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British general who won the field at Guilford Courthouse but suffered 27 percent casualties his army could not replace. His grapeshot order into his own troops reflected his desperation. He surrendered at Yorktown seven months later.

Rhode Island Quaker who became Washington's most capable general. Commanded the Southern Department from December 1780, rebuilding the shattered army and fighting a campaign of strategic attrition that expelled British forces without winning a single tactical victory.

Maryland officer and Greene's most reliable subordinate. Commanded the Guilford Courthouse rear guard that kept the army intact during withdrawal, preventing Cornwallis from converting his tactical victory into annihilation.

British officer commanding the right flank at Guilford Courthouse; mortally wounded rallying troops against the American third line. Cornwallis wept openly at his death on March 23, 1781.

George Washington's distant cousin who commanded Continental cavalry throughout the Southern Campaign. Active at both Cowpens and Guilford Courthouse; his dragoons covered Greene's withdrawal.

Virginia militia general commanding the second line. Having seen his men flee at Camden, Stevens stationed riflemen behind his own troops with orders to shoot those who ran — a grim lesson learned from earlier defeat.

Virginia cavalry officer commanding Lee's Legion. Protected the American left flank at Guilford Courthouse and was among the last units off the field. Father of Robert E. Lee; his memoirs are an essential Southern Campaign primary source.

Commanded the 1st Maryland at Guilford Courthouse. His regiment's initial withdrawal and subsequent counterattack was the battle's pivotal moment, forcing Cornwallis to order grapeshot into his own men.