Cowpens Battlefield Question

[kingsmt]

Question.  I have a 5 X 7 foot fur mat that I wish to make into a Cowpens battlefield. I am undecided as to which end to use.
Should I use the mat as 5 feet across and 7 feet in length?
Or go with 7 feet across and 5 feet deep?
I have to cut the road into the fur, so I need to choose. Remember that I need enough room to field a 3 line defense.
Thanks in advance for your input.
The photos are of Triplett's VA Militia Battalion. I have all the figures ready on both sides and I just need the battlefield completed.

[armchairgeneral]

Would have thought 7ft deep x 5ft wide given the depth of the battle. That said what man to figure ratio are you using? So how long will the main US battle line be likely to be?

[Ray Rivers]

I personally would go with 7 foot long and 5 foot wide.

The reason for me is straight forward. Battles normally get played out around the center of the board and I just couldn't reach across a 7 foot wide table to get to my troops.

[Mindenbrush]

As Morgan placed his forces in three lines at Cowpens and the maximum number of troops he had were 1900 according to some sources, I would play ‘up’ the table so that the battlefield is 5ft wide by 7ft deep.

[vtsaogames]

If your table is in a place where both sides can freely walk all the way around, 7 feet deep. Otherwise 5 feet deep for the reasons stated by Ray Rivers.
In my place, it is almost always 4 feet deep for that reason.

Hope to see pictures of your battle!

[CapnJim]

All things considered, I'm a vote for 5' wide x 7' deep.

[kingsmt]

Thanks to all who replied.

5 wide and 7 deep is the clear consensus.