Washington at once ordered an assault.
The smaller redoubt was stormed by the Americans under Hamilton and taken in ten minutes.

The other, larger and more strongly garrisoned, was carried by the French with equal gallantry, after half an hour's fighting.

During the assault Washington stood in an embrasure of the grand battery watching the advance of the men.

He was always given to exposing himself recklessly when there was fighting to be done, but not when he was only an observer.

This night, however, he was much exposed to the enemy's fire.