A reconciliation, however, soon took place between Morgan and Gates; and the latter, on every subsequent occasion, endeavored to make amends for the injustice. The legislature of Virginia presented Morgan with a horse, pistols and a sword; and his neighbors named his plantation “Saratoga,” in honor of his late victory. His next act of bravery and skill was displayed in the defeat of General Tarleton, at the battle of the Cowpens, on the 17th of January, 1781, where he took nearly as many prisoners as he had men of his own; and Congress testified the high sense they entertained of this brilliant victory, by presenting him with a gold medal, (hereafter described.) At the end of the war General Morgan retired to his plantation at Saratoga, and devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. He was elected to Congress, but after serving two sessions, his debilitated health obliged him to retire from public life.
In 1800, General Morgan removed to Winchester, where he was confined by extreme debility for nearly two years, and expired on the sixth day of July, 1802. General Morgan had two daughters, the eldest married to the late General Presly Neville, of Pittsburgh, and the youngest to Major Heard, of New Jersey. Of this gallant soldier it may truly be said, that no officer rendered more efficient aid to the cause of his country, and that he well merited the character at that time given him, the hero of the three greatest victories, Quebec, Saratoga, and the Cowpens.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MEDAL.
(See [Plate III.])
Occasion.—Victory at the Cowpens, North Carolina.
Device.—An Indian queen with a quiver on her back, in the act of crowning an officer with a laurel wreath; his hand resting on his sword: a cannon lying on the ground: various military weapons and implements in the back-ground.
Legend.—Danieli Morgan, duci exercitus comitia Americana.
Reverse.—An officer mounted, at the head of his troops, charging a flying enemy. A battle in the back-ground: in front, a personal combat between a dragoon unhorsed and a foot soldier.
Legend.—Victoria libertatis vindex.
Exergue.—Fugatis, captis aut cæsis ad cowpens hostibus, 17th January, 1781.