The Syracuse Journal, Volume 22, Number 2, Syracuse, Kosciusko County, 9 May 1929 — Page 2
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NE of the last acts of the closing session of the Seventieth congress was to pass a bill providing for the erection of a national monument on the Cowpens battleground in South Carolina. When this monument is erected, tardy recognition will be given to a “famous victory,” one which is perhaps little known to most Americans but which was one of the most important of all the
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Revolutionary conflicts. The story of the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, the crowning event of the Revolution, is known to all, but Yorktown might not have been possible had it not been for two earlier victories. One of them took place at Kings Mountain, when the frontiersmen of North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia overwhelmed the British leader Ferguson, and the other was the battle of Cowpens. In connection with the action of congress providing for the Cowpens national monument the historical section of the army war college prepared a “historical statement.” printed as a house document, which gives by far the best account of this battle that has yet been written. The importance of that battle is shown in the following statement from the document: Tarleton /leader of the British at Cowpens) in his narrative, commenting on the two disasters which the British suffered in South Carolina, said that the fall of Ferguson at Kings Mountain was a catastrophe which put an end to the first expedition into North Carolina and that the battle of Cowpens overshadowed the commencement of the second expedition. This comment, taken in conjunction with the apprehension of George Washington that “the Southern states will look upon this victory as much more decisive in its consequences than it really is,*’ briefly summarizes the result of the battle of Cowpens. The effect at the time was to hearten greatly the patriotic cause and to distress the British army and their Tory sympathizers beyond measure. It was the second link in the chain of events soon to be followed by others, which finally led to the surrender of Cornwallis’ army at Yorktown. To have a proper understanding of this battle and its importance it is necessary to take into account the military situation in the South and some of the previous events. Briefly, these were as follows: Following the capitulation of Charlestown on May 12. 1780. all of South Carolina was in a condition of subjugation within a few months, and in September, British headquarters were moved to Charlotte Town, N. C. Prior to this Lieutenant Colonel Ferguson had been detached with a small force of provincials to organize the militia and operate on Cornwallis’ flank. On the seventh of October his entire command was lost at Kings Mountain. Following this disaster the British field army was withdrawn more than sixty miles to WynneSborough and there remained on the defensive while awaiting- information relative to the rehabilitation of Gate’s arm, .{which had suffered a disastrous defeat at Camden on August 16) now commanded by Greene. Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton, the only officer remaining after Ferguson's death, used by Cornwallis for the command of roving troops, was sent into the district north of Ninety-Six to oppose General Morgan, and somewhat later Cornwallis resumed his march northward. Tarleton and Morgan* met at Cowpens on the seventeenth of January and in a battle noted for the unusual tactics adopted by the Americans the British were defeated with heavy losses by a force inferior in numbers, a considerable portion of which was militia. Cornwallis hoped to destroy or drive out of South Carolina the corps commanded by General Morgan. . . . There was also hope that by rapid marches the British main army would get between Greene and Virginia and by that means force the Americans to fight without receiving any reinforcements from /chat state or, failing in this, to oblige Greene toAfuß North Carolina with precipitation and thereby—encourage the friends of the Crown to make good their promises of a general rising to assist the British commander in re-establishing the royal government. Morgan’s purpose had been to harass Cornwallis’ foraging and scouting parties and being more than a hundred miles away from Greene at the time. Cornwallis believed that Tarleton could crush Morgan before Greene could come to his aid. Morgan knew that Tarleton was coming after him but he had no intention of engaging in a battle until he could do so on ground of his own choosing. The place where General Morgan established his camp the night of the sixteenth was rear the intersection of the Mill Gap road and the road from the present city of Spartanburg running northeast into North Carolina and crossin. the Broad river at Island Ford . . . The position selected for the action lay on both sides of the Mill Gap road on both sides of the camp. The ground is slightly undulating and at the time was covered v.:»h trees of red oak, hickory and pine. Being used for the grazing of cattle there was but little if any underbrush. Two very slight elevations
Multisyllable Words Feature of Tongues
English, as Prof. Otto Jespersen at Denmark recently observed, may be degenerating into a mass of monosyllables, but there are many languages left over which Mark Twain could have had the kind of fun in which be indulged when he suggested that German words could be made to serve as suspension bridges across the widest rivers. There is Finnish, foi instance. While the reader of an
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topped the ridge along which the Mill Gap road runs and these were selected as lines of development for the American troops. The main position was on the elevation just south of the ravine in which camp was established. To its front for 300 yards there is a scarcely perceptible slope downwards; beyond this the slope is greater, dropping off into a shallow ravine 70‘» yards from the main position. To the rear of the main position and just west of the camp site is an elevation slightly higher than that of the main position. This ridge continues across the road in a south and southwest direction but at a slightly less elevation. From either side the terrain between the two was visible under and through the trees. The ground offered no cover for either the attack oryfihe defense except such as was furnished by the trees. The flanks of both armies were exposed as the terrain was favorable in all directions for the operations of mounted troops. The ravine in which Morgan camped and one on the opposite side of the road offered but little interference with the movement of foot or mounted troops. Morgan’s plan of battle was to use the Maryland Continentals and the Virginia militia (of equal worth to the Continentals as many had served in previous campaigns) in his main position on the summit of the southermost ridge and astride the . Mill Gap road. Washington’s dragoons to the number of 80. augmented by the 45 militia under McCall, were the main reserve posted in the rear of the northernmost ridge where ground cover was sufficient to protect them from hostile observation and fire and sufficiently near “as to be able to charge the enemy should they be broken." The militia were to form an interrupted line on the flanks in front, which position was to be held only temporarily, when they were to withdraw and reform on the flanks of the main position after reorganization had been effected and lend what assistance they could as an additional reserve. At this time Howard’s Maryland and Delaware ■' Continentals consisted of 237 men. They were placed on the left of the line, astride the Mill Gap road. To their right were Captain Beatie’s and Major Triplett’s companies of Virginia militia, under the command of the latter and totaling about 109 men. Captains Tate and Buchanan, with about 100 of the Augusta riflemen of Virginia, supported the right ot the line. In the advanced position, which was to be abandoned early in the fight, were about 308 militia from North Carolina, South Car- '< olina and Georgia, under Colonel Pickens. These troops were situated to guard the flanks. Major McDowell of the North Carolina volunteers was posted on the right flank, 150 yards in front of Howard’s line. Major Cunningham of the Georgia volunteers was on the left flank at the same dis- A tance in front of Howard’s line. To the right of ' Major McDowell were posted the South Carolina volunteers under Colonels Brannon and Thomas. To the left of Major Cunningham was posted the remainder of the South Carolina militia under Colonel Hayes and Major Hammond. The latter com- ’ manded Major McCall’s regiment, he being with ‘ ' Colonel Washington. From Pickens’ line of militia small parties of riflemen were sent 150 yards farther to the front to skirmish with the enemy. McDowell command- \ ed those in the right sector of the skirmish line kand Cunningham, those in the left sector. Patrols c covered the front and flanks to give warning of Tarleton’s approach. Tarleton broke camp at 3 o'clock in the morning, determined to engage the Americans before they could cross the Broad or in case they made an early march and continued their withdrawal to strike them when astride the river. When the British commander saw the disposition of Morgan’s troops he was delighted for he believed that he could make short work of them. He had a force of about 1,000 men and although he believed that Morgan’s force totaled less than 1,920, he felt that he could ignore the value of the 1,000 militia and 300 backwoodsmen in Morgan's army and make a quick job of the 500 Continentals and 120 cavalry. Deploying his troops along the line of Morgan’s front he moved to the attack at about eight o’clock. Driving in the front line skirmishes under Cunningham and McDowell, from whose fire Tarleton’s infantry had suffered but little, he advanced against Pickens’ line of militia which kept up a fire by regiments for a short time and then, according to their orders, retreated. The British line had still suffered but little as it approached the Continentals and Virginians under Howard. As Howard’s men opened fire the British advance was temporarily checked. At this moment, Tarleton sent the two troops of dragoons, which he had posted on each end of his line to guard his flanks, into action. He now had about 750 infantry in line, supported by two guns (three-pounders) and was opposed by less than 450 infantry tn Howard’s line. The militia which had withdrawn to the flanks of Howard’s line had not yet reformed and it was doubtful at the moment whether they would be of any use. Tarleton’s dragoons charged upon them and were cutting them down when Washington counter-
American newspaper has had flashed upon him the laconic headline, “Jap King Takes Crown,” the Finnish reader, as the interpreter puts it, is still wading somewhere in valtaistuimelleusettamisjubla, which means nothing more than “coronation ceremony” and leaves him still a vast distance' tc go in order to learn 'c whom it happens. In Danish the old age pension law is known as alderdoms-
understottelsesforordningen and tn Italian, as the interpreter remarks neatly, it takes time to rush headlong, as the reader may test for him- , self, by trying to say precipeterevolis- ( simevolmente. No wonder that head- < lines in some foreign newspapers have < to be three or four columns wide. Even then, the headline writer must have his troubles. • i The only true method of action in < this world is to be in it, but not of I it —Madame Swetchine.
THE SYRACUSE JOURNAL. SYRACUSE. INDIANA
charged with his cavalry on the left of Howard’s line and pressure there somewhat. It became evidenUto Howard that when Tarleton should bring his reserves into action his exposed right flank might be thrown into confusion and he ordered the flank company to change front to the right. His orders were misunderstood and this company began to retreat. The officers along Howard’s line, seeing this, and supposing that orders had been given for a retreat, faced their men about and began to retire. Morgan, who was engaged in reforming the militia, was surprised to see his Continentals, who had fought so valiantly at Camden, in apparent retreat. He quickly rode over to Howard. “What are you retreating for?” he shouted. “Simply a change of position to protect my right flank.” replied Howard. “Are you beaten?" asked Morgan. Pointing to his men. Howard said, “Men who are retreating in that order are not beaten.” Morgan then ordered Howard to continue his retiring movement until he reached the rising ground in the rear and then rode back to select the position where they were to make their stand. The British, seeing this BJovement and believing victory within their grasp, pressed forward with fixed bayonets. Tarleton's cavalry was ordered to charge. By this time not more than thirty yards, separated the “retreating” Americans and the victory-flushed redcoats. Suddenly Howard gave a sharp order. His men wheeled right-about face and from their guns poured a sheet of flame which stopped the British in their tracks and threw them into great confusion. Howard then gave the order “Charge bayonets!” Rack over the ground which they had just crossed swept Howard’s Marylanders. Like a thunderbolt Washington’s cavalry dashed down upon them. The panic which caught the British infantry spread to Tarleton’s dragoons and a general flight followed. Tarleton tried in vain to rally his men but it was useless. Within twenty minutes after the battle began it was over and the British were completely defeated. Tarleton had suffered a loss of 110 killed. 200 wounded, and 531 taken prisoner. The American loss was slight—l 2 killed and 60 wounded. The spoils of their victory amounted to 2 standards. 2 cannon, 800 stands of arms, 100 dragoon horses and 35 wagons. “It appeared to the British when Howard’s line fell back,” writes the army war college historian, “that victory was at hand and so it would have been had the line been composed of men less inured to battle than were the Continentals of Maryland and Delaware. There was no delay or hesitation when the order to halt, face rhe enemy and fire, was given, and there then occurred in a moment a scene of dumbfounded surprise, confusion and panic seldom witnessed in battle. The outcome resulted in one of the most gloriously unexpected victories of the Revolutionary war. As a result of this brilliant victory. Morgan and his men were given the thanks of the United States “for their fortitude and good conduct displayed in the action at Cowpens” under a resolution of congress, March 9, 1781. The resolutions further provided that a gold medal be presented to General Morgan; silver medals to Colonels Washington and Howard and a sword to Colonel Pickens. Tarleton, in his report to Cornwallis, attributed his defeat “to the bravery or good conduct of the Americans; to the loose manner of forming which had always been practiced by the King’s troops in America; or to some unforseen event, which may throw terror into the most disciplined soldiers or counteract the best-concerted designs.” Whatever the reason, however, it was a crippling blow to Cornwallis, for the victory of Cowpens had deprived him of his most effective light infantry and, as later events proved, it led eventually to his downfall. On January 19 Cornwallis started in pursuit of Morgan to cut him off from joining Greene and. if possible, tc- recapture Morgan’s prisoners. By a superb march Morgan eluded him and joined Greene in North Carolina. Then followed the masterly series of maneuvers by the “Rhode Island blacksmith” (Greene) which ended in the battle of Guilford Court House and finally forced Cornwallis to retreat into Virginia. He took his position at Yorktown. Washington completely deceived the British in the North as to his future plans, marched South, swooped down upon Cornwallis —and the rest is history !
Almost Pure Silver "Sterling is the British standard of silver for coins, and means the proportion of 925 parts silver to 75 parts copper. The American coins are only 900 tine—that is, the proportion of 900 to 100. Speaking of Signa— The telephone ringing in the middle of the night usually means the exchange girl is trying to give somebody the wrong number.—Cincinnati Enquirer.
Shif) Live. Stock by Motor Truck
For Identification Animals Should Be Marked With Paint on Hide (Prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture.) District supervisors engaged in administering the federal packers and stockyards act have observed that unbusinesslike methods in shipping live stock by truck have been resulting in frequent trouble, dissatisfaction, and errors, says the United States Department of Agriculture. In the handling of truck shipments received at a large public stockyard one supervisor reports that it is not uncommon for trucks to arrive at the yards carrying animals of the same kind belonging to two or more owners, with none of the animals in the load marked in any way for identification and ownership. Identification of the different animals in the load is left wholly, in such cases, to the memory of the truckman, who probably never saw the animals before they were ’oaded into his truck. Errors Sure to Occur. District Supervisor Charles S. Jones, of National stockyards. Illinois, who has closely observed this field of live stock marketing, states: “Under such circumstances errors are sure to occur and unfortunately such errors reflect adversely, in the minds of owners," on the handling of animals after arrival at the market, when as a matter of fact the fault was due to the unbusinesslike procedure of allowing valuable live stock to be loaded into a truck with other similar animals without having them properly marked to provide positive identification.’* Supervisor Jones urges that stock owners furnish the truckman with a signed invoice showing the owner's name, address, name of consignee, number, species, and markings of the animals consigned. These suggestions are the result of careful study and analysis of such shipments and are in accord with the general plans of identification used in making shipments by rail. Manner of Marking. Though the manner of marking is a matter of choice, experience shows that the use of clippers for making identifying marks such as an X. L. or T in the coats of cattle and swine is becoming increasingly popular. The marks are easily made, readily seen, and are not affected by weather or other conditions of marketing. Another common method is the application of paint marks. Either of these methods is suitable for marking small consignments such as are commonly shipped by truck. Berry Growers Warned Against Size of Boxes Reports have reached the United States Department of Agriculture that some dealers in berry boxes are endeavoring to secure sales by telling prospective customers that boxes sold by them hold less than other berry boxes. Growers are warned to pay no attention to such claims. If actually true, it means that the boxes are below the standard in capacity, in which case persons using the boxes might find themeslves in violation of
DEADLY DERRIS-ROOT POISON IS BOTH EXPEDITIOUS AND SAFE
Safe for Use as Spray on Fruits and Vegetables. (Prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture.) One of the deadliest poisons known i to chemistry is also considered one of ' the safest for use as a spray on fruits ‘ and vegetables for the control of certain insects. This poison is rotenone, the active principle of derris root. Its principal advantage for use . an insecticide is its chemical instability. According to Japanese scientists, about two days after rotenone has been applied to the plant or fruit it disintegrates and ceases to be poisonous. A Japanese chemist isolated rotenone and gave it its name from the Japanese name for derris. Much of the world’s supply comes from the federated matey states. At present it is an expensive drug. The poisonous properties may be preserved in the root, or after extraction. in an oil solution. Chemists believe that the oil solution^mixed with soap and water to make an emulsion should prove an effective spray. The lead arsenate sprays now used in some orchard districts have forced the installation of expensive machinery for washing the poison from the fruit before it may be marketed. Rotenone would not have this disadvantage. Watch Methods During Chick Hatching Period When the eggs start to pip on about the nineteenth or twentieth day, the incubator doors should be closed and not opened again until the hatch is over. If thd* doors are opened — even for a few seconds only—valuable 'moisture is lost which is needed by the chicks. It is a good plan, when the chicks start to hatch, to cover the glass in the incubator door so chicks will not crowd to the front in a heap and become injured. When the hatch is over and the chicks are dried off, the doors may be opened. It takes usually 24 hours for the hatch to be completed. In moving chicks to the brooders, use care to see that they are not chilled. A regular baby chick shipping box may be used for this purpose, putting 25 chicks in each compartment of the box. Or a basket or incubator nursery tray may be used, lining the basket or tray first and placing another hag or piece of- burlap over the top after the chicks have been put in.
the United States Standard container Act of 1916. Department of Agriculture officials declare that there is very little difference in capacities of the berry boxes turned out by different manufacturers. Samples of the output of each factory are tested by the department at intervals and but little variation is found. Differences in the dimensions used by individual manufacturers, however, sometimes make one box appear to be smaller than another. One box, for example, may have a slightly smaller top and yet have a slightly larger capacity than a box with a larger top. Official Records Made Before Cows Freshen The making of official records begins before the cows freshen. It is generally supposed that the condition of the animal at freshening time determines to a large extent her butterfat production while on test, the claim being made that the stores of body fat are drawn on to produce milk fat. Some men state that they have never made big records on really fat cows. There may be some truth in that assertion because real fattening of an animal very often necessitates a long dry period, and there is the danger of shortening lactation periods and injuring breeding capacity. Evidence has been obtained to show that a cow well conditioned for freshening will have a higher percentage of butterfat, at least for the first few weeks after freshening. Asparagus Bed Worthy of Good Attention The asparagus bed will make good returns for any reasonable amount? of time which one spends on it. Too often it is allowed to grow as best it can in some remote corner of the garden. The application of fertilizer, in the form of barnyard manure and some cultivation will increase the ness of the plants and make the shoots more tender and more palatable. A good dressing of barnyard manure should be worked into the soil around the asparagus crowns as soon as the soil is in working condition in the spring. Keep the weeds down during the growing season by hoeing or cultivating. At the end of the cutting season allow the plants to grow up and form seed. tr Plan to Make Farming Better Paying Business Farming has changed from an art in grandfather's day to a business now. and one of the first steps toward making it a better paying business is the keeping of suitable accounts. Ac- i counts will tell definitely whether or not the farm is accomplishing its purpose of making money so that the operator may be able to buy the many things which modern ways of living demand. If the farm is not measuring up. the accounts will indicate the changes which should be made in the way of doing business. It pays better to strengthen the business at its weakest point than to add strength at the strongest points.
In the United States Department of Agriculture rotenone is now under investigation by Dr. F. B. La Forge, of the bureau of chemistry and soils. The active principle of derris is described as a white crystalline material insoluble in water but soluble in ether, alcohol, oils, and other organic solvents. Dr. R. C. Roark, of the same bureau, says too little is known of the constitution of rotenone as yet to predict its synthesis, although this may be possible. Farm Notes 4 <» Dipping is the only known practical method of eradicating sucking or biting lice from sheep and goats. • « « Raise a few turkeys to help destrov the insects on your farms. They are the farmer's greatest insecticide. Usually, vineyards are pruned in the late winter, so that the vines may be tied and in place by the time the spring work starts. A SSIM) machine shed will often protect more than $5,000 worth of machinery. You pay for the machine shed whether you have it or not. • •» • Every fafm and home garden should have a strawberry patch tc provide delicious fruit for the table, both fresb and for preserving for winter use. • * • New hogs or pigs introduced into the herd must be dipped and isolated until all lice are removed. They may require repeated dippings and long isolation. • • • Grass may be made to come on earlier, to last longer, to withstand drouth better, and to contain a high er percentage of protein, by the us« of nitrogen fertilizers. « • • Sometimes the early planted vegetables will be caught by a frost, but not often. If the land was fall plowed, one will be able to get on fl two weeks earlier than would other wise be the case. * • • When planting your earliest vegetables use a liberal amount of seed to insure a good stand and plant very shallow, almost on the surface As the season advances and becomes drier, we may plant deeper.
. ? Isl K W ML \ , J "NTEVER wait to see if a headache w in “wear off.” Why suffer when there’s Bayer Aspirin? The millions of men and women who use it in increasing quantities every year prove that it does relieve such pain. The medical profession proj nounces it without effect on the heart, so use it as often as it can spare you any pain. Every druggist always has genuine Bayer Aspirin > for the prompt relief of a headache, colds, neuralgia, lumbago, etc. Familiarize yourself with the proven directions in every package. is the trade mark of Bayer Manufactuxt of Monoaceticacidester of SalicyUcacid For Wounds and Sores Hanford’s Balsam of Myrrh Money back for first bottle if not suited. AU dealers. Not Too Much Nutt—“Let's have some ginger ale.” I Butt—Pale? Nutt—Oh. no. just a glass will do; Mokeslife Sweeter Children’s stomachs sour, and need an anti-acid. Keep their systems sweet with Phillips Milk qf Magnesia! When tongue or breath tells of acid condition —correct it with a spoonful of Phillips. Most men and women have been comforted by this universal sweetener—more mothers should invoke its aid for their children. It is a pleasant thing to take, yet neutralizes more acid than the harsher things too often employed for the purpose. No household should be without it. Phillips is the genuine, prescriptional product physicians endorse for general use; the name is important. ‘Alilk of Magnesia” has been the U. S. registered trade mark of the Charles , H. Phillips Chemical Co. and its predecessor Charles H. Phillips since 1875. PHILLIPS T Milk of Magnesia You Can’t Fool an Indian The Tourist—So this is the Mississippi, the Father of Waters? Chief Mud-Cat—No. Mother of Waters. Father of Waters is Mr. Sippi. What Will Children Ciy for It There is hardly a household that hasn't heard of Castoria I At least five million homes are never without it. It there are children in your family, there’s almost daily need of its comfort. And any night may find you very thankful there’s a bottle in the house. Just a few drops, and that colic or constipation is relieved; or diarrhea checked. A vegetable product; a baby remedy meant for young folks. Castoria 13 about the only thing you have ever heard doctors advise giving to infants. Stronger medicines are dangerous to a tiny baby, however harmless they may be to grown-ups. Good old Castoria 1 Remember the name, and remember to buy it. It may spare you a sleepless, anxious night. It is always ready always safe to use; in emergencies, or for everyday ailments. Any hour of the dav or night that Baby Incomes fretful, or restless. Castoria was never more popular with niiothers than it is today. Every druggist has It.
CAST O R I A
