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A History | Revolutionary War Battles | The Battle of Guilford Court House - March 15, 1781
The Battle of Guilford Court House - March 15, 1781
After Morgan's victory in the Battle of Cowpens, both Morgan and Greene knew that Cornwallis would not allow
the victory to go unavenged. At the same time, Morgan did not want to give up his prisoners or supplies. Greene
thus directed his army north, while at the same time taking direct control over the troops of the badly ailing
Morgan. Greene then masterly withdrew northward, skillfully delaying Cornwallis all the way. In order to catch
up with the Americans, Cornwallis burned his supply train and extra supplies. Greene retreated all the way back
to Virginia, pulling Cornwallis the whole way. When it became clear that Greene and the Americans had gotten
away, Cornwallis realized how exposed he was, with no supplies in hostile territory. He began withdrawing southward.
Greene and the Americans followed. When the British arrived at Guilford Court House, Greene felt the time was right
to fight. Green had 4,300 troops, of which 1,600 were Continental regulars, facing 2,200 British regulars. The
battle lasted for most of the day. The result was a British victory in the sense that the Americans were dislodged
from their positions and forced to withdraw. The cost to the British, however, was too high. The British lost 93
killed and 439 wounded, while the Americans lost 78 killed and 183 wounded. Cornwallis' army was now in tatters.
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