To give you a just idea of our operation, it will be necessary to inform you, that on the 14th instant, having received certain intelligence that Lord Cornwallis and Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton were both in motion, and that their movements clearly indicated their intentions of dislodging me, I abandoned my encampment on Grindall's Ford on the Pacolet, and on the 16th, in the evening, took possession of a post, about seven miles from the Cherokee Ford, on Broad river. My former position subjected me at once (p. 043) to the operations of Cornwallis and Tarleton, and in case of a defeat, my retreat might have easily been cut off. My situation at the Cowpens enabled me to improve any advantages I might gain, and to provide better for my own security should I be unfortunate. These reasons induced me to take this post, at the risk of its wearing the face of a retreat. I received regular intelligence of the enemy's movements from the time they were first in motion. On the evening of the 16th instant they took possession of the ground I had removed from in the morning, distant from the scene of action about twelve miles. An hour before daylight, one of my scouts returned and informed me that Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton had advanced within five miles of our camp. On this information, I hastened to form as good a disposition as circumstances would admit, and from the alacrity of the troops, we were soon prepared to receive them. The light infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Howard, and the Virginia Militia, under the command of Major Triplett, were formed on a rising ground, and extended a line in front. The third regiment of dragoons, under Lieutenant-Colonel Washington, were posted at such a distance in their rear as not to be subjected to the line of fire directed at them, and to be so near as to be able to charge the enemy should they be broken. The volunteers of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, under the command of the brave and valuable Colonel Pickens, were situated to guard the flanks. Major McDowell, of the North Carolina Volunteers, was posted on the right flank in front of the line, one hundred and fifty yards; and Major Cunningham, of the Georgia Volunteers, on the left, at the same distance in front. Colonels Brannon and Thomas, of the South Carolinians, were posted on the right of Major McDowell, and Colonels Hays and McCall, of the same corps, on the left of Major Cunningham. Captains Tate and Buchanan, with the Augusta Riflemen, to support the right of the line.