Greene was too weak to risk a battle, and made a masterly retreat of two hundred miles before Cornwallis, escaping across the Dan only twelve hours ahead of the enemy.

The moment the British moved away, Greene recrossed the river and hung upon their rear.

For a month he kept in their neighborhood, checking the rising of the Tories, and declining battle.

At last he received reinforcements, felt strong enough to stand his ground, and on March 15 the battle of Guilford Court House was fought.

It was a sharp and bloody fight; the British had the advantage, and Greene abandoned the field, bringing off his army in good order.