Cowpens 1781: Turning point of the American Revolution

Osprey Campaign #283

by Ed Gilbert

This is a blistering account of the battle of Cowpens, a short, sharp conflict which marked a crucial turning point in the American Revolution. With Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton and the British troops in hot pursuit, Daniel Morgan, leading a small force of 700 Continentals and militia, chose the Cowpens as the battlefield in which to make a stand. The two forces clashed for barely more than 45 minutes, yet this brief battle shaped the outcome of the War in the South and decisively influenced the conflict as a whole. The authors provide a shrewd analysis of what was perhaps the finest tactical performance of the entire war. Bird's-eye views, vivid illustrations and detailed maps illuminate the dynamism of this clash between two of the most famous commanders of the War of Independence.

Genres: History, American Revolution, Military History, Nonfiction

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2016

Reviews

[Joe Krakovsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

At times I have come across reviews where a book is compared to the movie. COWPENS 1781 is such a case here. If you have ever watched 'The Patriot' with Mel Gibson you will have a pretty good idea of what this book is about. Of course Hollywood being Hollywood, several facts were omitted or distorted for the screen. Yet again, some things stressed in the movie were factual. The main enemy of the Americans in the movie was Colonel William Tavington, who represented the real life British villain Lieutenant-Colonel Banastre Tarleton. He not only killed prisoners but let his men plunder the countryside, of friend and foe alike, as they 'lived off the land.' Both the movie and book had the British killing civilians as well. In the movie our hero was seen melting his son's toy lead soldiers to make musket balls. The militia actually made their own ammunition before the battle. They did have gunpowder, but so many men had rifles and muskets of different calibers that it was easier to give a man a bar of lead than ammunition that might not fit his gun. Many of the militia had learned the art of war fighting the French in the French and Indian War. In both the book and movie the Americans had their militia out front with their Continental soldiers hidden behind them for the pivotal battle. The Patriot militia were eager to join the fight because of what the Tavington/Tareton villain and his men had done in the past.

There were some discrepancies I should point out. Daniel Morgan was the leader of the Americans, not Mel Gibson's character. Morgan learned what to expect from his enemy by talking to those who had battled Tarleton before, not by reading a general's captured diary. Morgan did cross sabers with Tarleton briefly, but Tarleton ran away. And there was no mention of British General Cornwallis' dogs in the book. Morgan's original battle plans were brilliant but it wasn't quite like the movie. Twice during developments in the battle fate saved the Americans from a crushing defeat.

The book was a gold mine of background information for me. In the Carolinas there wasn't just a revolution taking place but a civil war as well. "The rebels first called themselves Whigs, later Patriots, and eventually Americans." Their enemy was called the Loyalists or Tories. There were excesses on both sides.

When the Americans won the Battle of Saratoga the American General Gates stole the credit, which later caused Benedict Arnold to defect. The terms he granted his beaten foe angered Congress. This same Gates then lost the Battle of Camden, which was a serious defeat. He was never given another command but later went into politics. It figures!

What I found surprising was that the most rebellious of the colonists in the Carolinas were the ones living in wealth in the coastal cities. The British were interfering with their trade. These city boys didn't take too kindly to the backwoods hill folk. They passed favorable laws for themselves and made it difficult for those in the interior to vote. In a way it sounds like election tampering that goes on today. After a failed attempt to take Charleston the British left the south pretty much alone. A change in strategy brought the war back into the south. This led to the battle of Camden, then King's Mountain, Cowpens, and eventually Yorktown.

I have to mention a few more things about this character Tarleton, and I don't feel guilty dragging his name through the mud. He was reckless and always just charged ahead, and thus predictable. That is a dangerous trait in war. When he lost a battle or skirmish he either lied and called it a victory or shifted the blame to those under him. Before the Battle of Cowpens he marched his troops without mercy, starved them and deprived them of sleep. It was no wonder that when they finally thought they were about to win and were hit with a surprise development that most just threw down their weapons and surrendered. Some under his command stated they never wanted to serve under him again and that he was to be blamed for defeats. Cornwallis knew the truth, but because of the military mentality of the time and Tarleton's political connections (his mistress, the actress Mary Robinson, was the former mistress of the young Prince of Wales) Cornwallis played along. After the war Tarleton got into Parliament where he lobbied to protect his family's fortunes in the slave trade.

It was refreshing, especially this year, to read something positive, or at least neutral, about the events that happened back then. The Osprey titles from 50 years ago seemed to have allowed some old latent animosities to creep in. Then again, this title was written by a husband and wife team who are Americans.

[Joseph Ficklen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book, indulges in some myths, while dispelling others. For example, the old “Bloody Ban” myths. Tarleton’s British Legion were hardened killers, but they were engaged in an extremely brutal conflict, don’t hate them because they were good at killing. The account of the campaign and battle is excellent. It was a perfect mixture of Tarleton’s rashness and Morgan’s cunning that transformed a likely British success into a decisive American victory.

[Steven Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, clear read, excellent maps and explanations of this critical skirmish. Does a good job of bringing the participants to life. This battle was fictionalized in the movie The Patriot and it’s interesting to see the drama of the real battle.

[Gregory Knapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is almost a clinical, classroom book, not so much a story. If you're looking for the facts, for details of the battle plan at various stages of the fight and some, but not heave character development, then this is for you. That's not bad.

[Flynt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read of the "campaign" series. Very impressive!

[NAOMI M BEARDSLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illuminating, great detail for interested readers

Great read!😎 My first introduction to ending battles and strategies of War of Independence. War buffs will enjoy this book!😃

[Stan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good little book with some important incites into the engagement. Good for wargaming the battle as well.