ble, stole from the room, mounted a wild young horse, rode to a neighboring encampment of Americans, and warned them that they were in danger of attack. She was absent

so short a time that she escaped suspicion; and, when the British attempted to surprise the Americans shortly before daylight, they found the latter ready to receive them with loaded rifles. In the battle which ensued, the British were repulsed with great loss.

By this time the mountaineers were collecting in numbers under Colonels Campbell and Shelby and other distinguished officers. Even the want of ammunition did not keep them from the field. They made their own powder, from nitre found in the mountain caverns and charcoal burned by the women on their own hearths. A thousand of these determined men gave chase to Ferguson's detachment, and overtook it at King's Mountain on the 7th of October. Encamped on the top, the British felt secure; but with such impetuous courage and deadly aim were they attacked, that their leader and many of his best officers fell, and the rest, finding themselves hemmed in on all sides, surrendered. Their total loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners, amounted to over 1,100 men. The Americans had but 20 killed, though a large number were wounded. Ten tories, who had been active in robbing and murdering their countrymen, were hanged the following morning.

CHAPTER XVIII.

CAMPAIGN OF 1781.-THE COWPENS.-GUILFORD COURT

HOUSE.-NINETY-SIX.-EUTAW SPRINGS.

386. THE Commencement of the year 1781 found the af fairs of America in a more hopeless condition than ever.

the mountain-region? For what purpose? Tell how a body of Americans was saved from surprise. Under what leaders did the mountaineers collect? How did they got powder? Where did they overtake Ferguson's detachment? When? [See Map p. 286. Where is King's Mountain ?] Give an account of the engagement. What vas the loss on each side? What was done to ten of the captured tories?

1781]

MUTINIES IN THE AMERICAN CAMP.

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Congress had resolved to have an efficient army in the field by the 1st of January. But men would not enlist when the sufferings of those already in the service were known throughout the land; and it was even feared that the few before enrolled, would have to be disbanded for want of food. On the night of January 1st, 1781, the Pennsylvania regiments broke out into open mutiny, declaring that they would march to Philadelphia, and compel Congress to redress their wrongs. Gen. Wayne, who was a great favorite with his men, tried to no purpose to restrain them. They presented their bayonets to his breast, and 1,300 strong commenced their march to Philadelphia. Washington was at New Windsor; and, not feeling sure of the disposition of the other troops, he thought it best to let Congress settle the difficulty. A committee of that body met the disaffected men, and succeeded in satisfying them. While still insisting on their rights, they were as stanch patriots as ever; not only had they no idea of joining the royal army, but they even handed over to Gen. Wayne, as spies, several emissaries, who had come to seduce them into the British service.

The example of the Pennsylvanians was soon followed by the New Jersey brigade; and Washington found it neces sary to put down the mutiny by force, and execute its leaders on the spot. These demonstrations showed Congress the necessity of more earnest efforts for obtaining funds and properly supporting the army. As the resources of America seemed to be exhausted, an agent was sent to France for the purpose of obtaining a loan. In February, 1781, Robert Morris was appointed superintendent of finance. By using his private credit for the government, he restored confidence in the honesty of Congress and its ability to pay its debts. The Bank of North America was established by his recom

886. Describe the state of affairs in America at the commencement of 1781. What apprehensions were entertained? What took place, January 1, 1781? What passed between the insurgents and Gen. Wayne? Where was Washington? What did he deem it best to do? How did Congress settle the difficulty? What did the mutineers do to the British emissaries? By whom was this example of mutiny followed? What course was pursued by Washington? What was the consequence of these demonstratious? Where was it attempted to obtain a loan? What office was conferred on Rob

mendation and placed under his direction. Securing all the gold that he could obtain in the United States, he redeemed the bills of the bank as they were presented, and then privately sending round agents, again got possession of the gold, and was ready to redeem more. It was out of his power to make good the $200,000,000 of continental money already issued; but the engagements entered into from this time were promptly met, and the army was kept from disbanding.

387. Congress, in 1777, had agreed upon certain " Articles of Confederation”, to serve as a basis of union for the states. Several years elapsed before these articles were ratified by all the members of the confederacy. Maryland was the last to accept them, March 1, 1781.

388. On his appointment to the command of the southern department, General Greene reorganized the army, and stationed detachments at various exposed points. A division of 1,000 men under Gen. Morgan, one of the heroes of Stillwater, was posted at the junction of the Broad and Pac-o-let' Rivers [see Map, p. 286]. Tarleton, with a superior force, was dispatched against them. The Americans fell back to a favorable position at the Cowpens; and there, on the 17th of January, 1781, an obstinate engagement took place. Tarleton's men charged with that fierce impetuosity, which in former battles had at once insured victory by throwing the American militia into confusion; but on this occasion they were received with a firmness they had not expected, and the deadly aim of men used to the rifle. This brave resistance made the British veterans waver, and a vigorous charge of Col. Washington's cavalry, supported by the infantry under Col. Howard, decided the fortune of the day in favor of the patriots. The Americans lost about 70 men, of whom but 12 were killed. The British loss amounted to 100 killed and 533 captured. Valuable spoils, including 35 baggageert Morris? State the measures taken by Mr. Morris to sustain the credit of Congress. 387. What is said of the "Articles of Confederation"? 388. What was Gen. Greene's first care on assuming command? Where was Morgan posted? [See Map, p. 286.Describe the Broad River. The Pacolet. Where were the Cowpens situated?] Who was sent against Morgan's detachment? Where did Morgan and Tarleton meet? Give

1781]

MORGAN'S MEMORABLE RETREAT.

285

wagons and 100 dragoon horses, fell into the hands of the victors.

Tarleton, who had been wounded by Col. Washington in a personal encounter during the battle, could not forgive his antagonist. Some time afterwards he remarked in company that he had heard Col. Washington was so ignorant he could rot write his own name. "Ah! colonel," replied a whig lady who was present, "you should know better; for you bear evidence that he can make his mark."

389. Cornwallis was much chagrined at Tarleton's defeat. Destroying his heavy baggage, he set out with all speed in pursuit of Morgan, who, after the victory at the Cowpens, had made for Virginia. By rapid marches the Americans reached the Catawba, and crossed it just two hours before the British army arrived at the bank. As the day was nearly spent, Cornwallis concluded to wait till morning; but during the night a heavy rain set in, and the river was so swollen that for three days it was impassable. At the expiration of that time, the pursuit was resumed.

Meanwhile Gen. Greene, who had hastened to Morgan's aid, assumed command of the retreating army. While Cornwallis was crossing the Catawba, the American general entered the town of Salisbury [sawlz-ber-re], drenched with rain and overcome with fatigue. The hostess of the inn at which he put up, hearing him say that he was "hungry, alone, and penniless," after preparing his dinner, brought him all the money she had, and bade him take it, at the same time assuring him that the people were still devoted to the cause of liberty.

390. Encouraged and refreshed, Gen. Greene continued the retreat with all possible haste. That same evening he reached the Yad'-kin, a few miles north of Salisbury, and Cornwallis passed the night at the latter place. Before dawn, the whole American army had crossed the river.

an account of the battle of the Cowpens. What anecdote is told of Tarleton? 889. Where did Morgan go after his victory at the Cowpens? What did Cornwallis immediately do? Give an account of the crossing of the Catawba. Who now assumed the command of the American army? What story is told of the landlady at Salisbury?

Hardly were they safe on the other side, when another heavy rain commenced; and by the time the British came up they found a swelling flood which it was impossible to cross. Cornwallis marched up the west side of the river to Huntsville, effected the passage at that place, and pressed on to intercept the weary Americans before they should reach the fords of the Dan.

On the 7th of February, Greene and his men reached Guilford Court House, 150 miles from the Cowpens. A short rest was here allowed them, and a junction was effected with the remainder of the army. Still they were too weak to face the enemy, and the retreat was continued. Cornwallis, who had crossed higher up, moved by forced marches in a parallel direction, and both armies advanced at the rate of 30 miles a day. Greene reached the ford first, and on the 14th the

390. What was the position of Greene and Cornwallis on the ensuing night? [Sea Map.--Describe the Yadkin. What is its name in South Carolina? How is Salisbury situated?] What detained Cornwallis here? What river was next to be reached? Give