Guilford Court House
(1781)
Despite the fact the Battle of Guilford Court House is a tactile draw, it
remains a victory for the Americans as the British have been worn down so much
that they will make a fateful retreat to Yorktown, Virginia.
The tide of the war in the South has turned with Daniel Morgans' crushing defeat of Banaster Tarlton at the Battle of Cowpens. He reports back to Cornwallis who upon hearing the news is stunned. He does not hold Tarlton responsible, but blames it on the troops.
Cornwallis has been determined to crush General Nathaniel Greene and has pursued the General through the Carolina backcountry. Cornwallis has even made the unfortunate decision to modify his army as to make it more mobile and quicker. He has destroyed his baggage train, and forced his troops to scuttle their provisions. The British army is now forced to live off the land.
(Statue and Monument of General Nathaniel
Greene, Guilford Court House National Military Park, N.C)
In the meantime Greene, full well knowing that Cornwallis is on his
trail, makes a race for the Dan River. Greene stops at Guilford Court House,
which will be the ground of the fateful battle.
On the 15th of March, Cornwallis sets his army in motion to cover the last
12 miles to Guilford Court House. He does not know the terrain, and has fewer
than 1200 troops at his disposal. Cornwallis misguidedly believes that the best
of the British army can overcome the odds, which lay ahead.
The advanced British units emerge from the woods to find a line of militia,
in two lines. The first line is behind a log fence, the second behind a line of
trees. Beyond the militia, are the battle-tested Maryland and Delaware troops,
Washington and Lee's dragoons on the flanks. Greene had entertained an action
similar to Morgan's at the battle of Cowpens, but distance is far greater here,
and it would be impossible to coordinate the troops. Furthermore, Greene has no
reserve element to throw into the fray.
Cornwallis is at an equal disadvantage. He does not know Greene's strength, or his deployment of the troops.
The engagement begins with the flank elements of mounted infantry from
Tarlton and American mounted infantry engaging each other. Cornwallis also has
3 light field guns at his disposal.
The British line up and advance on the center of the militia behind the fence. The militia let loose a volley than halts the British advance. The American line, then runs for the rear, running off the field. The British then concentrate their attacks on the flanks, and then prepare to move against the second line of the militia. The second line puts up a fierce fight, but is eventually driven back. The flanks of the Americans also start to give way. The British reemphasize their attack against the center only to find the battle hardened Maryland troops waiting. The Americans deliver a withering fire and follow up with a bayonet charge.
The British reserve troops come forward, and renew the advance. A regiment
of untested American troops turn and run, leaving the British to advance on the
defensive lines.
Cornwallis observing the battle sees mass confusion, and orders his
artillery to fire on the entire mass, knowing that it will kill his troops as
well. As the British prepare to advance, Greene retreats in good order leaving
the field to Cornwallis. The terrible toll to the British is some 532 losses.
The Americans however have suffered only 78 dead and 183 wounded.
The British army is so worn down from this battle that it limps back to
Wilmington N.C., unable to maintain a presence in the Carolinas.
(Monument to Nathaniel Greene, hero of Guilford Court House and the War in the
South)
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