In the irritation of the moment he checked the speed of his horse and at the same instant, without giving his adversary time to recover, gave him a back-handed sword-stroke which passed through his mouth; cutting him nearly from ear to ear, and putting an effectual period to his vociferation. The enemy's trumpets now sounded the recall. When the chase was discontinued, the militia began to re-assemble, and taking advantage of trees and fences, fired upon the royal horsemen whenever opportunity offered. Tarleton was dis-appointed in the unimportant results of a cherished enterprise, and irritated by the attacks of the militia. On his return to the village, he ordered Major Lockwood's house to be set on fire and refused to allow a removal of any part of the furniture, although several of his own officers warmly interceded for the preservation of the dwelling. During the flight and pursuit, such of both parties as had been wounded, were brought there, where two surgeons who accompanied the royal troops remained, for the purpose of dressing their wounds. These professional companions asked that the American Major's house, thus converted into a temporary hospital, might be spared; but Tarleton was inexorable. The wounded were removed. The house, which contained the baggage of Sheldon's regiment, was then burnt to the ground. Major

42 THE McDONALD PAPERS

Tallmadge, upon this occasion, lost a fine horse, together with his field equipments. They were in charge of his servant, who after having been wounded, was obliged to dismount and run for the woods, that he might not be taken prisoner. Similar losses were sustained by other officers. After the first appearance of the British detachment, Major Leavenworth had been assiduously engaged in rallying the neighbouring militia. The inhabitants turned out with alacrity. Finding himself now at the head of a force of nearly four hundred men; Leavenworth made ready to cut off the enemy's retreat.