![The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. “Majr. Genl. [Nathanael] Greene.” New York Public Library Digital Collections.](https://www.thenmusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-03-at-12.13.19 PM-copy.png)
Tarleton and 200 of his horsemen avoided pursuit and reached Cornwallis’ camp on 18 January 1781. He left behind 800 prisoners–most of Cornwallis’ best troops–plus weapons, 2 cannons, the supply train, and 110 dead. By comparison, Morgan reported Continental losses at 12 dead and 61 wounded, plus about 80 militia casualties. Morgan’s troops took no time to celebrate but instead marched northwards with the prisoners to avoid pursuit, while the militia collected the dead and wounded. Morgan’s surprise victory presented Greene with a dilemma as his army was dispersed and smaller than Cornwallis’ remaining force. Greene regrouped his army and withdrew rapidly northwards towards safety in the “the Race for the Dan River.” Cornwallis doggedly pursued the Americans to the Virginia border, presenting Greene with “hopes of ruining Lord Cornwallis if he persists in his mad scheme of pushing through the Country.”
"The decisive triumph at Cowpens stands attributable to the use of sound warfighting fundamentals...[Morgan's] directive to his militia...to engage "the epaulet men" resulted in significant disruption to the enemy's advance...Morgan established a highly mobile reserve...battle positions for his skirmish forces and...a general rally point [for the militia]. His battle lines spanned the width of Cowpens, taking full advantage of the terrain...he retained his cavalry en mass to maximize its combined as opposed to divided strength...arguably of greatest significance, Morgan exercised effective mission command...He issued clear commander's intent to his troops...he also clearly identified to [the militia] how he wanted them to fight...[avoiding] a repetition of the disastrous recent battle of Camden..Morgan did not countermand Howard's order or relieve him of command..Morgan thoroughly understood his opponent [and] effectively "outgeneraled" Tarleton with his planning before the battle began."
Capt. Brady DeardenInfantry Journal, 105, no. 2 (Apr-Jul 2016), pp. 1-8.