the morning, distant from the scene of action about twelve miles.
An hour before daylight, one of my scouts returned and informed
me that Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton had advanced within five
miles of our camp. On this information, I hastened to form as
good a disposition as circumstances would admit, and from the
alacrity of the troops, we were soon prepared to receive them.
The light infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Howard, and
the Virginia Militia, under the command of Major Triplett, were
formed on a rising ground, and extended a line in front. The
third regiment of dragoons, under Lieutenant-Colonel Washington,
were posted at such a distance in their rear as not to be
subjected to the line of fire directed at them, and to be so near
as to be able to charge the enemy should they be broken. The
volunteers of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, under
the command of the brave and valuable Colonel Pickens, were
situated to guard the flanks. Major McDowell, of the North
Carolina Volunteers, was posted on the right flank in front of
the line, one hundred and fifty yards; and Major Cunningham, of
the Georgia Volunteers, on the left, at the same distance in
front. Colonels Brannon and Thomas, of the South Carolinians,
were posted on the right of Major McDowell, and Colonels Hays and
McCall, of the same corps, on the left of Major Cunningham.
Captains Tate and Buchanan, with the Augusta Riflemen, to support
the right of the line.

The enemy drew up in single line of battle, four hundred yards in
front of our advanced corps. The first battalion of the 71st
regiment was opposed to our right, the 7th regiment to our left,
the infantry of the legion to our centre, the light companies on
their flank. In front moved two pieces of artillery.
Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, with his cavalry, was posted in the
rear of his line.

The disposition of battle being thus formed, small parties of
riflemen were detached to skirmish with the enemy, upon which
their whole line moved on with the greatest impetuosity, shouting
as they advanced. McDowell and Cunningham gave them a heavy and
galling fire, and retreated to the regiments intended for their
support. The whole of Colonel Pickens' command then kept up a
fire by regiments, retreating agree