He was in the front rank of Erskine's column as it moved forward. Of an impetuous constitution, he addressed, as they came to the edge of the hill, some British and American volunteers from New York, who eager for distinction, were pressing onward in the fore- most ranks. Calling upon them to follow him, he rushed forward upon Lamb's volunteers sword in hand, with loud shouts, at the head of about twenty officers and men. This unlooked for assault, supported as it was by a strong body of troops, advancing to the charge, at quick step, created a panic among the volunteers, who instantly fled. At the foot of the hill, Erskine with great promptness, led his detachment against the column at that time advancing under Arnold. The American general held his men steady until the enemy advanced to the attack with bayonets. Discouraged by the flight of the volunteers, some of the militia then broke from their ranks, and at length the whole column retired in dis- order. During the charge, Arnold was exposed to assault from British bayonets, and his horse received a wound in the neck. Silliman's followers, who had witnessed the defeat of the volunteers and the repulse of Arnold's column, finding themselves upon the point of being assailed at the same time, and on either flank, by the two British detachments, became infected with the prevailing panic, fell into confusion and were driven from the field. Taking a hasty advantage of this lull in the tempest, the British commander put the finishing stroke to his retreat; completing the embarkation of his forces just as the sun approached the horizon, and before Arnold could reduce his men again to military order. The whole hostile fleet thereupon immediately weighed anchor and stood across the Sound for Huntington on Long Island.