Tarlton has assumed that the Americans have been beaten, and thusorders in his reserves to swoop down upon the retreating Americans. The Americans turn and fire, resulting on a devestating blow to the British main line. Then the Americans follow up with a bayonet charge, and then advanced upon and captured the British cannon. In an effort to follow up William Washington's caverly pursued the fleeing redcoats down the main road, killing them along the way.
The victory at Cowpen was a morale booster, total loose for the British included 110 dead (including 10 officers) 200 wounded and 530 prisioners. American casulties were only 12 dead.