Tarleton commenced his march from Winnsboro on the 11th of January, 1781, Cornwallis following leisurely in the rear with the main army.  He crossed Broad river near Turkey creek, and advanced with all possible speed in the direction of Morgan’s camp.  That officer was at first disposed to dispute Tarleton’s passage of the Pacolet river, but being informed of the superiority of his numbers, and that a portion of the British army had already crossed above him, he hastily retreated northward, and took post for battle on the north side of Thicketty Mountain, near the Cowpens.  Tarleton pressed eagerly forward in pursuit, riding all night, and making a circuit around the western side of the mountain.  At eight o’clock in the morning he came in sight of the advanced guard of the patriots, and fearing that Morgan might again retreat and get safely across Broad river, he resolved to attack him immediately, notwithstanding the fatigued condition of his troops.  Tarleton was evidently disposed to view Morgan as “flying game,” and he therefore wished to “bag him” while clearly within scope of his vision.  The sequel will show how sadly he was mistaken.

The Americans were posted upon an eminence of gentle ascent, covered with an open wood.  They were rested and refreshed after their retreat from the Pacolet.  And, now expecting the enemy, they were drawn up in battle order.  Tarleton was rather disconcerted when he found that Morgan was prepared to fight him, for he expected to overtake him on a flying retreat.  It was now about nine o’clock.  The sun was shining brightly over the summits of Thicketty Mountain, and imparted a glowing brilliancy to the martial array in the forests below.  On the crown of the eminence were stationed two hundred and ninety Maryland regulars, and on their right the two companies of Virginia militia under Major Triplet.  These composed the rear line of four hundred and thirty men under Lieutenant-Colonel Howard.  One hundred and fifty yards in advance of this line was a body of about three hundred militia under Colonel Andrew Pickens, all experienced riflemen, and burning with a spirit of revenge on account of numerous cruelties previously inflicted by the British and Tories.  This brave officer had arrived during the night, with his followers, and joined Morgan.  About one hundred and fifty yards in advance of this first line, were placed the best riflemen of the corps under McDowell and Cunningham.  The action soon commenced.

At a signal from Tarleton, his advance gave a loud shout and rushed furiously to the contest, under cover of their artillery, and a constant discharge of musketry.  The riflemen under McDowell and Cunningham delivered their fire with terrible effect, and then fell back to the flanks of the first line under Pickens.  The contest was close and severe, with alternate wavings of the British and American lines, under successive attacks of the bayonet, which the prescribed limits of this work forbid to be presented in all their animating