Should that officer escape Tarlton, the hope was entertained that he might be intercepted by the main army.[54] [Footnote 54: Letter of Lord Cornwallis .-- _Stedman._] High waters delayed Cornwallis and Leslie longer than had been expected; but Tarlton overcame the same obstacles, and reached Morgan before a correspondent progress was made by the other divisions.[55] [Footnote 55: Letter of Lord Cornwallis .-- _Stedman._] [Sidenote: 1781 January 14.] [Sidenote: Sixteenth.] The combined movements of the British army were communicated to General Morgan on the 14th of January.

Perceiving the insecurity of his own position, he retired across the Pacolet, the fords over which he was desirous of defending.

But a passage of that river being effected at a ford about six miles below him, he made a precipitate retreat; and, on the evening of the same day, his pursuers occupied the camp he had abandoned.

Morgan retired to the Cowpens, where he determined to risk a battle.

It was believed that he might have crossed the Broad River, or have reached a mountainous country which was also near him, before he could have been overtaken; and the superiority of his adversary was so decided as to induce his best officers to think that every effort ought to be made to avoid an engagement.