Though he was deeply exasperated at the conduct of General Lee, Washington did not lose sight of the fact that the enemy were close upon him.
“They are only fifteen minutes away,” reported George Prentiss who, from a height, had been observing them.
The place where Washington had stopped the retreat, as it happened, was highly favorable for a stand. With eagle glance, Washington saw this, and the command was posted upon a hill, the only approach to which was over a narrow causeway. To the left of this eminence, Stewart and Ramsey’s batteries were planted in a woody covert. Upon another hill, there were two guns stationed under Colonel Oswald. With all the hurry and excitement of the moment, the different bodies of troops moved with the precision of machines.
When all was ready Washington once more rode up to Lee.
“Will you retain this command, sir?” he asked.
“It is all one to me, sir, where I command,” replied Lee.
“I shall expect you to take proper measures for checking the enemy,” said Washington.
“Your orders shall be obeyed,” returned Lee. “I shall be the last to leave the ground.”
The guns from the woods on the left and from the hilltop had begun to speak, and the British were brought to a halt. Washington rode back and brought on the main body, which he formed upon a hill with thick woods at its back and a swamp to the front. Sterling had the left wing and Greene the right.
This time the command of Lee fought stubbornly. Then, at last, he was obliged to fall back, which he did in an orderly manner upon the left.