The Road to Guilford Courthouse by John Buchanan

His reputation as a leader spread he was just and fair, and his men respected him.Īnother story is told about his leadership qualities. Returning to New Jersey’s shore, it is said he fell to his face on the ground and exclaimed, “Oh, my country!” My services are not for sale!” After spending eight months in captivity, he was exchanged. When asked by the British to become a general for their side, he responded, “I am not a scoundrel. On July 14, 1775, he formed a rifle company, and he fought against the British until he and his men were captured during the Battle of Quebec. A woman of manners and education, Abigail had a good influence on Daniel. He quit wrestling and became a tobacco farmer. Then came a few years of settling in Virginia on a 250 acre farm that he called Soldier’s Rest and marrying Abigail Bailey. He returned to the life of a wagoner and even called himself, the Old Wagoner. From this point on, Daniel Morgan nourished a hate for the British. Punishment for striking an officer was 500 lashes with a whip Morgan endured this punishment and, of course, was court-martialed. After the lieutenant hit Daniel with the flat of his sword, the wagoner knocked him out with one well-placed fist. His quick temper and brawling nature also traveled with him. Not only was he known as a crack shot, but also as an outdoorsman. Morgan must have saved a lot of money, because the wagon cost $250 and the team of four horses and harness $1200 more.ĭuring the French and Indian War, he hauled military supplies for the British.

His wagons carried salt, flour, ammunition, etc. Saving his money, he bought his own Conestoga wagon and team to haul supplies for other people across the frontier. He worked on farms, sawmills, and finally as a wagoner. Leaving home at seventeen, Daniel Morgan left looking for a better life. “This untutored son of the frontier was the only general in the American Revolution on either side, to produce a significant original tactical thought.” John Buchanan, in The Road to Guilford Courthouse: The American Revolution in the Carolinas (1997), p.

The Road to Guilford Courthouse by John Buchanan