This intelligence was immediately communicated to General Gates, who had supposed Lord Cornwallis to be still in Charleston.

The general officers were assembled in the rear of the line, and this information submitted to them.

After a short silence, Stevens said, "Gentlemen, is it not too late to do any thing but fight ?" No other advice being given, General Gates, who seems to have been himself disposed to risk a battle, directed the officers to repair to their respective commands.
The ground on which the army was drawn up was so narrowed by a marsh on each flank, as to admit of removing the first Maryland brigade, so as to form a second line about two hundred yards in rear of the first.
The artillery was placed in the centre of the first line, and Armstrong's light infantry was ordered to cover a small interval between the flank of the left wing and the marsh.
Frequent skirmishes occurred during the night between the advanced parties, with scarcely any other effect than to discover the situation of the armies, evince the intention of the generals, and serve as a prelude to the events of the succeeding morning.
At dawn of day the British appeared in front, advancing in column.
Lieutenant Colonel Webster commanded on the right, and Lord Rawdon on the left.

The seventy-first regiment composed the reserve.

Four field pieces were attached to the left, and one to the corps de reserve.
Captain Singleton opened some field pieces on the front of the column, at the distance of about two hundred yards, soon after which the American left was ordered to commence the action.