Note 1023 — Chapter VI

In numbers the two commands were about equal,—not far from one thousand on either side, excluding detachments. In discipline and equipment the British were far superior. Their defeat was mainly due to the rash impetuosity of their young commander, to his unwise dispositions, and especially to his unmilitary conduct in leading his men into action before the formation was complete. Above all, however, their defeat was due to the confidence of Morgan's men in their leader, to his admirable tactics, and to the splendid behavior of the Maryland line. The "unaccountable panick", as Tarleton calls it, which seized the British infantry, and the poor use the "Legion" commander made of his horse contributed in no small degree to the result which was probable whenever Tarleton should meet with a real soldier.