Spurring to the spot where the British had been striving to effect a lodgment, Arnold was leading forward some volunteers to drive his assailants from the ledge, where they had just established themselves, when the latter fired simultaneously at the dis-tance of about thirty yards. The volley mortally wounded the horse of the American general and threw the greater part of his men into confusion. The dying charger fell upon his knees but Arnold remained motionless in the saddle. Those who saw him supposed him to be badly wounded. Sud-

112 THE MCDONALD PAPERS

denly one of the enemy's soldiers ran up, exclaiming, "Sur-render!" "You are my prisoner." This antagonist was a Connecticut royalist named Coon, who had formerly be-longed to New Fairfield, and was ambitious of the distinc-tion which would arise from the capture of the American commander. The Brigadier-general continued quiet until his adversary's near approach gave full assurance to his weapon. He then fired with a pistol which he had held con-cealed in his right hand, and Coon fell dead upon the ground. While Arnold, withdrawing himself from the horse and dis-engaging his holster walked coolly off, retiring among the last of his men. About the time of Tryon's assault upon Ridgefield village, the Americans who held possession of the parallel road on the east were briskly attacked by a British detachment to which they offered a steady resistance until the fall of Lieutenant Colonel Gould of the militia and of their commanders. They then fell into confusion and abandoned their position. After General Wooster's disaster, the actual command of the American forces was assumed by Arnold, General Silli-man with great propriety and forbearance, deferring his com-mandatory rights to the popular wishes, which were in favor of an older and more experienced soldier. At first Arnold attempted to rally his followers for an-other combat at Ridgefield.