by his main body, he despatched Tarleton in pursuit, with the cavalry of his legion, part of his infantry on horseback, and a 3-pounder gun. After a march of 105 miles in fifty-four hours, he caught up Burford at Waxhaws, on the borders of the two Carolinas, at 3 P.M. on 29 May, at once brought him to action, and defeated his superior force with great slaughter, taking four pieces of artillery, five colours, and all the baggage, which contained stores and clothing for the garrison of Charleston. He rejoined Cornwallis, who now assumed command of the army in Carolina on the departure of the commander-in-chief for New York.
On 1 June Cornwallis entered Camden, and the following day, in his despatch to Sir Henry Clinton, expressed ‘the highest encomiums’ of Tarleton's conduct. Clinton in his despatch to Lord George Germain dated 5 June, points out ‘that the enemy's killed, wounded, and taken exceed Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton's numbers with which he attacked them.’
The victory of Camden gained by Cornwallis on 16 Aug. 1780 over the American general, Gates, was completed by a charge of cavalry under Tarleton against infantry and artillery, and a pursuit continued for upwards of twenty miles from the field of battle, when all the baggage and the last piece of the enemy's ordnance were taken. Cornwallis, in his despatch of 21 Aug., again commended Tarleton's ‘capacity and vigour.’ On the morning of 17 Aug. Tarleton was detached with the legion cavalry and infantry, and the corps of light infantry—350 men all told—to attack General Sumpter wherever he could find him. He executed the service, says Cornwallis, ‘with his usual activity and military address’ by surprising Sumpter on 18 Aug. at Catawba Fords. He totally destroyed or dispersed his detachment, consisting then of seven hundred men, killing 150 on the spot, taking two pieces of brass cannon, three hundred prisoners, and forty-four wagons.
In November 1780 Sumpter again made his appearance in the north-west of the province, and Tarleton was directed to proceed by the nearest route against him. After cutting to pieces part of Sumpter's rearguard at a ford upon the Enoree, Tarleton pressed on, on 20 Nov., with only the cavalry and eighty-six mounted men of the 63rd regiment, some 180 men in all, leaving the infantry and the 3-pounder gun to follow more leisurely. He came up with Sumpter about 5 P.M. at Blackstock Hill. After an obstinate fight, in which Sumpter was badly wounded and placed hors de combat, three of his colonels killed, and 120 men killed, wounded, or taken, Tarleton, as darkness came on, fell back to meet his main body. Sumpter seized the opportunity to get his disorganised and diminished force across the neighbouring river Tiger. Tarleton occupied Blackstock in the morning, and as soon as he had taken care of his wounded he pursued and dispersed the remaining part of Sumpter's corps, and then returned to the Broad river in the neighbourhood of Brierleys Ferry. Cornwallis, in his despatch of 3 Dec., concludes his account of the episode with the words: ‘It is not easy for Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton to add to the reputation he has acquired in this province; but the defeating one thousand men posted in very strong ground, and occupying log-houses, by one hundred cavalry and eighty infantry without the assistance of any artillery, is a proof of that spirit and those talents which must render essential service to his country.’
On 13 Dec. 1780, reinforcements having arrived at Charleston under Major-general Leslie, and started for the front, Cornwallis towards the end of the month began his march to North Carolina, and detached Tarleton with the legion and light infantry, the 7th fusiliers, the 1st battalion 71st regiment, 350 cavalry, and two field guns, in all about one thousand men, for the protection of post ‘ninety-six,’ with orders to strike a blow at General Morgan, who was advancing on that station, and at all events to oblige him to repass the Broad river. On 16 Jan. 1781 Tarleton crossed the Pacolet river within six miles of Morgan's encampment. Morgan retreated in haste, and early next morning made a stand near Cowpens. After a fatiguing march through swamps and over broken ground Tarleton came up at 8 A.M., and at once attacked with his first line, hardly giving his men time to form. His first line consisted of the 7th fusiliers, the infantry of the legion, and the light infantry, with a troop of cavalry on each flank. The remainder of his force was in reserve. The enemy's first line, composed of raw militia, gave way, and quitted the field, pursued by the British troops. Morgan's second line, composed of regulars and of continentals, concealed under cover of a wood, now opened a reverse and flank fire on the British, who were pursuing in some disorder the American first line. This heavy fire from an unexpected quarter occasioned the utmost confusion and panic. The 1st battalion of the 71st regiment and the cavalry in reserve were successively ordered up; but neither the exertions, entreaties, nor example of Tarleton could prevent the panic becoming general.
