At this instant, their left attacked Colonel Angel, who defended himself with persevering gallantry.

The conflict was sharp, and was maintained for about half an hour, when, compelled by superior numbers to give way, he retired in good order, and brought off his wounded.

His retreat was covered by Colonel Shreve, who, after Angel had passed him, was ordered by General Greene to join his brigade.

The English then took possession of the town and reduced it to ashes.
The obstinate resistance which had been encountered; the gallantry and discipline displayed by the continental troops who had been engaged; the strength of Greene's position; the firm countenance maintained by his troops, small detachments of whom kept up a continual skirmishing with a view to save a part of the town; all contributed to deter Sir Henry Clinton from a farther prosecution of his original plan.

He withdrew that afternoon to Elizabethtown; and, in the following night, passed over to Staten Island.