It is recorded that the Regiment of Militia, commanded by Colonel Brooks, notwithstanding the shelter afforded by the stone wall, " fled in confusion, "without more than a random, scattering fire;"' 3 leaving the Marylanders and New-Yorkers, alone and unsupported; and it also recorded that these lastnamed Regiments advanced to the brow of the hill, meeting their assailants, and throwing on them, while they were climbing the hill-side, an effective, plunging fire, compelling them to fall back. 4 But the retreat of the Militia, to whom appears to have been assigned the part of holding Colonel Rail in check, having entirely exposed the right flank of the two Regiments to the charge of his Brigade, while the three Regiments of British and Hessian troops who were climbing up the eastern face of the hill, notwithstanding the check which they had sustained, were rallied and renewed their assault on the front of the position, the conflict was too unequal to be longsustained ; and, notwithstanding the stubborn bravery which was necessary to sustain it, with such great odds against the Americans, during the long period of not less than a quarter of an hour, 5 the two brave

1 Colonel Haslet to General Ciesar Rodney, " November 12, 1776."

2 We have found no mention of the movement of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Ritzema for tbe aupport of the Regimonts commanded by Colonel Brooks and Smallwood, on the right of the line ; but it is reasonable that support was needed, there ; and there is sat isfactory evidence that Colonel Eitzema and his command were really there, during the action: we shall not stop to enquiro just when they went to that very exposed position.