"A Devil of a Whipping: The Battle of Cowpens" by Lawrence E. Babits, published by The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC.

Since I first went to the Cowpens National Battlefield back in '94, I have been collecting and reading anything I can find on this battle, which took place Jan. 17, 1781, in South Carolina. After awhile, the more books I read, the more it seemed each new book was just the same old accounts by a limited number of eyewitnesses. Very little, if any, new information was found.

This past September, I was vacationing in Atlanta, and I took the opportunity to go back to Cowpens. I am still working on my research and painting for my 25mm miniature version of Cowpens. I needed to get a better map (with contours), and get acquainted with the battlefield by actually walking it.

This experience changed my perception of this battle. The terrain is much more complex than any general map can do justice. Andjustwhenl thought I was "figuring this battle out," I received advance notice of a new book 'A Devil of a Whipping," by Lawrence Babits. I already had acopyof his "Cowpens Battlefield: A Walking Guide" that I purchased at Kings Mountain (same trip). I was impressed with his use of topographical information and unit dispositions on his maps. Purchasing a copy of this book stood my whole understanding of Cowpens on its earl

Lawrence Babits has incorporated an impressive amount or research into this book. He draws from not only the old accounts, but also a careful study of pension records (apparently ignored until now) and an in depth analysis of the wounds inflicted at the battle as well. The pension records are very insightful as they include depositions by the applicants. His study of the terrain is fantastic. He uses local accounts, soil analysis, period and modern maps and local records to recreate the terrain as it was then.- He has taken a scientific approach to analyzing and and cross referencing the various information, putting together a view of this battle that makes much more sense than it ever has.

The order of battle is probably as close to an actual head count as is possible after 218 years. Not only are the numbers specific, but the breakdown of the various units by company and platoon, with their officers given where known, is impressive. This is particularly so when dealing with the American Militia.

The book is divided into nine chapters, each focusing on a particular facet of the battle. The discussion on tactics and weapons is not just a general one for the period, but specific ones used by the commanders present. An analysis of the opposing forces is very useful. Pre-battle activities are discussed as they directly relate to the battle. The initial contact, and each line in turn (skirmish line, militia line, main line) is covered in depth. Cavalry operations are covered in a separate chapter, which he nicely ties in with the previous chapters' infantry and artillery fighting.

The aftermath sheds light on prisoners and wounded, along with provisions for taking care of both. He then provides can analysis of the type of wounds, the physical and mental states of each army, the effect of fatigue, lack of food, weather and stress on these soldiers. General Morgan's high level of skill at both the operational and tactical level really becomes apparent in this work. Of course, Lt. Col. Tarleton is a very worthy opponent. He very nearly fought his way out of Morgan's trap more than once at Cowpens.

This book is truly amazing. Babits has even pieced together the weather conditions and wind direction by cross referencing local records and eyewitness accounts. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the American Revolution, and more specifically, the Battle of Cowpens. Lawrence E. Babits is an associate professor of maritime history and nautical archeology at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. The book is published by The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill (ISBN:O8078-2434-8 , 1998).

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