and the man attempted to shoot his officer; but was prevented.
This case was referred to the general assembly then sitting,
who also refused to bring the militia under the articles of war.
Had Gen. Jackson lately submitted to such an interference with his authority,
we should never have heard of the glorious victory of New Orleans.
Gen. Lincoln would have nothing more to do with the militia, and gave up
the command of them to Gen. Moultrie, to act with them as a separate corps.
Pursuant to this resolution, and after calling a council of war,
he marched off (20th April) about 2000 light troops and cavalry, for Augusta,
leaving his baggage to follow. Near Augusta, he expected a reinforcement
of 3000 men, and his intentions were to take possession of some strong post
in Georgia, to circumscribe the limits of the enemy, and to prevent
their receiving recruits from the Cherokee Indians, and tories.
He left Gen. Moultrie, with about 1200 militia, at Black Swamp.
As soon as Gen. Prevost heard of this movement, he availed himself of it,
and immediately crossed over the Savannah, from Abercorn to Purysburgh,
twenty-five miles below Black Swamp, with the intention of
surprising Moultrie, but he, receiving intelligence of his crossing,
retired to Coosawhatchie. At this place he left a rear guard,
and pitched his head quarters on the hill to the eastward of Tulifinny,
two miles in advance towards Charleston. (1st May.) After reconnoitring
the fords of Coosawhatchie, and Tulifinny above the bridges,
the general found so little water in the swamps, from the excessive drought
which then prevailed,* that he determined not to risk an action at this post.
He was about to send one of his aids to bring off his rear guard,
when Col. John Laurens offered himself as a volunteer for that service;
he was readily accepted, and captain, afterwards Major John James,
with 150 picked riflemen, was sent to cover his flanks:
these, with the rear guard, made near a fourth of the retreating army.
Instead of bringing off the rear guard, Col. Laurens drew them over