January 17, 1781 · Southern Theater
January 17, 1781
Brigadier General Daniel Morgan devised a tactical masterstroke against the feared Colonel Tarleton. Morgan positioned his militia in two lines in front of his regulars, ordering them to fire two volleys then deliberately fall back — feigning retreat. Tarleton's cavalry charged in pursuit, only to find the Continental regulars waiting. Morgan then executed a double envelopment — the militia rallied, the regulars held, and Tarleton's entire force was destroyed. Tarleton barely escaped with 200 cavalry.
Commanders