General
Greene, being re-enforced by a considerable force, now determined to
fight, and accordingly advanced and took up a position near Guilford
Court House.
[Illustration: Battle of Guilford Fought on the 16th of March 1781.]
The American force consisted of 4243 infantry and some 3000
irregulars--for the most part backwoodsmen from the frontier--while
the British force amounted to 1445, exclusive of their cavalry, who,
however, took little part in the fight. About four miles from
Guilford the advanced guards of the army met and a sharp fight
ensued--the Americans, under Colonel Lee, maintaining their ground
stanchly until the Twenty-third Regiment came up to the assistance of
Tarleton, who commanded the advance.
The main American force was posted in an exceedingly strong position.
Their first line was on commanding ground, with open fields in front;
on their flanks were woods, and a strong fence ran along in front of
their line. The second line was posted in a wood three hundred yards
in rear of the first, while four hundred yards behind were three
brigades drawn up in the open ground round Guilford Court House.
Colonel Washington, with two regiments of dragoons and one of
riflemen, formed a reserve for the right flank; Colonel Lee, with his
command, was in reserve on the left.
As soon as the head of the British column appeared in sight two guns
upon the road opened fire upon them and were answered by the English
artillery. While the cannonade continued the British formed in order
of attack.
Pages:
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379