Road to Liberty: Battles of the South

After the American victories of Saratoga and Trenton in the north, the British shifted the war south. A wise decision that eventually led us to Guilford Courthouse, where after weeks of pursuit, General Greene was finally in striking distance. On that day, I learned the true meaning of victory. The plan was to break the rebellion in the south, secure the port's rally Loyalists and draw off patriot strength. So they wisely chose me to lead the charge. I would bring victory to the Crown. Savannah was a costly failure for the rebels. Charleston was our lot success. Approximately 5,000 prisoners at Camden. We broke their main force and Fishing Creek. Their militia scattered victory after victory. The strategy was working, but what I did not account for was Daniel Morgan at Cowpens. He destroyed much of our advance force. Tarleton's British Legion was cut down, guns and prisoners taken. About those light troops, my scouting and control of the backcountry narrowed. If I did not act, Patriot confidence would rise and Greene would gather strength. I chose to drive north after him at once. Greene stayed ahead by refusing a stand up fight. His columns marched light and slipped away each time we closed. At Ramsow's Mill, we would move with speed or not at all. Sir, Our wagons can only travel so fast. Burn them. Green somehow knew the land better than the local men, using the rivers as his allies. At the catalog across the ford under fire, Some of our men were swept downstream, but the column made the crossing. For four weeks after Cowpens, we drove north after Green. He kept his army intact and denied me a decisive battle until Guildford Courthouse, where I finally forced an engagement. Bring up the guns. Charge. We drove the Americans from the field. We held Guildford Courthouse. Our losses were about 530. Theirs were roughly 1300. It looked like a clear victory for us. But veteran soldiers are not easily replaced and our supplies were thin that day. I began to see that the price we paid would cost us more in the long run.