries and comforts 
 of life, started into existence; and every sea became 
 whitened by our canvass, bearing our productions to 
 distant marts. 
 
 The freedom of our government, and the felicity of 
 our situation, drew to our shores, from the countries 
 of Europe, augmented emigrations, still further pro- 
 moting our agricultural interests, and planting among 
 us the imperishable seeds of manufactures and arts 
 of a higher order. 
 
 iVom this propitious combination of causes, re- 
 sulted an increase in wealth and population, national 
 power and general prosperity, which, for the multi- 
 plicity of its sources, and the celerity of its progress, 
 has never been equalled. Nor have any obstacles 
 yet presented themselves, to circumscribe its limits, 
 or impede its career.. Even the present embarrass- 
 ments of the country will, in the end, contribute to its 
 extension. Still widening, therefore, as it proceeds, 
 and continuing to advance with an accelerated pro- 
 gression the necessary effect of a multiplication of 
 causes, at what point it may terminate, or what may 
 be its influence on the condition of nations, and the 
 destinies of man, no human sagacity can predict. The 
 belief that it must, eventually, be great and lasting, is
 
 INTRODUCTION. 19 
 
 forced on us, by considerations, which nothing can 
 resist. 
 
 When we take a survey of the boundless extent of 
 our territory, the number and variety of our climates, 
 the richness and diversity of our soil, the facilities of 
 our inland and maritime navigation, the industry, 
 enterprise, and practical good sense, of our inhabi- 
 tants, and the' federative nature of our government, 
 which, unlike all others, strengthens as it spreads, 
 and increases in its capabilities, to call forth and 
 wield the resources of the country: When we thus 
 contemplate, collectively, our multiplied means and 
 elements of greatness, the American empire, bounded 
 by the lakes and the gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic and 
 the Pacific oceans, presents itself to us, in prospect, 
 possessed of a power, and clothed in a magnificence 
 so august and dazzling, that, for want of an exam- 
 ple, in existence or history, the imagination can form 
 no adequate conception of it. If we annex to its limits, 
 the West India islands, which, in time, itivitt embrace, 
 and ornament it with whatever of lustre, the most 
 improved condition of the useful and polite arts, and 
 a corresponding advancement in science and letters, 
 are calculated to impart, and to this pitch of culti- 
 vation, American genius, urged by the ambition and 
 enterprise attending it, cannot fail to attain if we
 
 20 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 thus anticipate and combine, we shall form an image, 
 neither extravagant in its outline, nor coloured be- 
 yond the life, which, compared with whatever may 
 accompany or has preceded it, is without a parallel, 
 and, for grandeur and glory, must stand acknowledg- 
 ed, the chef d'oeuvre of earthly monuments. 
 
 But, to the independence of our country is the 
 whole of this power and magnificence to be attribut- 
 ed: a colonial condition being unfriendly to individual 
 distinction, and inconsistent with national greatness. 
 It is therefore, under Providence, the work of the 
 illustrious assertors of our freedom; and should be 
 passed to their credit, by the justice of the world. 
 
 Such is a brief representation of some of the 
 leading results of the American Revolution, without 
 a knowledge and due consideration of which, no cor- 
 rect estimate can be formed, of the importance of 
 that event, or of the high amount of admiration and 
 gratitude, due from the American people to those 
 heroes and statesmen, by whom it was achieved. 
 For exploits of much less brilliancy, and services far 
 inferior in value, the benefactors of nations, in other 
 times, have been canonized as saints, and worship- 
 ped as demigods.
 
 MEMOIRS 
 
 OF 
 
 MAJOR GENERAL GREENE 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The ancestry, birth, and educa tion of Nathaniel Greene. His first appear- 
 ance in public li;e, as a member of the legislature of his native colo- 
 ny the part he there sustained his sentiments, on the right of the 
 subject, and the power of the ruler the character of his eloquence 
 his conduct, on the commencement of the revolutionary troubles 
 lu's conference with a deputation, from the society of Friends his dis- 
 mission from that society. 
 
 NATHANIEL GREENE was the fourth, in 
 
 descent, from the European stock, his great grand- 
 fathers' fathers, paternal and maternal, having been 
 emigrants from England. The town of Salisbury 
 was the place of residence of his English ancestry, 
 who, from the remotest period to which they can be 
 traced, were people of repute.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 In his religious character, he belonged to the so- 
 ciety of Friends; in his political., he was, from his 
 youth, an inflexible, Jbut temperate, and rational re- 
 publican. 
 
 The families, from which he was descended, were 
 among the early and most respectable colonizers, of 
 that section of country, denominated New England. 
 Without having been particularly distinguished by 
 genius or acquirement, several of his forefathers in 
 America were of strong, cultivated, and practical in- 
 tellects; and all of them, of whom any knowledge is 
 now attainable, were marked, alike, by the sterner 
 virtues of the useful citizen, and the amiable qualities 
 of the neighbour and the friend. Industrious, enter- 
 prising, public spirited, and of exemplary deportment, 
 some of them attained to the foremost rank and influ- 
 ence in the community. 
 
 John Greene, the founder of the family, arriving 
 from Salem in the colony of Massachusets, settled in 
 Providence, in the year 1637, that town being then 
 in its infancy. On the first of October, 1642, he re- 
 ceived from the two sachems, Miantenomow and So- 
 cononeo, a deed for that portion of Warwick, called 
 Occapassatuxet, an estate which is still retained by 
 his descendants.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 23 
 
 In 1 652, he had conferred on him the appointment 
 of recorder general of the colony, an office equivalent 
 to that of secretary of state. 
 
 His immediate issue, in the male line, were three 
 sons, John, James, and Thomas. 
 
 Of these, John was chosen an assistant of the co- 
 lony (the same in rank as senator) in 1660, and held 
 the place of lieutenant governor, from 1690 until 1701. 
 
 James and Thomas were also elected assistants, 
 ill 1670 and 1678. 
 
 One of the lineal descendants of John Greene was, 
 for several years, governor of Rhode Island, during 
 the war of the revolution. 
 
 Such was the standing of some of the elder mem- 
 bers of the family, at a time, when offices of trust and 
 honour were bestowed as rewards of competency and 
 merit. 
 
 To Rhode Island, which was so long the place of 
 their residence, it is probable that the ancestors of 
 Nathaniel Greene were originally attracted, by the 
 liberal policy and Christian spirit, which, from its 
 first establishment, distinguished that small but re- 
 spectable colony. 
 
 Although exiled from their native land by ecclesi- 
 astical seventies, it is known that the original colo- 
 nists of Massachusetts and Connecticut, were far
 
 24 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 from being disciplined into religious toleration. In 
 the school of deep and long-continued misfortune, 
 they had not yet learnt the virtue of charity. Rigid 
 puritans and presbyterians themselves, they could not 
 be persuaded of the orthodoxy of the principles, the 
 rectitude of the views, or the legitimacy of the govern- 
 ment and form of worship, of any other sect. They 
 denounced as heresy, not to be tolerated, every thing 
 that differed from their own dogmas. 
 
 But, it was more especially against papists and 
 the society of friends, of which last denomination 
 many individuals had settled among them, that they 
 directed their resentment, and intolerant spirit. 
 These they regarded as heretics, so flagrant in their 
 false doctrines, that to hold communion with them 
 was sinful and dangerous. Hence, they instituted 
 against them, a course of ecclesiastical proceedings, 
 which amounted to a scheme of unrelenting persecu- 
 tion. With an inconsistency by no means uncom- 
 mon in the history of man, they seemed resolved to 
 deprive them of that liberty of conscience, for the 
 tranquil enjoyment of which, they themselves had 
 braved and borne every form and degree, that hard- 
 ship, difficulty, and danger could present. 
 
 Whin Rhode Island was first settled, and erected 
 into a colonial establishment, by Mr. Roger Wil-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 25 
 
 liams, and a few of his followers, an effort was made, 
 by the several adjoining sister colonies, to induce her 
 to adopt in relation to non-conforming Christians, but, 
 more especially, the society of friends, the same il- 
 liberal policy with themselves. 
 
 This attempt, to control conscience, and prescribe 
 the manner, in which man must hold communion 
 with his God, was successfully resisted, by the new 
 colonists, who manifested, on the occasion, a firm- 
 ness and independence, creditable to them, as men, 
 and worthy of the cause, of humanity and religion. 
 To the honour of his heart, as well as of his under- 
 standing, Mr. Williams, appears to have been the 
 first legislator, of modern times, who provided, by 
 statute, for the full enjoyment, of religious freedom. 
 What he denominated the " foundation principle" of 
 the colony he had established, was, that " every man, 
 who submits peaceably to the civil .authority, may 
 peaceably worship God, according to the dictates of 
 his mvn conscience, without molestation/' This prin- 
 ciple, the constituted authorities, regarded as the 
 Palladium of their most invaluable right, and in- 
 flexibly adhered to it, in their legislative capacity. 
 They even invited Christians, of different denomina- 
 tions, to take refuge among them, from any arbitra- 
 
 D
 
 26 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ry invasion, they might elsewhere sustain, of the free- 
 dom of worship. 
 
 A provision at once so liberal, and wise, could not 
 iail to be salutary in its operation, and to insure the 
 growth and prosperity of the place. Accordingly, 
 Rhode Island became, in a short time, the resort of 
 individuals of various sects, who lived in intimacy, 
 and harmony, with each other, and in the unmolest- 
 ed enjoyment, of the rights of conscience. 
 
 It was at this period, and owing to this peaceful 
 and attractive condition of things, that the ancestors 
 of Nathaniel Greene, with several other members of 
 the society of friends, selected that tolerant and flour- 
 ishing colony, as the place of their abode. 
 
 Thus, through the smiles of Providence, on wise, 
 humane, and righteous measures, did a descendant, 
 by means of his greatness and glory, amply remu- 
 nerate his native place, for the protection and fa- 
 vours, bestowed by it on his progenitors. But for 
 the liberality of the original constitution of Rhode 
 Island, he, who was second, in lustre, in that bright 
 galaxy, of revolutionary heroes, where Washington 
 only was first, might not have belonged to that fa- 
 voured colony, but would, probably, have done hon- 
 our, by his birth and residence, to some other spot.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 27 
 
 Nathaniel Greene, although descended from an- 
 cestors, of elevated standing, was not indebted to the 
 condition of his family, for any part of the real lus- 
 tre, and reputation he possessed. As truly as is the 
 case, with any individual, he was the founder of his 
 own fortune, and the author of his own fame. 
 
 He was the second son of Nathaniel Greene, an 
 anchor-smith, of considerable note, who is believed 
 to have had the earliest establishment of the kind, 
 erected in America, and, by persevering industry, in 
 the line of his profession, an extensive and lucrative 
 concern in iron-works, and some success, in com- 
 mercial transactions, had acquired a sufficiency, to 
 render him comfortable, if not wealthy. 
 
 He was born in the year 1741, in the town of 
 Warwick, and county of Kent, in the province of 
 Rhode Island. As far as is known, his childhood pas- 
 sed, without any peculiar or unequivocal indications, 
 of future greatness. But this is a point of little mo- 
 ment. The size of the oak, it is destined to produce, 
 can rarely be foretold, from an examination of the 
 acorn. Nor is it often, that any well defined marks 
 of genius, in the child, afford a premonition of the 
 eminence of the man. 
 
 Several of his cotemporaries, however, who are 
 still living, have a perfect recollection, that young
 
 28 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Greene, had neither the appearance nor manners, of 
 a common boy; nor was he so considered, by his 
 elder, and more discerning, acquaintance. 
 
 Although not capricious, his deportment was une- 
 ven. With a disposition perfectly social, and man- 
 ners sufficiently affable, to render him a favourite 
 with those of his age, he had, notwithstanding, his 
 hours of stubborn taciturnity and retirement. Dur- 
 ing these intervals, he was grave, thoughtful, and 
 contemplative, beyond his years; and, when thus im- 
 mersed, in silent reverie, would seldom allow himself 
 to be needlessly interrupted, without manifesting 
 signs of irritation and resentment 
 
 At other times, he joined, with eagerness and de- 
 light, in all the diversions and amusements of his as- 
 sociates; but gave a preference to exercises, of a 
 manly character. When engaged in these, where his 
 ardour and achievement were alike remarkable, he 
 usually placed himself at the head of his comrades, 
 who felt no degradation, at being vanquished, in the 
 contest, or in submitting to his sway. For swiftness 
 of foot, in particular, he was without a rival. Yet, he 
 neither usurped the foremost place, with an air of 
 haughtiness, and conscious superiority; nor struggled 
 to retain it, as a prerogative which he held in high 
 estimation. It was instinctively surrendered to him,, by
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 29 
 
 the justice of his companions, who recognized, in 
 him, a right to it, which they could not dispute; and it 
 remained in his possession, as a matter of course, 
 because, without a voluntary relinquishment, on his 
 part, none of his equals could wrest it from him. 
 
 Being intended, by his father, for the business 
 which he had himself pursued, young Greene re- 
 ceived, at school, nothing but the elements of a com- 
 mon English education. But, to himself, an acquisi- 
 tion, so humble and limited, was unsatisfactory and 
 mortifying. Even now, his aim w 7 as lofty; and he 
 had a noble ambition, not only to embark, in high 
 pursuits, but to qualify himself for a manly and hon- 
 ourable acquittance in them. Seeming, at this early 
 period of life, to realize the important truth, that 
 knowledge is power, a desire to obtain it, became, 
 in a short time, his ruling passion. 
 
 He, accordingly, procured, in part by his own eco- 
 nomy, the necessary books, and, at intervals of lei- 
 sure, acquired, chiefly without the aid of an instruc- 
 tor, a competent acquaintance, with the Latin tongue. 
 
 This attainment, respectable in itself, was only 
 preliminary, to higher efforts With such funds, as 
 he was able to raise, he purchased a small, but well 
 selected library, and spent his evenings, and all the 
 time, he could redeem from business, in regular
 
 30 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 study. He read, with a view to general improvement; 
 but geography, travels, and military history the 
 latter, more especially constituted his delight. Hav- 
 ing, also, a predilection for mathematics, and me- 
 chanical philosophy, and pursuing, in most Cases, 
 the bent of his inclination, as far as prudence and 
 opportunity would admit, his knowledge, in the 
 more practical departments of these sciences, be- 
 came highly respectable. 
 
 To this course of mental discipline, and manly 
 pursuit, it would scarcely be a mark of supersti- 
 tion to believe, that he was directed by the dispensa- 
 tion of that Providence, which so manifestly watched 
 over the welfare of his country. A line of study, bet- 
 ter calculated, to prepare his mind for the part he 
 acted, in our revolutionary conflict, could scarcely 
 have been devised. In indulging the native aspira- 
 tions of his genius, he supplied, in no inconsiderable 
 degree, the Avant of a regular military education. 
 For, geography and mathematics, mechanical phi- 
 losophy, and military history, constitute the chief 
 elements, of the science of war. 
 
 But the hours were, comparatively, few, which 
 young Greene had it in his power, to dedicate, unin- 
 terruptedly, to the cultivation of his intellect His 
 own inclination, if left unrestrained, would have led
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 him to the pursuit of knowledge alone, or, to that of 
 one of the higher and learned professions. But con- 
 siderations, which were deemed imperious, forbade 
 his being indulged in this desire. Nor was, his in- 
 clination, so strong and unruly, as to cost him a very 
 arduous struggle to subdue it. 
 
 In obedience, therefore, to the wishes of his fa- 
 ther, he early embarked in his own line of business, 
 and, in the regular pursuit of it, consumed the prin- 
 cipal portion of his time. Even this, in the round 
 of events, proved tributary to his future distinction 
 and fame, and to his high and varied utilities, in 
 military life. By giving him full strength of muscle, 
 and hardihood of person, with a correct and practical 
 knowledge of men and affairs, it qualified him, the 
 better, for, the toils of a camp, and the important 
 trust, of quarter-master general, in the able dis- 
 charge ot the duties of which, during the most dis- 
 heartening period of the war, he added, so immea- 
 surably, to his own renown, and served, so essen- 
 tially, the interests of his country. 
 
 Although the business, in which he was now en- 
 gaged, was too limited for his talents, and too hum- 
 ble for his ambition, his good sense prompted him, 
 to prosecute it with industry, steadiness, and zeal. 
 In the continuance of this laudable course, he was
 
 32 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 i 
 
 encouraged and confirmed, by a hope and belieij 
 that, at no veiy distant period, he might acquire 
 such a competency, as would give him the entire 
 command of his time, and enable him to spend it, in 
 more congenial, and favourite pursuits. 
 
 Nor was he altogether disappointed, in these flat- 
 tering prospects. Although he did not become ab- 
 solutely rich and independent, his merit soon raised 
 him, to exhibit his talents, in a loftier sphere. 
 
 For penetration and judgment, correct informa- 
 tion, and a discriminating mind, he was already dis- 
 tinguished, in the circle of his acquaintance. By a 
 general intercourse with men, and mingling, in the 
 most polished society, of the place, he became, in a 
 short time, equally remarkable, for a conciliating de- 
 portment, affable manners, and an easy,rich, and per- 
 spicuous elocution. 
 
 Qualifications so solid, and attractive, could not 
 long fail, to introduce their possessor to public notice, 
 and, by rendering him an object of esteem and confi- 
 dence, successfully recommend him to the favours of 
 his country. 
 
 Accordingly, at a period of life, unusually early, Mr. 
 Greene was elevated, by a very flattering suffrage, 
 to a seat in the legislature, of his native colony. 
 This was the commencement of a public career.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 33 
 
 which, brightening, as it advanced, and flourishing in 
 the midst of difficulties, closed with a lustre that was 
 peculiarly dazzling. 
 
 Being thus introduced into the councils of his coun- 
 try, at a time,, when the rights of the subject, and the 
 powers of the ruler, were beginning to be topics of 
 liberal discussion, he felt it his duty, as a public func- 
 tionary, to avow his sentiments, on the momentous 
 question. Nor, possessed, as he was, of enlightened 
 views, and an intrepid spirit, did he pause or waver, 
 as to the principles he should adopt, and the decision 
 he should Form. He was, from early habit, no less 
 than from a sense of its utility, a lover of order; but, 
 convinced, that educatedman, was intended, by a God 
 of justice and benevolence, to be governed by reason, 
 not by force, he was inflexibly opposed to tyranny 
 and oppression. Nor, as often as the subject was in- 
 troduced, in private conversation, or public debate, 
 did he shrink from a manly avowal of his opinion. 
 Remarkable, however, even now, for prudence and 
 sound policy, his expressions, on these occasions, were 
 no less temperate andqualified,thanresoluteandfirni. 
 To every discerning eye, he had the appearance of a, 
 man, prepared, alike, to counsel, or to act to encou- 
 rage, or to lead, in resistance to oppression, and in the 
 assertion of right.
 
 34 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Mr. Greene was altogether a practical legislator. 
 Without being extensively versed in political learn- 
 ing, his acquaintance with man, and his talent for 
 observation., connected with sagacity and sound judg- 
 ment, gave him a degree of knowledge, on the subject 
 of government, that was, at once, respectable, and 
 highly useful: and this he was enabled to commu- 
 nicate, with more than ordinary effect, by the ex- 
 cellent style of his public eloquence, which, without 
 being vehement, impassioned, or brilliant, was pecu- 
 liarly luminous, manly, and bold. Too honest for 
 sophistry, and impatient of the interrupted march of 
 logic, he pressed to his object, by the assumption of 
 forcible and clear positions, which he handled with 
 strength, rather than skill. 
 
 His perfect acquaintance with the interests of his 
 constituents, his courteous deportment, and devotion 
 to business, rendered him one of the most popular 
 men of the day; and enabled him to retain, without an 
 effort, the seat which he held, in the legislature of the 
 colony. 
 
 But his character, .although forming, was not 
 completely developed, until the commencement of 
 the troubles, which terminated in our independence. 
 It was then, that assuming the functions of an 
 awakening spirit, he aspired to a lead, in the public
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 35 
 
 councils; and, throwing from him, as unsuitable to 
 the times, the peaceful habits, in which he had been 
 educated, sternly declared, for a redress of grievan- 
 ces, or open resistance. 
 
 On this daring measure, however, he did not ven- 
 ture, until, by a series of preliminary impressions, 
 he had contributed, in co-operation with others, of 
 similar views, and corresponding firmness, to pre- 
 pare, for the crisis, the minds of the people. Being, 
 from this period, publicly regarded as the leader of 
 the colony, in case of a final resort to the sword, he 
 began to qualify himself, more specifically, by a 
 course of reading, for the profession of arms. In this, 
 he only fostered a propensity, which, although not, 
 perhaps, recognized, even by himself, had evidently 
 slumbered, from childhood, in his bosom. 
 
 This open departure, from the sectarian principles, 
 in which he had been educated, was followed, of 
 course, by his immediate dismission, from the Society 
 of friends. Previously, however, to the final act of 
 excommunication, against him, several of the leading 
 men of the meeting, to which he belonged, waited on 
 him, in a body, with a view to endeavour, by remon- 
 strance and persuasion, to divert him from his pur- 
 pose. This friendly deputation, he received with his
 
 36 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 usual urbanity, and heard what they had to urge, 
 with patient attention. 
 
 When they had finished their address, he very 
 calmly and courteously replied, that, as regarded the 
 religious denomination, to which he had, hitherto, 
 adhered, he was perfectly aware of the necessary 
 consequence, of the step he had taken ; and, that he 
 had not adopted it, without seriously reflecting on it, 
 in all its bearings. He deeply regretted a separation 
 from a society, in the bosom of which he had been 
 educated, and had passed many of the happiest mo- 
 ments of his life. But, in all he had now done, he had 
 the perfect concurrence of his judgment and con- 
 science; and, to recede, therefore, would, on his part, 
 be a violation of duty, which he must not encounter. 
 He expressed a hope, that his new course of life, 
 would not entail on him a forfeiture, of the friend- 
 ships and good wishes, of his early associates; a re- 
 sult, which he frankly declared, he should feel to be 
 one of the most serious misfortunes, that could befall 
 him. He professed, for the general principles and 
 doctrines of the Society of friends, that high venera- 
 tion, which he was bound to feel, for the religion of 
 his forefathers; and, also, an undiminished esteem, 
 for the correct habits, and exemplary deportment, of 
 the people of the sect. He flattered himself, that,
 
 L'IFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 37 
 
 notwithstanding his removal from them, his old 
 friends would Hot cease to feel an interest., in his 
 personal welfare, if not in the success, of the enter- 
 prises he might attempt; and concluded, by an assu- 
 rance, that, should any thing occur, to convince him 
 of the error of his present views, and course of life, 
 he would immediately relinquish them; and, after 
 making satisfactory atonement, crave a readmission 
 into the society, from which he had been excluded. 
 Finding him inflexible, the deputation, which con- 
 sisted chiefly of his personal friends, took an affect- 
 ing leave of him, deeply lamenting the error, into 
 which they conceived him to have fallen, and not a 
 little grieved, at the loss of a member, of such high 
 qualities, and distinguished promise. 
 
 451)853
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Commencement of the war of the Revolution. Mr. Greene, at first a 
 private, in a short time, with the rank of brigadier general, takes 
 command of the Rhode Island militia repairs to Cambridge addres- 
 ses general Washing-ton, as commander in chief is promoted, by 
 congress, to the rank of major general, in the regular army. His 
 conduct, on Long and York islands opposes, successfully, in a coun- 
 cil of officers, the proposition, made by general Lee, for the entire 
 evacuation of the latter accompanies general Washington, in his 
 retreat through New Jersey is present at the capture of the Hes- 
 sians, in Trenton his advice, on that occasion is present, also, in 
 f he battle of Princeton distinguishes himself, in the battle of Bran- 
 dywine remonstrates with the commander in chief, for not doing jus- 
 tice, in general orders, to Weedon's brigade commands the Ameri- 
 can right wing, in the battle of Germantown, and acquits himself to 
 the satisfaction of general Washington is ordered into New Jersey, 
 at the head of a strong detachment of troops, to watch the move- 
 ments of lord Cornwallis The opinion of his lordship respecting him. 
 
 THE encroachments of an arbitrary, and short 
 sighted ministry, on the rights and privileges of the 
 North American colonies, reduced them, at length, 
 to the fatal alternative, of unconditional submission, 
 or an appeal to the sword. Under such circum- 
 stances, high minded characters, who had, hitherto, 
 been free, could not hesitate, in making their elec- 
 tion. They could endure death, but not bondage: 
 and, on this sentiment was their resolution built.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 39 
 
 In every circle, throughout the country, resistance 
 and war became the theme of conversation ; and a 
 spirit of defiance, accompanied by the bustle and 
 "note of preparation," spread from colony to colony, 
 with a rapidity that astonished, while it offered an 
 earnest, of ultimate success. 
 
 The sword was earliest unsheathed, in the colony 
 of Massachusetts; and, on the plains of Lexington 
 and Concord, the blood of British soldiers, and 
 American subjects, mingled first in hostile strife. 
 
 After that severe and sanguinary affair, which 
 occurred on the 19th of April, 1775, it was not 
 long, until New England was in arms. Nor, in gal- 
 lantry of spirit, and promptitude of preparation, was 
 Rhode Island behind her sister colonies. 
 
 In October, 1774, her legislature granted a char- 
 ter to a military association, under the name of the 
 Kentish guards. The command was conferred on 
 James M. Varnum, who afterwards attained to the 
 rank of brigadier general. 
 
 Of this company, Nathaniel Greene, then in the 
 legislature, was the chief promoter, and an original 
 member; but, having, as yet, no experience in arms, 
 commenced, under its auspices, in the capacity of a 
 private soldier, his military pupillage.
 
 40 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 In this humble walk he continued, faithfully per- 
 forming the duties appertaining to it, until after the 
 battle of Concord and Lexington. But that brought 
 to a close, his character, as a private. 
 
 The soil of his country was, now, unrighteously 
 stained, with the blood of her sons; the maddening 
 sound of battle had reached him, and his genius for 
 war, was suddenly awakened, into vigorous action. 
 
 Greatly to their credit, those who had been here- 
 tofore, his superiors, in rank, feeling, at present, the 
 ascendancy of his intellect, and the energy of his 
 character, magnanimously recognized his fitness for 
 command. They unanimously pronounced him qua- 
 lified, beyond any other individual, to become, in a 
 , military point of view, the chief of the colony. 
 
 Rhode Island having, accordingly, in the month 
 of May, 1775, raised three regiments of militia, 
 amounting in the whole, to about sixteen hundred, 
 and officered, by some of her most distinguished 
 inhabitants, she placed them under the command of 
 Mr. Greene, with the rank of brigadier general, 
 who, without loss of time, conducted them to head 
 quarters, in the village of Cambridge. 
 
 Here, having, by a single act of promotion, after a 
 noviciate of about seven months, exchanged the rank 
 of a private, for that of a general officer, he soon dis-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 41 
 
 tinguished himself, in his present station, and offer- 
 ed to others, a most salutary example. This he did, 
 in a very special manner, and, with the happiest ef- 
 fect, by his prompt obedience to the commands of his 
 superiors, at a time, when that subordination, which 
 alone can render an army efficient and powerful, was 
 not yet established? by habits of strict and laborious 
 attention, in the regular study of military science; and, 
 by the excellent discipline, which he caused to be in- 
 troduced, into his own brigade. 
 
 Although perfectly ignorant, when first embodied, 
 of all that related to the duties of a soldier, the Rhode 
 Island militia had been but a short ti me in service when 
 they took a lead of most of their associates, in their 
 spirit of subordination, in the dexterous use of their 
 arms, and in a knowledge of the various evolutions of 
 the field. For this, they were indebted, if not exclu- 
 sively, at least, in the first instance, to the judgment, 
 skill, and exertions of their commander. For the offi- 
 cer 'imprints his image on the soldiery, as certainly 
 and indelibly, as the signet does its impress, on the 
 softened wax. 
 
 A gentleman, of peculiar sagacity, and discern- 
 ment, now residing in the state of Massachusetts, 
 saw general Greene, for the first time, at Cambridge, 
 in the year 1775. He was sitting in court martial, 
 
 F
 
 12 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 on the trial of certain officers, for misconduct, at the 
 battle of Bunker's hill. 
 
 Uninformed even of his name, and with no other 
 knowledge of him, but that derived from the clear- 
 ness, force, and compass of his views, in relation to 
 the matters then before him, the pertinency of his 
 interrogatories, the promptness and propriety of his 
 decisions, and the commanding dignity of his whole 
 deportment, the stranger pronounced him, without 
 hesitation, a man of real military genius, and, although 
 several officers, of rank, were present, by far, the 
 ablest member of the court. 
 
 This fact, which illustrates, very forcibly, the 
 strength and loftiness of the character of Greene, was 
 communicated to us, a few weeks ago, by the gentle- 
 man, who made the observation, and who, we have 
 permission to say, is colonel Pickering. 
 
 On the second of July, 1 775, general Washington, 
 invested, by congress, with the command in chief 
 of the armies of his country, arrived at the Ameri- 
 can head-quarters, in Cambridge. 
 
 On this occasion, in compliment to their comman- 
 der, and in testimony of their acquiescence and 
 satisfaction, in his appointment, the army received 
 him, with a general and brilliant demonstration of
 
 LIFE 'OF GENERAL GREECE. 43 
 
 t 
 
 But it is not in public acts, where thousands are 
 united, that loyalty and devotion are most cordially 
 expressed. True sincerity discloses its regards, 
 rather in whispers, than in noisy acclamation. 
 
 Conscious of this truth, general Greene availed 
 himself of an early opportunity, to welcome the 
 commander in chief, in a personal address, in which, 
 with that warmth of feeling, and kindness of expres- 
 sion, which the occasion required, he avowed his 
 attachment to his person, his admiration of his cha- 
 racter, his confidence in his talents, and the high 
 gratification he derived, from the prospect of being 
 associated with him in arms, and serving under him, 
 in defence of the violated rights of his country. 
 . This incident, was the happy prelude, to a' friend- 
 ship between those two great and illustrious offi- 
 cers, which death, alone, had the power to dissolve. 
 Noj sooner did the commander in chief, become 
 thoroughly acquainted, with the character and me- 
 rits of general Greene, the ardour of his patriotism, 
 the integrity of his heart, his profound judgment 
 and sagacity in council, and the firmness and gal- 
 lantly of his spirit in the field, than he regularly 
 consulted him, in difficult emergencies, and receiv- ' 
 ed his opinions, with uncommon deference. General 
 Hamilton alone excepted, it is believed that he ne-
 
 44 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ver, in a public capacity, reposed, in any other indi- 
 vidual, an equal confidence. Nor had time, and a 
 confirmed intimacy with him, any other effect, than 
 to enhance his estimation, of his capacity and 
 worth. It is a fact, of notoriety, that he entertained, 
 and frequently expressed, an anxious wish, that, in 
 case of his death, or disability, general Greene might 
 be appointed his successor, in the supreme com- 
 mand. A more honourable testimonial could not 
 have been awarded, than such a desire, expressed 
 by one, who was equally distinguished, for his love of 
 country, and his Unerring judgment of human cha- 
 racter. 
 
 It is also known, that a majority, in congress, 
 considered Greene, next to Washington, best quali- 
 fied for the command in chief. 
 
 Where men of low qualities, and sordid spirits, 
 are permitted to be competitors, for favour and 
 place, exalted merit never fails, to become an object 
 of envy, intrigue, and detraction. 
 
 It was not to be expected, then, that the growing 
 intimacy, attachment, and confidence, between gene- 
 ral Greene, and the commander in chief, would be 
 suffered long to exist, without an attempt, on the 
 part of those, who, from a want of merit, could rise 
 only by the downfall of their superiors, to poison and 
 destroy , them.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 45 
 
 Accordingly, but a few months after their com- 
 mencement, the effort was made, in indistinct whis- 
 pers, anonymous communications, and such other 
 practices, as malice and meanness, employ against 
 worth. 
 
 But general Washington had too much discern- 
 ment, to become the dupe of such weak and grovel- 
 ling artifices. An enlightened judge of human ac- 
 tions, he attributed to their true motives, those dark 
 machinations, against an officer, of whose talents he 
 had sufficient evidence, and whose moral worth was 
 above suspicion. Envy and detraction, he well knew, 
 to be the constant lot, of pre-eminent merit. He con- 
 tinued, therefore, regardless of calumny, to bestow 
 friendship, and repose confidence, where they were 
 so amply deserved. 
 
 During the investment of Boston, by the American 
 forces, a state of things, which lasted, for several 
 months, no opportunity presented itself to general 
 Greene, to acquire distinction, by personal exploit: 
 But his love of action, and spirit of adventure, were 
 strongly manifested: for, he was one of the few offi- 
 cers of rank, who concurred with general Washing- 
 ton, in the propriety of attempting to cany the toA\ n 
 by assault.
 
 46 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 
 
 In consequence of this, and his high estimation of 
 his general competency, when the commander in 
 chief, determined, at length, on a daring enterprise 
 against the enemy, he entrusted to him, the imme- 
 diate command of that division of the army, which he 
 expected to sustain, by its firmness, the severest con- 
 flict, and vanquish, by its valour, the most formida- 
 ble opposition. This was the second division, which, 
 besides some manoeuvering, during the time of ac- 
 tion, that required judgment, coolness, and skill, in 
 the commanding officer, had orders, in the plan of 
 attack, to assault and carry, by the bayonet, should 
 the resistance require it, a very strong, and well 
 guarded point. General Washington is known to 
 have been frustrated, in his views, on this occa- 
 sion, by the interposition of occurrences, over which 
 
 he had no control. 
 
 i 
 
 On the evacuation of Boston, by the British army, 
 an event which occurred about the middle of March, 
 1776, the American forces, in that quarter, were 
 permitted to repose from their toils, and to exchange, 
 for a time, the hardships, and privations, of a field 
 encampment, for the enjoyment of plenty, in comfor- 
 table barracks,. 
 
 But, to the mind of general Greene, this change of 
 condition, afforded but little relaxation or respite. To
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 47 
 
 his discerning eye, the contest, which had just com- 
 menced, appeared likely to be long, impassioned, 
 and bloody. Having, from principle, embarked in it. 
 his fortunes, and his hopes, he was solemnly resolved, 
 never to relinquish it, but with the liberation of his 
 country, or the termination of his life. To qualify 
 himself, therefore, to fill in it a higher sphere, and to 
 act a more distinguished and useful part, he con- 
 tinued, with unabating industry, his military studies, 
 and, as far as opportunity served, his attention to the 
 practical duties of the field. 
 
 This course, steadily pursued, under the imme- 
 diate supervision of Washington, could scarcely fail, 
 to procure rank, and lead to eminence. According- 
 ly, on the 26th of August, 1776, he was promoted, 
 by congress, to the rank of major general, in the 
 regular army. This was the day preceding the de- 
 structive battle of Long Island: 
 
 In that action, so disastrous to the Americans, ge- 
 neral Greene was prevented from taking part, by 
 a severe fit of sickness, under which he was labour- 
 ing. This circumstance was deeply to be latnented. 
 and probably contributed, in no small degree, to the 
 misfortunes of the day. 
 
 To the readers of history, it is well known, that, 
 at that period, the British force, before New York,
 
 48 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 was in great strength, and in a state of preparation, 
 for a vigorous 'Campaign. By land and sea, it amount- 
 ed, by computation, to fifty thousand; the American, 
 to less than half that number. 
 
 A severe action having been, for some time, per- 
 ceived to be inevitable, general Washington, who ex- 
 perienced the deepest solicitude, in relation to its 
 issue, had adopted every measure, that wisdom, skill, 
 and genius could devise, to render it successful, on 
 the part of his country. 
 
 Persuaded, from every view he could take of the 
 
 subject, that the enemy would attempt to approach 
 New York, by forcing their way across Long Is- 
 land, he gave to general Greene, in whom, of all his 
 associates in arms, his trust was highest, the com- 
 mand of those positions, best calculated to impede 
 their advance. 
 
 That officer had never, before, been placed in a 
 situation, so deeply responsible. Nor was he insen- 
 sible of the magnitude of the trust that was reposed 
 in him. On the wisdom, and efficiency of his pre- 
 sent conduct, was staked the issue of the impending 
 action perhaps, even the fate of the cause of free- 
 dom. ' 
 
 That nothing might be wanting, on his part, he 
 had acquired, by personal inspection, a thorough
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 49 
 
 knowledge of all the defiles and passes, on the island, 
 through which the enemy could advance, that he might 
 be the better able to place them, when the occasion 
 should demand it, under suitable defence. 
 
 This knowledge, it was impossible for him to 
 impart, by information, to any other officer. It must 
 gain admission through the eye, and could be acquir- 
 ed, only, by a survey, in person, of the adjacent coun- 
 try. Hence, on being obliged, by sickness, to retire 
 from command, he could not communicate to general 
 Sullivan, who succeeded him, the information he 
 possessed; nor did the latter, from a want of time, or 
 some other cause, take the requisite measures, to ob- 
 tain it himself. 
 
 The unfortunate result of the action, which follow- 
 ed, is well known. At every point, the American.-, 
 were defeated, with great slaughter, from a want of 
 knowledge of the movements of the enemy, much 
 more, than from any other cause. In consequence of 
 that fatal defect, the British, throwing themselves into 
 their rear, inclosed them between two fires, from 
 which, nothing but the most desperate valour could 
 have ex ri cated them. 
 
 No blame was affixed to general Sullivan, on ac- 
 count of the defeat, which his detachment sustained. 
 He was a brave, active, and intelligent officer; and 
 
 a
 
 50 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 appeared to leave nothing untried, within the com- 
 pass of his means, to maintain his ground, and re- 
 pel the enemy. It was, notwithstanding, the settled 
 belief, of the best informed of the army, that, had 
 general Greene's health permitted him to retain the 
 command, although the day might have been against 
 him, the events of it would have been much less dis- 
 astrous than they were. 
 
 Confined to his bed, by a fever, in New York, 
 while the battle, on Long Island, was raging within 
 his hearing, he manifested great solicitude, as to the 
 fortune of the day. Intelligence of the general re- 
 verses, experienced by the troops, he had lately com- 
 manded, were exceedingly distressing to him: but, 
 when informed of the terrible slaughter, sustained by 
 Smallwood's Maryland regiment, his favourite corps, 
 composed, for the most part, of young men of family, 
 and in a high state of discipline, he burst into tears, 
 declaring, that, superadded to the amount of private 
 sorrow, wliich that disaster must occasion, the cause 
 of freedom had experienced, in it, a loss, which no 
 time could repair. 
 
 To the joy of his friends, and associates in arms, 
 we find him, in a short time, restored to health, and 
 actively engaged, in the duties of his station.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 51 
 
 Shortly after the battle of Long Island, general 
 Lee arrived from the south, and advised an immedi- 
 ate abandonment of the whole of York Island, which 
 general Washington then occupied. The arguments 
 he urged, as the basis of this advice, were so spe- 
 cious, and imposing, as to produce some effect, on 
 the mind of the commander in chief 
 
 A council of officers was called, in which the ex- 
 pediency, of an entire evacuation of the island, was 
 solemnly debated. General Lee, as was to be ex- 
 pected, took a lead, in the affirmative, and general 
 Greene, in the negative, of the question. The latter 
 contended, that, even in case of an abandonment of 
 every other part of the station, fort Washington, at 
 least, on the river Hudson, ought to be retained. 
 
 With the majority of the board, his reasoning was 
 conclusive; and, when the vote was taken, it was de- 
 cided to evacuate York Island, with the exception of 
 fort Washington, which was ordered to be maintain- 
 ed, under a strong garrison. 
 
 By no future event, was the wisdom of that mea- 
 sure satisfactorily tested. Although, in the issue, fort 
 Washington fell, and the whole garrison became 
 prisoners of war, general Greene openly attributed 
 the misfortune, not to the nature of case, but to the 
 misconduct of the commanding officer. Too just and
 
 52 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 magnanimous, to assail, by general and undefined 
 accusations, he specified the particular measure, in 
 which he asserted the misconduct lay. 
 
 General Lee excepted, who opposed it, from the 
 beginning, the act appears to have met the censure of 
 those alone, who judge of measures, only by tJieir is- 
 sue. But, it is unnecessary to add, that, by this rule, 
 folly becomes wisdom ; and prudence often sustains 
 the imputation of rashness. 
 
 Shortly after this, when fort Lee, with a garrison 
 of three thousand troops, was threatened, and seri- 
 ously endangered, by lord Cornwallis, at the head of 
 a force, too strong to be opposed, general Greene, 
 who commanded the station, fairly vanquished his 
 lordship, in military address; and, by a prompt, rapid, 
 and well devised movement, saved his detachment. 
 
 A crisis, most gloomy, and portentous to the cause 
 of freedom, had now arrived. 
 
 By death, sickness, capture, desertion, and the 
 expiration of the time of service of a great proportion 
 of the soldiers, the army of general Washington was 
 almost annihilated, it amounted to less than three 
 thousand effective men; and, what was even worse 
 than a want of numbers, and physical force, it was 
 morally weakened. The soldiery were dispirited, by 
 their late disasters; and, by a belief, now too preva-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. OD 
 
 lent among them, that their officers were inferior to 
 those of the enemy, in the science of war. Of all tho 
 evils that can befall an army, these are, confessedly, 
 the most formidable and ruinous. With buoyant spi- 
 rits, and confidence in his leader, the soldier encoun- 
 ters, with alacrity, the deadliest peril. But, if broken- 
 spirited, or suspicious of the talents, or firmness of 
 his commander, he attacks with reluctance, and 
 fights, without anticipating success, a state of things, 
 which renders his discomfiture easy. 
 
 In his retreat, which now commenced, through the 
 state of New Jersey, before lord Cornwallis, who 
 led, in pursuit of him, the whole elite of the British 
 army, general Washington was accompanied by ge- 
 neral Greene, and received, from him, all the aid. 
 that, under circumstances, so dark and unpromising, 
 talents, devotion, and firmness could afford. Possess- 
 ed, alike, of an ardent temperament, hearts that nei- 
 ther danger nor misfortune could appal, and an in- 
 spiring trust, in the righteousness of their cause, it be- 
 longed to the character, as well as to the standing, of 
 these two great and illustrious commanders, never, for 
 a moment, to despair of their country. The hope and 
 confidence, which beamed from their countenances, 
 accompanied by the solemn conviction, they uniform- 
 ly expressed, that Heaven would, ultimately, smile on
 
 54 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 their arms, encouraged their followers, and supported 
 them, under the pressure of misfortune and defeat. 
 
 Having made good his retreat, across the Dela- 
 ware, and procured, for his soldiers, a few days re- 
 pose, general Washington, with the advice of several 
 of his officers, especially general Greene, and colonel 
 Reed, of Pennsylvania, resolved on the enterprise, of 
 the 26th of December, against the post of the enemy, 
 at Trenton. The issue is known, and is glorious, in 
 our history. About one thousand Hessians, in killed, 
 wounded, and prisoners, with their arms, field equi- 
 page, and artillery, constituted the trophies of that 
 glorious morning, which, after a night of gloom and 
 deep despondency, opened, on the friends of Ameri- 
 can freedom, with the day-star ,of hope. 
 
 General Greene, who bore, in this affair, a very 
 distinguished part, was exceedingly anxious, that the 
 commander in chief, taking advantage of the panic, 
 which was thus produced, should press on to the at- 
 tack of other posts of the enemy, in New Jersey. The 
 advice coincided with the feelings of Washington. 
 But, the measure, meeting with the disapprobation of 
 all the other officers of rank, except colonel Knox, 
 was, from prudence, abandoned; and, on the after- 
 noon of the same day, the American army returned, 
 to their encampment, on the Pennsylvania shore.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 55 
 
 General Washington, repeatedly afterwards, express- 
 ed his regret, at not having pursued the advice of 
 general Greene; declaring his conviction, that had 
 he vigorously followed up the stroke, at Trenton, the 
 other British posts must, necessarily, have fallen. 
 
 Greene was, again, of the council, of the com- 
 mander in chief, in planning the daring attack, of 
 the 2nd of January, 1777, on the British garrison, 
 at Princeton, as well as his associate, in achieving its 
 execution. His conduct was altogether worthy of 
 himself; and contributed much, to the success of the 
 adventure. He had been selected, on the preceding 
 day, to command a 'strong detachment, ordered on 
 the important service, of impeding the advance of the 
 British army. In this, his gallantry, prudence, and 
 skill, being alike conspicuous, he received the ap- 
 plauses of the commander in chief. 
 
 He continued to be the associate, and most confi- 
 dential counsellor of Washington, through the gloo- 
 my, and ominous period, that succeeded; during 
 which, that great leader, by a masterly policy, so far 
 overreached the British commander, as, although 
 encamped, in the same neighbourhood, to hold him 
 in check, with a very feeble force, by impressing on 
 him a belief, that it was too powerful to be approach- 
 ed with safety.
 
 56 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Ill the month of August, of the same year., the en- 
 emy, commanded by sir William Howe, having sailed 
 from New York, landed, in great force, at the head 
 of Elk. The capture of Philadelphia was known to 
 be their object. General Washington, with his whole 
 command, threw himself in their front, to dispute 
 with them the passage, to the capital of the country. 
 
 That his position might be strong and command- 
 ing*, he deputed general Greene, whose military judg- 
 ment he so highly prized, to reconnoitre the country, 
 and select the ground. This duty the general per- 
 formed, with his usual ability. But, before his des- 
 patches, on the subject, were received, the occupa- 
 tion of a different position was determined on, in a 
 council of war. On viewing the spot, thus selected, 
 as the strong hold of the army, he pronounced it un- 
 suitable; and declared, that it could not be maintain- 
 ed, should the enemy assault it. The issue proved 
 the soundness of his judgment. 
 
 In the obstinate, and bloody conflict, known by the 
 name of " the battle of Brandywine," which soon 
 afterwards occurred, general Greene, by his distin- 
 guished conduct, added greatly to his former renown. 
 
 In the course of it, a detachment of American 
 troops, commanded by general Sullivan, being sud- 
 denly and unexpectedly attacked, by the enemy, re-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREEJSE. 5't 
 
 treated in disorder. General Greene, at the head of 
 Weedon's Virginia brigade, flew to their support. So 
 rapid was his movement, that, in forty-two minutes, 
 he marched nearly four miles. On approaching the 
 scene of action, he found the defeat of general Sulli- 
 van, to be a perfect rout. Not a moment was to be 
 lost. Thrpwing himself into the rear, of his flying 
 countrymen, and retreating slowly, he kept up, espe- 
 cially from his cannon, so destructive afire, as great- 
 ly to retard the advance of the enemy. Arriving, at 
 length, at a narrow defile, strongly secured, on its 
 right and left, by thick and heavy woods, he imme- 
 diately halted, sent forward his cannon, that they 
 might be out of danger, in case of his being compell- 
 ed to a hasty retreat, and formed his troops, deter- 
 mined to dispute the pass, with his small arms This 
 he effected, with complete success, notwithstanding 
 the vast superiority of the assailants; until, after a 
 conflict, of more than an hour, night came on, and 
 brought it to a close. But for this interposition, Sulli- 
 van's detachment must have been nearly annihilated. 
 On this occasion, only, did the slightest misunder- 
 standing, ever occur, between general Greene, and 
 the commander in chief. In his general orders, after 
 the battle, the latter had neglected to bestow any spe- 
 cial applause, on Weedon's brigade. Against this. 
 
 H
 
 58 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 which he considered unjust, having himself witnes- 
 sed, and reported, the firmness and good conduct, of 
 that excellent corps, general Greene remonstrated, in 
 person. 
 
 General Washington replied, " You, sir, are con- 
 sidered my favourite officer. Weedon's brigade, like 
 myself, are Virginians. Should I applaud them, for 
 their achievement, under your command, I shall be 
 charged with partiality: jealousy will be excited, and 
 the service injured." 
 
 " Sir," exclaimed, general Greene, with consider- 
 able emotion, " I trust your excellency will do me 
 the justice to believe, that I am not selfish. In my 
 own behalf, I have nothing to ask. Act towards me 
 as you please; I shall not complain. However highly 
 I prize your excellency's good opinion and applause, 
 a consciousness, that I have endeavoured to do my 
 duty, constitutes, at present, my richest reward. But, 
 do not, sir, let me intreat you, on account of the jea- 
 lousy, that may arise, in little minds, withhold justice, 
 from the brave fellows, I had the honour to command." 
 
 Convinced that prudence forbade the special no- 
 tice, that was requested, the commander in chief per- 
 sisted in his silence; and general Greene remonstra- 
 ted no further. Although he continued to lament, 
 that the gallant Virginians were deprived of the
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 59 
 
 commendations s"o justly their due, he learnt, on cool 
 reflection, to appreciate the motives of the comman- 
 der in chief; and frankly acknowledged, that he 
 thought them correct. Nor did he rest satisfied with 
 this. Feeling that his conduct had been indiscreet, 
 and his manner, at least, if not his expressions, some- 
 what intemperate, he lost no time in atoning for them, 
 by an ample apology. 
 
 Delighted with his frankness, and magnanimity, 
 Washington replied, with a smile, " An officer, tried 
 as you have' been, who errs but once, in two years, 
 deserves to be forgiven. As far as I have been in- 
 formed, this, which you have denominated a fault, is 
 the first you have committed, since you have served 
 under my command/' With that, he offered him his 
 hand, and the matter terminated. 
 
 A few days afterwards, the British and Americans 
 having again approached each other, general Howe 
 made arrangements, for another attack. Washing- 
 ton determined not to disappoint him. Accordingly, 
 general Sullivan, and colonel Pickering, charged 
 with the duties of adjutant general, received direc- 
 tions, to arrange the troops in order of battle. 
 
 On reconnoitering the position, general Greene 
 discovered, at a distance,- in the rear of the line, a 
 deep and heavy marsh, whiclyin case of a defeat.
 
 60 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 would impede, if iiot intercept, the retreat of the ar- 
 my, and endanger, at least, the loss of their artillery. 
 Riding up to the commander in chief, he informed 
 him of the fact, with his apprehension, as to the issue. 
 Orders were immediately given, to put the troops in 
 motion, and change, without loss of time, the ground 
 thus injudiciously selected for battle. Greatly to the 
 satisfaction of general Washington, because, appar- 
 ently, to the preservation of the army, the movement 
 was promptly effected. A profuse fall of rain, now 
 occurring, damaged the 1 powder of the Americans, 
 and prevented the action. 
 
 This fact demonstrates, at once, the exploring vi- 
 gilance, and sound judgment, of general Greene; and 
 the influence of his opinions, with the commander in 
 chief. 
 
 Following him, in his military career, he next pre- 
 sents himself, on the plains of Germantown. 
 
 The daring assault, made by general Washington, 
 on a powerful British garrison, at that place, in the 
 month of October, 1777, is a matter of record, and 
 well known, to every reader of American history. 
 
 In the plan of attack, the command of the left 
 wing of the army, was given to general Greene. 
 
 In his first operations, against the British lines, he 
 was triumphantly successful. The enemy giving way.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 61 
 
 * 
 
 he pressed them, with great vigour and effect, and 
 with every prospect, of a brilliant victory. But, ow- 
 ing to the darkness of the morning, from a dense 
 fog, which rested heavily on the face of the country, 
 some irregularities occurred, in the movements of the 
 column he commanded. 
 
 Part of it halted, without orders, before Mr. Chew's 
 house, into which, as a fortress, lieutenant colonel 
 Musgrave, with six companies of British infantry, 
 had thrown himself. This act of insubordination., 
 weakened his force, and permitted the enemy to re- 
 cover from their panic, and return to order, from the 
 partial confusion, into which he had thrown them. 
 
 In another part, colonel Matthews, an excellent 
 officer, pushing, with too much enthusiasm, the ad- 
 vantage he had gained, separated from the main co- 
 lumn, and, impeded in his vision, by the interposi- 
 tion of the fog, fell into the hands of the enemy, with 
 the chief part of his regiment, and nearly two hun- 
 dred prisoners, he had previously captured. 
 
 The British, being strongly reinforced, by several 
 regiments, that were near at hand, became, in turn, 
 the assailants. The Americans now fell back, gene- 
 ral Greene, who, at the head of his division, had ad- 
 vanced furthest, in pursuit of the enemy, forming thr 
 rear of the infantry.
 
 62 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Thus situated, his peril was imminent. But his 
 perfect coolness, and exemption from embarrassment, 
 giving him the command of all the resources of his 
 great mind, enabled him to extricate himself, by mea- 
 sures and movements, that were new and peculiar. 
 
 " Upon coming to two roads," says Gordon, in his 
 History of the American Revolution,/' and thinking 
 it will be safest, and may prevent the enemy's ad- 
 vancing, by either, so as to get ahead of him; and 
 that the divisions (Greene's and Stephen's, now both 
 under the command of general Greene) may aid 
 each other, upon occasion, he marches one division, 
 on the one road, and the second, on the other. While 
 continuing this retreat, Pulaski's cavalry, who are 
 in his rear, being fired upon, by the enemy, ride over 
 the second division, and throw them into the utmost 
 disorder, as they know not, at first, but that they 
 are the British dragoons. The men run and scat- 
 ter, and the general is apprehensive, that he will lose 
 his artillery. He cannot collect a party, sufficient to 
 form a rear guard, till he hits upon the device, of or- 
 dering the men to lay hold of each others hands. 
 This answers he collects a number, and by the 
 help of the artillery, brings the enemy to give over 
 the pursuit, after having continued it near five miles."
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. C3 
 
 By certain officers, who had long been jealous of 
 his rising reputation, but, niore especially, of his high 
 standing, with the commander in chief, an attempt 
 was made, on this occasion, to sully the character, 
 and circumscribe the influence, of general Greene. 
 But the effort proved abortive; and, even, recoiled, 
 in its worst effects, on its envious authors. The ge- 
 neral, himself, disdained to notice it. A conscious- 
 ness that he had done his duty, induced him to leave 
 the issue to time; and to rely, for justice, on the un- 
 biassed decision, of the candid and high minded, who 
 could have nothing to serve, but the cause of truth. 
 Nor were his calumniators able, by their cabals and 
 whispers, to pluck from his brow, a single laurel. 
 
 The slanders of the day, having gained admission 
 to the ear of Washington, he was asked, by general 
 Reed, whether he was dissatisfied with the conduct 
 of general Greene. The answer he returned, was 
 prompt and unequivocal. " Not at all," said he: " the 
 fault lay with ourselves/ 3 In this, he referred to the 
 unfortunate halt, made by the troops, before Mr. 
 Chew's house, where he, himself, was present. In- 
 deed, all concurred, in attributing the failure of the 
 enterprise, chiefly to that error. 
 
 That, for his conduct, in the battle of Gennantown, 
 general Greene forfeited no part of the esteem and
 
 6 t LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 confidence, of the commander in chief, is further evin- 
 ced, by an event, which, not long afterwards, occur- 
 red. 
 
 To remove all obstructions, from the river Dela- 
 ware, and open a free communication between the 
 British army, in Philadelphia, and the shipping be- 
 low, sir William Howe despatched, into the state of 
 New Jersey, lord Cornwallis, at the head of a strong 
 detachment of troops. His lordship's instructions, 
 pointed, in a particular manner, to the reduction of 
 fort Mercer. 
 
 No sooner was Washington apprized of this move- 
 ment, than he ordered into the same quarter, with 
 the command of a similar corps, major general 
 Greene, whom, of all his officers, he considered best 
 qualified, to cope, in military policy and address, with 
 the British commander. 
 
 Although, from the operation of causes, over 
 which he had no control, Greene failed, in his attempt 
 to prevent the opening of the communication, between 
 the army and navy, of the enemy, he manifested, in 
 his movements., great prudence, judgment, and skill; 
 and acquitted himself to the perfect satisfaction of 
 the commander in chief, and the councils of the na- 
 tion. Even the British officer, to whom he was op- 
 posed, had the magnanimity to bestow on him a lof-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 65 
 
 ty encomium. v Greene," said he, >c is as dangerous as 
 Washington. He is vigilant, enterprising, and full of 
 resources. With but little hope of gaining any advan- 
 tage over him, I never feel secure, when encamped 
 in his neighbourhood.'' 
 
 O 
 
 At this period, the quarter-master department, 
 in the American army, was in a very defective and 
 alarming condition. Although vast sums of money 
 had been expended for its use, and men of high 
 reputation appointed to administer it, yet, in every 
 branch of it, nothing but poverty and disorder prevail- 
 ed. Without a speedy and radical reform of these 
 grievances, general Washington had pronounced it 
 impossible for the army, in the course of the approach- 
 ing summer (1778), to be adequate to an active and 
 efficient campaign. He even doubted its ability to 
 continue in the field. He further declared, that such 
 a reform, could be effected only, by the appointment 
 cf a quarter-master general, of great resources, well 
 versed in business, and possessing practical talents 
 of the first order. When requested, by congress, to 
 look out for such an officer, he, at once, fixed his 
 eye on general Greene.
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The office of quarter-master general offered to general Greene he, at 
 first, declines; but, afterwards, accepts it, on certain conditions. The 
 importance and difficulties of the appointment His able and excel- 
 lent administration of it its effect on the spirits of the soldiers, and 
 the movements of the army the British evacuate Philadelphia 
 battle of Monmouth, and the part which general Greene bore in it 
 the services he rendeted, and the distinction he acquired, in the ope- 
 rations of the army, in Rhode Island, under the command of general 
 Sullivan receives the thanks of general Washington, for his good 
 conduct, in checking, at the village of Springfield, the advance of a 
 division of the British army, that threatened the magazines and stores, 
 at Morristown the murder of Mrs. Caldwell Greene's conduct ia 
 the affair of Andre. 
 
 IT was well known to Washington, that the soul of 
 his friend, and favourite officer, was indissolubly wed- 
 ded, not to the duties of the staff, but of the line. Not- 
 withstanding this, he expressed, in a conversation, on 
 the subject, with a member of congress, his entire 
 persuasion, that, if general Greene could be convinc- 
 ed, of being able to render to his country, higher ser- 
 vices, in the quarter-master department, than in the 
 field, he would sacrifice, at once, his partialities to 
 his patriotism, and accept the appointment. " There 
 is not," said he, " an officer of the army, nor a man in
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 67 
 
 America, more sincerely attached to the interests of 
 his country. Could he best promote those interests, 
 in the character of a corporal, he would exchange, as 
 I firmly believe, without a murmur, the epaulet for 
 the knot. For, although he is not without ambition: 
 that ambition has not, for its object, the highest rank, 
 so much as the greatest good. I have strong hopes, 
 therefore, that he will, for a time, at least, consent to 
 a removal from the line to the staff." 
 
 When the office of quarter-master general, was first 
 offered to general Greene, he declined accepting it, 
 because its duties, would necessarily lead him, from 
 that walk of military life, of which he was most en- 
 amoured, and for which he considered himself best 
 qualified. After a conference, however, with the com- 
 mander in chief, in which the latter urged, with pecu- 
 liar earnestness, the important sen ices he would ren- 
 der his country, in that capacity, he consented to an 
 acceptance, on condition, that his rank, in the army, 
 should not be affected, by it, and that he should for- 
 feit nothing of his right to command, in time of action. 
 
 On these terms, he received the appointment on 
 the second day of March, 1778, and entered, imme- 
 diately, on the duties of the office. 
 
 In every army, and under all circumstances, espe- 
 cially during a period of war, this is a trust, surpas-
 
 6$ LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 i 
 
 sing in weight, responsibility, and importance, any 
 other, except that of supreme command. Nor is 
 even that to be compared with it, in the endless va- 
 riety of the objects it embraces, the intricacy and em- 
 barrassment of the details belonging to it, and the ex- . 
 tensive and well adjusted system, which it, therefore, 
 requires. Hence, the most honourable testimonial a 
 pupil can receive, on leaving a military school, in Eu- 
 rope, is that, which pronounces him qualified for the 
 quarter-master department. 
 
 But, in the -case of general Greene, the difficulties 
 of the office were multiplied and augmented, in a 
 degree, to which history offers no parallel. 
 
 The department being overwhelmed, in confusion 
 and abuses, to correct and remove these, required 
 time, and constituted a labour of no common mag- 
 nitude. Nor could this be performed, through the 
 agency of deputies. Such characters, having, pro- 
 bably, produced most of the existing evils, were alto- 
 gether unsuitable, to be employed in their removal. 
 
 Throughout the whole establishment, the correctives 
 
 i 
 were to be applied, by the chief officer himself. His 
 
 first business, therefore, was, to demolish and clear 
 away, with his own hand, a faulty and defective sys- 
 tem, before he could erect an efficient one in its place.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 69 
 
 The work of demolition, however, constituted but 
 a very small portion, of the task to be performed. 
 To establish a new system, under all the circumstan- 
 ces and disabilities of the time, was almost to create 
 it, in the original and true signification of the term. 
 
 Of many of its means, appertaining to the quarter- 
 master department, the country, having never been 
 rich in them, was now exhausted, by the operations 
 of war. To provide, for these, such substitutes, as 
 might supply the deficiencies thus created, required 
 an amount of fiscal information, connected with an 
 extent and fertility of resources, to which few men, 
 of the day, had any solid or legitimate pretension. 
 
 In relation to a circulating medium, the utmost 
 disorder and irregularity prevailed. Of gold and sil- 
 ver, in the public treasury, there was none: nor were 
 there any means of drawing them, from the private 
 coffers of those who might possess them. The paper 
 currency of the country, already in low estimation, 
 was depreciating so rapidly, as to render it impossi- 
 ble to fix its value. Almost every week, the standard 
 of appreciation was changed. Hence arose an equal 
 fluctuation, in prices and contracts. 
 
 Some degree of uncertainty still hanging over the 
 issue of the war, even in the estimation of the most 
 sanguine, public credit was alarmingly low. With
 
 70 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 the cautious and the disaffected, and these were nu- 
 merous, it was entirely extinct. 
 
 But the catalogue of existing evils did not termin- 
 ate here. Light as the paper money was, the amount 
 of it, in circulation, was far below the demands of 
 the country. Members of congress, and officers, of 
 the highest rank, were frequently in want of a suffi- 
 ciency of it, to pay for a night's lodging, or a meal in 
 a tavern. Even general Greene, at the head of the 
 quarter-master department, where money is the si- 
 new of every operation, was, oftentimes, unable to 
 command a dollar; while, driven almost to despera- 
 tion, by the exigencies of their situations, his depu- 
 ties and agents were pressing him for millions. Mo- 
 ney could not be procured, because the treasury was 
 empty; and to make purchases without it, even of 
 articles most imperiously wanted, was, at times, im- 
 possible. 
 
 Abundant evidence of the truth of this, appears in 
 the official correspondence of the department; in va- 
 rious letters from the commander in chief, addressed 
 to congress; and in other authentic documents of the 
 time, of which the public have long been in posses- 
 sion. To dwell in proof of it, would be, therefore, su- 
 perfluous.
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 71 
 
 There were, in the present case, still other causes, 
 which added to the duties of the quarter-master ge- 
 neral, and increased, not a little, the difficulties of 
 his office. 
 
 The scene of military operations, for which he 
 had to provide, was, for a time, unusually extensive; 
 reaching from the state of Massachussetts, to that 
 of Georgia. Articles essential to the service, and im- 
 mediately wanted, in one part of the country, were 
 procurable only in another, at a great distance, and 
 separated by roads and rivers, of difficult passage. 
 The enemy being in undisputed possession of the sea, 
 transportations and conveyances, of every descrip- 
 tion, were to be made by land. The expense, labour, 
 and delay, which arose out of this, were exceedingly 
 embarrassing. By any, but minds of the firmest tex- 
 ture, and most determined resolution, and persever- 
 ance, they would have been regarded as obstacles 
 not to be surmounted. 
 
 So defective, at this period, was the general ar- 
 rangement of the staff of the army, that, for a time, 
 the department of commissary, was partly incor- 
 porated, with that of quarter-master. The latter had 
 to provide, by a process, that was, thus, rendered ex- 
 ceedingly complicated, as well for the procurement
 
 12 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 and issuing, as for the storing and transportation, of 
 provisions. 
 
 The supervision of the armories, also, no less 
 than that of the arsenals, of the nation, devolved, 
 entirely, on the same department. 
 
 These extra-duties, superadded to the ordinary 
 ones, of procuring the munitions of war, exploring 
 the strength, and fitness of certain tracks of country, 
 with a view to the selection of positions for encamp- 
 ments, of providing for the transportation, equip- 
 ment, and accommodation, of the troops, and of de- 
 termining, occasionally, the routes, by which they 
 were to march All these difficulties and duties 
 combined, imposed on the quarter-master general, a 
 weight of responsibility, and an amount of incongru- 
 ous, and distracting cares, which it has rarely been 
 the fortune of an individual to encounter. 
 
 But this mass of employment although vast, chao- 
 tic, and ponderous, did not prove intractable. No 
 sooner had it been under his direction, a sufficient 
 length of time, to feel the influence of his systematic 
 mind, than it began to exhibit order and regularity, 
 springing from confusion. The melioration, in the 
 state of things, which, speedily ensued, was felt by 
 the army, throughout every department. Instead of 
 the disorder and entanglement, which had, hereto-
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 73 
 
 lore, prevailed, the business of the department be- 
 came simple, clear, and comparatively easy. Those 
 who, before, had considered the administration of it 
 almost impracticable, were astonished, now, at the 
 mistake they had committed. They had examined 
 it, originally, as it was in itself, and found it crude, 
 shapeless and unmanageable; they, now, beheld it, in 
 the form it had assumed, under the auspices of a 
 great practical mind; and perceived in it little else 
 than arrangement, order and facility. A vigorous and 
 efficient condition of things, having succeeded to that 
 which had been feeble and ruinous, the operations 
 could scarcely be recognized, as belonging to a de- 
 partment of labour or difficulty. 
 
 Such is the prosperous and salutary issue, where 
 industry and integrity, are enlightened by genius, 
 and directed by judgment. 
 
 Compared with its former state of destitution, the 
 army, now, had but few wants. In garrison, it was 
 well provided, comfortable, and secure: in the field, 
 it could move with celerity, and strike with effect. 
 Instead of being deficient, when actually called for, 
 to the delay of operations, and the injury of the 
 service, all means, whether of annoyance, accommo- 
 dation, or defence, were generally provided, in an- 
 ticipation. 
 
 K
 
 7 i LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 The result of this encouraging melioration, in the 
 state of military affairs, is much more easily concei- 
 ved than expressed. The soldiers became more con- 
 tented, and confident in themselves; the hopes of the 
 officers were brightened and confirmed ; the campaigns 
 were rendered more active, vigorous, and effective; 
 and the spirits of the people were relieved from des- 
 pondency. In relation to the issue of the pending con- 
 flict, instead of deep apprehension, and gloomy fore- 
 boding, even the most timid and wavering, were rare- 
 ly heard to intimate a doubt. Whatever losses or tem- 
 porary reverses might happen, in future, it was now 
 made manifest, to every observer, that the country 
 possessed an abundance of resources, which, when 
 called forth with energy, and arrayed, in her defence, 
 would render irresistible the arms of her legions, and 
 constitute, around her independence, an impenetra- 
 ble rampart. 
 
 Such was the happy effect of Greene's adminis- 
 tration of the quarter-master department; for which, 
 on retiring from it, he carried with him the approba- 
 tion of congress, and received the thanks of the com- 
 mander in chief. 
 
 Notwithstanding his superior competency to the 
 duties of it, and the large and solid additions he made 
 to his reputation, by his able discharge of them, the
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 75 
 
 office afforded him no gratification. On the contrary, 
 he felt it a privation, from which he was exceedingly 
 solicitous to be relieved. It abstracted him too much 
 from that walk of military life, in which, alone, it 
 was his ambition to move. As he originally accepted 
 it, therefore, so he held it, only from a sense of par- 
 amount duty, until, having perfectly systematized it. 
 and rendered its operations simple in themselves, and 
 easy to his successor, he might be enabled to resign 
 it, to the satisfaction of his country, and without any 
 injury to the public service. 
 
 In the mean time, he took, on two occasions, dur- 
 ing his administration of it, a high and distinguished 
 part, in the field; the first, in the battle of Monmouth; 
 the second, in a very brilliant expedition, against the 
 enemy in Rhode Island, under the command of gen- 
 eral Sullivan. 
 
 Being, by the vigilance, policy, and enterprise of 
 Washington, so strictly confined to his lines, and so 
 seriously menaced, on various points, as to be expe- 
 riencing many of the inconveniencies of a siege, gen- 
 eral Clinton, now commander in chief of the British 
 forces, resolved on evacuating the city of Philadel- 
 phia. This resolution he carried into effect, on the 
 18th of June, 1778.
 
 76 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Having passed the Delaware, at Gloucester point, 
 his movements through New Jersey, in the direction 
 towards New York, were so exceedingly slow, that, 
 in seven days, he had marched somewhat less than 
 forty miles. 
 
 For this lingering advance, no plausible reason 
 could be assigned, except a wish, on the part of Clin- 
 ton, to engage his adversary in a general action. 
 
 To gratify him, in this, the American commander 
 was, by no means, disinclined. On the contrary, be- 
 lieving himself amply prepared for the encounter, he 
 was unusually solicitous to bring it on; and was pre- 
 vented only, by the opinion of his officers, deliberately 
 expressed, in a council of war, that the step would 
 be too hazardous for prudence to adopt. 
 
 From this decision, general Wayne, whose gallan- 
 try and love of action, were pre-eminent, openly dis- 
 sented. General Greene, although he did not public- 
 ly recommend it, was also known to be secretly fa- 
 vourable to the policy of an engagement. In the se- 
 lection, however, of a position for battle, he thought 
 that great circumspection ought to be used. 
 
 Finding himself thus supported and strengthened, 
 in* his views, general Washington determined to adopt, 
 en his own responsibility, such measures, as could
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 1 1 
 
 not fail to bring the enemy to action. This he effect- 
 ed on the 28th of June, near Monmouth court-house, 
 in the state of New Jersey. 
 
 In that severe and sanguinary affair, general 
 Greene, who, entrusted with the command of the 
 right wing of the Americans, was ordered to advance 
 on the enemy, by a route somewhat circuitous, and 
 then attack as circumstances might direct, distin- 
 guished himself greatly, by his judgment and skill. 
 
 Although somewhat disconcerted, at first, by the 
 unexpected retreat of the van of the army, under 
 general Lee, he selected, notwithstanding, such an 
 advantageous position, and made so judicious an 
 arrangement of his troops, as to contribute essential- 
 ly to the success of the day. 
 
 In the course of the action, a strong detachment 
 of the enemy, made a bold and threatening attempt, 
 to turn the right of the American line, and attack 
 them in flank. In this they were defeated, by the vi- 
 gilance of Greene; who threw himself in their front, 
 and, after an obstinate conflict, drove them back, 
 with considerable slaughter. He, also, from a well 
 chosen and commanding position, directed, from his 
 cannon, with great effect, an enfilading lire, against 
 a party of the British, who were menacing the left.
 
 78 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 For their achievements, on this occasion, the 
 American forces received very high and deserved ap- 
 plause. Darkness having suspended the contest, they 
 rested on their arms, in very advantageous positions, 
 resolved on renewing it, with the return of morning. 
 In, this determination, and in full hope of a glorious 
 victory; general Washington, who, throughout the 
 day, had signalized himself, in presence of his troops, 
 by personal toil, and a disregard of danger, reposed, 
 on his cloak, in the midst of his soldiers. But he was 
 frustrated, in his views of a second engagement, by 
 the caution of the enemy, who, deeply affected, by 
 the chastisement he had already experienced, and 
 apprehensive of something more disastrous, in the 
 approaching conflict, retreated, during the night, un- 
 der such circumstances, as fairly amounted to an ac- 
 knowledgment of a defeat. 
 
 For his " great good conduct" in this action, the 
 thanks of congress were voted, unanimously, to ge- 
 neral Washington, who was requested to communi- 
 cate the same mark of public approbation, to the 
 officers and soldiers who had distinguished them- 
 selves in the battle. In performing this duty, the com- 
 mander in chief made honourable mention of the ge- 
 nerals, Greene and W r ayne, with the columns they 
 commanded. Indeed, with the exception of the first
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 70 
 
 unfortunate movement, made by general Lee, at the 
 head of the front division, the army, in general, did all 
 that its country, and its commander, could wish. 
 Even that division, when afterwards formed, by or- 
 der of Washington, maintained 4ts ground, with un- 
 daunted firmness, and fought with great resolution. 
 
 France was, now, in alliance with the United 
 States; and, to cooperate with her, in the existing 
 war, a powerful fleet, with land forces, on board, 
 under the command of lieutenant general, count 
 d'Estaing, arrived in our waters, in the month of 
 July, 1778. 
 
 General Pigot ? with a division of about six thou- 
 sand British troops, had been, for some time, in pos- 
 session of Newport, in the state of Rhode Island. 
 
 The arrival of the French fleet, afforded a favour- 
 able opportunity, for operating against that post, both 
 by sea and land; the only mode, in which it could be 
 assailed, with any reasonable prospect of success. 
 
 An expedition of the combined forces, for its re- 
 duction, was accordingly concerted; to be under the 
 command of general Sullivan. General Greene, be- 
 ing a native of Rhode Island, and of high popularity 
 and influence, in that state, it was deemed important, 
 that he should be present as second in command.
 
 80 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 He received orders, therefore, to proceed, at the 
 head of a detachment of continental troops, and join 
 general Sullivan, in the projected enterprise. 
 
 A duty more consonant to his spirit, or more pecu- 
 liarly gratifying to the feelings of his heart, could not 
 have been assigned him. 
 
 His return to his native state, to liberate, from 
 military domination and rapacity, the soil his infant 
 feet had trodden, and the patrons, friends, and asso r 
 ciates of his youth, was hailed, by the inhabitants, 
 with general and lively demonstrations of joy. With 
 an alacrity and promptitude, unprecedented, in the 
 place, the militia of the state, with several companies 
 from that of Massachussetts, crowded to his stand- 
 ard, anxious to receive his commands, and signalize, 
 in his presence, their patriotism and valour. Hope 
 beamed from every countenance, and a confidence 
 was enkindled, in every bosom, that the hour of ven- 
 geance, on their haughty arid tyrannical invaders, 
 was at hand. In that particular section of the coun- 
 try, and at that moment of enthusiasm, and laudable 
 pride, the name of Greene, was scarcely inferior to 
 that of Washington. Although but second, or, rather, 
 third, in rank, count d'Estaing being equal in com- 
 mand with general Sullivan, every eye was fixed on 
 him, as the soul and tutelary genius of the enterprise.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 81 
 
 Even leading members of the society of Friends, who 
 had very reluctantly excluded him from their com- 
 munion, did not hesitate to express their sincere sa- 
 tisfaction, at the elevation he had attained, hi the 
 confidence of his country. They often visited him, at 
 his quarters, partook of his hospitality, and convers- 
 ed with him freely, on public affairs. 
 
 Nor did their kindness and attention, terminate in 
 the mere exterior of social intercourse. Through the 
 liberality of their spirit, his table was, oftentimes, 
 very bounteously supplied, with the choicest viands, 
 fruits, and wines, that their farms, orchards, and cel- 
 lars afforded. One of these plain gentlemen, being 
 asked, in jest, by a young officer, how he, an advo- 
 cate of peace, could reconcile it to his conscience, 
 to keep so much company with general Greene, 
 whose profession was war? promptly replied, " friend, 
 it is not a. suit of uniform, that can either make, or 
 spoil a man. True, I do not approve of this many- 
 coloured apparel, (pointing to the officer's dress;) 
 but, whatever may be the form or colour of his coat, 
 Nathaniel Greene still retains the same sound head, 
 and virtuous heart, that gained him the love and es- 
 teem of our society. As I believe it would be in vain, 
 for me, to endeavour to persuade him to relinquish 
 his present dress and mode of life, I have no other
 
 82 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 way to partake of his society, but to visit him, as he 
 is; and that is a satisfaction, I am unwilling to resign." 
 
 Another gentleman, a member of high standing, 
 in the same society, was heard to declare, that, with 
 the exception of his having adopted the profession of 
 arms, his " neighbour, Nathaniel Greene, was one 
 of the most correct, and unoffending men, he had 
 ever known. It is true," continued he, " that he had, 
 always, a disposition, to influence others, and make 
 them think, and act with him; but this he never at- 
 tempted, by unfair means: he did it, by convincing 
 them, that they were wrong and he was right; and 
 this was his custom, when he was a very young man.'* 
 
 These testimonials are the more valuable, because 
 they relate to private worth; and are furnished by 
 men, under no temptation to deceive, who had long 
 and familiarly known the subject of them. 
 
 The French admiral showing a strong disposition 
 to an abandonment of his part of the combined ope- 
 rations, against the enemy, general Greene, by order 
 of general Sullivan, repaired on board his flag ship, to 
 confer with him, and, if necessary, to remonstrate, 
 on the subject. This he did, with great earnestness, 
 pertinency and force; but without the effect, which the 
 validity of his arguments was calculated to produce.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 8$ 
 
 He expatiated, at large, on the certainty of success, 
 should the sea and land forces faithfully co-operate; 
 and urged, with great clearness, the grounds, on 
 which he formed his calculations, and, built his con- 
 fidence. He represented, on the other hand, the cer- 
 tainty of a failure, should either party prove deficient 
 in his engagement. 
 
 He stated, that the result of the expedition, if suc- 
 cessfully terminated, besides being glorious, in itself, 
 would be important to France, as well as to Ameri- 
 ca; and, that the chief discredit of a failure, which 
 could not be inconsiderable, would attach to the arms 
 of that nation, where the delinquency should be found. 
 
 He further urged, the unhappy effect a relinquish- 
 ment of the enterprise, on the part of France, would 
 necessarily produce on the minds of the American 
 people. That it would destroy confidence, and excite 
 irritation, among the partisans of freedom; weak- 
 en their attachment to their friends and allies, the 
 French; and give to their secret foes, as well as to 
 the common enemy, cause of exultation, and ground 
 for severe animadversion and discouraging infer- 
 ences, touching the wisdom, the good faith, and the 
 effects of their alliance. 
 
 These, and other topics of argument, equally co- 
 gent and conclusive, were pressed in vain, on the
 
 84 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 mind of an officer, whom no one present had a right 
 to control; and who was determined to follow, at 
 every hazard, his own inclination. 
 
 The French fleet having, at length, disappeared, 
 and the American forces being left, in a critical situ- 
 ation, to contend, with the enemy, single handed, the 
 utmost policy and skill, on the part of the general of- 
 ficers, became requisite to save the army from ruin. 
 
 It was now that the sagacity, penetration, and re- 
 sources of general Greene, were developed, to an ex- 
 tent, which they had not before exhibited. They evi- 
 dently expanded, with the increase of difficulty and 
 danger, so as to |?e always a counterbalance to the 
 pressure of the emergency. His advice, under every 
 aspect of the varying state of affairs, appeared to be 
 the pure emanation of wisdom; and success or fai- 
 lure invariably ensued, according as it was followed 
 or neglected, by general Sullivan. In one case, in par- 
 ticular, it, afterwards, appeared, that an adoption of 
 it, would have placed in the power of the 'Ameri- 
 cans, a large section of the British army. 
 
 After a severe action, in which the American for- 
 ces manifested the utmost firmness, and fought with 
 great effect, general Greene, predicting that a large 
 reinforcement of the enemy, from New York, must 
 be near at hand, advised the commander in chief of 
 
 9 ,
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 85 
 
 the station, to retreat from the island, without further 
 delay. 
 
 Providentially the advice was followed. General 
 Greene signalized himself, by his skill, activity, and 
 judgment, in conducting the retreat, which was but 
 just effected, when the anticipated reinforcement, ac- 
 tually appeared. Had. this movement, which took 
 place, chiefly, in the night, been delayed but a few 
 hours, the capture, or destruction of the army of Sul- 
 livan would have been inevitable. 
 
 Although, from the defection of the allies, this well 
 planned expedition, entirely failed, the American 
 troops, engaged in it, received, for their bravery and 
 good conduct, more especially, for their masterly re- 
 treat, the entire approbation of the commander in 
 chief, and of congress, communicated in an official 
 and complimentary resolution. 
 
 Throughout the year 1779, general Greene was 
 occupied, exclusively, in the extensive concerns of 
 the quarter master department. At least, it does not 
 appear, from any documents we have been able to 
 procure, that, during that period, he was actively em- 
 ployed in the duties of the field. Letters written, 'by 
 him, towards the close of the year, strongly indicate, 
 in him, a growing desire, to relinquish the staff, and 
 return entirely to the department of the line. Nor
 
 86 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 was it long, until he was gratified, in his predominant 
 wish. Having reduced the business of the depart- 
 ment, to such system and order, that it might, now, 
 be conducted by inferior abilities, he claimed the pri- 
 vilege of retiring from it; and was permitted, by con- 
 gress, to resign the appointment. The marks of ap- 
 probation he received, on this occasion were flatter-* 
 ing, but just. " You have rendered/' said the comman- 
 der in chief, " the path of duty, in the quarter master 
 department, so broad and plain, that it will not be 
 easy for your successors to mistake it." 
 
 In the month of June 1780, the state of New Jer- 
 sey was invaded, from Staten Island, then in posses- 
 sion of the enemy, by a division of five thousand 
 British troops, under the command of general Knyp- 
 hausen. The landing was secretly effected, in the 
 night, at Elizabethtown point 
 
 The objects of this expedition were various; to fa- 
 vour desertion, in the American soldiery, who were 
 believed, by the British, to be tired of the service; to 
 encourage the disaffected, in the state of New Jersey, 
 to embody themselves, in military corps, and repair 
 to the royal standard; but, more especially, to reduce 
 an American post, and carry off, or destroy, some ma- 
 gazines and military stores, established at Morris^ 
 town.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 87 
 
 To frustrate the views of the enemy, particularly 
 in relation to the last object, general Greene, at the 
 head of a small division, of the American army, threw 
 himself in their front, and took possession of a strong 
 position, near Springfield. 
 
 On the advance of the British, a conflict ensu- 
 ed, in which the ground was very obstinately disput- 
 ed, much individual gallantry displayed, and, on both 
 sides, no inconsiderable slaughter produced. 
 
 Although not actually repulsed, the enemy were so 
 stunned, in this affair, as to be unable to advance. 
 Notwithstanding the great inferiority of his numbers. 
 Greene, from the heights, where he posted himself, 
 presented such a stern and threatening aspect, 
 as to hold his adversary completely in check, until 
 reinforcements arrived; when, apprehensive of some 
 stratagem, which might cut off his retreat, general 
 Knyphausen fell back hastily, in the night, to Eliza- 
 bethtown point, the place of his debarkation. 
 
 Thus were the stores and magazines, at Morris- 
 town, saved, the spirits of the disaffected, kept in a 
 state of continued depression, and those of the friends 
 f freedom invigorated. 
 
 For his judgment and good conduct, in this affair, 
 general Greene received the thanks of the com man-
 
 88 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 dor in chief, and vi-as directed to communicate the 
 same to his troops. 
 
 It was during this marauding and disgraceful incur- 
 sion, so unworthy of a civilized and disciplined army, 
 that the British forces, wantonly set fire to the village 
 of Connecticut farms, which had offered no resistance 
 to them, and where not even an armed individual 
 was stationed; and, that a soldier of the division, foir 
 getful of every thing belonging to manhood, inhuman- 
 ly and deliberately, shot the wife of the reverend 
 James Caldwell, the presbyterian pastor of Elizabeth- 
 town, while seated in her parlour, in the midst of her 
 children. 
 
 For this vindictive and demoniacal deed, no other 
 cause could be assigned, than the activity and influ- 
 ence of Mr. Caldwell, in inducing the militia of the 
 neighbouring district, to rally, like men, around the 
 standard of their country. 
 
 The pastor was eloquent. His powers of persua- 
 sion he zealously employed, in the cause of freedom; 
 and for this, a dastardly assassin, was suffered, with 
 impunity, to sully the reputation of a British army, 
 by the murder of his consort!! 
 
 An act so foul, unsoldierly and bloody, humanity 
 would bury in everlasting forgetfubess, did not jus- 
 tice demand that it be publicly recorded.
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 89 
 
 Had not general Knyphausen approved of the deed, 
 the wretch, who perpetrated it, would have, immedi- 
 ately expiated his guilt on a gibbet: had not the com- 
 mander in chief of the royal forces, in America, ap- 
 proved of it, general Knyphausen would have been 
 arrested, tried, and disgraced: and, had not the Bri- 
 tish court approved of it, the commander in chief, if 
 subjected to no other form of punishment, would 
 have been recalled from a trust, he had so flagrantly 
 violated, and degraded from the ranks of military ho- 
 nour!! 
 
 Against the court, that sanctioned it, being itself 
 supreme, no other earthly penalty can be enforced, 
 but the deep abhorrence of the virtuous and the hu- 
 mane!! a forfeit which it has, long since, been com- 
 pelled to pay. 
 
 Not long after this, it was the lot of general Greene, 
 to be called to the performance of a duty, the most 
 trying and painful, he had ever encountered. No event, 
 could possibly have occurred, better calculated, to set 
 his judgment and his feelings completely at variance. 
 Nor, firm as he was, did he find it easy, to repress 
 sensibility, and bring his heart into due subjection, and 
 ready obedience, to the mandates of duty. 
 
 But the public good required, that the sterner vir- 
 tues should prevail. A consciousness of this, support- 
 
 M
 
 90 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ing him, in the distressing conflict he experienced, he 
 manifested, a degree of wisdom and firmness, which 
 has rarely been equalled, and could not be surpassed. 
 
 We allude to the melancholy affair of major Andre, 
 adjutant general to the British army, who was captur- 
 ed, in disguise, within the American lines. 
 
 The history of that gallant, but unfortunate officer, 
 is sufficiently known. It is only requisite we should 
 state, at present, that, to give fairness, weight, and 
 dignity, to the proceedings, the commander in chief 
 convened, for his trial, a court composed of fourteen 
 general officers, La Fayette and Steuben, "being two 
 of the number, in which general Greene was appoint- 
 ed to preside. 
 
 The deportment of the prisoner, young, elegant, of 
 superior intellect, and highly accomplished, was mag- 
 nanimous and affecting, beyond, perhaps, what had 
 ever been witnessed, on a similar occasion. 
 
 Life was not the object, he was anxious to pre- 
 serve. The love of that, he had, long since, as an officer, 
 leariit to commute for the love of honour. In propor- 
 tion, therefore, as the latter passion had been cultivat- 
 ed and strengthened, the former had been neglected, 
 and suffered to decay. 
 
 To preserve his reputation, from the stain of trea- 
 son, constituted, now, his only care. To effect that,
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 91 
 
 he laboured most earnestly, and in a manner that was 
 peculiarly touching to the heart of sensibility 
 
 When summoned to his trial, he frankly disclosed, 
 without interrogatory, all that bore heaviest on his own 
 life, but inviolably concealed whatever might endan- 
 ger the safety of others. His confessions were con- 
 clusive, and no witness was examined against him. 
 The court were unanimous, that he had been taken 
 as a spy, and must suffer death. 
 
 Of this sentence he did not complain. He knew it 
 was just, and was prepared to meet it, without a mur- 
 mur, provided the mode of his death were rendered 
 acceptable to him. 
 
 His companions in arms, the friends of his bosom, 
 and the world, at large, with all the enjoyments it 
 had appeared, but lately, to hold in store, for him, he 
 cheerfully resigned. But, he still had one remaining 
 wish, that clung to his heart, with a lingering fond- 
 ness, which nothing could alienate, and a force of ad- 
 hesion, which nothing could subdue. It was, that he 
 might be permitted to close a life of honour, by a 
 professional death, and not be compelled, like a com- 
 mon felon, to expire on a gibbet. 
 
 To this effect, he made, in a letter to general Wash- 
 ington, written on the evening preceding his execu-
 
 92 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 tion, one of the most pathetic and powerful appeals, 
 that ever fell from the pen of a mortal. 
 
 Staggered, in his resolution, the commander in 
 chief referred the subject, accompanied by the letter, 
 to his general officers, who, with one exception, be- 
 came unanimous, in their desire, that Andre should 
 be shot. 
 
 That exception was found in general Greene, the 
 president of tire court. He, although his heart was 
 softened by the tenderest sympathy, and penetrated 
 with the keenest sorrow, for the prisoner's fate, de- 
 clared, notwithstanding, that the indulgence solici- 
 ted, could, in no shape, be granted. 
 
 " Andre," said he, " is either a spy, or an innocent 
 man. If the latter, to execute him, in any way, will 
 be murder: if the former, the mode of his death is 
 prescribed by law, and you have no right to alter it. 
 Nor is this all. At the present alarming crisis of our 
 affairs, the "public safety calls for a solemn and im- 
 pressive example. Nothing can satisfy it, short of the 
 execution of the prisoner, as a common spy; a cha- 
 racter, of which his own confession has clearly con- 
 victed him. Beware how you suffer your feelings to 
 triumph over your judgment. Indulgence to one, may 
 be death to thousands. Through mistaken sensibility,
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 93 
 
 humanity may be wounded, and the cause of freedom 
 sustain an injury you cannot remedy: 
 
 "Besides, if you shoot the prisoner, instead of 
 hanging him, you will excite suspicions, which you 
 will be unable to allay. Notwithstanding all your efforts 
 to the contrary, you will awaken public compassion, 
 and the belief will become general, that, in the case 
 of major Andre, there were exculpatory circumstan- 
 ces, entitling him to lenity, beyond what he received 
 perhaps entitling him to pardon. Hang him, there 
 fore, or set him free." 
 
 This reasoning being considered conclusive, the 
 prisoner suffered as a common spy. 
 
 The preponderance of general Greene's opinion, 
 and the firmness and decision, which marked his con- 
 duct, throughout the whole of this tragical affair, gave 
 rise to a declaration, circulated, at the time, and re- 
 peated since, on various occasions, that he, himself, 
 constituted the court, in which major Andre was tri- 
 ed and convicted. 
 
 He was, doubtless, the ablest and weightiest mem- 
 ber of that court, and, the commander in chief alone 
 excepted, the most influential officer in the army. Of 
 the truth of this, no evidence is requisite, beyond what 
 is contained in the foregoing statement.
 
 94 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Let it not be alleged, that, in this instance, gen- 
 eral Greene was devoid of feeling. The reverse is 
 most true. His heart was as compassionate, as his 
 intellect was powerful. He had the rare merit, in 
 despite of feeling, and in opposition to the tide of 
 public sentiment, to be rigorously just.
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Greene having, heretofore, acted in a secondary capacity, is now trans- 
 ferred to the command of the army of the south, where, left to follow 
 the bent of his genius, his great character is more perfectly develop- 
 ed condition of the southern department character of the war, in 
 that quarter- atrocities of the British Buford's defeat, cruelties of 
 causes of the sanguinary character of the war, in the south mark- 
 ed with more of private passion, and individual adventure, than in 
 the north rich in partisan enterprise, and chivalrous exploit cha- 
 racter and conduct of general Marion of general Sumpter of ge- 
 neral Pickins of colonel Davie the spirit of the country sustain- 
 ed, and the enemy greatly annoyed, by these four partisan officers 
 reception of the British army, in Charlotte defeat of colonel Fer- 
 guson, and its effects singular enterprise of colonel White Battle 
 of JRamsaour's mill description of the combatants the romantic 
 gallantry, displayed by thewhigs death of captain Falls avenged by 
 his son, a youth of fourteen deadly aim of the tory riflemen. 
 
 IN those scenes, through which we have hitherto 
 traced his military career, general Greene acted 
 only in a subordinate capacity. The outline of his 
 conduct being prescribed, by others, little else than 
 the mere details, were committed to his own sagaci- 
 ty and judgment. 
 
 Thus situated, he was neither absolute master of 
 his own actions, nor sole proprietor of his own fame. 
 If he failed, in any point of service, the tault might 
 not be entirely imputable to himself; and, if success-
 
 96 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ful, no inconsiderable portion of the renown, passed 
 to the credit of his superiors in command. 
 
 In this state of subordination and control, where 
 the exercise of his talents had been, necessarily, re- 
 stricted, it was scarcely possible for him, to have a 
 competent knowledge of himself, much less, to ma- 
 nifest to the world, the boldness of his views, the 
 extent of his resources, the energies of his character, 
 and his general fitness, for the high duties of military 
 command. 
 
 Secondary capacities appear to most advantage, 
 when under the direction of superior intellects; and 
 shine most brightly, with borrowed lustre. But true 
 genius shrinks and withers, under the influence of 
 supervision; and, to be really great, must be abso- 
 lutely free. In no man's history is this truth more 
 incontestibly established, than in that of him, whose 
 life we are portraying. 
 
 We have, now, advanced to that period of the re- 
 volutionary war, in which the situation of Greene 
 is about to experience an entire change. No longer 
 acting in the vicinity, or subject to the immediate 
 orders, of a superior, we are to behold him, in 
 future, removed to a distance, and virtually invested 
 with the supreme command, of a large section of the 
 United States.
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 97 
 
 The theatre of war, on which he is, now, to ex- 
 hibit himself, is, in extent, commensurate with abili- 
 ties of the widest compass; and the difficulties and 
 dangers, he is destined to encounter, are sufficiently 
 formidable, to test, the fortitude and firmness, of the 
 most unyielding spirit, and give ample employment 
 to all the resources of talents and skill. Rarely has 
 a leader of armies, in any countiy, been placed in a 
 situation, so fearfully calculated, to measure the ge- 
 nius and try the soul. 
 
 Greatly to acquit himself j under such circumstan- 
 ces, must rank general Greene with the ablest cap- 
 tains, and inscribe his name, on the brightest roll 
 of military glory. 
 
 With a few rare and brilliant exceptions, the war, 
 from its first commencement, in the south, had been, 
 in that quarter, but little else, than a series of disas- 
 ters, to the arms of freedom. 
 
 After a resistance highly honourable to them, 
 Charleston and Savannah had both fallen; post after 
 post had been carried, in rapid succession, and de- 
 tachments cut off, in various places; under the gene- 
 rals, Lincoln and Gates, two whole armies had been 
 captured or destroyed; the wealthy states, of South 
 Carolina and Georgia, had submitted to the enemy 
 who, triumphant at the past, and with prospects of 
 
 N
 
 98 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 continued success exceedingly flattering, were pre- 
 paring to penetrate further to the north; and, to se- 
 cm-e obedience to the conquerors, and encourage the 
 disaffected Americans, numerous bodies of the roy- 
 al forces, were strongly garrisoned, in well selected 
 stations. 
 
 To add to the miseries, and deepen, still further., 
 the gloom of the times, the spirit of the people was 
 shattered and depressed; from frequent interruptions, 
 by being summoned to the field, or banished from 
 their homes by hostile incursions, and a distressing 
 uncertainty as to their future destinies, their habits 
 of industry were alarmingly impaired; in consequence 
 of a defective state of cultivation, the soil of the coun- 
 try was comparatively unproductive; and, by military 
 exactions, and the devastating operations of war, the 
 surplus of provisions, beyond the actual wants of the 
 inhabitants, was entirely consumed. In every direc- 
 tion, as far as the hand of rapacity, and the unrelent- 
 ing sword of violence could reach, that fair and val- 
 uable section of the Union, was marked with out- 
 rage, desolation, and blood. 
 
 Such being the melancholy condition of affairs, it 
 may not be uninteresting, to pause, for a moment, 
 to contemplate the causes, by which it was produced.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 99 
 
 For various reasons, the war, in the south, was 
 
 much more than ordinarily ferocious and sanguinary. 
 
 The population of the states, being comparatively 
 
 scattered and feeble, it appeared to be the object of 
 
 the British commanders, to crush resistance, by acts, 
 
 which, while they destroyed, by their violence, might 
 
 terrify, by their enormity. Hence, seldom, in the 
 
 annals of infuriated man, has the power of the victor 
 
 been more flagrantly abused; or his sword more 
 
 wantonly dyed in blood. 
 
 A single instance, out of many that might be ad- 
 duced, may serve in confirmation of this truth. It is 
 found in the savage massacre, known by the appella- 
 tion of "Buford's defeat." 
 
 When, in the spring of 1780, Charleston fell, colo- 
 nel Buford, commanding a small detachment of 
 American regulars, was in the neighbourhood of 
 Camden. On the advance of lord Cornwallis, he 
 fell back, towards North Carolina. His march being 
 slow, colonel Tarleton, who, with his legion, was 
 despatched, in pursuit, overtook him, in the settle- 
 ment of the Waxhaws, on the 29th of May. 
 
 Seeing himself greatly outnumbered, and in the 
 power of his enemy, the American commander of- 
 fered to surrender, on the saine terms, that had been 
 granted to the regulars, captured in Charleston. Not
 
 JOO LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 doubting that the proposal would be accepted, he, 
 very improperly, neglected to arrange his troops, in 
 order of battle, and prepare for resistance. 
 
 But colonel Tarleton had ether views. Blood, not 
 prisoners, appeared to be his object. 
 
 Refusing the proposed conditions of surrender, 
 which both policy and honour invited him to accept, 
 he broke off the conference, and suddenly charged 
 his unprepared enemy. 
 
 The scene which followed, was one of the most 
 shocking and disgraceful, that has ever tarnished the 
 sword of war. In the blood-stained records of the 
 hatchet and the scalping knife, there is nothing to 
 surpass it. Add the stake and the fagot, and you 
 complete the climax of human barbarity. 
 
 Perceiving that resistance would be unavailing, the 
 Americans submitted, at discretion, and sued for 
 quarters. But the moving petition, so sacred with 
 the brave, was lost in air. Regardless of supplica- 
 tion, and callous to the voice of humanity and mercy, 
 Tarleton permitted, if Jhe did not order, the butchery 
 to go on. He was, even, declared to be himself 
 among the foremost, in the immolation of his victims. 
 
 The trophies of the day, should be recorded in 
 blood. One hundred and thirteen Americans were 
 assassinated, on the spot; one hundred and fifty, so
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 101 
 
 badly wounded, that they were paroled, and left on 
 the field to die; and fifty-three, being able to move, 
 were made prisoners, and, their wounds undressed, 
 marched, in triumph, by the victors, to Camden. 
 
 This inhuman transaction, the author of which, 
 from sound policy, from every sentiment honourable 
 to man, and every principle of legitimate warfare, 
 lord Cornwallis was bound to punish, was not even 
 marked, by his lordship's disapprobation. 
 
 The American people, it seriously afflicted, and 
 produced, in the mind of the military, a stern resolu- 
 tion, to visit the enemy with a terrible retaliation. 
 
 From the preceding lamentable state of thing?, 
 arose, on the part of the Americans, more of embitter- 
 ed resentment, and angry passions, than is usually con- 
 nected with military operations. As often, therefore, 
 as the parties met, they seemed to fight for extermina- 
 tion, rather than victory. This was the case, at least, in 
 small partisan affairs, which, from the nature of the 
 contest, were much more numerous, in the southern, 
 than in the northern, department of the states. 
 
 Another circumstance, which added much to tin- 
 blood-shed, and desolation of the times, was, that the 
 population of those states was more equally divided, 
 than elsewhere, between royalists, and adherents to 
 the cause of freedom; or, as they were commonly de-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 nominated, Whigs, and Tories. From this were en- 
 gendered in their most terriffic form, that mutual ani- 
 mosity and deadly hate, which always characterize 
 civil wars, and usually convert them into systematize 
 ed scenes of assassination and rapine. 
 
 With dispositions as fell and vindictive, as all the 
 sanguinary passions could render them, neighbour was 
 reciprocally arrayed againstneighbour, brother against 
 brother, and even father against son. Neither in the 
 darkness of the night, the inclosures of dwelling houses, 
 the depths of forests, nor the entanglements of the 
 swamps and morasses of the country, was security to 
 be found. Places of secrecy and retreat, being known, 
 alike, to both parties, afforded no asylum; but were, 
 oftentimes, marked with the most shocking barbari- 
 ties. The murderer, in his ambush, and the warriors in 
 their ambuscade, being, thus, in the daily perpetration 
 of deeds of violence and blood, travelling became al- 
 most as dangerous as battle. Strangers, of whom no- 
 thing was known, and who appeared to be quietly 
 pursuing their journey, were oftentimes shot down, 
 or otherwise assassinated, in the public road. Whole 
 districts of country resembled our frontier settlements, 
 during the prevalence of an Indian war. Even when 
 engaged, in their common concerns, the inhabitants 
 wore arms, prepared alike for attack, or defence.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 103 
 
 But this is not all. The period was marked with 
 another source of slaughter,, which added, not a little, 
 to its fatal character. Participating in the murderous 
 spirit of the times, slaves, that were, in many places, 
 numerous and powerful, rose against their masters, 
 armed with whatever weapon of destruction, accident 
 or secret preparation might supply. In these scenes 
 of horror, the knife, the hatchet, and the poisoned cup, 
 were indiscriminately employed. Some whole families 
 were strangled by their slaves, while, by the same 
 hands, others were consumed, amid the blaze of their 
 dwellings, in the dead of night. 
 
 These dispositions, in the population, generally, in- 
 flamed by the ardour, and urged by the force, of south- 
 ern passions, were sublimed to a pitch, to which the 
 more temperate people of the north were strangers. 
 For, whatever be the issue of the question, touching 
 the effect of climate, on the strength of intellect, no 
 doubt can be entertained, that a warm climate, sur- 
 passes a cold one, in awakening sensibility, and giv- 
 ing tone to passion. 
 
 But if the war of the south was maddened, in its 
 character, by private deeds of more atrocity and blood, 
 it was also, ennobled, by more signal instances, of in- 
 dividual and partisan valour and enterprise. Scarce-
 
 104 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ly do the most high-drawn heroes of fiction, sur- 
 pass, in their darings and extraordinary achievements, 
 many of those real ones, who figured in the southern 
 states, during the conflict of the revolution. 
 
 A correct and forcible picture, were it possible to 
 delineate it, of all the individual deeds, of the south, 
 during that memorable period, would constitute, one 
 of the most curious and chivalrous productions, of mo- 
 dern times. Such a work, complete in its matter, and 
 clothed in a style sufficiently descriptive, would pos- 
 sess the variety and interest of Don Q,uixotte, with- 
 out its extravagance. The preparation of it, be- 
 sides being creditable to the country, would ensure to 
 its author, a liberal reward. 
 
 To portray the meteor-like course of hardihood and 
 exploit, traced by general Marion, and his heroic fol- 
 lowers, might be considered, perhaps, an unwarranta- 
 ble departure from the path, which the nature of these 
 memoirs requires us to pursue. Yet, were it possible 
 to do justice to the undertaking, it would constitute a 
 digression, rich in matter of admiration and delight, 
 to the lovers of braveiy and romantic adventure. 
 
 Never was a partisan officer better suited to the 
 times, in which he lived, and the situation, in which 
 it was his fortune to act.
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 105 
 
 For stratagems, unlooked-for enterprises against 
 the enemy, and devices for concealing his own posi- 
 tions and movements, he had no rival. 
 
 The tract of country, over which he reigned, the 
 trust and safe-guard of his friends, the terror of his 
 foes, and the astonishment of every one, abounded in 
 thickets, morasses, and swamps, of uncommon extent. 
 
 To those deep and dreary solitudes, he was otten 
 obliged to retreat, for safety, when severely pressed, by 
 an overwhelming force. On these occasions, to pur- 
 sue him into his fastnesses, was as useless, as it was 
 dangerous Never, in a single instance, was he over- 
 taken, in his course, or discovered, in his hiding place, 
 unless he voluntarily faced his pursuers;in which case, 
 such was his selection of time and position, as to make 
 victory certain. Even some of his own party, anxious 
 for his safety, and well acquainted with many of the 
 places of his retreat, have sought for him, whole days, 
 in his immediate neighbourhood, without finding him. 
 Suddenly and unexpectedly, in some distant point, he 
 would, again, appear, pouncing on his enemy, like the 
 falcon on his quarry. 
 
 Possessed of great sagacity, and coolness, he was 
 cautious of enterprise, when success appeared doubt- 
 ful. For no one more conscientiously avoided a wan- 
 ton exposure of the lives of his troops; or could bet- 
 
 o
 
 J06 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ter appreciate, the effect of a failure, if not on the 
 spirits of his intrepid associates, at least, on those of 
 many of his friends. But, when a fair opening for 
 action presented itself, there was a rapidity, in his 
 movement, which enabled him, often, to assault a 
 distant enemy, by surprise; a suddenness, in his 
 stroke, which astonished and confounded; and a des- 
 peration, in his valour, which was seldom resisted. 
 These high and rare qualities, conducted him, re- 
 peatedly, into the arms of victory, when the force he 
 encountered, was tenfold the number of that he com- 
 manded. 
 
 The territory, over which this eagle warrior swept 
 his banner, was of considerable extent. During the 
 period of his predominancy, he converted it into a 
 partial solitude; not by cruelty, for of that he was' 
 incapable; but, by that vigilance, ubiquity, and mi- 
 litary address, which rendered an abandonment of 
 the place, by his enemies, the only practicable means 
 of their safety. Jn buttle he was the chafed tiger; but 
 to the prisoner who submitted, and in private life, hu- 
 mane and tender. 
 
 General Marion was a native of South Carolina; 
 and the immediate theatre of his exploits, was a large 
 section of the maritime district of that state, around 
 Georgetown. The peculiar hardihood of his consti- 
 tution, and its beins: accommodated to a warm cli-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 107 
 
 mate, and a low, marshy country, qualified him to en- 
 dure hardships, and submit to exposures, which, in that 
 sickly region, few other men would have been com- 
 petent to sustain. With the small force, he was enabled 
 to embody, and situated,, in all respects, as he was, it 
 is exceedingly doubtful, if any other individual on 
 earth, could have rendered to his country the same 
 amount of services, or done the enemy as much mis- 
 chief. In warfare of a different character, he had no 
 marked superiority, over ma.ny others. So important, 
 in all things, is a perfect adaptation of the means to 
 the end; and, that each individual, should move, as 
 far as practicable, in the sphere that suits him. 
 
 In the following adventure of general Marion, 
 which the writer of these memoirs, has often heard 
 related, and believes to be true, the reader may, per- 
 haps, find some degree of interest 
 
 That officer, whose stature was diminutive, and his 
 i 
 
 person uncommonly light, rode, when in sen ice, one of 
 the fleetest and most powerful chargers, the south could 
 produce. When in fair pursuit, nothing could escape, 
 and, when retreating, nothing could overtake him. 
 
 Being once nearly surrounded, by a party of Bri- 
 tish dragoons, he was compelled, for safety, to pass 
 into a corn field, by leaping the fence. 
 
 This field, marked with a considerable descent, of 
 surface, had been, in part, a marsh. Marion enter-
 
 108 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ed it, at the upper side. The dragoons, in chase, 
 leapt the fence also, and were but a short distance be- 
 hind him. So completely was he, now, within their 
 power, that his only mode of escape, was to pass over 
 the fence at the lower side. 
 
 But here lay a difficulty, which, to all but himself, 
 appeared insurmountable. 
 
 To drain the ground of its superfluous waters, a 
 trench had been cut around this part of the field, four 
 feet wide, and of the same depth. Of the umd and 
 clay, removed, in cutting it, a bank had been formed, 
 on its inner side, and on top of this, was erected the 
 fence. 
 
 The elevation of the whole, amounted to more than 
 seven feet, perpendicular height, a ditch, four feet in 
 width, running parallel with it, on the outside, and a 
 foot, or more, of space, intervening, between the 
 fence and the ditch. 
 
 The dragoons, acquainted with the nature and ex- 
 tent of this obstacle, and considering it impossible for 
 their enemy to pass it, pressed towards him, with loud 
 shouts of exultation and insult, and summoned him 
 to surrender, or perish, by the sword. 
 
 Regardless of their rudeness, and empty clamour, 
 and inflexibly determined, not to become their prison- 
 er, Marion spurred his horse to the charge.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 109 
 
 The noble animal, as if conscious that his master's 
 life was in danger, and, that, on his exertion depend- 
 ed its safety, approached the barrier, in his finest style, 
 and, with a bound, that was almost supernatural, 
 cleared, completely, the fence and ditch, and reco- 
 vered himself, without injury, on the opposite side. 
 
 Marion now facing his pursuers, who had halted 
 at the fence, unable to pass it, discharged his pistols 
 at them, without effect, and then, wheeling his horse, 
 and bidding them " good morning/' with an air of tri- 
 umph, dashed into an adjoining thicket, and disap- 
 peared in an instant. 
 
 Astonish* d at what they had witnessed, and scarce- 
 ly believing their foe to be mortal, the dragoons im- 
 mediately abandoned the pursuit. 
 
 In another district of the same state, more elevated, 
 drier, and, therefore, more healthy, but, less suited 
 to partisan and predatory operations, because less 
 abundant in fortresses and retreats, flourished general 
 Sumpter, a second warrior of freedom, terrible in ac- 
 tion, and peculiarly fitted, for the place he occupied. 
 
 Greatly superior to general Marion, in personal 
 strength, and trusting less to stratagem and skill, h 
 placed his fortune, much more exclusively, on his 
 daring resolution, and the execution of his sword. 
 TV arm in temperament, and devoted to his country.
 
 I 10 LIFE OF GENERAL GREF^ 
 
 whatever could contribute to rescue her from the in- 
 vader, andestablish her independence, became an ob- 
 ject of his ardent affection. He was also enamoured 
 of brilliant achievement, for its own sake. To victo- 
 ry, and the glory attending it, he would cut his way 
 through every danger, regardless alike of his own 
 blood, and that of his enemy 
 
 Into his brave associates, the hardy and powerful 
 sons of the hilly country, he infused an abundant por- 
 tion, of his own spirit. Attached to his person, and 
 inflamed, by his enthusiasm, this dauntless corps fol- 
 lowed him, with alacrity, through every difficulty, 
 and every peril. To them, as to hi-nself, the sight of 
 an enemy became an object of pleasure. Accustom 5 - 
 ed to conquer, even when greatly outnumbered, they 
 regarded the order, to prepare for battle, as little else 
 than an invitation to triumph. 
 / This was peculiarly the case, when none but roy- 
 alists were the object of their attack. 
 
 Thus formidable in himself, and his follower*, the 
 tories of his district, began to tremble at the approach, 
 and even the name of Sumpter; and the British, them- 
 selves, were compelled to respect him. 
 
 His only object being, the conquest or destruction 
 of his enemy, and the liberation of his country, he 
 was not very scrupulous, in his mode of warfare.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. Ill 
 
 Retaliation, in every form, he deemed justifiable. 
 Hence, he sternly retorted, on his adversaries, what- 
 ever means they employed against him. 11 they inhu- 
 manly resorted to conflagration or the gibbet, he was 
 not very reluctant to avenge the outrage, by similar 
 measures.. The entire annihilation of an invading foe, 
 whose end was subjugation, and every form of vio- 
 lence, their means, as well as of the miscreant inha- 
 bitants, who flocked to their banner, he held to be a 
 duty. 
 
 Possessing this general fitness for the crisis, his ca- 
 reer was fertile in enterprise, and deeds of heroism. 
 If, from a want of due precaution, or from an exu- 
 berance of courage, misfortune and defeat sometimes 
 assailed him, they neither broke his spirit, nor en- 
 feebled his hopes. Unmoved, as the firmest Roman, 
 in the best times of the commonwealth, he never 
 despaired of the arms of his country. With an inflex- 
 ible resolution, to witness her triumph, or not to sur- 
 vive her overthrow, he pressed towards his object, 
 with direct aim, and unrelaxing vigour, and would 
 have reduced his district to the condition of a desert, 
 rather than suffer the enemy to be master of it. 
 
 In brigadier general Pickens, appeared a third 
 champion of freedom, worthy of the glorious cause 
 he had espoused. Without so much experience in
 
 112 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 war, and with a character less strongly marked, than 
 his two coteniporaries, because lie was younger, he 
 rendered, notwithstanding, to his suffering fellow ci- 
 tizens, very important services. Gallant, enterprising, 
 and sensible; of a popular deportment, devotedly at- 
 tached to the independence of his country, and pos- 
 sessing no inconsiderable share of natural eloquence, 
 he drew around him, like Sumpter, from another dis- 
 trict of the hilly region, a band of followers, hardy, 
 active, and enamoured of danger. 
 
 At the head of these, capable himself of great ex- 
 ertion, and uncommonly patient of privation and toil, 
 he was indefatigable in his movements, traversing an 
 extensive circuit of country, intercepting scouts, strik- 
 ing at foraging parties, and attacking, and sometimes 
 carrying, posts, until he rendered himself exceeding- 
 ly formidable to his- enemies. In the worst of times, 
 he was, at once, a rallying point, and a source of re- 
 liance, to the friends of freedom, in a large district: 
 illustrated his career with numerous achievements of 
 usefulness and renown, and proved himself an able 
 partisan officer. But. successful as he was, in many 
 of his enterprises, his most substantial services con- 
 sisted, not so much in the work of his sword, as in 
 keeping alive a spirit of resistance, and saving the 
 people from despondency and submission. For it i>,
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 113 
 
 in the political, as in the animal body; while a spark 
 of life remains, resuscitation is possible: but, in 
 either, real death is absolute despair. 
 
 In another district of country, still further from the 
 seabord, composed of sections of North and South 
 Carolina, where those two states join, arose a fourth 
 partisan officer, of high character and merit, who, at 
 the gloomiest period of the southern disasters, did 
 much to prevent and punish the atrocities of the roy- 
 alists, circumscribe the range and influence of Bri- 
 tish detachments, and sustain the wavering spirits of 
 his friends. 
 
 This was colonel Davie, afterwards governor of 
 North Carolina, one of our embassadofs to France, 
 at a very portentous conjuncture, and, now, a pri- 
 vate gentleman, reposing in the lap of science, and 
 resident on his estate, in the same tract of country, 
 which he, then, protected. 
 
 This distinguished leader, although younger, by 
 several years, possessed talents, of a higher order, 
 and was much more accomplished, in education and 
 manners, than either of his three competitors for 
 fame. For the comeliness of his person, his martial 
 air, his excellence in horsemanship, and his consum- 
 mate powers, of field eloquence, he had scarcely an 
 equal in the armies of his country. So sonorous and
 
 114 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 powerful, was his voice, so distinct his articulation, 
 and so commanding his delivery, that the distance to 
 which he could be heard, was almost incredible. 
 
 But his chief excellence, lay in the magnanimity 
 and generosity of his soul, his daring courage, his 
 vigilance and address, and his unrelaxing activity 
 and endurancy of toil. So ardent was his attachment 
 to the cause of freedom, and so disinterested his ef- 
 forts to promote it, that, in equipping, for the field, his 
 corps of followers, he expended his whole patrimo- 
 nial estate. 
 
 At the head of these, his exertions were unremit- 
 ting, and his efficiency great. If he was less frequent- 
 ly engaged, in actual combat, than either of his three 
 more southerly compeers, it was not because he was 
 inferior to them, in enterprise, or love of battle. His 
 district being more interior, was, at first, less fre- 
 quently invaded, by British detachments; and the 
 terror of his arms, either kept the royalists from 
 embodying, or compelled them to scatter, and fly, at 
 his approach. 
 
 When, however, lord Cornwallis ultimately ad- 
 vanced into that quarter, his scouts and foraging par- 
 ties, found in col. Davie, and his brave associates, as 
 formidable an enemy, as they had ever encountered. 
 
 At the two gloomiest epochs of the southern war, 
 soon after the fall of Charleston, and the overthrow
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 115 
 
 of Gates, it was the good fortune of that officer to be 
 the first to shed a gleam, through the surrounding 
 darkness, and give hope to the country, by the brilli- 
 ancy of his exploits. 
 
 In one instance, without loss or injury, on his 
 part, he entirely destroyed an escort of provisions, 
 taking forty prisoners, with their horses and arms. 
 
 In the other, under the immediate eye of a large 
 British force, which was actually beating to arms, to 
 attack him, he routed a party, stronger than his own, 
 killing and wounding sixty of the enemy, and carry- 
 ing off with him, ninety-six horses, and one hundred 
 and twenty stand of arms. The only injury which 
 he himself sustained, in his command, was one man 
 wounded. This affair occurred at Wahab's farm, in 
 the Waxhaw settlement. 
 
 When lord Cornwall!* entered Charlotte, a small 
 village in North Carolina, colonel Davie, at the head 
 of his detachment, threw himself in his front, deter- 
 mined to give him a specimen of the firmness and 
 gallantry, with which the inhabitants of the place, 
 were prepared to dispute with his lordship, their na- 
 tive soil. 
 
 Colonel Tarleton's legion formed the British van, 
 led by major Hanger, the commander, himself, being- 
 confined by sickness.
 
 116 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 When that celebrated corps had advanced near to 
 the centre of the village, where the Americans were 
 posted, Davie poured into it, so destructive a fire, 
 that it immediately wheeled, and retreated, in disor- 
 der. Being rallied, on the commons, and again led on 
 to the charge, it received, on the same spot, another 
 fire, with a similar effect. 
 
 Lord Cornwallis, witnessing the confusion, thus 
 produced among his choicest troops, rode up, in per- 
 son, and, in a tone of dissatisfaction, upbraided the 
 legion with unsoldierly conduct, reminding it, of its 
 former exploits and reputation. 
 
 Pressed, on his flanks, by the British infantiy, co- 
 lonel Davie had now fallen back, to a new and well 
 selected position. 
 
 To dislodge him from this, the legion cavalry, 
 advanced on him, a third time, in rapid charge; in full 
 view of their commander in chief, and still smarting 
 from his pungent censure: but in vain. Another fire, 
 from the American marksmen, killed several of their 
 officers, wounded major Hanger, and repulsed them, 
 again, with increased confusion. 
 
 The main body of the British being now within 
 musket-shot, the American leader abandoned the 
 contest
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 1 1 $ 
 
 That they might, if possible, recover some portion 
 of the laurels, of which they had, this day, been shorn, 
 colonel Tarleton's dragoons, attempted to disturb co- 
 lonel Davie, in tyis retreat. But the latter, choosing 
 his ground, wheeled on them with so fierce and gal- 
 ling a fire, that they again fell back, and troubled him 
 no further. 
 
 It was by strokes, like these, that he seriously 
 crippled and intimidated his enemy, acquired an ele- 
 vated standing, in the estimation of his friends, and 
 served, very essentially, the interests of freedom. With 
 the resolution of Sumpter, and the coolness and mili- 
 tary policy of Marion, he exhibited, in his character, 
 a happy union of the high qualities of those two offi- 
 cers. 
 
 Thus, did these four great partisan leaders, creat- 
 ed, by the exigency of the times, and springing, each 
 out of the nature of his own district, tend, by their 
 vigilance, and unremitting action, to limit, not a lit- 
 tle, the ravages of the enemy, and to preserve, from 
 extinction, the embers of resistance. 
 
 But, although the most regular labourers, in the 
 sacred cause, in which they co-operated, they and 
 their immediate followers, did not work alone. By 
 the occasional association and exertion of other par- 
 tisan warriors, in different places, sundry enterpri-
 
 1 18 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ses, of rare and distinguished lustre, were successful- 
 ly achieved. 
 
 Every reader of history, must be familiar with the 
 celebrated and romantic feat of arms, achieved on 
 King's mountain; where the British bayonet, under 
 colonel Ferguson, yielded to the American rifle, 
 pointed by Cleveland, Shelby and Campbell. 
 
 In number, the troops, on either side, were near- 
 ly equal. The British detachment was in high dis- 
 cipline, selected for a particular service, and encamp- 
 ed in a position, chosen on account of its security 
 and strength. 
 
 The Americans were fresh from their homes, had 
 no pretension to discipline, and most of them now, 
 for the first time, faced an enemy in the field. Not- 
 withstanding this, they advanced to the attack, with 
 the steadiness, and cool determination, of veterans. 
 The resistance they encountered was firm and ter- 
 rible; yet fifty minutes conducted them to triumph. 
 
 The following brief, but picturesque account of 
 this battle, is given by general Lee. 
 
 " Our brave countrymen were formed into three 
 divisions, under their respective leaders, and coolly 
 ascended the mountain in different directions. Colo- 
 nel Cleveland first reached the enemy, and opened 
 a destructive fire from behind the trees. Ferguson
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 119 
 
 resorted to the bayonet: Cleveland necessarily gave 
 way. At that instant, from another quarter, colonel 
 Shelby poured in his fire; alike sheltered and alike 
 effectual. Upon him Ferguson furiously turned, and 
 advanced with the bayonet; gaining the only, though 
 immaterial, advantage in his power, of forcing Shel- 
 by to recede. This was scarcely effected, before 
 colonel Campbell had gained the summit of the 
 mountain; when he too commenced a deadly fire. 
 The British bayonet was again applied; and produc- 
 ed its former effect. All the divisions now returned 
 in co-operation, and resistance became temerity."' 
 
 The trophies' of the day were dazzling and glori- 
 ous. The British party was annihilated. Colonel Fer- 
 guson, himself, was among the slain; three hundred 
 of his troops were killed and wounded; and upwards 
 of eight hundred surrendered, at discretion. Fifteen 
 hundred stand of arms passed, also, into the posses- 
 sion of the conquerors. 
 
 Never was victory more opportune; nor, for the 
 number of combatants, engaged in the conflict, more 
 important, in its immediate consequences. It broke 
 the plan of the British campaign, rescued North 
 Carolina, from an invasion, which would have devas- 
 tated, and held in check, its strongest and best dispo- 
 sed district, disappointed the expectations 61 the roy-
 
 ISO LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 alists in various parts of it, preventing their intended 
 co-operation with the invaders, and revived the 
 sinking hopes, and invigorated the exertions, of the 
 friends of freedom. 
 
 Further to the South, occurred another affair of 
 partisan gallantry, which, although not very moment- 
 ous, in its consequences, was, notwithstanding, so 
 extraordinary, in its nature, conducted with so much 
 address, marked with such a chivalrous spirit of en- 
 terprise, and so honourable to the officer who con- 
 ceived and executed it, that it deserves to be much 
 more generally known, than it has heretofore been. 
 
 On the river Ogechee, in the state of Georgia, was 
 stationed captain French, with a detachment of about 
 forty British regulars. At the same place lay five 
 British vessels. Of these, four were armed, the lar- 
 gest mounting fourteen guns. 
 
 Colonel John White, of the Georgia line, medita- 
 ting the capture of this station, was able to call to his 
 assistance, but four individuals, captain Etholen, and 
 three privates. 
 
 Resolute in their purpose, notwithstanding the dis- 
 parity of force they would be obliged to encounter, 
 these five soldiers of fortune, boldly advanced on the 
 enemy's post.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 121 
 
 Having arrived in the neighbourhood of it at night, 
 they kindled numerous fires, the light of which reach- 
 ed their adversaries, so arranging them, as to repre- 
 sent, by them, the lines of a considerable camp. To 
 render their stratagem the more imposing, they then 
 rode hastily about, in various directions, in imitation 
 of the staff of an army, disposing their sentinels, and 
 issuing their orders in a loud voice. 
 
 The artifice succeeded, and convinced captain 
 French, that he was menaced by a large body of 
 Americans. Accordingly, on being summoned, by 
 colonel White, he surrendered his detachment, the 
 crews of the five vessels, amounting to near fifty in 
 number, with the vessels themselves, and one hun- 
 dred and fifty stand of arms. 
 
 But the difficulty of the enterprising captors, was 
 not yet terminated. The British soldiers and sailors, 
 might discover the imposition that had been practis- 
 ed on them, and attempt a rescue; and five armed 
 men, were not sufficent to restrain, by force, near a 
 hundred without arms. 
 
 The same genius, however, that had planned the 
 first part of the adventure, was competent to the 
 completion of it. 
 
 With great seriousness, and some emotion, in his 
 manner, colonel White told captain French, that, in
 
 122 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 consequence of certain recent enormities, perpetra- 
 ted by a detachment of British and royalists, his 
 troops were so deeply exasperated, that he was afraid 
 they would advance on the captured party, and, in 
 violation of his commands, put them all to the sword: 
 that he had, already, experienced great difficulty, 
 in restraining them; and, should they be placed as a 
 guard over the prisoners, he was convinced their rage 
 would become ungovernable. He, therefore, direct- 
 ed the British captain, to follow, with his whole party, 
 captain Etholen, and two of the soldiers, as guides, 
 who would conduct them, without delay, to a place 
 of safety, and good quarters. 
 
 For his kindness and humanity, colonel White re- 
 ceived the thanks of his prisoners, who immediate- 
 ly marched off, in a body, with their small escort, 
 anxious to hasten their pace, lest the enraged Ame- 
 ricans should advance on them, and cut them to 
 pieces. 
 
 The colonel and one soldier remained behind, with 
 a view, as he informed captain French, to restrain, 
 by his presence, -any improper violence, his troops 
 might be inclined to offer; and to conduct their march 
 at some distance in the rear. 
 
 In the mean time, with the aid of the soldier re- 
 tained, he took active measures, to collect, as expe- 
 ditiously as possible, a body of militia, from the neigh-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 123 
 
 bouring district Placing himself at the head of these, 
 who were mostly mounted on good horses, he soon 
 overtook his prisoners, whom he found safe, under 
 their guides, and rejoicing in the generous treatment 
 1 they had experienced. 
 
 Equally, perhaps, unknown, to most of the inha- 
 bitants, and singularly neglected, in the history of our 
 country, is another very gallant partisan adventure, 
 achieved on the 22d of June 1 780. Neither Ameri- 
 can regulars, nor British soldiers having any concern 
 in this spirited affair; it was fought entirely by raw 
 militia-men, of the whig and tory parties. 
 
 About twelve hundred of the latter, having assem- 
 bled, under the command of colonel Moore, encam- 
 ped, in a strong position, at Ramsaour's mill, a few 
 miles westward, from the Catawba river, and in the 
 vicinity of the line, which separates North from South 
 Carolina. In which of the two states the encampment 
 was situated, is not, at present, distinctly recollected, 
 although the writer of this narrative, has been fre- 
 quently on the spot. 
 
 In addition to rapine, and the production of gene- 
 ral distress, a favourite object of this party was, to 
 overawe and weaken the adjacent country, by cap- 
 turing, and carrying within the British lines, a num- 
 ber of its most influential inhabitants. Besides being
 
 124 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 * 
 
 thus prevented from taking a lead, in active measures 
 of resistance, these were to be held as hostages, for 
 the good conduct and neutrality of their friends. 
 
 To defeat the mischievous purposes of this party, 
 and to dislodge them from their strong hold, the most 
 spirited of the whigs, from Iredell, a neighbouring 
 county, assembled, to the amount of three hundred 
 men, under the command of colonel Locke. These 
 consisted, principally, of foot; but, in part, of a small 
 corps of mounted infantry, armed with rifles, pistols 
 and sabres, led by captain Falls, an officer of pecu- 
 liar gallantry and worth. 
 
 This hasty levy of soldiers, presented a spectacle 
 eminently interesting. They were fresh from their 
 homes, their private habits unbroken, no discipline or 
 concert of action established among them, and all 
 their domestic feelings, clinging around their hearts. 
 
 They were, in the true sense of the expression, a 
 band of friends and neighbours, being all from the 
 same settlement, and perfectly known to each other, 
 in private life. In the whole party, there was not an 
 individual, who had not repeatedly united with the 
 others, in rural sport, and social enjoyment. As citi- 
 zens, they were all of the same rank, and all respect- 
 able. They were masters of the soil, they had assem- 
 bled to defend.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 125 
 
 Of this corps of patriots, the military prowess was 
 entirely untried; not one of them, with the exception 
 of captain Falls, having ever confronted an enemy, 
 in the field. Their only warlike acquirement, was 
 great expertness and skill, in the use of the rifle. In 
 that qualification, they had few superiors. 
 
 Being all dressed in their common apparel, they 
 exhibited no uniformity of appearance. To remedy 
 this, and to distinguish them from the tories, who 
 were known to be dressed in the same way, they fas- 
 tened over the crowns of their hats, from back to 
 front, descending to the rims, on each side, strips of 
 white paper, about two inches broad. Each one 
 brought to the place of rendezvous, his own rifle, fif- 
 ty rounds of powder and ball, a week's provision, and 
 a light blanket. That they might be perfectly unen- 
 cumbered, neither baggage-wagon, nor pack-horse 
 was attached to the party. 
 
 Thus accoutred, eager for battle, and panting for 
 glory, without waiting for a considerable force, that 
 was assembling in Rowan, a neighbouring county, 
 under general Rutherford, to join them, they moved, 
 in haste and silence, towards the scene of action. 
 
 The second day's march brought them into the im- 
 mediate vicinity of their object. They encamped, for 
 "the night, determined to strike, and hoping to sur-
 
 126 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 prise, the enemy, in the morning. But, in this, they 
 were disappointed. 
 
 On advancing to the attack, about break of day, 
 they found the foe on the alert, and ready to receive 
 them. They, therefore, resolved to wait, until it should 
 be completely light, that the aim of their rifles might 
 be the more deadly. 
 
 The morning opening, disclosed to them a prepa- 
 ration for defence and resistance, much more formi- 
 dable, than they had expected to find. The enemy 
 were posted on top of a hill, covered with timber, 
 which afforded them a shelter. Their flanks were 
 protected, on one side, by a mill-dam, and, on the 
 other, by a swamp, a small stream of water flowing 
 in the rear. In front of their encampment, was erect- 
 ed, of stakes and brush r wood, a breastwork, so com- 
 pact, as to be proof against small arms, and to im- 
 pede, in a great measure, the operation of cavalry. 
 A strong detachment of the foe was stationed in ad- 
 vance of the breastwork, armed with rifles, and con- 
 cealed behind trees. 
 
 At first sight, this array of men and means, was 
 somewhat appalling. But, the Rubicon was passed. 
 Retreat would be ruin, accompanied with disgrace. 
 Battle might also be ruinous, but could not be dis-
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 127 
 
 honourable. Without hesitation, therefore, the latter 
 was resolved on. 
 
 At his own request, captain Falls, with his mount- 
 ed infantry, led the attack. When at the distance of 
 about eighty paces, he received the fire of the ene- 
 my's advance. Returning this, with considerable ef- 
 fect, he rushed, sword in hand, into the midst of 
 them, threw them into confusion, and forced them to 
 fall back. Pressing his fortune, with too much ar- 
 dour, he received a ball, through his breast, and fell 
 dead from his horse. 
 
 His party, however, undismayed, by the loss of 
 
 
 
 their leader, continued the action, with great gallan- 
 try, until the foot advanced to their support, when 
 the enemy was driven behind his breastwork. 
 
 Here ensued, a most murderous conflict. The 
 whigs, having so far levelled the obstruction, as to 
 render it passable, rushed over it, mingled with the 
 enemy, and, in many instances, grappled with them., 
 man to man. Every instrument and mean of death, 
 was now resorted to. The bullet, the sword, the ri- 
 fle-but, and even the hatchet, with which some were 
 provided, were abundantly employed. Rarely, in any 
 case, has blood been more inexorably, or, by the same 
 number of combatants, more prodigally, shed.
 
 128 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 For a time, the issue was doubtful. Pressed, by su- 
 perior numbers, the whigs were, once, compelled to 
 give ground, some of them retreating across the 
 breastwork. But, resolutely bent on victory or death, 
 they returned to the charge, with such fierce im- 
 petuosity, and decisive effect, as bore down all resis- 
 tance. 
 
 The tories broke, and fled, in confusion, the whigs, 
 for some distance, hanging on their rear, with terri- 
 ble slaughter. 
 
 Thus terminated an affair, in which so many gal- 
 lant spirits made their first, and, too many of them, 
 alas! their last, essay in arms. In the course of it, the 
 whigs performed prodigies; and the royalists mani- 
 s Tested a degree of resolution and valour, worthy of a 
 better cause. 
 
 The latter lost, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, 
 upwards of six hundred men. The prisoners and 
 wounded, were paroled, and liberated, on the field 
 of battle. 
 
 The numerical loss of the former was exceeding- 
 ly heavy, nearly half of them being killed or wound- 
 ed. But the actual loss, which consisted, in the cha- 
 racter, rather than the number, of those that fell, 
 was incalculable. On that fatal day, some of the 
 choicest blood of the south, was heroically offered, 
 on the altar of freedom.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 129 
 
 The death of captain Falls, in particular, was deeply 
 lamented. In the ranks of his countiy, hedid not leave 
 behind him a purer patriot, or a more gallant soldier. 
 
 His son, a youth of fourteen, had accompanied him 
 lo battle. When the captain fell, this high minded 
 stripling, moved by an instinctive impulse of affec- 
 tion, sprang from his horse, to embrace the body, and 
 protect it from insult. One 'of the enemy, believed to 
 be the same, that had shot captain Falls, advancing, 
 with a view to plunder the corpse, the son, suddenly 
 snatching the sword of the deceased, plunged it into 
 the bosom of the marauder, and thus, at once, pun- 
 ished audacity, and nobly revenged his father's death. 
 
 So deadly was the aim of the tory riflemen, at the 
 commencement of the action, before the smoke of 
 their own fire had obstructed their view, that, many 
 of them placed their balls, in the lower end of the 
 strips of paper, which the whigs wore over the 
 crowns of their hats. Every shot of this description, 
 passing through the brain, was instantly fatal. 
 
 As yet, the southern states, had witnessed, on the 
 part of the friends of freedom, but little of regular 
 military operations. The war had been of a partisan, 
 predatory, and murderous character, calculated to 
 exha.ust the country, and madden the passions, but 
 
 R
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 to produce no decisive effect, in the procurement of 
 peace. 
 
 If any exceptions to this existed, they were to be 
 found, in the defence of Charleston, the battle of Sto- 
 no, the attack on the British lines, at Savannah, and 
 the defeat of general Gates, near the village of Cam- 
 den. It cannot be denied, that these actions, not- 
 withstanding the abortive and ruinous issue of them, 
 were conducted on the principles of the art of war. 
 For reasons that will be sufficiently obvious hereaf- 
 ter, the last of them calls for further notice.
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 X 
 
 General Gates appointed to the command of the army of the south his 
 lii^h reputation, with the confidence and expectancy, it excited his 
 imprudence and precipitancy his defeat, before Camden fall of 
 the baron de Kalb last moments of that officer noble conduct of 
 his aid, colonel du Buysson the baron's character flight of Gates, 
 not consistent with his former reputation consternation of the 
 country taught bj misfortune, Gates becomes more prudent, and 
 circumspect a court of inquiry into his conduct, ordered Greene 
 appointed to succeed him his conduct and sentiments, on the oc- 
 casion sets out for the south visits, on his route, the governors of 
 the states, constituting the southern department, which is, now, en- 
 larged, so as to embrace all the territory, south of Pennsylvania is 
 in danger of falling into the hands of the tories arrives in Charlotte, 
 the head-quarters of general Gates the mutual delicacy, and mag- 
 nanimity, of the two commanders Gates, in a very complimentary 
 style, surrenders the command of the army to Greene the dignified 
 and courteous reply, of the latter Greene is the advocate of the 
 reputation of Gates, and so continues the latter takes leave of bis 
 successor, and of military life his dreary and disconsolate journey 
 to the north reflections on his fall from favour, and public confidence. 
 
 To check the progress of the enemy, in the south, 
 and wrest from him the two states, he had already 
 overrun, a powerful expedition was projected in the 
 North. The command of this, which had been plan- 
 ned by the united wisdom of the nation, and from 
 which so much was expected, of present relief, and 
 future benefit, was unanimously offered to general 
 Gates.
 
 132 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Rich in fame, from the fields of Saratoga, that of- 
 ficer accepted the high and important trust, under- 
 many advantages. 
 
 Regularly bred to arms, in the British school, and 
 extensively versed in past services, he had acquired 
 no inconsiderable share of military science and 
 experience; transferred, 'by congress, to his present 
 command, he possessed the entire confidence of that 
 body; and his recent successes, in the capture of 
 Burgoyne, had rendered him preeminent, in popular- 
 ity, with the army and the nation. Next to the com- 
 mander in chief, his fortune had made him, at this 
 conjuncture, the most prominent and influential offi- 
 cer in the country. 
 
 Encircled, thus, abundantly, by laurels, the merit- 
 ed reward of antecedent victory, and with a most 
 extensive field, before him, rich in others, which he 
 was invited to gather, general Gates eagerly directed 
 his march to the south. 
 
 Having been previously despatched, to the same 
 quarter, at the head of fifteen hundred troops, major 
 general, the baron de Kalb, had already advanced to 
 about the centre of North Carolina. He was here 
 overtaken, by the hero of Saratoga, who was hailed 
 with acclamations, to the command of the army.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 133 
 
 General Gates was, soon afterwards, strengthened 
 by a party of regulars, under colonel Porterfield, the 
 militia of Virginia, under general Stevens, and those 
 of North Carolina, under general Caswell; the two 
 latter bodies, being perfectly crude, and without dis- 
 cipline. With this force, unassimilated, as it was, and 
 wholly disqualified, to act in concert, he determined 
 to advance, without delay, and meet the enemy. The 
 necessity of training, to the use of arms, and practis- 
 ing, in field evolutions, troops that were to encounter 
 a veteran foe, appeared to be forgotten by him. 
 
 The arrival of an officer, so exalted in reputation, 
 had an immediate and very happy effect, on the 
 spirits of the soldiery, and the hopes' of the people. 
 The anticipation became no less general, than it was 
 pleasing, that he, who had humbled Great Britain, on 
 the heights of the Hudson, and liberated New York 
 from a formidable invasion, would prove no less suc- 
 cessful in the south, and become the deliverer of 
 Carolina and Georgia, from lawless rapine, and mili- 
 tary rule. 
 
 In this confidence, joy overspread the face of the 
 country, and the friends of freedom, hurried to his 
 
 banner. But the issue soon demonstrated the falla- 
 
 i 
 
 cy of hope, even when it appears to be steadfastly 
 founded in reason. For it cannot be denied, that
 
 134 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 general Gates had before him., at this moment, a 
 most promising prospect, of successful operations, 
 and a glorious campaign. 
 
 But, from the moment he assumed the command 
 in the south, his former judgment and fortune, ap- 
 peared to forsake him. He commenced his mea- 
 sures, in a want of foresight, and proceeded through 
 a series of palpable errors, and acts of indiscretion, 
 which led, in a short time, to the destruction of his 
 army. 
 
 The country, which was to constitute his theatre 
 of action, was open, level, thinly inhabited, and mark- 
 ed, in many places, with extensive plains. 
 
 Here, cavalry became an essential part of his 
 force, as well with a view to the efficiency of scout- 
 ing parties, and the procurement of intelligence and 
 provisions, as for operating against the enemy, in all 
 such ways, as exigencies might demand, in time of 
 battle. Yet, by an act of inattention, or a miscon- 
 ception of means, not to be accounted for, and 
 scarcely to be pardoned, general Gates refused to 
 avail himself of the services, of a most active and 
 formidable corps of horse, under the command of 
 the colonels, White and Washington. 
 
 The baron de Kalb had resolved to penetrate into 
 South Carolina, by a route, in which provisions were
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 1J5 
 
 plenty, and could be easily procured. But, on tak- 
 ing command of the army, general Gates, for rea- 
 sons, which did not appear valid, directed his march 
 by a different route, through an unproductive coun- 
 try, where supplies of wholesome provisions were 
 wanting. The result was, that his troops became 
 sickly and debilitated, in consequence of being oblig- 
 ed to subsist, for some time, on green corn, and un- 
 ripe fruits. This was their condition, in a degree 
 that was alarming, when, of his own accord, he gave 
 battle to the enemy. f 
 
 The active spirits of the place, being roused and 
 encouraged, by the presence of a considerable army, 
 and daily flocking to the standard of their country, 
 general Gates, by a delay of action, had much to 
 gain, in point of numbers. Nor would he have pro- 
 fited less, by the improved discipline and health of 
 his troops. 
 
 To the prospects of the enemy, on the contrary, 
 delay would have been ruinous. To them, there was 
 no alternative, but immediate battle and victory, or 
 immediate retreat. Such, however, was the nature of 
 the country and the distance and relative position 
 of the two armies, that to compel the Americans to 
 action, was impossible. Yet, in the midst of all these 
 considerations, dissuading him from it, and, in con-
 
 136 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 tempt of advantages enabling him to avoid it, gene- 
 ral Gates sought battle, and found ruin. 
 
 The extreme imprudence of the American gene- 
 ral, in hazarding an engagement, at this time, is fur- 
 ther manifested, by the fact, that, in troops, on whose 
 firmness, in action, he could safely rely, he was great- 
 ly inferior to the foe; they amounting to sixteen hun- 
 dred regulars: and he having less than a thousand 
 continentals. On his sickly, undisciplined militia, it 
 was madness to depend. 
 
 The two armies met within a few miles of Cam- 
 den, the enemy led by lord Cornwallis, the most able 
 
 and skilful of the British chiefs. 
 
 t 
 
 On the first shock of arms, all the militia, except 
 a regiment of North Carolinians, commanded by co- 
 lonel Dixon, which fought with great gallantry and 
 effect, deserted their standards, and fled in dismay. 
 In vain did Stephens, Caswell, and Gafes himself, 
 attempt to rally them. That their speed might be the 
 greater, they threw away their arms and accoutre- 
 ments, and dashed into the woods, and swamps, for 
 safety. A rout more perfectly wild, and disorderly, 
 or marked with greater consternation and dismay, 
 was never witnessed. Honour, manhood, country, 
 home every recollection sacred to the feelings of 
 the soldier, and the soul of the brave, was merged in
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 137 
 
 an ignominious love of life. From the swords of 
 Tarleton's dragoons, who pursued and overtook 
 them, in their dastardly flight, great numbers of them 
 met their fate. 
 
 The continentals, and Dixon's brave militia regi- 
 ment, amounting, in the aggregate, to less than twelve 
 hundred, were now left, to contend alone, with the 
 foe, surpassing them in numbers, and already flushed, 
 witli a certainty of triumph. 
 
 This heroic remnant of the army, under the 
 immediate command of De Kalb, Gist, Smallwood, 
 Williams, Howard, and Dixon, fought with intrepi- 
 dity, and desperate resolution. In several points^, the 
 enemy were beaten, and compelled to give way. But, 
 backed and supported, by additional forces, they re- 
 turned to the charge, and were ultimately victorious. 
 
 The loss of the American regulars was heavy; 
 and, in the numjber of the slain, were many officers, 
 of great worth. 
 
 Colonel Porterfield, distinguished for his steadi- 
 ness, heroism, and skill, fell, early in the action, uni- 
 versally lamented. 
 
 The fate of the gallant De Kalb, was melancholy 
 and affecting. 
 
 Dissatisfied with some of the arrangements for 
 battle, he had been heard to declare, that defeat
 
 138 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 would ensue, and that he would not survive the dis- 
 grace of 'the day. 
 
 Having long sustained, and encouraged, by his, ex- 
 ample and exhortations., the bravery of the troops, he 
 resolved on a final appeal to the bayonet. 
 
 The charge, was worthy of Americans, command- 
 ed by a veteran, proud of his sword, who had signa- 
 lized himself, often and honourably, on the fields of 
 Germany. While leading it, in person, the baron re- 
 ceived eleven wounds, in different parts of his body, 
 and immediately fell. 
 
 The injury was mortal; but the noble foreigner 
 was not yet dead. By the British soldiery, smarting, 
 from their own wounds, or enraged, by the slaughter, 
 produced among their comrades, numerous bayon- 
 ets were pointed at his breast, as he lay on the ground. 
 
 Colonel Du Buysson, one of his aids, determined 
 to preserve, from immediate extinction, the baron's 
 yet lingering but fast declining life, or sacrifice his 
 own, in the generous attempt fearlessly interposed his 
 person, and received, himself, the bayonets aimed, 
 at the body of his friend. 
 
 The manifestation of an attachment so powerful, 
 united to a devotedness, so magnanimous and disin- 
 terested, had its full effect. It softened even the ex- 
 asperated soldiers, stayed the point of the advancing
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 139 
 
 bayonet, and, instead of being destroyed, these two 
 heroes and friends became prisoners. 
 
 The wounds of colonel DuBuysson, did not prove 
 fatal. The baron, although treated by the enemy, with 
 the utmost tenderness, and soothing attention, survi- 
 ved but a few days. Before his death, he dictated to 
 general Smallwood, who succeeded him, in com- 
 mand, a letter, filled with expressions of sincere af- 
 fection, for the officers of his division: and bestowed, 
 in his last moments, the highest encomiums, on the 
 braveiy of the troops. " Tell my brave companions 
 in arms, said he, that, even now, when the coldness 
 of death is spreading over me, my heart is warm with 
 love for them." 
 
 Besides being an officer, of high qualities, and ex- 
 tensive experience, De Kalb as a man, was remark- 
 able for his refined and exalted virtue. Ardent and 
 steady in his affections, and sincere in his professions, 
 his friendships, although not numerous, were strong 
 and lasting. 
 
 His loss was felt, and much lamented, by the 
 American army; and, during his short intercourse 
 with the British officers, though wounded, and a 
 prisoner, he made a very favourable and deep im- 
 pression on them, by the amiability of his character, 
 his patience and magnanimity, in suffering, and the
 
 140 LIFE OF GENERAL GKEE.NE. 
 
 excellence of his heart. He was buried, by them, with 
 the military honours, clue to his rank. 
 
 Congress, in recognition of his services, erected to 
 his memory, in the town of Annapolis, a handsome 
 monument, with a complimentary inscription. 
 
 That general Gates was a brave soldier, no one 
 ever pretended to deny. Yet, to reconcile with that 
 view of his character, the whole of his conduct, in 
 the battle of Camden, might seem to be a matter of 
 some difficulty. 
 
 In his attempt to rally the routed militia, at the 
 commencement of the action, he fell back, with that 
 retreating body, and appeared no more, on the field 
 of battle. Neglectful of the continentals, who continu- 
 ed the conflict, and without the slightest intelligence 
 of their fate, he pursued his retreat, with uncommon 
 rapidity, until he entered Charlotte, a village of North 
 Carolina, eighty miles from the scene of action. 
 
 The reason assigned for this conduct was, a wish 
 to reach that point, before the arrival of his retreat- 
 ing troops; and, by erecting his standard, to collect 
 them, there, for future action. 
 
 But the motive alleged, was unsatisfactory; and 
 was regarded, both by the military and the nation, 
 more in the light of an excuse, than a reason.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. ' 141 
 
 When general Gates found it impossible, to check 
 the flight of the shattered militia, it would have re- 
 dounded much more to his honour as a soldier, and, 
 certainly, not less to his sense of character, as an 
 officer, to have returned to the regulars, the main 
 hope, at the time, of the southern states, and brought 
 them from the field, or, like the gallant De Kalb, 
 fallen at their head, in a last effort, on the British 
 ranks. Had he done either, he would have lightened, 
 not a little, the stain on his escutcheon. 
 
 The passions and emotions of man, are prone to 
 great and sudden extremes. Like a well disposed 
 pendulum, they are apt, when influenced, by oppo- 
 site causes, to vibrate, to equal distances, on each 
 side of the line of sober and correct judgment. It 
 is only in minds of the clearest views, and the firm- 
 est texture, that they are exempt from these conflict- 
 ing alternations. 
 
 Never, perhaps, did there occur, on any occasion, 
 a more forcible illustration of this truth, than on that 
 of the advance and defeat of general Gates. 
 
 When, as already stated, that officer first assum- 
 ed the command pf the army of the south, the exul- 
 tation excited, was universal and wild. Joy seemed 
 to revel in every breast, hope beamed from every
 
 14)2 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 countenance, and the expectation of an immediate 
 and triumphant issue, was universal and extravagant. 
 
 But now,, a fatal reverse was experienced. At a 
 single blow, the army was annihilated; and the coun- 
 try, once more open and defenceless, exposed to the 
 incursions of a rapacious foe. 
 
 With this ensued, a corresponding change, in pub- 
 lic feeling. Hope and expectation, until this reverse 
 inordinately high, were succeeded by a deep and ge- 
 neral despondency. In the apprehensions of the peo- 
 ple, freedom was lost. The writer of this narrative, 
 was situated within the route, by which the army of 
 general Gates retreated. Although a child, when the 
 catastrophe occurred, he was far from being indiffer- 
 ent to the appearance of the shattered troops, and the 
 terrified inhabitants. Indeed the impressions he recei- 
 ved, were too deep and permanent, for time to efface. 
 
 The dismal fears and forebodings of the country} 
 he distinctly remembers: and, now, at the distance 
 of nearly forty years, the consternation and dismay ' 
 pictured in every countenance he beheld, present to 
 his view a high-drawn image of terror and distraction. 
 
 Nor can he ever forget the deadly effect, produced 
 by the cry of " Gates is defeated," which, uttered by 
 the hundred tongues of Rumour, and carried, by dis- 
 patch messengers, from dwelling to dwelling, was
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 143 
 
 regarded, by every one, as the knell of liberty. Even 
 the bravest and most sanguine, had scarcely a hope 
 or a prospect left, but that, of once more facing the 
 conqueror, and, in a last and desperate effort, esca- 
 ping his chains, by an honourable death. Of all the 
 stages of the war, in the south, this was the period, 
 which most emphatically " tried men's souls." 
 
 That, under the pressure of such a disheartening 
 conjuncture, he had the firmness not to despair of 
 his country, redounds, somewhat to the honour of 
 general Gates. 
 
 Having retreated to Salisbury, and thence to Hills- 
 borough, he, there, succeeded, in collecting around 
 him, the fragments of his army. Being, soon after- 
 wards, reinforced, by several small bodies of regulars 
 and militia, he again advanced towards the south, 
 and took post in Charlotte. 
 
 During this movement, the circumspection, and mi- 
 litary skill, he exhibited, were not a little superior, 
 to those which had marked his former conduct. Se- 
 verely exercised in the school of misfortune, he ap- 
 peared to have profited, considerably, by the disci- 
 pline. But, whatever might be the apparent amend- 
 ment of his policy, having forfeited and lost, the con- 
 fidence of the country, it was impossible for him, to 
 turn the current of adversity. Nothing, indeed, could
 
 144 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 effect that, but the presence of an officer, fertile in 
 resources, of a commanding genius, and a spotless 
 reputation. 
 
 Convinced of this important truth, and dissatisfied 
 with the loss of the southern army, congress resol- 
 ved, that the conduct of general Gates be submitted 
 to the examination of a court of inquiry, and the com- 
 mander in chief, directed, to appoint an officer to 
 succeed him. 
 
 In complying with that portion of the resolution, 
 which related to a commander of the southern army, 
 general Washington, without hesitation, offered the 
 appointment to general Greene. In a letter to con- 
 gress, recommending the general to the support of 
 that body, he made the most honourable mention of 
 him, as " an officer, in whose abilities, fortitude, and 
 integrity, from a long and intimate experience of 
 them, he had the most entire confidence." 
 
 In this appointment, Washington had the good 
 fortune to meet, not only his own views, and gratify 
 his own wishes, but those, also, of the South Caro- 
 lina delegation in Congress. Writing to Mr. Mat- 
 thews, a member from Charleston, he says, " You 
 have your wish, in the officer appointed, to the south- 
 ern command. I think, I am giving you a general; 
 but, what can a general do, without men, without
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 145 
 
 arms, without clothing, without stores, without pro- 
 visions." 
 
 The delicacy of general Greene, on this occasion, 
 was highly honourable to him. It showed him to be 
 a man of correct feelings, an amiable temper, and a 
 magnanimous disposition. Far from exulting in his 
 appointment, or manifesting any offensive superiority 
 over the officer, he was destined to supersede, he re- 
 monstrated against the recal of general Gates, pro- 
 nouncing him an able commander, not\yithstanding 
 his misfortunes, and declaring himself willing to re- 
 pair to the southern army, and " serve under him." 
 
 Equally delicate, and gentlemanly, in their de- 
 portment, towards each other, were those two offi- 
 cers, when they met in Charlotte, North Carolina, 
 where the command of the army devolved on Greene. 
 
 The conduct and feelings of general Gates, in re- 
 signing the command, are manifested, much to his 
 credit, in the following order. 
 
 " Head-quarters, Charlotte, 3d December, 1 780. 
 Parole, Springfield countersign, Greene. 
 
 The honourable major general Greene, who arri- 
 ved yesterday afternoon, in Charlotte, being appoint- 
 ed, by his excellency general Washington, with the 
 approbation of the honourable congress, to the com-
 
 146 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 mand of the southern army, all orders will, for the 
 future, issue from him,, and all reports, are to be 
 made to him. 
 
 " General Gates, returns his sincere and grateful 
 thanks, to the southern army, for their perseverance, 
 fortitude, and patient endurance, of all the hardships 
 and sufferings, they have undergone, while under his 
 command. He anxiously hopes, their misfortunes will 
 cease therewith; and that victory, and the glorious 
 advantages attending it, may be the future portion of 
 the southern army." 
 
 On the next day, his successor introduced into his 
 general orders, the following very handsome and dig- 
 nified reply. 
 
 " General Greene returns his thanks to the hon- 
 ourable major general Gates, for the polite manner, 
 in which he has introduced him to his command, in 
 his orders, of yesterday, and for his good wishes, for 
 the success of the southern army." 
 
 In addition to this, general Greene had already 
 been, and continued to be, the firm advocate of the 
 reputation of general Gates, particularly if he heard 
 it assailed with asperity. It was believed, however, 
 that his magnanimity, and extreme tenderness for 
 the feelings of an officer, fallen from his former fame, 
 and his determination to frown on unmanly censure,
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 147 
 
 induced him to carry his defence of general Gates, 
 as far, at least, as his judgment warranted. It is 
 scarcely possible, that, with his luminous views, and 
 great military mind, he could do other, than secretly 
 condemn, some part of the conduct, of his unfortu- 
 nate predecessor. That, in reality, he did condemn 
 it, is manifest from the fact, that, under circumstan- 
 ces, not dissimilar, he governed his own conduct, by 
 different principles. But, led by the amiability of his 
 temper, to be silent, where many considerations for- 
 bade him to commend, unavailing censure was ne- 
 ver heard to issue from his lips. 
 
 That portion of territory, technically denominated, 
 the southern department of the Union, extended, 
 originally, no further north, than to the south bank of 
 the Potowmac. It included, therefore, only Virginia, 
 the two Carolinas, and Georgia. But, to this depart- 
 ment were added, soon after the defeat of general 
 Gates, for the purpose of strengthening it, Maryland 
 and Delaware. 
 
 When proceeding on his route, to the army of the 
 south, general Greene visited the governors of the se- 
 veral states^ composing his department, to advise and 
 concert with them, the best plan of furnishing provi- 
 sions, and their quotas of troops; and to ascertain,
 
 148 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 generally, what effective force he might reasonably 
 calculate on bringing into the field. 
 
 Having completed, as far as possible, these pre- 
 liminary arrangements, he hastened, with his suite, 
 to his place of destination. 
 
 The character of parts of the country, through 
 which he had to pass, were, by no means, favour- 
 able to his interest, or flattering to his views of fu- 
 ture success. The inhabitants were deeply disaffect- 
 ed to the cause of freedom; and such was their au- 
 dacity, springing out of the late triumph, of the roy- 
 al arms, that, few as his attendants were, his per- 
 sonal safety was, several times, considered in dan- 
 ger. His prudence and firmness, however, affording 
 him protection, he arrived, on the second of Decem- 
 ber 1 780, without insult, or molestation, at the head- 
 quarters of general Gates. 
 
 That officer having, as already stated, surrender- 
 ed to him his command, in complimentary terms, re- 
 mained with him a few days, frankly communicating 
 all the useful information he possessed, touching the 
 condition of the army, the country, and the enemy; ^ 
 and then, taking an affectionate leave of him, set out 
 for the north, never again to appear in the field. 
 
 His long and dreary journey, was a true picture 
 of lost favour, and fallen greatness. Although digni-
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL QREENE. 149 
 
 fied in "his deportment, and condescending in his 
 manners, no eye beamed on him, with a cordial wel- 
 come, no tongue saluted him, in accents of kindness. 
 He was every where met, with frowns or indiffer- 
 ence, neglectful silence, or murmured censure. All 
 recollected, in him, the fugitive from Camden, no one 
 recognized, the victor of Saratoga. 
 
 Hapless veteran! once deservedly a favourite of 
 his country, and, from past services, worthy, still, of 
 a better fate! Although judgment disapproved, and 
 prudence justly censured, parts of his conduct; vir- 
 tue admired his late magnanimity, and humanity 
 wept over his faded laurels.
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The difficulties Greene had to encounter, in first entering ou the com- 
 mand of the southern army weak state of the army provisions and 
 military stores wanting- the system pursued, by him, the only one cal- 
 culated to save from ruin The plans of military operation, in 
 America, more extensive, than in Europe, and, therefore, require 
 more genius for execution reasons for this opinion campaigns of 
 Greene, compared with those of Napoleon and Wellington Ame- 
 rica not degraded by works of inferiority the reverse, nearer the 
 truth instances in proof of this Frederick and Napoleon, per- 
 haps, excepted, Greene, an abler commander, than any Europe has 
 produced for centuries Greene, by his wisdom and industry, greatly 
 meliorates the condition of his army the composition of his army 
 sketches of the characters of his principal officers -of general 
 Morgan of colonel Washington of colonel Howard of colonel 
 Williams of colonel Lee. 
 
 IN entering on the duties of his command, general 
 Greene found himself in a situation, that was fear- 
 fully embarrassing. 
 
 Although by deep reflection, on the enterprise be- 
 fore him, he had informed himself sufficiently of its 
 magnitude and importance, the real difficulties of its 
 achievement, had been hitherto concealed from him, 
 because, he was now, for the first time, apprized of 
 the total incompetency of his means. " 
 
 His army, consisting mostly of militia, amounted 
 to less than two thousand men. Notwithstanding the 
 exertions of his predecessor, to establish magazines
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 151 
 
 and military stores, he found, on hand, but three 
 days' provision, and a very defective supply of ammu- 
 nition. 
 
 In front, was an enemy, proud in victory, and too 
 strong to be encountered; around, and in his rear, 
 was a country exhausted, dispirited, and, in many 
 parts, disaffected; and Virginia, at the distance of 
 two hundred miles, and struggling, herself, against a 
 formidable invasion, was the only source, to which 
 he could reasonably look for succour. 
 
 With such means, and under such circumstances, 
 to recover two states, already conquered, and pro- 
 tect a third, very seriously menaced, constituted a 
 task that was almost hopeless. 
 
 The kind of warfare, that alone was suited to 
 these purposes, was of the most perplexing and ar- 
 duous character; and, to conduct it, successfully, cal- 
 led for consummate, and diversified abilities. 
 
 It was not, merely, to meet an enemy in the field, 
 to command skilfully, and fight bravely, either in 
 proffered, or accepted battle. These operations, are 
 among the simplest that present themselves to the 
 leader of an army. They depend on mere professional 
 qualifications, that can be readily acquired, by mod- 
 erate capacities.
 
 1,52 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 But, to raise, and provide for, an army, in a dis- 
 pirited and devastated country, creating resources 
 where they do not exist, to operate, with an incom- 
 petent fojce, on an extended and broken line of 
 frontier, to hold in check, in many points, and avoid 
 coming into cpntact with him, in any, an enemy su- 
 perior in numbers and discipline, to institute a vast 
 system of military policy, so comprehensive, provi- 
 dent, and efficient, as to protect and encourage the 
 friendly, overawe the disaffected, and confirm the 
 wavering, when these different descriptions of cha- 
 racters, reside in settlements and districts, remote 
 from each other To conduct a scheme of warfare 
 like this and such, precisely, was that which tested 
 the abilities of general Greene requires a genius of 
 the highest order, combined with indefatigable in- 
 dustry, and skill. 
 
 With foreigners, the belief is, perhaps, universal 
 that the operations of our revolutionary war, com- 
 pared to the military operations of Europe, were on 
 a diminutive scale; and, that the conducting of them, 
 therefore, was no evidence of superior intellect, or 
 masterly talent. 
 
 An opinion more palpably erroneous, than this, can 
 scarcely be imagined. Reverse it, and you approach 
 much nearer to the truth.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 153 
 
 As a general rule, the commanders of Europe, 
 operate on a limited theatre, with a large force. Un- 
 der such circumstances, it is scarcely possible, that 
 any great extent of military policy can be displayed. 
 The armies must either remain in their positions, or 
 meet and fight. They have too little room ibr manoeu- 
 vre or stratagem. To march and countermarch, ad- 
 vance, retreat, waste time, detach parties to attract 
 and distract attention, effect diversions, and pursue 
 every varying measure to overreach and gain advan- 
 tage, is, there, a practice comparatively rare. But, with 
 general Greene, it was, for a time, the common an,d 
 necessary employment of his life. Such was the con- 
 dition of his army, that to risk battle, was to court 
 ruin. To attain the great object, in view, therefore, 
 with the very limited means, which were placed at 
 his disposal, required that his mind should be con- 
 stantly, and vigorously on the alert, and that he should 
 avail himself, through the medium of stratagem and 
 policy, of every advantage, that genius could suggest. 
 
 Necessity compelled him to cover a large country, 
 with a small force; which required a great military 
 plan. This was, in fact, to operate on an extensive 
 scale, and called, of course, for extensive talents. But, 
 to cover a small country, with a large force, requires 
 
 but little of either policy or plan. Directed with cona- 
 
 u
 
 154 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 mon circumspection, the means are, of themselves, 
 perfectly adequate to the contemplated end. In a 
 comparative point of view, then, the scale of opera- 
 tion is small; and needs, for its superintendence, but 
 moderate abilities. 
 
 The writer of these Memoirs, pretends to no mi- 
 litary experience, nor has he any attainments in the 
 science of war. The positions he has, here, ventured 
 to advance, he regards as the result of common sense; 
 and, without any serious apprehension of being found 
 in the wrong, appeals, for their correctness, to the 
 judgment of those, who are bred to arms, and versed 
 in the practical operations of the field. Strange, and 
 extravagant, as, to most readers, perhaps, the opi- 
 nion may appear, he has no hesitation in believing, 
 that general Greene's campaigns, in the southern 
 department, required more of military talent to con- 
 duct them, than did those of the emperor Napoleon, 
 in which he humbled Italy, Prussia, and Austria. 
 The latter, whose means were in his sword, over- 
 whelmed, by the direct operation of superior force; 
 but the former, destitute of force, employed, chiefly, 
 the weapon of policy, dextrously wielded by the hand 
 of Genius. The conquests of the one, were more the 
 result of physical power, heightened and embolden- 
 ed, by a confidence of victory; while the success of
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 155 
 
 the other., arose from the unbounded resources of his ^ 
 intellect 
 
 We would not be understood, as meaning to run 
 a parallel between general Greene and the emperor 
 Napoleon; much less, to disparage the talents of the 
 latter, whom we consider, in the main, as the most 
 distinguished captain of the present age perhaps, of 
 any age. But, many military characters, of sound 
 judgment, and no inconsiderable experience, in war, 
 who have studied both, with deliberate attention, 
 concur in giving a preference, on the score of poli- 
 cy, to the campaigns of general Greene, over those 
 of the leader, who, in the battle of Waterloo, had the 
 good fortune, to conquer Napoleon. This decision 
 we believe to be correct. Greene, as will presently ap- 
 pear, vanquished lord Cornwallis, who, in his genius 
 for war, was superior to lord Wellington. 
 
 It may be laid down, then, we think, as a settled 
 axiom, that, as far as policy, and the degree of intel- 
 lect their achievement requires, are concerned, the 
 real magnitude of military operations, is to be deter- 
 mined, much more, by the extent of the theatre act- 
 ed on, than by the number of'troops, engaged in ac- 
 tion. And, further, that the commander, who, in 
 America, has rendered himself illustrious, by cover- 
 ing and protecting a large country, with a small force
 
 156 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 could, in Europe, with much more facility, have ac- 
 quired renown, by operating, in a small country, 
 with a large force. 
 
 We do hope and believe, that the time is near at 
 hand, when all that is American, whether it relate to 
 peace or war, will cease to be underrated, in the 
 countries of Europe. Nothing but ignorance, vulgar 
 prejudice, or contemptible knavery, can be guilty of 
 such injustice. Nature has not marked the Ameri- 
 cans with an inferiority of mind. That the reverse is 
 true, abundant evidence might be easily adduced. 
 Every person, of observation, well knows, that, in a 
 vast majority of cases, the sons of Europeans, emi- 
 grating to this country, surpass their fathers, in the 
 better qualities of man, both corporeal and mental. 
 Whatever is deemed intellectually great, in America, 
 would, to say the least, be accounted equally so, were 
 it achieved in Europe. If the American be not equal 
 to the European officers, whence is it, that they van- 
 quish them, with inferior means? 
 
 The truth is, that, Frederick and Napoleon, per- 
 haps, excepted and we are not, confident that even 
 they ought to be excepted we believe general 
 Greene, to have been superior, in all the higher qua- 
 lities of command, to any general officer, that has ap- 
 peared in Europe for many centuries.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 157 
 
 Preparatory to the commencement of his cam- 
 paign, Greene's first care was, to provide for his 
 troops subsistence and ammunition. In effecting this 
 primary and most essential pre-requisite of war, he 
 derived great aid from his personal experience, in the 
 business of the commissary and quarter-master de- 
 partments: Such, indeed, were the difficulties of his 
 situation, that, without this, it is firmly believed, he 
 could not have kept his forces in the field. By means 
 of the knowledge thus acquired, he was enabled, not 
 only to make judicious appointments, in organizing 
 the staff of his army, and to perceive, when his offi- 
 cers, in these departments, performed their duty: he 
 was qualified to dictate to them the measures to be 
 pursued. 
 
 This qualification for such a diversity of duties, 
 presented him to his troops, in the twofold relation of 
 their supporter, and commander; and strengthened, 
 not a little, their love of his v irtues, their admiration 
 of his talents, and their spirit of prompt obedience to 
 his orders. 
 
 The advantages he derived from this condition of 
 things, were numerous and invaluable: for, much of 
 the moral strength of an army consists, in a confi- 
 dence in its leader, an attachment to his person, and 
 a spirit of subordination, founded on principle; the
 
 158 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 latter of which qualities, may be considered as grow- 
 ing out of the two former. 
 
 The wisdom and sagacity with which he had or- 
 ganized his army, his salutary regulations, on the 
 , score of discipline, and the excellence of his whole ar- 
 rangement for action, soon began to be apparent;'for 
 much to the joy and comfort of his troops, they found 
 their condition, in a short time, exceedingly improved. 
 To such an extent was this true, that even the 
 common soldiery, sensible of the superintendence of 
 a superior intellect, predicted, confidently, a change 
 of fortune. Their defeat at Camden was sooa forgot- 
 ten, by them, in their anticipation of future victory. 
 They fancied themselves ready, once more to take 
 the field, and felt a solicitude to meet the enemy, that 
 they might regain their lost reputation, and signal- 
 ize their prowess, in presence of their new and be- 
 loved commander. 
 
 However limited, in numbers, such an army be, 
 when thus morally strengthened, it is always formi- 
 dable. 
 
 But there were yet other causes, which 'added 
 much to the energies, and efficiency, of the army of 
 the south. It was the chivalrous spirit, and lofty qua- 
 lities, of many of its officers. Search the world, and 
 no where will there be found, in an equal number of
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 159 
 
 commanders, embarked in the same enterprise, a 
 higher amount of gallantry, intelligence, and military 
 devotion. Many of them were, truly, the " choice and 
 master spirits of the time, who might have stood by 
 Caesar, and given direction." 
 
 Most of this band of heroes, had already seen ser- 
 vice, in the campaigns of the North, where Wash- 
 ington commanded. By his order, and under his eye, 
 several of them, had, honourably, signalized them- 
 selves in battle. 
 
 With a few exceptions, they were all young; and, 
 although respectably descended, and liberally educa- 
 ted, yet, far from being wealthy, depended on their 
 swords, for fortune and fame. Born within the limits 
 of the southern department, to that section of the 
 Union, they were most strongly bound, by friendship, 
 kindred, and all the ties, that cling so forcibly to the 
 heart of youth. Superadded, therefore, to a sentiment 
 of patriotism, which led them to hazard life, in their 
 country's defence, they experienced a wish, and che- 
 rished a resolution, peculiarly strong, to liberate from 
 invasion, and insult, that section, which was more 
 specifically their native soil. They recollected the ex- 
 ploits of the hardy and resolute sons of the north, at 
 Bennington, Saratoga, and Bunker's hill; and, actua- 
 ted by a motive of high-minded emulation, determin-
 
 160 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ed to render the fields, in their own department, 
 equally illustrious, by the deeds of the South. In this 
 resolution they were the more confirmed, by an earnest 
 desire to retrieve, by subsequent good conduct, the 
 loss of reputation, which the southern arms had sus- 
 ; tained, at Charleston, Stono, Savannah, and Camden. 
 
 Composed, in its higher departments, of these ele- 
 ments, supported by a hardy and intrepid soldiery, 
 the army of Greene might be beaten or annihilated, 
 but could not be conquered. 
 
 Eldest among his officers, and, at this period, fore- 
 most in renown, was general Morgan. 
 
 As much, as is the case, with any mortal, that ve- 
 teran's reputation and fortune, were the work of his 
 sword. 
 
 His mind, of perfect Roman texture, its firmness 
 and valour, which, originally, nothing could shake, 
 had been still further strengthened, by much severe 
 and dangerous service. Nor were his corporeal qua- 
 lities less adapted to the toils of war, and the exer- 
 tions of battle. His frame being large, and his person 
 muscular, early labour and extensive practice, in 
 athletic, more especially pugilistic exercises, had 
 rendered him exceedingly strong, and capable of 
 enduring great fatigue; and had further taught him
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 161 
 
 the art of using his strength, when engaged in com- 
 bat, with the deadliest effect. 
 
 He was born in New Jersey, where, from his po- 
 verty, and low condition, he had been a day-labour- 
 er. To early education and breeding, therefore, he 
 owed nothing. But, for this deficiency, his native sa- 
 gacity, and sound judgment, and his intercourse, with 
 the best society, made much amends, in after life. 
 
 Enterpriziug in his disposition, even now, he re- 
 moved to Virginia, in 1755, with a hope and expect- 
 ation, of improving his fortune. Here, he continued, 
 at first, his original business of day-labour; but ex- 
 changed it, afterwards, for the employment of a wa- 
 goner. - 
 
 His military novitiate, he served in the campaign, 
 under the unfortunate Braddock. The rank he bore, 
 is not precisely known. It must, however, have been 
 humble; for, in consequence of imputed contumely 
 towards a British officer, he was brought to the hal- 
 bert, and received the inhuman punishment, of five 
 hundred lashes: or, according to his own statement, . 
 of four hundred and ninety-nine; for he always as- 
 serted, that the drummer charged with the execution 
 of the sentence, miscounted, and jocularly added, 
 " that George the third, was still indebted to him, one 
 
 lash." To the honour of Morgan, he never practical* 
 
 x
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ly remembered this savage treatment, during the re- 
 volutionary war. Towards the British officers, whom 
 the fortune of battle placed within his power, his con- 
 duct was humane, mild, and gentlemanly. 
 
 After his return from this campaign, so inordi- 
 nately was he addicted to quarrels, and boxing 
 matches, that the villiage of Berry stow r n, in the coun- 
 ty of Frederick, which constituted the chief theatre of 
 his pugilistic exploits, received, from this circum- 
 stance, the name of Battletown. 
 
 In these combats, although frequently overmatch- 
 ed, in personal strength, he manifested the same un- 
 yielding spirit, which characterised him, afterwards, 
 in his military career. When worsted, by his anta- 
 gonist, he would pause, for a time, to recruit his 
 strength; and, then, return to the contest, again and 
 again, until he rarely failed to prove victorious. 
 
 Equally marked was his invincibility of- spirit, in 
 maturer age, when, raised, by fortune, and his own 
 merit, to a higher and more honourable field of action. 
 Defeat, in battle, he rarely experienced; but, when he 
 did, his retreat was sullen, stern, and dangerous. 
 
 The commencement of the American revolution, 
 found Mr. Morgan married, and cultivating a farm, 
 which, by industry, and economy, he had been en- 
 abled to purchase, in the county of Frederick.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 163 
 
 .Placed at the head of a rifle company, raised in his 
 neighbourhood, in 1775, he marched, immediately, 
 to the American head-quarters in Cambridge, near 
 Boston. 
 
 By order of the commander in chief, he, soon af- 
 terwards, joined in the expedition against Quebeck; 
 and was made prisoner, in the attempt on that for- 
 tress, where Arnold was wounded, and Montgomery 
 fell. 
 
 During the assault, his daring valour, and perse- 
 vering gallantry, attracted the notice, and admiration 
 of the enemy. 
 
 The assailing column, to which he belonged, was 
 led by major Arnold. 
 
 When that officer was wounded, and carried from 
 the ground, Morgan threw himself into the lead; and, 
 rushing forward, passed the first and second barriers. 
 For a moment, victory appeared certain. But the 
 fall of Montgomery, closing the prospect, the assail- 
 ants were repulsed, and the enterprise abandoned. 
 
 During his captivity, captain Morgan was treated 
 with great kindness, and not a little distinction. He 
 was repeatedly visited, in confinement, by a British 
 officer, of rank, who, at length, made an attempt on 
 his patriotism and virtue, by offering him the com- 
 mission and emoluments of colonel, in the British
 
 164 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 army, on ^condition that he would desert the Ameri- 
 can, and join the royal standard. 
 
 Morgan rejected the proposal, with scorn ; and re- 
 quested the courtly and corrupt negociator, " never 
 again to insult him, in his misfortunes, by an offer, 
 which plainly implied, that he thought him a villain/' 
 The officer withdrew, and did not again recur to the 
 subject. 
 
 On being exchanged, Morgan immediately rejoin- 
 ed the American army; and received, by the recom- 
 mendation of general Washington, the command of 
 a regiment. 
 
 In the year 1777, he was placed at the head of a 
 select rifle corps, with which, in various instances, 
 he acted on the enemy, with terrible effect. His 
 troops were considered the most dangerous, in the 
 American service. To confront them, in the field, 
 was almost certain death to the British officers. 
 
 On the occasion of the capture of Burgoyne, the 
 exertions and services of colonel Morgan, and his 
 riflemen, were beyond all praise. Much of the glory 
 of the achievement, belonged to them. Yet, so gross 
 was the injustice of general Gates, that he did not 
 even mention them, in his official despatches. 
 
 His reason for this, was secret, and dishonourable. 
 Shortly after the surrender of Burgoyne, general
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 165 
 
 Gates took occasion to hold with Morgan, a private 
 conversation. In the course of this, he told him. 
 confidentially, that the main army was exceedingly 
 dissatisfied, with the conduct of general Washing- 
 ton; that the reputation of the commader in chief, 
 was rapidly declining; and, that several officers, of 
 great worth, threatened to resign, unless a change 
 were produced, in that department. 
 
 Colonel Morgan, fathoming, in an instant, the 
 views of his commanding officer, sternly, and with 
 honest indignation, replied, " Sir, I have one favour 
 to ask. Never, again, mention to me this hateful 
 subject: under no other man, but general Washing- 
 ton, as commander in chief, will I ever serve." 
 
 From that moment, ceased the intimacy, that had 
 previously subsisted, between him and general Gates. 
 
 A few days afterwards, the general gave a dinner, 
 to the principal officers of the British, and some of 
 those, of the American, army. Morgan was not invited. 
 
 In the course of the evening, that officer found it 
 necessary to call on general Gates, on official busi- 
 ness. Being introduced into the dining-room, he 
 spoke to the general, received his orders, and imme- 
 diately withdrew, his name unannounced. 
 
 Perceiving, from his dress, that he was of high 
 rank, the British officers inquired his name. Being
 
 166 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 told, that it was colonel Morgan, commanding the 
 rifle corps, they rose from table, followed him, into 
 the yard, and introduced themselves to him, with 
 many complimentary, and flattering expressions, de- 
 claring, that, on the day of action, they had very se- 
 Terely felt him, in the field. 
 
 In 1 780, having obtained leave of absence, from 
 the army, on account of the shattered condition of 
 his health, he retired to his estate, in the county of 
 Frederick; and remained there, until the appoint- 
 ment of general Gates, to the command of the south- 
 ern army. 
 
 Being waited on, by the latter, and requested to 
 accompany him, he reminded him, in expressions, 
 marked by resentment, of the unworthy treatment 
 he had formerly experienced from him, in return for 
 the important services, which he did not hesitate to 
 assert, he had rendered him, in his operations against 
 the army of general Burgoyne. 
 
 Having received no acknowledgment, nor even 
 civility, for aiding to decorate him, with laurels, in 
 the north, he frankly declared, that there were no 
 considerations, except of a public nature, that could 
 induce him to cooperate, in his campaigns, to the 
 south. " Motives of public good might influence him : 
 because his country had a claim on him, in any
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 167 
 
 quarter, where he could promote her interest; but 
 personal attachment must not be expected to exist, 
 where he had experienced nothing but neglect and 
 injustice." 
 
 The two officers parted, mutually dissatisfied; the 
 one, on account of past treatment, the other, of the 
 recent interview. 
 
 In the course of a few weeks, afterwards, congress 
 having promoted colonel Morgan to the rank of bri- 
 gadier-general, by brevet, with a view to avail them- 
 selves of his services, in the south, he proceeded, 
 without delay, to join the army of general Gates. 
 But he was prevented from serving, any length of 
 time, under that officer, by his defeat, near Camden, 
 before his arrival; and his being, soon afterwards., 
 superseded in command, by general Greene. 
 
 Such were the qualifications, and such had been 
 the services, of general Morgan, when Greene took 
 command of the southern army. His conduct, in the 
 battle of the Cowpens, will be stated hereafter. 
 
 There existed, in his character, a singular contra- 
 diction, which is worthy of notice. 
 
 Although, in battle, no man was ever more prodi- 
 gal of the exposure of his person to danger, or ma- 
 nifested a more deliberate disregard of death, yet, so 
 strong was his love of life, at other times, that he
 
 168 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 has been frequently heard to declare, " he would 
 agree to pass half his time, as a galley slave, rather 
 than quit this world for another." 
 
 The following outline of his person and character, 
 is from the pen of a military friend, who knew him 
 intimately. 
 
 " Brigadier general Morgan was stout and active, 
 six feet in height, strong, not too much encumbered 
 with flesh, and was exactly fitted for the toils and 
 pomp of war. His mind was discriminating and 
 solid, but not comprehensive and combining. His 
 manners plain and decorous, neither insinuating, nor 
 repulsive. His conversation grave, sententious, and 
 considerate, unadorned, and uncaptivating. He re- 
 flected deeply, spoke little, and executed, with keen 
 perseverance, whatever he undertook. He was in- 
 dulgent, in his military command, preferring always 
 the affections of his troops, to that dread and awe, 
 which surround the rigid disciplinarian." 
 
 A considerable time before his death, when the 
 pressure of infirmity began to be heavy, he became 
 seriously concerned, about his future welfare. From 
 that period, his chief solace lay, in the study of the 
 scriptures, and in devotional exercises. He died in 
 the belief of the truths of Christianity, and in full 
 communion with the Presbyterian church.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 169 
 
 Another officer, destined to figure with great lus- 
 tre, in the army of the south, was colonel William 
 Washington. An honest soldier, brave as Ajax, and 
 scarcely inferior, in personal strength, always impe- 
 tuous, at times, perhaps, rash, in action, his sword 
 was his idol; and he was calculated to execute, rather 
 than plan. Leaving to others, the deliberations of 
 the closet, he panted for the field; and his delight, 
 there, was in the tumult of battle. Yet, when the 
 nature of the service, he was engaged in, required 
 it, he manifested, on several occasions, a ready ap- 
 titude for the stratagems of war. This officer com- 
 manded, now, a regiment of continental cavalry. 
 
 He was the eldest son of Baily Washington, Esq., 
 of Stafford county, in the state of Virginia; and be- 
 longed to a younger branch, of the original Wash- 
 ington family. 
 
 In the commencement of the War, and at an early 
 period of life, he had entered the army, as captain 
 of a company of infantiy, under the command of 
 general Mercer. In this corps, he had acquired, from 
 actual service, a practical knowledge of the profes- 
 sion of arms. 
 
 He fought in the battle of Long Island; and, in his 
 retreat, through New Jersey, accompanied his great 
 kinsman, cheerful under the gloom, coolly confront-
 
 170 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ing the danger, and bearing, with exemplary fortitude 
 and firmness, the heavy misfortunes, and privations, 
 of the time. 
 
 In the successful attack, on the British post at 
 Trenton, . captain Washington acted a brilliant, and 
 most important part. Perceiving the enemy, about to 
 form a battery, and point it, in a narrow street, 
 against the advancing American column, he charg- 
 ed them, at the head of his company, drove them 
 from their guns, and, thus, prevented, certainly, the 
 effusion of much blood, perhaps, the repulse, of the 
 assailing party. In this act of heroism, he received a 
 severe wound, in the wrist. It is but justice to add, 
 that, on this occasion, captain Washington was ably, 
 and most gallantly supported, by lieutenant Monroe, 
 now president of the United States, who also sus- 
 tained a wound, in the hand. 
 
 Shortly after this adventure, Washington was pro- 
 moted to a majority, in a regiment of horse. In this 
 command, he was very actively engaged, in the north- 
 ern and middle states, with various success, until 
 the year 1 780. Advanced to the rank of lieutenant- 
 colonel, and placed, at the head of a regiment of ca- 
 valry, composed of the remains of three, that had 
 been reduced, by sickness and battle, he was, then,
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 171 
 
 attached to the army, under general Lincoln, engaged 
 in the defence of South Carolina. 
 
 Here, his service was various, and his course 
 eventful; marked, by a few brilliant strokes of for- 
 tune, but checkered with two severe disasters. The 
 first of these reverses, was at Monk's corner, where 
 he himself commanded; the other, at Leneau's ferry, 
 where he was second, in command, to colonel White. 
 
 Inured to an uncommon extent and variety of hard 
 service, and sufficiently disciplined, in the school of 
 adversity, colonel Washington, although a young man, 
 was, now, a veteran, in military experience. Added 
 to this, he was somewhat accustomed to a warm 
 climate, and had acquired, from actual observation, 
 considerable knowledge of that tract of country, 
 which was to constitute, in future, the theatre of war. 
 
 Such was this officer, when, at the head of a re- 
 giment of cavalry, he was attached to the army of 
 general Greene. The most distinguished of his sub- 
 sequent achievements, will be noticed in the regular 
 course of our narrative. 
 
 One of his partisan exploits, however, the result 
 of a well conceived stratagem, must be succinctly 
 
 
 
 narrated. 
 
 Having learnt, during a scouting excursion, that a 
 large party of loyalists, commandod by colonel Rudg-
 
 1 72 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ley, was posted at Rudgley's mill, twelve miles from 
 Camden, he determined on attacking them. 
 
 Approaching the enemy, he found them so secur- 
 ed, in a large log barn, surrounded by abbattis, as to 
 be perfectly safe, from the operations of cavalry. 
 
 Forbidden, thus, to attempt his object, by direct at- 
 tack, his usual and favourite mode of warfare, he de- 
 termined, for once, to have recourse to policy. 
 
 Shaping, therefore, a pine log, in imitation of a 
 field-piece, mounting it on wheels, and staining it with 
 mud, to make it look like iron, he brought it up, in 
 military style, and affected to make arrangements to 
 batter down the barn. 
 
 To give to the stratagem solemnity and effect, he 
 despatched a flag, warning the garrison of the im- 
 pending destruction, and, to prevent blood-shed, sum- 
 moned them to submission. 
 
 Not prepared to resist artillery, colonel Rudgley 
 obeyed the summons; and, with a garrison of one 
 hundred and three, rank and file, surrendered at dis- 
 cretion. 
 
 In the spring of 1782, colonel Washington marri- 
 ed Miss Elliot, of Charleston, arid established himself 
 at Sandy-Hill, her ancestral seat. 
 
 After the conclusion of peace, he took no other 
 concern, in public affairs, than to appear, occasional- 
 ly, in the legislature of South Carolina
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 173 
 
 When general Washington accepted the command 
 in chief, of the armies of the United States, under the 
 presidency of Mr. Adams, he selected, as one of his 
 staff, his kinsman, colonel William Washington, with 
 the rank of brigadier-general. Had other proof been 
 wanting, this alone, was sufficient to decide his mi- 
 litary worth. 
 
 In private life, he was a man of unsullied honour, 
 united to an amiable temper, lively manners, a hos- 
 pitable disposition, and a benevolent heart. 
 
 A third officer, of great distinction, in the south- 
 ern army, was colonel Howard, of Baltimore. He 
 commanded the second regiment of Maryland regu- 
 lars; and, for gallantry and firmness, decision of cha- 
 racter and sound judgment, was not exceeded, by 
 any officer, of his rank, in the service of his country. 
 
 With great intelligence, and skill in arms, he was 
 one of those heroic spirits, on whom general Greene 
 reposed his hopes, during the time he was deepest 
 in adversity, and, in his high determination, to reco- 
 ver the south, or perish in the attempt. 
 
 Although he had been in commission, first, as cap- 
 tain, and afterwards, as major, from the month of 
 June, 1776, he does not appear to have been much 
 engaged in action, until he took his station, at the 
 kead of a regiment, in the southern army.
 
 174 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Accomplished in tactics, and ripe in experience, 
 although only, now, in his twenty-seventh year, he 
 was, in all respects, fitted for the operations of the 
 field. 
 
 Accordingly, no sooner did an opportunity for ac- 
 tion present itselfj than his valour, as a soldier, and 
 his reputation, as a commander, became conspicuous, 
 in the midst of the accomplished and the brave. 
 
 His brightest laurel was gathered at the Cowpens, 
 where, assuming to himself the responsibility of the 
 act, he charged, without orders, and, at the point of 
 the bayonet, discomfited and scattered, a party of the 
 enemy, superior in number to his own command, 
 and consisting of the flower of the British army. 
 
 His interview, immediately after the action, with 
 general Morgan, the commanding officer, was emi- 
 nently interesting; and, were other evidence wanting, 
 shows, on how precarious a footing, stands, the re- 
 putation, and the life, of a warrior. 
 
 
 
 " My dear Howard," said Morgan, cordially pres- 
 sing his hand, as he spoke, "you have given me victo- 
 ry, 'and I love and honour you; but, had you failed in 
 your charge, which you risked without orders, I 
 would have shot you." 
 
 Previously to this, colonel Howard had distinguish- 
 ed himself among those, who, by their gallantry and 
 good conduct, had sustained the character of the
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 175 
 
 American arms, and prevented the utter destruction 
 of the forces, in the battle near Camden, where Gates 
 was defeated. 
 
 Nor was he entitled to less applause, for the spirit 
 and judgment, which he afterwards displayed, at 
 Guilford, Hobkirk's hill, and the Eutaw springs; at 
 the latter of which, he was severely wounded. 
 
 But a letter, from general Greene, dated Novem- 
 ber 1 4th, 1 781, to a friend, in Maryland, is conclusive, 
 as to the military reputation of colonel Howard. 
 
 " This will be handed to you, says the general, by 
 colonel Howard, as good an officer, as the world af- 
 fords. He has great ability, and the best disposition, 
 to promote the service. My own obligations to him 
 are great the public's still more so. He deserves 
 a statue of gold, no less than the Roman and Gre- 
 cian heroes. He has been wounded, but has happily 
 recovered, and now goes home, to pay a little atten- 
 tion to his private affairs, and to take charge of the 
 fifth Maryland regiment, recruiting in your state. 
 With great respect, and esteem, 
 
 I am, dear Sir, yours, 
 
 N. GREENE." 
 
 Colonel Howard was born, June 4th, 1755, on his 
 ancestral estate, near the city of Baltimore. His pa- 
 terual ancestors were from England, his maternal.
 
 1 76 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 from Ireland. The descendant of a gentleman, easy 
 in circumstances, his education was such, as his rank 
 and fortune entitled him to receive. 
 
 On the conclusion of the war, he married Miss 
 Chew, daughter of the honourable Benjaman Chew, 
 of Philadelphia. 
 
 Contented and happy, in domestic life, and much oc- 
 cupied, with his private affairs, he has never soughtpo- 
 litical honours, but left to others to govern the coun- 
 try, which he, by his valour, contributed to set free. 
 
 He still resides on his patrimonial estate, surround- 
 ed by a large and respectable family, pre-eminent in 
 affluence, and passing the evening of his life, in that 
 dignified and felicitous retirement, which a high and 
 unsullied reputation, a peaceful conscience, a cultiva- 
 ted intellect, and polished manners, alone can bestow. 
 
 A fourth officer, uniting, in himself, all that gives 
 dignity and worth to the private citizen, and excel- 
 lence to the commander, was colonel Otho H. Wil- 
 liams, also a native of the state of Maryland. 
 
 This gentleman was formed for eminence in any 
 station. His talents were of a high order, and his at- 
 tainments, various and extensive. Possessing a person 
 of uncommon symmetry, and peculiarly distinguished, 
 by the elegance of his manners, he would have gra- 
 ced, alike, a court or a camp.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 177 
 
 Rich in that species of military science, which i? 
 acquired by experience, and a correct, systematic 
 and severe disciplinarian, general Greene confided to 
 him the important trust, of adjutant general to the 
 southern army. The services, which in this, and 
 other capacities, he rendered to that division of the 
 American forces, in the course of their toilsome and 
 perilous operations, were beyond all praise. 
 
 He was born, in the county of Prince George, in 
 the year 1 748, and received, during his youth, but a 
 slender education. This, he so much improved, by 
 subsequent study, that few men had a finer taste, or 
 a more cultivated intellect. 
 
 He commenced his military career, as lieutenant 
 of a rifle company, in 17 75; and, in the course of the 
 following year, was promoted to the rank of major, 
 in a rifle regiment. 
 
 In this corps, he very honourably distinguished 
 himself, in the defence of fort Washington, on York 
 Island, when assaulted by sir William Howe; and, on 
 the surrender of that post, became a prisoner. 
 
 Having suffered much, by close confinement, dur- 
 ing his captivity, he was exchanged, for major Ack- 
 land, after the capture of Burgoyne, and immediate- 
 ly rejoined the standard of his country'.
 
 178 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Being now promoted to the rank of colonel of a 
 regiment of infantry, he was detached, under the ba- 
 ron De Kalb, to the army of the south. 
 
 General Gates having been appointed to the com- 
 mand of this division of the American forces, he was 
 present with that officer, at his defeat, before Cam- 
 den; and, during the action, manifested great valour, 
 and skill, in directing, and leading the operations 
 against the enemy, while resistance was practicable; 
 and, an equal degree of self-possession and address, 
 in conducting the troops from the field, when compel- 
 led to retreat. 
 
 But, as an officer, his valour and skill, in battle, 
 were among the lowest of his qualifications. His pe- 
 netration and sagacity, united to a profound judg- 
 ment, and a capacious mind, rendered him, in the 
 cabinet, particularly valuable. 
 
 Hence, he was one of general Greene's favourite 
 counsellors, during the whole of his southern cam- 
 paigns. Nor did any thing ever occur, either through 
 neglect, or mistake, to impair the confidence, thus 
 reposed in him. In no inconsiderable degree, he was 
 to Greene, what that officer had been to general 
 Washington, his strongest hope, in all emergencies,, 
 where great policy and address were required.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 179 
 
 This was clearly manifested, by the post assigned 
 to him, by general Greene, during his celebrated re- 
 treat, through North Carolina. 
 
 In that great and memorable movement, on which 
 the fate of the south was staked, to Williams was 
 confided the command of the rear guard, which was 
 literally the shield and rampart of the army. Had he 
 relaxed, but for a moment, in his vigilance and ex- 
 ertion, or been guilty of a single imprudent act, ruin 
 must have ensued. 
 
 Nor was his command much less momentous, 
 when, recrossing the Dan, Greene again advanced on 
 the enemy. Still in the post of danger and honour, 
 he now, in the van of the army, commanded the 
 same corps, tyith which He had previously moved in 
 the rear. But of these operations, it will be our bu- 
 siness to speak more particularly hereafter. 
 
 A military friend, who knew him well, has given 
 us the following summary of his character. 
 
 " He possessed that range of mind, although self- 
 educated, which entitled him to the highest military 
 station, and was actuated by true courage, which 
 can refuse, as well as give battle. Soaring far above 
 the reach of vulgar praise, he singly aimed at pro- 
 moting the common weal, satisfied with the con- 
 sciousness of doing right, and desiring only that 
 share of applause, which was justly his, own.
 
 180 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 " There was a loftiness and liberality, in his char- 
 acter., which forbade resort to intrigue and hypocrisy, 
 in the accomplishment of his views, and rejected the 
 contemptible practice, of disparaging others to exalt 
 himself. 
 
 " In the field of battle, he was self-possessed, in- 
 telligent, and ardent; in camp, circumspect, attentive, 
 and systematic; in council, sincere, deep, and per- 
 spicuous. During the campaigns of general Greene, 
 he was uniformly one of his few advisers, and held 
 his unchanged confidence. Nor was he less esteemed 
 by his brother officers, or less respected by his sol- 
 diery." 
 
 Shortly before the close of the war, he was pro- 
 moted to the rank of brigadier-general. 
 
 Another officer, attached to the southern army, in 
 all respects worthy of his companions in arms, and 
 of the glorious cause for which he was contending, 
 was colonel Lee, of the cavalry. 
 
 By birth a Virginian, and descended from the 
 most distinguished branch of the Lees, of that state, 
 he possessed the lofty genius of his family, united to 
 invincible courage and firmness, and all the noble 
 enthusiasm of the warrior. 
 
 But his ardour, brilliancy, and daring resolution, 
 constituted but a part of his military worth. In him
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 181 
 
 the fierce impetuosity of youth, was finely blended, 
 with the higher and more temperate qualities of age. 
 If he had, in his temperament, something of the elec- 
 trical fire of Achilles, it was ennobled by the polished 
 dignity of Hector, and repressed and moderated, by 
 the wisdom of Nestor. 
 
 For vigilance, intelligence, decision of character, 
 skill in arms, a spirit of -enterprise, arid powers of 
 combination, he had but few equals, youthful as he 
 was, in the armies of his country. 
 
 As an officer of horse, and a partisan commander, 
 perhaps he had no superior, on earth. 
 
 That he was justly entitled to this encomium, ap- 
 pears, as well from the extensive catalogue of his 
 exploits, as from the high confidence, always repos- 
 ed in him, by the commanding officer under whom 
 
 he served. This is true, no less in relation to Wash- 
 
 / 
 
 ington, than Greene. He was the intimate friend 
 and confidant of both. The sentiments of the latter, 
 with regard to him, are forcibly expressed, in the fol- 
 lowing extract of a letter, dated February 18th, 1782. 
 " Lieutenant colonel Lee retires, for a time, for 
 the recovery of his health. I am more > indebted to 
 this officer, than to any other, for the advantages 
 gained over the enemy, in the operations of the last 
 campaign; and should be wanting in gratitude, not to
 
 182 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 acknowledge the importance of his services, a detail 
 of which is his best panegyric." 
 
 But, as it is intended, that a distinct memoir of 
 his character shall appear hereafter, we forbear, for 
 the present, to speak of him further.
 
 THE character of the soldier, formed, by thai of his officer Greene 
 sensible of this, rejoices in the high qualities of the officers of his ar- 
 my takes great pains to acquire a knowledge of the force, and ca- 
 pabilities of the enemy founds his estimate on the character of 
 lord Cornwallis, the commanding general, and the number of his 
 troops state of the country, in relation to parties whigs tories 
 neutrals or ineffectives extreme difficulties of the mode of warfare, 
 necessary to be pursued, and the consummate talents, its execution 
 required The positions of the rival armies Greene opens the 
 campaign Tarleton detached, by lord Cornwallis, against Morgan 
 retreat of the latter battle of the Cowpens description of 
 subsequent movements of the two armies Greene, leaving the main 
 division of his army, under the command of general Hugher, joins 
 Morgan, on the east bank of the Catawba commences his celebrat- 
 ed retreat character of that retreat compared with the retieat of , 
 Moreau He passes the Yadkin the two columns of his army join 
 at Guilford court house retreat continued the able disposition of 
 his troops pushes for the lower Dan fortitude and good conduct 
 of his rear guard passes the Dan lord Cornwallis gives up the 
 pursuit, issues a proclamation, and erects, in Hillsborough the royal 
 standard various modes of warfare disquisition on the term victory 
 wherein victory consists Greene determines to recross the Dan 
 the legion under Lee, advances goes in quest of Tarleton cuts to 
 pieces a large body of tories, under colonel Pyle Greene follows, 
 with the main column baffles all attempts of lord Cornwallis, to force 
 him, prematurely, to battle receives reinforcements and supplies 
 Battle at Guilford court house description of Greene retreats, in 
 order, from the field, but prepares to renew the combat lord Corn- 
 wallis too much crippled to pursue commences his retreat Greene
 
 184 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 becomes now, the pursuing party recommends the wounded and 
 sick, of both armies, to the humane attention of the inhabitants of 
 New Garden, a wealthy settlement, of the society of Friends gives 
 over the pursuit of lord Cornwallis, and encamps at Ramsay's mill 
 His situation and prospects greatly meliorated the foundation now 
 laid, for the reconquest of the south Greene's agency in the cap- 
 ture of lord Cornwallis Difficulty in settling bis plan of future op- 
 erationsopinions of his officers determines to march to the south 
 His opinion of lord Cornwallis, and his probable movements. 
 
 THE soldier, when trained to arms, and practical- 
 ly instructed in the details of his duty, is a mere in- 
 strument in the hand of his officers. He is wielded, 
 by them with as much facility, as he himself wields 
 his musket or his sword. 
 
 To render him efficient, in service, nothing is re- 
 quisite, in himself, but good spirits, strength, activi- 
 ty, and personal hardihood. All other qualities, use- 
 ful in war, he derives from his commander. 
 
 The captain infuses his own spirit into his com- 
 pany, the major, into his battalion, the colonel, into 
 his regiment, the general, into his division, the com- 
 mander in chief, into his whole army, and, at the 
 same time, communicates to their movements, the 
 tone of his intellect. 
 
 Good officers, therefore, never fail to make good 
 soldiers; it being exceedingly ra/e, that well discip- 
 lined troops, ever refuse, either to obey, or follow 
 their leaders.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Of these truths, no man was more sensible than 
 general Greene. Hence, he no sooner became ac- 
 quainted with them, than he sincerely rejoiced in the 
 character of his officers; because, in them, he per- 
 ceived the character of his army. " In relation to my 
 regular troops, said he, to a confidential friend, I 
 have but one wish that they were more numerous. 
 My officers are brave, intelligent, and skilful; I, also, 
 flatter myself they are already attached to me: they 
 will, therefore, give direction and efficiency to the 
 soldiers. As to the militia, they are as good as 
 any other undisciplined troops. They serve for 
 numbers, show, and camp duty; but cannot be safe- 
 ly relied on, in action. The utmost I expect or wish 
 from them, in battle, is, to give and receive two 
 or three fires, and, then, retreat in tolerable or- 
 der. If they will do this, my regulars will do the rest.'' 
 
 Having performed the first duty of an able cap- 
 tain, in making himself acquainted with the char- 
 acter and capabilities of his own troops, his next \vas, 
 to acquire a knowledge of those of his enemy. 
 
 Of their number, which constitutes one of the 
 elements of the capacity of an army, he was suffici- 
 ently informed. Nor was he a stranger to the char- 
 acter of lord Cornwallis, their commanding general, 
 
 having previously studied it, in his northern cam- 
 
 A a
 
 180 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 paigns; especially when opposed to hini, in the state 
 of New Jersey. Their troops he knew to be well 
 disciplined, and well provided; he could, therefore, 
 estimate their effective force. 
 
 Having made the calculation, and found himself 
 unable to meet them in the field, he resolved on a 
 different mode of warfare. To induce him to this, 
 superadded to the decision of his own judgment, he 
 had before him two instructive examples the con- 
 duct of Washington, and the conduct of Gates. 
 
 The former, by making his own views of expedi- 
 ency the rule of his conduct, in defiance of public 
 opinion and public censure, and by foregoing that 
 temporary eclat, which might arise from a brilliant 
 exploit, for the more solid and permanent renown, 
 resulting from the attainment of a great object, had 
 conquered, by delay, and by carefully selecting his 
 time to strike. 
 
 The latter, miscalculating, or not calculating at all, 
 his own strength and that of his enemy, over-anxious 
 to pluck a fresh laurel, or shrinking from the impu- 
 tations that might attach to retarded action, fought 
 precipitately, and encountered ruin. 
 
 With Washington in his eye, and his own genius 
 to devise his measures, Greene resolved on cautious 
 movements, and protracted war.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 187 
 
 His great object was the recovery of the south; 
 but his subordinate objects, as means towards this, 
 were numerous. 
 
 Although unable to meet his enemy, in general 
 combat, yet, to sustain the spirit of the country, it 
 was necessary that he should not altogether shun 
 him; but, watching and confronting his scouts and 
 foraging parties, fight, cripple, and beat, him, in de- 
 tail. In these operations he had further in view, to 
 straighten him, in his comforts and means of sub- 
 sistence. 
 
 Nor were these the only points, that claimed his 
 attention. 
 
 The inhabitants of the surrounding country, were 
 divided into three classes: the friends of freedom, the 
 disaffected, and the wavering or neutral, residing, 
 generally, in distinct settlements, situated, somewhat 
 remotely from each other. To manage these, to the 
 best advantage, w 7 as a task of equal difficulty and 
 importance. To protect the friendly settlements, and 
 enable them safely to join his* standard, to overawe the 
 unfriendly, and prevent them from resorting to the 
 standard of the enemy, and to preserve, at least, the 
 neutrality of the wavering, and induce them, if pos- 
 s^ble, to declare in his favour, these objects, all of 
 them necessary to insure success, in the great end of
 
 188 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 his operations and toils, required, for their achieve- 
 ment, an extent, an intricacy and a nicety of com- 
 bination, which none but a consummate leader could 
 effect. 
 
 To increase his difficulties, the tract of country, 
 over which it was necessary that his influence should 
 be felt, was exceedingly extensive, reaching six hun- 
 dred miles, from the Dan to the St. Mary, and three 
 hundred, from the Atlantic to the mountains. To 
 act on such a surface, with such a force, had never, 
 perhaps, before, been attempted by man; and consti- 
 tuted, therefore, a scheme of military operations, 
 gigantic, beyond what history can furnish. 
 
 To appoint officers precisely fitted for the various 
 duties assigned to them; so to divide his troops, as to 
 render detachments sufficiently strong, without too 
 far weakening the main body; to move unseen and 
 strike unexpected; to menace one post of the enemy, 
 in appearance, but another in reality; so to connect 
 and arrange his operations, that action in one point, 
 might be felt at a distance; and, to make such a ju- 
 dicious selection of positions, as to be safe himself, 
 while he endangered his adversary; such was the ar- 
 duous, perhaps we might say, unexampled mode of 
 warfare, which tried the genius, and awakened the 
 resources, of the deliverer of the south.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 189 
 
 In all his movements, it was necessary for him to 
 maintain a communication with Virginia, from which 
 he was to receive supplies of provision, munitions, 
 and men. 
 
 But such was the fulness of his competency, as a 
 commander, that Greene was never found deficient, 
 where preparation was possible; nor supine, where 
 vigilance was a military virtue. Ably seconded, by 
 Marion, Sumpter, Pickins, and Davie, who, although 
 rarely under his eye, were subject to his orders, he 
 first arrested the current of c6nquest, and ultimately 
 turned it back on the enemy, with a force that over- 
 whelmed him. 
 
 Shortly after taking command of the southern 
 army, he was called on to exhibit his firmness and 
 decision of character, no less in relation to his own 
 troops, than in his policy towards the enemy. 
 
 He found, to his surprise, that owing to an alarm- 
 ing laxity of discipline, the soldiers of the American 
 army, had been in the practice, of leaving camp, 
 without permission, visiting their homes, and often 
 protracting their absence from duty, to the term of 
 two or three weeks. 
 
 To suppress this usage, so ruinous to the service, 
 he proclaimed, in general orders, his determination,
 
 190 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 to punish, by death, the first delinquency of the kind 
 that should be detected. 
 
 Accordingly, a deserter, being taken, was shot, in 
 presence of the army, which was drawn up to witness 
 the spectacle. 
 
 This single example proved sufficient. Without 
 further trouble, the evil terminated. 
 
 Early in December, general Greene received from 
 lord Cornwallis, the following note. 
 
 " I think proper to represent to you, that, the offi- 
 cers and soldiers, taken at King's Mountain, were 
 treated with an inhumanity scarcely credible. I find 
 myself under the disagreeable necessity, of making 
 some retaliation for those unhappy men, who were 
 so cruelly and unjustly put to death, at Gilbert-town." 
 
 To this, the American commander returned the 
 following answer. 
 
 " I am too much a stranger to the transactions at 
 Gilbert-town, to reply fully, on that subject. They 
 must have been committed, before my arrival in the 
 department, and by persons under the character of 
 volunteers, who were independent of the army. How- 
 ever, if there was any thing done, in that affair, con- 
 trary to the principles of humanity, and the law of 
 nations, and for which they had not the conduct of
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 191 
 
 your army, as a precedent,* I shall be ever ready to 
 testify my disapprobation of it. 
 
 " The first example was furnished, on your part, 
 as appears by the list of unhappy sufferers inclosed; 
 and it might have been expected, that the friends of 
 the unfortunate would follow it. Punishing capitally, 
 for a breach of military parole, is a severity, which the 
 principles of modern war will not authorise; unless 
 the inhabitants are to be treated as a conquered 
 people, and subject to all the rigour of military go- 
 vernment. The feelings of mankind will for ever 
 decide, when the rights of humanity are invaded. 
 I leave them to judge, of the tendency of your lord- 
 ship's order to lieutenant colonel Balfour, after the 
 action, near Camden; of lord Rawdon's proclamation; 
 and, of Tarleton's laying wasfe the country, and dis- 
 tressing the inhabitants, who were taught to expect 
 protection and security, if they observed but neu- 
 trality. 
 
 " Sending the inhabitants of Charleston to St. 
 Augustine, contrary to the articles of capitulation, is 
 a violation, which I have-also to represent, and which 
 I hope your lordship will think yourself bound to 
 
 redress." 
 
 \ 
 
 This letter, replete with sound 'sense and unan- 
 swerable argument, brought the matter to a close ;
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GRfcENE. 
 
 lord Coriivrallis neither retaliated, for supposed o 
 fences, nor remonstrated further. 
 
 General Greene's first movement from the village 
 of Charlotte, where he yet held his head quarters, 
 was productive of the happiest effect. 
 
 The British force, under lord Cornvvallis, was sta- 
 tioned at Winnsborough, and a strong detachment, 
 under major general Leslie, was advancing on Cam- 
 den. 
 
 General Greene, with his main army, marched, 
 in the month of December, to the Cheraw Hills, 
 about seventy miles to the right of lord Cornwallis, 
 despatching, at the same time, general Morgan, with 
 four hundred continentals under colonel Howard, 
 colonel Washington's corps of dragoons, and a few 
 militia, amounting in 'all to about six hundred, to 
 take a position on the British left, distant from 
 them about fifty miles. 
 
 This judicious disposition, which formed a rallying 
 point, for the friends of independence, both in the 
 east and the west, and facilitated the procurement of 
 provision for the troops, excited his lordship's appre- 
 hensions, for the safety of Ninety-six and Augusta, 
 British posts, which he considered as menaced, by 
 the movements of Morgan.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 193 
 
 This gave rise to a train of movements, which ter- 
 minated in the celebrated battle of the Cowpens. 
 
 From the whigs of the neighbouring country, who 
 were equally encouraged and gratified by its pre- 
 sence, the western column of Greene's army was re- 
 ceiving daily accessions of strength. Alarmed at this, 
 and at the boldness and success of several of its enter- 
 prizes, and somewhat offended at the proximity of its 
 position, lord Cornwallis formed a resolution to frus- 
 trate its views, and punish its temerity, by driving 
 it from the country, or effecting its destruction. 
 
 Pursuant to this, colonel Tarleton, with a strong 
 detachment, amounting, in horse and foot, to near a 
 thousand, was despatched, by his lordship, to the 
 protection of Ninety-six, with orders, to bring gene- 
 ral Morgan, if possible, to battle. 
 
 To die ardent temper, and chivalrous disposition 
 of the British colonel, this direction was perfectly 
 congenial. Greatly superior in numbers, he advanc- 
 ed on Morgan, with a menacing aspect, and compell- 
 ed him, at first, to fall back rapidly. 
 
 But the retreat of the American commander, was 
 not long continued. Irritated by pursuit, reinforced by 
 a body of militia, under general Pickens, and repos- 
 ing great confidence, in the spirit and firmness of 
 
 his regular troops, he halted at the Cowpens and, 
 
 B b
 
 194 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. , 
 
 after consulting his officers, and finding their wishes 
 in unison with his own, determined to gratify his 
 adversary, in his eagerness for combat. 
 
 This was on the night of the sixteenth of January 
 1781. Early in the morning of the succeeding day, 
 Tarleton, being apprised of the position of Morgan, 
 pressed towards him with redoubled rapidity, lest, 
 by renewing his retreat, he should again elude him. 
 
 But, by neglecting to study the character of his 
 adversary, this high spirited warrior committed an 
 error, which blasted his laurels, and humbled his 
 pride. 
 
 Morgan, now, had other thoughts, than those of 
 flight Already had he, for several days, been at war 
 with himself, in relation to his conduct. Glorying 
 in action, his spirit recoiled from the humiliation of 
 retreat, and his resentment was roused by the inso- 
 lence of pursuit. This mental conflict becoming 
 more intolerable to him than disaster or death, his 
 courage triumphed, perhaps, over his prudence, and 
 he resolved on putting every thing to the hazard of 
 the sword. 
 
 Nor had he been, in any measure, judicious in the 
 selection of his ground. His position was open, and 
 practicable for cavalry, in which the enemy trebled 
 him in number. His flanks, being unprotected, might
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 195 
 
 be readily turned, and, Broad river, running parallel 
 in his rear, forbade retreat, in case of misfortune. 
 Thus situated, his defeat and ruin were to be consi- 
 dered inseparable. Notwithstanding this, trusting to 
 his fortune and superior soldiership, he appeared to 
 have a confident anticipation of victory. 
 
 By military men, who have studied the subject, 
 his disposition for battle is said to have been masterly. 
 The following perspicuous and succint account of it, 
 is given by general Lee. 
 
 " Two light parties of militia, under major M'Dow- 
 el, of North Carolina, and major Cunningham, of 
 Georgia, were advanced in front, with orders to feel 
 the enemy as he approached; and, preserving a desul- 
 tory well aimed fire as they fell back to the front 
 line, to range with it and renew the conflict. The 
 main body of the militia composed this line, with ge- 
 neral Pickens at its head. At a suitable distance in 
 the rear of the first line, a second was stationed, com- 
 posed of the continental infantry and two companies 
 of Virginia militia, under captains Triplet and Taite, 
 commanded by lieutenant colonel Howard. Wash- 
 ington's cavalry, reinforced with a company of mount- 
 ed militia, armed with sabres, was held in reserve; 
 convenient to support the infantry, and protect the
 
 196 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 horses of the rifle militia,, which were tied, agreeably 
 to usage, in the rear." 
 
 In the common acceptation of the term, and on 
 ordinary occasions, Morgan was no orator. But the 
 present conjuncture, big with the fate of his army 
 and himself, had aroused the secret energies of his 
 soul, and given to his intellect unusual fire. 
 
 Availing himself of the solemn interval, between 
 the last act of preparation, and the first of combat, 
 he passed along his line, with a firm and cheerful 
 countenance, forcibly and eloquently exhorting his 
 troops, with topics of argument and address judi' 
 ciously adapted to their character and feeling. 
 
 To the militia he pictured their families and their 
 homes, and the valour they had often displayed in 
 defence of them, even when unsupported by veteran 
 troops. The reputation they had already established, 
 he was confident they would not forfeit, now, when 
 led by himself, and sustained by infantry and caval- 
 ry, of experience and renown. He represented, to 
 them, his long tried fortune, in war. This, he declar- 
 ed, had never forsaken him, under circumstances so 
 promising and auspicious as the present By rifle- 
 men, in no respect, superior to themselves, he had 
 often scattered or brought to submission, an enemy 
 much more formidable than that which w r as advanc-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 197 
 
 ing an enemy led by a veteran, not by a youth, 
 without experience. He, finally, exhorted them to 
 be firm and steady; to point their fire, with well di- 
 rected aim, and pour in but two skilful volleys, at 
 striking distance, and, by the aid of their veteran 
 companions, the victory would be secure. 
 
 To the continentals, his address was brief. He re- 
 minded them of the confidence he had always repos- 
 ed in them; that he considered them among the best 
 troops in service, and that his mortification would be 
 infinite, should they now disappoint him: he assured 
 them that firmness and good conduct, on their part, 
 would render victory certain; and desired them not 
 to be disconcerted, by the retreat of the militia, " that 
 being a part of his plan and orders." 
 
 Posting himself, then, in the line of the regulars, 
 he waited, in silence, the advance of the enemy. 
 
 Tarleton coming in sight, hastily formed his dis- 
 position for battle, and commenced the assault. Of 
 this conflict, the following picture is from the pen of 
 general Lee. 
 
 " The American light parties quickly yielded, fell 
 back, and arrayed with Pickens. The enemy, shout- 
 ing, rushed forward upon the front line, which re- 
 tained its station, and poured in a close fire; but con- 
 tinuing to advance with the bayonet on our militia,
 
 198 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 they retired and gained, with haste, the second line. 
 Here, with part of the corps, Pickins took post on 
 Howard's right, and the rest fled to their horses; 
 probably with orders to remove them to a further dis- 
 tance. Tarleton pushed forward, and was received 
 by his adversary with unshaken firmness. The con- 
 test became obstinate; and each party, animated by 
 the example of its leader, nobly contended for victory. 
 Our line maintained itself so firmly, as to oblige the 
 enemy to order up his reserve. The advance of 
 M'Arthur reanimated the British line, which again 
 moved forward; and, outstretching our front endan- 
 gered Howard's right. This officer instantly took 
 measures to defend his flank, by directing his right 
 company to change its front; but, mistaking this 
 order, the company fell back; upon which the line 
 began to retire, and general Morgan directed it to 
 retreat to the cavalry. This manoeuvre being- per- 
 formed with precision, our flank became relieved, 
 and the new position was assumed with promptitude. 
 Considering this retrograde movement the precursor 
 of flight, the British line rushed on with impetuosity 
 and disorder; but as it drew near, Howard faced 
 about, and gave it a close and murderous fire. Stun- 
 ned by this unexpected shock, the most advanced of 
 the enemy recoiled in confusion. Howard seized the
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 199 
 
 happy moment, and followed his advantage with the 
 bayonet This decisive step gave us the day. The re- 
 serve having been brought near the line, shared in 
 the destruction of our fire, and presented no rallying 
 point to the fugitives. A part of the enemy's cavalry, 
 having gained our rear, fell on that portion of the 
 militia who had retired to their horses. Washington 
 struck at them with his dragoons, and drove them 
 before him. Thus, by a simultaneous effort, the in- 
 fantry and cavalry of the enemy were routed. Mor- 
 gan pressed home his success, and the pursuit be- 
 came vigorous and general. The British cavalry 
 having taken no part in the action, except the two 
 troops attached to the line, were in force to cover the 
 retreat. This, however, was not done. The zeal of 
 lieutenant colonel Washington in pursuit having car- 
 ried him far before his squadron, Tarleton turned 
 upon him with a troop of the seventeenth regiment of 
 dragoons, seconded by many of his officers. The Ame- 
 rican lieutenant colonel was first rescued from this 
 critical contest by one of his sergeants, and after- 
 wards by a fortunate shot from his bugler's pistol.'' 
 " In this decisive battle we lost about seventy men. 
 of whom twelve only were killed. The British infan- 
 try, with the exception of the baggage guard, were 
 nearly all killed or taken. One hundred, including
 
 200 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ten officers, were killed; twenty-three officers and 
 five hundred privates were taken. The artillery, 
 eight hundred muskets, two standards, thirty-five 
 baggage wagons, and one hundred dragoon horses, 
 fell into our possession." 
 
 The result of this action, so beneficial to the coun- 
 try, and so signally glorious to the American arms, 
 was attributable, chiefly, to two causes; the judgment 
 and skill of colonel Howard, and the precipitancy and 
 want of judgment, of colonel Tarleton. 
 
 The former, seizing the critical moment, confound- 
 ed and staggered the enemy, by a terrible fire; and. 
 then, pressing him with the bayonet, consummated 
 his overthrow. 
 
 The latter, in the opinion of military men, com- 
 mitted a variety of faults. Instead of halting, to refresh 
 and invigorate his troops, he hurried them into action, 
 without the least necessity, when they were fatigued 
 and exhausted. He permitted them to advance, in an 
 irregular and unsoldierly manner, when the first line 
 of the militia fell back; he neglected to charge the 
 broken and retreating militia, with his dragoons; and; 
 when he ordered up his reserve, brought it complete- 
 ly within the range of Howard's fire, so as to expose 
 it equally with the front line, and, thus, forego the 
 advantage to be derived from it.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 201 
 
 Another act of colonel Howard, in this engage- 
 ment, manifested uncommon coolness, sagacity and 
 self-command; and is believed to have contributed, 
 in no small degree, to the issue of the day. 
 
 After having thrown the British line into confu- 
 sion, by his fire and unexpected charge, he called 
 out to them, in a loud and commanding voice, to 
 surrender, and they should receive " good quarters." 
 
 On this summons, five hundred of them instant- 
 ly threw down their arms. 
 
 The victory of the Cowpens, although achieved 
 under the immediate command of Morgan, was the 
 first stroke of general Greene's policy, in the south; 
 and augured favourably of his future career. It led 
 to one of the most arduous, ably-conducted, and me- 
 morable operations, that occurred in the course of 
 the revolutionary war the retreat of Greene, and 
 the pursuit of lord Cornwallis, during the inclemen- 
 cies of winter, from the Catawba to the Dan, a dis- 
 tance of two hundred and thirty miles. 
 
 On the part of the American commander, that re- 
 treat, with his advance, manoeuvres, and action at 
 Guilford, which soon afterwards followed, may be 
 safely pronounced, with the exception, perhaps, of 
 the retreat of the ten thousand Greeks, a succession 
 
 of as masterly movements, as are recorded in the 
 
 c c
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 page of military history. For any but a genius of the 
 highest order, and a soul of the firmest texture, to 
 have planned, and achieved such a scheme of opera- 
 tions, would have been impossible. 
 
 Except in the number and equipment of the for- 
 ces in motion, and the eclat arising from that cir- 
 cumstance, it is, certainly, in no respect surpassed by 
 the retreat of Moreau, through the defiles of Germa- 
 ny, which called forth the admiration and applauses 
 of Europe, and placed that officer at the head of the 
 captains of the French empire. 
 
 As the transactions of this conjuncture, more se- 
 verely, perhaps, than those of any other period of his 
 life, tested the abilities of general Greene, and threw 
 on his renown its brightest lustre, an account of 
 them, somewhat circumstantial, is due to his me- 
 mory. 
 
 Galled, in his pride, and crippled, in his schemes, 
 by the overthrow of Tarleton, lord Cornwallis resol- 
 ved, by a series of prompt and vigorous measures, to 
 avenge the injury, and retrieve the loss, which the 
 royal arms had sustained, at the Cowpens. In his me- 
 ditated plan of operations, for this purpose, he em- 
 braced three objects: to advance rapidly on Morgan, 
 retake his prisoners, and destroy his force; to main- 
 tain an intermediate position, and prevent his union
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 203 
 
 with general Greene; or, in case of the junction of 
 the two divisions of the army, to cut off their retreat 
 towards Virginia, and force them to action, south of 
 the Dan. 
 
 He and Morgan were both on the west, Greene, 
 on the east side of the Catawba. 
 
 His lordship, having committed to the flames his 
 heavy baggage, and reduced to the condition of light 
 troops, his whole army, dashed towards Morgan, to 
 strike him, before he could pass that river. 
 
 But the American commander, no less vigilant 
 and provident than himself, plainly foreseeing what 
 his movements would be, hastened his march, and 
 had made good his passage of the river, just as the 
 British van arrived at the bank. 
 
 General Greene, apprized of the movement of lord 
 Cornwallis, and apprehending that his object was to 
 pass into his rear, and cut off his communication 
 with Virginia, put his army, also, in motion, towards 
 the north. But, an express arriving, with information 
 of the defeat of Tarleton, he instantly perceived, that 
 his lordship's first object, was the overthrow of Mor- 
 gan and the recapture of his prisoners. 
 
 Ordering his troops to proceed, under general 
 Hugher, on their march towards Salisbury, where 
 he meditated a junction with the detachment of Mor-
 
 204 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 gan, he himself, escorted by a few dragoons, set out 
 for the head-quarters of that officer, and joined him. 
 a few hours after he had crossed the Catawba. 
 
 Despatching the prisoners for safety, under a guard 
 of militia, towards the northern states, these tw*o of- 
 ficers prepared to dispute with his lordship, the pas- 
 sage of the river; and, if possible, retard his advance, 
 until the troops under general Hugher should reach 
 Salisbury. 
 
 Fortunately a sudden swell of the Catawba, in con- 
 sequence of a copious fall of rain, detained the 
 British, for two days, on its western bank, and pla- 
 ced the prisoners, captured at the Cowpens, entirely 
 beyond the prospect of rescue. This occurrence was 
 hailed by the pious, as an interposition of Providence 
 in behalf of America. 
 
 Early in the morning of the third day, being the 
 first of February 1781, the enemy effected their pas- 
 sage, in several columns, at as many different fords, 
 and forced the Americans again to fall back. 
 
 Here commenced the retreat of general Greene, 
 in the course of which, he displayed such resources, 
 and gained, in the end, such lasting renown. 
 
 Sensible of the immense prize, for which he was 
 contending, he tasked, to the utmost, his genius, in 
 the struggle. On its issue was staked, not merelr
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 205 
 
 the lives of a few brave men not, alone, the exist- 
 ence of a whole army; but, the fate of the south, and 
 the integrity of the union. For, should the American 
 forces now be cut off, it was inevitable, that the 
 three'southern states, at least, must be re-annexed to 
 the British empire. 
 
 So eager and rapid was the advance of lord Corn- 
 wallis, that general Greene, perceiving he would reach 
 Salisbury, before the division of the army, under 
 general Hugher, sent orders, by express, to that of- 
 ficer, to inarch, with all possible despatch, by a more 
 direct route, to Guilford court-house, where he pro- 
 mised to join him, with the division under Morgan. 
 
 Much rain having fallen, and the soil of the coun- 
 try consisting of a tough, red clay, interspersed with 
 rounded stones, the roads were rendered inexpres- 
 sibly bad. Notwithstanding this, general Greene, 
 pushing his retreat, with great activity, crossed the 
 Yadkin, a broad and rapid river, fifty miles distant 
 from the Catawba,on the night ofthe second. So close 
 was the pursuit, at this point, that, when about to 
 embark, his rear guard was fiercely assaulted, by the 
 British van. It sustained, however, no damage.
 
 206 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Here, again, the American commander having se- 
 cured the boats, and the river being swollen, by the 
 late rains, the enemy experienced a further detention. 
 
 To his great mortification, lord Cornwallis now 
 perceived, that in two of his objects, the destruction 
 of Morgan's detachment, and the prevention of its 
 union with the main division, he was completely frus- 
 trated, by the activity of Greene. But, to intercept 
 the retreat of the Americans, after their union, and 
 compel them to action, south of the Dan, was still 
 perhaps practicable. To the achievement of this, 
 as his last hope, he now directed his undivided ener- 
 gies. 
 
 Moving to the head-branches of the Yadkin, where 
 its waters were fordable, he threw himself over it, 
 and. by forced marches, bent his course towards the 
 Upper Dan. 
 
 In pressing for that point, his lordship manifested 
 sound policy, and correct calculation. 
 
 His present position enabled him to reach the Up- 
 per Dan, before general Greene; the waters of the 
 Lower Dan could not be forded, on account of the late 
 rains; and he believed it impracticable, to procure 
 boats sufficient for the transportation of the Ameri- 
 can troops. In his estimation, therefore, battle 
 certain.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 207 
 
 But the full extent of his adversary's resources had 
 not yet been disclosed to him. 
 
 The expected junction of his troops, at Guilford 
 court-house, being safely effected, on the seventh of 
 the month, general Greene, on examining his force, 
 found himself still too weak, to hazard an engage- 
 ment. His safety, therefore, consisted in the continu- 
 ance of retreat. 
 
 Fresh difficulties now presenting themselves, new 
 arrangements became necessary to meet them. 
 
 From the position held by lord Cornwallis, to reach 
 and pass the Upper Dan, was altogether impractica- 
 ble. The Lower Dan might be attained, without mo- 
 lestation; and, probably, also a sufficiency of boats, 
 for passing it, procured. But the transportation of 
 an army was a work of time. Should the enemy, 
 therefore, be pressing on his rear, when he might 
 reach the river, great loss, in baggage and stores, 
 must necessarily be sustained, in attemptig its pas- 
 sage. A portion of his troops must also be sacrificed. 
 
 Such was the situation, and such the reasoning, of 
 the American commander, at this most trying and 
 eventful conjuncture. 
 
 A cloud of adversity so gloomy and procellous, has 
 rarely overshadowed a military leader. But the geni- 
 us of Greene, was neither to be obscured by its
 
 208 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 darkness, nor his energies deadened by its threaten- 
 ing aspect. Self-collected, and adapting his conduct 
 to the nature of the crisis, his firmness grew with 
 the increase of danger; and the measure of his great- 
 ness, was the extent of the difficulties he was called 
 to encounter. 
 
 The plan he pursued, on the present occasion, 
 was the only one that could have saved his army; 
 and this he devised and adopted, with great prompt- 
 ness. ' 
 
 Determined to attempt the Dan, at Irwin's ferry, 
 and having designated the route most practicable - 
 and proper for the army to follow, he despatched 
 colonel Carringtou, his quarter-master general, a 
 most intelligent and able officer, to collect boats, 
 and make all other necessary arrangements for cros- 
 sing. 
 
 But, tor the completion of his scheme of retreat, 
 another measure was yet to be added. 
 
 To secure the safety of his army, it was necessa- 
 ry that he should receive, at short intervals, correct 
 information of lord CornwalhYs position and move- 
 ments: to promote its comfort, it was requisite that 
 its rear should be protected, in its march, from re- 
 peated assaults: and, to enable it to pass the Dan, 
 without being seriously injured, during its transport-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 209 
 
 ation, it was essential, that, on its arrival there, it 
 should be considerably in advance of the enemy's 
 van. 
 
 For the attainment of 'these objects, general Greene 
 formed a corps of light troops, amounting, to seven 
 hundred, composed of a select body of infantry, un- 
 der colonel Howard, Washington's cavalry, Lee's 
 legion, and a few of his best militia riflemen. 
 
 General Morgan having, for reasons, which were 
 never deemed satisfactory, declined the proffered 
 honour of leading this detachment, the command of 
 it was given to colonel Williams. Every act of that 
 high minded soldier proved, that an officer more ca- 
 pable and worthy of so elevated and important a trust 
 could not have been selected, from the American 
 army. 
 
 His orders were, in the words of one of his asso- 
 ciates in arms, who acted a conspicuous part on the 
 occasion, " to take post between the retreating and 
 the advancing army, to hover round the skirts of the 
 latter, to seize every opportunity of striking in detail, 
 and to retard the enemy, by vigilance and judicious 
 positions; while Greene, with the main body, should 
 hasten towards the Dan, the boundary of his present 
 
 toils and dangers." 
 
 Dd
 
 210 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 The fitness of general Morgan for such a service' 
 is exceedingly doubtful. Much more enamoured of 
 action than policy, and, of a temper too stern and 
 irritable, to submit to the teazing of repeated petty 
 attacks, and the galling impression of close and in- 
 solent pursuit, there is reason to apprehend, that he 
 would have turned on his adversary, in a moment of 
 resentment, and, obedient to the impulse of valour, 
 rather than to the dictates of prudence, or the or- 
 ders of his superior, endangered both his own detach- 
 ment, and the main army. His refusal, therefore, 
 of the command, was probably fortunate. 
 
 Colonel Williams, on the other hand, was peculi- 
 arly adapted to the station assigned him. Of an ex- 
 panded, enlightened, and well regulated intellect, pos- 
 sessing the attribute of self command, in a degree 
 that was unusual, and being no less vigilant and 
 circumspect, than decisive and bold, he was of a 
 temperament of mind equally prone to action or 
 policy, as circumstances demanded. He never haz- 
 arded any thing, unless -when necessary for the pro- 
 motion of the service, to which he was appointed; 
 and, then, he risked both himself and his troops, 
 with a gallantry of spirit, and a generous enthusiasm.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 211 
 
 that nothing could surpass. His conduct, in the pre- 
 sent crisis, justifies fully this tribute to his memory. 
 
 Having completed his arrangement, general 
 Greene placed himself at the head of his army, and 
 actively pursued his retreat towards the Dan. 
 
 From this moment, the detachment under colonel 
 Williams, presented a spectacle, which, although 
 witnessed by many persons, now living, cannot be 
 denied to exhibit, in the recital, almost as much of 
 the extravagance of fiction, as of the sobriety of fact. 
 
 Forgetful of themselves, and bent exclusively on 
 the preservation of those, they were appointed to 
 protect, these brave troops, confronted difficulty and 
 danger, and submitted to privation and hardship, 
 with a persevering loyalty, and a self-devotedness, 
 that have scarcely a parallel in the records of war. 
 
 So close and uninterrupted was the pursuit, that 
 one meal a day, was all the sustenance they had lei- 
 sure to take; and, so severe, al night, was their du- 
 ty, in picquets and patroles, that six hours' sleep, out 
 of forty-eight, was all the repose they were permitted 
 to enjoy. This, with marching through deep and 
 heavy roads, exposure to cold and rainy weather, 
 and frequent skirmishing with the pursuing foe, 
 would seem to carry hardship to the utmost height, 
 that humanity could bear.
 
 212 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Yet, were these soldiers of freedom, cheerful, 
 healthy, and apparently happy. Proud of their sit- 
 uation, they would not have exchanged it, until the 
 completion of the service, for all the fruition, that 
 the ease and abundance of home could afford. Such 
 are the charms of danger and suffering, when in- 
 curred in the discharge of an honourable trust; and 
 so much can the valiant and the high minded sustain, 
 when actuated by duty, and attracted by glory. 
 
 So immediate, during a considerable portion of 
 one day, was the proximity of colonel Williams to the 
 enemy, and, weary of unavailing conflict, so peaceable 
 was the demeanour of the parties towards each other, 
 that a stranger would have supposed them to be sec- 
 tions of the same army. Except in crossing a stream 
 or in passing a cjefile, the pursuers made no attempt 
 to molest. 
 
 Greene having effected his passage of the Dan, on 
 the morning of the thirteenth, and Williams, on the 
 evening of the same day, they met, on the opposite 
 shore, with mutual congratulations; and, free from 
 danger, permitted their troops to repose from their 
 toils, to shelter themselves from the weather, and to 
 enjoy plenty. 
 
 Frustrated thus, in all his purposes, throughout 
 ?his long 'and arduous movement lord Cornwallis,
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 213 
 
 although the pursuing party, must be acknowledged 
 to have been fairly vanquished, in the contest. 
 
 Victory is the successful issue of a struggle for 
 superiority. Military leaders contend for different 
 objects; to vanquish their enemies, in open combat; 
 to attack and overthrow them, by stratagem and sur- 
 prise; to exhaust their resources, by delay of action; 
 or, to elude them, in retreat, until, strengthened by 
 reinforcements, they may be able to turn and meet 
 them, in the field. 
 
 These several modes of warfare, require different 
 means, for their successful execution. The first, 
 calls specifically for the sword, which is wielded by 
 the physical strength of the army: the three last are 
 conducted, more exclusively, by the genius of the 
 commanders. Here, intellectual is substituted for 
 physical power; military policy, for military force. 
 
 We shall not pause to inquire, in which of these 
 forms of war, a victory is most creditable to the tal- 
 ents of a leader. Among civilized and enlightened 
 nations, the point is already decided. Wherever 
 mind is preferred to matter, the victoiy of genius, 
 will always take an ascendency over that of the 
 sword. 
 
 When it is our purpose to attach to a commander 
 a moderate reputation, we denominate him, a " good
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 fighting officer;" meaning, by this, that he has more 
 of animal courage and personal activity, than of intel- 
 lect and combination. 
 
 A victory gained in the field, is accompanied by 
 the pomp and pageantry of battle. It is broad and 
 dazzling,-and has strong attractions for the common 
 mind. But, genius, in effecting a victory, works less 
 ostentatiously; and the merit of the achievement is 
 recognized, only, by the discerning and the intel- 
 ligent. 
 
 Were it requisite, further to illustrate this point, 
 we might add, that the more vulgar entertainments 
 of the stage, exhibited in the midst of rich and gor- 
 geous scenery, attract and highly delight the multi- 
 tude; while the elevated and exquisite productions 
 of the Drama, represented in the chaste simplicity 
 of nature, are relished only where sound judgment 
 and taste predominate. 
 
 To estimate the talents of a general officer, then, 
 by the number and extent of the battles he has fought, 
 and even won, is a vulgar error. He, on the other 
 hand, is a leader of talents, who conquers by policy; 
 who, substituting his own genius for the sword of his 
 army, spares, as much as possible, the blood of his 
 troops, fighting only when necessary, or when, by
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 215 
 
 gaining an advantage, he is enabled to strike with 
 decisive effect. 
 
 Hence the fallacy of the opinion, too prevalent 
 even in our own country, that, because the military 
 leaders of Europe have shed more blood, and con- 
 sumed more gun-powder, than those of America, 
 they must, therefore, be possessed of superior abili- 
 ties. 
 
 Such a sentiment corresponds, sufficiently, with 
 the state and condition of savage tribes, where a 
 leader is selected, on account of his personal prow- 
 ess and strength. But, in an enlightened nation, 
 where genius is the predominant attribute of the com- 
 mander, it ought not to be tolerated. 
 
 The victory, then, of general Greene, over lord 
 Cornwallis, in his memorable retreat, from the Ca- 
 tawba to the Dan, although less splendid, is equally 
 creditable, with that achieved over the same officer, 
 by the sword of Washington, within the ramparts of 
 Yorktown. Were it not for the policy and address, 
 exhibited by the commander in chief, when prepar- 
 ing to invest the British leader, which throw their 
 lustre on the subsequent conquest we should not 
 hesitate to pronounce it more creditable. 
 
 To Fender the success of Greene's retreat the 
 more signal, in itself, and the more honourable to
 
 216 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 its conductor, the country through which he pas- 
 sed, superabounded in royalists, much more inclined 
 to withhold, than to furnish resources, to deceive 
 than to communicate correct information, and to re- 
 tard, than promote the movements of the army. The 
 food of his troops was deficient, in quantity; their clo- 
 thing much more so. Their shoes were worn out, and 
 they had but one blanket to four men. The weather 
 was tempestuous and cold, rain and snow alternate- 
 ly falling, in considerable quantities, during the re- 
 treat. 
 The British troops, on the contrary, were amply 
 
 provided in food and clothing; and had as much 
 
 r a* 
 
 camp equipage, as, at the commencement of their 
 march, they had chosen to retain. So great was the 
 difference, in point of comfort, between t he retreat- 
 ing and the pursuing army. 
 
 The exertions made by the royal, to compel the 
 American commander, to action, could not, in wisdom 
 and energy, have been surpassed. 
 
 Such were the difficulties encountered and van- 
 quished, by the hero of the south. 
 
 To crown the whole, no loss was sustained, by 
 him either in men, munitions, artillery, or any thing 
 that enters into the equipment of an army.
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 217 
 
 Just, in his measures, and sensible of the influence 
 of merited applause on the minds of the generous, 
 Greene, on the north of the Dan, expressed in ge- 
 neral orders, his obligations to his whole army, and, 
 with nice discrimination, bestowed on officers and 
 soldiers, the special commendations to which their 
 services entitled them. 
 
 On this occasion, he recognized, with marked dis- 
 tinction, the exemplary conduct of the colonels, Wil- 
 liams, Carrington, and Lee. 
 
 Deeply chagrined, at being surpassed in general- 
 ship, by the American commander, lord Cornwallis 
 resolved, notwithstanding, to profit by the events that 
 had recently occurred. 
 
 Having compelled general Greene to a temporary 
 abandonment of North Carolina, he affected to con- 
 sider the state as conquered, and reannexed to the 
 British empire. To his credit it must be acknowl- 
 edged, that this was a measure, not only allowable 
 in war, but perfectly worthy of an enlightened cap- 
 tain, whose duty required him, to secure, by policy, 
 what he had acquired by power. Nor did he mani- 
 fest less judgment, in attempting its execution. 
 
 The country around Hillsbbrough, but more es- 
 pecially to the southward and westward of it, was 
 
 deeply disaffected towards the cause of freedom. 
 
 E e
 
 218 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Establishing his head-quarters in that town, his lord- 
 ship erected there the royal standard, calling on all 
 faithful subjects to repair to it, without delay; and 
 warning the rebellious to be equally prompt, in re- 
 turning to their loyalty, claiming protection, and re- 
 ceiving pardon. 
 
 Aware of the fatal tendency of this system, unless 
 immediately met by countervailing measures, gene- 
 ral Greene, whose sagacity and judgment, in milita- 
 ry matters, rarely failed him. without waiting for his 
 expected succours from Virginia, determined to re- 
 cross the Dan, and dispute the sovereignty of North 
 Carolina, on, its own soil. 
 
 Preparatory to this, to reconnoitre the position 
 and movements of the enemy, to hold in check the 
 spirit of disaffection, and sustain the hopes and ex- 
 ertions of his friends by showing that the state was 
 not surrendered, to intercept such bodies of royalists 
 as might be on their march to Hillsborough, and to 
 procure intelligence, generally, he despatched over 
 the Dan, a corps of light troops, composed of infan- 
 try, riflemen, and cavalry, under the command of 
 colonel Lee. 
 
 The more fully to impart to that officer his plan 
 of operations, and to impress him the more deeply 
 with the importance of vigilance and great circum-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 219 
 
 spection, he left his position, north of the Dan, and, 
 crossing that river, under a small escort of dragoons, 
 risked his person, in passing through a hostile set- 
 tlement, and overtook him, at the distance of more 
 than twenty miles from head-quarters. After continu- 
 ing a night with him, most of it spent in a free and 
 solemn conference, and in communicating his final 
 instructions and advice, he returned to the army, and 
 Lee proceeded on the business of his command. 
 
 The correctness of the apprehensions of Greene, 
 and the wisdom of the measures he had just adopted, 
 were soon apparent: for Lee had been but a few 
 ' days, on the south of the Dan, when he encountered, 
 cut to pieces, and dispersed, a body of five hundred 
 tories, repairing to the royal standard, under the 
 command of colonel Pyle. 
 
 In its consequences, this stroke was exceedingly 
 felicitous. Intelligence of it being conveyed, by the 
 survivors, to all parts of the country, each straggling 
 individual protesting, that he alone, of all the party, 
 had escaped the sword, the tories who were prepar- 
 ing to assemble in arms, were struck with dismay, and 
 their exertions in favour of royalty, paralysed. 
 
 Uneasy and restless, in a state of quietude, while 
 the interests of his country called for action, general 
 Greene, having completed his arrangements with the
 
 220 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 government of Virginia, for supplies of troops, pro- 
 visions, and military stores, recrossed the Dan with 
 his army, on the 23d of February, being the tenth 
 day, aftei; the termination of his celebrated retreat. 
 
 In the tract of country, lying between the Haw 
 and Deep rivers, was situated an extensive and 
 thickly populated settlement, consisting almost en- 
 tirely of royalists. The more .effectually to overawe 
 these, and deter them from repairing to the British 
 standard, the American commander moving to the 
 South, took a position, in the centre of the settlement. 
 
 With a view to favour and promote what general 
 Greene had made arrangements to prevent, lord 
 Cornwallis, about the same time, advancing from 
 Hillsborough, marched his army into the same quar- 
 ter. 
 
 Here, again, were these two great commanders, 
 
 i 
 
 equal to any the age had produced, in the vicinity of 
 each other, resolutely bent on mutual embarrass- 
 ment, circumvention, and overthrow. To induce the 
 royalists of the place, to flock to his standard, was 
 the object and wish of the British chief; because, 
 without such addition, his force must diminish, by the 
 operations of war; to prevent this, and, at the same 
 time, to protect his friends, and encourage them to 
 rally around the banner of freedom, was the end of
 
 LIFE QF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 the American. Thus, was each leader forbidden, by 
 his views of interest and expediency, to abandon to 
 the other this section of country. 
 
 Already had they contended, in a trial of skill, and 
 Greene had proved superior. It was obvious, now, 
 that they must shortly encounter, in a trial with the 
 sword. Success in this, depending much on the in- 
 fluence of accident, could not be reached by human 
 calculation. 
 
 As yet general Greene's expected reinforcements 
 had not arrived. Still, therefore, was he unable to 
 cope with his adversary in the field. For a time, 
 then, he must avoid battle, but not retreat. Hence 
 arose a second trial of military skill, more compli- 
 cated, and not less interesting and important, than 
 that which had been terminated by the passage of 
 the Dan. 
 
 Neither army had erected fortifications, of any de- 
 scription; and the country being level, and not much 
 intersected by streams of water, presented nothing > 
 that could be technically denominated a natural 
 stronghold. In avoiding action, therefore, the Ameri- 
 can commander must place his reliance, on his own 
 vigilance, and skill in movement 
 
 To secure intelligence, and guard against surprise, 
 Greene threw into his front the same light corps,
 
 222 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 which had previously constituted his rear; and en- 
 trusted the command to the same officer. 
 
 It was now about the beginning of March. Here 
 commenced the second essay in military policy, 
 which, within a small tract of country, was continu- 
 ed, by marches, counter-marches, feints, selections of 
 positions, and every other stratagem that genius could 
 devise, until the tenth or eleventh of the month, when 
 lord Cornwallis, convinced of the impracticability of 
 either bringing his enemy to action, or forcing him to 
 retreat, gave up the contest. During this period, the 
 American leader changed his place of encampment 
 twice, at least, every twenty-four hours; frequently 
 oftener; so that, at times, the British commander did 
 not know where to find him; and was afraid of being 
 himself attacked by surprise. 
 
 On the part of general Greene, nothing like this 
 occurred. From the vigilance and activity of his light 
 troops,, he was never three hours, at a time, without 
 correct information of the position of his foe. 
 
 To give rest to his fatigued and harassed troops, 
 and renovate their strength, against the day of ac- 
 tion, to which he felt confident that his adversary, as 
 well as himself was steadfastly looking, as soon as 
 his forces should be sufficiently augmented, lord
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Cornwallis took post, with his army, at Bell's Mill, 
 on the waters of Deep river. 
 
 For the same purposes, and to wait for reinforce- 
 ments, which he knew must shortly arrive, general 
 Greene fixed his head-quarters, at the Troublesome 
 iron-works. In selecting this position, he manifested 
 his usual discernment and skill. It enabled him to 
 maintain his communication with Virginia, the chief 
 
 source of his hopes and expectations, as to troops, 
 
 
 provisions, and military stores. 
 
 It was now, that in the consummate abilities of 
 the American leader, lord Cornwallis began to per- 
 ceive his own ultimate and unavoidable discomfiture, 
 unless prevented by some stroke of fortune. 
 
 In the last struggle for superiority, he had lost a 
 double prize. He had failed to bring his adversary to 
 action, while his force was inferior; and he had re- 
 ceived no accession to his own army, from the roy- 
 alists of the country. For, until the British arms 
 should attain a decided ascendency, those deluded ci- 
 tizens had prudently determined to remain at their 
 homes. So salutary, in its effects, was the overthrow 
 of colonel Pyle; an event, which, in his sound judg- 
 ment, general Greene estimated more highly, than 
 he would have done the discomfiture of an equal 
 number of British troops.
 
 224> ' LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 At length, to the unspeakable joy of Greene, 
 arrived his expected reinforcements, with supplies 
 of provisions and military stores. 
 
 Having spent a few days, in the further discipline 
 and amalgamation of his army, by the intermingling 
 of fresh with veteran soldiers, it was, now, determin- 
 ed, by him, no longer to decline a meeting with the 
 enemy, but to seek battle, if it should not be offered. 
 
 A similar disposition prevailing, on both sides, a 
 trial in arms could not be remote. It occurred, at 
 Guilford court-house, on the fifteenth of the month; 
 and was one of the most obstinate, sanguinary, and 
 splendid affairs, that marked the course of the revo- 
 lutionary war. 
 
 The policy of Greene, in now, encountering his 
 foe, was no less masterly, than it had been before, in 
 perseveringly avoiding him. 
 
 From the comparative strength of the two armies, 
 he was confident, that, although he might be forced 
 from the field, he could not experience a very seri- 
 ous disaster. He must, necessarily, in the action, 
 cripple, and reduce the British force, which, in the 
 present posture of affairs, could not be recruited; while 
 any loss he might sustain, could be easily remedied, 
 by further reinforcements. His condition, therefore, 
 after battle, must be relatively amended.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 225 
 
 Such was the reasoning of general Greene; and, 
 its correctness was demonstrated by the effects of 
 the battle, which shortly ensued. It was his inter- 
 est, therefore, to engage, as soon as he could do it 
 on favourable terms. 
 
 Nor was a trial of strength less the wish of the 
 opposite party. 
 
 Diminished, by the casualties incident to a state 
 of war, far beyond its accession of fresh troops, it 
 was obvious, that the British army was destined to 
 ruin, unless saved by a removal of the cause, to which 
 this was attributable. That cause was the presence 
 and operations of the army of Greene. 
 
 To destroy the influence of this army, by com- 
 pelling a retreat, lord Cornwallis had found to be 
 impracticable. Nothing remained, therefore, but to 
 
 
 
 destroy it, by the sword, or to retreat himself. Be- 
 sides, the hopes of the friends of freedom were 
 strengthened, their energies invigorated, and the 
 American forces were increasing in numbers, as well 
 as in discipline. Each day's delay, therefore, threw 
 a deeper shade over the declining prospects of the 
 royal arms. 
 
 Such was the critical situation, to which the po- 
 licy of Greene, had reduced his adversary. 
 
 pf
 
 22$ LIFE OF GENERAL GREEM-J. 
 
 Both leaders were now desirous of battle; but from 
 different motives. In the latter, this desire arose from 
 a. wish to avoid ruin, which must., however, more 
 certainly and speedily overwhelm him, should he sus- 
 tain a defeat. In the former, it was produced, by a 
 solicitude to meliorate his condition, which he could 
 not fail to do. even although victory should declare 
 against him. 
 
 On this battle, lord Comwallis staked his army, 
 and his hopes; while general Greene, staking nothing, 
 but the lives of a few of his troops, fought under a 
 certainty of gain. The one must conquer or fall; the 
 other was sure of being benefited, even by defeat. 
 
 Corresponding to their situations, and the differ- 
 ent views and feelings, arising out of them, was the 
 conduct of the two leaders, on the field of battle. 
 
 General Greene fought bravely, exposing, to every 
 peril, his army, and his own person,* to injure his ad- 
 
 : The exertions of the ttfo rival generals, both in preparing 1 for this ac- 
 tion, and, during the course of it, were never surpassed; and, forgetful of 
 every thing, but the fortune of the day, they, on several occasions, min- 
 gled in the danger, like common soldiers. 
 
 In one instance, Greene was near being cut off, a detachment of the 
 enemy having partly gained his rear, within thirty paces of him, while, 
 in advance of his troops, he was intent on the direction of an important 
 movement. 
 
 Fortunately, major Pendleton, one of his aids, discovering his situa- 
 tion, and a small copse of woods concealing him from the foe, he regained 
 the lino, without injury.
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 versary, secure victory, if practicable, and, at all 
 events, to prevent disaster. But he calmly retreated 
 when it was no longer prudent, to maintain his 
 ground. 
 
 Lord Cornwallis, on the contrary, desperate in his 
 fortune, and resolutely bent on victory or death, risk- 
 ed every thing, firing even among his own troops, to 
 repulse his enemy and keep the field. 
 
 General (at that time colonel) Lee, who acted him- 
 self a conspicuous part in it, gives the following ac- 
 count of the disposition and movements, in this me- 
 morable engagement. 
 
 " Guilford court-house, erected near the great state 
 road, is situated on the brow o^a declivity, which de- 
 scends gradually with an undulating slope for about 
 a half mile. It terminates in a small vale, intersected 
 by a rivulet. On the right of the road is open ground 
 with some few copses of wood until you gain the last 
 step of the descent, where you see thick glades of 
 brushy wood reaching across the rivulet. On the left 
 of the road from the court-house, a deep forest of lofty 
 trees, which terminates nearly in a line with the ter- 
 mination of the field on the opposite side of the road. 
 Below this forest is a small piece of open ground, 
 which appeared to have been" cultivated in corn the 
 preceding summer. This small field was long, but
 
 228 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 narrow, reaching close to the swamp bordering upon 
 the rivulet 
 
 "In the road captain Singleton was posted, in a line 
 with the termination of the large field and the com- 
 mencement of the small one, with two six pounders 
 within close shot of the rivulet, where the enemy, 
 keeping the road, would pass. Across the road on his 
 left, some few yards in his rear, the North Carolina 
 militia were ranged under generals Butler and Eaton. 
 At some distance behind this line, the Virginia mili- 
 tia, led by the generals Stevens and Lawson, were 
 formed in a deep wood; the right flank of Stevens and 
 the left flank of Lawson resting on the great road. 
 The continental infantry, consisting of four regiments, 
 were drawn up in the re^r of the Virginia militia, in 
 the field to the right of the road; the two regiments 
 of Virginia, conducted by colonel Greene and lieute- 
 nant colonel Hawes, under the order of brigadier Hu- 
 ger, composing the right; and the two of Maryland, 
 led by colonel Gunby and lieutenant colonel Ford, un- 
 der the orders of colonelWilliams ; composing the left. 
 Of these, only the regiment of Gunby was veteran ; 
 the three others were composed of new soldiers, among 
 whom were mingled a few who had served from the 
 beginning of the war^;but all the officers w'ere experi- 
 enced and approved. Greene, well informed of his erior-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GRE,ENE. 229 
 
 my 's inferiority in number, knew he could present but 
 one line, and had no reserve; considering it injudicious 
 to weaken either of his lines by forming one. On the 
 right, lieutenantcolonel Washington, with his cavalry, 
 the old Delaware company under the brave captaiij 
 Kirkwood, and colonel Lynch with a battalion of the 
 Virginia militia, was posted, with orders to hold safe 
 that flank. For the same purpose, and with the same 
 orders, lieutenant colonel Lee was stationed on the 
 left flank with his legion and the Virginia riflemen 
 commanded by colonel Clarke. 
 
 " In the rear line our small park was placed, with 
 the exception of two sixes with captain Singleton, - 
 who was now with the front line, but directed to re- 
 pair to the rear as soon as the enemy should enter 
 into close battle, and there take his assigned station. 
 
 " As soon as the British van appeared, Singleton 
 opened a cannonade upon it, convincing lord Corn- 
 vvallis of his proximity to the American army. Lieu- 
 
 - 
 
 tenant M'Cleod, commanding the royal artillery, has- 
 tened up with two pieces, and, stationing himself in 
 the road near the rivulet, returned our fire. Thus 
 the action commenced: the British general in the 
 meantime arranging his army in order of battle. Al- 
 though he could form but one full line, he took the 
 resolution of attacking an able general advantage-
 
 230 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ously posted, with a force more than double, a por- 
 tion whereof he knew to be excellent, supported by 
 a cavalry of the first character. Yet such was his 
 condition, that lord Cornwallis was highly gratified 
 with having it in his power, even on such terms, to 
 appeal to the sword. The seventy-first, with the re- 
 giment of Bose, formed his right under the order of 
 major general Leslie; his left was composed of the 
 twenty-third and thirty-third regiments, led by lieu- 
 tenant colonel Webster. 
 
 "The royal artillery directed by lieutenant M'Cleod 
 and supported by the light infantry, of the guards 
 and the yagers, moved along the road in the centre. 
 The first battalion of guards, under lieutenant colonel 
 Norton, gave support to the right. While brigadier 
 O'Hara, with the grenadiers and second battalion of 
 guards, maintained the left, lieutenant colonel Tarle- 
 ton, with the cavalry in column, formed the reserve 
 on the road, in the rear of the artillery. 
 
 " The moment the head of the British column pas- 
 sed the rivulet, the different corps, in quick step, de- 
 ployed to the right and left, and soon were ranged in 
 line of battle. 
 
 ''Leslie instantly advanced upon the North Caroli- 
 na militia. These troops were most advantageously 
 posted under cover of a rail fence, along the margin
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 231 
 
 of the woods; and Campbell's riflemen and the legion 
 infantry connected in line with the North Carolina 
 militia, turning with the fence as it approached the 
 rivulet, raked by their fire the right of the British 
 wing, entirely uncovered: the legion cavalry, in the 
 woods, in a column pointing to the angular corner 
 of the fence ready to support the militia on its right, 
 or the infantry of the legion to its left. The appear- 
 ance in this quarter was so favourable, that sanguine 
 hopes were entertained by many of the officers, from 
 the manifest advantage possessed, of breaking down 
 the enemy's right before he approached the fence; 
 and the troops exhibited great zeal and alacrity. 
 
 " Lieutenant colonel Webster took his part with his 
 usual ability, moving upon the Virginia militia, who 
 were not so advantageously posted as their comrades 
 of North Carolina, yet gave every indication of main- 
 taining their ground with obstinacy. Stevens, to give 
 efficacy to this temper, and stung with the recollection 
 of their inglorious flight in the battle of Camden, had 
 placed a line of sentinels in his rear with orders to 
 shoot every man that flinched. When the enemy came 
 within long shot, the American line, by order, began 
 to fire. Undismayed, the British continued to advance; 
 and having reached a proper distance, discharged 
 their pieces and rent the air with shouts. To our infinite
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 distress and mortification, the North Carolina militia 
 took to flight, a few only of Eaton's brigade excepted, 
 who clung to the militia under Clarke; which, with 
 the legion, manfully maintained their ground. Every 
 effort was made by the generals Butler and Eaton, 
 assisted by colonel Davie, commissary general, with 
 many of the officers of every grade, to stop this unac- 
 countable panic; for not a man of the corps had been 
 killed, or even wounded, lieutenant colonel Lee 
 joined in the attempt to rally the fugitives, threatening 
 to fall upon them with his cavalry. All was vain, so 
 thoroughly confounded were these unhappy men, that 
 throwing away arms, knapsacks, and even canteens, 
 they rushed like a torrent headlong through the woods. 
 In the mean time the British right became so injur- 
 ed by the keen and advantageous contest still upheld 
 by Clarke and the legion, as to render it necessary 
 for Leslie to order into line his support under lieu- 
 tenant colonel Norton, a decided proof of the difficult 
 condition to which he must have been soon reduced, 
 had the North Carolina militia done their duty. The 
 chasm in our order of battle, produced by this base 
 desertion, was extremely detrimental in its conse- 
 quences; for being seized by Leslie, it threw the 
 corps of Lee out of combination with the army, and 
 also exposed it to destruction. General Leslie, turn- 

 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 233 
 
 ing the regiment of Bose, with the battalion of guards, 
 upon Lee, pressed forward himself with the seven- 
 ty-first to cover the right of Webster, now keenly 
 engaged with the Virginia militia; and seized the- 
 most advantageous position, which he preserved 
 through the battle. Noble was the stand of the Vir- 
 ginia militia; Stevens and Lawson, with their faithful 
 brigades, contending for victory against the best of- 
 ficer in the British army, at the head of two regi- 
 ments, distinguished for intrepidity and discipline; 
 and so firmly did they maintain the battle (secured 
 on their flank by the position taken by Washington, 
 who, anxious to contribute to the aid of his brave 
 countrymen, introduced Lynch's battalion of rifle- 
 men upon the flank of Webster, already fully enga- 
 ged in front) that brigadier O'Hara, with the grena- 
 diers and second battalion of the guards were brought 
 into the line in support of Webster. As soon as this 
 
 assistance was felt, lieutenant colonel Webster, turn- 
 
 
 
 ing the thirty-third upon Lynch, relieved his flank of 
 all annoyance; and instantly O'Hara, advancing with 
 the remainder of the left wing with fixed bayonets, - 
 aided by the seventy-first under Leslie, compelled 
 first Lawson's brigade and then Steven's to abandon 
 the contest. Unhappily the latter general received a 
 ball through his thigh, which accelerated not a little
 
 LIFE OF UEMEKAL GREENE. 
 
 the retreat of his brigade. The militia no longer pre- 
 sented even the show of resistance: nevertheless, 
 such had been the resolution with which the ,corps 
 under Lee, sustaining itself on the left against the first 
 battalion of guards and the regiment of Bose, and so 
 bravely did the Virginia militia support the action on 
 the right, that, notwithstanding the injurious deser- 
 tion of the first line without exchanging a shot, every 
 corps of the British army, excepting the cavalry still 
 in reserve, had been necessarily brought into battle, 
 and many of them had suffered severely. It cannot 
 be doubted, had the North Carolina militia rivalled 
 that of Virginia upon this occasion, that lord Corn- 
 wallis must have been defeated; and even now the 
 continental troops being in full vigor, and our caval- 
 ry unhurt, there was good ground yet to expect vic- 
 tory. 
 
 " Persevering in his determination to die or to con- 
 quer, th^ British general did not stop to concentrate 
 his force, but pressed forward to break our second 
 line. The action, never intermitting on his right, was 
 still sternly maintained by colonel Norton's battalion 
 of guards and the regiment of Bose with the rifle mi- 
 litia and the legion infantry; so that this portion of the 
 British force could not be brought to bear upon the 
 third line, supported by colonel Washington at the
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 235 
 
 head of the horse, and Kirkwood's Delaware compa- 
 ny. General Greene was well pleased with the pre- 
 sent prospect, and flattering himself with a happy con- 
 clusion, passed along the line, exhorting his troops 
 to give the finishing blow. Webster, hastening over 
 the ground occupied by the Virginia militia, sought 
 with zeal the continental line, and presently ap- 
 proached its right wing. Here was posted the first 
 regiment of Maryland, commanded by colonel Gun- 
 by, having under him lieutenant colonel Howard. 
 The enemy rushed into close fire; but so firmly was 
 he received by this body of veterans, supported by 
 Hawes' regiment of Virginia and Kirkwood's com- 
 pany of Delawares, (being weakened in his contest 
 with Steven's brigade, and as yet unsupported, the 
 troops to his right not having advanced from inequa- 
 lity of ground or other impediments) that with equal 
 rapidity he was compelled to recoil from the shock. 
 "Recrossing a ravine in his rear, Webster occupied 
 an advantageous height, waiting for the approach of 
 the rest of the line. Very soon lieutenant colonel Stu- 
 art, with the first battalion of guards, appeared in the 
 open field, followed successively by the remaining 
 corps, all anxious to unite in this last effort. Stuart, 
 discovering Ford's regiment of Maryland on the left 
 of the first regiment, and a small copse of woods con-
 
 36 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 cealing Gunby, pushed forward upon Ford, who was 
 strengthened by captain Finley with two six poun- 
 ders. Colonel Williams, commanding the Maryland 
 line, charmed with the late demeanor of the first re- 
 giment, hastened towards the second, expecting a 
 similar display, and prepared to combine his whole 
 force with all practicable celerity; when, unaccount- 
 ably, the second regiment gave way, abandoning to 
 the enemy the two field pieces. 
 
 " Gunby being left free by Webster's recession, 
 wheeled to his left upon Stuart, who was pursuing 
 the flying second regiment. Here the action was well 
 fought; each corps manfully struggling for victory; 
 when lieutenant colonel Washington, who had, upon 
 the discomfiture of the Virginia militia, placed him- 
 self upon the flank of the continentals, agreeably to 
 the order of battle, pressed forward with his cavalry. 
 
 f ' Stuart beginning to give ground, Washington fell 
 upon him sword in hand, followed by Howard with 
 fixed bayonets, now commanding the regiment in 
 consequence of Gunby being dismounted. This 
 combined operation was irresistible. Stuart fell by 
 the sword of captain Smith, of the first regiment; the 
 two field pieces were recovered; his battalion driven 
 back with slaughter, its remains being saved by the 
 British artillery, which, to stop the ardent pursuit of
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 237 
 
 Washington and Howard, opened upon friends as 
 weil as foes; for Cornwallis, seeing the vigorous ad- 
 vance of these two officers, determined to arrest 
 their progress, though every ball, levelled at them, 
 must pass through the flying guards. Checked by this 
 cannonade, and discovering one regiment passing 
 from the woods on the enemy's right, across the 
 road, and another advancing in front, Howard believ- 
 ing himself to be out of support, retired, followed by 
 Washington. 
 
 " To these two regiments, (which were the seven- 
 ty-first, which general Leslie had so judiciously con- 
 ducted after the ignominious flight of the North Car- 
 olina militia, and the twenty-third, the right of Web- 
 ster,) brigadier O'Hara, though grievously wounded 
 brought the remnant of the first battalion of guards, 
 whom he in person rallied; and, with the grenadiers, 
 filled up the interval between the left and right wing. 
 
 " Webster, the moment Stuart appeared in the 
 field, putting Ford to flight, recrossed the ravine and 
 attacked Havves' regiment of Virginia, supported by 
 Kirkwood's company. The action was renewed in 
 this quarter with vigor; the seventy-first and twenty- 
 third, connected in their centre by the first battalion 
 and grenadier guards, having at the same time mo- 
 ved upon Howard. Meanwhile the long impending
 
 -38 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 contest upon the enemy's right continued without in- 
 termission, each of the combatants getting gradually 
 nearer to the flanks of their respective armies, to 
 close with which was the desired object of both. At 
 length lieutenant colonel Norton, with his battalion 
 of guards, believing the regiment of Bose adequate 
 to the contest, and close to the great road to which 
 he had been constantly inclining, pressed forward to 
 join the seventy-first. Relieved from this portion of 
 the enemy, lieutenant colonel Lee dispensed with his 
 cavalry, heretofore held in the rear to cover retreat 
 in case of disaster, ordering it to close with the left 
 of the continental line, and there to act until it should 
 receive further orders. Upon Bose the rifle and the 
 legion infantry now turned with increased animation 
 and with confidence of success. Lieutenant colonel 
 Buisy, of the regiment of Bose, continued to defend 
 himself with obstinacy; but pressed as he was by su- 
 perior force, he at length gave ground, and fell back 
 into the rear of Norton. Still annoying him with the 
 rifle corps under Clarke, Lee hastened with his in- 
 fantry, to rejoin his cavalry upon the flank of the 
 continentals, the point so long and vainly contended 
 for. In his route he found the battalion of guards un- 
 der Norton in possession of the height first occupi- 
 ed by Lawsoirs brigade of Virginia militia. With
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 239 
 
 this corps again the legion infantry renewed action, 
 and supported by the van company of the riflemen, 
 its rear still waiting upon lieutenant colonel Buisy, 
 drove it back upon the regiment of Bose. Every ob- 
 stacle now removed, Lee pressed forward, followed 
 by Clarke, and joined his horse close by Guildford 
 court-house. 
 
 "Having seen the flight of the second regiment of. 
 Maryland, preceded by that of the North Carolina 
 militia, the corps of Lee severed from the army, 
 and considering it, if not destroyed, at least thrown 
 out of the action by Leslie's judicious seizure of the 
 interval produced by the panic cf the North Caroli- 
 na militia, and in all probability not able to regain, 
 its station in the line, Greene, immutable in the re- 
 solution never to risk annihilation of his force, and 
 adverting to his scanty supply of ammunition, deter- 
 mined, when he found all his personal efforts, se- 
 conded by colonels Williams and Carrington, to rally 
 the second regiment of Maryland nugatory, to pro- 
 vide for retreat. 
 
 " Never did two generals exert themselves more 
 than did these rival leaders upon this occasion. Long 
 withheld from each other by the sagacious conduct 
 of Greene, until he acquired sufficient strength to 
 risk battle, they seized with ardor the opportunity at
 
 240 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENL. 
 
 length presented of an appeal to the sword. This 
 decision was wise in both; and every step taken by 
 the one and by the other, as well in preparation for 
 battle, as in the battle, demonstrated superior abili- 
 ties. 
 
 " Greene's position was masterly, as was the 
 ground selected for the combat peculiarly adapted to 
 his views and troops. Cornwallis savwthe difficulties 
 thrown in his way by the skill of his antagonist, and 
 diminished their weight by the disposition of his force 
 as far as it was practicable. Having done all that 
 was possible to accomplish their purpose, no atten- 
 tion was omitted, no peril avoided in the course of 
 the action, to produce the desired issue. They expo- 
 sed their persons, unconscious of danger, and self- 
 devoted to national triumph. Upon one occasion 
 Greene was nearly passed by a body of the enemy 
 within thirty paces of him, when major Pendleton, 
 one of his aids, discovered them. Luckily a copse of 
 woods intervened, which covered Greene's return to 
 our line. 
 
 " Soon afterwards Cornwallis, seeing the discomfi- 
 ture of one battalion of the guards, repaired in per- 
 son to direct the measures for the recovery of the 
 lost ground 5 when, by the dauntless exposure of him 
 self, he was placed in extreme danger. It was upon
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 241 
 
 this occasion that he ordered his artillery to open 
 through his flying guards to stop Washington and 
 Howard. Brigadier O'Hara remonstrated, by exclaim- 
 ing, that the fire would destroy themselves. " True," 
 replied Cornwallis; "but this is a necessary evil, 
 which we must endure to arrest impending destruc- 
 tion." 
 
 The numerical force of the two armies, on this 
 occasion, was as two to one, the Americans consist- 
 ing of four, the British, of two thousand rank and 
 file. But, from the superiority, in the discipline and 
 equipment of the latter, their real force might be 
 considered equal. 
 
 In its effects on the enemy, this battle was mur- 
 derous; nearly one third of then* including many 
 officers of distinction, being killed and wounded. 
 
 Colonel Webster, of the thirty-third (lord Cornwal- 
 lis's own regiment), as gallant a soldier, and as ac- 
 complished an officer, as ever drew a sword, died of 
 his wounds, lamented by the generous of both parties. 
 
 The loss sustained, by the Americans, was much 
 less considerable, amounting, in killed and wounded, 
 to about four hundred. 
 
 The result of this conflict, although technically a 
 defeat, was virtually a victory, on the part of gene- 
 
 Hh
 
 24,2 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ral Greene. In his relation to his adversary, it pla- 
 ced him on higher ground, than he had previously 
 occupied; enabling him, immediately afterwards, in- 
 stead of the retreating; to become the pursuing 
 party. 
 
 That his army was not materially shattered, ei- 
 ther in strength or spirit, appeared from his conduct, 
 soon after the action. 
 
 Not doubting that lord Cornwallis would follow 
 him, he retreated slowly and in good order, from 
 the field of battle, until attaining, at the distance of 
 a few miles, an advantageous position, he again, 
 drew up his forces, determined to renew the contest, 
 on the arrival of the enemy. 
 
 But his lordship was in no condition to pursue: 
 nor, brave and enterprising, as was his character, 
 had he the slightest desire for another conflict Hav- 
 ing, by past experience, not to be forgotten, learnt 
 that his adversary was an Ulysses in wisdom, he now 
 perceived, that he was an Ajax in strength. Alike 
 expert in every mode of warfare, and not to be van- 
 quished, either by stratagem or force, he found him 
 too formidable to be again approached. 
 
 Influenced by these sentiments, lord Cornwallis 
 instead of pursuing his foe, or even maintaining % his 
 ground, commenced his retreat, leaving behind him
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE* 243 
 
 about seventy of his wounded, whom he recommend- 
 ed., in a letter, written by himself, to the humanity 
 and attention of the American chief. 
 
 As a last effort to augment his forces, in that quar- 
 ter, by embodying the royalists of the place, he pro- 
 claimed, in great pomp of style, the victory he had 
 gained, and called on all loyal subjects, to assemble, 
 in arms, and repair to his standard, in support of the 
 government of their rightful sovereign. 
 
 But it was too late. The film had fallen from the 
 eyes of the disaffected, and neither promise nor stra- 
 tagem, could any longer delude them. 
 
 The cause of freedom was rising before them, 
 with a force that could not be resisted, and a bright- 
 ness that nothing could obscure. The American 
 chief appeared invincible. Having dissipated, by his 
 genius, the clouds of adversity that lately surround- 
 ed him, he was now in the midst of them, in all his 
 splendour. 
 
 A few weeks since, they had seen him, at the head 
 of a handful of troops, consulting his safety, in a ra- 
 pid retreat. But, brief had been the triumph of the 
 foe that pursued him. Gathering strength, like An- 
 ta3us from his fall, he had suddenly returned, more 
 vigorous and formidable, from the lap of misfortune. 
 Although forced from the field, in the late engage-
 
 244- LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ment, by adverse occurrences beyond his control, 
 his genius had converted defeat into victory. In fact, 
 the fortune of war was completely re versed; and the 
 British was, now, the retreating party. 
 
 Under such circumstances, for lord Cornwallis to 
 expect to fill up his devastated ranks, by the acces- 
 sion of tories, might well be denominated, the " hope 
 of despair." As most of those individuals had ad- 
 hered to the royal interest, only because they con- 
 sidered it the strongest, it was not to be looked for, 
 that they would risk much in its favour, now that it 
 was. palpably and rapidly on the decline. 
 
 Had general Greene been in a condition to pursue 
 his lordship, as soon as he commenced his retreat, 
 the destruction of that officer and his army would 
 have been inevitable. Some spot on the plains of 
 Carolina would have witnessed the surrender, that 
 was reserved for Virginia; and the hero of the south, 
 would have worn the laurels, which, shortly after- 
 wards, decorated the brow of the hero of the nation. 
 
 But Greene's military stores were so far expend- 
 ed, that he could not pursue, until he had received a 
 supply. The delay thus occasioned, gave time to 
 the British commander, to effect his escape. Colonel 
 Lee, who was despatched in pursuit of him., witli a 
 corps of light troops, hung on his rear and embar-
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 245 
 
 rassed his march; but was too weak to make a se- 
 rious impression on him, or, in any considerable de- 
 gree, to retard his progress. 
 
 Having received his supplies, Greene immediately 
 pursued the enemy, leaving behind him, all the 
 wounded of the British army, that had fallen into his 
 possession, and such of his own as were unfit to be 
 removed. 
 
 The more certainly to secure to these unfortunate 
 soldiers, every accommodation and comfort that the 
 country could afford, he recommended them to the 
 humanity and attention of the inhabitants of New- 
 Garden, a large and wealthy settlement in the neigh- 
 bourhood, composed almost entirely, of an extensive 
 congregation cf the society of Friends. 
 
 In his letter, on this occasion, he observed, that 
 he himself had been bred a member of that society, 
 and still admired the excellence of their habits, and 
 held in high estimation, the principles of piety and 
 practical virtue, by which they were governed. 
 
 That he knew well their abhorrence of war, and 
 their determination, not to be concerned, in any 
 thing connected with the profession of arms. Nor 
 did he ask of them a departure from this resolution. 
 He only solicited, in behalf of a few unfortunate men, 
 who had suffered, in the late action, those kind offices,
 
 246 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 in the performance of which, he was sensible they 
 delighted. That, in bestowing these, they could not 
 be said to take any part in the existing contest, in 
 as much as the subjects of them, belonged alike to 
 both armies. 
 
 He requested of them, therefore, nothing, but the 
 exercise of that general beneficence, which he be- 
 lieved to be dictated by their own hearts, no less 
 than by the excellent religion they professed. 
 
 In consequence of this warm and benevolent ap- 
 peal, the disabled soldiers received from those to 
 whom it was addressed, every thing they could do, 
 to sooth their sufferings, and heal their wounds. 
 
 The eagerness of Greene's pursuit, and his earn- 
 est desire to bring the enemy to battle, are evinced 
 by the following letter to colonel Lee. 
 
 Headquarters, 11 o'clock, March 21st, 1781. 
 
 Lieutenant colonel Lee, 
 DEAR SIR, 
 
 Your letter dated at New Garden, yesterday, has 
 this moment come to hand. Our army marched 
 yesterday, in the direct route for Magee's Ordinary, 
 near the head waters of Rocky river, which will be 
 twelve miles from Bell's mills. We expect to get about 
 two or three miles bey ondPassley to night. We have 
 got provisions to draw, cartridges to make, and several
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 247 
 
 other matters to attend to, which will oblige us to 
 halt a little earlier than common. 
 
 I beg you will try to forward me the best intelli- 
 gence you can get of the enemy's situation this morn- 
 ing, and whether they move or not. 
 
 I mean to fight the enemy again, and wish you to 
 have your legion and riflemen ready for action on 
 the shortest notice. If, in the mean time, you can at- 
 tempt any thing which promises an advantage, put 
 it in execution. Lord Cornwallis must be soundly 
 beaten, before he will relinquish his hold. 
 
 I am, dear sir, &c. 
 NATHANIEL GREENE. 
 
 But the advanced position of lord Cornwallis, the 
 impracticable condition of the roads, and the difficul- 
 ty of procuring regular supplies of provision, the 
 country being already exhausted by hostile depre- 
 dations, frustrated every exertion that- general 
 Greene could make, to compel the enemy to a se- 
 cond engagement. 
 
 Convinced that his efforts, abortive as to the ob- 
 ject of his toils and wishes, would only exhaust his 
 own strength, he halted at Ramsay's mill, on the 
 waters of Deep river, to indulge his troops in that 
 refreshment and repose, which they so much needed. 
 
 Secure., now, from danger, lord Cornwallis pur-
 
 248 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 sued his route, by easy marches, to Wilmington, 
 still endeavouring to call to his standard, the royal- 
 ists of the country through which he passed. But 
 his labour was unavailing. The impression made 
 on that class of inhabitants, by the genius of Greene, 
 and the arms of his troops, was too deep and lasting 
 to be effaced or counteracted, by the artful policy of 
 the British chief, or the imposing appearance of his 
 veteran army. 
 
 During this pause from action, the first, which, 
 for several months, the American commander had 
 permitted himself to enjoy, his mind must have been 
 strenuously employed, no less in a retrospect of the 
 past, than in arrangements for the future. 
 
 These two sources of contemplation, opposite to 
 each other, in the direction of time, were, no doubt, 
 productive of opposite emotions. 
 
 In the former, signalized by a series of illustrious 
 labours and successful operations, nothing could 
 arise to the view r of Greene, but objects of unming- 
 led gratification and triumph. 
 
 But the latter, hung with clouds, and covered with 
 Uncertainty, although not unillunlined by the bright- 
 ness of hope, was checkered with topics of gloomy 
 apprehension.
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL, GREENE. 249 
 
 When first he assumed the command of the south, 
 he found the state of North Carolina in a condition 
 extremely critical and alarming. 
 
 In consequence of the recent defeat of general 
 Gates, the most resolute among the friends of free- 
 dom, were beginning to despond; the timid were 
 ready to surrender and claim protection, on the ap- 
 proach of the victors; and the disaffected, bold in 
 their opposition, and confident of success, were flock- 
 ing to the British standard, although at a distance. 
 
 But the state of things, now, was completely re- 
 versed. Intimidated by the masterly operations of 
 Greene, and even afraid to avow their sentiments, 
 the tories refused to join the royal standard, although 
 erected at their doors; in most of the faint hearted 
 and wavering whigs, confidence had succeeded to 
 coldness and timidity; while the more steadfast and 
 daring were sanguine, in their hopes, and vigorous, 
 in their exertions. 
 
 The American troops, which general Greene had 
 found humiliated, self-degraded, and morally weak, 
 in consequence of defeat, felt themselves, now, a 
 match for the enemy, and were anxious to meet him 
 in the shock of arms. 
 
 The British army, which had been arrayed in his 
 
 front, in overwhelming force, menacing iNurth Caro- 
 
 i i
 
 250 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 lina, with certain subjugation, and which had fierce- 
 ly pursued him, from one extreme of the state to 
 the other, inferior, now, to himself, in strength, could 
 escape annihilation only by flight. 
 
 Such was the proud and exhilarating view, which 
 a retrospect of his own achievements, for a few 
 months past, presented to the mind of the American 
 commander. 
 
 Were we requested to indicate the period in the 
 life of general Greene, most strongly marked by the 
 operations, and irradiated by the genius, of a great 
 commander, we would, without hesitation, select 
 that, which extends from the commencement of his 
 retreat, before lord Cornwallis, from the left bank 
 of the Catawba, to the termination of his pursuit of 
 him, at Ramsay's mill. Perhaps a brighter era does 
 not adorn the military career of any leader. It was 
 in the course of it that he turned the current of ad- 
 verse fortune, which he afterwards directed, with 
 such certain aim, and irresistible force, as to sweep 
 the enemy from his numerous strongholds, in the 
 southern department, and contribute so preeminent- 
 ly, to the speedy and felicitous issue of the war. 
 
 That he laid, during this period, a solid founda- 
 tion, for the recovery of South Carolina and Georgia, 
 has never been doubted. By completely separating'
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 251 
 
 the British forces, he rendered them, comparatively, 
 an easy conquest: for, lord Cornwallis, had he at- 
 tempted it, could not have returned to his friends in 
 the south. 
 
 Nor is it less obvious to a careful observer, that 
 his operations against the enemy, between the Yad- 
 kin and the Dan, had a material influence on the 
 success of those, which afterwards occurred in the 
 state of Virginia. 
 
 We do not concur in the opinion, maintained by 
 some, that he actually drove lord Cornwallis into the 
 toils, which were closed on him, at York-Town, by 
 the hand of Washington. But we do believe, that 
 lie in no small degree facilitated his capture. 
 
 He not only, by hovering around him with his 
 light troops, cut off his forces, in detail, and thinned 
 his ranks, in a sanguinary conflict; but, crushing the 
 spirit, and paralysing, by terror, the exertions of the 
 tories, prevented him from augmenting, by recruits, 
 his diminished army. Thus, was his lordship com- 
 pelled to move towards the north, and strengthen his 
 command, by uniting with the British forces in that 
 quarter. 
 
 Had it not been for this, lord Cornwallis, assem- 
 bling around him, thousands of the hardy and intrep- 
 id inhabitants of North Carolina, and amalgamating
 
 252 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 them, by discipline, with his veteran troops, would 
 have led into Virginia, an army not to be conquered, 
 without a long and sanguinary struggle, even by tbr 
 valour arid wisdom of Washington. 
 
 The agency of Greene, then, in the capture a't 
 York Town , cannot be denied. 
 
 Having abandoned the pursuit of the British army, 
 the general found himself again encircled with diffi- 
 culties. Of these, the greatest appears to have been 
 experienced, in his endeavours to institute a scheme 
 of operations, best suited to the existing conjunc- 
 ture, and calculated^ beyond any other, to insure a 
 favourable termination of the war in the south. 
 
 Of the southern department of the Union, over 
 which Greene's command extended, the enemy was 
 in force, in three large and important sections. Geor- 
 gia and South Carolina were entirely in their pos- 
 session; lord Cornwallis had taken post, in the mar- 
 itime district of North Carolina; and part of Virgin- 
 ia was occupied by a powerful detachment of Brit- 
 ish troops, under the command of general Philips. 
 
 At a loss to determine, on which of these points 
 he should act, in person, he consulted his officers, 
 and found them greatly divided in opinion. 
 
 Some advised him, after giving sufficient repose to 
 his troops, and receiving further reinforcements and
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 258 
 
 supplies, to advance on lord Cornwallis, as being 
 best qualified to cope with that officer; others to hast- 
 en to the relief of Virginia, which they correctly de- 
 nominated the '' stronghold of the south;" while co- 
 lonel Lee proposed, that, leaving his lordship, whose 
 object was evidently the invasion of Virginia, to be 
 met by the energies of that powerful state, with such 
 assistance as might arrive from the north, he should 
 penetrate South Carolina, his army divided into two 
 columns, attack and beat the enemy, at their dif- 
 ferent posts, without permitting them to concentrate 
 their forces; and thus recover that rich and important 
 member of the Union. 
 
 This proposal, pointing to a plan of operations, 
 magnificent, bold, and, apparently, feasible, best 
 comported with the character of general Greene, 
 and embraced the very movements, which he him- 
 self had been meditating. 
 
 He, therefore, resolved on its adoption; and, with- 
 out further delay, commenced his arrangements for 
 its vigorous execution. The wisdom of this measure 
 soon appeared, not only in the fall of some of the en- 
 emy's posts, but in the general consternation with 
 which it affected him. 
 
 An officer, who had distinguished himself in the 
 late action, not satisfied with the proposed plan of
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 operations, asked general Greene, by way of remon- 
 strance, " what will you do, sir, in case lord Corn- 
 wallis throws himself into your rear, and cuts off 
 your communication with the state of Virginia?" 
 
 " I will punish his temerity," replied the general, 
 with great pleasantness, " by ordering you to charge 
 him, as you did in the battle of Guilford. But, ne- 
 ver fear, sir; his lordship has too much good sense, 
 ever again to risk his safety, so far from the seabord. 
 He has just escaped ruin and he knows it; and I am 
 greatly mistaken, in his character, as an officer, if 
 he has not the capacity to profit by experience." 
 
 Such was the soundness of Greene's judgment; 
 and the happy method, by which he attached his of- 
 ficers to his person.
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 The condition of South Carolina and Georgia amount of Greene's ar- 
 mj' too small, to attempt a war of general actions Greene determin- 
 es to strike the enemy in detail conscious of the perils before him 
 resolves to encounter them his sentiments on the occasion detaches 
 Lee's legion, to join Marion marches, with the main body, against 
 lord Rawdon, posted at Camden disappointed, and injured in his 
 operations, by not meeting Sumpter, in the neighbourhood of Camden 
 lord Cornwallis confounded by Greene's movement the latter 
 fakes pest, in front of Camden British garrisons fall, in succession 
 capture of fort Motte Greene derives, from the captured posts, arms, 
 provisions, and military stores battle of Hobkirk's Hill description 
 of subsequent movements of general Greene and lord Rawdon 
 successes of Lee and Marion lord Rawdon retreats towards Charles- 
 ton, his communication with his posts cut off Lee advances on the 
 British garrison, at Augusta Greene invests Ninety-Six after much 
 gallantry and skill, in attack and defence, Augusta falls Greene fails 
 in an attack on Ninety-Six account of on the advance of lord Raw- 
 don, now reinforced, Greene retreats, and the other pursues Greene's 
 noble resolution pursuit ceases Ninety-Six evacuated lord Raw- 
 don now 1 retreats, and Greene pursues the enemy ha? ing escaped 
 him, he retires to the high hills of Santee, to give repose to his army, 
 during the summer heats. 
 
 WITH the exception of the districts, occupied by 
 Marion, Sumpter, and Davie, who, with spirits invin- 
 cible, still continued their partisan warfare, the two 
 southern states, as already mentioned, were in full and 
 quiet possession of the enemy. The range of the 
 first of these officers, was in the north-eastern, that 
 of the second, in the north-western, section of South
 
 256 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Carolina, and that of the third, along its northern 
 frontier. 
 
 Lord Ravvdon, who was now commander in chief 
 of the British forces, in the South, held his head- 
 quarters in the village of Caaiden. With this posi- 
 tion and that of Charleston, the various parts of the 
 conquered territory were connected by chains of 
 military posts, the strongest and most important of 
 which, were those of Ninety-six, and Augusta. 
 
 Besides maintaining the communication between 
 the different portions of the states, and holding in 
 check the spirit of resistance, among the friends 
 of Independence, these pots served as places of de- 
 posit for arms, provisions, and military stores, for such 
 of the tories, as might be induced to join the royal 
 standard. Add to the foregoing, that the depreda- 
 tions committed by the British, the royalists, and, in 
 some instances, by parties of retaliating whigs, had 
 so far diminished the means of the country, as whol- 
 ly to disqualify it for supporting an army. Such, in 
 the spring of 1781, was the condition of South Caro- 
 lina and Georgia. 
 
 To break down this extensive and formidable es- 
 tablishment, containing a force of four thousand 
 troops, general Greene, exclusive of the small bodies 
 of militia, under the command of Marion, Sumpter.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 257 
 
 and Da vie, had not more than eighteen hundred: and 
 was entirely unprovided with magazines and stores. 
 Nor, owing to an alarming invasion of the state of 
 Virginia, had he any reason to expect supplies or 
 reinforcements from the North. 
 
 But, although fully sensible of the difficulties and 
 personal dangers that awaited him, and of the highly 
 critical and perilous cast, on which he was about to 
 stake his reputation, yet, convinced that the public 
 interest required him to encounter the risk, and sub- 
 mit to the toils and privations that presented them- 
 selves, he had determined on the enterprise, and noth- 
 ing could shake the firmness of his resolution. His 
 views and determination on the subject, are depicted 
 in the following extract of a letter, written, on the 
 occasion, to general Washington. 
 
 " I shall take every measure, to avoid misfortune. 
 But necessity obliges me to commit myself to chance, 
 and if any accident should attend me, I trust my 
 friends will do justice to my reputation." 
 
 Unable to meet his adversary, in full force, yet, by 
 the pressure of the crisis, imperiously urged to ad- 
 vance and attack him, Greene resolved on the po- 
 licy of striking his posts, and endeavouring, thus, to 
 
 conquer him in detail. The wisdom of this plan, and 
 
 K k
 
 258 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 the ability, with which it was executed, are amply at- 
 tested by subsequent occurrences. 
 
 On the seventh of April, that great commander 
 broke up his encampment at Ramsay's mill, and,' 
 with the main column of his army, moving to the 
 south, took position in front of Camden, on the nine- 
 teenth. From that period, with but a few reverses, 
 his career proved rapid, successful, and brilliant, be- 
 yond any thing that the war of the revolution present- 
 ed. Post after post was evacuated, or fell before him, 
 in quick succession, until, on the eight of September, 
 he achieved the memorable victory of the Eutaw 
 springs, which drove the enemy from the other 
 parts of the state, to shelter and defend themselves 
 within the lines of Charleston. 
 
 Thus, in less than five months after entering South 
 Carolina, he became master of every part of it, ex- 
 cept the capital, and its immediate vicinity. To pro- 
 cure provisions and forage, marauding parties of the 
 enemy ventured occasionally without their lines. But 
 even these, were almost uniformly attacked and put 
 to flight; in several instances, with considerable loss. 
 
 By tie unparalleled success of this war of posts, 
 the American lead jr was doubly benefited. He wea- 
 kened his adversary, by the prisoners he made; and 
 strengthened himself, by constant accessions to his
 
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 259 
 
 scanty stock of ammunition and stores. This was 
 one mode, in which he created his own resources, 
 compelling the enemy to furnish him with materials 
 for the subsistence of his troops, and their own an- 
 noyance. By no other plan could he possibly have 
 maintained himself in South Carolina. All the surplus 
 produce of the soil was collected within the British 
 garrisons; and, from the distant state of Virginia, labo- 
 riously engaged, as already represented, in defending 
 herself, he could not have received a sufficiency of 
 provisions and military means, for the use of his army. 
 But when these garrisons fell, their stores and maga- , 
 zines became the property of the victor. He had not 
 only, therefore, the valour and skill, to vanquish his 
 enemy; but the address to make him pay the price of 
 his own overthrow. 
 
 This was, literally, visiting the British with the 
 trouble, burthen, and miseries of the war. In no other 
 instance, during our revolutionary struggle, did any 
 general officer, with the same number of troops, sub- 
 sist so long, and achieve so much, at so inconsider- 
 able a loss and expense to the country. It is belie- 
 ved, that the reconquest of the state of South Caro- 
 lina and Georgia, cost the nation less, than the single 
 expedition which terminated in the disaster of Gates' 
 defeat.
 
 260 LIFE OF GENERAL 
 
 While the state of Virginia, under the direction of 
 its own government and of congress, was supporting 
 the army of lord Cornwallis, the state of South Ca- 
 rolina, considered, for a long time, under royal go- 
 vernment, was compelled to support the army of 
 Greene. 
 
 This brilliant train of successes, so far beyond what 
 his force and equipment seemed to promise, procur- 
 ed for him, from the chevalier Luzerne, knight of 
 Malta, and minister plenipotentiary, from Louis XVI, 
 near the United States, a compliment as lofty, as was 
 ever paid to the commander of an army. 
 
 " Other generals, said the chevalier, to a gentle- 
 man of high standing, who now resides in the city 
 of Philadelphia, subdue their enemy by the means 
 with which their country, or their sovereign furnishes 
 them. Bat general Greene appears to subdue his 
 enemy by his own means. He commenced his cam- 
 paign, without either an army, provisions, or military 
 stores. He has asked for nothing since, and yet 
 scarcely a post arrives from the South, that does not 
 bring intelligence of some new advantage he has gain- 
 ed over the foe. He conquers, by magic. History fur- 
 nishes no parallel to this." Napoleon, when he invad- 
 ed Italy, did not create his own means to a greater
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 261 
 
 extent, than Greene did, when he carried his arms 
 into South Carolina. 
 
 When that officer, leading in person the main co- 
 lumn of his army, moved from Ramsay's mill, his 
 object, as already stated, was Camden, the head- 
 quarters of lord Ravvdon. 
 
 On the preceding day, he had despatched colonel 
 Lee, at the head of a column, composed of his own 
 legion and a small corps of infantry, to penetrate 
 South Carolina, nearer to the sea-bord; there to join 
 Marion, attack the most accessible of the Rritish 
 posts, and act, generally, as the good of the service 
 might seem to require. 
 
 His purpose, in this movement, was, to weaken 
 the garrison of Camden, by effecting a diversion to- 
 wards the seat of operations, in the maritime district, 
 by Lee and Marion. 
 
 The wisdom of this measure was sufficiently de- 
 monstrated, by the panic, with which it struck the 
 enemy, and by the fall, successively, and within a 
 short period, of the forts Watson, Motte, Ganby, 
 Orangeburgh, and Georgetown. 
 
 In the operations of the Americans, against fort 
 Motte, there occurred a circumstance, so interest- 
 ing in itself, and so honourable to the character of a 
 high minded lady, that we shall offer no apology to
 
 262 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 the reader, for presenting him with a narrative of 
 it, in the words of general Lee, who commanded, on 
 the occasion, the beseiging party. 
 
 c This post (fort Motte) was the principal depot of 
 the convoys from Charleston to Camden, and some- 
 times of those destined for fort Granby and Ninety^ 
 Six. A large new mansion house, belonging to Mrs. 
 Motte, situated on a high and commanding hill, had 
 been selected for this establishment. It was surround- 
 ed with a deep trench, along the interior margin of 
 which was raised a strong and lofty parapet.. To this 
 post had been regularly assigned an adequate gar- 
 rison of about one hundred and fifty men, which was 
 now accidentally increased by a small detachment 
 of dragoons, which had arrived from Charleston, 
 a few hours before the appearance of the American 
 troops, on its way to Camden with despatches for lord 
 Ran don. Captain M'Pherson commanded, an officer 
 highly and deservedly respected. 
 
 " Opposite to fort Motte, to the north, stood ano- 
 ther hill, where Mrs. Mbtte, having been dismissed 
 from her mansion, resided, in the old farmhouse. On 
 this height lieutenant colonel Lee with his corps took 
 post, while brigadier Marion occupied the eastern 
 declivity of the ridge on which the fort stood.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 263 
 
 "Very soon the fort was completely invested; and 
 the six pounder was mounted on a battery erected 
 in Marion's quarter for the purpose of raking the 
 northern face of the enemy's parapet, against which 
 Lee was preparing to advance. M'Pherson was un- 
 provided with artillery, and depended for safety upon 
 timely relief, not doubting its arrival before the assai- 
 lant could push his preparations to maturity. 
 
 " The vale which runs between the two hills ad- 
 mitted our safe approach within four hundred yards 
 of the fort. This place was selected by Lee to break 
 ground. Relays of working parties being provided for 
 every four hours, and some of the negroes from the 
 neighbouring plantations being brought, by the influ- 
 ence of Marion, to our assistance, the works advan- 
 ced with rapidity. Such was their forwardness on 
 the 10th, that it was determined to summon the com- 
 mandant 
 
 " A flag was accordingly despatched to captain 
 M'Pherson, stating to him with truth our relative si- 
 tuation, expressing with decision the fate which awai- 
 ted him, and admonishing him to avoid the disagree- 
 able consequences of an arrogant temerity. To this 
 the captain replied, that, disregarding consequences, 
 he should continue to resist to the last moment in 
 his power. The retreat of Rawdon was known in
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 the evening to the beseigers; and in the course of the 
 night a courier arrived from general Greene con- 
 firming that event, urging redoubled activity, and 
 communicating his determination to hasten to their" 
 support. Urged by these strong considerations, Ma- 
 rion and Lee persevered throughout the night in 
 pressing the completion of their works. On the next 
 day, Rawdon reached the country opposite to fort 
 Motte; and in the succeeding night encamping on the 
 highest ground in his route, the illumination of his 
 fires gave the joyful annunciation of his approach to 
 the despairing garrison. But the hour was close at 
 hand, when this fallacious joy was to be converted 
 into sadness. 
 
 " The large mansion in the centre of the encir- 
 cling trench, left but a few yards of the ground with- 
 in the enemy's works uncovered: burning the house 
 must force their surrender. 
 
 " Persuaded that our ditch would be within arrow 
 shot before noon of the next day, Marion and Lee 
 determined to adopt this speedy mode of effecting 
 their object. Orders were instantly issued to prepare 
 bows and arrows, with missive combustible matter. 
 This measure was reluctantly adopted; for the de- 
 struction of private property was repugnant to the 
 principles which swayed the two commandants, and
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 265 
 
 upon this occasion was peculiarly distressing. The 
 devoted house was a large pleasant edifice, intended 
 for the summer residence of the respectable owner, 
 whose deceased husband had been a firm friend to 
 his oppressed country, and whose only marriageable 
 daughter was the wife of major Pinckney, an officer 
 in the South Carolina line, who had fought and bled 
 in his country's cause, and was now a prisoner with 
 the enemy. These considerations powerfully forbade 
 the execution of the proposed measure; but there 
 were others of much cogency, which applied person- 
 ally to lieutenant colonel Lee, and gave a new edge 
 to the bitterness of the scene. 
 
 " Encamping contiguous to Mrs. Motte's dwelling, 
 this officer had, upon his arrival, been requested in 
 the most pressing terms to make her house his quar- 
 ters. The invitation was accordingly accepted; and 
 not only the lieutenant colonel, but every officer of 
 his corps, off duty, daily experienced her liberal hos- 
 pitality, politely proffered and as politely administer- 
 ed. Nor was the attention of this amiable lady con- 
 fined to that class of war which never fail to attract 
 attention. While her richly spread table presented 
 with taste and fashion all the luxuries of her opulent 
 country, and her sideboard offered without reserve 
 
 U
 
 266 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 the best wines of Europe, antiquated relics of hap- 
 pier days, her active benevolence found its Way to 
 the sick and to the wounded: cherishing with softest 
 kindness infirmity and misfortune, converting despair 
 into hope, and nursing debility into strength. Never- 
 theless the imperative obligations of duty must be 
 obeyed; the house must burn; and a respectful com- 
 munication to the lady of her destined loss must be 
 made. Taking the first opportunity which offered, 
 the next morning, lieutenant colonel Lee imparted to 
 Mrs. Motte the intended measure; lamenting the sad 
 necessity, and assuring her of the deep regret which 
 the unavoidable act excited in his and every breast. 
 " With a smile of complacency, this exemplary la- 
 dy listened to the embarrassed officer, and gave in- 
 stant relief to his agitated feelings, by declaring, that 
 she was gratified with the opportunity of contribu- 
 ting to the good of her country, and that she should 
 view the approaching scene with delight. Shortly af- 
 ter, seeing accidentally the bow and arrows which 
 had been prepared, she sent for the lieutenant colo- 
 nel, and presenting him with a bow and its appara- 
 tus imported from India, she requested his substitu- 
 tion of these, as probably better adapted for the ob^ 
 ject than those we had provided.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 267 
 
 l Receiving with silent delight this opportune pre- 
 sent, the lieutenant colonel rejoined his troops, now 
 making ready for the concluding scene. The lines 
 were manned, and an additional force stationed at 
 the battery, lest the enemy, perceiving his fate, 
 might determine to risk a desperate assault, as of- 
 fering the only chance of relief. As soon as the troops 
 reached their several points, a flag was again sent to 
 M f Pherson, for the purpose of inducing him to pre- 
 vent the conflagration and the slaughter which might 
 ensue, by a second representation of his actual con- 
 dition. 
 
 " Doctor Irwin, of the legLon cavalry, was charged 
 with the flag, and instructed to communicate faith- 
 fully the inevitable destruction impending, and the 
 impracticability of relief, as lord Rawdon had not yet 
 passed the Santee; with an assurance that longer 
 perseverance in vain resistance, would place the gar- 
 rison at the mercy of the conqueror; who was not 
 regardless of the policy of preventing the waste of 
 time, by inflicting exemplary punishment, where re- 
 sistance was maintained only to produce such waste. 
 The British captain received the flag with his usual 
 politeness, and heard patiently Invar's explanations; 
 but he remained immoveable; repeating his determi- 
 nation of holding out to the last.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 "It was now about noon, and the rays of the scorch- 
 ing sun had prepared the shingle roof for the project- 
 ed conflagration. The return of Irvvin was immedi- 
 ately followed by the application of the bow and ar- 
 rows. The first arrow struck, and communicated its 
 fire; a second was shot at another quarter of the roof, 
 and a third at a third quarter; this last also took ef- 
 fect, and, like the first, soon kindled a blaze. M'Pher- 
 son ordered a party to repair to the loft of the house, 
 and by knocking off the shingles to stop the flames. 
 This was soon perceived, and captain Finley was 
 directed to open his battery, raking the loft from eH'd 
 to end. 
 
 " The fire of our six pounder, posted close to ofle 
 of the gable ends of the house, soon drove the soldiers 
 down; and no other effort to stop the flames being 
 practicable, M'Phersou hung out the white flag. Mer- 
 cy was extended, although policy .commanded, death, 
 and the obstinacy of M'Pherson warranted it The 
 commandant, with the regulars, of which the garri- 
 son was chiefly composed, were taken possession of 
 by Lee; while the loyalists were delivered to Marion. 
 Among the latter was a Mr. Smith, who had been 
 charged with burning the houses of his neighbours 
 friendly to their country. This man consequently be- 
 came very obnoxious, and his punishment was loud-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 269 
 
 ly demanded by nlany of the militia serving under the 
 brigadier; but the humanity of Marion could not be 
 overcome. Smith was secured from his surrounding 
 enemies, ready to devote him, and taken under the 
 general's protection. 
 
 " M'Pherson was charged with having subjected 
 himself to punishment, by his idle waste of his anta- 
 gonists' time; and reminded as well of the opportu- 
 nities which had been presented to him of saving 
 himself and garrison from unconditional submission, 
 as of the cogent considerations, growing out of the 
 posture of affairs, which urged the prevention of fu- 
 ture useless resistance by present exemplary punish- 
 ment. The British officer frankly acknowledged his 
 dependent situation, and declared his readiness to 
 meet any consequence which the discharge of duty, 
 conformably to his own conviction of right, might 
 produce. Powerfully as the present occasion called 
 for punishment, and rightfully as it might have been 
 inflicted, not a drop of blood was shed, nor any part 
 of the enemy's baggage taken. M'Pherson and his 
 officers accompanied their captors to Mrs. Motte's, 
 and partook with them in a sumptuous dinner; sooth- 
 ing in the sweets of social intercourse the ire which 
 the. preceding conflict had engendered."'
 
 270 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 If the excellence of military combinations gene- 
 rally, is to be estimated by the uneasiness and em- 
 barrassment, with which they affect an enemy, the 
 whole of general Greene's plan of operations, in 
 South Carolina, has in its favour, that testimony, in 
 a very high degree. 
 
 No sooner was lord Cornwallis, then near Wil- 
 mington, informed of his late adversary's march to- 
 wards the south, than his perplexity became extreme. 
 The boldness of the movement struck him with as- 
 tonishment, while its novelty and unexpectedness, 
 baffled his calculations, and unsettled his schemes. 
 That an immediate blow on Camden was meditated, 
 he could not doubt; and, from his knowledge of the 
 enemy, he conceived that post to be in imminent dan- 
 ger. 
 
 His first view was, to follow Greene, and, placing 
 him between lord Rawdon and himself, punish his 
 audacity. But, on the propriety of this measure he 
 could not determine, until the American commander 
 had proceeded too far to be overtaken in time for co- 
 operation with the detachment in Camden. 
 
 Not doubting, therefore, that lord Rawdon must 
 be either victorious or defeated, before he could ad- 
 vance to his assistance, and, that in the latter event, 
 he himself would be seriously endangered, lord Corn-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 271 
 
 "wallis abandoned the scheme of returning to South 
 Carolina, and directed his course towards the state 
 of Virginia. 
 
 Greene, on his arrival near Camden, had the mis- 
 fortune to experience a disappointment, mortifying 
 in itself, and exceedingly injurious to his meditated 
 operations. 
 
 On commencing his march towards the British 
 head quarters, he had sent, by express, an order to 
 general Sumpter, to meet him, with his command, 
 in the vicinity of that post. But, for reasons which 
 were never satisfactorily rendered, that officer, in- 
 stead of complying, had moved towards Ninety-six. 
 
 In consequence of this act of insubordination, 
 the commanding general, on reaching the post, which 
 he had selected as the object of his first adventure, 
 found himself too weak completely to invest it. With 
 the aid of Sumpter, his force would have been suffi- 
 cient; and, in that case, the escape of the British 
 garrison would have been scarcely possible. But the 
 capture, or even the discomfiture of lord Rawdon, 
 would, without much further contention or bloodshed,, 
 have restored to the Union, the state of South Caro- 
 lina. So much does the result of military operations, 
 depend on obedience and concert in action.
 
 212 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 In the present case, the scheme of the American 
 commander appears to havje been perfect, in all its 
 combinations. As far, then, as genius was concern- 
 ed, there was nothing wanting. The only deficiency 
 was in the means of execution. 
 
 Not prepared to invest Camden, Greene took post 
 before it, on Hobkirk's hill, a strong position, about 
 three miles distant from the British lines. Even here ; 
 he did not doubt, that by intercepting his supplies, 
 and threatening an assault, on the arrival of reinforce- 
 ments, he would compel the British commander to 
 evacuate Camden, or offer battle, without his works. 
 In either case, he had reason to flatter himself, that 
 his first object would be accomplished, and an auspi- 
 cious step towards the reconquest of the state effect- 
 ed; for, he felt that he was superior to his adversary 
 in a field engagement. 
 
 In his opinion, as to the effect the position he now 
 occupied would produce on lord Rawdon, he was 
 not mistaken. So critical and perilous did the situa- 
 tion of that officer very soon become, that he felt 
 himself compelled to abandon his position, or attack 
 general Greene, in his stronghold, even without 
 waiting the arrival of colonel Watson, who, with a 
 considerable detachment of British regulars, was 
 hastening to join him.
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE.. 273 
 
 The assault was made, by the British commander, 
 on the 25th of April, six days after general Greene 
 appeared before Camden. Technically speaking, it 
 did not amount to a surprise, yet it must be acknow- 
 ledged, that on no other occasion, was the American 
 leader so near being found by the enemy, in an un- 
 prepared condition, when it was his duty to be on 
 the alert, and ready for action. The strength and 
 obstinate resistance of his picquets, however, which 
 somewhat retarded lord Rawdon's advance, with his 
 own promptness and presence of mind, enabled him 
 to form his line of battle, and receive his lordship in 
 excellent order. 
 
 From general Lee's " Memoirs of the War in the 
 Southern Department/' we extract the following ac- 
 count of this conflict. 
 
 " The position of Greene was on a ridge covered 
 
 
 
 with uninterrupted wood, the Waxhaw's road run- 
 ning directly through it; his army resting with its left 
 upon the swamp of Pine-tree creek, where the ridge 
 or eminence was easiest of ascent, and extending on 
 the right to woods uncovered by water courses or 
 any other obstructions. In this quarter the American 
 position was easiest assailed, but the probability of 
 an undiscovered approach was not so encouraging. 
 
 Therefore did Rawdon prefer the route to our left: 
 
 Mm
 
 274 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 inasmuch as an unexpected assault upon our camp 
 was a leading feature in his plan. 
 
 " In the morning Carrington joined, with a com- 
 fortable supply of provisions, which had been rather 
 scarce during the late hurried changes of position. 
 These were issued, and of course engaged a portion 
 of the troops; while the residue were employed along 
 the rivulets in washing their clothes, an occupation 
 which had been for some days past impracticable. 
 
 " We being absorbed in these employments, the 
 period was very propitious to the enemy's object. 
 His advance was never discovered until his van fell 
 upon our picquets. The two in front, commanded by 
 captain Benson of Maryland and captain Morgan of 
 Virginia, received him handsomely; and, retiring in 
 order, disputed bravely every inch of ground, sup- 
 ported by Kirkwood with the remains of the Dela- 
 ware regiment. This rencontre gave the first an- 
 nouncement of the contest at hand. Disposed, as has 
 been before observed, for battle by the order of en- 
 campment, the American army, notwithstanding its 
 short notice, was quickly ranged for action, an 
 event, although unexpected, of all others the most 
 desirable; because, in all probability, the readiest to 
 the production of that issue so anxiously coveted by 
 the American general.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 21i) 
 
 " During the contest with the picquets Greene 
 formed his army. The Virginia brigade with general 
 Huger at its head, having under him the lieutenant 
 colonels Campbell and Hawes, took the right; the 
 Maryland brigade, led by colonel Williams, seconded 
 by colonel Gunby and the lieutenant colonels Ford 
 and Howard, occupied the left. Thus all the conti- 
 nentals, consisting of four regiments, much reduced 
 in strength, were disposed in one line, with the ar- 
 tillery, conducted by colonel Harrison, in the centre. 
 The reserve consisted of the cavalry, under lieuten- 
 ant colonel Washington, with a corps of North Caro- 
 lina militia, about two hundred and fifty, commanded 
 by colonel Reade. 
 
 " The British general, pushing before him the pic- 
 quets and Kirkwood, pressed forward to battle. The 
 king's American regiment on the right, the New 
 York volunteers in the centre, and the sixty-third on 
 the left, formed the line of battle. His right wing was 
 supported by Robertson's corps, and his left by the 
 volunteers of Ireland. The reserve consisted of the 
 South Carolina regiment, with a few dragoons, all 
 the cavalry then at Camden. 
 " Greene, examining attentively the British disposi- 
 tion, discovered the very narrow front which it pre- 
 sented; and, gratified as he was with the opportunity.
 
 276 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 so unexpectedly offered, of completing, by one blow, 
 his first object, he determined to avail himself of the 
 advantage given by the mode of attack. 
 
 " He directed the lieutenant colonels Campbell and 
 Ford to turn the enemy's flanks; he ordered the cen- 
 tre regiments to advance with fixed bayonets upon 
 him ascending the height; and detached lieutenant 
 colonel Washington with his cavalry to gain his rear. 
 Rawdon no sooner cast his eyes on our disposition, 
 than he perceived the danger to which his unequal 
 front exposed him , and, bringing up the volunteers 
 of Ireland into line, he remedied the defect seized 
 by Greene in time to avert the expected consequence. 
 
 " The battle opened from right to left with a vi- 
 gour which promised a keen and sanguinary contest; 
 but the superiority of our fire, augmented by that 
 from our well served artillery, must have borne down 
 all opposition, had the American line maintained itself 
 with becoming firmness. On the right Huger evi- 
 dently gained ground; Washington was carrying every 
 thing before him in the rear; and lieutenant colonel 
 Hawes, with fixed bayonets, conformable to order, 
 was descending the hill ready to fall upon the New 
 York volunteers. 
 
 (l In this flattering moment the veteran regiment of 
 Gunby, having first joined in the fire, in violation of
 
 , LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 277 
 
 orders, paused, its right falling back. Gunby unfor- 
 tunately directed the disordered battalion to rally by 
 retiring to its right company. Retrograde being the 
 consequence of this order, the British line, giving a 
 shout, pressed forward with redoubled ardor; and the 
 regiment of Gunby, considered as the bulwark of the 
 army, never recovered from the panic with which it 
 was unaccountably seized. The Virginia brigade, 
 and the second regiment of Maryland, with the artil- 
 lery, notwithstanding the shameful abandonment by 
 the first Maryland, maintained the contest bravely. 
 Williams with Gunby, assisted by lieutenant colonel 
 Howard, who had so often and so gloriously borne 
 down with this very regiment all opposition, vainly 
 exerted themselves to bring it to order. Not the 
 menaces of the one, not the expostulations of the 
 other, not the exhortations of the third, nor the recol- 
 lection of its pristine fame, could arouse its cowering 
 spirit. 
 
 " The second Maryland, which had from the com- 
 mencement of the action acted with gallantry, feeling 
 severely the effect produced by the recession of the 
 first, became somewhat deranged; and lieutenant 
 colonel Ford being unluckily wounded, while endea- 
 vouring to repress the beginning disorder, this corps 
 also fell back. Rawdon's right now gained the sum-
 
 278 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE- 
 
 mil of the eminence, flanking Hawes' regiment, which 
 had undeviatingly held its prescribed course, although 
 early in the action abandoned on its left by the first 
 Maryland, and now but feebly sustained on its right 
 by the first Virginia, for this corps had now begun 
 to recede, notwithstanding its preceding success. 
 GreeHe recalled Hawes, our only unbroken regiment; 
 and, finding every effort to reinstate the battle illusory, 
 conscious that his reserve was not calculated to face 
 the veteran foe, wisely determined to diminish the ills 
 of the sad and unaccountable reverse, by retiring 
 from the field. Orders were given to this effect, and 
 lieutenant colonel Hawes was commanded to cover 
 the broken line. 
 
 " The retreat was performed without loss, although 
 the enemy continued to pursue for a few miles. Wash- 
 ington with his cavalry retiring from the rear the mo- 
 ment he discovered that our infantry had been forced, 
 came in time to contribute greatly to the safety of the 
 army, having necessarily relinquished most of the 
 fruits of his success. Checking the enemy's efforts to 
 disturb our rear, he at length, by a rapid charge, ef- 
 fectually discomfitted the British van, and put a stop 
 to further pursuit. General Greene having passed 
 Saunders' creek, about four miles from the field of
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 279 
 
 battle, encamped for the night, and on the next day 
 proceeded to Rudgely's mill. 
 
 " The loss sustained by -the respective armies was 
 nearly equal. On the side of America two hundred 
 and sixty-eight were killed, wounded, and missing: 
 on the side of the enemy two hundred and fifty-eight, 
 including the prisoners brought off by lieutenant colo- 
 nel Washington, and those paroled by him on the 
 ground. The British lost no officer of distinction, 
 which was not the case with us. The wound of lieu- 
 tenant colonel Ford proved mortal, and captain Beat- 
 ty, of the first Maryland, was killed, than whom the 
 army did not possess an officer of more promise." 
 
 The same writer, who handled, his pen and his 
 sword, with equal dexterity, has given us, in his com- 
 ments on this action, a paragraph, replete with in- 
 struction to military leaders. 
 
 " Relinquishing an investigation which does not 
 promise a satisfactory solution, I cannot but observe 
 that the battle of Hobkicks adds to the many eviden- 
 ces with which military histoiy abounds of the de- 
 ranging effects of unlimited confidence. It is the 
 only instance in Greene's command, where this ge- 
 neral implicitly yielded to its delusive counsel, and he 
 suffered deeply in consequence of it: for had he for 
 a moment doubted the certainty of success, the ca-
 
 280 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 valry would not have been detached in the rear until 
 the issue of the battle had began to unfold." 
 
 The battle just described, was happily productive 
 of one of those acts of reciprocal courtesy, between 
 the rival leaders, which tend so much to soften the 
 features, and diminish the evils of modern war. 
 
 By a bold and impetuous charge of his cavalry, 
 coldnel Washington turned the British right, passed 
 into their rear, threw them, for a time, into great 
 confusion, and made about two hundred prisoners. 
 Among these were eleven surgeons, whom he found 
 engaged in their official duties. 
 
 Knowing that these officers would be much want- 
 ed in the garrison, on account of the numbers that 
 had been wounded in the action, general Greene li- 
 berated, and permitted them to return to Camden, 
 without a moment's detention. 
 
 In consequence of this humane and generous act, 
 lord Rawdon ordered, immediately, an equal number 
 of American surgeons, who had been captured when 
 Charleston fell, to be released from confinement, and 
 suffered to return to the service of their country. 
 
 Extending his courtesy still further, he furnished 
 them with an escort, to conduct them in safety to an 
 American post.
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE 281 
 
 111 this engagement, his lordship gained nothing 
 bat the mere possession of the ground, on which it 
 was fought. 
 
 Greene had, indeed, sustained a repulse; but his 
 spirit remained the same, his plan of action neither 
 broken nor deranged, and his vigilance and energy 
 were increased by misfortune. Sternly maintaining 
 his ground, in the neighbourhood of Camden, he 
 confined the enemy within his lines; and, by thus 
 intercepting his communication with the country, 
 deprived him of the requisite supplies of provision. 
 
 Afraid to approach his adversary again, and his 
 means of subsistence rapidly declining, lord Rawdon 
 was reduced, in a short time, to a very perilous ex- 
 treme. At length, by the arrival of colonel Watson, 
 who had been held in check, and impeded in his 
 movement, by Lee and Marion, his command was 
 so far strengthened, as to justify him, a second time, 
 in offering battle. 
 
 This, for reasons that were perfectly solid, general 
 Greene thought proper to decline; and he had too 
 much policy and address, to be forced into action 
 contrary to his inclination. 
 
 After a few days manoeuvring, with a view to 
 gain advantage, in which lord Rawdon became sen- 
 sible of his great inferiority, he gave up the contest, 
 
 N n
 
 2S2 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 and, returning to Camden, prepared for the abandon- 
 ment of that post. 
 
 To this step he was induced by perceiving, that 
 the approaching and inevitable fall of the minor posts, 
 between him and Charleston, would prove certainly 
 ruinous to him, by cutting off his communication with 
 that sea-port, and resuscitating the spirit of resistance 
 among the whigs of the country. 
 
 To secure the safety of the troops stationed in 
 Ninety-six, Augusta, and some other places, he des- 
 patched orders for the evacuation of those garrisons 
 without delay. 
 
 But, in this he was frustrated, by the vigilance of 
 Greene. So completely had that officer broken every 
 line of communication, between him and his distant 
 establishments, that all his expresses were intercept- 
 ed and made prisoners. 
 
 Encouraged by what he had already performed, 
 and animated by the prospect of further successes, the 
 American leader detached colonel Lee and general 
 Pickens, in command of the light troops, to act against 
 Augusta, while he himself, with the main column 
 of his army, advanced on Ninety-six, and invested 
 that fortress on the 22d of May. On the preceding 
 day, the investment of Augusta had also been effected.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 283 
 
 To detail the particulars of these two active and 
 important sieges, would be inadmissibly tedious; al- 
 though not irrelevant to the object of this work. 
 
 That of Augusta lasted about fifteen days; and. 
 after many splendid instances of valour and policy, 
 both in attack and defence, terminated favourablyvto 
 the American arms. A minute and most interesting 
 account of it is given by general Lee, the chief di- 
 rector of the assailants, in his "-Memoirs" of the 
 southern war. 
 
 The siege of Ninety-six was longer in duration, 
 and different in issue. It was continued, with great 
 address;, and pressed, with the utmost vigour, for 
 
 about twenty-nine days, and then relinquished, with- 
 
 i 
 out the fall of the fortress. 
 
 As this affair was conducted, under the immediate 
 eye and direction of general Greene, some account 
 of the operations of it, is due to his memory. We 
 select that, the best on record, which is given by ge- 
 neral Lee, who, after the surrender of Augusta, acted 
 himself a very distinguished part in it. 
 
 The garrison, consisting of about five hundred and 
 fifty troops, was commanded by colonel Cruger, an 
 officer signalized alike for his gallantly and skill. 
 
 As soon as the American army had invested the 
 fort, they broke ground, in regular form, and push-
 
 284- LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ed their advance with great activity, under the super- 
 intendence of general Koschiusko, who had -been 
 bred to arms, and regularly educated in the engi- 
 neer-department. 
 
 Lord Rawdon, in the mean time, lay inactive in 
 Charleston, deeply mortified by the fall of Augusta. 
 He was also painfully anxious for the fate of Nine- 
 ty-six; but, was too much crippled, in the battle near 
 Camden, to attempt its relief, until he should receive 
 reinforcements that were expected from England. 
 
 By the garrison and the assailants, the approaches 
 and defence were conducted with eminent ability and 
 enterprise. 
 
 " The besiegers," says general Lee, " advancing 
 closer and closer, with caution and safety, both on 
 the right and left, lieutenant colonel Cruger foresaw 
 
 his inevitable destruction, unless averted by the ap- 
 
 / 
 
 proach of lord Rawdon. To give time for the desir- 
 ed event, he determined, by nocturnal sallies, to at- 
 tempt to cany our trenches; and to destroy with the 
 spade whatever he might gain by the bayonet. These 
 rencontres were fierce and frequent, directed some- 
 times upon one quarter and sometimes upon another; 
 but so judicious had been the arrangements of the 
 American general to counteract these expected at- 
 tempts, that in no one instance did the British com-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 285 
 
 mandant succeed. The mode adopted was neverthe^ 
 less pursued without intermission; and although fail- 
 ing to effect the chief object contemplated, became 
 extremely harassing to the American army, whose 
 repose during the night was incessantly disturbed, 
 and whose labour during the day was as incessantly 
 pressed. Ignorant of the situation and prospects of 
 the British general as lieutenant colonel Cruger con- 
 tinued to be, he nevertheless indulged the confidence, 
 that every effort would be made for his relief, and 
 persevered with firmness and vigour in his defence." 
 
 Lord Rawdon's long-looked-for reinforcements ar- 
 riving on the third of June, his lordship prepared im- 
 mediately for the field; and, on the 7th, at the head 
 of two thousand troops, advanced from Charleston, 
 for the relief of Ninety-six. 
 
 "All his endeavours to transmit information to 
 Cruger having failed, his lordship apprehended, that, 
 pressed by the difficulties to which that officer must 
 be reduced, and despairing of succour, he might be 
 induced to surrender, with a view to obtain favour- 
 able conditions for his garrison; to stop which, he re- 
 newed his efforts to advise him of the propitious 
 change of his condition, and his consequent advance 
 for his relief.
 
 286 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 " Greene was informed by Sumpter, on the llth, 
 of the arrival from Ireland, and of the measures im- 
 mediately taken by Rawdon to resume offensive ope- 
 rations. Directing Sumpter to keep in his lordship's 
 front, he reinforced him with all his cavalry conduct- 
 ed by lieutenant colonel Washington; urging the bri- 
 gadier to exert every means in his power to delay the 
 advance of the British army. Marion was also order- 
 ed to hasten from the lower country, as soon as he 
 should discover the intention of Rawdon to move up-* 
 on Qreene; and brigadier Pickens, just joined from 
 Augusta, was detached to Sumpter. 
 
 " Our approaches continued to be pushed with un- 
 abated diligence, in the expectation and hope that 
 they might be brought to maturity in time to enforce 
 the submission of the garrison, before the British ge- 
 neral could make good his long march. 
 
 " We now began to deplore the early inattention of 
 the chief engineer to the enemy's left; persuaded that 
 had he been deprived of the use of the rivulet in the 
 beginning of the siege, he must have been forced to 
 surrender before the present hour. It was deemed 
 practicable to set fire to the stockade fort, and thus 
 to remove the water defence to the left of the rivulet. 
 In the succeeding day, a dark violent storm came on 
 from the west, without rain. Lieutenant colonel Lee
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 287 
 
 proposed to general Greene to permit him to make 
 the attempt. This being granted, a sergeant with nine 
 privates of the legion infantry., furnished with com- 
 bustible matter, was directed to approach the stoc- 
 kade in the most concealed direction, under cover of 
 the storm, while the batteries in every quarter opened 
 upon the enemy, and demonstrations of striking at the 
 star redoubt were made, with the expectation of di- 
 verting his attention from the intrepid party, which, 
 with alacrity, undertook the hazardous enterprise. 
 The ^sergeant conducted his gallant band in the best 
 manner; concealing it whenever the ground permit- 
 ted, and when exposed to view moving along upon 
 the belly. At length he reached the ditch with three 
 others; the whole close behind. Here unluckily he 
 was discovered, while in the act of applying his fire. 
 Himself and five were killed; the remaining four es- 
 caped unhurt, although many muskets were discharg- 
 ed at them running through the field, before they got 
 beyond the nearest rise of ground which could cover 
 them from danger. After this disappointment, nothing 
 remained but to force our works to maturity, and to 
 retard the advance of the British army. In the eve- 
 ning, a countryman was seen riding along our lines 
 south of the town, conversing familiarly with the of- 
 ficers and soldiers on duty. He was not regarded, as
 
 288 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 from the beginning of the siege, our. friends in the 
 country were in the habit of visiting camp, and were 
 permitted to go wherever their curiosity led them, 
 one of whom this man was presumed to be. At 
 length he reached the great road leading directly to 
 the town, in which quarter were only some batteries 
 thrown up for the protection of the guards. Putting 
 spur to his horse, he rushed with full speed into town, 
 receiving the ineffectual fire of our ceatinels and 
 guards nearest to him, and holding up a letter in his 
 hand as soon as he cleared himself of our fire. The 
 propitious signal gave joy to the garrison, who running 
 to meet their friend, opened the gate, welcoming his 
 arrival with loud expressions of joy. He was the 
 bearer of a despatch from lord Rawdon to Cruger, 
 communicating his arrival at Orangeburg in adequate 
 force, and informing him that he was hastening to 
 his relief. This intelligence infused new vigour into 
 the intrepid leader and his brave companions. 
 
 " It also inspired the indefatigable besieger with 
 additional motives to push to conclusion his prepar- 
 atives, as he now yielded up every hope heretofore 
 derived from Cruger's ignorance of the movement of 
 the British general, and the forwardness of our works. 
 Major Greene, who commanded the star with great 
 ability, finding that our third parallel was. nearly
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 289 
 
 finished, and that a Mayham tower was erecting 
 which would overlook his parapet, very judiciously co- 
 vered it with sand-bags, to lessen the capacity deriv- 
 ed from superior height, leaving between each bag an 
 aperture for the use of his riflemen. Nor were the ap- 
 proaches on the lei't less forward than those on the 
 right; they not only were directed against the stock- 
 ade, but also were carried so near the rivulet, as to 
 render supplies of water difficult and precarious. The 
 fire during the 1 7th was so effectual, as to induce the 
 enemy to withdraw his guards established between the 
 rivulet and the stockade; and parties of the troops on 
 the left were posted in various points, to annoy the 
 communication with the rivulet. These arrangements 
 succeeded throughout the day completely, and the 
 enemy suffered greatly from this privation, though 
 accomplished too late to produce material advantage. 
 Rawdon continued to advance by forced marches, and 
 inclining to his right, made a vigorous push to throw 
 himself between Sumpter and Greene. 
 
 " In this effort he completely succeeded, and thus 
 baffled all the measures adopted by Greene to delay 
 his approach. It became now necessary to hazard 
 assault of the fort, to meet Rawdon, or to retire. 
 The American general was disposed to imitate Csesar 
 at Alisia; first to beat the relieving army, and then to 
 
 o o
 
 29Q LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 take the besieged town. But his regular ibrce did but 
 little exceed the half of that under Ravvdon, which 
 added to his militia, consisting of the corps of Sump- 
 ter^ Marion and Pickens, still left him numerically 
 inferior to the British general. Nevertheless confiding 
 in his known superiority of cavalry, he would have 
 given battle to his lordship, could he have left an 
 adequate corps to attend to the garrison. Compelled 
 to relinquish this plan, he determined to storm the 
 fort, although his works were yet unfinished. On the 
 right, our third parallel was completed, two trenches 
 and a mine were nearly let into the enemy's ditch, 
 and the Mayham tower was finished. 
 
 " On the left, our trenches were within twenty 
 yards of his ditch; and the battery directed by lieu-: 
 tenant Finn, gave to the assailant, in this quarter, ad- 
 vantages which, well supported, ensured success. 
 Greene, anxiously as he desired to conclude his se- 
 vere toils in triumph, was averse to the unequal con- 
 test to which he must necessarily expose his faithful 
 troops, and would probably have decided on the safe 
 course, had not his soldiers, with one voice, intreated 
 to be led against the fort. The American army hav- 
 ing witnessed the unconquerable spirit which actuated 
 their general, as well as the unexpected results of 
 former battles, rould not brook the idea of abandon-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 291 
 
 ing the siege, without one bold attempt to force a sur 
 render. They recollected, with pain and remorse, 
 that by the misbehaviour of one regiment afc the bat- 
 tle of Guilford, and of another at Hobkick's hill, their 
 beloved general had been deprived of his merited 
 laurels; and they supplicated their officers to entreat 
 their commander to give them now an opportunity of 
 obliterating preceding disgrace. This generous ardor 
 could not be resisted by Greene. Orders were issued 
 to prepare for a storm; and the hour of twelve on the 
 next day (18th June) was appointed for the assail- 
 ing columns to advance by signal from the centre bat- 
 tery. 
 
 " Lieutenant colonel Campbell, of the first Virginia 
 regiment, with a detachment from the Maryland and 
 Virginia brigades, was charged with the attack on 
 the left; and lieutenant colonel Lee, with the legion 
 infantry and Kirkwood's Delawares, with that on the 
 right. Lieutenants Duval of Maryland, and Seldon 
 of Virginia, commanded the forlorn hope of Camp- 
 bell; and captain Rudolph, of the legion, that of Lee. 
 Fascines were prepared to fill up the enemy's ditch, 
 long poles with iron hooks were furnished to pull 
 down the sand bags, with every other thing requisite to 
 facilitate the progress of the assailant. At eleven the 
 third parallel was manned, and our sharp shooters
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 took their station in the tower. The first signal was 
 announced from the centre battery, upon which the as- 
 sailing columns entered the trenches; manifesting de- 
 light in the expectation of carrying by their courage 
 the great prize in view. 
 
 " At the second cannon, which was discharged at 
 the hour of twelve, Campbell and Lee rushed to the 
 assault. Cruger, always prepared, received them with 
 his accustomed firmness. The parapets were manned 
 with spike and bayonet, and the riflemen, fixed at the 
 sand-bag apertures, maintained a steady and destruc- 
 tive fire. Duval and Seldon entered the enemy's ditch 
 at different points, and Campbell stood prepared to 
 support them, in the rear of the party furnished with 
 hooks to pull down the sand-bags. This party had 
 also entered the enemy's ditch, and began to apply 
 '"the hook. Uncovering the parapet now would have 
 given us victory; and such was the vigorous support 
 afforded by the musketry from the third parallel, from 
 the riflemen in the tower, and from the artillery 
 mounted in battery, that sanguine expectations of this 
 happy issue were universally indulged. The moment 
 the bags in front were pulled down, Campbell would 
 have mounted the parapet, where the struggle could 
 not have been long maintained. Cruger had prepared 
 an intermediate battery with his three pieces, which
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 293 
 
 lie occasionally applied to right and left. At first it 
 was directed against Lee's left, but very soon every 
 piece was applied upon Campbell's right, which was 
 very injurious to his column. 
 
 " Major Greene, commanding in the star redoubt 
 sensible of the danger to which he was exposed, if the 
 attempted lodgment upon his front curtain succeeded, 
 determined to try the bayonet in his ditch as well as 
 on his parapet. To captains Campbell and French was 
 committed this bold effort. Entering into the ditch 
 through a sally-port in the rear of the star, they took 
 apposite directions, and soon came in contact, the one 
 with Duval, the other with Seldon. Here ensued a 
 desperate conflict. The Americans, not only lighting 
 with the enemy in front but with the enemy overhead, 
 sustained gallantly the unequal contest, until Duvat 
 and Seldon became disabled by wounds, when they 
 yielded, and were driven back with great loss to the 
 point of entry. The few surviving escaped with the 
 hookmen to our trenches, where yet remained Camp- 
 bell, the sand-bags not being removed. On the left, 
 the issue was very different. Rudolph gained the ene- 
 my's ditch, and followed by the column, soon opened 
 his way into the fort, from which the enemy, giving 
 their last fire, precipitately retreated. Measures were 
 in train on the part of Lee, to follow up his blow by
 
 294 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 passing the rivulet, entering the town, and forcing the 
 fortified prison, whence the left might have yielded 
 substantial aid to the attack upon the star, by com- 
 pelling Cruger to struggle for the town, or forcing 
 him with all his troops to take refuge in the star; a 
 situation not long to be held, crowded as he must 
 have been, and destitute of water. The adverse for- 
 tune experienced in the assault on the right, made 
 the mind of Greene return to his cardinal policy, the 
 preservation of adequate force to keep the field. 
 
 " Charmed with the courage displayed in his view, 
 and regretting its disadvantageous application, he sent 
 orders to Campbell to draw off, and to Lee to desist 
 from further advance, but to hold the stockade aban- 
 doned by the enemy. 
 
 " Our loss amounted, during the siege, to one hun- 
 dred and eighty-five killed and wounded; that of the 
 garrison to eighty-five. Captain Armstrong, of the 
 Maryland line, was the only officer killed on our side, 
 as was lieutenant Roney the only one on their side. 
 After our repulse, Greene sent a flag to lieutenant co- 
 lonel Cruger, proposing a cessation of hostilities for 
 the purpose of burying the dead; but as to the burial 
 of the dead the proposition was rejected, Cruger not 
 choosing to admit our participation in a ceremonial 
 which custom had appropriated to the victor.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 295 
 
 *' As soon as it was dark, the detachment was with- 
 
 i 
 
 drawn from the stockade, and preparations were be- 
 gun for retreat." 
 
 The mortification experienced by the American 
 army, in consequence of their repulse from the Bri- 
 tish works, and, at being compelled, by the approach 
 of an enemy too powerful to be resisted, to abandon 
 an enterprise, which, in two days more, must have 
 clothed them in laurels, was galling and deep. They 
 felt humbled at their failure, although perfectly con- 
 scious, that, in the late assault, they had done their 
 duty. 
 
 To remove these sensations, so afflicting to the 
 brave, and, at the same time, so injurious to military 
 service, their humane and heroic commander, who, 
 instead of being dissatisfied, was proud of their prow- 
 ess, addressed them, in general orders, in a style that 
 was kind, consolitary, and encouraging. 
 
 He expressed to them his high and grateful sense 
 of their conduct, both in their attack on the fort, and 
 during the siege. He assured them, that, judging 
 vi'rom the past, he anticipated, in future, the most bril- 
 1 liant result, whenever an opportunity should be afford- 
 ed them, of confronting the enemy, on equal terms. 
 . that, confiding in their determination, to mani- 
 fest, on all occasions, the same dauntless spirit they
 
 296 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 had so recently exhibited, he would neglect, on his 
 part, no practicable measure, to gratify them with the 
 meeting they so ardently desired, and which he felt 
 convinced, was alone necessary to give them victory, 
 and cover them with glory. 
 
 On the approach of lord Rawdon, Greene, placing 
 his sick and wounded in front, and throwing, as on a 
 former occasion, his light troops into the rear, to harass 
 his lordship's van, and retard his advance, fell back 
 rapidly on the state of North Carolina. The tract of 
 country over which he passed, was exceedingly un- 
 favourable for a retreating army, pursued by an expe- 
 rienced and powerful foe. It was intersected by four 
 considerable streams, the Saluda, the Enoree, the 
 Tiger, and Broad river; all of which, lying in his 
 front, he was compelled to cross, in the face of the 
 enemy. 
 
 His situation was, again, extremely critical, and 
 his prospects darkened by a gathering cloud, which 
 no mortal eye could penetrate. 
 
 Disheartened, by a state of things, so perilous and 
 gloomy, some of his friends, advised him to abandon 
 South Carolina, and repair, for safety, to his re- 
 sources in the north. His reply was indicative of the 
 patriot and hero. " I will recover the countiy, or pe- 
 rish in the attempt."
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 293 
 
 Having, without loss, made good his passage over 
 
 % 
 
 the rivers in his front, lord Rawdon, perceiving the 
 futility of any further attempt to overtake him, aban- 
 doned the pursuit; and, returning to Ninety-six, pre- 
 pared for its evacuation. Thus did the policy of 
 Greene, which is moral strength, compel the surren- 
 der of that fortress, although from a want of physical 
 strength, he failed to carry it by the sword. 
 
 To sustain the spirit and hopes of his friends, and 
 repress, as far as possible, those of the tories, here- 
 solved not to abandon the tract of country he now oc- 
 cupied. No sooner, therefore, had lord Rawdon com- 
 menced his retrograde movement towards Ninety-six, 
 than general Greene changed his front, and moved in 
 the same direction. Nor did he deem it requisite to 
 maintain from the enemy a very respectful distance. 
 So enterprising was he in his disposition, and so dar- 
 ing in his demeanour, that his light troops, which 
 now formed his van, hung at times on the British 
 rear, intercepting its stragglers and threatening its 
 safety. 
 
 On the breaking up of the garrison of Ninety-six, 
 and the return of lord Rawdon towards Charieston, 
 which immediately ensued, the British army moved in 
 two columns, at a considerable distance from, each 
 
 other. It was then that general Greene became, in 
 
 pp
 
 29$ LIFl OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 reality, the pursuing party, exceedingly anxious to 
 fcring his lordship to battle. 
 
 To effect this, colonel Lee, with a detachment of 
 light troops, received orders to throw himself in the 
 enemy's front, and, by every practicable measure, 
 retard his advance, until Greene should overtake him. 
 
 This service was performed, with great enterprise, 
 ability and skill. But notwithstanding the exertions 
 of that distinguished young officer, he was frustrated 
 in his purpose, through a failure of the expected co- 
 operation of others. Thus, by one of those accidents, 
 which so often decide the fate of armies, did that of 
 lord Rawdon escape destruction. For had Sumpter, 
 Marion, and Washington, been fortunate enough to 
 join Lee, at either of the places designated in their 
 plan, his lordship would have been retarded until 
 Greene had reached him; in which case, his ruin 
 would have been inevitable. 
 
 Near half the summer was already wasted. Since 
 the commencement of January, the army of Greene 
 had experienced nothing but an uninterrupted series 
 of exertion, toil, exposure, and battle. It is believed 
 that a more active, or, for the number of troops engag- 
 ed, a more eventful campaign, is nowhere recorded 
 in military history.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 299 
 
 Nor had adverse fortune been backward in her ap- 
 proaches, or light in her visitations. The Americans 
 had been twice defeated in general action; once re- 
 pulsed from the lines of a fortress; and twice com- 
 pelled to consult their safety, in a rapid, arduous., and 
 extensive retreat. Notwithstanding this, their hopes 
 were sanguine, and their confidence unshaken; be- 
 cause the genius of their commander still convert- 
 ing misfortune into prosperity, and, deriving from de- 
 feat the advantages of victory, was conducting them 
 with certainty to conquest and triumph. Already had 
 they captured most of the enemy's posts, turned 
 against him the tide of war, so as to place him com- 
 pletely on the defensive, and wrested from his hand 
 a large proportion of the conquered territory. 
 
 But the season was now hot, and the troops were 
 becoming sickly. General Greene, therefore, resolv- 
 ed on retiring to a secure and healthy position, to in- 
 dulge his army in a short repose, that their heahh 
 being restored, and their strength renovated, they 
 might be the better prepared to act with vigour, in 
 their future operations. 
 
 Selecting for this purpose the high hills of San- 
 tee, where the air is pure, the water excellent, and, 
 in consequence of the elevation of the ground, the
 
 300 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 heats less oppressive, he encamped there about the 
 middle of July. 
 
 This pause from the toil of active operations, the 
 first they had enjoyed for many months, was alike 
 necessary and acceptable to officers and soldiers. To 
 the commander himself it was peculiarly so, as it af- 
 forded him leisure to scrutinize his own conduct, to 
 derive instructive lessons from a calm review of it, 
 and to mature more fully, by profound meditation, the 
 scheme of warfare he was afterwards to pursue. 
 

 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Greene is satisfied with his army his gigantic plan of operations, for the 
 entire recovery of the southern department inconsequence of iufor- 
 mation from general Washington, he relinquishes a part of it. The 
 execution of colonel Hayne, with Greene's conduct on the occasion 
 the salutary effects of that conduct colonel Hayne's letter his de- 
 portment at the place of execution, compared with that of major An- 
 dre all things considered, the preference given to the conduct of the 
 American Greene marches in quest of the enemy advances on 
 them, at the Eutaw springs the battle of that place description of 
 a singular and interesting military adventure. The British army 
 retreats, and the American pursues the shattered and enfeebled con- 
 dition of the former Greene's relative condition meliorated, by every 
 operation in which he engages this an evidence of the superiority of 
 his genius. Unable to compel the foe to another action, he falls back, 
 by easy marches, to the high hills of Santee. 
 
 FROM a deliberate retrospect of what he had al- 
 ready achieved, Greene found abundant reason to 
 be satisfied with his army. While the loyalty of 
 its attachment to his own person, and to the glo- 
 rious cause in which he was engaged, conciliated 
 his affection and awakened his gratitude, the invin- 
 cibility of its spirit, and its heroism in action, exci- 
 ted his admiration, and ministered to his pride. 
 
 But notwithstanding the discipline and firmness 
 of his regulars, and the high moral excellence of all 
 his troops, their numbers were too limited, and their 
 physical powers too inconsiderable, to execute the 
 
 /4-
 
 302 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 daring and gigantic plan he meditated for the recove- 
 ry of the southern department. 
 
 Virginia, although valiantly struggling in defence 
 of her freedom, was ready to sink under a formida- 
 ble invasion. Wilmington in North Carolina was ac- 
 tually occupied by a British garrison, and, no oppo- 
 sition to them being there made, the whole eastern 
 section of that state, was virtually subject to the do- 
 minion of the enemy. For the recovery of the states of 
 South Carolina and Georgia much had been done; 
 but still, /their capitals and a small portion of their 
 maritime districts, were in possession of the invaders. 
 
 The whole amount of the southern army now as- 
 sembled on the high hills of Santee, did not exceed 
 two thousand three hundred. 
 
 With a force-ihus disproportioned, an attempt to 
 act on a theatre of war so extensive in its limits, 
 would have presented itself to most leaders as wild 
 and chimerical. But to the mind of Greene, capa- / 
 cious, enlightened, and full of resources, the pro- 
 ject appeared feasible; and his love of enterprise de- 
 termined him to undertake it. 
 
 His plan appears to have been, to commence his 
 operations, by the reduction of the garrison in Wil- 
 mington; then expel the enemy from South Carolina 
 and Georgia; and, having accomplished this, hasten
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 303 
 
 with the elite of his army, and, placing himself at 
 the head of the troops in Virginia, again take the field 
 against lord Cornwallis, who had assumed the com- 
 mand of the British forces in that state a scheme 
 of action, and a combination of adventure, beyond, 
 perhaps, what any other leader ever meditated with 
 such limited means. 
 
 Some movements towards the execution of this 
 plan having been already effected, Greene, in con- 
 sequence of information received from general Wash- 
 ington, was induced to relinquish it, and confine his 
 views, for the present, exclusively to the recovery of 
 the two southern states. 
 
 That he would have succeeded in his colossal at- 
 tempt against the enemy, throughout the whole of the 
 southern department, it would be hazardous either 
 to assert or deny. The conception of the enterprise 
 marks, at least, the compass of his mind, and the 
 boldness of his spirit; and satisfactorily demonstrates 
 the stupendous results, that might have been ex- 
 pected from his operations, had his force been com- 
 mensurate with his talents for .war. Nor is it ex- 
 travagant to believe, that, in the prosecution of his 
 design, comparatively feeble as his army was, he 
 would have created and called into action, resources 
 sufficient for its complete accomplishment.
 
 304 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 About this period, occurred, in Charleston, a very 
 tragical event, which ? although private in itself, in- 
 volved public principles, of great latitude and import- 
 ance, and called for the interference of general 
 Greene, as commander of the American forces in 
 that quarter. JNor was he wanting, on the occasion, 
 either in sympathy as a man, or in prompt investi- 
 gation and decision as an officer. 
 
 The event alluded to, was the inhuman execution, 
 , by the British commandant, of colonel Hayne, an 
 American citizen of high respectability and worth, 
 in direct violation of a compact entered into with 
 himselfj and contrary to the principles of legitimate 
 war. 
 
 The object of the enemy, in the perpetration of 
 this nefarious act, was perfectly manifest. If it was 
 not openly avowed, no pretexts at least were feign- 
 ed, for the purpose of concealment. Nor could any 
 attempt at disguise have proved effectual. It was, 
 to intimidate the friends of Independence in the 
 neighbourhood of Charleston, and prevent them, oil 
 the approach of the American forces, from resort- 
 ing to arms, and assembling around the standard of 
 their country. 
 
 But the wisdom and firmness of Greene frustrat- 
 ed their intention, and greatly promoted the very end
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 305 
 
 they were solicitous to prevent. Thus did he now, 
 as on every other occasion, by an open, manly, and 
 magnanimous line of conduct, defeat them in their 
 measures of short sighted policy. More conclusive evi- 
 dence of his intellectual superiority cannot be required. 
 
 No sooner was he informed of the circumstances 
 of colonel Hayne's execution, than he addressed a 
 letter to colonel Balfour, the British commandant 
 of Charleston, demanding an explanation of so dar- 
 ing an outrage on the laws of war, and the recog- 
 nized rights of the American citizen. 
 
 Tiie attempt to explain amounting to nothing but 
 a miserable subterfuge, Greene resolved on a stern 
 retaliation, should the practice be pursued. In this 
 he was supported by all his officers, who concluded 
 a spirited and manly address to him, in the follow- 
 ing words. 
 
 " Permit us to add, that while we lament the ne- 
 cessity of such a severe expedient, and commiserate 
 the sufferings to which individuals will be necessarily 
 exposed, we are not unmindful that such a measure 
 may, in its consequences, involve our own lives in 
 additional danger. But we had rather forego tern* 
 porary distinctions, and commit our lives to the most 
 desperate situation, than prosecute this just and ne- 
 cessary war on terms so unequal and dishonourable/'
 
 306 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Gratified alike by this assurance of cordial sup- 
 port, and the firm and animated language in which 
 it was proffered, the commander immediately is- 
 sued a proclamation, deeply reprobating the late 
 execution, and declaring his deliberate and solemn 
 determination to " make reprisals for all such in- 
 human insults, and to select, for the objects of re- 
 taliation, officers of the regular forces, and not the 
 deluded Americans, who had joined the royal army." 
 
 By this just and resolute measure, he attained, at 
 once, a two-fold end. He broke down the sangui- 
 nary disposition of the enemy, and, by convincing 
 the citizens of South Carolina, that their rights and 
 lives would be securely protected or rigorously 
 avenged, he encouraged them to repair to the stand- 
 ard of their country. 
 
 Even the British officers themselves, after a cool 
 and dispassionate examination of the facts and prin- 
 ciples connected with the event, were compelled to 
 condemn the injustice and cruelty exercised towards 
 colonel Hayne, and to recognize, of course, the cor- 
 rectness of the resolution of general Greene. 
 
 The ferocious and exterminating character which 
 the war in the South, at this period, threatened to 
 put on, was fortunately prevented by two causes 
 the attitude which the American general assumed j
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 307 
 
 and the prospects of peace which soon afterwards 
 ensued. Greene did not retaliate; and the British 
 commander, ashamed of the past, and shrinking from 
 the responsibility of what must necessarily follow, 
 should he indulge his thirst for the blood of the in- 
 nocent, proceeded no further. 
 
 The following letter, written by colonel Hayne 
 when informed, after a mock trial, that he was sen- 
 tenced to expire on a gibbet, and the subsequent nar- 
 rative by general Lee, deserve to be perused by 
 every native of the United States. If the reader's sensi- 
 bility be honourable and his heart loyal, those pro- 
 ductions will strengthen his love of country, and che- 
 rish in his bosom, a laudable pride, by representing to 
 him, in colours that nothing can improve, the impos- 
 ing character, which, in the most trying situation, an 
 American can maintain, and the calm dignity with 
 which he can die. 
 
 Those, and they are many, that have wept over 
 the deportment of the unfortunate Andre, who, by 
 the maxims of war, deserved his fate, will scarcely 
 do less over that of the accomplished and amiable 
 Hayne, who, by the same maxims, was entitled to 
 an acquittal. 
 
 Indeed with the closing scene of the life of colonel 
 Hayne are connected various considerations, which
 
 308 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 give to it, in point of dignity and interest, a decided 
 ascendency over that of major Andre. 
 
 The latter gentleman was a soldier by profession, 
 adjutant general to the British army, and the intimate 
 and confidential friend of the commander in chief 
 of the royal forces. 
 
 His habits, therefore, with the whole bent of his 
 mind, and the train of his daily reflections, must have 
 rendered the idea of death familiar to him, and, uni- 
 ted to his military pride, deprived it entirely of its 
 power to dismay ; while his elevated rank, and the im- 
 portant business which had been lately confided to 
 him, placed him on an eminence, where all Christen- 
 dom must witness his demeanour. Hence his future 
 fame, must be in proportion to his present firmness. 
 
 Under such circumstances, to die with calm and 
 manly heroism, was a 'natural, if not a necessary act. 
 To have shrunk from the blow, or manifested unsol- 
 dierly perturbation under the trial would have been 
 pusillanimous and cowardly. 
 
 Besides, distance and long absence from his friends., 
 and his being an unmarried man, lately disappointed 
 in a tender attachment, with the well known effect of 
 a camp life on the mind of an officer, must have blunt- 
 ed greatly those domestic feelings, which give to death 
 its severest pang.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 309 
 
 The reverse of this, in all points, was the situation 
 of colonel Hayne. 
 
 Although possessing a soul of consummate bravery, 
 he was a soldier and an officer only in name. His 
 station was that of a private gentleman, and nothing 
 more. The pride of rank, therefore, gave him no sup- 
 port. In the midst of his friends and neighbours who 
 were agonized to distraction by his melancholy fate, 
 and fresh from the embraces of his orphan children, 
 whose mother he had recently consigned to the tomb, 
 he had every thing to crush and humble his spirit, and 
 shatter his fortitude at a conjuncture so appalling. 
 
 To die with greatness, under these circumstances, 
 was infinitely difficult the result of heroism of the 
 highest order. Yet, with the firmness of a martyr and 
 the humility of a Christian, the task was triumphantly 
 achieved by the American. 
 
 Without meaning to sully the lustre of major Andre, 
 whose character and deportment all must admire, 
 we venture to assert, that for one individual, that 
 would have shrunk from death in his situation, twen- 
 ty would have done it, in that of colonel Hayne. 
 
 That our reasoning on this subject is neither so- 
 phistical nor forced, the last words of Andre satis- 
 factorily testify.
 
 310 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Being told, at the place of execution, that the fatal 
 moment was at hand, and asked if he had any thing 
 to say, he replied, " Nothing, but to request that you 
 will witness to the world, that I die like a brave man" 
 
 In this answer is contained a virtual, but fair 
 avowal of the fact, that the very fortitude and lofti- 
 ness of soul, which the prisoner exhibited, arose, in 
 part, from a firm persuasion, that his heroic depart- 
 ment, would be made known to the world, and spoken 
 of in a way to redound to his fame. 
 
 Equally favourable to the position we have taken, 
 are the words of general Washington on the occa- 
 sion. 
 
 " Andre," says the general in a private letter, " has 
 met his fate with that fortitude, which was to be ex- 
 pected, from an accomplished man, and a. gallant offi- 
 cer" a sentiment clearly implying, that had he not 
 been an officer, less fortitude might in reason have 
 been looked for. 
 
 But colonel Hayne did not exhibit less fortitude, 
 Comparatively, therefore, he exhibited more. 
 To lord Rawdon and colonel Hal/our. 
 
 'MY LORD AND SIR, 
 
 " On Thursday morning I had the honour of receiv- 
 ing a letter from major Frazer, by which he inform- 
 ed me, that a council of general officers would be as-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 311 
 
 sembled the next day for my trial; and on the eve- 
 ning of the same day, I received another letter from , 
 the same officer, acquainting me, that instead of that, 
 a court of inquiry would sit for the purpose of decid- 
 ing under what point of view I ought to be consider- 
 ed. I was also told, that any person whom I should 
 appoint, would be permitted to accompany me as my 
 counsel. Having never entertained any other idea of 
 a court of inquiry, or heard of any other being form- 
 ed of it, than of its sen ing merely to precede a coun- 
 cil of war, or some other tribunal, for examining the 
 circumstances more fully, except in the case of a spy; 
 and Mr. Jarvis, lieutenant marhal to the provost, not 
 having succeeded in finding the person who had been 
 named for my counsel, I did not take the pains to 
 
 summon any witnesses, though it would have been in 
 
 / 
 my power to have produced many; and I presented 
 
 myself before the court without any assistance what- 
 ever. When I was before that assembly, I was fur- 
 ther convinced that I had not been deceived in my 
 conjectures. I found that the members of it were not 
 sworn, and the witnesses were not examined upon 
 oath; and all the members, as well as every person 
 present, might easily have perceived, by the questions 
 which I asked, and by the whole tenor of my con- 
 duct, that I had not the least notion that I was tried
 
 312 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 or examined upon an affair on which my life or death 
 depended. 
 
 "In the case of spies, a court of inquiry is all that 
 can be necessary, because the simple fact whether 
 the person is or is not a spy, is all that can be the ob- 
 ject of their researches; and his having entered the 
 lines of the enemy's camp or garrison, subjects him 
 to military execution. As that accusation neither is 
 nor can be made against me, I humbly conceive that 
 the information I received, that the court would make 
 inquiry concerning what point of view I ought to be 
 considered under, could not be taken as a sufficient 
 notice of their having an intention to try me then ; but 
 could only be thought to signify, that they were to 
 take it into consideration whether I ought to be looked 
 upon as a British subject or as an American: that 
 in the first case I should undergo a legal and impar- 
 tial trial; in the second, I should be set at liberty on 
 my parole. Judge then, my lord and sir, of the as- 
 tonishment I must have been in, when I found they 
 had drawn me by surprise into a proceeding tending 
 to judgment, without my knowing it to be such; and 
 deprived me of the ability of making a legal defence, 
 which it would have been very easy for me to have 
 done, founded both in law and in fact; when I saw 
 myself destitute of the assistance of counsel and of
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 313 
 
 witnesses; and when they abruptly informed me, that 
 after the procedure of the court I was condemned to 
 die, and that in a very few days. Immediately upon 
 receiving this notice, I sent for the lawyer whom I 
 had originally chosen for my counsel. I here inclose 
 his opinion concerning the legality of the process held 
 against me; and I beg that I may be permitted to re- 
 fer myself to him. I can assure you with the utmost 
 truth, that I had and have many reasons to urge in 
 my'defence, if you will grant me the favour of a re- 
 gular trial, if not, which I cannot however suppose 
 from you justice and humanity, I earnestly intreat 
 that my execution may be deferred, that I may at 
 least take a last farewell of my children, and prepare 
 for the dreadful change. I hope you will return me a 
 speedy answer, and am, with respect, 
 
 " ISAAC HAYNE." 
 
 Ck To this representation the town major returned 
 the following answer. ' I have to inform you, that 
 your execution is not ordered in consequence of any 
 sentence from the court of inquiry; but by virtue of 
 the authority with which the commander in chief in 
 South Carolina and the commanding officer in 
 Charleston are invested: and their resolves on the 
 subject are fixed and unchangeable/ 
 
 Rr
 
 314 LIFE OF GENERAL 
 
 (( Disdaining further discussion with relentless 
 power, Hayne merely solicited a short respite, to en- 
 able him for the last time to see his children. The 
 request w r as granted in the follow ing communication 
 from the town major. c I am to inform you., that in 
 consequence of a petition signed by governor Bull 
 and many others, as also of your prayer of yesterday, 
 and the humane treatment shown by you to the Bri- 
 tish prisoners who fell into your hands, you are re- 
 spited for forty-eight hours; but should general 
 Greene offer to expostulate in your favour with the 
 commanding officer, from that moment this respite 
 will cease, and you will be ordered to immediate ex- 
 ecution.' 
 
 " After the delivery of this message, the amiable 
 American enjoyed the comfort of seeing his family 
 and conversing with his friends. During this interest- 
 ing, this awful period, he. discovered a dignified com- 
 posure; and in his last evening declared, that ' he felt 
 no more alarmed at death, than at any other occur- 
 rence which is necessary and unavoidable.' Very dif- 
 ferent, indeed, were the feelings of his friends. Mrs. 
 Peronneau, his sister, accompanied by his children, 
 all clad in the deepest mourning, and manifesting the 
 torture of their heart-rending agony, waited on lord 
 Rawdon, and on their knees supplicated him to spare
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 315 
 
 the victim! But his lordship's 'resolve was fixed and 
 unchangeable!' Anxious to terminate a life of truth 
 in the formalities of honour, colonel Hayne solicited, 
 in a second letter to the stern duumvirate, permission 
 to die like a soldier. He then arranged the preceding 
 correspondence; and on the morning of his execution 
 presented the packet to his son (a boy of thirteen 
 years), and directed him to ' deliver it to Mrs. Ed- 
 wards, with my request to forward it to her brother 
 in congress. Go then to the place of my execution, 
 receive my body, and see it decently interred with 
 my forefathers.' This done, he embraced him, im- 
 ploring the divine blessing on his orphan children. 
 Dressed with his accustomed neatness, accompanied 
 by a few friends, he marched with unruffled serenity 
 through a weeping crowd to the place of execution. 
 He had flattered himself with the presumption that 
 his last request would be granted: quickly the sight 
 of the gibbet announced the fallacy of this hope. For 
 a moment he paused, but immediately recovering his 
 wonted firmness, moved forward. At this instant a 
 friend whispered his confidence that ' you will now 
 exhibit an example of the manner in which an Ame- 
 rican can die/ ' I will endeavour to do so,' was the re- 
 ply of the modest martyr. Never was intention better 
 fulfilled: neither arrogating superiority, nor betraying
 
 316 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 weakness, he ascended the cart, unsupported and un- 
 appalled. Having taken leave of his friends, and com- 
 mended his infant family to their protection, he drew 
 the cap over his eyes, and illustrated by his demeanor, 
 that death in the cause of our country, even on a 
 gallows, cannot appal the virtuous and the brave." 
 
 Decamping from the high hills of Santee, on the 
 21st of August, general Greene moved in quest of 
 the enemy now commanded by colonel Stuart, lord 
 Rawdon having recently sailed for Europe. 
 
 Proceeding by easy marches, the better to preserve 
 the strength of his troops, and taking a circuitous 
 route, that he might pass the Wateree and Congaree, 
 two considerable rivers in his front, without molesta- 
 tion, he did not arrive in the neigbourhood of the foe, 
 posted in force at the Eutaw Springs, until the eve- 
 ning of the 7th of September. 
 
 The battle, which, on the following day, was fought 
 on that ground, Greene having almost by surprise 
 attacked the enemy in their position, was one of the 
 most scientific and bloody, that marked the course of 
 the revolutionary war. 
 
 General Lee, who took part in it; with his usual 
 gallantry and good conduct, has favoured us with the 
 following excellent description of it.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 317 
 
 " Greene advanced at four in the morning in two 
 columns, with artillery at the head of each, lieutenant 
 colonel Lee in his front and lieutenant colonel Wash- 
 ington in his rear. 
 
 " While moving with much circumspection, in the 
 well grounded expectation that we should fall upon 
 the British picquets unperceived, captain Armstrong, 
 conducting the reconnoitring party, communicated to 
 Lee the approach of a body of the enemy. This oc- 
 curred about eight o'clock in the morning, four miles 
 from the British camp. Forwarding this intelligence 
 to the general, and presuming that the descried foe, 
 consisting of horse and foot, must be the van of the 
 enemy, Lee halted, waiting for the approximation of 
 our main body. 
 
 " The legion infantry were drawn up across the 
 road, the cavalry in open wood on its right, and Hen- 
 derson with his corps in thick wood upon its left 
 Shortly the British appeared, following Armstrong. 
 The action opened, and the enemy were soon forced 
 in front, while the horse, making a rapid movement 
 under major Eggleston, gained the rear. The infan- 
 try was destroyed, several killed, and about forty 
 taken with their captain; the cavalry flying in full 
 speed as soon as they saw the legion dragoons pres- 
 sing forward, saved them selves, as did the foraging
 
 o!8 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 party following in the rear, consisting of two or three 
 hundred without arms. 
 
 " Pressing forward, we soon got in view of another 
 body of the enemy, with whom the action recommenc- 
 ed. Lieutenant colonel Lee, advising the general of 
 this occurrence, requested the support of artillery to 
 counteract that of the enemy now opening. Quickly 
 colonel Williams, adjutant general brought up cap- 
 tain Gains with his two pieces in full gallop, who un- 
 timbering took his part with decision and effect. 
 
 " During this rencounter both armies formed. The 
 American having, as before mentioned, moved in two 
 columns, each composed of the corps destined for its 
 respective lines, soon ranged in order of battle. 
 
 " The North Carolina militia under colonel Mal- 
 medy, with that of South Carolina, led by the briga- 
 diers Marion and Pickens, making the first, and the 
 continentals making the second line: lieutenant colo- 
 nel Campbell with the Virginians on the right; bri- 
 gadier Sumner with the North Carolinians in the 
 centre; and the Marylanders, conducted by Williams 
 and Howard, on the left, resting with its left flank on 
 the Charleston road. Lee with his legion was charg- 
 ed with the care of the right, as was Henderson with 
 his corps with that of the left flank. The artillery, 
 consisting only of two threes and two sixes, -com-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 manded by the captains Gains and Finn, were dispos- 
 ed the first with the front and the last with the rear 
 line; and Baylor's regiment of horse, with Kirkwood's 
 infantry of Delaware, composed the reserve, led by 
 lieutenant colonel Washington. 
 
 " The British army was drawn up in one line, a few 
 hundred paces in front of their camp (tents standing), 
 with two separate bodies of infantry and the cavalry 
 posted in its rear, ready to be applied as contingencies 
 might point out 
 
 "The Buffs (third regiment) composed its right, 
 resting with its flank on the Charleston road; the 
 remains of several corps under lieutenant colonel 
 Cruger the centre; and the sixty-third and sixty-fourth 
 (veterans) the left. On the Eutaw branch, which runs 
 to the British camp, right of the Charleston road, was 
 posted major Majoribanks at the head of the light 
 infantry, making one battalion, his right on, the 
 branch, and his left stretching in an oblique line to- 
 wards the flank of the Buffs. This branch issued from 
 a deep ravine, between which and the British camp 
 was the Charleston road, and between the road and the 
 ravine was a strong brick house. The artillery was dis- 
 tributed along the line, a part on the Charleston road 
 and another part on the road leading to Roache's 
 plantation, which passed through the enemy's left wing,
 
 '320 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 " The front line of the American army, following 
 close in the rear of the two pieces under captain 
 Gains, began now to be felt by the van, who, diverg- 
 ing to the right and left, firing obliquely, took post 
 on the flanks agreeably to the orders of battle. 
 
 " The militia advancing with alacrity, the battle be- 
 came warm, convincing lieutenant colonel Stuart, un- 
 expected as it appears to have been, that Greene was 
 upon him. The fire ran from flank to flank, our line 
 still advancing, and the enemy, adhering to his po- 
 sition, manifesting a determination not to move. 
 
 "The sixty-third and the legion infantry were warm- 
 ly engaged, when the sixty-fourth, with a part of the 
 centre, advanced upon colonel Malmedy, who soon 
 yielding, the success was pushed by the enemy's left, 
 and the militia, after a fierce contest, gave way, leav- 
 ing the corps of Henderson and the legion infantry 
 engaged, sullenly falling back. 
 
 " Greene instantly ordered up the centre of the se- 
 cond line under brigadier Sumner, to fill the chasm 
 produced by the recession of the militia, who came 
 handsomely into action, ranging with the infantry of 
 the legion and the corps of Henderson, both still 
 maintaining the flanks with unyielding energy. The 
 battle being reinstated grew hotter, and the enemy, 
 who had before gained ground, fell back to his first
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 321 
 
 position. Stuart now brought into line the corps of in- 
 fantry posted in the rear of his left wing, and directed 
 major Coffin with his cavalry to take post on his left; 
 evincing a jealousy of that flank where the woods 
 were open and the ground opportune for cavalry, in 
 which we excelled. In this point of the action, lieu- 
 tenant colonel Henderson received a ball., which stop- 
 ped his further exertion. His corps, however, soon 
 recovered from the effect produced by his fall; and, 
 led on by lieutenant colonel Hampton,, continuing to 
 act well its part, the American line persevered in 
 advance, and the fire became mutually destructive. 
 Greene, determining to strike a conclusive blow, 
 brought up the Mary landers and Virginians; when 
 our line became dense, and pressing forward with 
 a shout the battle raged with redoubled fury. 
 
 ' : The enemy, sensible that the weight of our force 
 was bearing upon him, returned our shout, and sus- 
 tained himself nobly from right to left. Majoribanks 
 now for the first time was put in motion, which being 
 perceived, lieutenant colonel Washington with the re- 
 serve was commanded to fall upon him, and at the 
 same moment the line was ordered to hold up its fire 
 and to charge with bayonet. The air again resounded 
 with the shouts of the advancing Americans; the ene- 
 my answering by pouring in a close and quickly re- 
 
 ss
 
 322 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 peated fire. As we drew near, lieutenant colonel Lee, 
 at the head of his infantry, discerning that we out- 
 stretched the enemy's line, ordered captain Rudolph 
 to fall back with his company, to gain the enemy's 
 flank, and to give him a raking fire as soon as he turn- 
 ed it. This movement was executed with precision, 
 and had the happiest effect. The enemy's left could 
 not sustain the approaching shock, assailed in front as 
 it was in flank, and it instantly began to give way, 
 which quickly afterwards took place along the whole 
 line, in some parts of which the hostile ranks contend- 
 ed with the bayonet: many individuals of the Mary- 
 landers and of the Buffs having been mutually trans- 
 fixed. The conquering troops pressed the advan- 
 tage they had gained, pursuing the foe, and pos- 
 sessed themselves of his camp, which was yielded 
 without a struggle. Washington promptly advanced 
 to execute the orders he had received, and made 
 a circuit to gain the rear of Majoribanks, preceded 
 by lieutenant Stuart with the leading section. As he 
 drew near to the enemy, he found the ground thick- 
 ly set with black jack, and almost impervious to 
 horse. Deranging as was this unlooked-for obstacle. 
 Washington with his dauntless cavalry forced hi.s 
 way, notwithstanding the murderous discharge of the 
 enemy, safe behind his covert. Human courage could
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 323 
 
 not surmount the obstruction which interposed, or 
 this gallant officer with his intrepid corps would have 
 triumphed. Captain Watts, second in command, 
 fell, pierced with two balls. Lieutenants King and 
 Simmons experienced a similar fate; and Washing- 
 ton's horse being killed, he became entangled in the 
 fall, when struggling to extricate himself, he was 
 bayoneted and taken. Lieutenant Stuart was now 
 dismounted, being severely wounded, and his horse 
 killed close to the hostile ranks; nor did a single man 
 of his section escape, some being killed and the rest 
 wounded. The gallant young Carlisle, from Alex- 
 andria, a cadet in the regiment, was killed, and half 
 the corps destroyed; after which the residue was 
 drawn off by captain Parsons, assisted by lieutenant 
 Gordon. 
 
 " This repulse took place at the time the British 
 line gave way. Majoribanks, although victorious, fell 
 back to cover his flying comrades; and major Sheri- 
 dan, with the New York volunteers, judiciously took 
 possession of the brick house before mentioned for 
 the same purpose; while, with the same view, major 
 Coffin, with the cavalry, placed himself on the left, in 
 an open field west of the Charleston road. 
 
 " In our pursuit we took three hundred prisoners 
 and two pieces of artillery: one taken by captain 

 
 324 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Rudolph, of the legion infantry, and the other by lieu- 
 tenant Duval, of the Maryland line, who was killed, 
 a young officer of the highest promise. As soon 
 as we entered the field, Sheridan began to fire from 
 the brick house. The left of the legion infantry, led 
 by lieutenant Manning, the nearest to the house, fol- 
 lowed close upon the enemy still entering it, hoping 
 to force his way before the door could be barred. 
 One of our soldiers actually got half way in, and for 
 some minutes a struggle of strength took place, 
 Manning pressing him in, and Sheridan forcing him 
 out. The last prevailed, and the door was closed. 
 Here captain Barry, deputy adjutant general, the 
 brother of the celebrated colonel S. Barry, and some 
 few others, were overtaken and made prisoners. 
 Lieutenant colonel Lee, finding his left discomfited 
 in the bold attempt, on the success of which much 
 hung, recalled it; and Manning so disposed of his 
 prisoners, by mixing them with his own soldiers, as 
 to return unhurt; the enemy in the house sparing him 
 rather than risking those with him. 
 
 " At this point of time lieutenant colonel Howard, 
 with a part of his regiment, passed through the field 
 towards the head of the ravine, and captain Kirk-- 
 wood appeared approaching the house on its right 
 Majoribanks, though uninjured, continued stationary
 
 1IFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 n the enemy's right, as did Coffin with the cavalry 
 on the left. Sheridan, from a few swivels and his 
 musketry, poured his fire in every direction without 
 eessation. 
 
 " During this period, Stuart was actively employed 
 in forming his line; difficult in itself from the severe 
 battle just fought, and rendered more so by the con- 
 sternation which evidently prevailed. The followers 
 of the army, the wagons, the wounded, the timid,, 
 were all hastening towards Charleston; some along 
 the road in our view; others through the field back of 
 the road, equally in view; while the staff were de- 
 stroying stores of every kind, especially spirits, which 
 the British soldiers sought with avidity. 
 
 " General Greene brought up all his artillery 
 against the house, hoping to effect a breach, through 
 which he was determined to force his way; convinced 
 that the submission of the enemy in the house gave to 
 him the hostile army. At the same moment lieuten- 
 ant colonel Lee (still on the right) sent for EgglestoH 
 and his cavalry, for the purpose of striking Coffin, 
 and turning the head of the ravine; which point was 
 properly selected for the concentration of our force, 
 too much scattered by the pursuit, and by the allure- 
 ments which the enemy's camp presented. Here we 
 commanded the ravine, and might readily break up
 
 326 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 the incipient arrangements of the rallying enemy ;- 
 here we were safe from the fire of the house, and 
 here we possessed the Charleston road. While Lee 
 was halted at the edge x of the wood, impatiently wait- 
 ing for the arrival of his horse, he saw captain Arm- 
 strong (the leading officer for the day) approaching, 
 and not doubting that the corps was following, the 
 lieutenant colonel advanced into the field, directing 
 Armstrong to follow. 
 
 " He had gone but a little way, when the captain 
 told him that only his section was up, having never 
 seen the rest of the corps since its discomfiture on the 
 left some time before. This unlocked for intelligence 
 was not less fatal to the bright prospect of personal 
 glory 7 , than it was to the splendid issue of the conflict. 
 Not a single doubt can be entertained, had the caval- 
 ry of the legion been in place, as it ought to have 
 been, but that Coffin would have been carried, which 
 must have been followed by the destruction of the 
 British army. Our infantry were getting into order, 
 and several small bodies were sufficiently near to 
 have improved every advantage obtained by the cav- 
 alry. Howard, with Oldham's company, had just re- 
 commenced action between the house and the head 
 of the ravine; and our troops on the right were in 
 motion for the same ground, not doubting the des-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 327 
 
 truction of Coffin, who only could annoy their flank. 
 The recession of Lee, and the retirement of Howard, 
 who was at this instant severely wounded, nipped in 
 the bud measures of offence in this quarter; while, 
 on the left, the house remained in possession of Sher- 
 idan, the weight of our metal being too light to effect 
 a breach. 
 
 " This intermission gave Stuart time to restore his 
 broken line, which being accomplished, he instantly 
 advanced, and the action was renewed. It soon termi- 
 nated in the enemy's repossession of his camp, fol- 
 lowed by our retreat, with the loss of two field pie- 
 ces, and the recovery of one of the two before taken 
 by us. 
 
 " Satisfied with these advantages, colonel Stuart 
 did not advance further; and general Greene (after 
 despatching lieutenant colonel Lee with a proposition 
 to the British commander, the object of which was to 
 unite with him in burying the dead) r drew off; per- 
 suaded that he had recovered the country, the object 
 in view, as well as that a more convenient opportuni- 
 ty for repetition of battle would be presented on the 
 enemy's retreat, which he was convinced could not 
 long be deferred. 
 
 " The battle lasted upwards of three hours, and 
 was fiercely contested, every corps in both armies
 
 328 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 bravely supporting each other. The loss was uncom- 
 monly great, more than one fifth of the British and 
 one fourth of the American army being killed and 
 wounded, as stated in the official returns, which in- 
 telligent officers of both armies considered short of 
 the real loss sustained. The enemy made sixty pris- 
 oners, all wounded; we took about five hundred, in- 
 cluding some wounded left in his camp by colonel 
 Stuart when he retired. Of six commandants of re- 
 giments bearing continental commissions, Williams 
 and Lee were only unhurt. Washington, Howard and 
 Henderson were wounded; and lieutenant colonel 
 Campbell, highly respected, beloved and admired,, 
 was killed. 
 
 " This excellent officer received a ball in his 
 breast, in the decisive charge which broke the British 
 line, while listening to an interrogatory from lieuten- 
 ant colonel Lee, then on the left of the legion infant- 
 ry, adjoining the right of the Virginians, the post of 
 Campbell. He dropped on the pummel of his saddle 
 speechless, and was borne in the rear by Lee's or- 
 derly dragoon, in whose care he expired, the mo- 
 ment he was taken from his horse. Many of our offi- 
 cers of every grade suffered, militia as well as conti- 
 nentals; among whom was brigadier Pickens, who 
 was wounded.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 329 
 
 " The conclusion of this battle was as unexpected 
 to both armies as it was mortifying to ours. The 
 splendor which its beginning and progress had shed 
 upon our arms became obscured, and the rich prize 
 within our grasp was lost. Had our cavalry contribut- 
 ed their aid, as heretofore it never failed to do, a 
 British army must have surrendered to Greene on 
 the field of battle. But they were unfortunately 
 brought into action under difficulties not to be con- 
 quered; one corps cut to pieces, and the other dis- 
 persed, in effect the same; and the critical moment 
 passed, before it concentrated. Had the infantry of 
 the reserve preceded the cavalry of the reserve, 
 Washington would have avoided the unequal contest 
 to which he was exposed; and by patiently watching 
 for the crisis, would have fallen upon Majoribanks 
 when retiring to shield the enemy's broken line. Had 
 Eggleston not been drawn from his post by orders 
 officiously communicated to that officer as from the 
 general, when in truth he never issued such orders, 
 Lee would have been joined by his cavalry, ready to 
 inflict the last blow, so clearly within his power. Both 
 these untoward incidents were necessary to stop us 
 from the signal victory courting our acceptance, and 
 both occurred. 
 
 Tt
 
 330 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 " The honour of the day was claimed by both sides, 
 while the benefits flowing from it were by both yield- 
 ed to the Americans: the first belonged to neither and 
 the last to us. 
 
 " Congress expressed their sense of the conduct of 
 the general and of the merit of the army,, presenting 
 their thanks to Greene, and to every corps who 
 fought under him on that day; presenting him at the 
 same time with a British standard, and a gold medal 
 emblematical of the battle." 
 
 In this action, the effective force of the two armies 
 may be considered equal; each consisting of about 
 two thousand three hundred troops, their characters 
 being in all respects nearly the same. 
 
 The palm of gallantry and skill in arms belonged 
 to the Americans. In fair conflict, the British were 
 beaten; and they escaped ruin, only in consequence 
 of a fortuitous occurrence, propitious to them, and 
 unfavourable to their enemy. 
 
 In the course of the battle occurred an individual 
 affair, somewhat singular, and not without interest. 
 
 Two young officers bearing the same rank met in 
 personal combat. The American perceiving that 
 the Briton had a decided superiority, in the use of 
 the sabre, and being himself of great activity, and 
 personal strength almost gigantic, closed with his 
 adversary and made him his prisoner.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 331 
 
 Gentlemanly, generous, and high minded, this 
 event, added to a personal resemblance which they 
 were observed to bear to each other, produced be- 
 tween these two youthful warriors an intimacy, 
 which increased, in a short time, to a mutual attach- 
 ment. 
 
 Not long after the action, the American officer 
 returning home, on furlough, to settle some private 
 business, obtained permission for his friend to ac- 
 company him. 
 
 Travelling without any attendants or guard, they 
 were both armed and well mounted. Part of their 
 route lay through a settlement highly disaffected to 
 the American cause. 
 
 When in the midst of this, having, in consequence 
 of a shower of rain, thrown around them their cloaks, 
 which concealed their uniforms, they were suddenly 
 encountered by a detachment of tories. 
 
 The young American, determined to die rather 
 than become a prisoner, especially to men whom he 
 held in abhorrence for disloyalty to their country, and 
 the generous Briton resolved not to survive one by 
 whom he had been distinguished and treated so kind- 
 ly, they both together, with great spirit and self-pos- 
 session, charged the royalists, having first made sig- 
 nals in their rear, as if directing others to follow them;
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 and thus, without injury on either side, had the ad- 
 dress and good fortune to put the party to flight 
 
 Arriving in safety at their place of destination, 
 what was their surprise and augmented satisfaction, 
 on finding, from some questions proposed by the 
 American officer's father, that they were first cousins! 
 
 With increasing delight the young Briton passed 
 several weeks in the family of his kinsman, where 
 the writer of this narrative saw him daily, and often 
 listened, with the rap'ture of a child, to the check- 
 ered story of his military adventures. 
 
 To heighten the occurrence., and render it more 
 romantic, the American officer had a sister, beauti- 
 ful and accomplished, whose heart soon felt for the 
 gallant stranger, more than the affection due to a 
 cousin. The attachment was mutual. 
 
 But here the adventure assumes a tragical cast. 
 The youthful foreigner, being exchanged, was sum- 
 moned to return to his regiment. The message was 
 fatal to his peace. But military honour demanded the 
 sacrifice: and the lady, generous and high-minded as 
 himself, would not be instrumental in dimming his 
 laurels. 
 
 The parting scene was a high-wrought picture of 
 tenderness and sorrow. On taking leave, the parties 
 mutually bound themselves, by a solemn promise, to
 
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 333 
 
 remain single a certain number of years, in the hope 
 that an arrangement contemplated might again- bring 
 them together. A few weeks afterwards, the lady ex- 
 pired under an attack of small pox. The fate of the 
 officer we never learnt. 
 
 The battle of the Eutaw springs being terminated, 
 the movements of the two hostile armies which fol- 
 lowed, were nearly the same, part of them, however, 
 arising from very different motives, that had taken 
 place after the action at Guilford court-house. 
 
 In the present instance, general Greene gained the 
 victory and kept the field. But to procure water 
 for his suffering troops, whose canteens had been 
 emptied early in the action, and, there being no 
 springs or rivulets on the battle ground, he was 
 obliged to fall back, immediately, to a position that 
 was several miles in his rear. 
 
 Encamping here for the night, he determined, 
 after the requisite refreshment of his army, to return 
 without delay, and compel the enemy to another en^ 
 gasement. 
 
 o o 
 
 Accordingly, on the morning of the 9th, the 
 American light troops under Lee and Marion, re- 
 ceived orders to march circuitously, and gain a po- 
 sition in the British rear.
 
 334 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 The object of this movement was twofold; to in- 
 tercept such reinforcements as might be advancing 
 from Charleston; and to prevent the retreat of colo- 
 nel Stuart within the lines of that fortress. 
 
 But -the British leader was too much weakened, to 
 risk himself any longer in the neighbourhood of his 
 adversary. Conscious that he was indebted to ac- 
 cident for his preservation in the last, he plainly 
 foresaw, that another encounter would effectuate his 
 ruin. 
 
 So prompt was he, therefore, in his measures, and 
 so precipitate in his movements, that, leaving his 
 sick and wounded behind him, he made good his re- 
 treat, before the American commander could reach 
 him. The only injury he received in his flight, was 
 from Lee and Marion, who cut off part of his rear 
 guard, galled him in his flanks, killed several, and 
 made a number of prisoners. 
 
 Such was the issue of the battle of Eutaw. Like 
 that of every other fought by general. Greene, it man- 
 ifested, in him, judgment and sagacity of the highest 
 order. It proved definitively, that he never erred, in 
 selecting the moment to strike his opponent. 
 
 Although he was repeatedly forced from the field, 
 it may be truly said of that officer, that he never lost 
 an action the consequences, at least, being always
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 335 
 
 in his favour. In no instance did he fail to reduce 
 his enemy to a condition, relatively much worse, than 
 that in which he met him; his own condition, of 
 course, being relatively improved. Hence, unless 
 where the foe received reinforcements, he was, in 
 every instance, solicitous to renew the battle; to avoid 
 which, his adversary uniformly retreated. 
 
 More conclusive evidence of the ability and good 
 conduct of a military chief, in the discharge of his 
 duty, can no where be found. Whether, in the mode 
 of warfare necessary to be adopted, a commander re- 
 treat, advance, delay, give battle, or avoid it, his only 
 object is, to better himself relatively; in doing which 
 a sufficient number of times, he is sure to triumph. 
 
 Such was the never-failing issue of every plan of 
 military operations, which Greene devised and de- 
 liberately pursued. 
 
 From the crossing of the Catawba, he retreated 
 before lord Cornwallis, until the battle of Guilford, 
 when the state of things was reversed, and his lord- 
 ship was compelled to become the retreating party. 
 
 Although driven from the field, by lord Rawdon, 
 at Hobkirk's hill, that officer, soon afterwards find- 
 ing himself unable to maintain his ground, fell back 
 towards Charleston.
 
 336 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Repulsed from Ninety-six, and pursued by the 
 same commander, that fortress was notwithstanding 
 immediately evacuated, and his lordship obliged to 
 retrograde for safety. 
 
 And finally, of the battle of the Eutaw springs, the 
 last essay in arms, in which it was the fortune of 
 Greene to command, the issue was, the abandon- 
 ment, by the enemy, of the whole of South Carolina, 
 except the post of Charleston and its vicinity. 
 
 Unable to bring the foe again into the field, and 
 his army, from fatigue and exposure, becoming ex- 
 ceedingly unhealthy, the better to provide for his 
 sick and wounded, and preserve from disease the re- 
 mainder of his troops, he returned, by easy marches, 
 to his late salubrious encampment, on the high hills 
 of Santee.
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Disappointed, in the promised co-operation of the French sea and land 
 forces, for the entire recovery of the southern department, general 
 Greene determines, again, to attempt it, single-handed moves from 
 the high hills, and takes post in the neighbourhood of Charleston 
 confines the enemy to their lines meditates daring enterprises 
 against them projects an attack on St. John's island one of the most 
 arduous, bold, and magnificent, that marked the course of the revo- 
 lutionary war account of. Reinforcements arrive from the North. 
 Expedition against the enemy in Georgia, led by general Wayne 
 the character of that officer his successes and reverses augments 
 his reputation discontents in the army of Greene a conspiracy 
 formed to deliver him to the enemy discovered, quelled, and the 
 ringleader put to death the remainder desert to the enemy. No na- 
 tive American engaged in the plot colonel Laurens exchanged be- 
 fore his turn difficulties in relation to assigning him a command- 
 Greene's anxiety on the subject makes an arrangement in behalf 
 of Laurens the discontent excited by it Greene adheres to his 
 purpose. The officers of Lee's legion resign. On a suggestion from 
 Greene, they withdraw their resignation, and refer their wrongs to 
 congress. General Leslie, now holding the chief command of the 
 British forces in the south, proposes, in a letter to general Greene, 
 to relinquish all further marauding excursions, on condition that he 
 be permitted to purchase, at a fair price, provision for his troops 
 Greene is anxious to accede to the proposal; but the civil au- 
 thority of South Carolina, whose business it was to decide, refuse- 
 plundering' invasions continued. In repelling the last of them, colonel 
 Laurens is killed. The character of that officer. He fell a sacrifice 
 to the short sighted policy of his native state. Charleston evacuat- 
 ed the American army enters as the British retire the joy of the 
 inhabitants the reception of Greene gratitude shown him addres- 
 ses from different bodies arrangements to gratify and amuse him 
 his extreme modesty reflections on his situation. 
 
 
 THE autumnal fever prevailing extensively in the 
 
 lower country, General Greene continued in his pre- 
 
 u u
 
 338 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 sent favourite and healthy position, until after the cap- 
 ture of lord Cornwallis, 
 
 He had received a promise, that on the occur- 
 rence of that event, the French fleet, with a part of 
 the land forces on board, leaving the Chesapeake, 
 and passing round to Charleston, would co-operate 
 with him, in the entire recover)- of the Southern de- 
 partment. But for reasons which were neither sat- 
 isfactory nor liberal, this engagement, although de- 
 liberate and positive, was not fulfilled; the French 
 admiral refusing his services. 
 
 With the stipulated aid, the expulsion of the foe 
 from the three southern states would have been cer- 
 tain and easy. Even without it, the American com- 
 mander still believed, that he could force them from 
 North Carolina and Georgia, confining them within 
 the lines of Charleston alone. 
 
 Chagrined by disappointment in an enterprise, 
 which promised a result so decisive and glorious, he 
 resolved to remain no longer inactive, but, inconsid- 
 erable in numbers as his forces were, to renew the 
 contest single handed. With this determination he 
 decamped from the high hills, about the middle of 
 November, and once more took post in the neigh- 
 bourhood of the enemv.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 339 
 
 The British had established, at Dorchester, a 
 strong post, containing in regulars and tories near 
 a thousand men, besides a large amount of military 
 stores. 
 
 With a view to strike, and carry this important 
 garrison by surprise, Greene, leaving his main army, 
 placed himself at the head of his cavalry, supported 
 by two hundred infantry, and advanced on it through 
 by- ways with the utmost secrecy. 
 
 But the inhabitants of the neighbouring district 
 being mostly royalists, the enemy were informed of 
 his approach; and he found them, therefore, prepar- 
 ed for defence. A part of them had even the auda- 
 city to sally from their lines, to try their strength 
 with him in open combat. But they were fiercely 
 charged, and without any loss on the part of the 
 Americans, driven back on their works, with consid- 
 erable slaughter. 
 
 Without attempting any thing further, or waiting 
 until operations should be commenced against them, 
 they burnt their stores, on the following night, and 
 retreated precipitately towards the lines of Charles- 
 ton. 
 
 Disappointed in this favourite enterprise, which, 
 to give it the greater certaiuty and effect, he had 
 conducted in person, he returned to the encampment 
 of the main army at the Round 0.
 
 340 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Here, with the exception of the light troops under 
 Lee and Marion, which were constantly on the alert, 
 and often in action, to protect the country from the 
 predatory excursions of the British horse, the army 
 of preene was comparatively unemployed. But 
 very different was the case with regard to his own 
 prolific and enterprising mind. At no former period 
 had that been more uninterruptedly or intenselyen- 
 
 His schemes of adventure devised against the 
 enemy were daring and original. Unprovided as he 
 was with a maritime force, he, notwithstanding, 
 meditated an attack, by land and water, on the gar- 
 rison in Charleston, commanded now by major ge- 
 neral Leslie. His plan was, to float a select detach- 
 ment of troops down the Ashley river, in the night; 
 to enter the city in that quarter, at a given hour, 
 concurrently with an assault on the lines in front. 
 
 Although obstacles insuperable prevented any actu- 
 al attempt at the accomplishment of this scheme, the 
 conception of it alone bore testimony to the intrepidi- 
 ty and abundant resources of the general's mind; and, 
 an apprehension that something of the kind was in- 
 tended, produced among the enemy, who now asso- 
 ciated with the name of Greene every thing that was 
 formidable, great uneasiness. Invincible as they had
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 814 
 
 found himself they began to believe that nothing 
 could resist him; but, that by stratagem or force, he 
 was destined to accomplish whatever he might at- 
 tempt. When an officer has thus subdued the spirit 
 of his enemy, his ascendency is complete; and the 
 fault is his own, if he does not destroy them. 
 
 But the most magnificent enterprise, both in its 
 nature and probable effects, which was at any time 
 meditated by general Greene, and perhaps the most 
 daring that marked the course of the revolutionary 
 war, was that against a strong detachment of the 
 British in St. John's island, under the command of 
 colonel Craig. 
 
 In the whole of this adventure, which, although 
 romantic in appearance, was perfectly feasible, the 
 late general (then colonel) Lee had a deep concern. 
 In no other way, therefore, can we render our read- 
 ers so perfectly acquainted with it, as by communi- 
 cating it to them in that officer's words. 
 
 " We have before mentioned, that major, now lieu- 
 tenant colonel Craig, had taken possession of St. 
 John's island, with a respectable detachment. Lee 
 was ordered, when detached towards that island, to 
 take measures for ascertaining with exactness the 
 strength and position of Craig, with his customary 
 precautions against surprise, and his manner of dis-
 
 342 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 charging the duties which his situation imposed. 
 This service was undertaken with all that zeal and 
 diligence which the mandates of a chief so enlighten- 
 ed and so respected, and an enterprise more brilliant 
 than all the past exploits in the course of the south- 
 ern war, could claim. Some weeks were assiduously 
 devoted to the acquiring of a clear comprehension of 
 this arduous and grand design, with an exact knowl- 
 edge of the complicated means necessary to its ex- 
 ecution: in the mean time, demonstrations were made 
 and reports circulated, exhibiting a settled plan in 
 the general of passing Ashley river, to be ready to 
 fall upon Charleston as soon as the reinforcement 
 under St. Clair, now approaching, should arrive. 
 
 "Lieutenant colonel Craig, with his infantry, was 
 posted at a plantation not far from the eastern extre- 
 mity of the island. The cavalry were cantoned six or 
 seven miles from the infantry, at different farm-hous- 
 es in its western quarter. At low water the inlet di- 
 viding St. John's from the main was passable by in- 
 fantry at two points only, both familiar to the enemy. 
 That at the western extremity ol the island was full 
 of large rocks, and could be used only in the da; ,, it 
 being necessary carefully to pick your route, which 
 
 in the deep water was from rock to rock. About mid- 
 . 
 
 way between the eastern and western extremities 
 
 . 
 
 . 
 
 9
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 343 
 
 was the other, where no natural difficulty occurred, 
 and in the last of the ebb tide the depth of water was 
 not more than waist high. This was guarded by two 
 galleys, the one above and the other below it; and 
 both within four hundred yards of each other, as 
 near to the ford as the channel would permit. 
 
 " Lee's examination of their position, together with 
 his observation of the manner in which the captains 
 of the galleys performed night duty, suggested the 
 practicability of passing between the galleys with in- 
 fantry unperceived. As soon as general Greene be- 
 came satisfied that this difficulty could be surmounted 
 he determined to hazard the attempt if a proper place 
 for the cavalry to swim across, could be ascertained. 
 But the deep marshes which lined the shores seemed 
 at first likely to prevent the approach of the horse. 
 At length major Eggleston, commanding the legion- 
 ary cavalry, discovered a practicable route some dis- 
 tance below the galleys. He ordered one or two of 
 his dragoons to swim to the opposite shore in the 
 night to select firm ground, and to erect small stakes 
 as beacons to guide the cavalry where first to strike 
 the shore of the island. This was duly executed, and 
 reported accordingly to the general. 
 
 " The da) 7 \vas now fixed for making the attempt, 
 and preparatory orders were issued. Lieutenant colo-
 
 344 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 nel Lee, with the light corps acting under him, being 
 insufficient in strength, a detachment of infantry from 
 the army was made ready and placed under lieuten- 
 ant colonel Laurens, who was ordered to join Lee at 
 a given point, when on his march to the theatre of 
 action. 
 
 " The plantation on which lieutenant colonel Craig 
 had encamped was intersected by many ditches, as 
 was usual in the cultivated grounds of South Carolina 
 near the sea. One of these stretched along the front 
 of the British camp, about one hundred yards dis- 
 tant from it, which afforded sufficient space for the 
 infantry of Craig to display in line, and which the 
 assailants did not doubt the lieutenant colonel would 
 seize as soon as he should discover their advance. 
 
 " To compensate in some measure for the advan- 
 tage which the ground afforded to the enemy, the in- 
 fantry of the attacking corps was rendered superior 
 by one fifth to that to be assaulted. 
 
 " Lieutenant colonel Craig, although to all appear- 
 ance protected from annoyance by his insulated sit- 
 uation, did not neglect the necessary precautions for 
 his safety; nor did he permit any relaxation in discip- 
 line, or any diminution of vigilance. The chance of 
 surprising him was not encouraging; but being very 
 desirably and possible, it was determined that it
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 345 
 
 should be attempted. On the road leading from the 
 ford, protected by the galleys, Craig had placed a 
 picquet, about a mile from the galleys; and two miles 
 further on was another, at the point where the road 
 last mentioned ran longitudinally through the island. 
 On the left of this point of intersection, Craig was 
 encamped, three or four miles from it towards 
 Charleston; and on the right of the same point were 
 the cavalry, a few miles distant towards the western 
 extremity of the island. Our plan was as follows. 
 As soon as the infantry should effect its passage into 
 the island, an officer of cavalry, who had been di- 
 rected for the purpose to accompany lieutenant colo- 
 nel Lee, was then to return to major Eggleston with 
 orders for the cavalry to pass to the island, and wait 
 for the infantry near to the road of march, which 
 took a direction inclining to the landing place of the 
 horse. 
 
 " The first picquet was to be approached with the 
 utmost secrecy, and then to be forced with vigor by 
 the van, which was ordered to spread itself for the 
 purpose of preventing the escape of any individual; 
 and the cavalry had directions to take measures to 
 intercept every person who might endeavour to pass 
 in their direction. We flattered ourselves with pos- 
 sessing the picquet without much resistance; and 
 
 x x
 
 346 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 knowing that Craig was too remote to hear the fir- 
 ing, should any occur, we hoped by the interception 
 of every fugitive to stop all communication with him. 
 "The second pi cquet was to be avoided, which with 
 proper care was feasible; when the infantry, support- 
 ed by one troop of horse, was to advance upon Craig, 
 while Eggleston with the residue of the dragoons 
 would fall upon the enemy's cavalry. Succeeding in 
 both points, the main body could not escape the me- 
 ditated surprise, which would give to us an easy vic- 
 tory: failing in arresting every individual of the post, 
 or in evading the last picquet, Craig would be advis- 
 ed of our approach, and would be prepared to receive 
 us. In the latter event, we intended, by turning one 
 of his flanks, in case he threw himself into the ditch, 
 of which, from our knowledge of his character, no 
 doubt could exist, to force him. to change his front; 
 and we were so thoroughly satisfied with the charac- 
 ter of our troops as to assume it as a fact, that no 
 corps, even of equal force, could execute the manoQu- 
 vre in our face without being destroyed. In this opi- 
 nion Greene concurred, and on its accuracy was 
 rested the issue of the enterprise. However such a 
 conclusion may wear the appearance of arrogance, 
 it does not merit the reproach. The veteran troops 
 in the Southern army had attained the highest grade
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE, 347 
 
 of discipline. Every soldier as well as officer was 
 conscious of his acquirements, and had experienced 
 their good effect. They also knew that victory was 
 not only the sure reward of every man's doing his 
 duty in battle, but they were convinced that each 
 man's personal safety was promoted by the same 
 Course. 
 
 "Thus persuaded, they were habitually actuatedby 
 the determination of confiding entirely in their lead- 
 er, their discipline, and their valor. Such troops will 
 generally succeed, and, upon this occasion, could 
 scarcely fail: for the major part of Craig's infantry 
 had long been in garrison at Wilmington, where 
 they never had seen an enemy in arms; and his cav- 
 alry were known to be very inferior to the American 
 horse, and were separated from the infantry. To 
 reckon, therefore, upon victory, did not manifest 
 presumption; but only showed that Lee and Laur- 
 ens duly appreciated the advantages they possessed, 
 and were willing to stake their reputation and lives 
 on the correctness of the estimate they had formed 
 of them. 
 
 " The day appointed for the execution of the enter- 
 prise now arrived (21st December). Lieutenant co- 
 lonel Laurens moved with his detachment from the 
 main body towards the Ashley river, for the ostensi-
 
 348 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ble purpose of passing the river and taking post in 
 the neighbourhood of Dorchester. Halting near Ba- 
 con's bridge until late in the evening, he counter- 
 marched, as if returning to camp, when after night- 
 fall he turned to his left, taking the route prescribed 
 for his junction with Lee. The latter officer moved 
 in the same evening from his position at M'Queen's 
 plantation, and about nine P. M. reached the rendez- 
 vous, where he was met with precision by Laurens. 
 The troops halted, and took the last meal for twen- 
 ty-four hours, after which they were called to arms 
 and were made acquainted with the destined object. 
 They were told, that the enterprise before them was 
 replete with difficulties; that the most powerful of the 
 many which attended it would be met at the thresh- 
 old; that this was to be encountered by the infantry, 
 and could be overcome only by profound silence and 
 strict obedience to orders. Success in the first step 
 would in all probability lead to complete victory; in- 
 asmuch as the enemy was inferior in number, divid- 
 ed in position, and safe, in his own presumption, 
 from his insular situation. That the plan of opera- 
 tions had been approved by the general; and the 
 troops now united had been honoured by his selec- 
 tion of them for the purpose of concluding the cam- 
 paign in. a manner worthy of the zeal, courage and
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 349 
 
 patience displayed by the army in all preceding 
 scenes. They were assured that every difficulty had 
 been well weighed; the best intelligence with the 
 best guides had been procured; and that they could 
 not be disappointed in reaping a rich harvest of 
 glory, unless the commandants had deceived them- 
 selves in their estimate of their intrepidity and dis- 
 cipline. A burst of applause ensued from the ranks, 
 evincing the delight which all felt in knowing that 
 victory was certain, unless lost by their misbehaviour. 
 
 " The disposition for battle was now made. The 
 infantry was arrayed in two columns: that of Lee 
 forming the right, that of Laurens the left. The cav- 
 alry were also divided into two squadrons: one third 
 under Armstrong was attached to the infantry; while 
 the other two thirds, under Eggleston, were appro- 
 priated to strike at the enemy's dragoons, with orders 
 as soon as they were secured to hasten to the sup- 
 port of the infantry. 
 
 " Every necessary arrangement having been made, 
 we resumed our march; and, after a few miles move, 
 the cavalry filed to our left to gain its station on the 
 river. Within an hour from this separation, we got 
 near to the marsh, which on this side lines the river 
 in the place where the infantry was to pass. Here 
 the infantry again halted and deposited their knap--
 
 350 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 sacks, and the officers, dismounting, left their horses. 
 Dr. Skinner, of the legion infantry, who considered 
 fighting as no part of his business, was indulged in 
 his request of being intrusted with the charge of the 
 baggage. The detachment again moved; every man 
 in his place; and every officer enjoined to take spe- 
 cial care to march in sight of his preceding section, 
 lest in the darkness of the night a separation might 
 happen. 
 
 " After some time our guides informed us that we 
 were near the marsh. This intelligence was commu- 
 nicated from section to section, and the columns were 
 halted, as had been previously concerted, that every 
 officer and soldier might pull off boots and shoes to 
 prevent the splashing which they produced when 
 wading through water, to be resumed when we reach- 
 ed the opposite shore. The order was instantly and 
 cheerfully executed by the troops. Entering on the 
 marsh, we moved very slowly, every man exerting 
 himself to prevent noise. The van, under Rudolph, 
 reached the shore, and proceeded, in conformity to 
 orders, without halting into the river. Lee coming 
 up with the head of the column, accompanied by 
 lieutenant colonel Laurens, halted and directed a 
 staff officer to return and see that the sections were 
 all up. We now enjoyed the delightful pleasure of
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 351 
 
 hearing the sentinels from each galley crying " all is 
 safe," when Rudolph with the van was passing be- 
 tween them. 
 
 " No circumstance could have been more exhilarat- 
 ing, as we derived from it a conviction that the diffi- 
 culty most to be apprehended would be surmounted, 
 and every man became persuaded from the evidence 
 of his own senses, that an enemy assailable only in 
 this way would be found off his guard, and, therefore, 
 that victory was certain. At this moment the staff of- 
 ficer returned with information that the rear column 
 was missing. Laurens immediately went back to the 
 high land with some of the guides and staff officers 
 to endeavour to find it. The affliction produced by 
 this communication is indescribable. At the very 
 moment when every heart glowed with anticipations 
 of splendid glory, an incident was announced which 
 menaced irremediable disappointment. 
 
 " Hour after hour passed; messengers occasionally 
 coming in from Laurens, and no intelligence gained 
 respecting the lost column. At length the tide, which 
 was beginning flood when the van passed, had now 
 risen so high as to compel the recal of Rudolph, even 
 had not the morning been too far spent to admit per- 
 severance in the enterprise. A sergeant was sent
 
 352 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 across the inlet with orders for the return of the van, 
 and the column retired. 
 
 "Rudolph found the water, which had not reached 
 the waist as he passed, up to the breast as he return- 
 ed. Nevertheless every man got back safe; the tallest 
 assisting the lowest, and the galley sentinels continu- 
 ing to cry u all safe." We soon regained our baggage, 
 where large fires were kindled, and our wet troops 
 dried themselves. Here we met general Greene, who 
 had, in conformity with his plan, put his army in mo- 
 tion to draw near to the theatre of action, lest a body 
 of troops might be pushed across the Ashley to inter- 
 cept the attacking corps in its retreat from the island; 
 and with a view of compelling the galleys to abandon 
 their station, that Lee might retire on the next low 
 tide where he had passed, it being the most conveni- 
 ent route. He received with regret the unexpected 
 intelligence, rendered the more so, as he was well 
 assured that the enemy would learn the intended en- 
 terprise, and, therefore, that it could never be again 
 attempted. 
 
 "As soon as the day broke, the last column, which 
 had been completely bewildered, and was, if possi- 
 ble, more unhappy at the occurrence than were its 
 chagrined comrades, regained the road taken in 
 the night, and was now discerned by those who had
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 353 
 
 been searching for it Laurens returned with it to 
 our baggage ground, most unhappy of the unhappy. 
 
 " On inquiry it was ascertained that the leading 
 section, instead of turning into the marsh, continued 
 along the road, which led to a large plantation. Here 
 the error was discovered, to which was added ano- 
 ther. Instead of retracing his steps, the senior offi- 
 cer, from his anxiety to rejoin without delay, took 
 through the fields under the guidance of a negro, it 
 being the nearest route, and again got lost, so very 
 dark was the night; nor was he even able to reach 
 the road until directed by day light. 
 
 " Thus was marred the execution of an enterprise 
 surpassed by none throughout our war in grandeur 
 of design, and equalled by few in the beneficial effects 
 sure to result from its successful termination. Cen- 
 sure attached no where; for every precaution had 
 been adopted to guard against the very incident 
 which did occur, and, dark as was the night, the 
 troops had nearly completed the most difficult part of 
 the march without the least interruption. The officer 
 of the leading section of Laurens' column was among 
 the most attentive and trust-worthy in the army, and 
 yet the blunder was committed by him which led to 
 our disappointment The whole corps lamented the 
 deranging occurrence, especially Laurens, who re- 
 
 y y 
 
 <
 
 354 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 preached himself with having left his column, pre- 
 suming the accident would not have happened had 
 he continued in his station. This presumption may 
 be correct, as that officer was singularly attentive to 
 his duty; and yet his absence being necessary, it 
 could not be better supplied than it was. The pas- 
 sage of the river was the essential point, that on which 
 the expedition hung; and Laurens being second in 
 command, it was deemed prudent, as lieutenant co- 
 lonel Lee would necessarily pass with the front col- 
 umn for the purpose of directing those measures in- 
 tended to be applied against the enemy's picquet the 
 moment our rear reached the island, that lieutenant 
 colonel Laurens should repair to the river, and there 
 continue to superintend the troops as they entered in- 
 to the water, lest the sections might crowd on each 
 other, and thus increase the noise, a consequence to 
 be dreaded and guarded against: or, by entering too 
 high up or too low down the stream, miss the ford 
 and get into deep water. 
 
 " Laurens left his column by order to give his per- 
 sonal superintendence to this delicate operation: and. 
 therefore, was entirely exempted from any participa- 
 tion in the production of the unlucky accident \vhHi 
 occurred.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 355 
 
 u General Greene assuaged the sorrow which the 
 baffled troops so keenly felt, by thanking them as they 
 arrived for the exemplary manner in which they had 
 conducted themselves, and for the ardent zeal they 
 had displayed in the abortive attempt to execute the 
 enterprise committed to their skill and courage. He 
 lamented the disappointment which had occurred,, 
 but declared it to be owing to one of those incidents 
 which so often take place in war, and against which 
 upon this occasion every precaution had been adopt- 
 ed which prudence could suggest. He attributed the 
 accident to the darkness of the night, and, by com- 
 mending all, forbad the censure of any. Not satisfied 
 with this oral declaration to the troops, the general on 
 his return to camp, addressed a letter to each of the 
 lieutenant colonels, repeating his thanks to them and 
 to their respective corps. 
 
 " How often do we find military operations frustra- 
 ted by the unaccountable interposition of accident, 
 when every exertion in the power of the commander 
 has been made to prevent the very interruption which 
 happens? No doubt these incidents generally spring 
 from negligence or misconduct; and, therefore, might 
 be considerably diminished, if not entirely arrested, 
 by unceasing attention. When the van turned into the 
 marsh, Lee, as has been mentioned, halted to give a
 
 350 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENL. 
 
 minute or two for taking off boots and shoes, and 
 did not move until lieutenant colonel Laurens, who 
 had been sent for., came up and informed him that' 
 every section was in place. From this time Laurens 
 continued with Lee, and in the very short space which 
 occurred before the leading section of Laurens reach- 
 ed the point of turning into the marsh did the mis- 
 take occur which put an end to our much desired en- 
 terprise. Lieutenant colonel Lee believing the inter- 
 vention of mistake impracticable, as the sections were 
 all up, and as the march through the marsh would be 
 slower than it had been before, did not direct one of 
 his staff, as he had done heretofore, to halt at the 
 point where the change in the course of the route 
 occurred. This omission cannot be excused. This 
 precaution, although now neglected in consequence 
 of the official communication then received that the 
 sections were all in place, and the short distance to 
 the marsh, the experience of this night proves that 
 however satisfactorily the march may have been con- 
 ducted, and however precisely in place the troops 
 may be, yet that no preventive of mistake should be 
 neglected. Had the practice been followed at the 
 last change of course, which hud uniformly taken 
 place during the previous march, the fatal error 
 would not have been committed, and this concluding
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 357 
 
 triumph to our arms in the South would not have 
 been lost 
 
 " The state of Georgia might probably have been 
 recovered by the effects of this severe blow; as the 
 northern reinforcement soon after joined us, and ge- 
 neral Leslie would have found it necessary for the 
 security of Charleston to have replaced the troops 
 lost on St. John's island, which could not be so con- 
 veniently done as by drawing to him the garrison of 
 Savannah. Hitherto Greene had struggled to recov- 
 er the country far from the ocean: now he contempla- 
 ted its delivery even where British troops were pro- 
 tected by British ships, but was baffled by this night's 
 accident. The spirit of disaffection, which had al- 
 ways existed among the inhabitants of Charleston, 
 had been vigilantly watched by the British comman- 
 der, as he was no stranger to its prevalence. When 
 lord Rawdon evacuated Camden, this spirit became 
 so formidable, in consequence of the success of the 
 American arms in the South, as to induce his lord- 
 ship to continue with his army at Monk's corner, un- 
 til the arrival of three regiments from Ireland ena- 
 bled him to leave behind an adequate force ibr the 
 security of that city during his resumption of offensive 
 operations. Subsequent events promoted this dispo- 
 sition, and the capture of the army under earl Corn-
 
 358 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 wallis gave to it full energy. Nor can it be doubted 
 that, had Greene succeeded in destroying the corps 
 under lieutenant colonel Craig, this spirit would have 
 been turned to his co-operation, in case general Les- 
 lie had been so imprudent as to rely upon his reduced 
 garrison for the defence of Charleston after the junc- 
 tion of our reinforcement from the North. We may, 
 therefore, safely pronounce that general Greene did 
 not err in his calculations of restoring Georgia to the 
 Union in the event of his success against Craig, and 
 we sincerely lament that his bold design should have 
 been frustrated by the derangement which occurred." 
 
 By order of general Greene, a British galley ly- 
 ing in Ashley river, mounting twelve guns and seve- 
 ral swivels, and manned with forty-three seamen, 
 was captured and burnt, without loss, by captain 
 Rudolph of Lee's legion. On this well conducted, 
 and brilliant little affair, general Lee makes the fol- 
 lowing remarks. 
 
 " Thus the tone of enterprise continued high and 
 vigorous on our side, while low and languishing with 
 the enemy. The novelty of this successful attempt at- 
 tracted notice in Charleston; and such was the state 
 of despondency which prevailed in its garrison as to 
 give currency to opinions calculated still further to 
 depress the humbled spirit of the British soldier.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 359 
 
 When it was found that even their floating castles, the 
 pride and bulwark of Englishmen, were successfully 
 assailed by landsmen, the water quarter of the town, 
 which was accessible by water, necessarily became 
 an object of jealousy. Every alarm in the night ex- 
 cited dire apprehensions: sometimes Greene was 
 moving to force their lines; at other times he was 
 floating down the Ashley; and in one way or another 
 he was ever present to their disturbed imaginations." 
 
 Reinforcements, led by major general St. Clair, 
 having arrived from the army of the north, disposi- 
 tions were made, without delay, to act with effect 
 against the enemy in Georgia. 
 
 The first object of this arrangement was, to pro- 
 tect the country from predatory excursions: but the 
 chief officer had it also in charge, to reconnoitre with 
 care the garrison of Savannah, and, should the en- 
 terprise appear practicable, attempt it by assault. 
 
 The command of the expedition was conferred on 
 brigadier general Wayne, who had recently arrived 
 from the northern department, and for ardour, gal- 
 lantry, intrepidity of spirit, and all that urges to deeds 
 of valour, stood unrivalled among the officers of his 
 rank. So strong was the affinity of his soul for dan- 
 ger, that he appeared to court battle for its own 
 sake, and to hold even the scroll of glory cheap, un-
 
 360 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 less its characters were traced in blood. Yet, as a 
 man, he was eminently tender and humane, suscepti- 
 ble of all the softer affections, remarkable for the 
 warmth and steadiness of his friendships, and greatly 
 beloved for his social virtues. 
 
 His career in the service now assigned him, was 
 singularly checkered with success and misfortune. 
 But if, on any occasion, he justly incurred the impu- 
 tation of negligence, his firmness and courage nobly 
 sustaining him in every emergency, and making the 
 best possible amends for antecedent remissness, he 
 acquired, in the end, an increase of reputation. 
 
 From this period, until the close of the war, an 
 interval of many months, nothing occurred of brilli- 
 ancy or exploit, to bestow on the character of the 
 commander of the south additional lustre. Yet, at 
 no former conjuncture, however portentous, had he 
 duties to perform, or difficulties to encounter, that 
 called more imperiously for the exercise of all the 
 powers of his intellect, and for all his acquired expe- 
 rience and skill. 
 
 Added to his usual circumspection in relation to 
 his enemy, he had now to watch the deportment, and 
 pry into the spirit of his own troops, with a suspi- 
 cion and jealousy that were peculiarly painful to him. 
 While employed in the active operations of tho
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 361 
 
 field, his army had thought of nothing but the con- 
 quest of the foe. But a season of inaction had af- 
 forded them leisure to reflect on their own condition, 
 which, injustice, must be acknowledged to have been 
 extremely comfortless. 
 
 For their country they had done and suffered 
 much; while it, in return, had done but little for them; 
 and, in their estimation, appeared to undervalue the 
 services they had performed. Of their pay a very 
 heavy arrearage was due to them, and no competent 
 arrangement made for discharging it: their supply of 
 provisions, miserable in quality, was scanty and pre- 
 carious; and, although winter was at hand, they were 
 actually destitute of blankets and clothing. 
 
 Greene's own letters, at this period, present a 
 forcible picture of the deplorable condition, to which 
 the army was reduced, and the infinite difficulties he 
 had to encounter in keeping the field. 
 
 " I would order, says he, to the secretary at war, 
 " the returns you require, but we really have not pa- 
 per enough to make them out; not having had, for 
 months past, even paper to make provision returns, 
 or to record the necessary returns of the army." 
 
 Again " since we have been in the lower country, 
 through the difficulty of transportation, we have been 
 
 four weeks without ammunition, while there was 
 
 z z 

 
 362 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 plenty of this article in Charlotte. We lay within a 
 fev\ 7 miles of the enemy with not six rounds a man, 
 Had they got knowledge and availed themselves of 
 our situation, they might have ruined us." 
 
 " You can have little idea of the confusion and 
 disorder, which prevail among the southern states. 
 Our difficulties are so numerous, and our wants so 
 pressing, that I have not a moment's relief from the 
 most painful anxieties." 
 
 "A great part of our troops are in a deplorable 
 situation for want of clothing. We have three hun- 
 dred men without arms; and more than a thousand 
 so naked, that they can be put on duty only in cases 
 of a desperate nature. We have been all winter in 
 want of arms and clothing. The subsistence of the 
 army is wretched, and we are without rum or any 
 other kind of spirits." 
 
 Superadded to the deep anxieties he felt on ac- 
 count of the suffering condition of his army, general 
 Greene experienced solicitudes exceedingly painful, 
 from considerations of a' personal nature. 
 
 " I was well informed, said he, in a letter to the 
 secretary at war, that you had let in some prejudices 
 to my disadvantage; such as my being more influenc- 
 ed by men than measures; and that, in the field, I 
 had neither activity nor enterprise. However mortify-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 363 
 
 ing these things were, my pride would not suffer me 
 to undeceive you; and such was my situation, at the 
 time, that it would have been difficult, if not impossi- 
 ble, had I attempted it. My military conduct must 
 speak for itself. I have only to observe, that I have 
 not been at liberty to folloxv my own genius, until late- 
 ly; and here I have had more embarrassment, than 
 it is proper to disclose to the world. Let it suffice 
 to say, that this part of the United States has had a 
 narrow escape. I have been seven months in tiie field, 
 without taking my dollies off one night!" 
 
 Under difficulties so numerous and complicated, to 
 keep the field in the vicinity of the enemy, and so 
 conceal his real condition, as to hold them in check, 
 by presenting a bold and formidable aspect, bespeaks 
 in general Greene, such a plenitude of resources, as 
 has never been surpassed in any commander. 
 
 In consequence of their situation, as here depicted, 
 discontent among the troops, which was first heard 
 in murmurs, burst forth in loud and general com- 
 plaint. 
 
 Nor had the evil yet attained its climax. Part of 
 the soldiery became tainted with treason; and a con- 
 spiracy was formed, to seize the person of Greene 
 and deliver him to the enemy. An arrangement to 
 that effect was understood to have been settled in a
 
 364 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 correspondence with a British officer; and so fully was 
 the project matured, that a party of Tarleton's horse 
 advanced, as was believed, to the place where they 
 expected to receive their prisoner. 
 
 But the vigilance of Greene was not to be eluded; 
 his penetration and discernment could not be over- 
 reached; nor did his decision pause as to the course 
 to be pursued. The plot was discovered and defeat- 
 ed; the ringleader apprehended, tried, and shot, and 
 twelve of the most guilty of his associates, deserted 
 to the enemy. Two of the general's domestics were 
 strongly suspected; but the evidence of their guilt 
 being insufficient to convict them, they escaped pun- 
 ishment. 
 
 To the honour of the American character, no na- 
 tive of the country was known to be concerned in 
 this conspiracy. Foreigners alone were its projectors 
 and abettors. 
 
 Thus was another scheme of treason, conducted, 
 indeed, by individuals of humbler rank, but equally 
 daring with that of Arnold, and, in the present pos- 
 ture of affairs, not likely to prove much less fatal in 
 its consequences, happily defeated. At this critical 
 moment, the surrender of the commanding general 
 to the enemy, would have produced the dissolution 
 of the southern army. For, suffering and deeply
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 365 
 
 discontented as they were, Greene was, now, the 
 Washington of his troops. He held them together, 
 and kept them to the faithful discharge of their duty, 
 much more by the attachment they bore his person, 
 and the pride they felt in fighting under his banner, 
 than by the terms of their enlistment, or a spirit of 
 subordination. 
 
 Greene's conduct on another occasion, in prevent- 
 ing a meditated mutiny of the Maryland line, mani- 
 fested sound judgment, and a perfect knowledge of 
 human nature. 
 
 Having already caused to be tried and shot, the 
 only open abettor of the crime he had been able to 
 detect, he thus expressed himself, in general or- 
 ders. 
 
 " One or two, of artful dispositions, are sufficient 
 to betray hundreds of well disposed men into errors. 
 But the general is happy to find, that the Maryland 
 line has nobly withstood the secret machinations of 
 such as have attempted to mislead them: nor can he 
 believe that soldiers who have fought so bravely, and 
 whose character is universally admired, will ever tar- 
 nish their glory by improper conduct/' 
 
 To a soldier versed in battle, and proud of his re- 
 putation, an appeal like this, is much more power- 
 ful than the fear of death.
 
 366 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 The most prevalent and dangerous crime of the 
 southern army was that of desertion. To suppress 
 this, the commanding general was obliged to be ex- 
 ceedingly rigorous in his government. Hence arose 
 the frequency of executions; which, in proportion to 
 the number of his troops, was greater under the ad- 
 ministration of Greene, than in any other division of 
 the American army. 
 
 Within a short period afterwards, there occurred, 
 in his army, another event, extremely delicate and 
 difficult to be managed. 
 
 Colonel Laurens, a native of South Carolina, and 
 a young officer of splendid abilities, having become 
 a prisoner at the time of the fall of Charleston, had 
 been exchanged antecedently to his regular turn, and 
 had recently joined the southern army. 
 
 This violation of order' and usage, in the libera- 
 tion of that gentleman, being considered an act of 
 unwarrantable partiality, gave serious offence to 
 those officers who had been captured before him, 
 and were still permitted to remain in the hands of 
 the enemy. 
 
 The reasons assigned for this procedure, although 
 sufficiently specious, were not deemed satisfactory, 
 especially by those who suffered by the act. They 
 were, the superior services which it was alleged
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 367 
 
 colonel Laurens would be able to render to his na- 
 
 * 
 
 tive state, now the chief seat of war in the depart- 
 ment of the south; and, that, being aid to general 
 Washington, the commander in chief, he ought not 
 to be held subject to the common rule of exchange. 
 
 In this transaction, however, which had been the 
 work of congress alone, general Greene had no more 
 concern than any other officer. 
 
 But, in relation to colonel Laurens, there existed 
 another difficulty, which gave the general great un- 
 easiness, and embarrassed him not a little in the ad- 
 ministration of his command. 
 
 That gentleman was now in his family, and was 
 expected to receive, in the line of the southern army, 
 a station suitable to his rank. 
 
 From his desire to gratify what he believed to be 
 the wish, not only of congress, but of the comman- 
 der in chief, as well as from his knowledge of the 
 preeminent worth of colonel Laurens, Greene was 
 solicitous to confer the expected command. No 
 vacancy, however, at present existed; and should 
 one occur, it could not be thus filled, without injus- 
 tice to other officers, who, from services rendered in 
 the southern department, had superior claims. 
 
 The anxiety of Greene, to confer on colonel Lau- 
 rens a suitable appointment, was much heighten-
 
 368 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ,. 
 
 ed, by intimations he had received from head-quar- 
 ters. He had learnt, on authority not to be ques- 
 tioned, that he himself was there represented in 
 whispers, as inordinately ambitious: that he was said 
 to have been, of late, less communicative to general 
 Washington, than circumstances warranted; and, 
 that, supposed to be vain of his laurels in the south, 
 he was suspected, like .Gates, after the victory of 
 Saratoga, to be aspiring to the station of commander 
 in chief. 
 
 That general Washington entertained a jealousy 
 so groundless and unworthy, had not been intimated. 
 Nor, pure as he held the spirit, and elevated the sen- 
 timents of that illustrious man, did Greene believe 
 such an error possible. He was not mistaken. 
 Washington harboured no such suspicion. 
 
 Unwilling, however, either to perform or omit, an 
 act, which, with any shadow of probability, jealousy 
 itself might construe against him, he had resolved 
 from the beginning, to create an opportunity, should 
 none present itself, to gratify colonel Laurens in the 
 wished for arrangement. 
 
 In the enterprise against St. John's island, he had 
 associated him with colonel Lee, hoping that the 
 brilliancy of victory might justify preferment. But.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 363 
 
 adventure had failed, and with it, the prospect of 
 facility from that quarter. 
 
 His health having suffered from the services and 
 exposure of a long continued campaign, Lee had 
 asked and obtained, permission to retire from the 
 command of the legion. But the vacancy thus 
 created, afforded no relief to the embarrassment of 
 Greene. 
 
 To bestow on colonel Laurens that station, the 
 most desirable, because the most honourable of its 
 rank connected with the army, neglecting officers 
 who had participated abundantly, in the dangers and 
 glories of the late campaign, was alike inconsistent 
 with justice and prudence. 
 
 T.o remove, as far as possible, all existing impedi- 
 ments, the legion being augmented, was erected into 
 a brigade, and general Gist appointed to lead it, 
 having under his command colonel Baylor at the 
 head of the cavalry, and colonel Laurens at that of 
 the infantry. ^ 
 
 Here again arose a difficulty, that had not been 
 anticipated. 
 
 While led by colonel Lee, the infantry and cavalry 
 of the legion had been united. Long associated, 
 therefore, in their fatigues and dangers, their mis- 
 fortunes and triumphs, they had formed attachments 
 
 3 A
 
 370 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 which it was painful to sever. Besides, having re- 
 peatedly witnessed each others gallantry and prowess 
 in battle, a reciprocal confidence had been thus en- 
 gendered, which sustained their firmness in every 
 emergency. When contending side by side, how- 
 ever greatly outnumbered -by the foe, they were 
 strangers to fear, or apprehensions of disaster. Mu- 
 tually, but not supinely relying, each man encourag- 
 ed by support in which he trusted, and determined 
 to do his duty, no less for the safety of his friend 
 than of himself, they thought of nothing but certain 
 victory. 
 
 But, by the new organization of the corps, these 
 comrades and friends were unexpectedly separated, 
 and placed under the command of different officers. 
 This unwelcome derangement of their associa- 
 tions and habits, did not fail to produce discontent. 
 The soldiers murmured, and the officers remonstrat- 
 ed, in terms that were wanting in respect to their 
 commandpr. 
 
 Greene replied with dignity and moderation; but 
 adhered with firmness to his new dispositions. 
 
 This, on the part of the officers of the legion, was 
 followed by an actof inconsiderate rashness. Chagrin- 
 ed at their disappointment, and aware of the stern 
 inflexibility of their leader, and, . therefore, without
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 371 
 
 further hope of bending him to their purpose, they 
 unanimously resigned their commissions, and asked 
 leave to retire from service. 
 
 Although this event was unexpected and embar- 
 rassing to Greene, and might have proved in a high 
 degree disastrous to the army, yet it produced in 
 him no relaxation of measures, nor any change in 
 the organization of the light brigade, with a view to 
 calm the discontented, or reclaim the delinquents. 
 He simply apprized the officers about to retire, of 
 their right to appeal to congress, alleging that that 
 body would redress whatever injury, or violation of 
 privilege, they might have sustained from the injudi- 
 cious decisions, or arbitrary rule of their command- 
 ing general. Conscious of the purity and rectitude 
 of his intentions, and persuaded that his late arrange- 
 ments were, in the main, calculated to promote the 
 good of the service, he made no overture to induce 
 them to remain. 
 
 These officers were generous and high minded; 
 but they had acted hastily, and tinder strong irrita- 
 tion. Passion had usurped the seat of reason, and 
 hurried them to a deed, that could not fail to sully 
 their reputation, and might prove, in the end, des- 
 tructive to their comrades. They had received from 
 their general many favours. He had distinguished 

 
 372 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 them by his applauses, assigned to them uniformly 
 the post of honour, passed indulgently over their faults, 
 and, through every vicissitude of situation and for- 
 tune, toiled incessantly for their comfort and safety. 
 To abandon him now, in the face of the enemy, for 
 a single measure, even admitting it to be arbitrary 
 and wrong, would be ungrateful and unsoldierly. It 
 would manifest, in them, a preference of self to their 
 love of country, falsify that sentiment of devotion to 
 the cause of freedom, they had always professed, and 
 be a stain on the laurels they so highly prized. 
 
 Under these reflections, eagerly availing them- 
 selves of the suggestion of their commander, they 
 withdrew their resignations, returned with invigorat- 
 ed alacrity to their duty, and referred their grievan- 
 ces to the decision of congress. 
 
 Having antecedently effected the conquest of his 
 enemy, Greene had now achieved the last act of 
 consummate generalship, a victory over his officers, 
 his army, and himself. 
 
 The disasters of the enemy, in the last campaign, 
 had rendered certain, at no distant period, the evac- 
 uation of the fortresses at present in their posses- 
 sion, and the return of peace. Besides the capture 
 of an entire army, led by the bravest and most ac- 
 complished of their generals, they had lost, in the
 
 LIFE OF, GENERAL GREENE, 373 
 
 south, a number of posts with their garrisons and 
 stores, and all the territory they had previously con- 
 quered. To attempt to recover, with diminished 
 means, what had thus been wrested from them, 
 when in greater force, worse than a common effort 
 of despair, would have been a convulsive and un- 
 availing struggle of madness. Convinced of this, 
 general Leslie lay inactive within the lines of 
 Charleston. 
 
 The only exception to a state of perfect inactivity, 
 on his part, arose from the necessity of procuring 
 supplies of provision for his troops. This he was 
 compelled to do, by marauding incursions into the 
 neighbouring country, which were often productive of 
 skirmishing and slaughter. 
 
 Weary of this useless effusion of blood, and having 
 announced his intention to evacuate Charleston, the 
 British commander expressed to general Greene, a 
 sincere desire to discontinue these incursions, pro- 
 vided he coulc^be permitted to purchase provisions 
 for his army, unmolested, and at a fair price. 
 
 To this proposal, which was both wise and hu- 
 mane, the American general, had he been empow- 
 ered to act on it, would have readily acceded. But 
 to decide in relation to it, belonged to the civil au- 

 
 374 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 thority of South Carolina; which, from well-meant 
 but mistaken motives, unfortunately rejected it. 
 
 The consequence was, a necessary continuance of 
 predatory warfare, until it ultimately led to a very 
 serious disaster. The accident was individual: but 
 misfortune in war is to be estimated by worth, rather 
 than by numbers; on which ground, that alluded to 
 could scarcely have been exceeded. In repelling the 
 last incursion, attempted by the British, Gist's brigade 
 sustained an irreparable loss in the much lamented 
 fall of colonel Laurens. 
 
 Cultivated and accomplished in person and intel- 
 lect, possessing the wisdom of age happily blended 
 with the ardour of youth, valiant to excess, full of re- 
 sources, and passionately devoted to the cause of in- 
 dependence, a champion more chivalrous, or an offi- 
 cer of higher promise, did not grace the ranks of 
 freedom. 
 
 With as near an approach to perfection, as it is the 
 lot of humanity to attain, his life became a sacrifice 
 to the short sighted policy of his native state. 
 
 Had the peaceful offer of Leslie been accepted, 
 Laurens might have lived, to deliberate with the wis- 
 est, and contend with the most eloquent, in the coun- 
 cils of his country, as he had already vied with the
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 375 
 
 most heroic, that constituted the nerve and pride of 
 her armies. 
 
 From this period, although peace was not yet pro- 
 claimed, nor had any formalities touching a cessa- 
 tion of hostilities,, passed between the rival leaders, 
 the ravages of war were permitted to cease, and the 
 two armies to enjoy repose, under a full persuasion, 
 that it would not again be interrupted, by the hurry 
 of preparation, or the din of battle. 
 
 At length, much to the satisfaction of all concern- 
 ed, general Leslie had completed his arrangements 
 for evacuating Charleston. Although general Greene 
 now believed in the approach of that event, and con- 
 fided in the sincerity of the enemy in relation to it, 
 he was too well acquainted with the unlocked for vi- 
 cissitudes in human affairs, to place himself in any 
 measure within the power of accident. Unrelaxing 
 therefore, in all his measures, he held himself in a 
 state of preparation to act, precisely as time and oc- 
 currences might direct. 
 
 It having been finally settled, as a condition of the 
 preservation of the city, that the enemy should not be 
 molested during their embarcation, the evacuation 
 took place on the Uth of December, 1782, the 
 American van entering the lines, just as the British 
 rear had left them.
 
 376 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 To the inhabitants of Charleston, who were dis- 
 tinguished for their loyalty in the cause of freedom, 
 this was a day of returning joy, and rapturous exul- 
 tation. Long exhausted, except what had been kind- 
 ly distilled into it by the hand of hope, but now 
 abundantly replenished from various sources, their 
 cup of felicity was ready to overflow. 
 
 For more than twenty months, they had been in 
 the hands of their enemy, subject to the restrictions 
 of a garrison establishment, and all the rigours of mi- 
 litary rule. Their lives, their liberties, and their en- 
 tire possessions, had been, during that period, at the 
 mercy of a fee, not very scrupulous in his opinions 
 of right, or in exercising the power of the victor over 
 the vanquished. 
 
 But these severities and privations were now ex- 
 changed, for freedom of action, the return of law. 
 and the watchful arid indulgent protection of their 
 friends. 
 
 Nor was the joy inspired, by a change so propi- 
 tious, embittered by an apprehension that it would 
 be fleeting in its duration. On the contrary, it was 
 greatly enhanced, by a confidence that it would be 
 lasting. The circumstances under which the enemy 
 had been compelled to depart, presented a guaranty 
 that they would not return.
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 377 
 
 With these considerations were connected others, 
 that were no less consolatory. For some time past, 
 the tumult of war having bten gradually subsiding in 
 other quarters, the sword had been suffered to rest in 
 its scabbard. Although the star of peace, therefore, 
 had not yet arisen, the eastern horizon was brighten- 
 ing with its beams. 
 
 Embracing, then, in their generous rejoicings, the 
 present welfare, and the future prospects of their fel- 
 low citizens at large, the inhabitants of Charleston 
 foresaw, in their own emancipation, the final recog- 
 nition of the Independence of their country. Super- 
 added, therefore, to personal considerations, the joy 
 of patriotism ennobled the spectacle, by lifting the 
 soul above the region of self. 
 
 But the occasion, precious in its nature to the lov- 
 ers of peace, and dear to every patriotic bosom, was 
 rich in sources of tenderer felicity. Frieuls, who 
 had been separated and long kept asunder, by the 
 casualties of war, and excluded from a knowledge of 
 each others fate, were once more united, with sensa- 
 tions of delight, which, far beyond the power of lan- 
 guage to portray, must be left to the heart of sensibili- 
 ty to conceive. Nor can justice even thus be done 
 to them, except by those, who, under grievous priva- 
 tions, having experienced the " sickness of hope de- 
 
 3B
 
 378 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 ferred" have been healed by the balm of returning 
 enjoyment. Parents, wives, sisters, and other rela- 
 tives, lately the victims of corroding sorrow, but now, 
 with susceptibilities heightened by past sufferings, 
 and frantic with joy from present objects, flying to 
 the embraces of sons, husbands, brothers, and kins- 
 men, whom they had supposed to be lost, presented 
 such a scene of tumultuous beatitude, as man has but 
 rarely been privileged to witness. One more exqui- 
 site, it is not within the dispensations of heaven to be- 
 stow, unless the nature of our race were changed, 
 and our capacities of fruition multiplied or enlarged. 
 
 But the indulgence of private feeling, however de- 
 lectable, was of transient duration. A public duty 
 remained to be performed, which soon engrossed 
 universal attention. It was, with hearts overflowing 
 with gratitude and love, to do honour to the man, to 
 whom, under providence, all were indebted for the 
 present intoxicating draught of felicity. Nor has duty 
 been ever more faithfully performed. 
 
 Suddenly, as if every other consideration had es- 
 caped from the memory, Greene became the object 
 of undivided regard. When, conducting into the ca- 
 pital the civil authority of the state, he advanced, at 
 the head of a body of cavalry, no tongue ventured, at 
 first, to interrupt the silence that every where pre-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 379 
 
 vailed. The eye seemed for a time to be the only 
 organ capable of action. JVor was it until that was 
 satisfied with gazing, that the lips ventured to give 
 utterance to the overflowings of the heart. 
 
 Expressions of admiration and gratitude, faint at 
 first, grew louder and louder, until the vast assem- 
 blage of spectators, united in a mingled tribute of 
 thanks, applauses, and benedictions, to him, whose 
 wisdom and valour had stayed the desolating sword 
 of war, rescued them from the sceptre of military 
 despotism, and given them, in prospect, a certainty of 
 freedom, independence, and peace. 
 
 From every quarter" congratulatory addresses 
 were presented to Greene; banquets, balls, and other 
 festive entertainments, public and private, were pro- 
 vided for his gratification; lire-works and illumina- 
 tions were brilliantly exhibited; and all that a liber- 
 ated and generous people, in the jubilee of their soul, 
 could devise to amuse or delight him, were expen- 
 sively prepared. To crown the whole, in places of 
 public worship, thanks were solemnly offered to the 
 God of battles, for the various successes of the 
 American arms, and the signal deliverance, the city 
 had experienced.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Such was the reception of the conqueror of the 
 south, in the chief city of the department he had de- 
 fended. 
 
 In the midst of this prodigality of admiration and 
 honour, never did man deport himself more meekly. 
 Retiring from the blaze of public distinction, Greene 
 alone appeared to be unconscious of the merit which 
 attracted it: another proof, subjoined to the many be- 
 fore existing, that greatness and modesty are mostly 
 united. 
 
 Were we inclined to indulge in a spirit of contem- 
 plation, a subject more attractive than that which here 
 presents itself could scarcely be selected. 
 
 A military leader, successful in a mighty contest 
 where the choicest interests of humanity were at 
 stake; now reposing from the toils of war, in the 
 midst of those, whom his arms had defended: the idol 
 of the time, yet equally unmoved by the surrounding 
 pageantry, as he had formerly been by the shock of 
 battle; rejoicing in the attentions, so liberally bestow- 
 ed on his gallant army, but declining the offerings of 
 homage to himself; looking on the past with an eye 
 of satisfaction, and regarding the future with the 
 cheerfulness of hope; but deriving, for the present, 
 his highest reward, from a recollection of duties 
 faithfully performed, and the concomitant approba-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 381 
 
 tion of a peaceful conscience Such a leader, and 
 under circumstances thus imposing, was the hero of 
 the southern department in the bosom of Charleston. 
 Moulded into symmetry by all the virtues, brightened 
 by military glory, and crowned by moral grandeur, 
 on a more august object the eye of mortal can scarce- 
 ly alight. 
 
 The triumphal pomp of Roman conquerors, where 
 captives were degraded by pride and cruelty, and 
 merit obscured by vanity and ostentation, is much 
 less attractive. Tell, when he had broken the chains 
 of Switzerland, Alfred, reascending the throne of his 
 ancestors after the conquest and expulsion of the 
 enemy, and Bruce, having achieved the freedom of 
 Scotland, present to the mind of patriotism images 
 that awaken its finest sensibilities. But, acting on a 
 much more limited scale, their condition was inferior 
 in interest to that of Greene. 
 
 Shaded by laurels, derived from his glorious suc- 
 cesses at York-Town, rendered still more illustrious 
 by the recent victory achieved by his virtues over 
 the discontents of his army at Newburgh, and con- 
 secrated by the blessings of a liberated people, Wash- 
 ington alone, in resigning his commission, surpassed 
 the spectacle'
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 The American army, encamped near Charleston, in the utmost want of 
 clothes and provisions discontent and mutinous spirit thence aris- 
 ing. Charleston threatened with pillage conduct and determina- 
 tion of Greene on the occasion similar resolution of Bernadotte 
 Contract of Banks Greene becomes his surety Banks turns spe- 
 culator, and fails Greene supposed to have been concerned with 
 him, from motives of profit. Charge reftited before congress result 
 highly honourable to Greene. Purity and uprightness of his char- 
 acter. Peace restored. Greene returns to Rhode Island his recep- 
 tion there gratified by the attention of his neighbours and friend- 
 troubles in Rhode Island. Spirit of intolerance towards the Tories 
 Greene the advocate of moderate measures intercedes and remon- 
 strates, in behalf of the tories. His reasoning prevails harmony re- 
 stored presents made to Greene, by the three southern states 
 His engagements during his residence in Rhode island sails for 
 Georgia settles on his estate, near Savannah, and becomes a plant- 
 er his habit of v/alking without his hat is attacked by a " stroke 
 of the sun" his death its effect in Savannah his interment fu- 
 neral procession proceedings of the Cincinnati resolution in fa- 
 vour of Greene's eldest son that youth drowned his flattering pro- 
 mise congress votes to Greene a monument its inscription monu- 
 ment not yet erected the spot where the relics of Greene lie not 
 known remarks on private character, in biography cannot be ac- 
 curately drawn, unless by those intimately acquainted with the per 
 son to be described traits of Greene's private character description 
 ofhis person his family analysis of his military character. 
 
 THE destructive operations of the war being now 
 terminated, the army of the south was no longer en- 
 dangered by the sword of the enemy. But prudence 
 forbidding that it should be yet disbanded, and the 
 means of the Carolinas being entirely spent, it soon
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 383 
 
 became, in a degree that was alarming, oppressed by 
 want and threatened with famine. 
 
 This painful and distressing destitution arose also, 
 in part, from a neglect of the public authorities of 
 the southern states, to provide for an army, whose 
 services they no longer wanted, and whose welfare 
 and accommodation, therefore, too soon ceased to be 
 an object of their care. 
 
 Impatient of their sufferings, and exasperated at 
 the supposed ingratitude of the people they had de- 
 fended, the troops, encamped in the neighbourhood 
 of Charleston, began to manifest a spirit of mutiny. 
 To such an extreme had their insubordination at- 
 tained, that they were ready to march into the city, 
 and supply themselves with food and clothing at the 
 point of the bayonet. Even the authority of their be- 
 loved and venerated commander was forgotten or 
 disregarded, in the keenness of their necessities, or 
 the fierceness of their resentment. 
 
 To prevent his army from sullying its laurels, by 
 outrage and injustice, and to save the inhabitants of 
 Charleston from a renewal of military exaction, 
 Greene was prepared for every sacrifice, to which 
 man could submit. He had even resolved, if violence 
 were attempted, and milder measures should fail to 
 suppress it, to throw himself in front of the mutinous
 
 384 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 soldiers, with such of his officers as might choose to 
 accompany him, and cut down every man that should 
 disobey orders, or fall himself in the unequal conflict 
 
 To those acquainted with the history of that dis- 
 tinguished prince, it is well known, that a public 
 avowal of a resolution like this, and under circum- 
 stances not dissimilar, constituted one of the most 
 heroic events in the life of Bernadotte of Sweden. 
 
 But fortunately, in the affair of Greene, matters 
 were adjusted, without a resort to sanguinary means. 
 
 Mr. Banks, a native of Virginia, was now the con- 
 tractor of supplies for the army. He had, at this mo- 
 ment, large contracts existing in Charleston; but for 
 want of money or sufficient credit, was unable to 
 get possession of the articles purchased. 
 
 Information of this was communicated to Greene. 
 
 So severe was the pressure, and so threatening 
 the aspect of things, that not a moment was to be 
 lost. The army, naked and starving, had become 
 ungovernable, and the inhabitants of Charleston 
 were trembling for their safety. 
 
 Under these circumstances, Greene, urged by mo- 
 tives of patriotism, humanity, and military honour, of- 
 fered himself security in the contracts of Banks* 
 The pledge was accepted, the contractor became 
 possessed of the public supplies, and their urgent
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 385 
 
 wants being promptly removed, the troops returned 
 contented to their duty. 
 
 In this transaction, so important to his country, the 
 commander of the army exhibited much more of the 
 virtue of the patriot, and the devotion of the officer, 
 than of the policy of the man of the world, or the 
 prudence of the man of business. He was led to it 
 by the same feeling, that would have induced him, in 
 battle, to sacrifice his life. 
 
 The sum for which he became security was large ; 
 amounting to treble the value of his estate. His 
 country might assume the payment, and relieve him 
 from the obligation; but it might also refuse, in 
 which case his ruin was inevitable. As he had often- 
 times before, therefore, hazarded his life for the 
 public welfare, it cannot be denied, that for the same 
 object, he now put at hazard his fortune and his 
 hopes. An act so perfectly disinterested and noble, 
 must have arisen from feelings which none but the 
 patriotic and the high minded cherish. 
 
 But as there are said to be insects, which extract 
 from the rose a deadly venom, so are there individu- 
 als, who derive a poison from virtuous actions. Rare- 
 ly has this truth been more abundantly manifested., 
 than in the present instance. 
 
 3c
 
 386 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Banks being a speculator, his object was gain. 
 Nor was he delicately scrupulous in his means of at- 
 tainfhg it. He had no objection, therefore, when an 
 opportunity offered, to abuse the public confidence to 
 his private emolument. Being unsuccessful in his 
 speculations, and unable consequently to meet his 
 engagements, he finally failed for a large amount; 
 and the investigation of his affairs did not terminate 
 to the advantage of his character. 
 
 Like every great and virtuous man, Greene had 
 enemies among the low-minded and envious; who, 
 unable to reach his gigantic elevation, were anxious 
 to depress him to their own level. Having been as- 
 sociated with Banks, in the transaction referred to, 
 he was represented, by these, as associated with him 
 generally, in his schemes of traffic. In fact, he was 
 daringly stigmatized, as a lawless speculator, whose 
 mercenary views should subject him to pay, from 
 his private means, the amount of the bonds, into 
 which he had entered. 
 
 An accusation more foul in principle, or unfound- 
 ed in fact, never issued from the tongue of malice. 
 In consequence of it, the conduct of Greene in his 
 whole connexion with Banks, was solemnly investi- 
 ' gated at the bar of congress, by some of the most 
 upright and intelligent men of the nation. In thrs
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. S87 
 
 scrutiny, general Hamilton was actively concerned. 
 The result proved, as every man of intelligence was 
 confident it would, in a high degree honourable to 
 the reputation of Greene. From the witnesses and 
 documents that were examined, there appeared no 
 shadow of ground to arraign his motives. On the 
 contrary, their purity and the general uprightness of 
 his character were incontestably established. An of- 
 ficial paper containing a decision to this effect, was 
 prepared and deposited in the archives of the nation, 
 and the debt for which his estate had become liable, 
 was finally paid out of the public treasury. Many 
 years having elapsed after his death, before this de- 
 cision took place, the matter not being fin ally adjust- 
 ed until about the year 1796, his personal influence 
 could not be regarded as efficient in the procure- 
 ment of it. It was a spontaneous act of justice by 
 the government, in behalf of the reputation and es- 
 tate of an officer, whose integrity was as spotless as 
 his services had been pre-eminent. 
 
 It is a maxim in business, that in many instances, 
 a delay, is as bad as a denial of justice. This, to a 
 certain extent, was true in the case of general 
 Greene. From the tardiness of the public councils in 
 investigating his claims, he sustained great disquie- 
 tude of mind, and no inconsiderable loss of property.
 
 388 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 So unfaithful was the country to the feelings and the 
 interest, of one of her brightest ornaments and ablest 
 defenders. 
 
 Peace being at length restored, and his country 
 no longer in need of his services, Greene, without 
 waiting for the disbanding of the army, which was 
 provided for by congress, withdrew from the south, 
 and returned to the bosom of his native state. 
 
 The reception which he there experienced, was 
 cordial and joyous. The authorities of the common- 
 wealth welcomed 4iim home, with congratulatory ad- 
 dresses, and the chief men of the place waited on 
 him at his dwelling, eager to testify their gratitude 
 for his services, their admiration of his talents and 
 virtues, and the pride with which they recognized 
 him as a native of Rhode Island. 
 
 Although Greene, from the modesty of his disposi- 
 tion, and his love of sincerity, shrunk from the pomp 
 of mere public compliment, yet the attachment to 
 his person manifested, on this occasion, by his kins- 
 men and neighbours, was peculiarly grateful to him. 
 It awakened in his mind, a lively recollection of his 
 early years, when the play of the affections gave a 
 zest to enjoyment, and those who were now doing 
 honour to him, as a leader of armies, and a champion
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 389 
 
 of freedom, had been his companions in the sports 
 and amusements of youth. He received, therefore, 
 his numerous visitants, with the courtesy of a gentle- 
 man, softened and endeared by the sensibilities of a 
 friend. 
 
 His residence in Rhode Island was short. But 
 during the continuance of it, he had the good for- 
 tune to render to the state an important service. 
 
 Many of the inhabitants, especially in the town 
 and neighbourhood of Newport, had been tinctured 
 with toryism; and some of them had borne arms in 
 the cause of royalty. 
 
 Against those deluded and unfortunate men, who 
 were now anxious to return to their violated loyalty, 
 and many of whom promised to become valuable 
 citizens, the resentment of the whigs was fiery and 
 inexorable. Nothing could satisfy it short of the ban- 
 ishment or extermination of the obnoxious individu- 
 als, and the confiscation of their estates. So exaspe- 
 rated were the parties, and to such an extreme had 
 the ferment arisen, many of the tories having pre- 
 pared to defend themselves, that the state was threat- 
 ened with civil war. If any of the more temperate 
 and enlightened of the whigs, attempted to restrain 
 the violence of their associates, their motives became 
 suspected, and their safety endangered.
 
 390 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Such was the unsettled and alarming condition of 
 things, when Greene returned triumphant from the 
 south. 
 
 By the liberal and well disposed of both parties, 
 his arrival was hailed as a providential occurrence. 
 
 In consequence of his popularity, and the love and 
 veneration his fellow citizens bore him, it was per- 
 ceived that his influence in the state must be great; 
 and from the moderation of his character, and the 
 magnanimity of his spirit, it was confidently antici- 
 pated, that he would be the advocate of mild and pa- 
 cific measures. As a statesman, he was believed to 
 be too wise and politic to countenance unnecessary 
 severity; and as a soldier, too high minded to tolerate 
 insult or injury to a foe that had submitted. 
 
 Nor did public expectation, as to these points, 
 sustain a disappointment. The benevolence of his 
 heart extended to the unfortunate of every descrip- 
 tion. Desirous that even those who least deserved it, 
 might participate in the blessings for which he had 
 fought, an earnest endeavour to remove the prejudi- 
 ces, and assuage the animosities of the whigs and 
 tories, constituted one of his earliest acts of peace. 
 
 Some of the leading whigs. from most parts of the
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. -391 
 
 state, having assembled at Newport, Greene addres- 
 sed them publicly with great effect. 
 
 He drew a lively and forcible picture of the moral 
 duties of clemency and mercy, representing, in strong 
 and impressive terms, their universal obligation and 
 extensive prevalence. 
 
 He declared, that under every form of government 
 and every ruler, it had been found politic and wise, 
 that the close even of a rebellion should be followed 
 by an act of general amnesty, from which none but 
 the most flagrant offenders were excluded. 
 
 The claims of the tories were still stronger. They 
 were not rebels, but deluded citizens, in whose de- 
 fection many palliating circumstances were to be 
 found. In the part they had acted, during the late 
 contest, having violated no pre-existing law, they had 
 forfeited no allegiance; and it was his firm belief, that 
 most of them had been misled by honest prejudices. 
 Their conduct, therefore, although erroneous and re- 
 prehensible, could not, in the true acceptation of the 
 term, be denominated treasonable. But tvere it so, 
 such of them as had neither taken a lead in opposi- 
 tion, nor been guilty of any dark and heinous atroci- 
 ties, those of them whose hands were unpolluted 
 with blood were surely entitled to pardon, on re-
 
 2- LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 nouncing their errors and manifesting a disposition 
 to return to their duty. 
 
 Needless severity he pronounced to be wanton 
 cruelty. And where, he asked, in the present case, 
 existed the necessity for rigid measures? 
 
 Such measures could be necessary and useful only, 
 when contributing to the attainment of certain con- 
 templated ends. To humble the spirit of the disaffect- 
 ed, and render them obedient to government and law. 
 To defeat any mischief they might plot against the 
 state. Or to prevent them from again proving faith- 
 less to their country, in case of hostilities with a for- 
 eign power. 
 
 But no such ends were now to be answered. The 
 tories, already sufficiently humbled, were professing 
 
 their obedience and soliciting protection. In that 
 
 / 
 
 view of the subject, therefore, every thing to be de- 
 sired was already attained. To press the matter fur- 
 ther, would be not only superfluous, but unmanly and 
 unjust. 
 
 As to the second point the prevention of meditat- 
 ed mischief the united force of the British and the 
 royalists having been already successfully resisted, 
 from the latter, single-handed, no danger could be 
 reasonably dreaded. The timid alone could entertain 
 such an apprehension; and he confidently trusted,
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 393 
 
 that among the whigs of Rhode Island, few such 
 were to be found. 
 
 Nor could an argument in favour of rigid mea- 
 sures be derived from the third topic of consideration; 
 it being extremely improbable, that any war would 
 occur, in future, in which the native inhabitants of 
 the country would feel inclined to take part with the 
 enemy. Under these circumstances, to make public 
 examples, would be to inflict punishment from mo- 
 tives of vengeance, and not with a view to its only 
 fair and legitimate ends, the reformation of the cul- 
 prits, and as a warning to others. 
 
 The general further stated his conviction, and ven- 
 tured to pledge his reputation on the issue, that those 
 who had been disaffected, would be found, hereafter, 
 among the most loyal and faithful of our citizens. 
 Their allegiance to their king had been the ground 
 of their hostility to the cause of freedom. But the 
 bond of duty in that compact being solemnly cancel- 
 led, they would be found, in future, to adhere witk 
 equal steadiness and good faith, to the constitution 
 and government of their native country. Their late 
 defection might even be regarded as an earnest of 
 such adherence. 
 
 He further represented, that the strength and se- 
 curity of a nation, as well as the cultivation of its soil, 
 
 3D
 
 394 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 the natural and most permanent source of its wealth, 
 depended essentially on the number and density of its 
 population. By the waste of human life, in the late 
 war, the population of the United States had been 
 already thinned. To reduce it further, by the ban- 
 ishment or death of a large proportion of the inhabi- 
 tants, would be a policy in the highest degree unwise 
 and injurious. It would impose on us the necessity 
 of replenishing it by means of foreign emigration. 
 And it was not to be expected, that entire strangers 
 would be as loyal or useful, as the natives of the 
 country. 
 
 He concluded by stating, that it was not only cus- 
 tomary, it was an evidence of virtue in individuals 
 and communities, to express, by acts of clemency and 
 mercy, their joy and gratitude for signal favours, 
 
 On the achievement of a great victory, the com- 
 mander of an army pardons those who are under sen- 
 tence for military offences. The youthful prince, on 
 bis elevation to a throne, throws open the prison doors 
 of his kingdom, and sets free the guilty. 
 
 He, therefore, declared, that the blessings of peace, 
 and the prospects of happiness, having now revisited 
 us, to persist in a scheme of inexorable persecution 
 against the royalists, would manifest unbecoming pas- 
 sions, and be unworthy of the wisdom of the politi-
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 395 
 
 cian, the magnanimity of the soldier, and the hu- 
 manity of the man. 
 
 His reasoning being deemed conclusive, he proved 
 the happy instrument of directing the public mind to 
 its true interest, protecting the unfortunate, and re- 
 storing harmony to his native state. 
 
 On this occasion, he generously bestowed on the 
 royalists of Rhode Island, the same favours that ge- 
 neral Hamilton did on those of New York, and 
 Patrick Henry, on those of Virginia. He saved 
 them from banishment, their property from confis- 
 cation, and even the persons of many of them from 
 the swords of their countrymen. In this struggle, 
 his merit was the greater, as, notwithstanding the 
 amount of his sufferings and services in the cause 
 of freedom, he sustained, for a time, on account of his 
 interference, the deep odium of many of the whigs. 
 
 On the close of the war, the three southern states 
 that had been most essentially benefited by his wis- 
 dom and valour, manifested, at once, their sense of 
 justice, and their gratitude to Greene, by liberal 
 donations. 
 
 South Carolina presented him with an estate, on 
 the river Edisto, valued at ten thousand pounds ster- 
 ling: Georgia, with an estate, on the river Savannah, 
 a few miles from the city of the same name, worth
 
 396 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 five thousand pounds: and North Carolina, with, 
 twenty-five thousand acres of land, on Duck river, 
 now in the state of Tennessee. Of these estates, 
 the two former have passed out of the family ; but 
 a portion of the latter is still retained by them, and 
 is extremely valuable. 
 
 Having spent about two years in his native state, 
 in the adjustment of his private affairs, appropriating 
 his leisure hours to liberal studies, especially those 
 of history, metaphysics, and the principles of civil 
 policy, he sailed for Georgia, in October 1785, and 
 settled, with his family, on his estate near Savannah. 
 
 Engaging, here, in agricultural pursuits, he em- 
 ployed himself closely in arrangements for planting, 
 exhibiting the fairest promise to become as eminent 
 in the practice of the peaceful virtues, as he had al- 
 ready shown himself in the occupations of war. For 
 so various were his excellencies, and so lofty his en- 
 dowments, that in no walk of life could he fail to be 
 distinguished. 
 
 But it was the will of Heaven, that in this new 
 sphere of action, his course should be limited. The 
 short period of seven months was destined to wit- 
 ness its commencement and its close. 
 
 Walking over his grounds, as was his custom, 
 without his hat, on the afternoon of the 1 5th of June
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 397 
 
 1 786, the day being intensely hot, he was suddenly 
 attacked with such a vertigo and prostration of 
 strength, as to be unable to return to his house, with- 
 out assistance. The affection was what is denomi- 
 nated a "stroke of the sun." It was succeeded by 
 fever, accompanied with stupor, delirium, and a dis- 
 ordered stomach. 
 
 Being in high health, at the time of his attack, 
 his habit plethoric, and his temperament inflamma- 
 tory, the disease was violent, and its progress ra- 
 pid. It was a southern complaint, fiercely invading 
 a northern constitution. All efforts to subdue it 
 proving fruitless, it terminated fatally on the 19th of 
 the month. 
 
 The sudden death of a man so distinguished, be- 
 loved, and venerated for the past, and whose future 
 life promised, so lately, to be long and illustrious, was 
 felt throughout the south, as an afflicting calamity. 
 
 Intelligence of the event being conveyed to Savan- 
 nah, but one feeling pervaded the place. Sorrow 
 was universal ; and the whole town assumed in- 
 stinctively the aspect of mourning. All business was 
 suspended, the dwelling houses, stores, and shops 
 were closed, and the shipping in the harbour half- 
 masted their colours.
 
 398 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 On the following day, the body of the deceased 
 being conveyed to the town, at the request of the in- 
 habitants, was interred in a private cemetery with 
 military honours, the magistrates and other public 
 officers of the place, the society of the Cincinnati, 
 and the citizens generally joining in the procession. 
 
 As soon as the funeral ceremonies were finished, 
 the members of the Cincinnati assembled in their 
 hall, and adopted unanimously the following resolu- 
 tion : 
 
 " That, as a token of the high respect and vene- 
 ration, in which this society hold the memory of 
 their late illustrious brother, Major Genwal Greene, 
 deceased, George Washington Greene, his eldest son, 
 be admitted a member of this society, to take his 
 seat, on arriving at the age of eighteen years." 
 
 To the sincere sorrow of all that knew him, and 
 the disappointment of the fondest hopes of his coun- 
 try, this youth, whose early virtues and vigorous in- 
 tellect, promised a manhood of usefulness and renown, 
 was drowned in the river Savannah, before he had 
 attained the age of maturity. 
 
 On the 12th of August, of the year in which the 
 General died, the Congress of the United States 
 unanimously resolved :
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 399 
 
 ' That a monument be erected to the memory of 
 the Honourable Nathaniel Greene, at the seat of the 
 Federal government, with the following inscription. 
 
 SACRED 
 
 to the memory of 
 the Honourable NATHANIEL GREENE, 
 
 who departed this life, 
 the nineteenth of June MDCCLXXXVI; 
 
 late Major General 
 
 in the service of the United States, 
 
 and commander of their army 
 
 in the southern department. 
 The United States, in Congress assembled, 
 
 in honour of his 
 
 patriotism, valour, and ability, 
 
 have erected this 
 
 MONUMENT. 
 
 To the disgrace of the nation, no monument has 
 been erected ; nor, for want of a head-stone, or 
 other memorial, can any one, at present, designate 
 the spot, where the relics of the Hero of the South 
 lie interred ! ! 
 
 Having dwelt somewhat extensively on the ser- 
 vices of Greene, in the capacity of an officer, it is 
 our purpose to be brief on his character as a man. 
 
 To this we are induced, by two considerations.
 
 400 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Private character is much more an object of indi- 
 vidual curiosity, than of general interest, or public 
 importance. A representation of it may amuse and 
 entertain ; but it is rarely calculated to instruct or 
 improve. This is more especially the case with mili- 
 tary commanders, who have been long concerned in 
 the operations of the field. All, or, at least, most 
 that is interesting in their lives, consists in public 
 action. In private life, they are well-bred gentlemen, 
 warm friends, good husbands, and agreeable com- 
 panions ; but, being neither writers, philosophers, 
 politicians, nor mechanists, they seldom do any thing 
 more, in their peaceful character, than rest from their 
 labours, enjoy society and govern their families. 
 
 But this is not all. It is impossible to give a full 
 and faithful representation of the private character 
 of an individual, without a personal and intimate ac- 
 quaintance with him. Neither an inspection of his 
 familiar letters, nor the minutest narratives of those 
 who knew him, can qualify a writer for so delicate 
 a task. He who trusts to such materials, may com- 
 pose a pleasing fancy-picture, but can never succeed 
 in giving a faithful portrait. 
 
 As well might an attempt be made to enable a pain- 
 ter to draw a likeness, by a verbal description of the 
 countenance, or an exhibition of a few of the features,
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 401 
 
 '. ^parately, of the person to be painted. Nothing but 
 an actual inspection of the face, can qualify an artist 
 to delineate it. Nor can a competent preparation 
 to paint the mind and manners, be derived from any 
 other source. 
 
 Without pretending, therefore, to give a perfect 
 delineation of the private character of Greene, who 
 was personally unknown to us, we hope that the fol- 
 lowing traits of him as a man, will be acceptable 
 to those, who delight to dwell on his merits as an 
 officer. 
 
 His intellect was of masculine texture and strength. 
 Sound, penetrating and capacious, rather than bril- 
 liant, judgment and sagacity were its predominant 
 features. He possessed, in a high degree, the capa- 
 city to profit, by observation and experience, and 
 placed much reliance on that source. Without this 
 qualification, no mind can be practically great; no 
 individual wise. 
 
 In his perceptions he was quick and clear, ready 
 in his combinations, forcible in his reasonings, and 
 prompt in his decisions. 
 
 His acquaintance with human nature, derived from 
 history and an intercourse with man, was extensive 
 and profound; and, in his apprehension of the tendency 
 
 of principles, no man committed fewer mistakes. 
 
 3 E
 
 402 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Hence, of a number of schemes of action submitted 
 to his examination, or arising in his own mind, he 
 had a peculiar facility in distinguishing that which 
 best suited in his present condition. As if guided by 
 the lights of intuition itself, it is not recollected that 
 when left to consult his own judgment, he ever during 
 his military career, erred in his selection. However 
 extraordinary, or even extravagant, this statement may 
 appear, it is believed to be true. On these occasions, 
 although deeply thoughtful, yet so rapid were the move- 
 ments of his mind, that the result seemed an act of per- 
 ception, rather than deliberation. This was one of the 
 most fruitful sources of his ability as a commander. 
 It enabled him to decide, while others were doubting; 
 to employ in action, the time which they consumed 
 in deliberating. 
 
 For the zeal and sedulity with which he pursued 
 knowledge, at every period of his life, he had 
 no equal, among officers of rank, in the American 
 army. His portable library was well chosen and 
 rich ; and on occasions of the utmost perplexity and 
 danger, when the probability of a night attack for- 
 bade him to undress himself, and in the midst of his 
 greatest fatigues, not excepting the evening after a 
 battle, he never retired to rest, until he had spent an 
 hour or two in reading.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 403 
 
 Of historians, Hume was his favourite; of metaphy- 
 sicians, Locke; of poets, Shakspeare and Milton; of 
 the ancient classics, Horace. The latter work he 
 carried constantly in his pocket, and read it fami- 
 liarly, partly for his amusement, and, in part, that he 
 might retain his knowledge of the Latin tongue. 
 For, although deprived of the advantages of an early 
 and liberal education, his classical attainments had 
 become, by his own industry, in the midst of active 
 engagements and the toils of war, highly respectable. 
 This information is derived from one of the first 
 scholars of our country, who communicates it on the 
 ground of personal knowledge. 
 
 He possessed uncommon equability of temper, 
 and, on most occasions, was a perfect model of self- 
 command. Yet he was no less remarkable for the 
 high-toned sensibility and ardour of his mind. He 
 was also capable of great abstraction. Hence, when 
 preparing for action, or engaged in battle, so strong 
 was his excitement, as to render him insensible to 
 every thing but his duty as a commander. All per- 
 sonal considerations being merged in the desire of 
 victory and the love of glory, he seemed unconscious 
 of the danger to which he sometimes exposed himself. 
 
 On the score of morality, he was unimpeachable. 
 Roman virtue, in the best days of the republic, was
 
 404 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 never more unsullied and inflexible than his. 01 
 him it was as true as of the elder Pitt, that " modern 
 corruption had not touched him." 
 
 Conscientiously devoted to duty, he never, in his 
 private transactions, intentionally violated punctuality, 
 much less integrity. As a public functionary, his 
 honesty was unquestioned, except in the affair of 
 Banks; and, there, like sterling metal, it was bright- 
 ened by the ordeal through which it passed. So 
 sound and impenetrable was his whole moral cha- 
 racter,, that all imputations directed against it, either 
 fell harmless at his feet, or recoiled on those, from 
 whom they proceeded. 
 
 For the bubble popularity, inflated by the breath 
 of the multitude, his contempt was deep. Nor had 
 he any respect for those who covet it. The courtier 
 and the sycophant, he held to be weak, or hypocriti- 
 cal and dishonest. With no time-serving disposition, 
 or accomodating flexibility of character himself, but 
 acting steadily on established principles, he consi- 
 dered as dangerous and unworthy to be trusted, all 
 who were governed by different motives. He has 
 been heard to declare, that he would as soon confide 
 his personal safety to a vessel at sea, driven by varia- 
 ble winds, without a steersman, as the management of 
 his own, or any of the concerns of his countiy, to
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 405 
 
 the direction of an individual, who did not adhere to 
 recognized principles as the guide of his actions. 
 
 Resolution of purpose he regarded as the rampart 
 of virtue; and the want of it, as a breach, through 
 which, sooner or later, vice must enter. To waver, 
 therefore, when determination was required, was to 
 forfeit at once his confidence and esteem. 
 
 Notwithstanding his rigid devotion to business, 
 his disposition was social, he was fond of rational 
 amusement, and, during his hours of relaxation from 
 severer duties, took great delight in mingling with his 
 friends. 
 
 In conversation he was fluent and instructive, al- 
 ways lively, and sometimes playful. To wit he made 
 no pretension. His powers of sarcasm were terrible. 
 But he never, by a wanton indulgence of them, gave 
 pain to the unoffending, the modest or the well-bred. 
 It was the forward and presuming that were doomed 
 to feel him; and he frequently punished the rude and 
 impertinent, by the most poignant retorts. 
 
 When conversing with men of enlightened minds, 
 his favourite topics were political economy, and the 
 principles of government. On these subjects, his 
 views, which were always liberal, had, by reading 
 and reflection, been rendered profound. It was the. 
 opinion of his friends, that he was preparing himself
 
 406 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 for a recommencement of his public; career, in a 
 civil capacity. Were this the case, and had his life 
 been prolonged until the organization of the- federal 
 government, his station would have been high. Wash- 
 ington would certainly have invited him to his cabinet. 
 
 Notwithstanding his firmness and decision, in 
 most things, his disposition was eminently mild and 
 humane. These amiable qualities threw into his 
 public character a degree of softness that was pecu- 
 liarly attractive. Hence, as a commanding officer, 
 he never acted with unnecessary harshness, nor in- 
 flicted punishment, unless where the good of his 
 country required it. 
 
 To this trait he is believed to have been indebted 
 for the preservation of his life, during his southern 
 campaigns. The tories, apprised of it, from expe- 
 riencing its effects, were induced to spare him, 
 when within reach of their rifles; some of them, per- 
 haps, from motives of gratitude; but most of them, 
 from an apprehension, that in case of his death, he 
 might be succeeded by a commander, who would 
 visit their disaffection with greater severities. Such, 
 at least, is the belief, which he himself is known to 
 have entertained. 
 
 In the technical signification of the term, he was 
 no writer. Yet few men knew better the power
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 407 
 
 of words. Hence, in his private and official letters, 
 his language is well selected, and his style, disin- 
 cumbered of every thing ornamental or redundant, 
 remarkable for its condensity, perspicuity and 
 strength. His communications descriptive of the 
 battles he fought, are masterly specimens of that 
 kind of writing. The enemy themselves admired 
 and applauded them. Delighted with their simpli- 
 city and picturesque character, some of the British 
 officers were heard to declare, that "no man in 
 either army, except general Greene, knew how to 
 describe a battle." Certainly no man described one 
 so well. His letters, on these topics, are rather pic- 
 tures than accounts of the actions represented. 
 
 In friendship, he was warm, sincere, and steady. 
 As a gentleman and a neighbour, courteous, kind 
 and obliging. Although he did not, during his short 
 residence in Georgia, mingle much in society, yet, 
 strangers and visiters were welcomed to his dweK 
 ling, with the open and generous hospitality of the 
 south. 
 
 In his diet he was always temperate; at times, ab- 
 stemious. Careful of his health, he often, with a 
 view to the preservation of it, abstained, for a day 
 or two, from animal food. This course he judi- 
 ciously preferred to the frequent employment of me-
 
 408 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 dicinal potions, a practice too commonly pursued a 
 warm climates. 
 
 In his domestic relations, he was amiable and ex- 
 emplary. As a parent he was peculiarly affectionate 
 and indulgent, as far as indulgence can be accounted 
 a virtue. , The education of his children, embracing 
 moral and religious, as well as literary instruction, 
 constituted an object of his anxious regard. To 
 make amends for the defects of public schools, whicn 
 were, at that period, few and faulty, in the southern 
 states, he employed a private tutor, who resided in 
 his family. 
 
 In managing the concerns of his estate, he com- 
 bined strict method, with liberal economy. 
 
 His appearance, although dignified, was not suffi- 
 ciently imposing to be very forcibly expressive of 
 his character. He had the aspect of a general offi- 
 cer; but it was that of an intrepid rather than a 
 great one. 
 
 His stature, which was nearly six feet, did not, to 
 the eye, seem to rise above the middle standard, on 
 account of the roundness and breadth of his shoul- 
 ders, and a forward inclination of his neck and 
 head. His frame was muscular and powerful, but 
 defective in symmetry. As he advanced in years, he 
 became somewhat corpulent, which injured still fur-
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 409 
 
 ther the proportions of his person: in consequence 
 of an injury received in his youth, he was slightly af- 
 fected with lameness; not, however, in a degree suffi- 
 cient, to impair materially his activity of body. An 
 excellent horseman, he mounted with ease, and rode 
 with elegance. Nor were there many that could 
 surpass him m exercises on foot; and although 
 somewhat weakened in his general health, by ex- 
 posure and intense application to duty, he vied with 
 the hardiest in toil and fatigue. 
 
 His head exceeded the middle size, and was finely 
 moulded. His features were bold, and his visage 
 comely, but bore no marked resemblance to either 
 the Greek or the Roman model. His countenance 
 was expressive of the mildness and benignity of the 
 philanthropist, rather than the stern purposes of 
 the warrior. His hair was light, and his com- 
 plexion, fair and ruddy in youth, became deeply em- 
 browned by the southern climate. His forehead 
 was lofty and expanded, but his eye was by far the 
 finest of his features. It was large and full, though 
 not very prominent, capable of unusual motion, its 
 colour a deep blue, and under high excitement, 
 seemed to swim in liquid fire. On these occasions, 
 his whole countenance was peculiarly irradiated by 
 
 the workings of his intellect. 
 
 SF
 
 410 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 A short time before the commencement of the 
 American revolution, he married into a respecta- 
 ble family, in his native state. He left behind him 
 five children, two sons and three daughters, the 
 eldest of whom, as already stated, was unfortunately 
 drowned. The other four are still living and mar- 
 ried, the son in the state of Rhode island, one 
 daughter on Cumberland island, in Georgia, and the 
 other two in the state of Tennessee. 
 
 They are sufficiently wealthy for all the purposes 
 of comfort and elegance; and, in intellect and infor- 
 mation, moral virtue, and ornamental accomplish- 
 ments, worthy of the distinguished name of Greene, 
 In society they are treated with marked respect, 
 partly in acknowledgment of their own merit, but 
 no less on account of their father's fame. 
 

 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 AN attempting an estimate of the military character 
 of general Greene, we must derive Mir elements from 
 a variety of sources. Of these, the most important 
 are, his native propensity to the profession of arms, 
 the rapidity of his promotion after an entrance into 
 military life, the opinion of cotemporary and com- 
 petent judges, and the number and extent of his pro- 
 fessional achievements, considered in relation to the 
 means by which they were effected, and the charac- 
 ter of the enemy he was called to encounter. 
 
 He was born and educated in the bosom of a so- 
 ciety of Christians, one of the distinguishing features 
 of which is, an adherence to peace under all cir- 
 cumstances, and a conscientious disavowal of the 
 principles of war. Of this society he was a regular 
 member; and his attachments to it were sincere and 
 strong. Yet, in opposition to the force of first impres- 
 sions, early habits, and the remonstrance of friends, 
 he not only deliberately violated its tenets, but submit- 
 ted to a solemn act of rejection, rather than forego 
 the gratification of his passion for arms.
 
 412 llFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 But, as a general rule, a predominant propensity 
 to any one of the distinguished walks, or professions 
 of life, if not the result, is, at. least, an evidence, of a 
 genius to excel in it. Jt is the finger of an instinct 
 which rarely errs 1 , pointing the soul to its proper 
 destiny: the surest indication which nature offers, of 
 a peculiar adaptation of the means to the end. 
 
 Of the t.uth of this, could we descend to particu- 
 lars, testimony aiiiple and satisfactory might be ad- 
 duced. 
 
 It is well known, that in the case of eminent math- 
 ematicians, musicians, painters, poets, mechanicians, 
 ^nd others, such has often been the ascendency of 
 the ruling passion, that no restraint, however forci- 
 ble, could withhold the individual from his chosen 
 pursuit. 
 
 From this source, then, we consider ourselves fair- 
 ly authorized to infer, that general Greene possessed 
 a genius adapted by nature to military command. 
 
 After resorting to arms, his attainment of rank 
 was much more rapid, than that of any other officer 
 our country has produced perhaps the most rapid 
 that history records. 
 
 It has been already stated, that in October 1774,. 
 he commenced his career, as a private in the Ken- 
 tish guards, and in May 1775, was created brigadier
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 413 
 
 general with the chief command of the militia of 
 Rhode Island. In August 1776, he was promoted, 
 by congress, to the rank of major general in the 
 regular army; in March, 1778, he reluctantly accept- 
 ed, as a favour to his country, the office of quarter- 
 master general; and in October or November 1780, 
 was appointed to the chief command of all the forces 
 in the southern department. 
 
 These offices, so high in responsibility and honour, 
 were conferred on him, not as matters of personal 
 favour or family influence; nor yet through the in- 
 strumentality of political intrigue. They were re- 
 wards of pre-eminent merit, and tokens of recognized 
 fitness for the highest functions of military service. 
 
 It was mentioned on a former occasion, that of all 
 his associates in arms, general Washington consider- 
 ed Greene best qualified for the command in chief, in 
 case of his own disability or death. That such was 
 his opinion, had he never avowed it, we have conclu- 
 sive evidence, in his nomination and high recommen- 
 dation of him to congress, to conduct the war in the 
 southern department. This was virtually to confide 
 to him that appointment: for, while engaged in service 
 to the south, it cannot be denied, that Greene held 
 the prerogative, and administered the duties of com- 
 mander in chief, as unequivocally, and under circum-
 
 414 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 stances as critically trying, as Washington himself 
 did, in the department of the north. 
 
 Washington's exalted opinion of Greene may be 
 further inferred, from the well known fact, that, when 
 accessible, he always consulted him in difficult emer- 
 gencies, and received his sentiments with peculiar 
 deference. Instances are not wanting, where, with 
 the commander in chief, the judgment of Greene 
 was more than a counterbalance, to that of all the 
 other general officers of the army. 
 
 It has been further stated to us, on authority which 
 we cannot question, that in the nomination of Greene, 
 as chief of the southern army, Washington experi- 
 enced great perplexity. He knew him to be the officer 
 best suited to that station, but, from his perfect reli- 
 ance on him in times of difficulty, he was in the highest 
 degree reluctant to dispense with his services from 
 under his own immediate command. In this, how- 
 ever, as in all other instances, his love of country 
 triumphed over every selfish propensity, and he per- 
 mitted his favourite to march to the south. 
 
 But, the sentiment of Greene's fitness for the sta- 
 tion of commander in chief, was not confined to 
 Washington alone. It was universal with the Ameri- 
 can military; the French officers warmly concurred
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 in it; and, as early as the year 1777, it was enter- 
 tained by a large majority of congress.* 
 
 Nor was its prevalence limited here. Towards the 
 close of the war, especially during the success of the 
 American arms in the south, the whole country 
 united in the opinion; and, had any fatality befallen 
 general Washington, Greene would have succeeded 
 him without opposition. 
 
 Even the enemy he conquered, did homage to his 
 pre-eminent talents for war. Tarleton, who must be 
 acknowledged to have had strong ground to know him, 
 bestows on him, in his " Campaigns in the Southern 
 Provinces of North America," several lofty and well 
 deserved encomiums ; and is reported to have pronounc- 
 ed him, on a public occasion, the most able and ac- 
 complished commander that America had produced. 
 
 But it is from the number, importance, and lustre 
 of his actions, and the uniformity of his successes 
 against the enemy, contrasted with the usual inferi- 
 ority of his means, much more than from any other 
 source, that the military character of Greene is to be 
 deduced. 
 
 When acting under the orders of others, he not 
 only never failed to discharge, to their satisfaction, 
 
 * The honourable Thomas T. Paine, then a member of congress from 
 Boston, communicated this fact to colonel Pickering.
 
 416 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 the duties entrusted to him, however arduous, but 
 received, for the most part, for the excellence of his 
 conduct, their commendations and thanks. 
 
 Of the truth of this, abundant evidence may be 
 derived from the affairs of fort Lee, of Brandywine, 
 of Germantown, of Monmouth, of Springfield, of 
 Rhode Island, from his administration of the quarter- 
 master department, and his operations against lord 
 Cornwallis in the state of New Jersey. 
 
 But it is the southern department of the union, that 
 constitutes the theatre of his achievements and fame. 
 It was there, where his views were unshackled, 
 and his genius free, that by performing the part of 
 a great captain, he erected for himself a monument 
 of reputation, durable as history, lofty as victory and 
 conquest could render it, and brightened by all that 
 glory could bestow. 
 
 When he first took command, in the department 
 of the south, his means were feeble, and his prospects 
 appalling. His troops, exceedingly limited in num- 
 ber, were humbled in spirit, and destitute of every 
 thing that gives comfort, content, and efficiency to 
 an army. 
 
 Two states were already conquered, and a third 
 about to be invaded by a foe, overwhelming in force, 
 flushed with victory, led by the ablest of the British
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 417 
 
 commanders and amply provided in all the equip- 
 ments and requisites of war. 
 
 Yet, finding in himself, wresting from his enemy, 
 or creating in the midst of the destitution that sur- 
 rounded him, the resources required, he attempted 
 from this period no scheme of military operations, in 
 which he did not virtually succeed. 
 
 If he gave ground, or refused hattle, it was only 
 to gain time, reinforcements, or means, to make vic- 
 tory sure. 
 
 His celebrated retreat from the Catauba to the 
 Dan, with his subsequent advance, and masterly 
 movements in the county of Guilford, give evidence 
 of the truth of this assertion. Avoiding battle until 
 sufficiently prepared, yet, by a policy not to be resist- 
 ed, preventing the foe from abandoning the tract of 
 country where he meant to attack him, he struck 
 him at length with such decisive effect, that, from 
 that moment the ascendency became his. 
 
 The spirit of toryism, on which the enemy relied, 
 was thus extinguished in North Carolina; lord Corn- 
 wallis obliged to fly to escape destruction; and the 
 state soon afterwards relieved from the invading 
 army. 
 
 His advance on South Carolina, with an enemy 
 
 in his rear, that might cut him off from his re- 
 
 3o
 
 418 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 sources and hopes of succour from the north, was 
 regarded, by every one, as a daring, and, by many, 
 as a rash and perilous, movement. But, events soon 
 proved, that, replete with wisdom, it was the concep- 
 tion of a great practical intellect, fitted for gigantic 
 projects in war. It was the commencement of a sys- 
 tem of military operations, capacious in its outline, 
 and, which, urged with -skill and vigour in the de- 
 tails, shook to its centre the British power in the 
 south, and effected, in a short time, its entire extinc- 
 tion.* 
 
 :}: In the exposition of his reasons for penetrating 1 into South Carolina, 
 after the battle of Guilford court-house, Greene manifested great pow- 
 ers of military combination. 
 
 He pronounced that movement the best that could be made; because, 
 being least expected by the enemy, it would most disconcert them, and 
 they would be, therefore, in the worst state of preparation to meet it. 
 
 Lord Cornwallis, said he, meditates an invasion of Virginia, and has 
 doubtless already made arrangements to take the command, and co- 
 operate there, with general Philips. Should be change his views, and 
 pursue me into South Carolina, much good may result from the measure. 
 
 Virginia being relieved from part of her pressure, the enemy will be 
 expelled from that state, or conquered in it., and succours immediately 
 forwarded to me in the south. 
 
 But in case his lordship, whose army is already reduced, persist in his 
 present determination, and join, general Philips, their united force'cau 
 be successfully opposed by the state of Virginia, with such aid as may 
 be afforded from the north. 
 
 In either case, North Carolina will be free from the pressure of the 
 foe, and can direct her means as circumstances may require to my 
 assistance, should 1 need them; to Virginia, should it be more advise- 
 able.
 
 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 419 
 
 The policy and achievements of Greene, at this 
 period of his campaigns, were alone sufficient to im- 
 mortalize his name. Incompetent, still, to cope with 
 his adversary, in a general engagement, he confined 
 himself rigidly to a war of posts, compelling the 
 
 Further. Let lord Cornwallis follow me into South Carolina, with his 
 utmost speed, I shall be so far in advance of him, as to have beaten lord 
 Rawdon, and captured some of his posts, before his arrival. In that 
 case, I shall be fully prepared for a second meeting- with his lordship; the 
 more so, as the presence of an army in the state, will encourage the 
 whigs of South -Carolina to assemble in arms, and augment our force 
 by joining our standard. 
 
 But if, on the contrary, I march into Virginia, the state of South 
 Carolina considering herself abandoned, her spirit of freedom will be 
 extinguished, by despair, the whigs will submit, toryism triumph, and 
 all resistance in that quarter cease. 
 
 Nor is this all. Lord Rawdon being unemployed, will invade North 
 Carolina, paralyse the energies of that state, if he does not conquer it, 
 augment his force by an accession of tories, and even carry his arms, 
 perhaps, into Virginia. 
 
 Hence we shall be compelled to contend in the latter state with the 
 concentrated powers of the enemy, without the least prospect of aid 
 from any part of the south. 
 
 But, admitting the greatest evil that can happen, on my marching 
 for South Carolina that lord Cornwallis should follow me there, and 
 arrive before the defeat of lord Rawdon my condition will still be bet- 
 ter than it was before my late retreat, my force having been, since that 
 time, considerably increased, and his lordship's much diminished. In 
 addition to this, my troops are now confident in themselves, which is a 
 source of great efficiency, while his are broken-spirited; the reverse of 
 which was heretofore true. 
 
 To march into South Carolina, therefore, is the true way to save 
 North Carolina, to fight and beat the enemy in detail, the only mode in 
 which they can be subdued, and to keep alive the spirit of freedom in 
 the two southern states. 
 
 From this movement, then, no evil can result, while much benefit 
 probably will. I shall, therefore, adot.i it.
 
 420 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE 
 
 evacuation or surrender of every place he attempted, 
 until, having redu ed the forces of the enemy to an 
 equality with his own, he overthrew them in battle, 
 at the Eutaw springs, drove them for shelter within 
 the lines of Charleston, and effected completely the 
 reconquest of the country. 
 
 Such, in brief, were the achievements of Greene, 
 constituting a career of successes, unrivalled in the 
 course of the revolutionary contest, and demonstrat- 
 ing, by evidence clear and irresistible, that his ge- 
 nius for war was of the highest order. 
 
 On examining the minds of most commanders, it is 
 common to find in them a marked predominancy of 
 certain military qualities, giving to their characters 
 a peculiar cast, and fitting them for some kinds of 
 service rather than others. 
 
 One leader is signalized by his daring courage, his 
 fondness for battle, and his vehemence in attack; 
 another, by great decision of character, accompanied 
 by promptness of action, in every emergency; a third, 
 by coolness, self-possession, and soundness of judg- 
 ment; a fourth, by invincible fortitude and persever- 
 ing resistance under the pressure of adversity; and 
 a fifth, by a restless spirit of enterprise, seeking ad- 
 venture for its own sake.
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 421 
 
 Officers of these several descriptions are import- 
 ant in their places, and essential to an army, on ac- 
 count of their aptitudes for specific services; but they 
 are totally disqualified for the highest stations. Their 
 province is to receive and execute orders, not to ori- 
 ginate them. 
 
 In the military character of Greene, no such mark- 
 ed predominancy existed. Too perfectly balanced 
 for this, and exhibiting as much of symmetry as of 
 greatness, so happily in unison were the powers of 
 his mind, that no one of them preponderated at the 
 expense of the others. 
 
 It is this rare and sublime equilibrium of facul- 
 ties, that forms a consummate genius for war, and 
 constitutes a fitness for supreme command. Hence, 
 poets and other fictitious writers of judgment, always 
 bestow it on those heroes, to whom they intrust the 
 direction of armies or the fate of nations. 
 
 When Homer created his Agamemnon, to conduct 
 the Greeks in the investment of Troy, and Tasso 
 his Godfrey, to command in chief in the holy wars, 
 each conferred on his leading hero a well balanced 
 intellect. 
 
 Had the former given the supremacy to Achilles, 
 and the latter to Rinaldo, although the most bold 
 and formidable warriors of their hosts, but charac-
 
 4~~ LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 terised by a strong predominancy of qualities, they 
 would have manifested a culpable weakness of judg- 
 ment, and an entire want of military knowledge. 
 
 Alexander of Macedon, whose master qualities 
 were boldness, decision amounting to precipitancy 
 and a love of enterprise, would never have achieved the 
 empire of the world, had it been his fortune to con- 
 tend, on equal terms, with Ceesar, whose capabilities 
 as a commander were greatly superior, because the 
 balance of his mind was more perfect. 
 
 Where this equilibrium does not exist, the genius 
 of the leader is so far imperfect, an excess of one 
 quality being always accompanied by a deficiency of 
 some other. 
 
 Such is the construction of the human intellect, 
 that it is scarcely possible the case can be otherwise. 
 Excessive valour implies, in its definition, a want of 
 prudence. Decision and promptness, carried to ex- 
 cess, amount to a want of calm deliberation. Where 
 prudence is the high predominating quality, the spirit 
 of enterprise is frigid and feeble. And even fortitude 
 and an endurance of evil, carried to an extreme, 
 paralyse the functions of active courage, and become 
 identified in effect with a want of energy. 
 
 It is not intended to be here maintained, that an 
 equilibrium of intellect is essential to genius of every
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 423 
 
 description. In relation to many subjects the case 
 must be reversed. 
 
 True genius for mathematics consists in a high 
 predominancy of the power of abstraction: a genius 
 for poetry, in a predominancy of the power of inven- 
 tion: and a genius for painting, in a predominancy of 
 the imitative power. But mental irregularities like 
 these, are wholly incompatible with the genius for 
 war. Hence, no great commander has ever been dis- 
 tinguished as a mathematician, a poet, or a painter. 
 
 Were we to attempt an analysis of the aptitudes 
 and capacities of Greene, as a military chief; we 
 might show them to be composed of the following 
 elements. 
 
 Courage, of that elevated kind, which is " inflam'd 
 by reason, and by reason cooPd" that courage, 
 which, not only enabled him to bear undauntedly the 
 shock of battle, but in opposition to public sentiment, 
 and under the imputation of cowardice itself,* em- 
 
 * M uch, of Greene's merit in retreating-, first from lord C'ornwallis. 
 through North Carolina, and afterwards from lord Rawdon, in South 
 Carolina, arose from the consideration, that he did it in opposition to 
 public sentiment, and even sustained, on account of it, the imputation 
 of cowardice. 
 
 For a brave officer to bear such a charge, and, still, from a devotion 
 to the good of his country, persevere in the measures that have sub- 
 jected him to it, requires a consummate degree of patriotism and cou- 
 rage a degree, which such commanders as Fabius. Washington, and 
 Greene, alone possess.
 
 424 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 boldened him to retreat, when circumstances de- 
 manded it, boldness in enterprise, profound judg- 
 ment ripened by experience into practical skill, for- 
 titude in adversity, coolness and self-possession in all 
 emergencies, firmness of resolution,* promptitude of 
 
 * Greene had been but a few weeks invested with the command of 
 brigadier general, when he was appointed president of the first court- 
 martial held under congress, after the commencement of the revolution- 
 ary war. 
 
 The primary object of the court, as heretofore stated, was the trial of 
 certain officers on charges of misconduct in the battle of Bunker's hill. 
 
 As yet no system of military discipline had been regularly introduced 
 into the American army. The duty of strict subordination and obedience 
 to command, was not only unkown, but repugnant to the very spirit 
 and feeling which had induced the inhabitants of the country to resort 
 to arms. Yet the public safety called imperiously for its immediate 
 enforcement. 
 
 In this state of things, the task of Greene was arduous, and his situa- 
 tion in a high degree responsible and critical. An example was to be 
 iet, and a standard erected for the conduct of the military, which, while 
 salutary in their effect, might be attractive in their nature. At this early 
 period, to do any thing so arbitrary as to disgust the people with the 
 service, might be fatal to the cause for which the sword had been drawn. 
 Too much severity might endanger freedom from the want of soldiers, 
 and too much lenity from the want of discipline. 
 
 To determine and maintain the proper means required all the wisdom 
 and firmness of Greene. But he had the ability to acquit himself greatly 
 to his own credit, and no less to the advantage of the service and the 
 nation. In every case that was brought before him, the decision was 
 acknowledged to be just; in none offensively severe. 
 
 The court-martial, which was known to derive its chief efficiency 
 from him alone, was felt, in its effects, throughout the army. It aided in 
 the establishment of subordination and discipline, and was highly instru- 
 mental in giving an early tone to the character of the military in gene- 
 ral, which continued throughout the war, and contributed essentially to 
 their safety and success.
 
 LIFE OP GENERAL GREENE. 425 
 
 decision, sagacity in discovering the character of an 
 enemy, and in selecting the favourable moment for 
 action, vigour in attack, enlightened prudence, which 
 knows when to risk and when to be cautious, a tem- 
 pered obstinacy of spirit, prompting to a renewal of 
 action when least expected, and an unrelaxing per- 
 severance, in pursuing advantages already 4 gained, 
 until converted into an entire discomfiture of the 
 foe.* 
 
 The firmness and competency he manifested, and the standard of duty 
 be set up, on this occasion, constituted one ground of his early and high 
 estimation with the commander in chief. 
 
 * This spirit was abundantly manifested by Greene, on the occasion 
 of the battle of Guilford court-house. 
 
 When he retreated from the field, aware that lord Corwallis had sus- 
 tained a heavy loss, but not supposing him crippled to such an extent as 
 to be unable to pursue, he formed his line in the first advantageous po- 
 sition he reached, determined again to give battle, as soon as his lordship 
 should arrive. 
 
 But the British army not appearing, led him to suspect that the blow 
 be had given, was more destructive than he at first imagined. Convinced 
 of this truth, in the course of the evening, by learning that the loss of 
 the enemy amounted to a third of their force, he instantly resolved to 
 become the assailant, and attack them in their position early in the 
 morning. 
 
 Preparations were accordingly made for the assault. But a very pro- 
 fuse fall of rain occurring in the night, rendered a stream or two that 
 interposed, impassable, and thus prevented the execution of his purpose. 
 
 But for this event, it is probable that lord Corwallis would have been 
 compelled to surrender on the field of battle. 
 
 These facts have been recently communicated to us by general 
 Greene's surviving aid, who was with him, at the time, and privy to his 
 intentions. / , 
 
 It has been elsewhere stated, that the final escape of the enemy, on 
 ibis occasion, was owing to Greene's being obliged to wait for supplies
 
 426 LIFE OF GENERAL GREENE. 
 
 Instances, to which it would be superfluous to re- 
 fer, wherein all those qualities were abundantly mani- 
 fested by Greene, have been detailed in the course 
 of the present work. 
 
 If to these we add, his peculiar faculty of calling 
 ibrth the resources of the country when existing, and 
 of creating resources, in cases of deficiency, his mul- 
 tifarious knowledge, his unwearied industry, and his 
 pow r ers of combination, fitting him for the entire su- 
 perintendence of the concerns of an army and the 
 most complicated systems of military policy, and his 
 happy facility of attaching his officers to his person 
 and securing their obedience, as if endowed by na- 
 ture with the prerogative of command. This as- 
 semblage of aptitudes for the profession of arms, pre- 
 sents no incorrect, although perhaps an incomplete 
 picture of his genius for war, and ranks him, as he 
 deserves to be, with the ablest captains of modern 
 times. 
 
 from the north, before he was in a condition to pursue them in their 
 retreat. 
 
 THE END.
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 I. Greene's letter to the President of Congress, preparatory 
 to hi* resignation of the office of Quarter-master gene- 
 ral. 
 
 Morristoiun, 12th December, 1770. 
 " SIR, 
 
 " It has been my wish for a long time to relinquish the 
 office of quarter-master general. This is the close of the 
 second campaign, since I engaged in the duties of this of- 
 fice; and I feel a degree of happiness in having it in my 
 power to say with confidence, that every military operation 
 whether in the main army, or in any detachment, has been 
 promoted and supported, as far as it depended upon this 
 department. The commander in chief has given me the 
 most ample testimony of his approbation, and the success 
 in every other quarter, sufficiently evinces the ample pro- 
 vision that has been made. Having gone through the labo- 
 rious duties of this employment successfully, two cam- 
 paigns; and having engaged originally in this business, 
 from necessity and not of choice, I am desirous of return- 
 ing to the line of the army, which is more grateful to my 
 feelings, and consistent with my military pursuits. It has 
 ever been my study, since I have been in the public ser- 
 vice, to serve my country in that capacity in which I could 
 be most useful, and on these occasions, I have frequently 
 sacrificed my own private wishes, to the calls of public 
 utility. It was well known to the congress of that day in 
 which I accepted my appointment, the necessity that urged 
 a compliance, and the reluctance with which I agreed to
 
 428 APPENDIX. 
 
 hold the office. It was also well known to the committee of 
 congress, who were delegates to negotiate this business, 
 that I claimed no extraordinary emoluments, but offered 
 my services on the same conditions, on which they could 
 engage my colleagues. I mention those things to show, that 
 I took no advantage of the public necessity, nor made the 
 profits of the office, the conditions of my acceptance. I rea- 
 dily confess the appointment has been somewhat flattering 
 to my fortune, but in a very small proportion to what some 
 people out of doors, through mistake, ignorance, or design, 
 have represented. Though the perplexities incident to the 
 business, are infinitely superior to the benefits accompany- 
 ing it, yet I do not mean to complain, nor do I wish fur- 
 ther compensation. I am not desirous of leaving the de- 
 partment from a dislike to the terms of service, but from 
 the employment, being injurious to my health harassing 
 to my mind, and opposed to my military pursuits. As in- 
 terest was not the object which first induced me to accept 
 the appointment, it would be my wish to resign it, even if 
 the emoluments would be made five times as large as they 
 are; provided I could retire with the approbation of con- 
 gress, and without injuring the public service. These are 
 the two only conditions which will determine my conduct 
 in this affair; and it is on this account that I take this early 
 opportunity at the close of the campaign of laying my wish- 
 es before them. There are many things in holding this of- 
 fice, which wound my feelings as a military man, and many 
 others in the execution thereof, from the complication of 
 the business, which are perplexing and vexatious; but the 
 principal source of all our difficulties, is the state of our 
 money the depreciation of which locks up almost every 
 species of supplies, deprives us of the opportunities of mak- 
 ing contracts, or of gaining credit; and obliges us to employ 
 innumerable agents to collect from the people, what they 
 would be glad to furnish, were the representation of proper-
 
 APPENDIX. 429 
 
 ty upon a more stable footing. Here one evil rises out of 
 another: for by the great number of agents found necessary 
 to procure the supplies for the army, the public expendi- 
 ture is considerably increased, suitable agents more difficult 
 to be got, and the whole detail of the business rendered 
 more complex, and subject to imposition. From this unfor- 
 tunate circumstance great murmurings have' prevailed, and 
 innumerable inconveniences arisen; suspicions of want of 
 economy have crept in, and distrust and jealousy have pre- 
 vailed on every side. The staff officers could only conduct 
 the business by such means as they were furnished with, 
 and the value of these depending so much upon opinion, 
 has given birth to great dissatisfaction, from the different 
 estimations which have prevailed at different times, and in 
 different places. The losses sustained by those individuals 
 and districts, which have been the most forward to supply 
 the public on credit, and in the greatest plenty, have taught 
 others to be more wary; and this disposition has now grown 
 to a most formidable height, not only among individuals, 
 but in towns, counties, and even among most of the states; 
 in all of which such a spirit of competition prevails for the 
 benefit of their own inhabitants, as is alarming to behold, as 
 well as destructive to the public interest; and wherever the 
 law of any state obliges the people to part with their pro- 
 perty, for the use of the army, the magistrates will not put 
 it in execution, unless the public agents are possessed of 
 money to pay for the same. Had the currency any perma- 
 nent footing, or fixed value, such are the characters of 
 many of the public agents, that large supplies might be had 
 upon their credit; but the unsettled state of the money, and 
 the sufferings of those who have sold upon credit hereto- 
 fore, as well as the heavy demands noAv against the depart- 
 ment, leave us nothing further to hope from this source. In 
 this distressing situation, without money and without cre- 
 dit, necessity obliges me to give congress this information,
 
 430 APPENDIX. 
 
 and to ask their advice what we are to do? Here is an ex- 
 pensive army to support, and the difficulties hourly in- 
 creasing, besides the preparations necessary for another 
 campaign fast approaching, while we are without the 
 means either to defray the current expenses, or discharge 
 our past contracts, which are now very great, owing to the 
 poverty of the treasury for some months past; and so dis- 
 satisfied are the people at being kept out of their money, 
 that they have begun to sue the public agents the conse- 
 quence of which will be, an accumulated expense to the de- 
 partment, as well as a total loss of confidence in the public 
 officers. So strict are the laws of some states, and so at- 
 tentive are the magistrates to guard the people's property, 
 that the forage officers have been prosecuted, and heavily 
 fined, for presuming to take forage on the march of the 
 army, to save the public cattle from starving, by virtue of a 
 press-warrant, granted by the commander in chief. Nothing 
 can be more alarming than the situation of the forage-de- 
 partment at this time. The magazines empty, the consump- 
 tion very large, and will be greatly increased from the in- 
 terior position in which the commander in chief has ordered 
 the army to be placed in for its greater security. 
 
 I should have written to congress long before, of the ap- 
 proaching distress which I had reason to fear, from the 
 scanty supplies of money; but I have been in constant ex- 
 pectation that things would change for the better, and I 
 have been so much engaged for this month or six weeks 
 past, in making preparation for the intended New York 
 expedition, and in searching out a position for hutting the 
 army, that I have had neither time or opportunity Be- 
 sides, Mr. Pettit's representations on this head have been 
 so full, that he has left me little or nothing to say. Such 
 is the state of the army, both with respect to provisions 
 and forage at this time, from the scanty supplies of cash, 
 that I dare not say what I think I have great reason to
 
 APPENDIX. 431 
 
 fear; and such has been the difficulty of supporting the 
 army through the whole of the campaign, that had it not 
 been for the taxes in some states, and the expectations of 
 them in others, it had been utterly impossible to have done 
 it. 
 
 The earlier congress shall make choice of a person to 
 fill my place, the better; as a new arrangement is absolute- 
 ly necessary to be made for the staff on salary; which if 
 not speedily attended to will leave the department without 
 a single agent (except those on commission) necessary to 
 the business; indeed, so great has been their disgust and 
 distress, that it has been with the utmost difficulty and per- 
 suasion, that they could be prevailed on to stay for this 
 six months past and nothing but personal influence and 
 the fullest assurance that a more ample provision would be 
 made for their support at the close of the campaign, has 
 kept them in service. This is a matter of such importance, 
 and the consequences of a delay so much to be dreaded, 
 that I trust it will obtain the earliest notice. I shall be 
 happy to give every information in this, and all other regu- 
 lations, (which are not a few) that shall be found necessary 
 for the due government of this department. 
 
 NATHANIEL GREENE, 
 >uarter-master general.
 
 432 APPENDIX. 
 
 II. General Greeners official report of the battle of Guil- 
 ford, to the president of congress. 
 
 Camp at the Iron Works, March 16, 1781. 
 44 SIR, 
 
 " On the 10th, I wrote to his excellency general Wash- 
 ington, from the High Rock ford, on the Haw river, a copy 
 of which I enclosed your excellency, that I had effected a 
 junction with a continental regiment of eighteen months 
 men, and two considerable bodies of militia, belonging to 
 Virginia and North Carolina. After this junction, I took 
 the resolution of attacking the enemy without loss of time, 
 and made the necessary disposition accordingly, being per- 
 suaded, that if we were successful, it would prove ruinous 
 to the enemy, and, if otherwise, it would only prove a par- 
 tial evil to us. 
 
 " The army marched from the High Rock ford on the 
 12th, and on the 14th, arrived at Guilford. The enemy lay 
 at the Quaker meeting-house, on Deep River, eight miles 
 from our camp. On the morning of the 15th, our recon- 
 noitring party reported the enemy advancing on the great 
 Salisbury road. The army was drawn up in three lines. 
 The line was composed of North Carolina militia, under 
 the command of generals Butler and Eaton. The second 
 line of Virginia militia, commanded by generals Stephens 
 and Lawson, forming two brigades, one of Virginia, and 
 one of Maryland continental troops, commanded by gene- 
 ral Huger and colonel Williams. Lieutenant colonel Wash- 
 ington, with the dragoons of the first and third regiments, 
 a detachment of light infantry, composed of continental 
 troops, and a regiment of riflemen, under colonel Lynch, 
 formed a corps of observation for the security of our right 
 flank. Lieutenant colonel Lee, with his legion, a detach- 
 ment of light infantry, and a corps of riflemen, under colo-
 
 APPENDIX. 433 
 
 nel Campbell, formed a corps of observation for the securi- 
 ty of our left flank. 
 
 ' The greater part of this country is a wilderness, with a 
 few cleared fields interspersed here and there. The army 
 was drawn up on a large hill of ground, surrounded by 
 other hills, the greatest part of which was covered with 
 timber and thick under-brush. The front line was posted 
 with two field pieces, just on the edge of the woods, and" 
 the back of a fence which ran parallel with the line, with 
 an open field directly in their front. The second line was 
 in the woods, about three hundred yards in the rear of the 
 first, and the continental troops about four hundred yards 
 in the rear of the second, with a double front, as the hill 
 drew to a point where they were posted* and on the right 
 and left were two old fields. In this position we waited the 
 ' approach of the enemy, having previously sent off the bag- 
 gage to this place, appointed for our rendezvous in case of 
 a defeat. Lieutenant, colonel Lee, with his legion, his in- 
 fantry, and pait of his riflemen, met the enemy on their ad- 
 vance, and had a severe skirmish with lieutenant colonel 
 Tarleton, in which the enemy suffered greatly. Captain 
 Armstrong charged the British legion, and cut down near 
 thirty of their dragoons; but as the enemy reinforced their 
 party, lieutenant colonel Lee was obliged to retire, and 
 take his position in the line. 
 
 " The action commenced by cannonade, which lasted 
 about twenty minutes; when the enemy advanced in three 
 columns: the Hessians on the right, the guards in the centre, 
 and lieutenant colonel Webster's brigade on the left. The 
 whole moved through the old fields to attack the North 
 Carolina brigades, who waited the attack until the enemy 
 got within one hundred and forty yards, when part of them 
 began to fire; but a considerable part left the ground with- 
 out firing at all. The general and field officers did all they 
 could to induce the men to stand their ground; but neither 
 
 3 i
 
 434 APPENDIX. 
 
 the advantages of the position, nor any other consideration 
 could induce them to stay. General Stevens and general 
 Lawson and the field officers of those brigades were more 
 successful in their exertions. The Virginia militia gave 
 the enemy a warm reception, and kept up a heavy fire for 
 a long time; but being beat back, the action became gene- 
 ral almost every where. The corps of observation, under 
 Washington and Lee, were warmly engaged, and did 
 great execution. In a word, the engagement was long and 
 severe, and the enemy only gained their point by superior 
 discipline. / 
 
 " They having broken the second Maryland regiment 
 and turned our left flank, got into the rear of the Virginia 
 brigade, and appearing to be gaining on our right, which 
 would have encircled the whole of the continental troops, 
 I thought it most advisable to order a retreat. About this 
 time lieutenant colonel Washington made a charge with 
 the horse upon a part of the brigade of guards, and the 
 first regiment of Marylanders, commanded by colonel Gun- 
 by, and seconded by lieutenant colonel Howard, followed 
 the horse with their bayonets; near the whole of the party 
 fell a sacrifice. General Huger was the last that was en- 
 gaged, and gave the enemy a check. We retreated in good 
 order to the Reedy Fork river; and crossed at the ford, 
 about three miles from the field of action, and then halted, 
 and drew up the troops, until we collected most of the 
 stragglers. We lost our artillery, and two ammunition 
 wagons, the greater part of the horses being killed before 
 the retreat began, and it being impossible to move the pie- 
 ces but along the great road. After collecting our strag- 
 glers, we retired to this camp, ten miles distant from Guil- 
 ford. 
 
 " From the best information I can get, the enemy's loss 
 is very great; not less, in killed and wounded, than six
 
 APPENDIX. 4.3a 
 
 hundred men, besides some few prisoners that we 
 brought off. 
 
 " Inclosed I send your excellency a return of our killed, 
 wounded and missing. Most of the latter have gone 
 home, as is but too customary with the militia after an 
 action. I cannot learn that the enemy has got any consi- 
 derable number of prisoners. Our men are all in good 
 spirits, and in perfect readiness for another field day. 
 
 " I only lament the loss of several valuable officers, who 
 are killed and wounded in the action. Among the latter 
 are general Stephens, shot through the thigh, and general 
 Huger in the hand; and among the former is major An- 
 derson, one of the Maryland line. 
 
 " The firmness of the officers and soldiers, during the 
 whole campaign, has been unparalleled. Amidst innume- 
 rable difficulties, they have discovered a degree of mag- 
 nanimity and fortitude that will for ever add a lustre to 
 their military reputation." 
 
 III. Battle of HobkirVs Hill. 
 
 " Sir, 
 
 " I had the honour to write to your excellency the 2d in- 
 " stant, April, to inform you that we were encamped be- 
 fore Camden, having found it impossible to attempt to 
 storm the town with any hopes of success; and having no 
 other alternative, but to take such a position as should 
 induce the enemy to sally from their works. To this end, 
 we posted ourselves on an eminence about a mile from the 
 town, near the high road leading to Wacsaws: It was co- 
 vered with woods, and flanked on the left by an impassable 
 swamp. The ground between this place and the town is
 
 436 APPENDIX. 
 
 covered by a thick wood and shrubbery. In this situation 
 we remained constantly on the watch, and ready for action 
 at a moment's warning. 
 
 " On the morning of the 25th, about eleven o'clock our 
 advanced pickets received the first fire from the enemy, 
 and returned it warmly. The line was formed in an in- 
 stant. General Huger's brigade to the right; colonel Wil- 
 liam's Maryland brigade to the left; the artillery in the 
 centre; colonel Read, with some militia, formed a kind of 
 second line; captain Kirkwood, with the light infantry, was 
 posted in our front, and when the enemy advanced, he 
 was soon engaged with them, and both he and his men 
 behaved with a great deal of bravery; nor did the pickets 
 under captains Morgan and Benson act with less courage 
 or regularity. Observing that the enemy advanced with 
 but few men abreast, I ordered lieutenant colonel Ford, 
 with the 2d Maryland regiment, to flank them on the left, 
 while lieutenant colonel Campbell was to do the same on 
 the right. Colonel Gunby, with the 1st Maryland regi- 
 ment, and lieutenant colonel Hawes, with the 2d Virginia 
 regiment, received orders at the same time to descend 
 from the eminence, and attack in front; and I sent lieu- 
 tenant colonel Washington at the same time to double the 
 right flank, and attack the rear of the enemy. The whole 
 line was soon in action in the midst of a very smart fire, 
 as well from our small arms as from our artillery, which, 
 under the command of colonel Harrison, kept playing upon 
 the front of the enemy, who began to give way on all sides, 
 and their left absolutely to retreat; when, unfortunately, 
 two companies on the right of the 1st Maryland regiment 
 were entirely thrown into disorder; and, by another stroke 
 of fortune, colonel Gunby ordered the rest of the regi- 
 ment, which was advancing, to take a new position to- 
 wards the rear, where the two companies were rallying. 
 This movement gave the whole regiment an idea of a re-
 
 APPENDIX. 437 
 
 treat, which soon spread through the 2d regiment, which 
 retreated accordingly; they both rallied afterwards; but it 
 was too late; the enemy had gained the eminence, silenced 
 the artillery, and obliged us to draw it off. The 2d Vir- 
 ginia regiment having descended the eminence a little, 
 and having its left flank naked by the retreat of the Mary- 
 landers, the enemy immediately doubled upon them, and 
 attacked them both on the flank and in front. Colonel 
 Campbell's regiment was thrown into confusion, and had 
 retreated a little; I therefore thought it necessary for colo- 
 nel Hawes to retreat also. The troops rallied more than 
 once; but the disorder was too general, and had struck too 
 detp for one to think of recovering the fortune of the day, 
 which promised us at the onset the most complete victory; 
 for colonel Washington, on his way to double and attack 
 in the rear, found the enemy, both horse and foot, retreat- 
 ing with precipitation towards the town, and made up- 
 wards of two hundred of them prisoners, together with 
 ten or fifteen officers, before he perceived that our troops 
 had abandoned the field of battle. The colonel, upon this 
 occasion, and indeed his whole corps, acquired no incon- 
 siderable share of honour. We then retreated two or 
 three miles from the scene of action, without any loss of 
 artillery, wagons, or provisions, having taken the precau- 
 tion to send away our baggage at the beginning of the ac- 
 tion. The enemy have suffered very considerably; our 
 forces were nearly equal in number; but such were the 
 dispositions that I had made, that, if we had succeeded, 
 the whole of the enemy's army must have fallen into our 
 hands, as well as the town of Camden. I herewith enclose 
 a list of the killed and wounded; among the first is captain 
 Beatry, of the Maryland line, one of the best of officers, 
 and an ornament to his profession. Our army is full of 
 spirits; and this little check will not by any means derange 
 or alter our general plan of operations.
 
 438 APPENDIX. 
 
 " Your excellency will find enclosed also, the articles of 
 capitulation of Fort Watson, which, I trust, will be fol- 
 lowed by many other surrenders. 
 
 " I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 " NATH. GREENE. 
 
 " P. S. The cavalry and a part of the infantry charged 
 the enemy in the dusk of the evening, and made them fly 
 with precipitation into the town." 
 
 IV. The Assault of Ninety Six. 
 
 " In my last letter of the 9th, I informed your excel- 
 lency, that the enemy had received a considerable rein- 
 forcement at Charlestown, and that I was apprehensive 
 they would march and interrupt our operations. On the 
 llth I got intelligence they were advancing; I immedi- 
 ately advanced all the cavalry, with orders to general 
 Sumpter to collect all the force he could, and keep in their 
 front, and by every means in his power to retard their 
 march. The enemy passed him at Congaree before he 
 got his troops in motion; afterwards he found it impracta- 
 ble to gain their front. It was my intention to have fought 
 them before they arrived at Ninety six, could I have col- 
 lected a force sufficient for the purpose. 
 
 " We had pushed on our approaches very near to the 
 enemy's work; our third parallel was formed round theif 
 abbatis; a mine and two approaches were within a few feet 
 of the ditch. These approaches were directed against the 
 Star fort, which stands upon the left of the town as we ap- 
 proached it from the Saluda. On our right our approaches 
 were very near the enemy's redoubts: this was a strong 
 stockade fort, with two block houses in it. These two
 
 APPENDIX. 439 
 
 works flanked the town, which is picketed in with strong 
 pickets, a ditch round the whole, and a bank raised near 
 the height of a common parapet. Besides these fortifica- 
 tions, were several little fleches in different parts of the 
 town; and all the works communicated with each other by 
 covered ways. We had raised several batteries for can- 
 non; one upwards of twenty feet high, within one hundred 
 and forty yards of the Star fort, to command the works, 
 and a rifle battery also within thirty yards, to prevent the 
 enemy from annoying our workmen. For the last ten 
 days not a man could show his head but he was immedi- 
 ately shot down; and the firing was almost incessant day 
 and night. In this state of the approaches, I found the 
 enemy so near us, that it would be impossible to reduce 
 the place without hazarding a storm. This, from the pe- 
 culiar strength of the place, could only be warranted by 
 the success of a partial attempt to make a lodgement on 
 one of the curtains of the Star redoubt, , and a vigorous 
 push to carry the right-hand work. 
 
 " The disposition was accordingly formed, and the at- 
 tack made; lieutenant colonel Lee, with his legion infantry, 
 and captain Kirkwood's light infantry, made the attack on 
 the right; and lieutenant colonel Campbell, with the 1st 
 Maryland and the 1st Virginia regiments, was to have 
 stormed the Star redoubt, which is their principal work, 
 and stands upon the left; the parapet of this work is near 
 twelve feet high, and raised with sand bags near three 
 feet more. Lieutenant Duvall, of the Maryland line, and 
 lieutenant Selden, of the Virginia line, led on the forlorn 
 hope, followed by a party with hooks to pull down the 
 sand bags, the better to enable them to make the lodge- 
 ment. A furious cannonade preluded the attack. On the 
 right the enemy were driven out of their works, and our 
 people took possession: on the left, never was greater bra- 
 very exhibited than by the parties led on by Duvall and
 
 440 APPENDIX. 
 
 Scldon; but they were not so successful. They entered 
 the enemy's ditch, and made every exertion to get down 
 the sand bags, which, from the depth of the ditch, height 
 of the parapet, and under a galling fire, was rendered dif- 
 ficult. Finding the enemy defended their works with 
 great obstinacy, and seeing but little prospect of succeed- 
 ing without heavy loss, I ordered the attack to be pushed 
 no further. 
 
 " The behaviour of the troops on this occasion deserves 
 the highest commendations; both the officers that entered 
 the ditch were wounded, and the greater part of their men 
 were either killed or wounded. I have only to lament 
 that such brave men fell in an unsuccessful attempt. 
 
 " Captain Armstrong, of the 1st Maryland regiment, 
 was killed, and captain Benson, who commanded the regi- 
 ment, was wounded at the head of the trenches. In both 
 attacks we had upwards of forty men killed and wounded; 
 the loss was principally at the Star fort and in the enemy's 
 ditch, the other parties being all under cover. The attack 
 was continued three quarters of an hour, and as the enemy 
 were greatly exposed to the fire of the rifle battery and 
 artillery; they must have suffered' greatly. Our artillery 
 was well served, and I believe did great execution. 
 
 " The troops have undergone incredible hardships dur- 
 ing the siege; and though the issue was not successful, I 
 hope their exertions will merit the approbation of con- 
 gress. 
 
 " We continued the siege until the enemy got within a 
 few miles of us, having previously sent off all our sick, 
 wounded, and spare stores. 
 
 NATH. GREENE."
 
 APPENDIX. 44! 
 
 V. Head-quarters, Martin's Tavern, near Ferguson's 
 
 S-wamp, South Carolina, September llth, 1781. 
 "SiR, 
 
 " In my last despatch of the 25th of August I informed 
 your excellency that we were on our march for Fryday's 
 ferry, to form a junction with the state troops, and a body 
 of militia, collecting at that place, with an intention to make 
 an attack upon the British army laying at colonel Thomp- 
 son's, near M'Cord's ferry. On the 27th, on our arrival 
 near Fryday's ferry, I got intelligence that the enemy were 
 retiring. 
 
 " We crossed the river at HowelPs ferry, and took post at 
 Motte's plantation. Here I got intelligence that the enemy 
 had halted at the Eutaw Springs, about forty miles below 
 us; and that they had a reinforcement, and were making 
 preparations to establish a permanent post there. To pre- 
 vent this, I was determined rather to hazard an action, 
 notwithstanding our numbers were greatly inferior to theirs. 
 On the 5th, we began our march, our baggage and stores 
 having been ordered to Howell's ferry under a proper 
 guard. We moved by slow and easy marches, as well to 
 disguise our real intention, as to give general Marion an 
 opportunity to join us, who had been detached for the sup- 
 port of colonel Harden, a report of which I transmitted in 
 my letter of the 5th, dated Maybrick's creek. General 
 Marion joined us on the evening of the 7th, at Burdell's 
 plantation, seven miles from the enemy's camp. 
 
 " We made the following disposition, and marched at 
 four o'clock the next morning to attack the enemy. Our 
 front line was composed of four small battalions of militia, 
 two of North and two of South Carolinians; one of the 
 South Carolinians was under the immediate command of 
 general Marion, and was posted on the right, who also 
 commanded the front line: the two North Carolina bat- 
 talions, under the command of colonel Malmady, were 
 
 3 K '
 
 442 APPENDIX. 
 
 posted in the centre; and the other South Carolina bat- 
 talion, under the command of general Pickens, was posted 
 on the left. Our second line consisted of three small bri- 
 gades of continental troops, one from North Carolina, 
 one from Virginia, and one from Maryland. The North 
 Carolinians were formed into three battalions, under the 
 command of lieutenant colonel Ash, majors Armstrong 
 and Blount; the whole commanded by general Sumner, 
 and posted upon the right. The Virginians consisted of 
 two battalions, commanded by major Snead and captain 
 Edmonds, and the whole by lieutenant colonel Campbell, 
 and posted in the centre. The Marylanders also consisted 
 of two battalions, commanded by lieutenant colonel How- 
 ard and major Hardman, and the brigade by colonel Wil- 
 liams, deputy adjutant general to the army, and were 
 posted upon the left. Lieutenant colonel Lee with his 
 legion covered our right flank; and lieutenant colonel Hen- 
 derson with the state troops, commanded by lieutenant 
 colonels Hampton, Middleton, and Polk, our left. Lieu- 
 tenant colonel Washington with his horse, and the Dela- 
 ware troops under captain Kirkwood, formed a corps de 
 reserve. Two three pounders under captain lieutenant 
 Gaines advanced with the front line, and two sixes under 
 captain Browne with the second. 
 
 " The legion and state troops formed our advance, and 
 were to retire upon the flanks upon the enemy's forming. 
 In this order we moved on to the attack. The legion and 
 state troops fell in with a party of the enemy's horse and 
 foot, about four miles from their camp, who, mistaking 
 our people for a party of militia, charged them briskly, 
 but were soon convinced of their mistake by the reception 
 they met with. The infantry of the state troops kept up 
 a heavy fire, and the legion in front, under captain Ru- 
 dolph, charged them with fixed bayonets: they fled on all 
 sides, leaving four or five dead on the ground, and several
 
 APPENDIX. 443 
 
 more wounded. As this was supposed to be the advance 
 of the British army, our front line was ordered to form 
 and move on briskly in line, the legion and state troops to 
 take their position upon the flanks. All the country is co- 
 vered with timber from the place the action began to the 
 Eutaw Springs. The firing began again between two and 
 three miles from the British camp. The militia were 
 ordered to keep advancing as they fired. The enemy's 
 advanced parties were soon driven in, and a most tremen- 
 dous fire began on both sides from right to left, and the 
 legion and state troops were closely engaged. General 
 Marion, colonel Malmady and general Pickens conducted 
 the troops with great gallantry and good conduct; and the 
 militia fought with a degree of spirit and firmness that 
 reflects the highest honour upon that class of soldiers. 
 But the enemy's fire being greatly superior to ours, and 
 continuing to advance, the militia began to give ground. 
 The North Carolina brigade, under general Sumner, was 
 ordered up to their support. These were all new levies, 
 and had been under discipline but little more than a 
 month; notwithstanding which they fought with a degree 
 of obstinacy that would do honour to the best of veterans; 
 and I could hardly tell which to admire most, the gal- 
 lantry of the officers or the bravery of the troops. They 
 kept up a heavy and well directed fire, and the enemy 
 returned it with equal spirit, for they really fought worthy 
 of a better cause, and great execution was done on both 
 sides. In this stage of the action, the Virginians under 
 lieutenant colonel Campbell, and the Marylanders under 
 colonel Williams, were led on to a brisk charge, with 
 trailed arms, through a heavy cannonade and a shower of 
 musket balls. Nothing could exceed the gallantry and 
 firmness of both officers and soldiers upon this occasion. 
 They preserved their order, and pressed on with such un- 
 shaken resolution that they bore down all before them,
 
 444 APPENDIX. 
 
 The enemy were routed in all quarters. Lieutenant colo- 
 nel Lee had, with great address, gallantry, and good con- 
 duct, turned the enemy's left flank, and was charging 
 them in rear at the same time the Virginia and Maryland 
 troops were charging them in front. A most valuable offi- 
 cer, lieutenant colonel Henderson, got wounded early in 
 the action, and lieutenant colonel Hampton, who com- 
 manded the state cavalry, and who fortunately succeeded 
 lieutenant colonel Henderson in command, charged a party 
 of the enemy, and took upwards of one hundred prisoners. 
 Lieutenant colonel Washington brought up the corps de 
 reserve upon the left, where the enemy seemed disposed 
 to make further resistance; and charged them so briskly 
 with the cavalry and captain Kirkwood's infantry, as gave 
 them no time to rally or form. Lieutenant colonels Polk 
 and Middleton, who commanded the state infantry, were 
 no less conspicuous for their good conduct than their in- 
 trepidity; and the troops under their command gave a 
 specimen of what may be expected from men, naturally 
 brave, when improved by proper discipline. Captain 
 lieutenant Gaines, who commanded the three pounders 
 with the front line, did great execution until his pieces 
 were dismounted. We kept close at the enemy's heels 
 after they broke, until we got into their camp, and a great 
 number of prisoners were continually falling into our 
 hands, and some hundreds of the fugitives ran off towards 
 Charleston. But a party threw themselves into a large 
 three story brick house, which stands near the spring; 
 others took post in a picqueted garden, while others were 
 lodged in anyimpenetrable thicket, consisting of a cragged 
 shrub, called a black jack. Thus secured in front, and 
 upon the right by the house and a deep ravine, upon the 
 left by the picqueted garden and in the impenetrable shrubs, 
 and the rear also being secured by the springs and deep 
 hollow ways, the enemy renewed the action. Every ex-
 
 APPENDIX. 445 
 
 ertion was made to dislodge them. Lieutenant colonel 
 Washington made most astonishing efforts to get through 
 the thicket to charge the enemy in the rear; but found it 
 impracticable, had his horse shot under him, and was 
 wounded and taken prisoner. Four six pounders were 
 ordered up before the house two of our own, and two of 
 the enemy's, which they had abandoned and they were 
 pushed on so much under the command of the fire from 
 the house and the party in the thicket, as rendered it- im- 
 practicable to bring them off again when the troops were 
 ordered to retire. Never were pieces better served; most 
 of the men and officers were either killed or wounded. 
 Washington failing in his charge upon the left, and the 
 legion baffled in an attempt upon the right, and finding 
 our infantry galled by the fire of the enemy, and our am- 
 munition mostly consumed, though both officers and men 
 continued to exhibit uncommon acts of heroism, I thought 
 proper to retire out of the fire of the house, and draw up 
 the troops at a little distance in the woods; not thinking it 
 advisable to push our advantages further, being persuaded 
 the enemy could not hold the post many hours, and that 
 our chance to attack them on the retreat was better than a 
 second attempt to dislodge them, in which, if we suc- 
 ceeded, it must be attended with considerable loss. 
 
 " We collected all our wounded, except such as were 
 under the command of the fire of the house, and retired 
 to the ground, from which we marched in the morning, 
 there being no water nearer, and the iroops ready to faint 
 with the heat, and want of refreshment, the action having 
 continued near four hours. I left on the fiekir of action a 
 strong picquet, and early in the morning detached general 
 Marion and lieutenant colonel Lee with the legion horse 
 between Eutaw and Charleston, to prevent any reinforce- 
 ments from coming to the relief of the enemy; and also to 
 retard their march, should they attempt to retire, and give
 
 446 APPENDIX. 
 
 time to the army to fall upon their rear and put a finishing 
 stroke to our successes. We left two pieces of our artil- 
 lery in the hands of the enemy, and brought off one of 
 theirs. On the evening of the 9th, the enemy retired, 
 leaving upwards of seventy of their wounded behind them, 
 and not less than one thousand stand of arms that were 
 picked up on the field, and found broke and concealed in 
 the Eutaw Springs. They stove between twenty and 
 thirty puncheons of rum, and destroyed a great variety of 
 other stores, which they had not carriages to carry off. 
 We pursued them the moment we got intelligence of their 
 retiring. But they formed a junction with major M' Ar- 
 thur at this place, general Marion and lieutenant colonel 
 Lee not having a force sufficient to prevent it: but on our 
 approach they retired to the neighbourhood of Charleston. 
 We have taken five hundred prisoners, including the 
 wounded the enemy left behind; and I think they cannot 
 have suffered less than six hundred more in killed and 
 wounded. The fugitives that fled from the field of battle 
 spread such an alarm that the enemy burnt their stores at 
 Dorchester, and abandoned the post at Fair Lawn; and a 
 great number of negroes and others were employed in 
 felling trees across the road for some miles without the 
 gates of Charleston. Nothing but the brick house, and 
 the peculiar strength of the position at Eutaw, saved the 
 remains of the British army from being all made prisoners. 
 " We pursued them as far as this place; but not being 
 able to overtake them, we shall halt a day or two to re- 
 fresh, and then take our old position on the High Hills of 
 Santee. I think myself principally indebted for the vic- 
 tory we obtained to the free use of the bayonet made by 
 the Virginians and Marylanders, the infantry of the legion, 
 and captain Kirkwood's light infantry: and though few 
 armies ever exhibited equal bravery with ours in general, 
 yet the conduct and intrepidity of these corps were pecu*
 
 APPENDIX. 447 
 
 liarly conspicuous. Lieutenant colonel Campbell fell as 
 he was leading his troops to the charge, and though he 
 fell with distinguished marks of honour, yet his loss is 
 much to be regretted: he was the great soldier and the 
 firm patriot. 
 
 " Our loss in officers is considerable, more from their va- 
 lue than their number; for never did either men or officers 
 offer their blood more willingly in the service of their 
 country. I cannot help acknowledging my obligations to 
 colonel Williams for his great activity on this and many 
 other occasions in forming the army, and for his uncom- 
 mon intrepidity in leading on the Maryland troops to the 
 charge, which exceeded any thing I ever saw. I also feel 
 myself greatly indebted to captains Pierce and Pendleton, 
 major Hyrne and captain Shubrick, my aids-de-camp, for 
 their activity and good conduct throughout the whole of 
 the action. 
 
 "This despatch will be handed to your excellency by 
 captain Pierce, to whom I beg leave to refer you for fur- 
 ther particulars. 
 
 " I have the honour to, &c. 
 
 " NATH. GREENE." 
 
 His Excellency, the President of Congress. 
 
 VI. Mecklenburgh Declaration of Independence. 
 
 The present work purporting to develop somewhat of 
 the spirit and character of the people of the south, during 
 the war of the revolution, the publication of the following 
 curious and interesting document is so far relevant to its 
 design. 
 
 On the authenticity of the article, it is believed that a 
 perfect reliance may be placed. 
 
 With the chairman and secretary (clerk, as the latter is 
 there denominated) as well as with colonel Thomas Polk, a
 
 448 APPENDIX. 
 
 very spirited and leading member of the association, the 
 writer of these Memoirs was intimately acquainted; and 
 knows them to have been capable of all that is virtuous, 
 patriotic, and daring. 
 
 Their proceedings clearly show, that while Virginia and 
 Massachusetts are contending for the honour of having 
 given birth to the revolutionary spirit of our country, the 
 state of North Carolina took the lead of both, in a formal 
 manifestation of the spirit of independence. 
 
 We need not indicate to the reader the identity of the 
 language, which closes the third resolution of the Meck- 
 lenburg declaration, with that closing the last section of 
 our national declaration, which was prepared and adopted 
 more than a year afterwards. 
 
 North Carolina, Mecklenburgh County, 
 May 20th, 1775. 
 
 " In the spring of 1775, the leading characters of Meck- 
 lenburgh county, stimulated by the enthusiastic patriotism 
 which elevates the mind above considerations of individual 
 aggrandisement, and scorning to shelter themselves from 
 the impending storm, by submission to lawless power, &c. 
 &c. held several detached meetings, in each of which the 
 individual sentiments were " that the cause of Boston was 
 the cause of all; that their destinies were indissolubly con- 
 nected with those of their eastern fellow-citizens and 
 that they must either submit to all the impositions which 
 an unprincipled, and to them an unrepresented parliament 
 might impose or support their brethren who were doomed 
 to sustain the first shock of that power, which, if success- 
 ful there, would ultimately overwhelm all in the common 
 calamity. Comformably to these principles, colonel Adam 
 Alexander, through solicitation, issued an order to each 
 captain's company in the county of Mecklenburgh (then 
 comprising the present county of Cabarrus) directing each
 
 APPENDIX. 449 
 
 militia company to elect two persons, and delegate to them 
 ample power to devise ways and means to aid and assist 
 their suffering brethren in Boston, and also generally to 
 adopt measures to extricate themselves from the impend- 
 ing storm, and to secure, unimpaired, their inalienable 
 rights, privileges and liberties from the dominant grasp of 
 British imposition and tyranny. 
 
 " In conforming to said order, on the 19th of May, 
 1775, the said delegation met in Charlotte, vested with 
 unlimited powers; at which time official news, by express, 
 arrived of the battle of Lexington on that day of the pre- 
 ceding month. Every delegate felt the value and impor- 
 tance of the prize, and the awful and solemn crisis which 
 had arrived every bosom swelled with indignation at the 
 malice, inveteracy, and insatiable revenge developed in 
 the late attack at Lexington. The universal sentiment 
 was let us not flatter ourselves that popular harangues 
 or resolves; that popular vapour will avert the storm, or 
 vanquish our common enemy let us deliberate let us 
 calculate the issue the probable result; and then let us 
 act with energy as brethren leagued to preserve our pro- 
 perty our lives, and what is still more endearing, the 
 liberties of America. Abraham Alexander was then elect- 
 ed chairman, and John M'-Knitt Alexander, clerk. After 
 a free and full discussion of the various objects for which 
 the delegation had been convened, it was unanimously 
 ordained 
 
 " 1. Resolved, That whosoever directly or indirectly abet- 
 ted, or in any way, form, or manner, countenanced the 
 unchartered and dangerous invasion of our rights, as claim- 
 ed by Great Britain, is an enemy to his country to 
 America and to the inherent and unalienable rights of 
 man. 
 
 " 2. Resolved, That we, the citizens of Mecklenburgh. 
 county, do hereby dissolve the political bands which have 
 
 3 i
 
 450 APPENDIX. 
 
 connected us to the mother country, and hereby dissolve 
 ourselves from all allegiance to the British crown, and 
 abjure all political connexion, contract, or association with 
 that nation, who have wantonly trampled on our rights 
 and liberties and inhumanly shed the innocent blood of 
 American patriots at Lexington. 
 
 " 3. Resolved, That we do hereby declare ourselves a 
 free and independent people; are, and of right ought to be, 
 a sovereign and self governing association, under the con- 
 troul of no power other than that of our God and the ge- 
 neral government of the congress: to the maintenance of 
 which independence, we solemnly pledge to each other our 
 mutual co-operation, our lives, our fortunes, and our most 
 sacred honour. 
 
 "4. Resolved, That, as we now acknowledge the existence 
 and controul of no law or legal officer, civil or military; 
 within this county, we do hereby ordain and adopt, as a 
 rule of life, all, each, and every of our former laws 
 wherein, nevertheless, the crown of Great Britain never 
 can be considered as holding rights, privileges, immuni- 
 ties, or authority therein. 
 
 " 5. Resolved, That it is also further decreed, that all, 
 each, and every military officer in this county is hereby 
 reinstated to his former command and authority, he act- 
 ing conformably to these regulations. And that every 
 member present of this delegation shall henceforth be a 
 civil officer, viz. a justice of the peace, in the character of 
 a ' committee man," 1 to issue process, hear and determine 
 all matters of controversy, according to said adopted laws, 
 and to preserve peace and union, and harmony, in said 
 county; and to use every exertion to spread the love of 
 country and fire of freedom throughout America, until a 
 more general and organized government be established in 
 this province.
 
 APPENDIX. 45l 
 
 " A number of by-laws were also added, merely to pro- 
 tect the association from confusion and to regulate their 
 general conduct as citizens. After sitting in the court- 
 house all night, neither sleepy, hungry, nor fatigued, and 
 after discussing every paragraph, they were all passed, 
 'sanctioned, and decreed unanimously, about two o'clock 
 A. M. May 20. In a few days, a deputation of said de- 
 legation convened, when captain James Jack, of Char- 
 lotte, was deputed as express to the congress at Philadel- 
 phia, with a copy of said resolves and proceedings, toge- 
 ther with a letter addressed to our three representatives, 
 viz. Richard Caswell, William Hooper, and Joseph Hughes, 
 under express injunction, personally, and through the state 
 representation, to use all possible means to have said pro- 
 ceedings sanctioned and approved by the general congress. 
 On the return of captain Jack, the delegation learned that 
 their proceedings were individually approved by the mem- 
 bers of congress, but that it was deemed premature to lay 
 them before the house. A joint letter from said three 
 members of congress was also received, complimentary of 
 the zeal in the common cause, and recommending perse- 
 verance, order, and energy. 
 
 " The subsequent harmony, unanimity, and exertion, in 
 the cause of liberty and independence, evidently resulting 
 from these regulations, and the continued exertion of said 
 delegation, apparently tranquilized this section of the state, 
 and met with the concurrence and high approbation of the 
 council of safety, who held their sessions at Newbern and 
 Wilmington, alternately, and who confirmed the nomina- 
 tion and acts of the delegation in their official capacity. 
 
 " From this delegation originated the court of inquiry 
 of this county, who constituted and held their first session 
 in Charlotte; they then held their meetings regularly at 
 Charlotte, at colonel James Harris's, and at colonel Phi- 
 fer's, alternately, one week at each place. It was a civil
 
 452 APPENDIX. 
 
 court founded on military process. Before this judica- 
 ture all suspicious persons were made to appear, who were 
 formally tried, and banished or continued under guard. 
 Its jurisdiction was as unlimited as toryism, and its de- 
 crees as final as the confidence and patriotism of the 
 county. Several were arrested and brought before them 
 from Lincoln, Rowan, and the adjacent counties. 
 
 " [The foregoing is a true copy of the papers on the 
 above subject, left in my hands by John Matthew Alex- 
 ander, deceased. I find it mentioned on file that the ori- 
 ginal book was burned in April, ISOOj that a copy of the 
 procedings was sent to Hugh Williamson, in New York, 
 then writing a history of North Carolina, and that a copj- 
 
 was sent to general W. R. Davies. 
 
 J. 
 
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