Banastre
Tarleton and his cavalrymen, 'Tarleton's Raiders' are referenced at the battles
of Waxhaws, Guilford Courthouse, and Green Spring in my third Revolutionary War
story. One of Tarleton's Raiders has a minor but critical role. So who was Banastre
Tarleton?
Tarleton
was born in 1754 to a wealthy Liverpool merchant. His father purchased a
Cornet’s commission for him in the King's Dragoon Guards after he graduated
from Oxford University. Tarleton volunteered to serve in the colonies. In 1776, at
twenty-two, he joined General Sir Henry Clinton’s Charleston Expedition. Ambitious
and eager to make a name for himself, he was named Lieutenant Colonel of
the newly formed, "British Legion" two years later. It was in 1780
when he was transferred to serve in the Southern Campaign, that his notorious
reputation began.
His
ruthless conduct during several engagements coined the phrase "Bloody
Tarleton" and "Tarleton’s Quarter". To give no quarter, a military idiom means to
show no mercy or clemency. Tarleton was reported to have annihilated combatants
trying to surrender.
One such controversial
incident was the Waxhaw massacre in May of 1780 in South Carolina, between Abraham
Buford’s Continental force and a Loyalist force led by Banastre Tarleton. During
the surrender of the American forces, Tarleton was shot at during the truce
causing his horse to fall on him. Thinking the truce broken, Loyalists and
British troops attacked the Patriot forces including men surrendering. Many
were killed, badly injured, or taken prisoner. The Battle of Waxhaws became an
American propaganda tool to bolster recruitment and increase hostilities toward
the British. There were mixed feelings as to whether this was a massacre or a
terrible miscalculation.
Cornwallis
ordered Tarleton to eradicate General Francis Marion, also known as The Swamp Fox, and his guerrilla fighters. Tarleton pursued Marion for
many hours and miles but was unsuccessful in that venture.
Banastre Tarleton |
William Tavington |
It’s been suggested by some historians, Tarleton’s ruthless tactics and treatment of the civilian population played a role in encouraging Americans with neutral attitudes toward the war to finally favor the Patriot cause.
Cornwallis
sent Tarleton across the York River to Gloucester Point seeking an escape route
when the British army was trapped at Yorktown. At the time of Cornwallis'
surrender, Banastre Tarleton still at Gloucester Point, surrendered the British
forces there but he stayed behind and asked General Rochambeau to grant him
protection. He feared being personally attacked because of his infamous
reputation.
Banastre
Tarlton was disliked by the British as well as American forces. Many of his superiors
believed he was too reckless and ruthless in battle. He was also censured by
the Americans for his unmerciful treatment of Continental soldiers. After the surrender
at Yorktown, when British leaders were invited to dine with Patriot leaders, Tarleton
was not included.
Tarleton
returned to England, continued his military career, and entered politics. In
1790, on his second attempt, he became a Member of Parliament. His military
promotions continued, first to Colonel in 1790, and then, to Major general in
1794. He served under the Duke of Wellington in the Napoleonic Wars. Tarleton was
awarded a baronetcy in 1815, and a knighthood by the King in 1820. He died on
January 23rd, 1833.
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