The Massachusetts militiamen, who had been so skittish under the artillery lire, showed themselves equally disinclined to sustain an infantry shock; and, although sheltered by a stone wall, " lied a random, scattering tire;' when in confusion, without more thanduty to oppose, advanced upon them. Rain's troops, whom it was their and New Yorkers awaited unders Marylan the hand, On the other flinchingly the onset of the other three regiments (one Hessian and two British), and from the brow of the hill received them, when within range, with a deliberate and effective fire, which caused them to recoil in spite of their very superior numbers and admirable discipline. But the desertion of their post by the militiamen exposed the brave remaining defenders of the position to a flank attack by Rahl's brigade, s which (especially as the check administered to the three regiment AmeriThe le. untenab ground the rendered y) temporar was only cans therefore fell back, though in good order, here and there making a stand at favorable points. The number of the Maryland and New York troops engaged in this quarter and thus dislodged from it was about 1,100. Meantime the right of the American position, occupied by Colonel Haslet's Delaware men, about 300 strong, was moved on by the 5th and 40th British regiments. Notwithstanding the notable weakness of the American force, a most gallant defense was made. It seems canthat before the ascent of the assailing party, while the enemy's nonade was still in progress, one of the l wo field-pieces belonging to Alexander Hamilton's company of New York Artillery was, upon Colonel Haslet's application to General McDougall, assigned to his l Haslet 'si command. This gun became, however, partially disabled by a Hessian cannon-ball, and although several discharges were made from it, the artillerymen who served it are said to have been remiss in their duties and to have retired with it from the action unseasonably.