At this moment, General Wayne was advanced with a body of infantry to engage them in front, who kept up so hot and well directed a fire, that they soon withdrew behind the ravine, to the ground on which the action had commenced immediately after the arrival of General Washington.[8] [Footnote 8: General Lafayette, in a communication made to the author respecting this battle, expresses himself thus: "Never was General Washington greater in war than in this action.

His presence stopped the retreat.

His dispositions fixed the victory.

His fine appearance on horseback, his calm courage, roused by the animation produced by the vexation of the morning, (le depit de la matinee) gave him the air best calculated to excite enthusiasm."] The position now taken by the British army was very strong.

Both flanks were secured by thick woods and morasses; and their front was accessible only through a narrow pass.