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To the End of the World: Nathanael Greene, Charles Cornwallis, and the Race to the Dan
A Stranded American Army, a Relentless Enemy, and a Thrilling Pursuit and Escape that Changed the Outcome of the American Revolution
“In the most barren inhospitable unhealthy part of North America, opposed by the most savage, inveterate perfidious cruel Enemy, with zeal and with Bayonets only, it was resolv’d to follow Green’s Army, to the end of the World.” So wrote British general Charles O’Hara about the epic confrontation between Nathanael Greene and Charles Cornwallis during the winter of 1780-81. Only Greene’s starving, threadbare Continentals stood between Cornwallis and control of the South—and a possible end to the American rebellion. Burning their baggage train so that they could travel more quickly, the British doggedly pursued Greene’s bedraggled soldiers, yet the rebels remained elusive. Daniel Morgan’s stunning victory at Cowpens over a superior British force set in motion the “Race to the Dan,” Greene’s month-long strategic retreat across the Carolinas. In constant rain and occasional snow, Greene’s soldiers—tracking the ground with their bloody feet—bound toward a secret stash of boats on the Dan River. Just before Cornwallis could close his trap, the Continentals crossed into Virginia and safety. Greene’s path featured three near-miss river escapes, the little-known Battle of Cowan’s Ford, and a final chase so close that the fate of the American South—and the American effort—rested on one wrong British move.
With a background section on the Southern theater in 1780, and a summary outlining the lives and careers of its important officers, To the End of the World: Nathanael Greene, Charles Cornwallis, and the Race to the Dan is a carefully documented and beautifully written account of this extraordinary chapter of American history. The book not only showcases the incredible dramatics of the American Revolution’s “Great Escape,” but also provides a compelling look at the psychological and intellectual distinctions between its two great generals, Greene and Cornwallis.
“In the most barren inhospitable unhealthy part of North America, opposed by the most savage, inveterate perfidious cruel Enemy, with zeal and with Bayonets only, it was resolv’d to follow Green’s Army, to the end of the World.” So wrote British general Charles O’Hara about the epic confrontation between Nathanael Greene and Charles Cornwallis during the winter of 1780-81. Only Greene’s starving, threadbare Continentals stood between Cornwallis and control of the South—and a possible end to the American rebellion. Burning their baggage train so that they could travel more quickly, the British doggedly pursued Greene’s bedraggled soldiers, yet the rebels remained elusive. Daniel Morgan’s stunning victory at Cowpens over a superior British force set in motion the “Race to the Dan,” Greene’s month-long strategic retreat across the Carolinas. In constant rain and occasional snow, Greene’s soldiers—tracking the ground with their bloody feet—bound toward a secret stash of boats on the Dan River. Just before Cornwallis could close his trap, the Continentals crossed into Virginia and safety. Greene’s path featured three near-miss river escapes, the little-known Battle of Cowan’s Ford, and a final chase so close that the fate of the American South—and the American effort—rested on one wrong British move.
With a background section on the Southern theater in 1780, and a summary outlining the lives and careers of its important officers, To the End of the World: Nathanael Greene, Charles Cornwallis, and the Race to the Dan is a carefully documented and beautifully written account of this extraordinary chapter of American history. The book not only showcases the incredible dramatics of the American Revolution’s “Great Escape,” but also provides a compelling look at the psychological and intellectual distinctions between its two great generals, Greene and Cornwallis.
296 pages, Hardcover
First published November 6, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 30, 2021
Even serious students of the Revolutionary War know too little of the Southern Campaign. While we know that the American victories at Trenton, Princeton, Saratoga and even Monmouth led to a stalemate in the North, we may not know that it was the battles of the Southern Campaign in 1780-1781, at Kings Mountain, Cowpens and Guildford Courthouse that more directly led to Cornwallis's surrender at Yorktown. Although a bit pedantic at times, this book does an admirable job at filling in our knowledge gap. In particular, it gives us compelling portraits of the unsung American heroes who fought these often brutal, guerilla-style battles amid the dense, harsh and muddy Southern landscapes. We especially get to know the commander of the Continental Southern Army, Nathaniel Greene, and his indispensable officers, Daniel Morgan, William Washington, Otho Holland Williams, John Eager Howard, "Light-Horse" Harry Lee, Andrew Pickens and Edward Carrington. With the help of these men, Greene beat Cornwallis in the race across the Dan River to live and fight another day. Winning that race ensured Cornwallis's and the British Empire's days in America were numbered.
January 19, 2022
Well-written, entertaining, and informative. Highly recommended, although Buchannan's more comprehensive work Road to Guilford Courthouse should be read first.
There are so few primary sources to rely on that it is difficult for historians of this campaign to offer anything new. In this case the author has carefully mined the recently collected papers and correspondence of Nathanael Greene, enabling him to supplement earlier histories with details and quotes that aren't found in earlier histories. I found the author's reflections on the legacy of General Greene and the Race to the Dan particularly interesting, along with his consideration of Greene's state of mind, in reference to the era's prevailing military and philosophical thought.
Potential readers should be aware of the fact that what most would regard as the Race to the Dan proper occupies only 23 pages of this 219-page book. That is to say, the story of the prelude to the Race consumes the great majority of this book. Readers expecting a book devoted entirely to the four-day sprint from Guilford Courthouse to the Dan River may be disappointed. But in fairness there simply isn't enough in the historical record to create a large book devoted exclusively to the race proper, which cannot in any event be properly understood outside the context of the events leading up to it.
This is a very fine contribution to the history of the operations in the southern theater.
There are so few primary sources to rely on that it is difficult for historians of this campaign to offer anything new. In this case the author has carefully mined the recently collected papers and correspondence of Nathanael Greene, enabling him to supplement earlier histories with details and quotes that aren't found in earlier histories. I found the author's reflections on the legacy of General Greene and the Race to the Dan particularly interesting, along with his consideration of Greene's state of mind, in reference to the era's prevailing military and philosophical thought.
Potential readers should be aware of the fact that what most would regard as the Race to the Dan proper occupies only 23 pages of this 219-page book. That is to say, the story of the prelude to the Race consumes the great majority of this book. Readers expecting a book devoted entirely to the four-day sprint from Guilford Courthouse to the Dan River may be disappointed. But in fairness there simply isn't enough in the historical record to create a large book devoted exclusively to the race proper, which cannot in any event be properly understood outside the context of the events leading up to it.
This is a very fine contribution to the history of the operations in the southern theater.
July 6, 2021
I’ve read a lot of books about Nathanael Greene’s southern campaign because I'm a huge Greene lover, but I found detail in this one that I haven’t read before. Further, the author draws from many before him as well as memoirs, papers, etc and paints a rich psychological picture of the key players such as Banastre Tarleton, Lord Charles Cornwallis, Nathanael Greene, Daniel Morgan, Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee, and Otho Holland Williams.
February 12, 2021
Beautifully written, well-explained and documented review of Cornwallis’ pursuit of victory in the South. Standing in his way is the brilliant tactician, but not so great battlefield warrior, Nathanael Greene. Nice clear maps show the movements of both Cornwallis and Greene in the penultimate battlegrounds before Yorktown. Excellent characterizations of Revolutionary War standouts- Daniel Morgan, John Eager Howard, William Washington and others, in conjunction with a compulsively readable narrative make this a must read for a student of the American Revolution. The Battle of Cowpens, in particular, was described in vivid detail.
Mr Waters’ (he probably has a PhD by now) style of writing is so readable, with the occasional aside to the reader as if we share a joke, was a joy to read.
Mr Waters’ (he probably has a PhD by now) style of writing is so readable, with the occasional aside to the reader as if we share a joke, was a joy to read.
January 15, 2022
One of the key times of the American Revolution was the time between the Battle of Camden and the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. Waters book focuses on this time. The Battle of Cowpens plays a key role in driving events, but the focus on this book is an event that Waters feels is often now overlooked - the race between the armies of Greene and Cornwallis to reach the Dan River. Greene had to adjust his plan (militia support appeared initially strong then declined with the death of General Davidson) and use tricks and drive hard to stay ahead of Cornwallis.
Cornwallis, Tarleton, Greene and Morgan are at the center of this book - Water spends a significant portion of the book discussing them, their decision making process, and the factors that drove them.
Cornwallis, Tarleton, Greene and Morgan are at the center of this book - Water spends a significant portion of the book discussing them, their decision making process, and the factors that drove them.
April 18, 2021
Ignored vital episode in the Revolutionary War. Very informative and great introduction for readers to explore some courageous leaders such as Lighthouse Harry Lee, Daniel Morgan, Richard Campbell and many others...
January 12, 2022
A comprehensive look at revolutionary battles and movements of Generals Greene and Cornwalis in the southern theater. This is a well written book, but not necessarily what I like. I prefer to get to know the characters behind the action a bit more.
February 27, 2021
Outstanding!!! Brought SC history to life.
May 19, 2021
I was very excited to read this neglected aspect of American history. Having read numerous books of the Revolution this is the only one that was solely dedicated to Race to the Dan.
Unfortunately I was disappointed with the book. The author uses the wrong year of 1781 instead of 1780 in 3 places. Pages 15,28 and 37. This is pretty inexcusable in a history book focusing on a narrow timeline.
The other problem is the writing style is dry and unemotional. The description of the Battle of Cowpens is rather dull. Especially compared to Patrick O’Donnell’s Washington’s Immortals and Lawrence Babits A Devil of a Whipping. Both of those books vividly describe the battle in thrilling and exciting prose.
I appreciated the effort Mr Waters put forward into the book. It is very well researched with good maps. I just wish the final product was more polished.
Unfortunately I was disappointed with the book. The author uses the wrong year of 1781 instead of 1780 in 3 places. Pages 15,28 and 37. This is pretty inexcusable in a history book focusing on a narrow timeline.
The other problem is the writing style is dry and unemotional. The description of the Battle of Cowpens is rather dull. Especially compared to Patrick O’Donnell’s Washington’s Immortals and Lawrence Babits A Devil of a Whipping. Both of those books vividly describe the battle in thrilling and exciting prose.
I appreciated the effort Mr Waters put forward into the book. It is very well researched with good maps. I just wish the final product was more polished.
August 11, 2021
Book good
Good history of the southern campaign. Well written. Insightful. The revolution was quite complex and this shows the interplay of the personalities of Greene, Morgan, and Cornwallis
Good history of the southern campaign. Well written. Insightful. The revolution was quite complex and this shows the interplay of the personalities of Greene, Morgan, and Cornwallis
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews