![The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. “Nath [Nathanael] Greene.” New York Public Library Digital Collections.](https://www.thenmusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-11-28-at-10.35.07 AM-copy.png)
When General Greene took command of the Southern Department in December 1780, he divided his small army to keep General Cornwallis off balance. Brig. Gen. Daniel Morgan’s resounding victory at Cowpens on 17 January 1781 altered the strategic calculus for both sides. Cornwallis felt the need to destroy Greene’s army before public sentiment in the south swung decisively in favor or the Patriot cause. Knowing the British would be itching for retribution, the American commander gathered his dispersed forces and marched north towards Virginia. Meanwhile, Cornwallis ordered his army to burn their wagons to increase their mobility before pursuing the Americans, thus beginning the “Race for the Dan.”
"How is it possible an army circumstanced as ours is, can make head against one organized and equipped as Lord Cornwallises is...It is not improbable from Lord Cornwallises pushing disposition, and the contempt he has for our Army, we may precipitate him into some capital misfortune…If Lord Cornwallis knows his true interest he will pursue our army. If he can disperse that, he compleats the reduction of the State; and without that he will do nothing to effect. "
Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene to Brig. Gen. Isaac Huger, 5 February 1781Nathanael Greene. “The papers of General Nathanael Greene.” Vol. VII. Chapel Hill: Published for the Rhode Island Historical Society [by] University of North Carolina Press, 1976, pp. 251-252.