The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [298]
HANNAH’S COWPENS, JANUARY 17, 1781
“You gentlemen claim you can shoot.”
The line of men seemed to stiffen, one man holding up his rifle, and the man said, “I’ll put Lilly here up against any of your Virginia boys, sir!”
There were laughs now, and Morgan smiled.
“Is it custom for you Carolina boys to carry your sweethearts into battle? I’d be concerned about being distracted, especially when you go to loadin’ ’em.”
There were more laughs, and Morgan glanced up, could see the stars fading in the gray light.
“You think you’re better marksmen than my Virginia boys, so I want you to prove it. You’ll line up across the face of this ridge, spread out near three hundred yards. The enemy will come out of those trees, show themselves way before you’ll have a shot. Keep a sharp eye, but don’t get nervous. No wasted shots. They’ll see you, and commence to marching straight at you. Every damned one of you is going to have a clean shot. I want you to take two. Any man here ever thought about putting his fist into an officer’s teeth?”
Hands went up, more laughter, and Morgan said, “Now’s your chance. Look for the fancy uniforms, but if he’s not right in front of you, pick out a sergeant. I want to see their whole command taken down. You’ll throw so much fright into those boys, they may up and run. But don’t depend on that. Take your second shot at the man with the bayonet. If he’s still coming, it means he’s as brave as you. Then I want you to pull back quick. Don’t stand there and try to fistfight ’em. They’ll be too many of ’em. Behind you, there’ll be a solid line of militia, watchin’ you with big scared eyes. Show ’em how to be soldiers. Pull back into their line in good order, and keep shooting. The militia will get the same orders as you. I’m headin’ there now. They’ll fire two shots, then run like hell.”
THE MARKSMEN HAD SPREAD OUT IN THE FIELD, AND THERE WAS just enough daylight that he could see the faces of the militiamen. “As you boys form your line here, there’s one thing I want you to remember. In General Washington’s army, we have learned one lesson. The best way to use militia in a fight is to put ’em square in the center of the line. And then, when the first man runs, we shoot him.”
He waited for the effect, heard low voices.
“Which is why you’re gonna like this particular plan. All I need you to do is stand tall for a little while. You’ll see the marksmen out there in front of you, and they’re gonna put on a show for you. Every one of ’em thinks he can shoot the head off a bird at three hundred yards. But I already told ’em. The first man who tries that today . . . I’ll shoot him. I need them to let the enemy march right up in front of ’em. They’ll do their job with their rifles, and fall back toward you. They are not running away! That is, after all, your job.”
He was enjoying this, could hear nervous laughter all down the line.
“Most of you have never seen the enemy in a battle line. Scary damned thing. All fancy and proud, sticking those bayonets out toward you so’s you think about that before they get to you. We’re gonna give ’em exactly what they’re looking for. When those Carolina marksmen fall back to your line, all I ask you to do is wait, and watch the enemy parade. When they get close enough, your officers here will give the order, and you’ll take your shot. Don’t forget to aim. The British never aim. You know that? Damnedest stupid way to fight a war I ever seen. Those fool generals put so much work into making their uniforms all parade-ground perfect, and then they