the operations of those feelings in your breast by being informed that I am not to die on a gibbet.'

"This letter of Andre roused the sympathies of Washington, and had he only been concerned, the prisoner would have been pardoned and released. But the interests of his country were at stake, and the sternness of justice demanded that private feelings should be sacrificed. Upon consulting his officers on the propriety of Major Andre's request, to receive the death of a soldier,-to be shot-it was deemed necessary to deny it, and to make him an example. On the 2d of October, this unfortunate young man expired on the gallows, while foes and friends universally lamented his untimely end. "As a reward to Paulding, Williams, and Van Wert, for their virtuous and patriotic conduct, Congress voted to each of them an annuity of 200 dollars and a silver medal, on one side of which was a shield with this inscription- Fidelity,' -and on the other, the following motto: Vincit amor patriæ'-the love of country conquers.

"Arnold, the miserable wretch, whose machinations led to the melancholy fate which Andre experienced, escaped to New York, where, as the price of his dishonour, he received the commission of brigadier general, and the sum of ten thousand pounds sterling. This last boon was the grand secret of Arnold's fall from virtue; his vanity and extravagance had led him into expenses which it was neither in the power nor will of Congress to support."

CHAPTER XXV.

General Gates is succeeded by General Greene-Takes the Field against a superior Enemy-Sends Morgan to the western part of South Carolina-Cornwallis sends Col. Tarleton after Morgan-Battle of the Cowpens-Terrible Rout of Tarleton and Destruction of his light Troops.

"I have no words,

My voice is in my sword; thou bloodier villain
Than terms can give thee out!"

AFTER the unfortunate battle of Camden, Gates made every effort in his power to assemble troops and support the cause of Congress; but Congress and Washington had decided that General Greene should be intrusted with the command of the southern provinces. The conduct of Gates upon this occasion was highly honourable, betraying no ill feelings whatever; and when he passed through Richmond, Virginia, he was treated with marked attention and respect.

General Greene took the field, against an enemy superior in force, with an army consisting of only 2000 men, more than one-half of whom were militia. As his intention was merely to harass the enemy, avoiding general actions, he divided his force, sending General Morgan to the western part of South Carolina.

Cornwallis was just on the point of invading North Carolina, but deeming it imprudent to leave such a man as Morgan in his rear, he sent Colonel Tarleton to fight him, and "to push him to the last." It so happened, however, that Tarleton got pushed very hard himself..

On the 17th of January, 1781, the two detachments met, when the memorable battle of the Cowpens was fought, resulting in one of the most brilliant victories achieved during the revolution.

As the force of Morgan amounted to only about 500 men, part of whom were militia, while that of Tarleton consisted of 1000, the flower of the British army, he retreated for some time; but arriving at the place called the Cowpens, and

finding himself hard pressed by Tarleton, while a broad river which lay before him could not be crossed in the presence of the enemy without very great danger, he made a stand, resolving to give battle. The troops were formed in two divisions; the militia, under Colonel Pickens, were placed in front of a wood, while the second, under Colonel Howard, was concealed in the wood; these were marksmen, and old continental troops. Colonel Washington, with his cavalry, was stationed behind the second division, as a reserve. Tarleton

came up and formed in two lines, when the battle commenced. The American militia fled on the first charge. The enemy fell on the second, where a most obstinate resistance was made; but Tarleton pushing forward a battalion of his second line, and ordering a charge of cavalry on the right flank of the Americans at the same time, they gave way and were thrown in disorder. Colonel Washington, who had already repulsed an assault of the enemy's cavalry, charged the enemy with such impetuosity, that he restored the battle. In the meantime, Pickens and Howard had rallied their men, who were led back to the fight.

Taking advantage of this auspicious period, Morgan made a general charge, like a lion rushing from the forest upon his prey. The enemy, unable to sustain such a shock, first paused, then recoiled, and soon fled in dismay. The Americans pursued, killed, and took prisoners nearly the whole detachment. The loss of the enemy was over 800 in killed, wounded, and prisoners. All their baggage, carriages, and a great number of horses, also fell into the hands of the victors. The loss of the Americans was only 12 killed and 60 wounded. This astonishing victory produced a great effect in reviving the courage of the people of the south. They had been treated with great cruelty by Tarleton, who was one of the GREATEST petty tyrants that ever disgraced the British name.

Congress voted public thanks to Morgan, and presented him with a gold medal. Colonels Washington and Howard received silver medals, and Colonel Pickens a sword. These four heroes reflected a lustre back upon Greene, who sent them.

CHAPTER XXVI.

Cornwallis pursues Morgan-Greene forms a Junction with him-Singular Escapes of Morgan by the Rising of Rivers-Greene retreats towards Virginia— Crosses the River Dan-Narrow Escape-Evades the Enemy and now bids them Defiance-The Enemy now barks at Greene in the Form of a ProclamationGreene sends a Detachment across the Dan-Re-crosses the Dan himself-Battle at Guilford Court-House-Greene leads his Forces to South Carolina-Battle of Camden Battle of the Eutaw Springs-Cornwallis marches to Virginia.

"My friends, I love your fame, I joy to raise

The high-toned anthem of my country's praise."

THE news of an ordinary defeat would have been a great affliction to Cornwallis; but the destruction of his light troops at the commencement of the campaign, by an inferior force, was a blow that could not be fully repaired. In order to make light troops, he was obliged to destroy his heavy baggage and carriages, which required two days. How much of this had been stolen from the unarmed inhabitants, we are unable to say; but the soldiers saw it destroyed, we are told, with a very good grace.

Cornwallis marched in pursuit of Morgan, who had given such an uncourteous reception to his detachment; but Greene, penetrating his design, hastened to join Morgan. The junction was at last effected at Guilford Court-House, in North Carolina. Morgan was fiercely pursued by an enemy, burning with revenge, and after crossing the Catawba river the enemy appeared on the opposite bank. The rains which had fallen raised the river, and it was no longer fordable. By throwing many obstacles in the way of the enemy, Morgan succeeded in reaching the Yadkin river; and this again he crossed just in time to escape, when another rain again raised the river, and prevented the immediate pursuit of the enemy. After the union of the two generals, Greene, of course, assumed the command, and, being still inferior in numbers, he continued the retreat towards Virginia.

Cornwallis, failing in his extraordinary efforts to prevent a

junction of the American generals, sought to indemnify himself for his losses, toils, and privations, by cutting off Greene's retreat. The race was now for the river Dan, which separated North Carolina from Virginia. Cornwallis hastened to the high country, believing that the river would not be fordable in the lower parts. The enemy, after the most prodigious exertions, occupied the upper fords first, and Greene was obliged to hasten to a lower ford, called Boyd's Ferry, without knowing whether it was practicable or not. The British pursued rapidly, and upon the passage of this river depended the safety of the army. Greene arrives at the river and finds it fordable, but the enemy are near. He throws impediments in their way; keeps up continual skirmishes, and reminds his officers that on their firm resistance depended the salvation of the whole army. He reached the opposite shore in safety, with all his baggage, and the enemy appeared on the right side of the Dan. But it is too late. They saw the American army formed in formidable array on the opposite bank. In this imposing attitude, with all Virginia to aid them, Cornwallis knew it would be in vain to attempt to conquer with his enfeebled troops. The bright visions of the enemy at once vanished, and they retired to Hillsborough and issued a proclamation.

The talents displayed in the retreat of Greene and Morgan, would have done honour to any general of ancient or modern times.

Greene, to guard against any extensive operations of the loyalists of North Carolina, detached anew, upon the right side of the Dan, a body of cavalry under Colonel Lee. This was not only to intimidate the royalists, but to protect and encourage the republicans.

A number of loyalists were assembled by Colonel Pill, but Lee soon swallowed him, with his whole company, all being killed or taken prisoners. Tarleton now advanced against Lee, but an order of Cornwallis directed him back to Hillsborough. The cause of this was, that Greene, after receiving a small reinforcement, like a second Washington, had recrossed the Dan, and seemed on the point of carrying the