A PANTHEON OF HEROES!
This is my newest favorite painting by South Carolina artist Dale Watson. Dale has been commissioned by the American Battlefield Trust to depict Revolutionary War battle scenes for South Carolina’s Liberty Trail. The Liberty Trail is a driving tour of 78 battlefields throughout the state. This trail will be up and running in time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The scene here is a meeting of heroes making plans at Burrell’s Tavern in preparation for the upcoming battle at Eutaw Springs on Sept 8, 1781. This was the last major battle in the state, and it was the bloodiest.
Starting on the left, the seated individual is no other than Francis Marion, crooked nose and all. He’s is wearing his worn Continental officer’s uniform. Francis Marion was the commander of the SC Militia in this battle, fighting on the front line.
Next is Andrew Pickens, wearing typical militia homespun. Andrew Pickens was shot square in the chest while leading his men on horseback.
As his limp body fell to the ground, his men wailed at his death. However. Andrew Pickens didn’t die. The musket ball hit the buckle on his sword belt, leaving a one inch depression for the rest of his life. Andrew Pickens was saved by the Grace of God. He wasn’t called the Fighting Elder for no reason.
Standing in the middle is the immortal Gen. Nathanael Greene. Nathanael Greene was George Washington’s most valuable and brilliant general. In this battle, Greene imitated the battle plan used by Daniel Morgan at Cowpens. He had a line of militia (under Marion) in the front line. Next was s line of experienced Continental regulars under Col. Otho Holland Williams. The third line consisted of the cavalry under Lt. Col. William Washington and Col. Light Horse Harry Lee (Robt. E. Lee’s father).
Daniel Morgan’s plan is referred to as Defense in Depth. Greene successfully used this plan at Guilford Courthouse. However, at Eutaw Springs Greene used this plan to go on the offense. It was Offense in Depth.
The officer beside Greene wearing the green jacket is Light Horse Harry Lee. The battle started when Lee captured 400 British soldiers who were harvesting a field of sweet potatoes. During the battle, Lee protected Greene’s right flank.
Next is Col. Otho Holland Williams with the 1st Maryland Regiment (Washington’s Immortals - arguably America’s best fighters). The 1st Maryland plugged a gap in the militia line, and then overran the British camp, and, unfortunately, imbibed too strongly of the British rum supply.
The seated officer on the right is Lt. Col. William Washington, commander of the 3rd Continental Light Dragoons. William Washington and Henry Lee were America’s premier cavalry officers. In this battle William Washington guarded Greene’s left flank.
As the battle progressed, the British established a strong post on their right flank at a brick plantation house and the surrounding fenced gardens. Washington wanted to turn this flank, but couldn’t maneuver his horses through a dense oak thicket.
Rashly, he charged in front of the brick house. His horse was killed and pinned him underneath. Washington was now a sitting duck, and a British regular ran him through with a bayonet.
William Washington’s life was saved by British Maj. John Marjoribanks. As the British regular was about to plunge his bayonet again in a death dealing blow, Maj Marjoribanks stopped him. William Washington was captured and remained a POW in Charleston for the remainder of the war.
British Maj John Marjoribanks is also a Eutaw Springs hero. He died six weeks after the battle and was buried by the Americans with honor on the battlefield.
This painting by Dale Watson depicts some of the most heroic figures that America has ever produced.
