The Horse Is Our Great Safe Guard

The Horse Is Our Great Safe Guard. . , "…the horse is our great safe guard…" N. Greene March 1781, Horses were used by militia, regular cavalry, artillery, and supply units. When the horses that pulled the artillery died during battle, the artillery itself might be lost. When horses suffered from hunger and exhaustion, wagons full of supplies might have to be abandoned. When a soldier's horse suffered wounds or died in a fight, their rider could suffer the same fate. Whether a strong draft horse, a sturdy farm cob, or a well-bred hunter, these war horses were essential to the final American victory. , Both armies created "Legions" that contained both infantry and cavalry regiments. The regiments could operate together or independently of each other. At times, the Legions also included artillery detached from the larger force. In the Southern Campaign, the British Legion and Lee's Legion are the best known. However, a third unit, Armand's Legion (Continental), served at the Battle of Camden., Legions were known for their ability to strike fast and cause considerable damage. When operating together, cavalry units often had to wait for the infantry so that the infantry's superior weapons could complement the cavalry's speed and power. The legions operated as defensive screens, reconnaissance units, and attackers as needed., Both armies also had dedicated cavalry or dragoon units. Members of the 17th Light Dragoons served in America from 1775-1782 as small detachments attached to other British units. In the Southern Campaign, the 17th was attached to Tarleton's British Legion. William Washington's Continental 3rd Light Dragoons first defeated the British Legion at Rantowle's Bridge outside Charleston in 1780. The 3rd Light Dragoons then suffered two bloody defeats from Tarleton's Legion, recovered, and bounced back to drive Tarleton's Legion off the field at the Battle of Cowpens. SC. Militia cavalry under Lt. Col. James McCall also contributed greatly to the Cowpens victory., The horse soldiers of the Revolution preferred fast, agile mounts when they were available but often made due with what they had. The majority of the horses used in the Southern Campaign were bred in Virginia, South Carolina, or Georgia.