Details
[AMERICAN REVOLUTION -- BATTLE OF GUILFORD COURTHOUSE]. WILLIAMS, Otho Holland (1749-1794), Brigadier General, Continental Army. Autograph document signed ("O H Williams"), an extract from General Orders, with docket of Richard Henry Lee, [NC], 11 March 1781. 1 1/3 pages, folio, some browning.
"LIGHT-HORSE" HARRY LEE'S COPY OF GREENE'S BATTLE ORDERS FOR GUILFORD COURTHOUSE
Four days before the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, Williams sends an extract from the orders of Nathaniel Greene directing deployment of his command in preparation for the impending battle with Cornwallis' army. After leading his British pursuers on a fruitless chase through the Carolinas, Greene chose to make a defensive stand at Guilford Courthouse, inviting Cornwallis to attack him. Greene disposes his forces in three distinct lines (as had Daniel Morgan at Cowpens): "The following arrangement of the Army is to take place immediately...The North Carolina Brigades commanded by Brigr. Generals Butler and Eaton upon the Right, and the Virginia Brigades commanded by Brigr. Generals Stevens & Lawson upon the left for the front line. The Second line will be form'd by the Virginia Brigade commanded by Brigadr Genl Huger upon the Right and the Brigade of Maryland Troops commanded by Colonel Williams upon the left. Captn Singleton's Company of Artillery with two Six pounders is attach'd to Genl Hugers Brigade and Captain Finleys Company with two six pounders is attach'd to the Maryland Brigade. The Detachment of Cavalry and Infantry commanded by Lt. Colonel Washington will act as a party of observation...The Legion commanded by Lt. Colonel Lee will in like manner act as a party of observation upon the left Wing of the Army with Col Campbells Riflemen and Major Reads Cavalry annexed. These parties will act in concert and in case of a general action will form upon the flanks of the front line and act agreeable to special orders." On page 2, Lee has docketed the letter "11 March 81 Gen. Greene."
Later Greene revised this deployment, placing only the North Carolina brigades in the front line and moving the Stevens' and Lawson's Virginia troops to the second line. The third line was composed of the Maryland brigade and other regular troops. When Cornwallis, as expected, attacked Greene's army on the 15th, it met determined resistence from the three successive American lines. Ultimately, the British held the field, but lost 532 men to the Americans' 326.
"LIGHT-HORSE" HARRY LEE'S COPY OF GREENE'S BATTLE ORDERS FOR GUILFORD COURTHOUSE
Four days before the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, Williams sends an extract from the orders of Nathaniel Greene directing deployment of his command in preparation for the impending battle with Cornwallis' army. After leading his British pursuers on a fruitless chase through the Carolinas, Greene chose to make a defensive stand at Guilford Courthouse, inviting Cornwallis to attack him. Greene disposes his forces in three distinct lines (as had Daniel Morgan at Cowpens): "The following arrangement of the Army is to take place immediately...The North Carolina Brigades commanded by Brig
Later Greene revised this deployment, placing only the North Carolina brigades in the front line and moving the Stevens' and Lawson's Virginia troops to the second line. The third line was composed of the Maryland brigade and other regular troops. When Cornwallis, as expected, attacked Greene's army on the 15th, it met determined resistence from the three successive American lines. Ultimately, the British held the field, but lost 532 men to the Americans' 326.
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