9. Sir Henry Clinton sailed back to New York after the capitulation, but he left a man of far superior ability with an army to continue the conquest of South Carolina. This was Lord Cornwallis, who was the bravest and most skillful British soldier then in the world. He was to remain this time long enough to be forever remembered and to take bloody vengeance for his inglorious experience with Sir Peter Parker four years before. 10. The first movement of Cornwallis, after capturing Charleston, was to send Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, with his dragoons, to intercept a column of infantry which was approaching from Virginia, under the command of Colonel Buford. These were surprised and cut to pieces. Among others, the North Carolina company of Captain John Stokes lost heavily in the sudden and bloody attack. 11. This disaster occurred in the Waxhaw settlement, on the State line, not far from Charlotte, in North Carolina. Thus, at a time when everything indicated another invasion, not a single troop of disciplined soldiers was left for the defence of this State, except the two companies of mounted infantry which were commanded by the gallant Major William R. Davie. This little band hovered continually in the neighborhood of the scene of Colonel Buford's defeat. 12. Governor Rutledge, of South Carolina, upon the fall of Charleston, offered to cease fighting the British if they would allow his State to remain neutral for the remainder of the war; but a very different feeling actuated Governor Nash and his people when apprised of the great disaster. If her Continental veterans were all prisoners, there were still brave hearts and deadly rifles left with which to continue the struggle, and North Carolina had no thought of quailing. QUESTIONS. 1. What was apprehended in North Carolina after the fall of Savannah, and why? Who was put in command of the brigades under General John Ashe? Where were these troops carried? 2. What befell the command on the route? 3. What victory was gained by the Americans on the Hudson River? Who was in command? Describe the situation of Stony Point. 4. Give an account of the attack on this stronghold? 5. What troops occupied the post of special danger? How did they perform their duty? 6. Who succeeded Governor Caswell? Why was Governor Caswell not re-elected? 7. Where were the North Carolina soldiers in 1780? What enemy was besieging them? 8. How did the siege terminate? Why was this surrender disastrous to North Carolina? 9. What did Clinton do after the capitulation ? Who was left in command of the British? What is said of Lord Cornwallis? 10. What was his first military movement? Describe the engagement between Tarleton and Buford. 11. Where did this action occur? What was the condition of North Carolina's defences? 12. What proposition was made to the British by the Governor of South Carolina? What was the sentiment in North Carolina? CHAPTER XXXI.